"Charles takes a novel angle on Cosimo’s rise to power by telling the story of his mistress, the Circassian slave Maddalena . . . This is a thrilling moment of Florentine history, with an incomparable cast of real-life characters. Charles does well with the two women, the abbess and Maddalena." - Historical Novel Society"A vivid tapestry of Florentine history . . . Imaginatively structured." - Booklist, starred review"Well researched . . . makes for an excellent read." - Historical Tapestry
"Charles takes a novel angle on Cosimo’s rise to power by telling the story of his mistress, the Circassian slave Maddalena . . . This is a thrilling moment of Florentine history, with an incomparable cast of real-life characters. Charles does well with the two women, the abbess and Maddalena." - Historical Novel Society"A vivid tapestry of Florentine history . . . Imaginatively structured." - Booklist, starred review"Well researched . . . makes for an excellent read." - Historical Tapestry