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The Miracles of Prato: A Novel

by Laurie Lico Albanese (Goodreads Author), Laura Morowitz

3.47 of 5 stars 3.47 · rating details · 209 ratings · 53 reviews

"Like Fra Filippo's paintings, this love story, set in one of the most intriguing historical periods, is suffused with clear, warm color and fine attention to detail."

-Debra Dean, author of The Madonnas of Leningrad

A vibrant and enthralling historical novel about art and passion, The Miracles of Prato by Laurie Albanese and Laura Morowitz brings Italy in the era of the Med

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Hardcover, 384 pages

Published January 27th 2009 by William Morrow (first published January 1st 2009)

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Mar 27, 2010 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I was excited about winning this book through First Reads. It is recommended for people who enjoyed Girl in Hyacinth Blue, which I loved. I saw the book in a book store recently and almost purchased it. It was an interesting approach written by two authors, Laurie Albanese who is a novelist and her friend, Laura Morowitz who is an art historian. It is a unique collaboration about a painter, Fra Filippo Lippi and his muse, Lucrezia. Not wanting to provide any spoilers, it's historically acurate a...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Danni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: part-of-a-tlc-book-tour

The thing that piqued my interest immediately was the fact that this is historical fiction based on one of my favorite renaissance painters Fra Fillipo Lippi, a monk with a sordid reputation. I'm a sucker for history, for beautiful art and the renaissance and this novel delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

It's a fabulous blend of historical fact and modern fiction that chronicles a few years in the lives of the painter/monk Fra Fillipo and Lucrezia, a novitiate at the Santa Margherita Conven...more

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Dec 26, 2011 C.W. rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Renaissance is famous for its contributions to the artistic world, and of the many artists who populate its annals few are as controversial as Fra Filippo Lippi, the Carmelite monk whose glorious paintings rivaled his reputation as a womanizer and whose frequent inability to complete his commissions on time enraged his patrons. Perhaps one of the most scandalous events attached to Lippi's reputation, however, is his liaison with Lucrezia Buti, an impoverished young woman who joined the conve...more The Renaissance is famous for its contributions to the artistic world, and of the many artists who populate its annals few are as controversial as Fra Filippo Lippi, the Carmelite monk whose glorious paintings rivaled his reputation as a womanizer and whose frequent inability to complete his commissions on time enraged his patrons. Perhaps one of the most scandalous events attached to Lippi's reputation, however, is his liaison with Lucrezia Buti, an impoverished young woman who joined the convent where Lippi worked and who became his muse and mistress.

Forbidden love between a cleric and an innocent has always been irresistible fuel for romantic fiction, and the authors of The Miracle of Prato attempt to make full use of it in their compelling but often tame account. The novel is at its best when depicting the panoply and intrigue of the Renaissance, as well as the machinations of the Church and the details of painting, from the preparation of canvas to the mixing of colors. And while Fra Filippo's notorious sexual appetite and temperament are downplayed for the modern sensibility, we still get a strong glimpse into the combination of power and helplessness that artists commanded in an era where art was most valued as a promotional tool to promulgate status.

Nevertheless, Lucrezia's innocence becomes cloying as the novel progresses; despite her physical beauty and devotion, it becomes increasingly difficult to imagine her holding the interest of a man of Fra Filippo's fiery genuis for as long as she does. Indeed, their romance is treated with such white-glove care that we never get a true sense of the searing passion that leads them into the predicament they eventually face. Secondary characters, like the Prioress, prove more interesting and complex, though the unfavorable depiction of the book's sole homosexual character is both unnecessary and regrettable. Nevertheless, the novel conveys a fine sense of the period and is written with an authoritative grasp of the importance of art in an often quixotic age. (less)

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Aug 24, 2010 Carey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Prato, Italy 1456. Twenty year old Lucrezia Buti arrives at the Convent Santa Margherita, along with her younger sister, Spinetta. The sisters lives have completely changed since the death of their father, a successful cloth merchant. They find themselves suddenly destitute, with no choice but to enter the convent. For Spinetta, who was always promised to the church, the transition is not difficult. But this is not the case for her beautiful sister. Lucrezia's future husband had been selected, s...more Prato, Italy 1456. Twenty year old Lucrezia Buti arrives at the Convent Santa Margherita, along with her younger sister, Spinetta. The sisters lives have completely changed since the death of their father, a successful cloth merchant. They find themselves suddenly destitute, with no choice but to enter the convent. For Spinetta, who was always promised to the church, the transition is not difficult. But this is not the case for her beautiful sister. Lucrezia's future husband had been selected, she was planning to be married. With the sudden lack of a dowry all her plans are destroyed and she feels the loss keenly. She is not comfortable with the stark life of a nun, though she tries her best to adjust to the life fate has chosen for her.

