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The Silkworm Keeper

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Rome 1638

"Old sins have long shadows." (Italian proverb)

Giulia Tofana never wanted to be a nun, but she is determined to atone for her past misdeeds by making her new monastery a success. When an unexpected disaster closes the convent, Giulia is forced to turn to her old friend, Fabio Pasello, for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio, and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished.

But they are not the same people they were before. Giulia has taken her vows, and Fabio is apprenticed to Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famous sculptor, and has become one of Bernini’s rakish libertines. They could not be further apart.

To add to their problems, Giulia cannot escape her reputation as a poisoner, and is soon embroiled in a plot against Fabio’s patron, Pope Urban VIII. Faced with the idea of murder, will Giulia renounce her vows or embrace them?

Inspired by true stories, this is a novel of nuns and courtesans, artists and priests, in the shadow and splendor of the Eternal City.

©2021 Deborah Swift (P)2022 Deborah Swift Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Renaissance
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Captivating, Atmospheric, and Utterly Immersive! The Poison Keeper is a richly woven historical thriller that blends danger, intrigue, and the dark art of Renaissance poison-making into a story. Diana Croft narration brings the book to life giving the characters real depth and complexity. Highly recommend

Beautifully written historic novel brought to life by the brilliantly talented Diana Croft

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Great sense of time and place and excellent narration. The first book is good too.

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