In part one of Renaissance noblewoman Caterina Sforza’s life, she ignores convention to become a powerful leader in her own right. When all of Italy is in turmoil, Caterina bravely and brazenly forges her own path.
Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy.
Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.
“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
Reader Comments:
I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction, and finding another author is exciting! I’ll be looking for more in the future! On to book 2… 5 Stars
This is a great novel about Caterina Sforza, one of history’s underrated heroines. I can’t wait to read part 2. 5 Stars
Excerpt:
Chapter One: 1472
“No. It’s too much. I won’t allow it.” The voice paused. “It’s unnatural.” The last two words were a whisper, and Caterina, hidden under the table, strained to hear.
“He’s a powerful man, and the union is important for Milan.” Caterina heard the irritation in her father’s voice and wished she could somehow leave the room unnoticed. But she’d chased a ball under the table just as the duke and the others had arrived, and, knowing she wasn’t meant to be in the study, Caterina had frozen.
Galeazzo Sforza continued. “You know of our difficulties with the papal states. This union would protect us from any unwanted attention from Rome and guarantee added protection against the French.”
“Important for Milan but at the expense of my daughter.” The woman looked around the room at each of the men. “And the expense of our mortal souls.”
“He’s the Pope’s nephew. He’ll see to our souls.” Galeazzo waved away the objection.
“You saw the way he looked at her last night. A thirty-year-old man lusting after an eleven-year-old girl. And only a year older than your own daughter.”
Caterina knew she was being spoken of and held her breath to avoid detection.
Constanza’s husband, and one of the duke’s loyal retainers, tried to calm his wife. “My dear, it’s not like that. You imagined it, he was probably admiring the fine feast Sforza had prepared for us,” he offered weakly.
“I can’t.” Constanza stood firm, her chin tilted upward in defiance. “I won’t. There are many things I’ve done for Milan and my family, it’s the painful duty of all women to suffer for their children but there are limits to the things a mother will sacrifice. And this is one of them.”
From her position under the cloth-covered table, Caterina could see her father’s feet pacing. For moments the only noise in the room was the crackling of the fire and her own heartbeat. A log shifted position, sending tendrils of sparks upward, making Caterina jump. Still, no one heard her.
Finally, Constanza’s husband spoke. “I think —”
He was interrupted by Galeazzo. “I won’t have this damage our friendship. You’re one of my best generals however we need that papal partnership.” He nodded; a decision made. “I’ll offer my own daughter, Caterina.”
“But she’s only ten,” Constanza whispered. “You’re her father…” her voice trailed away.
“I am. And I know what’s best for my family. Caterina will marry Girolamo Riario.”
Order here: https://mybook.to/Caterina
Copyright K Evans
Kelly Evans - Author 
Dear Ms Evans,
I greatly enjoyed Turning the World to Stone: Caterina Sforza Volume 1. My only disappointment was when I learned it had been published so recently that Volume 2 is not available yet. I’ll have to read some of your other titles in the meantime. Thank you. Christopher R.
Thank you for your kind comments. I can confirm that part two will be out around Spring 2024! You’re the first person I’ve told!
Hi Christopher,
Because you were so great when you contacted me in December, I’d like to offer you the chance of being one of my beta readers for Caterina part two. I would send you an advance copy and, once read, get your feedback on what worked/didn’t. I’ll be finished at the end of this month and the manuscript will go through a few rounds of editing, after that I’ll be looking for beta readers.
Let me know what you think,
Kelly
I just finished this book after plowing through your entire book list. And im dying for part 2!! I read this one in just under 4 hours. Any update on the release???
I just announced today that part two of Caterina’s life will be out this summer! And thank you SO much for getting in touch, it’s really appreciated!
Oh, and because you were so fantastically nice, I’ll share a secret: my next book after Caterina’s story has been told will take me to Tudor Scotland and involve a scandal! 😛
Hi! (Sorry, I don’t know your name)
Because you were so great when you contacted me earlier this year, I’d like to offer you the chance of being one of my beta readers for Caterina part two. I would send you an advance copy and, once read, get your feedback on what worked/didn’t. I’ll be finished at the end of this month and the manuscript will go through a few rounds of editing, after that I’ll be looking for beta readers.
Let me know what you think,
Kelly