Fate is still at work, though. Renowned but dissolute painter Filippo Lippi has been given the job of chaplain at Santa Margherita by his patrons, the powerful Medicis. He is at a low point, lacking inspiration, when he suddenly meets Lucrezia and her beauty inspires both his painting and his heart. Lucrezia is drawn to him in return, though any relationship between a monk and a novice nun is of course completely forbidden.

Beauty can be a blessing and a curse, as Lucrezia discovers when the powerful Prior General begins to force himself upon her. In desperation, she uses the uproar on the day of The Feast of the Sacred Belt to escape the convent and hide in the house of a wealthy family. But she meets Lippi on the way and ends up taking refuge in his home, instead. When the worst happens anyway, Lippi is willing to give up everything to protect her and keep her from further harm.

Human nature never changes, that is what makes stories like this one resonate down through the years. Don't we always want most what we can't have? Centuries have gone by and this still remains true. And there will always be those who can't resist greed, self importance, power...the villains then are not so very different from the villains now. This is the aspect of historical fiction that I most enjoy, that a dusty old story that has had the personality and emotion eroded from it by time can be renewed and made relevant by the imagination of an author (or authors, in this case). Now I wish I'd paid more attention in the single art history class I took in college...I remember it being boring, boring, boring. Too bad the professor didn't have a little of the talent of these authors, if he had added the stories behind the paintings...well, who knows where I'd be now! If you enjoy historical fiction you'll definitely want to read The Miracles of Prato !(less)

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Nov 18, 2011 Cynthia Mcarthur rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Italian Renaissance painter/monk Fillipo Lippi and his muse, novitiate Lucrezia Buti. Lucrezia is young and beautiful when she and her sister are forced into the convent after her merchant father's untimely death. She is sad and just cannot seem to resign herself to her fate. Fra Fillipo Lippi is not only the most brilliant painter in Italy, but also a monk and the chaplain of Lucrezia's convent. When the painter sees Lucrezia's angelic face for the first time, he knows he m...more This is the story of Italian Renaissance painter/monk Fillipo Lippi and his muse, novitiate Lucrezia Buti. Lucrezia is young and beautiful when she and her sister are forced into the convent after her merchant father's untimely death. She is sad and just cannot seem to resign herself to her fate. Fra Fillipo Lippi is not only the most brilliant painter in Italy, but also a monk and the chaplain of Lucrezia's convent. When the painter sees Lucrezia's angelic face for the first time, he knows he must paint her. The greedy Prioress takes an unbelievable bribe to allow the novitiate to sit for the painter at his home. Naturally, a passion developes between them, and though they both try to distance themselves from each other, Lucrezia is raped by an important man and Fra Fillipo can no longer hold in his feelings. Fra Fillipo vows to protect Lucrezia and she stays at his home, and they marry in secret. This causes a great scandal, of course, made even greater by Lucrezia's growing belly. Lucrezia's conflict is "Is the baby a product of the rape, or a product of her love?" She and Fillipo decide to love the baby no matter what. Eventually, the painter's past begins to catch up with him and he is brutalized by thugs, penniless and stressed to the max when Lucrezia goes into labor. He sends her to the scandalized convent to give birth, and tries to clean up his mess of a life. When the baby boy is born, he is taken away, with no sympathy from the nuns who used to Lucrezia's friends. Lucrezia and Fillipo are distraught, when they suddenly find they have more friends than they thought they did.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written, well-informed on painting techniques for the time-period. I was afraid it might be a little risque, the affair between a monk and a novitiate, but it was actually portrayed and a very sweet and loving relationship that developed naturally.
I was disappointed to read in the author's note that Fillipo and Lucrezia didn't stay together for the rest of their lives, but returned to their respective Orders.
Nonetheless, this was a very interesting and entertaining read.(less)

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Jan 08, 2009 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Art historians Laurie Albanese and Laura Morowitz have combined forces to create an entertaining and gripping look into the world of the Italian Renaissance through the story of Fra Fillippo Lippi and Lucrezia Buti. The former was a famous artist and the latter was the Carmelite novitiate who became his muse.

