You might've met this guy before. If you've read Hiding the Flame, then you will certainly have read about him. This is Girolamo Savonarola, the fiery Dominican friar, who tried to save the souls of Florentines in the late 15th Century. He called out corruption in the government and church of the time, as well as in the lives of ordinary citizens. You may have heard of the Bonfire of the Vanities, an enormous bonfire in the centre of the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, which destroyed countless works of art, as well as music, books, wigs, playing cards, make-up...anything that might make a person turn away from God. This was all due to Savonarola, whose preaching stirred up great fervour.

However, his popularity didn't last. Eventually, the people, the church and the government had had enough of his promises and calls to repentence. He was arrested, held in the Arnolfo tower in Palazzo Vecchio, where he was tortured and sentenced to death. He was executed on the same spot as the Bonfire of the Vanities. This is Rosselli's famous painting of Savonarola's execution. It's a photo I took in the museum at San Marco in Florence, where the friar lived.

Today, a small plaque marks this spot. Not many notice it. Many walk over it without giving it a second glance.

When I was in Florence recently, I wondered about the man and his legacy. In fact, while writing Hiding the Flame, I thought about him a lot. I wondered how many people know about him and what this stone commemorates.

In January, the Florence Literary Society in conjunction with The Florentine (the English language magazine in Florence) held a Flash Fiction competition, asking competitors to write up to 150 words. So, I thought I'd give it a go. I didn't win, of course, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

The Savonarola Stone

I’m still here. I still despair of your vanity. I still despair for your soul.

I see you walking through the piazza, in hoards, not a thought for what has gone before. You take images, quickly, thoughtlessly, before moving onto the next source of gratification. Do you know what happened here? On this very spot? I tried to save your soul then. You gave up your books, your music, your cosmetics. We watched them succumb to the flames. Did it save your soul?

You stand on my stone and gaze up at the tower that held me captive, that tried to silence me. But it took another bonfire to silence me, another bonfire on this very stone. Do you hear me now? Will you ever hear me? Or will you just move on?

Last week, I had the great pleasure of launching my new book, Hiding the Flame, here in Cardiff. It was an event that meant a great deal to me, as each new book means to every author. It was also a great opportunity for me to talk about my writing, and what author doesn't enjoy doing that?! The launch took the form of an interview, and I was asked some quite searching questions about the themes of the book: the role of Savonarola; what it meant to be a woman in Renaissance Florence; the journey of Francesca, the main character. But the question that intrigued me most (probably because I couldn't think of a suitably erudite answer!) was... Why Florence? What is it about Florence that sparks the inspiration? I've been thinking about that question ever since.

I'm in the middle of research for Book 3. It's no secret that this book will be set in 1966, the year of Florence's great flood. Part of my research is a book called "Diary of Florence in Flood" by Kathrine Kressman Taylor, an American journalist who was living in Florence at the time. This book, in part, encouraged me to consider the flood for my next project, so I thought I'd read it again, with different eyes. Today, I came across a passage which might actually be able to answer the question, "Why Florence?". I've reproduced it below, with full acknowledgement that this is Ms Kressman Taylor's work, not mine.

"This is the city of Giotto, Masaccio, the Gaddis, Donatello, Uccello, Ghirlandaio, Verrocchio, Verocchio, of Leonardo da Vinci, of Fra Angelico, of Fra Lippo Lippi and Filippino; and galleries, palaces, churches contain hundreds upon hundreds of their finest works. There are tombs, dwellings or workshops of such famous sons of Florence as Benvenuto Cellini, Andrea del Sarto, Sandro Botticelli, Niccolò Macchiavelli, Galileo Galilei. Michelangelo, another Florentine, worked as a boy in the Medici palace under the patronage of Lorenzo. Next to marble, Florence was Michelangelo's dearest love, and most of his finest statuary is here: the "Slaves" and the "David", the two great tomb groups in the Medici Chapel at San Lorenzo, the "Brutus" and the "Bacchus", several famous Madonnas, and two extraordinary late Pietà, to name only the most noted.

"There is hardly a house, certainly not a church or palace in the ancient section that does not bear the memory or mark of one or more of these men. Brunelleschi's rosy dome crowns the skyline. Ghiberti's paradisiacal doors glow with gold under the morning sun. Orcagna's lacy tabernacle in marble mellowed to the tone of ivory is the chief beauty of Orsanmichele, perhaps the most delicate and Gothic of the churches. Santa Maria Novella with its cloisters, the monastery of San Marco, Santissima Annunziata, Santa Trinita, Santo Spirito, the Carmine, and Santa Croce are treasure houses of art.

"An enduring virtue of Florence is that her people display a dignity of bearing, a grace of manners, and an interest in scholarship in keeping with the omnipresent reminders of antiquity and fame of their city, while in a mechanized century they keep alive the practice of craftsmanship, of the finest handwork in gold and silver, in leather, copper, onyx and marble, enameled wood, copies of antique furniture, embroideries, fabrics, and high fashion...

"Once her charm takes hold of a visitor, no other city will again completely satisfy him."

I couldn't have put it better myself, but it certainly answers the question.

It's nearly upon us again. How does that happen? We know Christmas always lands on December 25th, and yet still it manages to take us by surprise. Have you finished shopping? Have you sent Christmas cards? (Do you send Christmas cards?) Have you ordered your turkey? Have you put the sprouts on to boil? I can honestly answer "No" to all of these, but there's no need to worry. Our Christmas will happen whether we have mushy sprouts or not.

It's been an eventful year for me, with both HisNibs and I having some health issues - him more than me. (All good now!) In November, I finally retired from the "day job". I can no longer call myself a Cardiac Physiologist (that went a long time ago) or a University lecturer, but I now call myself An Author. How exciting is that? But it also adds a bit of pressure in that I ought to be spending more time writing than I actually am. When retired people have said to me "I don't know how I found the time to work", I didn't believe them. I do now!

At the beginning of December, my second book, Hiding the Flame was published, which was very exciting. (Perhaps The Rose of Florence wasn't a fluke, after all!) I've spent a lot of time sharing posts, learning how to use Canva to create those posts, and trying not to get pulled down social media rabbit holes. (Don't ask how long I've spent watching someone cleaning dirty road signs!)

