SIOBHAN DAIKO – författare

A heart-wrenching wartime story of courage and resistance, from bestseller Siobhan Daiko

1944

Bologna, Italy, and the streets are crawling with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Leila Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp.

1981

Exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna and meets Leila, her landlady. Soon, Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. Leila’s nephew seems to be interested in a far-right group, but how is the nefarious leader connected to Leila?

As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything?

Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen, Fiona Valpy, and Victoria Hislop

Praise for Siobhan Daiko:

A beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down’ Ann Bennett

’I was completely absorbed by … all the characters and intrigue’ Angela Petch

''...like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! ... such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me.'' Renita D''Silva

‘An exciting, impeccably-researched wartime adventure with lots of heart ... the perfect mixture of tragedy and happiness'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

A poignant and emotionally charged novel that explores the human spirit''s resilience in the face of adversity and I was hooked from start to finish'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

''So much heartache but alongside this the love of the people who did so much in WWII'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘A powerful historical novel that I just could not put down'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

A heartbreaking tale from wartime Italy, based on a true story

Lucia loved her brother Dinu to the depths of her soul, but she also worried about him. He was intelligent yet ambitious, resilient yet hot-headed, and there was a dark side to him that could lead him into terrible trouble one day.

Sicily, 1943: Lucia and her twin brother Dinu have always been inseparable, but their bond is threatened when Gero, the son of close family friends in America, arrives in their village. Although she finds herself developing feelings for him, Lucia worries about Gero’s dangerous connections and their influence on her brother.

As the chaos of World War II closes in, Lucia must navigate love and loyalty to make a difficult choice. Will she risk that the consequences of her decision could bring untold horrors and affect her family for decades to come?

2005: When Jess inherits a baglio, an ancient feudal farmhouse in Sicily, from the grandmother she never knew, she’s determined to uncover the truth about her family’s hidden past. Following the death of her parents and on the brink of divorce, Jess travels to the island alone. There, with the help of a charming Sicilian, she embarks on a quest to unearth a web of long-buried secrets.

But answers come at a price, and Jess must decide if she’s ready to confront a truth that could change everything…

Inspired by true events, this breath-taking novel reveals the hidden secrets of one Sicilian family across generations. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah, and Kate Quinn, this is an unforgettable tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Readers love Siobhan Daiko''s wartime Italy novels:

''...like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! ... such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me.'' Renita D''Silva

''an exciting, impeccably-researched wartime adventure with lots of heart ... the perfect mixture of tragedy and happiness'' Reader review

''A beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down’ Ann Bennett

’I was completely absorbed by … all the characters and intrigue’ Angela Petch

''A poignant and emotionally charged novel that explores the human spirit''s resilience in the face of adversity and I was hooked from start to finish'' Reader review

''So much heartache but alongside this the love of the people who did so much in WWII'' Reader review

''a powerful historical novel that I just could not put down'' Reader review

A heartbreaking story of survival set in World War II Hong Kong, perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies

A country at war. A love to last a lifetime.

Hong Kong 1941, Fifteen-year-old Kate lives a rarefied life of wealth and privilege in the pre-war Hong Kong expatriate community, but when the Japanese invade she’s interned in squalid Stanley Camp with her parents.

Enduring cramped conditions, humiliation, disease, and starvation, Kate befriends seventeen-year-old Charles, and they give their hearts to each other under the orchid tree.

But neither of the young lovers know what terrible cruelties lie in their future. The internment camp is just the beginning, and as they face the horrors of war, will they - as well as their bond - survive?

From international bestselling author Siobhan Daiko, an evocative, moving and heartbreaking story of survival against the odds. Perfect for readers of Dinah Jefferies, Ann Bennett and Kate Furnivall.

Previously published as The Orchid Tree

''Once I started this mesmerizing book, I was hooked and could not put it down until I had reached the end... An evocative tale, beautifully told. Highly recommended.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''a beautiful and touching story... A smooth and very enjoyable read that drew you along, not wanting to stop reading for one moment.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''A wonderful sweeping historical romance... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to be transported to a different place and time and wants a thoroughly absorbing read.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''This is a fantastic story, so evocative of both time and place... I can''t recommend it enough.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''A delightful mix of adventure, romance and tragic modern history.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''Amazing read completely enjoyed.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

PRAISE FOR SIOBHAN DAIKO

''Reading Siobhan''s Daughters of Tuscany was like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! ... such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me.'' Renita D''Silva

''... wonderfully fast-paced and readable... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to be transported to a different place and time and wants a thoroughly absorbing read, Ann Bennett

''A fantastic story, so evocative of both time and place,'' Jo Bartlett

Based on a true story, a tale of love and survival against all the odds set in Hong Kong at the start of the Pacific War.

Can love conquer all?

Spring 1939 - dashing young William Burton and the beautiful Constance Han set sail from London on the same ocean liner to Hong Kong.

Connie is intrigued by Will’s talent for writing poetry, and as romance blossoms she offers to give him Cantonese lessons to help him with his new job — a cadet in the colonial service.

But once in Hong Kong, Connie is constrained by filial duty towards her Eurasian parents, and their wish for her to marry someone from her own background.

When war breaks out, Connie and Will find themselves drawn into a wider conflict than their battle against prejudice. Can they survive and achieve a future together? Or will forces beyond their control keep them forever apart?

A sweeping tale of love and perseverance, perfect for readers of Dinah Jefferies, Fiona Valpy and Ann Bennett

Previously published as The Flame Tree

''Five stars without a moment’s hesitation, highly recommended if you enjoy historical romance.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''Wow! Just WOW! What a completely absorbing read... I absolutely lapped up every single word.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''It was a real page turner, and so engrossed was I, that I read it in one sitting! A good read!'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''This is a wonderfully rewarding read with vivid characters and settings. I''d give it more stars if they were available.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

''A convincing and very moving romance, a fascinating slice of history. Coupled with the most wonderful story-telling, this book delivered everything I could have possibly wanted.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

PRAISE FOR SIOBHAN DAIKO

''Reading Siobhan''s Daughters of Tuscany was like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! ... such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me.'' Renita D''Silva

''... wonderfully fast-paced and readable... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to be transported to a different place and time and wants a thoroughly absorbing read, Ann Bennett

''A fantastic story, so evocative of both time and place,'' Jo Bartlett