Lippi and Buti are historic persons, as are many of the characters who pepper the pages of this novel -- from nuns to nobility. The authors present a world in which the church controls the...more

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Aug 27, 2010 Staci rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Staci by: TLC Book Tour

Shelves: 2010-reads, tlc-tour

My Thoughts:

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres of all time and little did I know when I agreed to read this book for TLC that I would also become a fan of the Renaissance period too! This collaboration between Albanese and Morowitz worked beautifully. They captured my attention and imagination from the very beginning line. I was absolutely enthralled with this story as I felt that the characters came to life before my very eyes. My heart always aches when I read stories where the wo...more

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Apr 10, 2010 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 06, 2009 TK rated it 4 of 5 stars

Already a fan of Laurie Albanese's other novel (LYNELLE BY THE SEA) and her memoir in verse (BLUE SUBURBIA) I couldn't wait to read THE MIRACLES OF PRATO. It did not disappoint. Less literary than her other works, MIRACLES tells the artful, passionate love story of a priest and a nun in Renaissance Italy--based on a true story. I loved the period details, the art history (meticulously researched), and the way the two lovers struggled to reconcile their love for each other with their love for the...more

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Nov 03, 2009 Garryvivianne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Based on the life of the artist Fillipo Lippi. Taken from the history of Italy, in a time when art & commerce were flowering. This novel is centered on Fra Fillipo Lippi, an artist who was commissioned for his religious paintings. He is a monk who runs a church. This is where he meets a young girl who has been brought to the nunnery because her father became penniless. He sees in this young girl the face of the Madonna & she inspires his work. This starts a very scandalous affair, but th...more

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Jun 28, 2010 Kate Forsyth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: art, historical

The Miracles of Prato told the story of the scandalous love affair between Fra Filipo Lippo, a monk and artist, and his model and muse, Lucrezia. Her face appeared in many of his paintings (and she truly was beautiful) - they lived together in defiance of the Church in 15th century Italy which can't have been easy. It was a fascinating story, and very well told. I'd have liked a little more passion, but I think the authors were trying to make sure it wasn't a bodice-ripper (which is rather a sha...more

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Jul 28, 2010 drey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, fiction-historical

I will confess right up front that the cover here probably wouldn't have prompted me to pick up the book. And that would've been my loss, because then I would've missed out on this lovely book.

The Miracles of Prato opens with a birthing that is followed quickly by the baby's removal from his mother's side. From that heart-wrenching scene, we go back to the beginning of the story of two unlikely lovers--a Carmelite monk and a novitiate.

It is 1456. Fra Filippo Lippi is a Carmelite monk known for h...more

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May 31, 2010 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

When the beautiful Lucrezia Buti and her sister Spinetta arrive on the doorstep of the Convent Santa Margherita, they are admitted with open arms and ushered into the simplicity of cloistered life. But for Lucrezia this new life is one of sadness, for until her father's unexpected death, she had been expecting to marry a handsome merchant and live her life as a wife and mother. As Lucrezia comes to fully understand the sacrifices demanded of her, she meets the monk and painter Fra Filippo Lippi....more When the beautiful Lucrezia Buti and her sister Spinetta arrive on the doorstep of the Convent Santa Margherita, they are admitted with open arms and ushered into the simplicity of cloistered life. But for Lucrezia this new life is one of sadness, for until her father's unexpected death, she had been expecting to marry a handsome merchant and live her life as a wife and mother. As Lucrezia comes to fully understand the sacrifices demanded of her, she meets the monk and painter Fra Filippo Lippi. Fra Filippo is also the chaplain to the convent and during one of his routine visits he comes across the stunning Lucrezia and is immediately captured by her beauty. Wishing to use her as a model for several commissions of the Madonna that he is to paint, Fra Filippo inveigles an arrangement for Lucrezia to visit his home and workshop so that she may model for him. But Lucrezia's visits are not going unnoticed by others with great power. As Fra Filippo begins to paint the young woman, he becomes hopelessly in love with her, a dangerous situation for a monk and a novice to find themselves in. As the two become conspirators in art, unseen hands begin to threaten both of their futures, and Fra Filippo and Lucrezia begin a frightening downward spiral amidst the wondrous paintings that their forbidden union creates. In this lush and dark creation, two people long to give their souls to each other but find heartache for they have already given them to God.

