TEMPTATION IN TUSCANY (European Contemporary Romance Series Book 2)

Cram blends fact with fiction to give us a captivating tale set in medieval Italy. This is the story of Sophia, whose artistic talent was passed down to her from her father, a well known and extremely talented painter.

A Death In Tuscany

However, painting is forbidden for women and we are taken through her fight to be allowed to paint, the treatment of women during that time period and also the devastating black plague. Very well researched the author does an outstanding job of describing the artistic process of creating frescoes and panels during the 's. A enjoyable, well-written historical novel. This is a remarkable and impressive historical novel from a debut writer who has rich facts at her fingertips and the skill to weave them unobtrusively into a compelling story.

I received a free review copy of this book on its launch, and the synopsis instantly hit a lot of hot buttons for me - a historical novel, an interesting setting medieval Tuscany and an intriguing theme a female painter who must conceal her gender to be allowed to practise her art. The author creates a compelling sense This is a remarkable and impressive historical novel from a debut writer who has rich facts at her fingertips and the skill to weave them unobtrusively into a compelling story.

The author creates a compelling sense of the era, which saw an extraordinary combination of reverence for great art and high religion and disdain and disregard for the common man. Higher social classes thought nothing of striking round the head a peasant who deigned to approach them in the street, for example. Yet even the nobility are not immune from the harsh realities of medieval daily life - rampant rats all around, and the easy spread of disease which pays no heed to social class.

Amidst this fascinating setting, the author has placed Sofia, an interesting, feisty heroine who is determined to succeed and live as a painter. Following her journey is fascinating for the 21st century reader. The story never over-idealises Sofia's situation, nor gives in to the temptation to turn the lush setting into an obvious romance. Without wishing to spoil the plot, the ending is unpredictable, appropriate and satisfying. All in all, an intelligent, informed and thought-provoking novel. I hope there will be more of such quality to come from this promising new novelist. I passed my paperback on to my historian cousin to enjoy, and will be buying more copies for friends and relations.

The Towers of Tuscany is an excellent example of historical fiction at its finest. The story takes place in 14th century San Gimignano, Italy. Sofia is the heroine. Her father is a painter, but from a young age, she showed greater talent. But in medieval Italy, women were forbidden to paint.

Her father takes credit for her work and sells them to the wealthiest citizens.

A Death In Tuscany (Michele Ferrara, #2) by Michele Giuttari

As the story progresses, there are flashbacks into Sofia's past to the lessons she learned from her father. These words of wisd The Towers of Tuscany is an excellent example of historical fiction at its finest. These words of wisdom have a far reaching effect, also providing wonderful life advice to the reader. Sofia suffers through an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband who only wants a son. She plans an escape and succeeds, creating a new life for herself which is not always without its own problems.

The author has done a phenomenal amount of research not only into the period, but also into the location and the art of paint and mixing paints. The storyline has plenty of engaging twists and turns, while the heroine is completely believable and portrayed with credibility. There is plenty of depth in the writing and a good steady pace that will take the reader to a very satisfying ending.

This is one book I very highly recommend! Especially for those who love the arts! Love, adversity, and a woman who chases her dream. What more could anyone want in a ripping good yarn. Find this and other reviews at: Cram's The Towers of Tuscany is a tough book for me to review. It's a nice story, with strong themes and I think it offers interesting insight to the painter's trade, but it is an emotion driven drama which was something of a challenge as I am naturally drawn to conflict based narratives or complex political intrigues.

I say this so that readers might understand my point of view and take my rating with a grain of sa Find this and other reviews at: I say this so that readers might understand my point of view and take my rating with a grain of salt. My favorite aspect of the piece were the details regarding Sofia's trade. The creation of the panels and frescos, from their earliest design to the mixing of the colors, Cram's illustration of technique captured my imagination and more than once sent me in search of examples from the period. Art is about passion and the intricate details and descriptions found here forced Sofia's enthusiasm and zeal from the page in a display of spirit that even one such as myself couldn't help but appreciate.

I also liked the depth Cram created within these pages. The flashbacks in particular allow the reader a deep understanding of Sofia's background and experience while adding significant perspective to the decisions she makes later in life. The larger picture develops slowly, but like a painting, the layers build on one another, each added texture and dimension to the finished product.

The characters themselves didn't speak to me, but that probably has more to do with my background and interests than it does anything else. Again, I have trouble with deeply personal themes and ask that be taken into account when considering this particular review. Pleasantly enjoyable and well-researched, The Towers of Tuscany delves into the trials faced by centuries of women as they struggle to be heard in a male dominated society. But that main character really needs to be go. From the smaller details on how painting armor was done to the massively labor intensive work that went into one simple panel, I was kept spellbound by this world of color and design.

However, the author lost me quickly with her main character. I felt that she was only focused on her art and being able to do it; God protect the poor fools who were trying to help her hide her identity so she could do so. She didn't appreciate them at all. I think in the end the book evens out to somewhere in the middle. The author does a good job in showcasing the emerging world of Italian Renaissance painting and in describing the grueling work to create such beauty. However, I felt she fell off the cliff in her characterization department.

Book received for free from publisher via GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for honest review. The Towers of Tuscany is a fictional biography of an Italian woman born in the early years of the Italian Renaissance, or the late years of the Middle Ages, depending on your classification. Reading the book, I felt I was walking the streets of the medieval towns, and looking at the art that adorns them. The book is rich with historical detail, and rich with artistic detail. Art is the driving force of The Towers The Towers of Tuscany is a fictional biography of an Italian woman born in the early years of the Italian Renaissance, or the late years of the Middle Ages, depending on your classification.

Art is the driving force of The Towers of Tuscany, and for the character of Sophia. I felt compassion for the woman and sympathy, but overall, I did not like Sophia, just as it is difficult to like driven people in any time and any place. Like most women in her misogynistically repressive time, Sophia's life was limited, difficult, and at times horrendous. She suffers violence and rape at the hand of her husband. Early on in The Towers of Tuscany we learn that Sophia is suffering severely from her loveless and violent situation.

When a chance to escape her situation occurs, Sophia is forced into living in another psychologically damaging situation. There really is no escape for this poor woman. If you enjoyed those films, and you enjoy historical novels with female protagonists, you should like The Towers of Tuscany. Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews. Carol artistically sculpts imagery and atmosphere for The Towers of Tuscany with charming, well-crafted metaphors that effectively sketched me into the landscape and weaved the very essence of her characters into my being.

I became so personally invested in the story I resisted putting it down. When I did put it down, her characters continued to occupy my thoughts. The Towers of Tuscany is both entertaining and educational.

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Masterfully written and well researched, this work of historical fiction Carol artistically sculpts imagery and atmosphere for The Towers of Tuscany with charming, well-crafted metaphors that effectively sketched me into the landscape and weaved the very essence of her characters into my being. Masterfully written and well researched, this work of historical fiction transported me to fourteenth-century Tuscany and into the life of Sofia, a determined and stubborn young woman who expressed her passion for painting in secrecy, a passion that eventually threatened her survival.

The parallel between her father's plight and her own particularly fascinated and delighted me. It's been two weeks since I finished Towers of Tuscany and I still can't get this entrancing novel off my mind. Carol Cram transports the reader to a living, breathing fourteenth-century San Gimignano, reaching into all of the senses. The protagonist, Sophia, is a passionate artist who risks everything to pursue her art in a world where women are forbidden to pick up a brush.

This captivating story is flush with fascinating characters and it builds with exciting, unexpected twists. I couldn't pu It's been two weeks since I finished Towers of Tuscany and I still can't get this entrancing novel off my mind. I couldn't put it down. View all 3 comments. The Towers of Tuscany, by Carol Cram, was a beautifully written book that really highlights the era in Tuscany just prior to the Renaissance period in Italy. The magnificent painter, Sophia, is the main character in the book, who though taught by trade to be a painter by her father, was not accepted as an artist for being a woman.

Of co The Towers of Tuscany, by Carol Cram, was a beautifully written book that really highlights the era in Tuscany just prior to the Renaissance period in Italy. Of course, strong women with independent outlooks who follow their dreams always make winning books for me and this offered an amazing story that I really loved. There is also romance, intrigue, twists, suspense, and action. Her plot, writing intricacies, and the details of the art performed think all those amazing Italian frescos from the medieval ages were engaging, absorbing, and educational.

I could feel how Sophia felt as all she wanted to do was be allowed to paint!! Amazing to think in our times now that a woman would not even be allowed to let her talents shine. The medieval times were depressing, from living conditions to social and societal issues, but there was also so much hidden creativity that appeared within that. It makes me think of all the women who truly lived such things.

I also learned a lot about painting in the 14th century of Italy. This really added to the story and made it authentic. It showed the class struggles between the rich and the poor, and I love historical novels that bring this to the forefront. It was a great viewing of the Italian countryside and a look into its past. As Sophia not only endures being forbidden to paint, having her father sell what she does paint as his own, and then suffers an abusive marriage, she plans an escape.

