Something sinister lurks in Pitti Palace.

Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin’s marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana.

With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear.

As the newest under gardener at the palace, Marco Rossi should have everything he’s dreamed of–beautiful gardens to tend and master architects and gardeners to learn from. Yet a secret mission threatens his peace of mind, his position, and even the love of Ana. Although God is always with him, reminding him of a bigger plan, Marco feels the weight of the consequences he will face if he challenges a Medici member.

The desires of men and women, both royal and common, create costly dilemmas and potential disasters of hearts and souls. What will it take for Marco and Ana to prevail against everything driving them apart?

Research for Labor of Love:

Imagine an eleven-year-old girl running with her two sisters through the Boboli Gardens of Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy. I had no historical love for the paths I followed, although I did enjoy the beauty and the new playground. I’ve returned to the Boboli Gardens three times as an adult, always seeing new wonders and a keen sense of the historical value. 

I’ve wandered the paths in this novel and the hallways and rooms in the palace. Florence is a jewel of art, history, culture, food, and extreme beauty. I researched the 1500s and Italian daily life with fifteen resources. 

I want the experience to be true to the era even though the main characters are fictional. In my mind, Ana is a genuine character as she interacts with the historical Medici family.