(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

Ten-year-old Floriana is the daughter of a poor seamstress. She becomes obsessed with a magnificent local villa and eventually meets Dante, the son of the wealthy owner. Despite their different social standings, they form a deep bond that matures into a passionate, albeit forbidden, romance as they grow older. However, a tragic secret threatens to tear them apart.

The presence of the artist Rafa in the modern timeline serves as a catalyst for emotional discovery and personal growth for Marina and her family. Reading Experience

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

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