I applaud her passion and fearlessness and I think that Cram really developed the emotions very well, creating accurate and authentic feelings, and I felt connected to the story. I was really pulling for Sophia to find her happiness in life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves art history, art, medieval Italy, or Italian history! Superb read well-worth your time. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was instantly swept off my feet as I vigorously turned every page of this impressive novel.

I was so taken by Cram's authorship I devoured this lovely story in a few hours. Trust me, you won't be able to put The Towers of Tuscany down. Cram certainly accomplishes the task of transporting the reader to 14th century Tuscany with her lush and detailed descriptions. You feel the cobblestones beneath your feet, you envision the rolling golden hills, the deep thick forests, the offensive smell of du I was instantly swept off my feet as I vigorously turned every page of this impressive novel.

You feel the cobblestones beneath your feet, you envision the rolling golden hills, the deep thick forests, the offensive smell of dung in the air, and towers straining to touch heaven. You also comprehend the harshness of the time period, the many challenges women faced, the unkind treatment females tolerated and endured. I was instantly drawn to Sophia. She's stubborn, possesses the strength of a thousand men, her passion and endless devotion to painting will affect you greatly.

Her love for painting consumes her soul, she takes great risks to pursue and continue her enthusiasm. As Sophia paints she loses herself in her efforts as she reflects on the lessons her beloved father taught her at an impressionable age. Cram's intricate depictions of creating the art and the how to's allow the reader a vivid glimpse of the lush prose so vividly detailed enabling imagery to appear before your eyes.

Sophia is a memorable character, emotionally compelling. The narrative is full of suspense with a fair share of twists and turns. It is fast paced and you won't be able to stop reading once you begin. As you follow Sophia in the dicey pursuit of her passion you will be anxious to discover what transpires with every turn of the page.

Cram has certainly impressed me with this outstanding debut effort. She is an authoress to keep your eye on, no doubt a promising career ahead of her. I anxiously await her next novel, if this is an indicator of what's to follow, we are in for wonderful reading adventures. Lovers of art and painting you will thoroughly enjoy this book. A story filled with drama, suspense, romance and plenty of turbulence you will not want to miss reading this truly affecting novel. Wonderful story from beginning to end. Joint review between Shomeret and me on Book Babe: Shomeret has read a number of books like this, but has a tremendous affection for this sort of book.

She read it in April and posted her impressions first. Tara joins the conversation with her impressions. The central character, Sofia, learned painting from her father and assumes that her husband will support her career as a painter. I found this assumption rather naive, but Sofia is youn Joint review between Shomeret and me on Book Babe: I found this assumption rather naive, but Sofia is young when she decides to marry.

Yet I think that she continues to have poor judgment throughout the novel. Tara, what do you think of Sofia? I finished the novel thinking that I wasn't sure whether I liked her or not. Her best choices were ones that allowed her art to flourish, but she often didn't make the right ones. I found myself asking what she was thinking a number of times.

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Wanted to murder her. You know I like a strong woman I admired that about her As a painter, I enjoy very much novels where art has a central part. She first paints in hiding in a concealed room where her husband cannot see what she does. Then, after some dram As a painter, I enjoy very much novels where art has a central part. One of them discovers her real nature and falls in love with her, which can be a very dangerous thing for her… The historical setting was wonderfully rendered, with the A wonderful book worth reading.

Carol M Cram has created a masterpiece. Sofia is a strong willed woman who wants to paint. Early Renaissance is the time, Italy the place. More specifically a small town called San Gimignano, the Tuscan city of towers. Sofia is painting in a time when women were encouraged to have children, clean the house and keep quiet.

Very few women knew how to read and write, never mind paint. Each chapter begins with a short painting technique explained before the story proc A wonderful book worth reading. Each chapter begins with a short painting technique explained before the story proceeds. The reader is transported to another time. I found this book entertaining and educational. The action is ongoing throughout the story.

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I believe that you will be tempted to pop Tuscany — a novel , a New Adult Romance into your handbags to support Caylin in times of need. You will need to be right behind her as the reunion between daughter and parents approaches. Add to that of course, the sun, Italian culture and first love to warm you up. I dug around in my bag to find my phone amongst all my stuff and the unravelled twenty-euro notes; found it. Both Mum and Dad had tried to call me. You should turn round and come back to the hotel right now.

Please come back, we can do different things together, we can make it more fun. We love you very much Mum xxx. Caylin is desperate to find fun on holiday with people her own age. During her daring and turbulent stay in Siena, Caylin experiences amongst many emotions, jealousy, hate, fear and her first real love. All the while, her two best friends back in Bristol wait for her message updates, albeit sometimes shocking.