I have made some progress on Book 3, but I'm at the stage where the story could go in any direction (even though I do have a plan for it). I just have to take a deep breath and let it evolve. I've already had a couple of characters introduce themselves to me. I can't wait to see what they get up to. Of course, I have my historical framework, which I have to follow. In my books, I will sometimes play with historical characters but always trying to make them believable, using my research of what we know of them. For example, Botticelli features heavily in Hiding the Flame, but he didn't say any of the words I put in his mouth. If there are historical events or settings, though, they have to be right. Taking your reader to a different time and place is a responsibility. I can't think of anything worse than a reader going to Florence and not finding the places I took them to in my books. It's a matter of trust.

And so, purely in the interests of research and accuracy of course, I will soon be off to Florence again. HisNibs and I will be spending New Year (Capodanno) and the Epiphany (La Befana) there, while the family looks after our ravenous cats. We will do our best to sample traditional Tuscan fare, and as we will be staying in an apartment, I'll be able to go shopping in the market and try out recipes for the next book.

While I'm there, I'm very fortunate to be able to officially launch Hiding the Flame, in the city in which it (& The Rose) was born, hosted by my good friend and amazing author, Katherine Mezzacappa. (Check out her books!) This is very much a "pinch me" moment, an event I would never have even dreamed of. Who would have thought that young girl, studying anatomy and physiology, would eventually go on to publish historical fiction and launch it in one of the most beautiful cities in the world?

Which brings me back to where I started. Christmas. This time of year, many of us look back to see what we've achieved in the past twelve months. Many look forward to the New Year, with diets and gym memberships that will crash and burn before Valentine's Day (speaking from experience!). But my Christmas wish for you is that you find time and space to discover your heart's desire and to go for it. Yes, I've worked hard, and yes, I've had some luck, but if I can do it, then so can you. You'll never know what you can achieve until you try.

Nadolig Llawen a Blwydden Newydd Dda!

Buon Natale e Buon Anno!

Cover image © Ray Lipscombe

Oh, I enjoyed writing this one! After The Rose of Florence, I did wonder if that was my lot, the "one book" that everyone supposedly has in them, but there was more to say, more to explore and more to share. Some of the characters wanted more time in the limelight, and who am I to deny them that?

Eighteen years after the end of The Rose, we are back in Florence, which is in turmoil once more, this time due to the influence of Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery Dominican preacher, whose "Bonfire of Vanities" consumes many beautiful things, including works of art. Some say that Botticelli, who was known to have been influenced by the preacher, also threw some of his work on the fire, but there's no definitive proof of that, and therein lies the joy of writing fiction. This is the historical backdrop to Hiding the Flame.

Some of my fictional characters are still around, such as Eleonora and Volpe, and we spend more time with Sandro Botticelli. But the story follows Gianetta and Matteo's daughter, Francesca, a woman trying to find her place in a man's world, a woman who yearns to paint, a woman who finds that some love is forbidden. Love and loyalty pull in different directions, but will she ever find happiness? Well, I'll leave that to you to find out.

One of the surprising elements of The Rose of Florence was the popularity of the recipes that I included, so you'll be pleased to know that there are more in Hiding the Flame. I had great fun testing them out, and I hope you'll try them.

You'll be able to get your copy soon. It is due to be published on 1st December, but keep an eye on my website and Facebook page, where I'll share the details as soon as I have them.

Thank you for coming with me on my journey through Renaissance Florence. Buon viaggio!

My love for Florence is no secret, and whenever anyone asks me what I recommend to see or do, I'm never short of a suggestion or two. Several years ago, I put together my own short guide to Florence, which I've shared with friends. Today, I thought I'd share a section with you. This is the section that everyone enjoys...the food and drink! I hope you enjoy it.

Where to start with Florence and Tuscany’s food and drink! The most important factor here is the ingredients. Yes, it’s a very obvious statement, but wait until you see what is on offer in the markets. Even the local supermarkets have good quality food and drink to buy. Tuscan cooking is essentially “cucina povera”, which means “poor” cooking; good ingredients, cooked simply and with love. Some of the best meals I have ever eaten have been in Florence, and they have all followed this same pattern.

Meat is an important part of the Tuscan diet, but so is a variety of vegetables, beans and pulses. Vegetarians have no problem eating well in Florence. Those needing a gluten-free diet are also well-catered for, as Italy is very pro-active in identifying coeliac disease in their population, testing children at an early age. For a country known for pizza and pasta, this is a big consideration. Ask for "senza glutine". While you will find fish sold in Florence, it is not known for its fish or seafood, as the city is quite a way from the coast. (For fresh, local fish, I’d recommend a trip to Livorno on the coast.)

When you research the subject, you'll find that there are hundreds of thousands of pages in print covering Tuscan and Florentine cooking, so I am just going to mention a few of my favourites, in the hope that they will soon become yours.

Antipasti/Sharing Platters

This type of sharing platter includes a selection of cured meats and salamis, local cheeses, olives, chutneys, olive oil and the most beautiful bread that you will ever taste. Obviously, contents will vary depending on where you go, but they will rarely disappoint. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon, spent talking and drinking good wine (more of which, later!)

Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)

There is a legend that the origin of this truly Florentine specialty is connected with the famous Medici family. The story goes that the family would celebrate San Lorenzo’s day (Aug 10^th) by offering great chunks of meat to the population, which were to be roasted in the city’s piazzas. Sadly, there is no evidence to back up this tale, but I like the story. The Florentine steak is a porterhouse cut from the Chianina breeds of cattle – one of the oldest breeds, once used for heavy work by the Romans.

Any self-respecting restaurant will show you your steak before it’s cooked and check your approval. Don’t be afraid to ask for larger or smaller. You will be shown a steak that has been aged for some days, with a T-bone through the centre, also containing a fillet on one side. It’s usually at least 1” thick and usually weighs around 1kg. (Perfect to share!) Florentine steaks are usually priced by the kilo, so bear this in mind too.

At this point, please pay strict attention to my next piece of advice. Never, and I mean NEVER ask for a Florentine steak to be cooked medium or well-done! You may find a restaurant who will do it for you (others won’t!), but you will be regarded with Italian disdain. It is a matter of pride. Also, the rare (or al sangue) steak  is just beautiful as it is. There is no more to say!

Ribollita (Tuscan Bean Soup)

There is no standard way of cooking this delicious and nourishing soup. It is said to date back centuries, when servants would gather leftovers from banquets and cook them up for their own dinners. Nowadays, every cook has their own recipe, and many will guard that recipe with their life. This is the epitome of cucina povera, as it uses whatever may be available, but usually includes vegetables such as onion, carrot, celery (the Holy Trinity of Italian cooking), cannellini beans, cabbage, vegetable stock and sometimes tomatoes or leftover bread. It is cooked for hours until the stew becomes thick and unctuous.

