The Italian Flame

a sweeping and epic escapist listen, from the author of THE VILLA

By: Rosanna Ley

Narrated by: Helen Keeley

'I absolutely loved it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ READER REVIEW
'Heartfelt and touching' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ READER REVIEW

Dorset, 1965: twenty-five-year-old aspiring artist Marilyn longs to escape to London, but her family relies on her wages from the hotel on the cliff. Then one day Marilyn meets Bruno, an intriguing Italian, and the two fall madly in love, painfully aware of Bruno having very little time left in the country. When he leaves for Italy, he promises to write and to come back as soon as he can.

Over fifty years later, Marilyn's daughter Lily returns to her old hometown when she hears that her mother is ill. Mother and daughter have never been close, but now, Lily determines to stay by her side. After Marilyn's death, Lily finds a photo of a baby girl amongst her mother's belongings - the name 'Josephine' written on the back. But who is Josephine? Lily resolves to find out the truth.

Lily's search for Josephine takes her to Italy - to a small town in the stunning Bay of Poets. But will Josephine give Lily the answers she is looking for? And together, can they come to understand Marilyn's story? For Josephine and Lily, this springtime in Perlarosa will transform their lives forever.


Readers LOVE Rosanna Ley's novels

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Charming'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Truly amazing'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wonderful'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Beautifully crafted'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Captivating'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Very moving'©2025 Rosanna Ley

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR ROSANNA LEY: 'Bursting with sunlight and beauty . . . a powerful story, superbly told

A gorgeous story, full of heart

A luminous, sun-soaked delight

Beautifully written and gently captivating