In part two of Renaissance noblewoman Caterina Sforza’s life, more heartbreak, treachery, and betrayal follow her:
Caterina Sforza, Countess of Imola and Forli, dares to dream that her old life of treachery and despair is finally over. But after tragedy strikes, Caterina must rule as regent for her young son while navigating the intrigues of the rest of Italy and continuing to raise her family.
Along with her trusted advisors, as well as new friends, Caterina rules fairly but firmly. And, when dealing with her enemies, her retribution is fierce. But Fate isn’t finished with her yet.
In part two of Caterina’s turbulent story, she finds her path strewn with more pain, death, and bloodshed, and must keep fighting for her territories and her rights as a ruler. But when she faces the Borgia Pope’s eldest son, Cesare, Caterina realises she is fighting for more than just her lands: this time she’s fighting for her life.
“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
You can order Turning the World to Stone Part Two here: https://mybook.to/Caterina2
Reader Comments:
Kelly Evans does a superb job combining facts and a little fiction to give us a real look at the kind of woman Caterina was. The Turning the World to Stone books shows us a woman ready to fight for what is hers by right. A woman who fights for her son’s patrimony and her own life. Caterina was a woman with wit, charisma, and a fortitude that even Cesare Borgia couldn’t break.5 Stars
Although she had powerful relatives, hers was a violent time and she faced enemies at every turn. Nonetheless, Caterina defied cultural barriers and made her way, holding her own against intense criticism.
Excerpt:
Glancing at the window, Caterina saw how late it was. She was tired and could tell by everyone’s faces and demeanour that they felt the same. “One last item to discuss today and you are all free to go home to your families. While the city recovers, a small Milanese army will remain in Forli to aid our efforts and provide additional protection.”
“Do we need this protection?” a voice called out.
“Probably not, but my brother offered and would take it as offence if we declined his generosity.”
The room was silent and Caterina waited to see if there would be any more dissent. After a moment she nodded at Luisa.
Luisa stood and addressed the room. “My Lords, if you’ll follow me…”
With a grateful glance at Luisa, Caterina watched her friend lead everyone out. Bossi turned to Luca, who had entered and was standing near the door. “Can you accompany Dama Tomassa?”
Caterina observed the younger man’s eager nod and smiled to herself. At least something was growing from this tragedy. When they were alone, Caterina closed the doors and turned to Bossi. “My husband’s body.” With everything Caterina had had to do the past few days, she’d had no time to deal with her own personal issues.
“The count rests in a pauper’s grave, I’m sorry to report.”
“Why?”
“It was all that could be done.” Bossi looked down and up again.
“Why was he not taken to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross?” It was the largest church in Forli.
“We asked and the Bishop refused. He said while he understands the countess’ grief, the count was no friend to the cathedral.”
Caterina couldn’t even imagine what Girolamo had done to alienate an entire cathedral but seeing as he’d done the same with most of Rome, it came as no surprise. “Then neither will I be a friend to them.” Angrily sitting, she poured herself a cup of wine. “I’ll have the count removed to Imola. Please ensure the cathedral in Forli know of my decision and my words and let them know they’ll never have my support for the grave insult they’ve perpetrated against my family.”
With a grim nod, Bossi departed the room. He met Luisa on his way out.
“I think I’ll dine in my rooms, are you able to join me?” It would be nice to have a little normality with her friend amidst the madness that surrounded her.
They settled at a small table in Caterina’s room as a servant carried in food and drink. Caterina had no appetite but knew that she had to eat. Forcing a slice of fish into her mouth, she washed it down with a mouthful of wine. When her stomach growled its appreciation, she continued.
As they ate in silence, Caterina felt a moment of calm descend, and closed her eyes to enjoy it. Taking a deep breath, she was about to open her eyes when a loud banging on her room door broke through the peace.
“Come in,” she shouted.
A guard appeared in the doorway, a young man whose name she couldn’t remember. Caterina made a point of memorising all of her men’s names and it frustrated her when her mind failed her.
“Madonna, he’s here.”
Reader Comments:
Kelly Evans does a superb job combining facts and a little fiction to give us a real look at the kind of woman Caterina was. The Turning the World to Stone books shows us a woman ready to fight for what is hers by right. A woman who fights for her son’s patrimony and her own life. Caterina was a woman with wit, charisma, and a fortitude that even Cesare Borgia couldn’t break. 5 Stars
Although she had powerful relatives, hers was a violent time and she faced enemies at every turn. Nonetheless, Caterina defied cultural barriers and made her way, holding her own against intense criticism. 5 Stars
“Thank you.” With a nod the guard was gone.
“Who’s here,” Luisa asked, her brows pulled together.
Caterina took another piece of fish. “Matteo Babone,” she delivered calmly, before popping the fish into her mouth.
“And who is Signor Babone?”
Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Caterina stood and brushed crumbs from her dress. When she was done, she looked up from her dress at Luisa.
“The executioner.”
You can order Turning the World to Stone Part Two here: https://mybook.to/Caterina2
Read Part One here: https://mybook.to/Caterina
Copyright Kelly Evans
Kelly Evans - Author 