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A review by sparklingreader
Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould
4.0
What is your secret?
Sixteen-year-old Laura della Scala has spent most of her life in the convent under the stern eye of the abbess. When her father frees her from her prison, she is happy that she will be reunited with her sister, Beatrice. Unfortunately, Laura learns that her sister is dead and she herself is now engaged to Beatrice’s fiancé, Vincenzo, a repulsive old man with foul breath and fouler manners.
In desperation, Laura appeals to the Segreta, a shadowy powerful society made up of women of Venice. Thus begins Laura’s integration into a group that may have been responsible for her sister’s death. In order to get their help, she must give them a secret—something only she knows and that is powerful enough to warrant their help. From her time in the infirmary in the convent, she knows one that could be dangerous to a powerful family.
This is a historical novel that takes place in 1585 Venice. It is a story of intrigue, murder, power, politics and vengeance. It is also a story of love, trust and acceptance.
This is not the usual type of story I read. There are no ghosts, time travel or other paranormal aspects. What there is, is an excellent story well told with beautiful imagery. It caught my attention, held it and kept me reading. If you like literary historical fiction, definitely pick this one up. If you want just a nice story with a little mystery, a little mayhem, and a little romance, this is also a good one for you. Unfortunately, it won’t be out until March of 2012, but keep it on your list.
Sixteen-year-old Laura della Scala has spent most of her life in the convent under the stern eye of the abbess. When her father frees her from her prison, she is happy that she will be reunited with her sister, Beatrice. Unfortunately, Laura learns that her sister is dead and she herself is now engaged to Beatrice’s fiancé, Vincenzo, a repulsive old man with foul breath and fouler manners.
In desperation, Laura appeals to the Segreta, a shadowy powerful society made up of women of Venice. Thus begins Laura’s integration into a group that may have been responsible for her sister’s death. In order to get their help, she must give them a secret—something only she knows and that is powerful enough to warrant their help. From her time in the infirmary in the convent, she knows one that could be dangerous to a powerful family.
This is a historical novel that takes place in 1585 Venice. It is a story of intrigue, murder, power, politics and vengeance. It is also a story of love, trust and acceptance.
This is not the usual type of story I read. There are no ghosts, time travel or other paranormal aspects. What there is, is an excellent story well told with beautiful imagery. It caught my attention, held it and kept me reading. If you like literary historical fiction, definitely pick this one up. If you want just a nice story with a little mystery, a little mayhem, and a little romance, this is also a good one for you. Unfortunately, it won’t be out until March of 2012, but keep it on your list.