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Beatrice's fate
“How rapidly everything can change. Happiness is like a house of cards, easily destroyed even by the faintest of breezes or the lightest of touches.”
1614, Italy. Nine-year-old Beatrice Locatelli is forced to leave her family, and her beloved mountain hamlet, to move to Bergamo and work as a scullery maid for the Terzi, a noble family. Her future looks bleak until a fortuitous encounter with Eleonora, Lord Terzi’s daughter, changes the course of her life forever.
Ten years later, on a stormy summer afternoon, Beatrice meets Alessandro Lanzi, a young nobleman who saves her life. Despite being attracted to him, at first, she refuses his attentions, conscious of her humble origins and of the social disparity between them; as growing feelings become impossible to resist, will the love that they feel for each other be enough? With circumstances beyond their control, duty and a deadly pestilence raging through Bergamo, can their dream of a life together ever become reality?
‘Beatrice’s fate’ is a powerful story of love, loyalty, friendship, pain and loss. A tale whose plot twists and turns like the tightly clustered streets of Bergamo’s Città Alta. With the foothills of the Alps providing a backdrop as dramatic as her tale, Beatrice will take you there through her incredible journey, and you will not want to leave her side!
‘Beatrice,’ he whispered, pulling away from her just enough to be able to look into her eyes. ‘I think… I think that I am undeniably, irrefutably, unequivocally falling in love with you.’
She sat up, leaned forward and kissed him.
‘Alessandro,’ she said, parting from him. ‘I think that I am undeniably, irrefutably, unequivocally falling in love with you too.’
Gazing into her beautiful hazel eyes, brimming with heart-breaking sorrow, he said, ‘Oh Beatrice, do you really need to ask? I would step into a thousand fires to save you; had I failed to rescue you, I would have burned with you. Life would not have been worth living knowing that you were gone from this world.’
It is said time heals everything.
Certainly, what is broken can be repaired, what is destroyed rebuilt, what is wounded cared for, and the sick can be nurtured back to health. However, if a limb is amputated it cannot grow again; nobody, once dead, can be resurrected. Beatrice knew that if her heart had merely been broken, then, with patience and time, it could have been mended. Instead, it had been mercilessly ripped from her chest, crushed to dust and annihilated the moment she had walked away from Bergamo and from Alessandro.
1614, Italy. Nine-year-old Beatrice Locatelli is forced to leave her family, and her beloved mountain hamlet, to move to Bergamo and work as a scullery maid for the Terzi, a noble family. Her future looks bleak until a fortuitous encounter with Eleonora, Lord Terzi’s daughter, changes the course of her life forever.
Ten years later, on a stormy summer afternoon, Beatrice meets Alessandro Lanzi, a young nobleman who saves her life. Despite being attracted to him, at first, she refuses his attentions, conscious of her humble origins and of the social disparity between them; as growing feelings become impossible to resist, will the love that they feel for each other be enough? With circumstances beyond their control, duty and a deadly pestilence raging through Bergamo, can their dream of a life together ever become reality?
‘Beatrice’s fate’ is a powerful story of love, loyalty, friendship, pain and loss. A tale whose plot twists and turns like the tightly clustered streets of Bergamo’s Città Alta. With the foothills of the Alps providing a backdrop as dramatic as her tale, Beatrice will take you there through her incredible journey, and you will not want to leave her side!
‘Beatrice,’ he whispered, pulling away from her just enough to be able to look into her eyes. ‘I think… I think that I am undeniably, irrefutably, unequivocally falling in love with you.’
She sat up, leaned forward and kissed him.
‘Alessandro,’ she said, parting from him. ‘I think that I am undeniably, irrefutably, unequivocally falling in love with you too.’
Gazing into her beautiful hazel eyes, brimming with heart-breaking sorrow, he said, ‘Oh Beatrice, do you really need to ask? I would step into a thousand fires to save you; had I failed to rescue you, I would have burned with you. Life would not have been worth living knowing that you were gone from this world.’
It is said time heals everything.
Certainly, what is broken can be repaired, what is destroyed rebuilt, what is wounded cared for, and the sick can be nurtured back to health. However, if a limb is amputated it cannot grow again; nobody, once dead, can be resurrected. Beatrice knew that if her heart had merely been broken, then, with patience and time, it could have been mended. Instead, it had been mercilessly ripped from her chest, crushed to dust and annihilated the moment she had walked away from Bergamo and from Alessandro.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2024
Such a breathtaking story, so many twists and cliffhangers… it’s impossible to stop reading it! I felt right INSIDE the book at every page, forgetful of what was happening around me as if I was one of the characters… an amazing plot, charming descriptions and a perfectly depicted historical setting. Lots of tears and feelings, that’s what literature is for. Thanks to the talented author for this journey into everlasting Love!