I found the descriptions of the Italian landscape and Siena itself to be very accurate. A good story whether at home or as a holiday read. I soon discovered that I was in the perfect place for writing travel articles and commenced with writing for an online website and a monthly insert for an Italian magazine, all the while I was harbouring a passion for novel writing. A perfect setting for Tuscany — a novel. Once the book was completed , I felt elated, it was to be my first novel, and when I was shown the cover design I was the luckiest person on earth.

I am very partial to a Tuscan escape, and I am sure this will be a fabulous read. The best of luck to Fay with the debut novel. Please see all my extracts and excerpts at Book Extracts and my website and blog at JessieCahalin. On arrival at Rofelle, I found my way through the tangle of ivy, listened to the river rushing past the stones and opened the large wooden door to the mill.

I opened the door to enter the past, with Anna, through the letters and diaries. I am sure I heard the voices of the German soldiers who would have bathed there, and the whispers of the POWs and partisans hidden in the mountains. I was completely spellbound by the characters and the clever structure of this novel. I was intrigued by the details of post war Britain, but wanted to stay in Italy.

Such a poignant message is presented:. I was very fond of the vulnerable, innocent Ines who demonstrated incredible bravery. The descriptions of the setting rooted me to the novel, and made me understand how it bound Ines to her homeland. The author examines how war changes circumstances and the simple things that we take for granted. I was in awe of the people who made sacrifices for others during the war, in Italy.

The romance of the setting presents the reader with the hope of love. The romance in the novel is wonderful, natural and tender. The food prepared by the locals, in the Italian Apennines, transcends time and bridges the gap between the generations. This novel evokes the senses and leaves the reader firmly fixed in Tuscany.

The story of the POW and partisans provide another dimension to this story, and I was impressed with how this was skilfully woven into the story. You will be impressed with the bravery of the Italian community during the war, and you will not want to leave the blossoming romance. I highly recommend this book! Please see all my reviews at Books in Handbag and my blog at jessiecahalin. Angela Petch is an author of historical fiction, and she has written two wonderful novels set in Tuscany.

I completely lost myself in both novels. Angela and her husband live in Tuscany for six months of the year, thus her novels are written in the heart of the setting and culture. Cari lettori Dear Readers ,. It is and in a remote corner of German-occupied, war torn Italy. Ines, an eighteen year old Italian country girl is helping the partisans hide an escaped British POW. Meeting this young man will change her life forever. The diary extract is being read by her daughter, years later.

The inglese was still asleep on the planks above the cows. The nights were chilly and the animal warmth and dry hay made a comfortable bedroom — much better than mine. I have to share with nonna and she kicks and tosses at night. She snores like the pig we used to fatten for Christmas.

There have been no pigs this year. There was no response. His face was long and pale, blond curls fell over his forehead which was bound with a dirty cloth. Blood had oozed and crusted onto the material. He was like a big baby.



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There was still no response. I put the bowl of pasta down and gently shook him. He opened his eyes, shouted and grabbed me round the neck. I pummelled him with my fists, I could hardly breathe. And then he recognised where he was and dropped his hands from round my neck. I was shaking and rubbed my neck. His grip had hurt me. The cows below seemed to sense something was wrong and they mooed and stamped their hooves. She travels to the beautiful Tuscan Apennines, where the story unfolds.

If you love history, this novel will show you an aspect of WW2 you may well not have encountered before. Angela Petch brings Tuscany to life; the customs, the people — you can taste the food, smell the wild flowers, see the scenery. This piqued my interest and made me wonder how she had managed to weave such a beautiful story. She helped me with so many stories from her own life and allowed me to use them. I hasten to add that, although much of the book is factual and based on research, some of the story is fiction. I missed the characters and so I wrote a sequel so I could mix with them again.

See my review of Tuscan Roots. Please see all my extracts at Book Extracts and my blog at jessiecahalin. Fortunately, we can still see: Perdisma on 13 May Fascinating people and places. Rose on Amazon 11 May Beautifully written and researched. What is the biggest challenge for an independent author? What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?

Get it down, capture your words before they fly away. Dear Readers, I am delighted to present Tuscany — a novel. I hope you love Caylin and the city of Siena as much as I do. Dad I supposed that text was only to be expected. We love you very much Mum xxx That one too. About the Book First love in Tuscany Caylin is desperate to find fun on holiday with people her own age.

Such a poignant message is presented: Saluti, Angela Presenting the extract: I cannot wait for the third novel in this series! Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.