Here's one that I made on one of our trips. It really hit the spot.

Cinghiale (Wild Boar)

An ingredient that you won’t find very often in the UK, it’s on almost every menu in Florence. It has been a staple food for farmers in Tuscany for centuries and is still as popular today. It usually served as a delicious stew, or more commonly in restaurants, as a ragu (sauce) to go with pasta. The most common method of serving cinghiale is in a red wine and tomato ragu with pappardelle pasta, a thick ribbon pasta which holds the thick sauce.

Sweet Treats

The pasticceria is a dangerous place to visit. Your eye will be drawn to all manner of sugary naughtiness, but of course, you're on holiday. Those calories don't count!

Coffee

What is your preference? Americano, cappuccino, espresso (please, not eXpresso!)? You will find many “rules” associated with coffee. For example, "nobody drinks cappuccino after 11:00am". While many Italians tend to abide by these habits, in reality, whatever you ask for, and whenever you ask for it, you’ll be happily served. One point to note, however, if you choose to take a seat while you are drinking your coffee, you will be charged more than if you drink at the bar. Sometimes, though, when your feet are crying in pain after pounding the streets of Florence, those extra few cents are worth it.

In many coffee shops, you have to order and pay for your drink first, then take the receipt to the barrista who will prepare your coffee. Sounds a bit of a faff, but the coffee is so good.

Wine

Of course, I’ve left the best until last! Wherever you go in Italy, you will have a fantastic choice of good wine at a reasonable cost. As a general rule, just order a litre of the house wine, and you will be very pleasantly surprised. Whether you order white or red depends on your own taste, but also where you are. For example, in Rome, I always order white, because their regional specialty is Frascati. In Florence, however, it’s red…deep, fragrant, smooth red. Chianti is the wine most famous in this region, and it is available everywhere. You can pay any price for it, if you want to move up the ladder, but a jug of house red (Vino Rosso della casa – un litro or un mezzo-litro)  is almost invariably a good quality, local Chianti at a fraction of the price. I’d suggest that you need look no further. However, there are a number of other wines to look out for: the locals love a good Brunello di Montalcino; there’s also Vernaccia di San Gimignano and many others to tempt you. Saluté!

So, I hope I've tickled your tastebuds! Of course, this isn't even the tip of the tip of the iceberg.

What would you recommend?

I don't know who said "Never judge a book by its cover", but I, for one, love a good book cover. It gives us a first glimpse of the world we're about to step into. Those wonderful designers who create our covers are very underestimated, as far as I'm concerned! How do you sum up a whole story in one image? It takes great skill and insight.

One of the most special moments for an author in the life of their book is the day that the cover is revealed. For The Rose of Florence, I remember it being such a milestone, the day that it actually became a real book, and yes, it reduced me to tears.

Today, I'm sharing with you a beautiful book cover on the day that it's shared with the world. You'll have to wait a little while to get your hands on the book itself, but this should whet your appetite.

The book is The Santorini Writing Retreat by fellow Cariad author, Eva Glyn. While the title and the cover is probably enough to make you want to dive in, you'll also want to know what it's all about. So, here's the blurb that you would find on the back cover - equally important!

A secret, a sacrifice, and stories to share. A life-changing month in the sun.

Best-selling author Jessica Rose needs to escape. From her controlling husband, from her increasingly impatient publisher, but most of all from the terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s here she’s determined to make The Retreat House successful at all costs. So determined, she’s in danger of forgetting the reason she had to return – to protect the man she loves.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud. She can’t let the others’ problems distract her; but how can she ignore them when she knows she can help?

Ebook publication 31^st March 2025

Paperback publication 10^th April 2025

Publisher: One More Chapter

You know how I love a good recipe. So much so, that I included a few in The Rose of Florence. As an extra treat, Eva Glyn tells us a bit about the flavour of Santorini and some of the research that she did preparing the book. Oh, I love a good bit of research!

I wanted to bring a flavour of the real Santorini to readers of The Santorini Writing Retreat, so I decided to set the retreat house on a farm rather than in one of the island’s more touristy areas, and when I was researching it, one farm in particular inspired me.

I read an online interview with a man called Yiannis Nomikos who has a real passion for Santorini’s traditional products and farming methods. He comes from an agricultural family, and one of his earliest memories is helping with the fava bean threshing on the traditional circular winnowing floor, with the help of borrowed donkeys and sea breezes.

Although he also grows pistachios, tomatoes and capers – to name but a few – it was clear when I met him that the fava bean remains Yiannis’ passion. Planted in December, it is harvested in April before the weather becomes too hot. The beans grow in pods and these days the processing is done by machine, not beast, and the result is an exceptionally high quality product which Nomikos Estate sells in its shop in Oia, and from the farm in the village of Vothonas, which is open to visitors for tours and tastings during the tourist season.

The Santorini fava is more akin to a yellow split pea and is most often made into a delicious puree. For readers wishing to indulge in a little Santorini food fantasy, here is a recipe from Nomikos’ website:

Fava Beans with Seared Octopus - Nomikos Estate Santorini

Fava Beans with Seared Octopus Santorini’s Fava makes an amazing pairing with all sea foods! Chef Spyros Agious Ingredients for 4 portions For the Fava purée: ½ Medium onion roughly chopped, 200gr. Fava Nomikos Estate 1 Bay leaf, Olive oil, 800ml. Water, Sea salt and black pepperFor the Octapus: 1ki…

Nomikos Estate Santorini - Santorini Earth Goodsnomikosestate-admin

Why has Angela written a blog about Sicily? She hasn't even been there! Well, this Angela hasn't, but my fellow Cariad author, Angela Petch has. As you know, I occasionally share a blog with fellow authors, featuring books that I believe my readers would also enjoy, and today we have one of those blogs. I have read a few of Angela's books, and have loved them, mainly because you can feel the love of the place and characters in her writing. For example, The Girl Who Escaped was based on the life of her Italian husband's grandfather during the years of WW2 and was truly fascinating.

On April 23rd 2024, her new book, The Sicilian Secret, was published.  Again, the location is so important to Angela, and here she shares a little of it with us in an excerpt from The Sicilian Secret.

Savio stopped, placing his burden down on the path, shielding his eyes with both hands. The sight was like nothing he’d ever seen. Colourful succulents clung to the side of tufa rocks; butterflies danced their way from plant to plant. The openings invited exploration. The place was primeval, menacing and alluring at the same time. He itched to draw the sights on which his eyes were feasting but he was sure he could never do it justice.

‘Where are we?’ he asked.

‘They call it Pantalica.’ She shrugged. ‘There’s nothing here save wild animals and one or two abandoned huts. You might see an occasional shepherd, but you’ll be safe here.

Angela, how did you come to include this in your new book?

This Sicilian location appears towards the end of my new book but the place has been etched in my memory for over fifty years when I worked on the island. So, when I returned to Pantalica with my husband last spring on a research trip, it was inevitable that this desolate spot (now a UNESCO SITE) should creep into the story as the solution to a missing link.

Well, it sounds like a fascinating place, and although Sicily has always been on my list of places to visit, it's certainly moved up a few notches! Thank you Angela.

You can get your copy of The Sicilian Secret here. Or you can get the audio version on the following links: UK and US.

A bit about Angela Petch:

Published by Bookouture, Angela Petch is an award-winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they sometimes let out. When not exploring their unspoilt corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas.

The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.

Angela’s gripping WWII novels set in Italy are published by Bookouture, while her novel, Mavis and Dot, was self-published and tells of the frolics and foibles of two best-friends who live by the seaside. Angela also writes short stories published in Prima and People’s Friend.

You can also find and follow her here:

Blog: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaJaneClarePetch

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angela_Petch

Instagram: @angela_maurice

It's been just over a year since the publication of The Rose of Florence, and it's taken some time to organise my thoughts for Book #2. Should I do something completely different? I considered it (briefly), but unsurprisingly, I kept coming back to Renaissance Florence. It's where my heart is, and it has such a rich source of history, art, people...and stories.

The Rose was set in 1478, when Florence was under the influence of the powerful Medici family. Much of the wonderful art and architecture that we see today was created during that time, thanks to the patronage of wealthy men, such as Lorenzo The Magnificent, Il Magnifico. There was feasting and fornicating aplenty! Of course, not everyone approved of such a society, and it didn't take long before Florence came under the influence of the Dominican friar from Ferrara, Girolamo Savonarola. This powerful preacher condemned the corruption that was rife in government and the Catholic Church. Indeed, the Pope at the time was Alexander VI, the Borgia Pope, but that's a whole other story! With the Medici family now banished, Savonarola had managed to successfully negotiate peace with invading French forces and also create a more democratic government. Florence was now a republic, but a republic with Savonarola behind it.

He preached that Florence was to be the New Jerusalem, a City of God, if the people of Florence followed his words. After generations of plague and poverty, crime and corruption, the appetite for God's promises was ravenous, and the people were fanatical in their support of the Dominican friar. Groups of boys and men, known as the Piagnoni (or weepers/wailers), would move from house to house, collecting items of vanity, anything that would turn thoughts away from God. Items such as cosmetics, mirrors, playing cards and non-religious artworks were all condemned to a Bonfire of the Vanities.

So, dear reader, this is the background I chose for Book #2. Its current working title is Hiding the Flame, and not just because of the link with the Bonfire of the Vanities. You'd be disappointed if that's all it was!

The story starts in 1496, eighteen years after The Rose ended. It's not all fire and brimstone. Botticelli is still prolific in his work and makes a number of appearances in my story, although it is believed that he also was heavily influenced by Savonarola's preaching. In what is strictly a man's world, strong female characters try to make their own way in life with whatever skills and tools they have.

Is it a sequel to The Rose of Florence? In a way, I suppose it is, but it will be a story that will stand alone. If you have read The Rose, though, you will recognise some of the same characters. Which characters are you hoping will return?

PS: I would like to think that Hiding the Flame will be published sometime in 2025. Let's hope my publisher, Romaunce Books, likes it!
PPS: I'm afraid you currently can't reply directly to this email, but please let me know your thoughts on Facebook, X or Insta :)

As most of you will know, Florence was the biggest inspiration behind The Rose of Florence, and I'm always fascinated by the settings and history behind other authors' books. Today, I'm delighted to welcome Luisa A Jones to my blog, where she shares the inspiration behind her books, The Gilded Cage, and the recently published The Broken Vow. Luisa is a fellow Welsh author and member of the Cariad chapter of the RNA. Croeso, Luisa!

Hi Angela, and thank you for inviting me to contribute to your blog. Knowing how your trips to Florence inspire your own writing, I thought I’d tell your readers a little about Plas Norton, the main setting for my latest novel The Broken Vow. My fictional Welsh mansion was inspired by Newton House near Llandeilo, which has been owned by the National Trust since the 1990s. I’ve been there several times, and its gothic towers and crenellations came to mind when I first imagined the gloomy home of Lady Rosamund Fitznorton for my previous novel, The Gilded Cage.

Although it was originally built in around 1660, the façade we see today at the real-life Newton House was remodelled in the 1850s. Built in the grounds of the ruined Dinefwr Castle, the house was the ancestral home of the Rice family, descendants of The Lord Rhys, Prince of the medieval Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. Deer and distinctive white cattle graze the parkland surrounding it. I can recommend it as an interesting day out if you’re ever in the area  - make sure you indulge in a cream tea in the café while you’re there, to give you energy for climbing up to enjoy the far-reaching views from the towers of Dinefwr Castle!

In The Gilded Cage, Rosamund finds Plas Norton’s appearance and atmosphere oppressive, as her life there is terribly unhappy. However, The Broken Vow focuses on Rosamund’s nineteen year-old stepdaughter Charlotte. Having achieved her father’s dream of securing an aristocratic fiancé, Charlotte has no further ambitions beyond being a Society wife and hostess until war threatens her plans. When the story begins, Charlotte has been living with her wealthy aunt in London. Only when she learns that her fiancé Eustace has the mysterious new condition of “shell-shock” does she decide to return to her childhood home of Plas Norton, to create a sanctuary in which he can recover.

Unlike her stepmother, Charlotte has happy memories of the house. Having always had a band of servants catering to her every whim, she now arrives home with only one maid, Miss Sharp, and the chauffeur Joseph Cadwalader, to help her convert the house into a convalescent home. She will have to grow up quickly!

Here's an exclusive extract from Charlotte’s homecoming:

“I’m back,” she breathed, greeting the house which had been awaiting her return. Although it was hidden at intervals by clumps of oak and wych elm, she took in its details: the triple gothic arches of the front porch, the pointed windows and the crenellations along the roof line. Cadwalader drew the car up just outside the ha-ha and slid across the front seat, leaving the engine running while he climbed out and opened the front gates wide. The metal hinges screeched like an eagle’s cry, welcoming Charlotte home.

She half expected to see Phelps, the family’s portly butler, waiting inside the porch, but of course there was no one waiting to greet them. It was the first time she had ever seen the house entirely empty. Without any signs of human activity, the grey stone seemed cold and bleak, the windows blank and dark. Weeds had sprung up in the gravel with no gardeners to remove them, and when Charlotte descended from the car she stepped carefully to avoid the rabbit droppings scattered everywhere. She approached the porch, hunching her shoulders against the wind, which whipped through it with seemingly renewed vigour. The largest and heaviest key fitted the lock in the oak front door, and she crossed the threshold into the darkness of the hallway...

Its emptiness made the hall feel unfamiliar. There were no flowers on the table, only a heavy white sheet to protect it. The chairs serried against the panelled walls were covered in a film of dust, and the air smelled stale and musty. It was so quiet, Charlotte could hear herself breathing: the clocks had stopped ticking without Phelps or the footmen to wind them. She spun on her heel. Had she imagined the sound of tiny, scurrying feet along the corridor? Probably not, to judge by the way Sharp had turned pale…

I hope this has whetted your appetite for finding out how drastically Charlotte’s life is about to change! Thanks again for allowing me to share this snippet from the book.

Thanks Luisa. I can't wait to find out how Charlotte manages! It's been lovely to find out more about your inspiration for your stories. I'll definitely have to visit one day.

If you're keen to find out more about The Broken Vow, you can get your copy here.

You can also follow Luisa on Twitter (I mean X!) here, Facebook here and Instagram here!

We all have at least one book within us. Isn't that what they say? How many of us believe that to be true? I, for one, was extremely dubious. It seemed like an achievement only possible for "real authors", not normal human beings like you and me. Never one to be put off, I plodded along, focussing on enjoying the process, rather than worrying about the outcome. But, thanks to publishers, Romaunce Books Ltd, The Rose of Florence was published on 16th January, 2023.

So this week, The Rose celebrates her 1st birthday. A year already! It's been a great year, too. Nobody prepared me for what publishing a book entails, but I've had some great experiences, so please indulge me while I briefly revisit some of them.

Publication Day sadly came and went in a bit of a Covid blur, but I soon bounced back in time to enjoy the launch event. This was held in the beautiful Drawing Room of Insole Court and was attended by many family and friends. It was such a special occasion, and one that I will remember forever.

The very talented and award-winning jewellery designer, Suzie Horan created and produced a limited edition set of necklaces and earrings for the occasion, and I still wear mine with pride.

In May, I travelled back to Florence, primarily to attend a course on Renaissance Art at the British Institute in Florence. (If ever you get chance to do this, take it. You won't regret it!) While I was there, I was able to see a copy of my book on the shelves of Florence's independent book shop, the Paperback Exchange. That was such a proud moment, seeing The Rose at home in her birthplace. She was in excellent company too!

In June, I was lucky enough to be asked to speak to a book club at the local library, Fairwater Hyb about my writing journey, about The Rose and about Florence itself, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It doesn't take much for me to start rabbiting, and they were all very interested, asking lots of questions. I hope some of them have made it to Florence. (Perhaps I should be working for the Florentine tourist board!)

Then came the event that made me realise that yes, I am an author! The Romantic Novelists' Association Awards Ceremony is an annual event, held in August at the end of their conference, and I was a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award for debut authors. It was held in Imperial College London, and what an honour it was to be there. I didn't win the trophy, but I did win a bit of self-confidence. Perhaps I can do this writing lark after all?

While it was still hot and sunny, on a beautiful evening in September, I did another author event, this time in Radyr Hyb. Will I ever get bored talking about my book, my characters, the time period, the setting, the beautiful city of Florence? I think it unlikely!

At the end of 2023, I came full circle and returned to Florence, where I collected my first Florentine earnings. I don't think I'm likely to retire to the Bahamas just yet, but it was still a very special moment for me.

A year on, and I'm still very proud of The Rose of Florence. I think I'm also realistic in that I don't expect Netflix to be banging on my door with offers of a mini-series, although I have, of course, created a full cast in my mind! Writing will still play an important part of my life, and I will continue to work on Book 2, in the hope that I can do it all again.

Thank you for allowing me to share The Rose's first year with you. If you'd like to give her a birthday present, the best thing you could do is leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads (or both). We'd be very grateful :)

Of course, if you haven't yet read The Rose of Florence, that would make a great birthday present too! You can get yours here.

It’s a great privilege to share my musings with you, and today I offer some culinary contemplations for your delectation!

My debut novel, The Rose of Florence, is an historical fiction, based in Renaissance Florence and includes a mixture of romance, murder and intrigue. These may be the perfect ingredients for a good story, but that’s not the only recipe you’ll find there. As my story developed, my thoughts began to turn to food (as they often do!) and how food can help create the right atmosphere for time and place. This thought kept coming back to me, and I realised that I wanted to include more of the food I'd researched. At the start of Chapter 16, Eleonora, the cook, creates her signature dessert, the zuccotto. While I loved writing about it, there was a danger that food would take over the story, and not everyone would be as excited by Renaissance recipes as me!

So, I reined in my enthusiasm (slightly!)...but something was still niggling me. I wanted to share with my readers some of the wonderful Tuscan food I’d sampled over the years (all in the name of research, of course). Florentines are very proud of their cuisine, and the restaurant and hotel owners we've come to know were very generous with their time and advice. Eventually, the plan for presenting a meal to you came together, and this is how I start The Rose of Florence...

“L’appetito vien mangiando”
“The appetite comes while you are eating”
Italian proverb

A good story should be very like a good meal and should be just as satisfying. Each will have its own stages or courses, and each course should make you look forward to the next. Like guests at my dining table, I offer my story to you for your entertainment and enjoyment.

We start with the traditional Italian aperitivo, designed to whet the appetite, encouraging you on to the next course and the course after that. At each course, I offer a simple Tuscan recipe to represent each stage of the story. We finish the story with a dolce or dessert and a simple digestivo, which I hope will leave you figuratively patting your stomach in satisfaction.

It was quite a risk, to structure a book in this way. Might it interrupt the flow of the story? Or would it actually add another layer of interest? Eventually, I decided to keep the idea, and I'm so glad I did. Reviews are beginning to come in, and it seems that the recipes are a big hit with readers.

"I really enjoyed the descriptions of the feast courses that were sprinkled in the book, the recipes look amazing. I’ve not seen this in a book before and found it refreshing and a great interlude between all the horrors going on." Georgina C, Amazon review.

"One of my favourite parts of the book is the recipes for a good meal that sit between each section, they make a nice marker and they do sound so lovely. I've added a few of the recipes to my to-try list, Italian food always sounds so indulgent!" K. Miles, Amazon review.

I'd love to know what you think.

Have you made any of the recipes?

What would you like to see next?

In August, you may remember I mentioned travelling to Imperial College, London as a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award for debut novelists. It was a wonderful experience, and I met some lovely people there, not least of whom was Katy Turner, who went on to win the award. Today, I'm delighted to host this award-winning author on my blog. I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Katy and her book, "Let's Just Be Friends".

(Make sure you get your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/LETS-FRIENDS-perfect-feel-good-romance-ebook/dp/B0C2J66Q66 )

Welcome, Katy! Thanks for joining me. Can I start by asking what is your background? What did you do before you started writing?

My first job proper job was at a literary agency.  I started, in time-honoured fashion, in the post room (I am very handy with a franking machine) and then became an assistant to an agent.  I worked there for most of my twenties, before retraining as a history teacher.  That didn’t last long, as I had my first child in the summer holidays after completing my training, and then I became a stay-at-home mum.  And wrote a lot during nap times.

As you know, I also love a bit of history! What period of history is your favourite?

Probably medieval. It’s far enough back to have more than a hint of magic, and there’s something fascinating about topics like the birth of towns, the nitty-gritty of the wool-trade, castle building and royal manoeuvrings.  I also really loved architectural history, which I studied for a couple of terms at uni, and am very happy spending time looking at floorplans of Palladian villas.

What inspired you to write a novel, and how did you come up with your story?

I had always secretly wanted to be a writer, and I’d written a couple of books (which are sat in a drawer), before Let’s Just Be Friends.  It took me a little while to gather the confidence to do it, and to get it right.

Let’s Just Be Friends was borne out of wanting a main character who yearned more than anything to be independent, and not to have to rely on anyone – especially a man – to get through life.  Also, when I was younger, I would have loved to have been a vet, my aunt being one up in the Highlands, so I was living vicariously a little.  Perhaps too, as the book was started under lockdown, I chose a location in the British Isles almost as far from Hampshire as one can get.

We all know authors have some crazy research trails. What's yours?

Possibly talking to my aunt (a vet) my uncle (a former cattle farmer) and mother in law (a pig farmer) about various animal illnesses. I’ve also found myself reading up on cruck-framed buildings recently. It began as a tangent and I ran with it.

Most writers are avid readers too, so what is your favourite genre of books to read? Do you have an all-time favourite book?

I love romance (of course), and also tend to go for women’s literary fiction of the early to mid-twentieth century variety.  It’s impossible to pick an all-time favourite, but my top three are probably Cold Comfort Farm, Rebecca and Coming Home by Rosamund Pilcher.  Oh, and Jilly Cooper’s Rivals.  Sorry.  That’s now four.

Now you’ve had time to absorb the fantastic news of winning the prestigious Joan Hessayon Award, how do you feel?

It’s had time to sink in, but when I think about it, it still takes me by surprise.  That said, it’s given me confidence (which I sorely lack a lot of the time) to get me through the next few thousand words, and not dismiss every other paragraph I write as garbage.

What’s next for Katy Turner, Award-Winning Author?

Ha!  Now school has started again, I’m typing away, trying to order my thoughts coherently, and attempting not forget to develop my secondary plot threads.

Many thanks, Katy. It's been so good to chat to you, and I wish you every success. I hope we can keep in touch.

If you'd like to keep in touch with Katy, you can find her here:

Twitter - Katy Turner: @katherinecjones https://twitter.com/katherinecjones
Instagram - KatyTurnerWrites: https://www.instagram.com/katyturnerwrites/
Facebook - Katy Turner Writes: https://www.facebook.com/katy.turner.writes

Finding your tribe is important in any part of life, and I have frequently mentioned that my "writing tribe" is the Cariad Chapter of the RNA. Inspiration by the bucketload, and more supportive than an underwired bra! What this tribe does particularly well is celebrate success. I couldn't have asked for more encouragement on my road to publication, and their joy for me was genuine and heartfelt.

Today, I am celebrating the success of a selection of our Cariads. There are a few books just published or just about to be published, and I'd like to share them with you. I have read books by some (but not all) of these authors. (They're on my list!) I'm sure you'll find new favourites among them. So, sit back, and let's browse this virtual bookshop.

The first is a new Cornish Echoes romantic mystery from Jane Cable, called The Lost Heir, a beautiful time-shift romance set in Cornwall between the Regency era and the modern day.

1810: Smuggler William meets his childhood friend Franny on the cliffs, but something about her has changed...

2020: On just the same spot, Carla meets a man with the darkest of auras...

You can get your copy here: https://getbook.at/LostHeir

Learn more about Jane on her website: https://janecable.com/

Next, we have The Sea Sisters Swimming Club by Sue McDonagh, who also paints her own book covers. Talented lady! She says that it was inspired by the group that  she sea swims with regularly. She says "No matter how long it is between your swims, you're always assured of a warm welcome."

This is a romance about sisterhood and second chances.

Fifty-year-old police officer Fran Doherty thought she had a good few years left in her. But if a heart attack while dancing the night away at a disco in a sequin dress isn't a sign to slow down, then she doesn't know what is . . .

Fran's waved goodbye to the force and hello to her pension. But who is she without her job? She decides to get away from it all in Llanbryn, an idyllic seaside village in Wales. It beats feeling sorry for herself and watching Homes Under the Hammer all day.

Fran's soon taken under the wing of the Sea Sisters, a group of inspirational women of all ages and sizes who swim in the ocean. They challenge her to move on from the past and face her life-long fear of the sea. And the strapping Wyn catches her eye. He appears to be the local troublemaker, but perhaps Fran's got the wrong end of the stick . . .

The closer she gets to Wyn, the more she's unable to deny the feelings he brings out in her. And Llanbryn feels more like home with every passing day. Fran feels more alive than she has in years, but Wyn has his own emotional scars. Maybe they can help each other?

You can dive in here: The Sea Sisters Swimming Club: A brand new unputdownable romance about sisterhood and second chances: Amazon.co.uk: McDonagh, Sue: 9781781895870: Books

Now, we say hello to Cass Grafton, who writes feel-good, contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manages to live there vicariously through her characters and settings. She is about to release the first of a new 5-book contemporary romance series. This is New Dreams at Polkerran Point and will be released on 21st September.

When Anna is drawn back to Cornwall after many years away, she’s soon swept off her feet by an old crush. Loving life, and her job with a reclusive and somewhat exasperating historian, it seems she has all she’s ever wished for—until a shock revelation brings everything under threat. Can Anna save her new life and, if she does, who will be there to hold her hand?

You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Dreams-Polkerran-Point-uplifting-ebook/dp/B0C5CL6KR3

Next, we say hello to Sandra, who writes as Jill Barry, and was also one of the first to read my early, tentative chapters. Her latest book is Love at War.

Set in the Welsh seaside town of Barry during World War two, Anna Christensen is not only stunningly attractive, but she’s young and bright. Despite the war she has everything going for her. She’s soon given the opportunity to cover when a secretary is ill. Her home life is complicated and she wants to be independent. She’s determined to show what she’s capable of, especially when she realises, she has the support of her secretarial teacher and the woman in charge of the typing pool.

However, being beautiful has it’s drawbacks, particularly when she doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Inevitably, she ends up with three potential boyfriends – the charming Captain, the handsome 2nd Lieutenant and the boy next door. Emotions run high as she favours one, then another. The backdrop of war is ever present and you appreciate you’ve got to live for today. No one knows what’s going to happen next which makes for a truly emotional story that sweeps you along to the very last page.

You can find your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-at-War-Jill-Barry/dp/1739117336

And learn more about Jill Barry here: www.jillbarry.com

Now, we welcome Imogen Martin, who writes sweeping, historical fiction, with tales of brooding charismatic men, captivated by independent women. Her first novel, Under A Guilded Sky, is due to be released on 15th September.

In this epic and unforgettable love story, set in the wilds of Missouri and the glamour of high society Boston at the dawn of the Gilded Age, one woman’s life changes forever the day that a stranger turns up on her doorstep.

Missouri, February 1874: The last thing struggling homesteader Ginny needs is a scandal on her hands. But when a badly injured drifter arrives at Snow Farm in desperate need of medical attention, Ginny’s kind nature and good upbringing means she has no choice but to treat his wounds and care for him until he’s back on his feet, no matter the danger he might pose.

Make sure you pre-order your copy here: https://geni.us/176-al-aut-ch

And learn more about Imogen here: https://imogenmartinauthor.com

And now, say hello to Anne, who writes as Anni Rose. Her book, Recipe for Mr Banksy, is book 5 in her Recipes for Love series and will be released on 19th September. It's a stand-alone, modern-day romance, set in the fictional town of Redford.

Daisy’s love life needs a makeover . . .

Beauty therapist Daisy is having one of those days. She’s just ended things with her boyfriend. Coming home to a huge ‘Sold’ sign planted in their front lawn and hearing him planning to move them into a caravan is the last straw. To top it off, her greedy landlord, who also happens to be her ex’s best friend, is threatening to ruin her business.

So it’s no surprise a spelling mistake in the butcher’s window is enough to push her over the edge. And fixing it with a can of spray paint from a passing graffiti artist only makes things worse. The graffiti artist is actually trainee doctor Jackson. Street art helps him to relax when he’s not at his stressful job.

Jackson doesn’t know what to make of the impulsive Daisy, but he can’t get her out of his head. As Daisy fights to save her business, fate seems to delight in throwing her and Jackson together.

And boy do they make a good team . . . But can a passionate beauty therapist and a sensible doctor really have a future?

Cook up some laugh-out-loud romance by getting your copy here: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CF62GY4F

Last, but by no means least, is Jan Baynham, who is releasing her fourth novel, The Secret Sister, on 31st August. It's set in 1943 and 1968, in rural Wales and the island of Sicily, and is a dual timeline dealing with secrets, forbidden love, sibling relationships and forgiveness. Two sisters work together to prove their father’s innocence of a crime he did not commit and clear his name.

Wales, 1943.
Sara Lewis should be heartbroken when her husband doesn’t return from war. But he was never the kind husband she hoped for. And now she’s stuck with her cruel mother-in-law on the family farm. Sara must do what is best for her young son. So she leaves the farm for the safety of her sister’s home. Despite herself, she begins to notice Carlo, an Italian prisoner of war. Longing looks soon turn into love letters and a connection neither of them can sever. But fraternization between the prisoners and local women are forbidden. As their love grows, so
does the danger all around them . . .

Twenty-five years later, their daughter holds her father’s hand as he takes his last breath and whispers a name: Giulietta. But who is Giulietta, and who are the young woman and baby in an old photograph? The secrets of the past collide as the family are shaken to their very core, forced to revisit memories they’d rather forget to uncover the truth.

Don't forget to get your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=secret+sister+book+jan+baynham&crid=2Q82PR4G4H3UO&sprefix=secret+sister+book+jan+baynham%2Caps%2C80&ref=nb_sb_noss

I hope you've enjoyed browsing some of the Cariad Collection. I'm sure your "To-Be-Read" pile has increased, just as mine has. But what is life without a good book, eh?

Well, it wasn't me! The winner of the Joan Hessayon Award for new writers was a lovely lady, called Katy Turner, for her novel "Let's Just Be Friends". I couldn't possibly be disappointed, because I know what an achievement it was to have been a contender at all. The award ceremony took place in Imperial College, London, on Saturday evening, and it was a fantastic occasion. I finally got to meet my publisher, who came to support me, and there was a substantial contingent of the Cariad Chapter, enjoying the conference too. Your support, ladies, meant so much to me.

In the run-up to the ceremony, all contenders were advised to prepare an acceptance speech, which I did, more in hope than expectation. However, having written (& memorised) it, I thought I'd share it with you anyway, as I really felt like a winner that evening, just by being in the running. So, until I reach proper award-winning status (one can dream!), here is the speech that I would have given on Saturday night.

Firstly, I'd like to congratulate my fellow contenders for this award. To reach this stage is no mean feat, and we should be very proud of our achievements. Well done, ladies!

When I was 18, I recorded my very first ECG. What followed was a wonderful career of almost 30 years in cardiology.  I never thought I'd leave the NHS, but at the age of 47, I did just that and started working as a University lecturer, another career which has given me much joy and satisfaction - and continues to do so.

But it seems that I was destined to return to matters of the heart, because at the age of 59, my first book, an historical romance, was published. However, would it have happened without the RNA New Writers' Scheme? I think...possibly not.

