She lifts the book from the suitcase, gently unwraps it and breathes a heavy sigh of relief. She has made it. The book is safely hidden. But at what cost?

Bari, Italy. 1943. Twenty-year-old Siena knocks on a stranger's door with trembling hands. Her journey from Rome has left her exhausted and afraid, but after her friends were taken away, she had no choice but to flee. Hidden within her suitcase lies the reason for her desperate flight – a tattered leather-bound ledger, its pages filled with secrets Siena will risk her life to protect.

When Alessia opens the door, Siena sees a woman bearing the weight of caring for her family while her father fights at the front. Siena hands over a scrap of paper – a watercolour sketch of Bari harbour – and watches recognition flicker across Alessia's face. Despite rations being low, she knows Alessia cannot refuse her.

As bombs devastate the cobbled streets of Bari, the two women slowly learn to trust each other. But Siena isn't the only one keeping secrets, and her connection with Alessia runs deeper than either realises. Long ago, in a different world, impossible choices were made. As the war rages, the truth will be uncovered, like a hidden masterpiece finally brought into the light…

A profoundly moving and evocative tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of art in the darkest of times. Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy and Fiona Davis.

What readers are saying about books by Lelita Baldock:

‘Heartwarming and heartbreaking… a stunning book.’ Rachel Wesson, author of When's Mummy Coming Home?

‘I am speechless… What an amazing read! Truly one of the best this year.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WOW… This beautifully tragic novel absolutely broke my heart (and made me want to bake bread). It is a must read for 2024.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart piercing… I was deeply moved… The main ingredients of The Baker's Secret are love and care… unforgettable.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… You will smile with them and cry with them…You must read this book!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Achingly beautiful… my heart was captured.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This story broke my heart… seeing their resilience and their will to survive (and bake bread) really moved me. This is a must read in 2024, I cannot recommend this book enough!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I rarely give 5 stars but this one absolutely deserves it! Beautifully written… just the right amount of romance, family tension, and amazing plot twist (never saw that coming).’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lelita Baldock

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