The Novice by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer is a wonderful and beautifully written novel with a story to capture a reader’s heart. It certainly captured mine and even more surprising to me is that I’ve never read anything by this fellow Canadian of mine but that will be remedied. The Novice highlights the strength and determination of one woman to find her true love – that of the man who completes her.
In 10th century Naples novice Sara is struggling with whether or not she really wants to become a nun. In her heart she knows there is so much more out there in the world for her to discover. Her decision is made for her when the Saracens, who are destroying villages and killing many, attack her convent. Sara and the nuns are forced to flee and Sara to protect the nuns puts herself directly in the path of the Saracens. Sara is left to die out in the woods but is thankfully rescued by the intriguing Nicolo. The two have an instant connection but Nicolo respects Sara’s vows as a nun and despite being heartbroken he steals away in the night.
Sara is devastated and angry with herself that she wasn’t truthful with Nicolo. Luckily her uncle takes her in and she is happy with him until the dark and brooding Umberto takes a shine to her. Despite being brutally honest and telling Umberto that she will never be with him he refuses to give up and soon enough his desire to have her turns into a dangerous obsession. Sara is trapped with a man whose cruelty knows no bounds but Sara is smart and able and she will find some way to escape. To escape and find Nicolo; the only man who has ever or will ever have her heart.
Four hundred pages has never flown by so quickly as it did with this novel. I was completely drawn into this story and into Sara’s life. I felt as though I was living within the pages of this book with how vividly it was told. Then there is Sara who is such a great character. She is strong, brave, and independent and possesses a passionate fire that burns strongly within her for love and life.
For fans of historical fiction The Novice is a great pick! Highly recommended!
Other tour stops with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Author Links: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads
Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N
Kindle-Book Launch Price of $2.99 until October 31/14!
GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY
1 eBook copy of The Novice up for grabs!
*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter
Draw Date October 18/14
Good luck!
(comments are welcome but do not count as an entry)
Thank you so very, very much for the lovely review! I was thrilled by it – there is nothing more rewarding than to know that I have entertained someone.
It’s an honor to be here on your blog too. I’ve been a long time fan and am so very grateful that you took the time to read and review my novel.
You are so welcome Mirella! I just loved your book and have already picked up your others to put on top of my ‘to read’ pile. I’m sure looking forward to them.
Darlene, this book sounds like wonderful historical fiction. I will add a link for this great giveaway to my blog’s sidebar. Your review is terrific!
It was great Susan. A good book to escape into for sure.
This one really sounds good. I’m going to take a look!
It really was good Kim. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Thank you everyone for the lovely comments and for taking an interest in my work. And a special big thank you for Darlene who is a marvellous host! Love this blog.