(originally The House by the Sea ), written by Santa Montefiore , is a sweeping historical romance that weaves together two timelines across Italy and England. Published in Spanish by Umbriel , it is a story about long-lost secrets, class divides, and the enduring power of first love. Plot Overview

Marina, the owner of a struggling country hotel, is desperate to save her business. She hires a mysterious artist named Rafa to teach painting classes over the summer. As Marina deals with her own family's complexities, the arrival of Rafa begins to peel back the layers of a hidden past that connects her life to Floriana’s story in Italy decades earlier. Key Themes

Santa Montefiore is known for her evocative, atmospheric prose. Readers often praise the novel for its lush descriptions of the Tuscan landscape and its ability to balance heartbreak with hope. It is highly recommended for fans of dual-timeline authors like Lucinda Riley or Kate Morton.

The narrative unfolds in two distinct eras, alternating between the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany and the rugged coast of Devon.

The book explores the barriers between the wealthy elite and the working class, particularly in the mid-century Italian setting.

Much of the tension arises from what is left unsaid, showing how past decisions ripple through generations.