Turning the World to Stone – The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One 1472 to 1488

About the book:

Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy.

Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.

“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”

Read this lovely mini- extract to get a flavour!

They stood in awkward silence. The man hadn’t yet introduced himself, and she knew it would be rude to ask. “What are you doing here?”

“Excuse, my lady, I’m being impolite. I am Sandro Botticelli. I am working on a commission for His Holiness.”

“Ahh, the Holy Father won’t tell me what he has planned for his great chapel, no matter how much I pester him.”

Sandro leaned in conspiratorially. “I will tell you if you promise not to share with anyone.” He stood back and eyed her critically. “Are you interested in art, Madonna? You would make a wonderful model.”

“I am, yes. My father was a patron of many artists and musicians.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Now, let me describe to you what this chapel will look like, close your eyes if it helps.”

Caterina looked back at Luisa, who was still standing nearby, listening, before focussing on the artist’s words. Closing her eyes, she let his description fill her mind.

“Picture this, Madonna. Along the walls will be vast frescoes depicting the life of the Saviour and the life of Moses. Other artists and I have been selected to create these works. These focal pieces will be offset by portraits of past Popes above the frescoes and drapery done in the trompe-l’oeil style beneath.”

Caterina could see the large chapel taking shape in her mind. “And the ceiling?”

“Blue with gold stars spaced evenly.”

She nodded. “If it’s anything like I’m imagining it will be magnificent.”

A noise at one end of the room interrupted them. Caterina opened her eyes and saw another man enter. Another painter, she guessed. “I must go.”

But Sandro was off in his own world.

Smiling, she joined Luisa and left him as they had found him, staring at a wall.

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Universal Link: https://mybook.to/Caterina

About the author:

Born in Canada of Scottish extraction, Kelly Evans graduated in History and English then moved to England where she worked in the financial sector. While in London Kelly continued her studies in history, concentrating on Medieval History, and travelled extensively through Eastern and Western Europe.

Kelly is now back in Canada with her husband Max and a rescue cat. She writes full-time, focussing on illuminating little-known women in history with fascinating stories. When not working on her novels, Kelly writes Described Video scripts for visually impaired individuals, plays oboe, and enjoys old sci-fi movies.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.kellyaevans.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChaucerBabe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-Evans/author/B0187JGTOQ