April 27, 2024
I was thirsty for a historical romance and got lost in Bergamo. When I started to read this novel, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one day. Camilla so beautifully described medieval Italian villages and characters that you feel like you are in there following Beatrice and others. Beautifully written novel and I love the book cover!
May 26, 2024
An amazing book full of twists, romance and drama, hard to put down once you start reading it!
The historical setting makes it even more interesting, so easy to get lost in the beautiful countryside and the hustle and bustle of 17th century Bergamo.
The book is full of interesting characters, depicted with depth and perception. You'll find yourself really loving some and loathing some others.
Recommended even if you are not a romance reader!
The historical setting makes it even more interesting, so easy to get lost in the beautiful countryside and the hustle and bustle of 17th century Bergamo.
The book is full of interesting characters, depicted with depth and perception. You'll find yourself really loving some and loathing some others.
Recommended even if you are not a romance reader!
May 23, 2024
“Beatrice’s Fate” by Camilla Galbiati, title is a historical romance set primarily in 17th-century Northern Italy.
♥️ This novel intertwines themes of romance, friendship, loss, pain, and resilience, and features strong female characters.
🌀The story is filled with drama and twists, providing a deep exploration of its characters’ lives and challenges. For anyone looking for a good read this summer get this reading !
♥️ This novel intertwines themes of romance, friendship, loss, pain, and resilience, and features strong female characters.
🌀The story is filled with drama and twists, providing a deep exploration of its characters’ lives and challenges. For anyone looking for a good read this summer get this reading !
May 26, 2024
This book was an unexpected surprise. The powerful and detailed descriptions made me love it from the very first chapter, and they made me feel actively engaged in the plot. Even though I've always been put off by this genre, I had to change my mind, and I am now looking forward to reading more. Highly recommended this book!
July 16, 2024
I liked the main character, Beatrice, from the very beginning, and I was rooting for her throughout the story. She was strong and resilient and faced many challenges in her life. Often, it seemed like she was finally finding peace and happiness, but misfortune and tragedy, usually in the form of Bastiano Terzi, would plague her yet again.
At no point did I have any sympathy for Bastiano or no understanding as to why he was so cruel and horrible.
Alessandro Lanzi, the main love interest, seemed lovely but to be honest, I wasn’t rooting for him. He was weak, which he admits to in the end. Maybe I’m being too hard on him! At one point he did risk his life for his true love and I had hoped that they would live happily ever after at that point, but I knew it was too soon in the story for happy endings.
My favourite male character was Paolo, the perfect loving husband, and I wish things had turned out differently for him. I liked him better than Alessandro.
Romance novels are predictable and this was no different as far as love goes. However, the events, and twists and turns were in no way predictable. Camilla did a fantastic job of keeping the story going at a good steady pace with little room for ‘zone-out moments’.
Beatrice showed so much strength and resilience as she experienced pain and loss, not to mention injustice and ridicule. She sacrificed so much in the name of love and friendship. It was a joy to read her story.
Did it end as I had hoped? I’m afraid not because of what happened with Paolo. I can’t elaborate any more without spoiling the plot.
I must mention that the author’s descriptions of Bergamo and other parts of Italy are very well done. A great debut novel by Camilla.
The only negative comment I have about this book is the regular bouts of head hopping. It pulled me out of the story so many times, disrupting my flow. I find it difficult to fully connect emotionally with a character when suddenly I’m taken into another character’s head. This isn’t an issue for everyone, but I’m afraid it is for me. However, the story was good enough to make me see past that.
I would recommend Beatrice’s Fate for every other reason. It’s a fantastic story, and isn’t that what it’s all about! It is a good story that takes us away from the hum drum of everyday life.
At no point did I have any sympathy for Bastiano or no understanding as to why he was so cruel and horrible.
Alessandro Lanzi, the main love interest, seemed lovely but to be honest, I wasn’t rooting for him. He was weak, which he admits to in the end. Maybe I’m being too hard on him! At one point he did risk his life for his true love and I had hoped that they would live happily ever after at that point, but I knew it was too soon in the story for happy endings.
My favourite male character was Paolo, the perfect loving husband, and I wish things had turned out differently for him. I liked him better than Alessandro.
