A gripping tale of a young girl of Renaissance Italy…
The story unwinds with impeccable historical accuracy, for our author is a practicing historian with a Ph.D. in history from Stanford University, and Lucia’s father is based on an individual who was tried for heresy before the Inquisition’s tribunal in Venice.
Readers of any age, from that of the teenage Lucia herself to decades older, find the tale gripping and cannot put the book down because of the suspense that builds throughout the novel. Peterson is an excellent writer who has worked very hard at making this book a superb example of historical fiction based on actual fact.
--Dr. Jeannine Olson, Professor of History, Rhode Island College
Inspiring historical novel, cries for a sequel!
Easy reading and hard to put down. Excellent view of 17th century life in Italy. Author obviously knew the times and places, good research. Ending left some question begging for answers, sequel please! Recommending to others.
--Reinhard D. Geisert
Set during the threat of Inquisition in Renaissance Italy, this novel is a good story and a history lesson rolled into one. This story carried me along well, and the characters were believable. Mostly, I liked learning more about the realities of the dangers of being a Protestant in Inquisition Europe. Based loosely upon a true story and the author's doctoral research into actual Reformation/Renaissance figures, this book will be an eye-opener.
--Peggie V.
This beautifully told story kept me spell-bound…
Peterson’s well-researched book tells us the story of Lucia who lived in Italy during the Italian Inquisition… period details translate us into the sixteenth century and her descriptions of Venice and Verona, and her strategic use of Italian vocabulary place us in Italy… A highly enjoyable way to learn history!
--Alison Cheah
What a delightful book! Colleen Peterson’s characters come to life against the backdrop of the Inquisition during the Italian Renaissance and Martin Luther’s Reformation. Her attention to detail gives the reader a sense of “being there” in Italy of the late 1500s.
--Carol Lee Hall
Excellent, a page turner
C. Peterson did a great job portraying history into real life… I didn't like saying good bye to Lucia. Perhaps a sequel!
--Lorri Clarizio
A must read for lovers of historical fiction:
What I look for in historical novels is the plot, characters I identify with, and the setting that seems authentic. All of these I found in this book about Lucia, who we first meet when she's about 8 years old…
--Rosalie Nelson
Captivating
I was drawn into a world I knew little about, and found myself engrossed in the character of Lucía and the challenges and consequences of living in a culture where her beliefs put her in mortal danger.
--Linda SLP
Intriguing
Loved reading about Lucia's journey through Martin Luther and the inquisition. What I loved about the writings was the historical learnings in a relational way. It made the book intriguing, emotional, captivating, and wanting to read a sequel. Great historical fiction reading.
--JoDee M. Raimondo
