this book tells the story of two families united by a vow made by the men that their first born children will marry and the fall-out it causes.

Set in beautiful Tuscany it tells of the conflict between knowing what is right and what tradition tells you to do.

When Felicia has twin boys the wife of her husband's friend Prudenza decides to re-tell the old story that non-identical twins means infidelity. When Prudenza herself goes on to have non-identical twin girls she is faced with a dilemma and how she deals with it will change both families forever.

I loved the character of Nanino the little man with a large character who is fiercely protective of his 'family'.

I highly recommend this book which has a moral aspect to it but doesn't overdo it and lets the story develop gently and realistically. The descriptions of the countryside are very evocative and seem realistic to me. ( )

This saga of two 13th century Italian families is authentic and dramatic from the opening. Adept at weaving a more and more intricate web of bonds, rivalries, superstitions, and inevitable consequences, Ms. Patzer is a wonderful storyteller. She incorporates the historical context and physical particulars with descriptive ease to transport the reader into beautiful Tuscan exteriors and interiors, the dangerous urban world of Sienna, and the naïve seclusion of a cloister. The novel is well balanced between interesting and believable dialogue that reveals much about its characters while moving the story along, and its lyrical depictions of the countryside, weather, clothes, food, festivals, even the utensils and tools used in cooking and farming. Ms. Patzer’s attention to detail as well as her innate understanding of the novel’s pious and paganistic context, are what, for me, give her writing its distinction.

Although at times predictable, it never lacks in anticipation, and proved an enjoyable and affecting read. ( )

This is the second title I have read from this author, and I have finally been able to determine why her books work so well for me: craft. Patzer has taken countless hours in research to develop a solid grounding in the time and the people who inhabited it so many years ago. This research then does three flips and a twist, and she is able to put pen to page and craft characters that breathe their essence of time, place and emotion into the story. It is a richly abundant characterization that allows the common elements in each human, despite their time or circumstance to speak to the reader at a subconscious level to create an enjoyable reading experience.

This story is set in Tuscany in the 13th century – a time rife with superstition and fear, communal intrigue, family secrets and rough living. In an agrarian society, lives are far too busy with the tasks required for survival, family, crops, harvest and a certain version of fitting in is paramount. Women were little more than pawns in the grand scheme, marriages were based on strategic alliances, and to be different is to come against the society and the church: one must conform or become an outcast.

Following the stories of several different characters, Patzer has successfully created a way to show viewpoints and superstitions, the underlying feuds and interplay between the characters as their choices show how they have progressed, or not, throughout the book. There are betrayals and loves, vengeance and secrets: an entire saga is contained within the pages. Not all of the stories are wrapped up neatly, leaving an opening for a follow-up, but the reader can imbue their own sense of ‘who needs more justice meted out’ after turning that final page.

If you want a book that will transport you back nearly 1000 years in time, that is redolent with the intrigue and characters who are very modern feeling despite their antiquated beliefs, this most certainly is the book for you.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for my Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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Set in the thirteenth century, this story takes us back to a time of castes, rituals, and superstitions. Women had no rights, and love was an idealism that held little merit. Patzer captures the feel of this period perfectly. We're introduced to two families whose bonds tie them together, even while events tear them apart.

I was captivated by this story. I could tell Patzer had done a lot of research and had a firm grasp of the time period. At the same time, the story isn't weighed down with endless facts proving her knowledge. She provides only the details we need, planting the reader firmly in the moment with the characters.

While the ending ties things up nicely, it also leaves an opening for a sequel. I don't know whether the author has more planned, but I would happily follow these characters through a second book. ( )