I very rarely take part in a cover reveal – I prefer to wait and share a review when the book is published – but this is a book I’m particularly excited about and I just couldn’t resist! I’m delighted to help share the cover for the debut novel by Anita Chapman, The Venice Secret – due for publication on 7th March, and now available for pre-order.
I’m sure there are few people in the book world who wouldn’t agree with me that Anita is one of the loveliest people in it – always tremendously supportive, excellent company at all the bookish events, and I’m certain I’m not the only one who regularly recommends her services to authors struggling with the complexities of their social media presence. And when I heard about her soon to be published first novel, I was so delighted to see that it looks like the kind of book I always love to read…
One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered.
In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother’s loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.
In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia’s social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.
Doesn’t that look just wonderful? I’ve pre-ordered – can you resist doing the same?
About the author
Anita Chapman enjoyed writing stories from a young age, and won a local writing competition when she was nine years old. Encouraged by this, she typed up a series of stories about a mouse on her mum’s typewriter and sent them to Ladybird. She received a polite rejection letter, her first.
Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties.
Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child.
Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Wow, Anne. Thank you so much for taking part in my cover reveal, for your lovely words and for pre-ordering The Venice Secret. I am absolutely over the moon!
My absolute pleasure, Anita – I think I’m almost as excited as you are about this one! x