When I was offered the chance to review this book for my site, I was surprised to discover that it had in fact been written by two bloggers! I know there are probably a lot of bloggers out there who are working on novels of their own, or wish to, but I have never had the pleasure of reading something written by a member of my own community. I was pretty excited about reading the book, and in the end, I felt like the collaboration between Albanese and Morowitz made for a wonderful and engrossing read.

When I began this book, I had a feeling that I would already be familiar with the story it tells. A pair of young girls is brought to a convent against their will after their father dies and leaves them penniless. I thought back to Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant, a story that had a very similar beginning. But as the story progressed, I found that this was a very different story indeed. First of all, though Lucrezia did not want to be held as a captive in the convent, she starts to conform into a chaste and virtuous woman very early on. She is humble about the situation that she finds herself in, and instead of fighting with all her might, decides to pray for enlightenment and acceptance. I found this to be a rare attitude, for I can imagine that being placed in a convent and watching your prospects dwindle away would probably be maddening and upsetting, but Lucrezia takes it all in stride and acts with grace.

Fra Filippo was a different creature entirely. As a monk, he is forced to live a chaste life. This is very hard for him to do, and the reader is led to believe that the monk has had several indiscretions with easy women, problems with his finances and a lot of trouble actually completing the commissions that he has been hired to work upon. Fra Filippo is a lover of beauty, and upon seeing Lucrezia for the first time, his soul is rapturous. He has trouble concentrating on his duties as the convent's chaplain due to his hypersensitivity to Lucrezia's face and body. Though he doesn't dare dream about breaking his vows, he has trouble controlling his excitement and ardor for the young girl and works out his own arrangements to have her model for him. Though things begin in innocence, the two are quickly led astray when they realize that their interest in each other is not merely platonic. During these early scenes, I found a lot to admire about Fra Filippo. He had some slightly loose morals at times but he strove to keep himself in check and do what was expected of him as a monk and chaplain.

When an unexpected attack blackens Lucrezia's honor, Fra Filippo is angry and livid. He wishes to protect the young girl from further dishonor and finally reveals his love for her. Though he is a monk, he discovers that his heart's desire has been sitting right in front of him and he is willing to do anything to keep her. There are mounting dangers and pressures for Filippo. Because of his habit of always being behind on his commissions, he is drawing anger from the high placed officials in the church, and various others begin to threaten him about his inappropriate relationship with his young model. These sections were filled with drama and suspense and I found them to be the most interesting of the book. As the monk dodges and weaves out of harm's way, he never suspects that Lucrezia could be in danger as well. Forces mightier than the two are working furiously against them and are beginning to create situations of great danger for them. There is wickedness coming from all directions, and try as they might, the two have a hard time keeping it at bay while still managing to care for one another.

The writing style of this book was extremely atmospheric and easy to become enmeshed in. It portrays this time period very skillfully, and within its historic framework, it also deftly captures and describes the art of its time. I found that while I was reading it was easy to get lost in the place and time that the novel is set in and it was almost as if I could see the sun-soaked streets of Renaissance Italy and smell the gesso that the painter used to capture his detailed paintings. At times the book was darker than I had been expecting but this was not really a hindrance to me. I also loved the look at the internal politics of the convent. Much like the convent portrayed in Sacred Hearts, this was a place where ambition was clothed in the habits of the women walking through its halls. There was a lot of intrigue going on within the convent walls and it was fascinating to discover that these women, who were so far removed from society, were really not all that different from the ones that were free. I think that this was a marvelous aspect of the story and it captured my interest in a lot of ways. I am fast becoming a lover of convent literature and this is one of the books I have to thank for that!

