Bianca

Ack, dreadful. Picked this up in a little free library. Haven’t read romance novel since college, and now I may wait another 20 years. Started off okay- different kind of plot, nice descriptions of Florence and fashion. But then—- omg, slog of platitudes, a cardboard prince with literally no persona......more

Florence and the Black Sea in the 15th century! Set in Florence and the area around the Black Sea, beginning in 1474, this is the story of Bianca, oldest daughter of Giovanni Pietro d’Angelo, a Florentine silk merchant. When his son’s indiscretion threatens to ruin the family, Giovanni is blackmailed......more

I actually liked it overall. It was well described, horrifying, and yet it gave you some chance to empathize with the main heroine and feel something for her. But I felt like the whole book was rushed and areas of the storyline, which probably should have each been dedicated a good portion of the bo......more

This was not one of my favorite Small books, but it wasn't so shocking as some of these reviews would have you believe. Yes, the girls married young back then. The author stayed true to the time period in that regard. Yes, there was reference to some distasteful activity involving a donkey... but it......more

meh. I read Bertrice Small books mostly out of obligation. I love her early heroines - Zenobia, Adora, Skye O'Malley, and even Jasmine. I'm not so excited about her later books. This one falls somewhere inbetween. Bianca is an interesting character. It could be a good start to a new series. But it d......more