Romance novels are predictable and this was no different as far as love goes. However, the events, and twists and turns were in no way predictable. Camilla did a fantastic job of keeping the story going at a good steady pace with little room for ‘zone-out moments’.
Beatrice showed so much strength and resilience as she experienced pain and loss, not to mention injustice and ridicule. She sacrificed so much in the name of love and friendship. It was a joy to read her story.
Did it end as I had hoped? I’m afraid not because of what happened with Paolo. I can’t elaborate any more without spoiling the plot.
I must mention that the author’s descriptions of Bergamo and other parts of Italy are very well done. A great debut novel by Camilla.
The only negative comment I have about this book is the regular bouts of head hopping. It pulled me out of the story so many times, disrupting my flow. I find it difficult to fully connect emotionally with a character when suddenly I’m taken into another character’s head. This isn’t an issue for everyone, but I’m afraid it is for me. However, the story was good enough to make me see past that.
I would recommend Beatrice’s Fate for every other reason. It’s a fantastic story, and isn’t that what it’s all about! It is a good story that takes us away from the hum drum of everyday life.
June 20, 2024
Beatrice's Fate is a fantastic historical fiction romance set in 1600s Bergamo in Italy. I absolutely loved this one and I kindly was sent it by the author @camilla.g.author ❤️
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish with so many twists and turns throughout. I loved the main character Beatrice, although at times I did think what the hell she was doing, but that made for an entertaining story. Her character is so well developed and you really do feel like you know her in this book. I love how she's very strong willed and independent and how we see her grow from her early childhood in the village in the mountains to her life in Bergamo. She's thrust into city and working life at such a young age that you really do feel for her! However, I loved the close relationship she has with Eleonora. The theme of friendship and loyalty is definitely a main theme in this and explored through Beatrice's and Eleonora's friendship. There are also characters I absolutely despised in this, Bastiano being the main villain of the story. But I also enjoyed the extra layer he brought to the story and you never were quite sure when he would pop up again.
The writing is beautiful in this and I felt immersed in the 1600s throughout. You really do feel as though you're in 1600 Bergamo even if you have never been there. I loved the setting and it definitely made me want to visit!
Also definitely a rollercoaster of emotions with this one as Beatrice's life isn't all smooth sailing despite her being extremely lucky at times. I couldn't put this book down, as I was rooting for Beatrice throughout and wanted to know where her life would go. Overall, I loved this one and would definitely recommend it!
Favourite quotes:
"Life would not have been worth living knowing that you were gone from this world."
"It is said that time heals everything. Certainly, what is broken can be repaired, what is destroyed rebuilt."
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish with so many twists and turns throughout. I loved the main character Beatrice, although at times I did think what the hell she was doing, but that made for an entertaining story. Her character is so well developed and you really do feel like you know her in this book. I love how she's very strong willed and independent and how we see her grow from her early childhood in the village in the mountains to her life in Bergamo. She's thrust into city and working life at such a young age that you really do feel for her! However, I loved the close relationship she has with Eleonora. The theme of friendship and loyalty is definitely a main theme in this and explored through Beatrice's and Eleonora's friendship. There are also characters I absolutely despised in this, Bastiano being the main villain of the story. But I also enjoyed the extra layer he brought to the story and you never were quite sure when he would pop up again.
The writing is beautiful in this and I felt immersed in the 1600s throughout. You really do feel as though you're in 1600 Bergamo even if you have never been there. I loved the setting and it definitely made me want to visit!
Also definitely a rollercoaster of emotions with this one as Beatrice's life isn't all smooth sailing despite her being extremely lucky at times. I couldn't put this book down, as I was rooting for Beatrice throughout and wanted to know where her life would go. Overall, I loved this one and would definitely recommend it!
Favourite quotes:
"Life would not have been worth living knowing that you were gone from this world."
"It is said that time heals everything. Certainly, what is broken can be repaired, what is destroyed rebuilt."
May 28, 2024
Beatrice’s Fate is more than just a romance novel; it is an eloquent journey of life, love, and passion. A superbly crafted romance, rich in historical detail, which expertly captures the beauty and challenges of both the era and location. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and exquisitely written love story. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2024
I was kindly gifted this book by the author.
I have never read a historical fiction before and to be honest I was a little nervous before starting because I wasn’t sure if it would be my thing.
All I can say about this book is that it is amazing, seriously I absolutely devoured it.
Beatrice is such an inspirational person, she is so resilient and strong and i was in awe of her.
