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My Heart Still Surrenders
Carolina, the Contessina DeSimone, is young, beautiful, and wealthy. Helpless in her father's quest for power, she finds herself living at the Palazzo Reale in Turin as a lady-in-waiting and confidant of Margherita, the Princess of Savoy. When the childhood friend with whom she elopes dies while on mission for Pope Pius IX, her father, the powerful Count Aurelio, financial advisor to Vittorio Emanuele II, disinherits and disowns her. Left in disgrace at a dilapidated villa that once belonged to her late mother, Carolina is easy prey for the rogue elements who roam the 19th century Italian countryside. The handsome, mysterious Navarre comes to her rescue. A soldier of fortune once in the pay of King Francis II of the Two Sicilies, he is accustomed to taking what he wants without regard for the consequences. What refuge could he possibly offer her—and why?
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 19, 2014
My Heart Still Surrenders
Robbi Perna
In the author’s own words. “My Heart Still Surrenders” is a work of historical fiction inspired by three events in the life of my great-great-grandmother, Carolina Aiani, the Contessina Antimori. The story is set agaqinst the backdrop of the latter years of the Risorgimento, Italy’s fifty-year struggle for unification.”
This fictional biography based on fact introduced me to a period of history I was unfamiliar with. It begins when Cavaliere Eridiario comes from Rome to Florence with an invitation from the king for Carolina to go to Turin and become one of 16 year-old Princess Margherita’s household ladies..
In love with Carlo, a member of the Pope’s Guardia Nobile, Carolina’s love seems doomed because her father supports the House of Savoy. Her farewell to Carlo was observed and at court she is suspected of spying for the pope.
In Turin the princess and Carolina are taught to fence by charismatic Navarre, a Basque of unknown parentage, loyal to whoever employs him.
To use a cliché, ‘truth is stranger’ than fiction. This is true of My Heart Still Surrenders, in which Carolina experiences cruelty, an uncertain future, loss and love. From the beginning I sympathised with Carolina and hoped her future would be happy.
This is a novel which, through Robbi Perna’s reconstruction of her great-great-grandmother’s life, transcends time.
Robbi Perna
In the author’s own words. “My Heart Still Surrenders” is a work of historical fiction inspired by three events in the life of my great-great-grandmother, Carolina Aiani, the Contessina Antimori. The story is set agaqinst the backdrop of the latter years of the Risorgimento, Italy’s fifty-year struggle for unification.”
This fictional biography based on fact introduced me to a period of history I was unfamiliar with. It begins when Cavaliere Eridiario comes from Rome to Florence with an invitation from the king for Carolina to go to Turin and become one of 16 year-old Princess Margherita’s household ladies..
In love with Carlo, a member of the Pope’s Guardia Nobile, Carolina’s love seems doomed because her father supports the House of Savoy. Her farewell to Carlo was observed and at court she is suspected of spying for the pope.
In Turin the princess and Carolina are taught to fence by charismatic Navarre, a Basque of unknown parentage, loyal to whoever employs him.
To use a cliché, ‘truth is stranger’ than fiction. This is true of My Heart Still Surrenders, in which Carolina experiences cruelty, an uncertain future, loss and love. From the beginning I sympathised with Carolina and hoped her future would be happy.
This is a novel which, through Robbi Perna’s reconstruction of her great-great-grandmother’s life, transcends time.
June 18, 2020
I read a lot of different genres. Lately, it seems I’ve been drawn toward historical romances. When the author does a good job, I feel like I’ve been transported to the era where the story takes place. My Heart Still Surrenders, by Robbi Perna is a lovely example.
Navarre is a mercenary employed by King Francis II of the Two Sicilies with a less than stellar reputation with the ladies. When Carolina, the Contessina DeSimone, is disinherited and disowned by her ruthless father, he comes to her rescue. Their love story was enchanting as was the author’s descriptions of 19th century Italy.
You’ll find yourself drawn into the story and feel as though you are watching it unfold through your own eyes.
Navarre is a mercenary employed by King Francis II of the Two Sicilies with a less than stellar reputation with the ladies. When Carolina, the Contessina DeSimone, is disinherited and disowned by her ruthless father, he comes to her rescue. Their love story was enchanting as was the author’s descriptions of 19th century Italy.
You’ll find yourself drawn into the story and feel as though you are watching it unfold through your own eyes.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews