I'm quite bowled over by this book. The cover looks peaceful and intricate, bright and cheerful with more to see if you study it closer - and the book is the same. The writing style is so enticing I couldn't stop. The story line unrolls at a steady pace, with a smooth flow that gradually wraps around you. I had never heard of Elizabeth Buchan before, so had no preconceptions of her writing style. Reading this book has made me feel that I have discovered an author whom I will want to read a lot more of her works. There are some powerful human emotions flowing through the pages, but they are portrayed with a lightness that doesn't lay it on thick, but never the less totally expresses these emotions in a way that you can understand and empathise with them. I think that this is a great book. A simple plot, no world wars or murders to highlight the action, but lots of movement, colour and atmosphere of Rome. Very enjoyable.