YA historical fiction featured book | Nonna’s Book of Mysteries (Alchemy, book #1) by Mary Osborne
- My rating: Very good/excellent
- New-to-me author: Yes
- Would I read more from this author: Yes; looking forward to reading Alchemy’s Daughter, (Alchemy, book #2)
Title: Nonna’s Book of Mysteries (Alchemy, book #1)
Author/website: Mary Osborne
Publisher: Lake Street Press
Publication date & page count: June ’10 & 320 pages
From page 165 & 166 of Nonna’s Book of Mysteries
Then, recalling the unpleasant encounter between her husband-to-be and Giacomo Massarino, she told herself that Franco’s jealous impulses would abate in time. Surely Franco would eventually see that her relationship with Giacomo posed no threat. It was true that she and Giacomo had formed a bond through their love of painting. Emilia had to admit that this could be difficult for Franco, but she would reassure him of her loyalty. As time progressed, they would both grow more confident in their mutual affection for one another and such misunderstandings would be a thing of the past.
At age fourteen, all Emilia Serafini wants is to learn to paint so that she can become an artist. But painters’ apprenticeships for young women don’t exist in the Florence of Renaissance Italy. The odds appear stacked against her until she receives a fascinating book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. It was once her grandmother’s and Emilia turns again and again to the Manual for guidance.
When Emilia meets the wealthy, brooding Franco Villani, her life takes a thrilling, but dangerous turn. Franco will do anything to win a place in the court of the powerful Cosimo de’ Medici. Well aware that Cosimo prizes ancient manuscripts above all, Franco realizes Emilia’s Manual would be invaluable to him in more ways than one.
Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny
Posted in Reading Journal
3 Responses to “YA historical fiction featured book | Nonna’s Book of Mysteries (Alchemy, book #1) by Mary Osborne”
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I’m not familiar with this series, but I’ll have to check it out for my media center. Not sure what age level. Any idea?
Brand new series. Emilia is 14 yrs old when the story starts and probably in her late teens when she gets married. So I’d guess teens. I’m not much good at figuring it out as I don’t have children except the fur & four-legged ones.
First time I hear about this one. You always have interesting new discoveries. I’ll wait for your review of the next one before I embark on this series.