It’s a story about love, Fate, friendship & sorrow❤️
There are so many characters that I loved and a few I hated 🤣 if you read this book you’ll see who I mean. My soft spot was for Paolo☺️
The twists and turns and the events that take place will literally have you on the edge of your seat, I didn’t want the book to end because I was enjoying it so much. I already asked Camilla if there will be a sequel 🤣
Overall I loved this book so so much and I highly recommend it and I wish Camilla the very best because this book really does deserve so much success ✨
TW: rape
I have never read a historical fiction before and to be honest I was a little nervous before starting because I wasn’t sure if it would be my thing.
All I can say about this book is that it is amazing, seriously I absolutely devoured it.
Beatrice is such an inspirational person, she is so resilient and strong and i was in awe of her.
It’s a story about love, Fate, friendship & sorrow❤️
There are so many characters that I loved and a few I hated 🤣 if you read this book you’ll see who I mean. My soft spot was for Paolo☺️
The twists and turns and the events that take place will literally have you on the edge of your seat, I didn’t want the book to end because I was enjoying it so much. I already asked Camilla if there will be a sequel 🤣
Overall I loved this book so so much and I highly recommend it and I wish Camilla the very best because this book really does deserve so much success ✨
TW: rape
September 28, 2024
Camilla has written one of the best books I will ever have the pleasure of reading. Her description of Italy is impeccable. I was able to immerse myself in Italy in the 1600s from her descriptive writing, while also getting astounding character plots and development to the point where I was reading for hours on end. Being able to dive into the world of Beatrice’s Fate from when she was a young child up until her adulthood was significantly impressive. She goes through so much in her life that I got to read about in less than 500 pages.
There is also a few other characters that I grew so fondly of, in particular Paolo ❤️
This book is about love, loss, friendship, enemies, betrayal, and hope ❤️ It will have you going through a roller coaster of emotions. You will laugh, cry, scream, and most of all: you will reflect on life, its purpose, and the importance of never taking it for granted.
Dear Camilla: I can’t find the words to thank you enough for sharing your imagination to me and other readers by giving us such a breathtaking story that I will forever think of and appreciate. You should be so proud of yourself in creating this story. It’s one
that I will always recommend, love, and cherish ❤️
There is also a few other characters that I grew so fondly of, in particular Paolo ❤️
This book is about love, loss, friendship, enemies, betrayal, and hope ❤️ It will have you going through a roller coaster of emotions. You will laugh, cry, scream, and most of all: you will reflect on life, its purpose, and the importance of never taking it for granted.
Dear Camilla: I can’t find the words to thank you enough for sharing your imagination to me and other readers by giving us such a breathtaking story that I will forever think of and appreciate. You should be so proud of yourself in creating this story. It’s one
that I will always recommend, love, and cherish ❤️
November 28, 2024
“Beatrice’s fate” is a beautiful romance novel set in Northern Italy at the beginning of the 1600s. The book tells the story of a young girl, Beatrice, who was born in a small hamlet in the mountains and is forced to move to the city of Bergamo where she meets the love of her life. The plot is amazing because it interweaves the description of ordinary life in 1600 (both in the mountains and in big cities like Bergamo) with the love story of Beatrice and Alessandro Lanzi, a nobleman. There are detailed descriptions of both the places and the characters’ behaviors and feelings.
The story is engaging because it is not just about love: it involves friendship, hope, pain and loss. Moreover the plot is full of twists and, in this way, the reader feels part of the story and wants to know what will happen next!
To sum up, anyone who likes love stories should read this book because it’s amazing!
The story is engaging because it is not just about love: it involves friendship, hope, pain and loss. Moreover the plot is full of twists and, in this way, the reader feels part of the story and wants to know what will happen next!
To sum up, anyone who likes love stories should read this book because it’s amazing!
May 8, 2024
Beatrice's Fate is a powerful story of love, loyalty, friendship, pain and loss. A tale who's plot twists and turns like the tightly clustered walls and alleyways of the medieval Citta Alta in which this fabulous debut novel is partially set.
Full of hidden gems. With the foothills of the Alps providing a backdrop as dramatic as her tale, you will feel as if you are there, walking beside Beatrice through her incredible journey, and you will not want to leave her side!
An absolutely incredible debut, so descriptive with some really strong characters (not all of them likeable!)
Congratulations Camilla Galbiati, I want more!
Full of hidden gems. With the foothills of the Alps providing a backdrop as dramatic as her tale, you will feel as if you are there, walking beside Beatrice through her incredible journey, and you will not want to leave her side!