If you are a reader of historical fiction and enjoy books with blended settings, I think this would be a great addition to your collection. Those who love stories about art history or the very intricate life that goes on behind the convent walls would also enjoy this book. Between the intense story it tells, the great attention to detail and the incredible aura it captures, this book made for a wonderful reading experience. A terrific work of historical fiction.
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Mar 09, 2010 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The year is 1456.

With the sudden passing of her father, Lucrezia has been sent to the Convent Santa Margherita. She is trying to adjust to her new life. It isn’t easy. She wants to obey.

Fra Filippo Lippi is a monk but besides that, he has a very great talent as a famed painter. He is acting Chaplain for the convent. Fra is pretty rough around the edges. It is while at the convent that he meets the lovely and beautiful, Lucrezia. She becomes Fra’s muse. She has inspired him to create some of hi...more

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May 24, 2009 Christine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Drawn from the world of Renaissance Italy, this historical fiction captures the lives and romance of painter Fra Filippo Lippi and his muse, Lucrezia Buti. This is no ordinary relationship, however, Fra Lippi is a Carmelite monk and Lucrezia is a noviate living in the Convent of Santa Margherita in Prato, Italy, where Fra Filippo serves as chaplain when he can tear himself away from his paints.

Perfectly captured by authors Albanese and Morowitz (an art historian) are the struggles of the times:...more Drawn from the world of Renaissance Italy, this historical fiction captures the lives and romance of painter Fra Filippo Lippi and his muse, Lucrezia Buti. This is no ordinary relationship, however, Fra Lippi is a Carmelite monk and Lucrezia is a noviate living in the Convent of Santa Margherita in Prato, Italy, where Fra Filippo serves as chaplain when he can tear himself away from his paints.

Perfectly captured by authors Albanese and Morowitz (an art historian) are the struggles of the times: the domination of the Catholic Church, the sponsorship of artists by rich merchants from Florence and Venice, the inability of women to assert control over their lives--all forces that exact a price from the lives of individuals living in this time. The story is even more poignant because neither Lippi nor Buti had an alternative to taking on their roles in the religious community.

Buti and her sister come to convent upon the death of their father, and it is there that Fra Filippo Lippi first realizes his ideal model for the Madonna, the beautiful Lucrezia. Her role as model is heightened by the importance of Lippi’s commissioned altar piece, a gift to be used by Cosimo de Medici in negotiations between powerful Italian states. This highly irregular practice of modeling by a nun is facilitated by powerful forces within the Church, but everyone has a price to exact, from the head of the Convent on up.

Things begin to go terribly wrong when Fra Lippi’s reputation with women begins to rub off on Lucrezia, and she is ultimately compromised by the Prior General who wrongly assumes she has given herself to the monk. Lippi pledges to protect Lucrezia, but this means disengagement from the Church, which requires a decree from Rome amidst the circumstances of a dying Pope.

Based on true events, this novel is most engaging in helping readers understand what life in Renaissance Italy was like and in detailing the overwhelming control of daily events by the Catholic Church, even for those who did not serve in a religious capacity. Interesting too is the political milieu of the times and the way in which the Church and the merchant class intertwined to join forces to make the most of available power and status. Indeed, it takes a miracle to cement the relationship between Fra Lippi and Lucrezia Buti, but the results are still apparent today in works that hang in museums and churches around the world.
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Feb 25, 2009 Sandie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-books, historical-fiction

In this historical romance novel we are transported to 15th century Italy where we are privy to a “behind the scenes look” at the authors’ vision of the forbidden love between a monk/artist Fra Filippo Lippi and his inspirational muse, a nun named Lucrezia Buti.

Fra Lippi becomes captivated by the beautiful Lucrezia and uses her visage as his inspiration in creating the many magnificent Madonna’s he produces for the de’ Medici family and the Catholic Church. Lippi approaches his religious art fr...more

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Jan 13, 2009 Doria rated it 2 of 5 stars

The story re-told and novelized here is salacious and interesting: a painter-monk and a novitiate fall in love, run away to be together, and she becomes the model for the Madonna in his paintings. However, the authors apparently found this story-line wanting, and took it upon themselves to add some horrific fictionalized elements, presumably to make their novel more "juicy". In so doing, they went over the top, IMO, and made the story somehow less credible. Ironic, since it is based upon true an...more

