The past uncovered. Rachel Swift travels to the Mediterranean island of Corsica to discover more about her forebears. She comes across a series of passionate love letters and delves into their history. The story unfolds of a secret romance at the start of the 20th century between a village schoolteacher and Maria, the daughter of a bourgeois family. Maria's parents have other plans for her future, though, and she sees her dreams crumble. Her life is played out against the backdrop of Corsica, the 'island of beauty', and the turmoil of World War I. This is a story about love, loss and reconciliation in a strict patriarchal society, whose values are challenged as the world changes. Love gained and lost. "Vanessa Couchman has a huge potential talent and will be an author to watch." - Discovering Diamonds"Beautifully written, evocative of this small island. A lovely book." - TripFiction"...hooked me right to the end... I would highly recommend this book." - BookMuse

The House at Zaronza

Literature & Fiction

Couchman, Vanessa

Genre Fiction

Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd

A story of betrayal, lost love and reconciliation, set against the rugged mountains of Corsica and the turmoil of World War I.
The death of Rachel's mother leaves unsolved questions about their ancestors. Can Rachel find the answers she desperately seeks on the island of Corsica, where she knows her grandmother was born?
In a remote Corsican village, a bundle of century-old letters comes to light. The tale unfolds of a secret love affair between the new school master and Maria, the daughter of a wealthy family. But Maria's parents have other plans for her future.
Can Maria escape her destiny, or must she see her dreams crumble? And does she hold the key to the mystery of Rachel's ancestors?
As Rachel digs deeper, she uncovers a remarkable story that has lain hidden for four generations.
"Emotionally powerful." - Historical Novels Review
"Gripping." - French Village Diaries
*Note: the 2nd edition of The House at Zaronza is reissued with a brand-new cover and minor editorial changes.*

The House at Zaronza (Tales of Corsica series)

Couchman (Vanessa)

Review\n"This is a good story, and in the best historical novel tradition, a meaningful way to learn about Corsica's troubled history." 
Discovering Diamonds Reviews\n"The rugged, often starkly sublime colour of the island [is] beautifully portrayed. A well written and easy read." 
TripFiction\n"The trials of life in a different era are expertly woven around love and emotions that have changed little." 
The French Village Diaries\n"I highly recommend this beautifully-written and engaging story for lovers of historical fiction." 
BookMuse, top 1% Goodreads reviewer\n"Powerful writing, along with a compelling story, kept me intrigued to the end." 
Nicola Slade, award-winning author of The House at Ladywell\nA strict island society. A forbidden love. The two are bound to collide. 
Corsica, 1755. 
Valeria Peretti’s family plans to marry her to a wealthy older man whom she has never met. Valeria expects to lead a quiet life, but a prophecy on the eve of her wedding spells mortal danger ahead. 
After her husband’s death, Valeria finds herself friendless in a hostile village and turns to her only ally. But when she is unjustly accused of a serious crime, she is shocked to learn that a secret enemy wants her dead. 
While Corsica fights for its independence, can Valeria win her own desperate battles to save her life? 
A tale of passion, injustice and revenge. 
"I highly recommend this beautifully written and engaging story for lovers of historical fiction." BookMuse 
"In the best historical novel tradition." Discovering Diamonds 
"The rugged, often starkly sublime colour of the island [is] beautifully portrayed. A well written and easy read." Tripfiction 
The Tales of Corsica are standalone historical novels set on the captivating island of Corsica.

The Corsican Widow (Tales of Corsica series)

Doorways to the Past: Historical Short Stories

Wilson, Jennifer C.

Dunn, Cathie

Jardine, Nancy

Barnard, Sue

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Books by Couchman, Vanessa