An absolutely incredible debut, so descriptive with some really strong characters (not all of them likeable!)
Congratulations Camilla Galbiati, I want more!
August 25, 2024
A story from times gone by, in a Bergamo delicately painted by the author's words. Intertwining, loves, duels and passions that lay bare the deepest feelings of the human being, with the strength and intensity typical of the Seventeenth century. Words that run and chase each other from the beginning to the end of a book that has the power to immerse the reader in the center of Piazza Vecchia and its markets to experience their every breath alongside the protagonists. If you want to escape from today's world and be overwhelmed by a distant and intense world, treat yourself to reading this book!
June 28, 2024
This book is a rollercoaster ride of drama and emotions. Poor Beatrice is set on a journey of beautiful highs and devastating lows from the day her father takes to her to work in the city at the age of 9.
The characters are beautifully written, and Camilla has a gift for writing the worst of evil characters.
There are beautiful themes of love, friendship and loyalty that run through the book. So if you like stories with these themes, with an added helping of drama then this book is for you.
The characters are beautifully written, and Camilla has a gift for writing the worst of evil characters.
There are beautiful themes of love, friendship and loyalty that run through the book. So if you like stories with these themes, with an added helping of drama then this book is for you.
September 25, 2024
Beatrice’s Fate is a captivating read from start to finish. Camilla Galbiati creates an emotionally charged story where Beatrice’s life unfolds in a series of dramatic highs and lows, beginning when she’s sent to work in the city at just nine years old. The characters are wonderfully developed, , and the vivid descriptions make you feel as if you’re walking through 17th-century Italy.
If you love a book full of romance, friendship, and gripping twists, this novel is a must.
If you love a book full of romance, friendship, and gripping twists, this novel is a must.
September 25, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author, Camilla Galbiati, beautifully depicted the characters, the towns, and the lifestyle of the people. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down because I was drawn into Beatrice's life and her household. I think it would make a great movie.
I loved the cover of the book also.
I loved the cover of the book also.
October 16, 2024
The book was a pleasant surprise. I read it in two days, as the story is exciting and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next to Beatrice. The writing is engaging and makes you rejoice, suffer and move together with Beatrice. Congratulations Camilla! You deserve a great success!
February 13, 2025
An excellent read. Camilla has a wonderful way at describing places, and I felt transported back in time, and really felt for Beatrice and everything that she had to deal with.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this gorgeous story. ❤️
May 1, 2025
Having met the lovely author I was inspired to travel to Bergamo & Beatrice’s fate was the obvious book to bring! A perfect holiday read, will keep you turning the pages! Very happy to recommend ☺️
July 12, 2025
Historical, Romantic, Intense.
Historical fiction is a genre that I enjoy reading but I don't dive into very often or maybe I do more than I realise. Beatrice is a character that experiences so much within the pages of this book. You travel with her, feel with her, ride waves of emotions with her.
The author writes in an incredibly descriptive manner which adds a lot to the story. It is set in 17th century Italy, you may have a very strong want to book flights to Italy once finished It. 🤣
I have never previously read a book set during that time period or even more likely that part of Italy. If you are a fan of historical fiction I don't think you would be able to put this book down.
I personally have big book fear and was slightly overwhelmed by the number of pages in it but once you get going with any book especially this one, the storyline draws you in. You will turn page after page.
Thank you to the author for a #gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. There may be some trigger warnings with the book so check them out or message as there may be spoilers. It was a 4 star read for me.
Hopefully some year I will have all the reviews for the books I read the previous year posted before the new year. 2025 is not that year. More reviews coming soon as always.
Historical fiction is a genre that I enjoy reading but I don't dive into very often or maybe I do more than I realise. Beatrice is a character that experiences so much within the pages of this book. You travel with her, feel with her, ride waves of emotions with her.
The author writes in an incredibly descriptive manner which adds a lot to the story. It is set in 17th century Italy, you may have a very strong want to book flights to Italy once finished It. 🤣
I have never previously read a book set during that time period or even more likely that part of Italy. If you are a fan of historical fiction I don't think you would be able to put this book down.
I personally have big book fear and was slightly overwhelmed by the number of pages in it but once you get going with any book especially this one, the storyline draws you in. You will turn page after page.
Thank you to the author for a #gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. There may be some trigger warnings with the book so check them out or message as there may be spoilers. It was a 4 star read for me.
Hopefully some year I will have all the reviews for the books I read the previous year posted before the new year. 2025 is not that year. More reviews coming soon as always.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews