Costanza lives on a vast seventeenth-century estate in Terni, Italy, north of Rome. While her adult son is away at the university, she and her teenage daughter, Anabella, are confronted with challenges of the estate. There is a fire in the vineyards, cattle are stolen, disputes arise among the servants, and unexpected visitors arrive. When Anabella is kidnapped by those who seek claim to her dowry, Costanza must accept help from a handsome merchant to get her back. Antonio is wealthy, but lonely, and chooses to travel as a merchant to fill the emptiness of life. When he encounters Costanza, he is drawn to her family and faith. Assuming it should be easy to get what he wants, he proposes... but is rejected. Costanza would rather remain a widow than have a husband who is rarely home. She is enjoying her independent role of estate manager and will marry for no less than the deepest of love. Can Antonio persuade her that he can offer what she desires?
Reaching for Independence is both about war and about love. The story is set in the nineteenth century during Greece's chaotic War for Independence from the Ottoman Turks. The fascinating historical figures include Captain Bouboulina, the woman who launched the war to free Greece, two Greek war commanders, Mavrocordatos and Kolokotronis, who opposed each other—nearly causing a civil war—and the famous poet, Lord Byron, who led troops to victory. Real characters intermingle with fictional ones. Widowed Dr. Mikos and his teen-aged daughters, Zoe and Lyrica, move from a Greek island to the mainland to establish a hidden clinic for wounded soldiers. Zoe faces a dilemma: She is betrothed to Philip, a soldier, who is brilliant and ambitious. His younger brother, Iscos, becomes wounded in battle and is taken to the clinic. While tending him, Zoe realizes how deeply she cares for him. Suspense builds as victory in war seems in doubt, and no one knows until the end which brother will win Zoe's love.
In sixteenth-century Europe, Francoise Chaplain is mourning the loss of her fiance and close family members. She, her mother, and one surviving brother find refuge on a farm, but they must escape war and sickness, and seek safety at a villa in Milan. There she encounters the attentions of the grand duke and the ravages of the plague - and more tragedy. Her only hope is in her relationship with God and the kindness of the man who loves her. Stefano Marinelli is at once taken with the beautiful Francoise, but he sees deep hurt in her eyes. He professes his love for her and asks her to become his wife. Could any man win Francoise's silent heart?
Proud Albret Maseo believes honor must precede love. Although he loves Anabella Biliverti with all his heart, his peasant status spurs him to earn the affection of this noble-blooded lady. Caught up in a peasant revolt, Albret knows he must release Anabella from any obligation toward him until he has proven his worth in her eyes... and his own. Anabella has loved Albret a long while-and he's never been anything but dignified in her eyes. Her heart is confused and broken at his declaration, freeing her to love another. Vexed, she finds entertainment and comfort in the social life of Florence. When wounded honor calls for a duel, love's strength and valor is tested. Will Albret allow the Lord to open his eyes before it's too late?
The cultured city of Rome during the seventeeth century embraces almost any artist of emerging talent--unless that artist is a woman. Bianca Marinelli's ambition to become an accomplished artist blinds her to the realities of her day and sends her on a quest to be apprenticed by the famous artist Caravaggio. Marco Biliverti's castle and lands were confiscated by his evil brother. Until Marco can prove he is the rightful heir to his father's estate, he is forced to work as a stonemason. Because he also supports his widowed mother and sister, he agrees to sit as a model for Caravaggio, supplementing his worker's income in any way possible. Marco is captivated by the intelligence and charm of the lovely Bianca. But bereft of his wealth and working as a common laborer, Marco cannot hope to pursue the woman of his dreams. Can they ever overcome the barriers that separate them from a growing love?
The cultured city of Rome during the seventeeth century embraces almost any artist of emerging talent--unless that artist is a woman. Bianca Marinelli's ambition to become an accomplished artist blinds her to the realities of her day and sends her on a quest to be apprenticed by the famous artist Caravaggio. Marco Biliverti's castle and lands were confiscated by his evil brother. Until Marco can prove he is the rightful heir to his father's estate, he is forced to work as a stonemason. Because he also supports his widowed mother and sister, he agrees to sit as a model for Caravaggio, supplementing his worker's income in any way possible. Marco is captivated by the intelligence and charm of the lovely Bianca. But bereft of his wealth and working as a common laborer, Marco cannot hope to pursue the woman of his dreams. Can they ever overcome the barriers that separate them from a growing love?
Costanza lives on a vast seventeenth-century estate in Terni, Italy, north of Rome. While her adult son is away at the university, she and her teenage daughter, Anabella, are confronted with challenges of the estate. There is a fire in the vineyards, cattle are stolen, disputes arise among the servants, and unexpected visitors arrive. When Anabella is kidnapped by those who seek claim to her dowry, Costanza must accept help from a handsome merchant to get her back. Antonio is wealthy, but lonely, and chooses to travel as a merchant to fill the emptiness of life. When he encounters Costanza, he is drawn to her family and faith. Assuming it should be easy to get what he wants, he proposes... but is rejected. Costanza would rather remain a widow than have a husband who is rarely home. She is enjoying her independent role of estate manager and will marry for no less than the deepest of love. Can Antonio persuade her that he can offer what she desires?
Proud Albret Maseo believes honor must precede love. Although he loves Anabella Biliverti with all his heart, his peasant status spurs him to earn the affection of this noble-blooded lady. Caught up in a peasant revolt, Albret knows he must release Anabella from any obligation toward him until he has proven his worth in her eyes... and his own. Anabella has loved Albret a long while-and he's never been anything but dignified in her eyes. Her heart is confused and broken at his declaration, freeing her to love another. Vexed, she finds entertainment and comfort in the social life of Florence. When wounded honor calls for a duel, love's strength and valor is tested. Will Albret allow the Lord to open his eyes before it's too late?
In sixteenth-century Europe, Francoise Chaplain is mourning the loss of her fiance and close family members. She, her mother, and one surviving brother find refuge on a farm, but they must escape war and sickness, and seek safety at a villa in Milan. There she encounters the attentions of the grand duke and the ravages of the plague - and more tragedy. Her only hope is in her relationship with God and the kindness of the man who loves her. Stefano Marinelli is at once taken with the beautiful Francoise, but he sees deep hurt in her eyes. He professes his love for her and asks her to become his wife. Could any man win Francoise's silent heart?
Reaching for Independence is both about war and about love. The story is set in the nineteenth century during Greece's chaotic War for Independence from the Ottoman Turks. The fascinating historical figures include Captain Bouboulina, the woman who launched the war to free Greece, two Greek war commanders, Mavrocordatos and Kolokotronis, who opposed each other—nearly causing a civil war—and the famous poet, Lord Byron, who led troops to victory. Real characters intermingle with fictional ones. Widowed Dr. Mikos and his teen-aged daughters, Zoe and Lyrica, move from a Greek island to the mainland to establish a hidden clinic for wounded soldiers. Zoe faces a dilemma: She is betrothed to Philip, a soldier, who is brilliant and ambitious. His younger brother, Iscos, becomes wounded in battle and is taken to the clinic. While tending him, Zoe realizes how deeply she cares for him. Suspense builds as victory in war seems in doubt, and no one knows until the end which brother will win Zoe's love.
The author wishes it to be known that the content of this book is authentic and true - messages sent from the Spirit World by Matthew's wife Barbara. When she passed over into the spiritual realms, that could have been the end of the book but Barbara is s
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