Giovanna Bellini, daughter of a wealthy aristocrat and vineyard owner in Tuscany, makes a decision to help her Italian countrymen and allies upon the German occupation of their home. Her brother, Giorgio, has run off to join the resistance against Germany. Giovanna becomes involved in volunteering time at the secret clinic helping the injured. She is also being recruited secretly to supply food and other necessities to Giorgio who is hiding out with his group. Being essential to keep this secret even her parents are unaware of his being close to home.

As the Jews are being evacuated by train out of Italy by the Germans, a Jewish school friend of Giorgio becomes severely injured and needs refuge from the German's and most likely death. Giovanna's entire existence is now occupied with hiding and caring for Mario, whose family were once prominent citizens before being forced from their home. Falling helplessly in love with Mario while evading the Germans has Giovanna questioning her priorities. Nearing the end of the war Giovanna's father is steadfast against her Jewish boyfriend once he is told about their liaison. Determined to be with Mario she leaves Villa Farfalla and stays with the Marchesa. Tragic news brought by Mario changes life as known by the entire family.

THE GOLDEN HOUR is an extremely emotional and nostalgic story of the effects of the invasion of the Germans into Italy and their gross actions towards the Jews. A young impressionable woman is caught up in new love and her loyalty between her father and her personal beliefs. This is a sad, although I am sure, very true to life portrayal of the events that happened during the tragic war and invasion by the Germans. Even though I tend to wander toward lighter reading, THE GOLDEN HOUR is well written and portrays a very realistic view of events taking place in 1944 Italy.