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Mar 06, 2010 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, historical-fiction

I was very fortunate to receive this book from the First Reads program. I am a lover of historical fiction but mainly stick to English "history". I may have missed out on the chance to read a good book if I hadn't received this copy.
This is the love story of a painter and his muse. After losing her father and her future, Lucrezia and her sister Spinetta take refuge at an Italian convent. Lucrezia soon begins a passionate and unlikely involvement with the convent chaplain, a painter with a quest...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads

Laurie Albanese's historical romance, The Miracles of Prato is a heartbreaking look at the fate of a young woman in Renaissance Italty who after being forced into a nunnery, falls in love with a monk, namely, the famous Italian painter, Fra Filippo Lippi.

As historical novels go, this is one of the best I've read. Not only does the book seem to be thoroughly researched, it also captures the mentality of the times. The treatment of women, the role of the Catholic church, and the infighting among I...more

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May 30, 2011 Bernadette rated it 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable but at times a little like a soap opera. Set in an Italian convent in the mid-1400s, the story involves a monk who is an extraordinarily gifted painter. He finds a young novitiate who becomes his Madonna model and falls in love with her. The art history details are fascinating and I learned a great deal about how church art was commissioned and produced in this time period.

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Feb 20, 2009 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book very much. I probably would not have read it but someone recommended it to me & I am glad they did.

It was a love story/historical fiction but not a romance novel....I loved reading about the artwork that the painter was doing. (Now I have some research to do)
There seemed to be a need for lots of personal gain & recognition & because of this & some other deceit, innocent people were hurt....

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Mar 30, 2010 Louise Leetch rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

These two authors may be very good art historians, but they're lousy at research. Throughout the book they refer to Lucrezia as the novitiate. Anyone with a dictionary can find out that a novice is a woman preparing to take vows and a novitiate is a place and/or a period during which she does that. The authors actually use the correct term on page 95, can't understand why only there. It certainly undermines the authority of any scholarship this book may purport to have when an incorrect term is...more

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Mar 23, 2010 Lisa Ard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read this if you're in the mood for a little Renaissance intrigue involving a monk and soon-to-be nun falling in love. Really well done and I couldn't put it down. Don't read the "author's note" in the back until you've finished and then you just may find yourself on Wikipedia, like I did!

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Dec 13, 2011 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am drawn to books dealing with the Catholic religion in the middle ages and before. I did not realize until the end of the book, when I went through the authors notes that is was based on a real painter/monk. I wish I would have know that from the beginning, I would have enjoyed it even more. Beautiful imagery which I cannot wait to "google".

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Jan 08, 2009 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an absolutely beautifully written book of historical fiction. The authors provide the most vivid and realistic details of the 1400's in Prato. The intrigue of a forbidden love is infectious. I read this is two seatings- I could not put it down!

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Aug 30, 2010 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From My Book Review Blog (4.5 Stars) To read the full review: Rundpinne .

"The prose takes on an artistic flair as the words, feeling, and thoughts flow across the pages and blend together in a near perfect harmony. The Miracles of Prato captures the reader from the prologue and has the reader hooked by the time the Buti sisters Spinetta and Lucrezia arrive at the Convent Santa Margherita upon the death of their father. The story is told in stunning and rich detail, the characters are finely cra...more

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May 04, 2009 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicalfiction

This novel combines all of my favorite subjects: art, women in history, romance, excellent characterization, beautifully written prose, captivating story line. Highly recommended especially to those interested in these subjects or just a really goodread!

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May 16, 2013 Kirsten rated it 4 of 5 stars

A possible version of the eccentricities of the great painter of Florentine churches-Fra Lippi. He balances adultery with painting for the nobles of Florence and not everyone appreciates that in a priest!

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Jul 14, 2011 Lee Barkley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Italian Renaissance period, art history, historical fiction: what else can I ask for? Beautifully written, full of rich details and engrossing characters, I was drawn in from the first page. Good read.

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Jan 11, 2010 Brisbride13 rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a terrific book. It's based on true characters, which I didnt know while reading it. Its about a novitiate and a monk who fall in love and not the kind of falling in love like most novels, but the kind of love you'd imagine for these two people. A must read!!!!

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