Lake Union Publishing
March 31, 2015
578 pages
Formats: paperback, ebook, audiobook
ISBN: 9781477822074
Raised by her aunt and uncle amidst the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, young orphan Virginia Tacci has always harbored a deep love for horses—though she knows she may never have the chance to ride. As a shepherdess in sixteenth-century Italy, Virginia’s possibilities are doubly limited by her peasant class and her gender. Yet while she tends her flock, Virginia is captivated by the daring equestrian feats of the high-spirited Isabella de’ Medici, who rides with the strength and courage of any man, much to the horror of her brother, the tyrannical Gran Duca Francesco de’ Medici.
Inspired, the young shepherdess keeps one dream close to her heart: to race in Siena’s Palio. Twenty-six years after Florence captured Siena, Virginia’s defiance will rally the broken spirit of the Senese people and threaten the pernicious reign of the Gran Duca. Bringing alive the rich history of one of Tuscany’s most famed cities, this lush, captivating saga draws an illuminating portrait of one girl with an unbreakable spirit.
GIVEAWAY!
About the Author:
The daughter of a naval commander, Linda Lafferty attended fourteen different schools growing up, ultimately graduating from the University of Colorado with a master's degree and a PhD in education. Her peripatetic childhood nourished a lifelong love of travel, and she studied abroad in England, France, Mexico, and Spain. Her uncle introduced her to the sport of polo when she was just ten years old, and she enjoys playing to this day. She also competed on the Lancaster University Riding Team in England in stadium jumping, cross country, and dressage. A veteran school educator, she is the author of The Bloodletter's Daughter and The Drowning Guard. She lives in Colorado.
Just recently I've begun reading HF set in Italy. This novel sounds great. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy historical fiction books, this one will be added to my tbr list. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteI've been reading a couple of historical fiction books set in Italy . Not planned but I would enjoy reading this. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I've been reading a couple of historical fiction books set in Italy . Not planned but I would enjoy reading this. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I have read many historical with an Italy locale, Villa Triste, and The Light in the Ruins, and many more. This historical sounds captivating and wonderful. Italy is filled with so much history, treasures and beauty. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love Siena and would love to know more about its history and the famed horse races.
ReplyDelete