Soon Santina meets Trotula, the village midwife, who might or might not be a "strega," a witch. Trotula challenges her to forget Calandrino and become the woman she is meant to be. Some say she is a victim of the midwife’s spell, but Santina is determined to follow in Trotula’s footsteps even as calamities strike.
Paperback, 1st, 288 pages
Published
May 15th 2015
by Lake Street Press
print copy provided as part of tour
*****
The HF genre is lacking for YA, which is a shame. I really wish there were books like Alchemy's Daughter around when I was a teen, maybe if I started sooner my tbr pile wouldn't be so large.
Though labeled YA this book will appeal to adults as well. Taking place in Italy it's evident the author not only knows her time period and subject matter but she has a passion for it as well.
Santina is a strong character, I really liked her. I liked her courage to stand up for what she believed in. Her love for Calandrino was played out nicely, they got to know each other, we watched the affection develop between them in a genuine manner. But she was also vulnerable and scared at times not knowing where to turn and who to trust just added the realistic factor to this book.
The plot was interesting and kept my attention throughout. I always find herbal medicine fascinating, with the poultice and mixing to create healing, especially in this book as the Black Plague played out.
This was a fast paced book that had me caring (and not caring) about characters and their lives. The ending was perfect and actually left me a little stunned because I didn't see that coming and I love it when an author does that to me.
Highly recommend to lovers of HF regardless of age.
Where to buy the book:
Mary A. Osborne is the multiple award-winning author of Alchemy's Daughter and Nonna’s Book
of Mysteries. A graduate of Rush University and Knox College, where she
was mentored in the Creative Writing Program, Ms. Osborne is a
registered nurse and holds degrees in chemistry and nursing. Her
freelance work has appeared in publications such as Hektoen
International, Newcity, and the Examiner.com. Ms. Osborne lives in
Chicago.
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I want to win this book because I am looking for something different to read.
ReplyDeleteOh I would love to win and read! I too missed this type of books in the YA! I love the historical and Italy setting!
ReplyDeleteI love history, and I love Italy so htis sounds great! :)
ReplyDeleteHaving trouble with comments so I hope this isn't a repeat. I love historical fiction and I love reading about Italy, so.....
ReplyDelete