I was in danger of drowning in research books, never to be seen again. The Rose of Florence may never have seen the light of day, but with the help of my wonderful NWS reviewer, Katherine Mezzacappa, my story was whipped into shape, and now I can hold my book in my hand...and every one of you here knows how special that feeling is.

You also know how much support is needed in bringing a book to publication, so in true Oscars style, I have thanks to give.

Firstly, to the ladies of the Cariad Chapter of the RNA. If you have a local chapter, cherish them They are a constant source of support and inspiration. I should, in particular, mention Sue McDonagh who, over a curry with a local bikers' group (I kid you not) first pointed me in the direction of the RNA and NWS.

I have already mentioned Katherine, my NWS reviewer. The NWS is anonymous, but we connected quite by accident, and I now consider her a good friend. No thanks will ever be enough for the guidance she has given me.

Toni, from Romaunce Books. You took a chance on this new writer, and despite my constant emails full of questions, you continue to work hard to get The Rose out there. I will always be grateful to you for giving me that chance. Thank you so much, and thank you for being here today to support me.

The biggest thank you has to go to my husband, Keith. He has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. We started just as tourists in a very pretty city called Florence, but very soon, he was as invested as I was in the art, the history, the culture...the food! When I'm looking for a particular research book, he's the one who will scour the internet for a copy that doesn't cost the earth. He makes constant cups of tea, while I am writing, and of course, he always travels to Florence with me. He's a tough cookie! Even today, he has driven me here from Cardiff and is currently outside, dodging traffic wardens before we drive back later this evening.

I'm sure you'll agree that everyone needs a Keith in their lives!

And thank you to the RNA for supporting new writers like me and my fellow contenders. We would not be here without you.

As they say in Florence... Grazie di cuore!

And at home in Wales... Diolch yn fawr iawn!

Those of you who follow my social media posts will know that I've been lucky enough to be announced as a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award for debut novelists with the Romantic Novelists' Association. (Yes, still pinching myself!) At the time of the announcement, I was also asked to write a short article about my views on historical fiction. Of course, I didn't need to be asked twice! Here's my take on it, but I'd love to hear your views. What do you look for in historical fiction?

This article was first published on writing.ie  on 25th July 2023 and can be accessed via this link: https://www.writing.ie/resources/my-view-on-historical-fiction-by-angela-m-sims/

When I began writing, there was never a question about whether it should be historical fiction or not. It was always going to be a historical setting. The reason for this is that my interest in the Italian Renaissance came before the decision to write a novel. Much of my research happened as a result of being an inquisitive tourist, rather than a researching author. Of course, this changed as my first novel, The Rose of Florence, blossomed. The central event of the story is The Pazzi Conspiracy, a real event in the history of Florence that can be found in many a history book, and even dramatised for television. This was the starting point for me. It has been widely written about, and so I had no trouble finding detailed, while sometimes conflicting, accounts of the events. This is where being an author of fiction allows a certain amount of freedom. You can take some liberties with the truth, but where should you stop?

Of course, this is my view on historical fiction, and one that is important to me as a reader, but other authors may have a very different view. If you are going to write about a well-documented event, you really owe it to your reader (and to the protagonists) to be as accurate as possible. The who, the what, the how and the why were very important to me, and I tried to keep this as accurate as possible. I did, however, play with the date a little. History books tell us that the event occurred during Eastertide, between Easter itself and Pentecost, forty days later. Some more dramatic accounts place it on Easter Sunday itself, and I chose to go with this version, purely for purposes of the story. Having taken this liberty, I also believe it is my responsibility to ensure the reader knows I have done this by including the correct version in my Author’s Notes at the end of the book.

So, this is the main event with facts that can easily be checked, but what about the smaller details? What about the time, the place, the people who lived there at the time? Any reader of historical fiction will tell you how important it is to get the feeling that you are there with the characters, to see what they see, to taste what they eat, and so on, and this is where research gets interesting. It is said that an author’s internet search history could sometimes get them arrested, or at least raise an eyebrow or two, and I was no different. “What part of a foxglove is poisonous?” “How much is needed to kill?” “What are the symptoms of digitalis poisoning?” With a background in cardiology, I had a fair idea of the symptoms, but I needed to know how this poisoning might work in a Renaissance kitchen. Several internet searches and many hours and numerous books later, I have a fair idea how plants and herbs were used for good and evil at that time. Never upset an author. You never know what secret knowledge they possess!

With any research, primary sources are usually the most reliable, as they are accounts by people who were there and witnessed events. For some areas of history, that’s easy, because I can do it myself. No, I can’t go back five hundred years, but the landmarks I included in The Rose of Florence are still there today. I have visited them all many times and can close my eyes and see them as clearly as I can see my own kitchen or garden. Similarly with food. There are many writers of medieval cookery, and I spent countless hours poring over their descriptions of foods that were consumed at the time. But why take their word for it? Eleonora, the cook in my story, is famous for her zuccotto, an Italian dessert. I have eaten my fair share of Italian desserts but hadn’t come across this before. I visited several restaurants and coffee shops in Florence but only found one that made them. It wasn’t that impressive, if I’m honest, but I was intrigued by the number of variations of the recipe that were available in my research. So, what would an honest, researching author do? I tried it out myself. By combining what I considered to be the best parts of each recipe, I created my own zuccotto … and pretty darn good it was, too!

It is possible to get things wrong, though, and this is where my Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) reviewer proved invaluable. One of the great aspects of this scheme is that the NWS pairs you with a reviewer who is experienced in writing your genre, and so it was with mine. Taking the small yet significant parts first, she picked up that the surname that I’d chosen for one of the characters was unlikely to be found in Florence at the time. She also commented that my main character’s blond hair was implausible. While there are many blond(e) Italians now, at the time this story is set, it would have been highly unlikely that they would have had anything other than dark hair. These are small details, but if a writer is to take their reader into a historical world, then it should be as accurate as possible.

As an experienced author, it would have been too easy for her to find fault with my crude attempt at a novel and make no mistake, she did. There were great plot holes, character flaws and inconsistencies aplenty, and she found them all, but what she did was send me a very detailed report that encouraged me. Much of the report also highlighted what was good about it and made me believe that I could actually achieve the impossible dream of a published novel.

And here I am, my debut novel is published, and I am now a contender for the RNA Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers. A couple of years ago, like many before me I suspect, I would never have believed that such a thing would be possible, and it is my true belief that without the NWS it would have been impossible … or at least I would have spent far too long in the murky world of Renaissance research and never been seen again!