Today I’m delighted to be sharing an excerpt from Kelly Evans’s recently released novel, Turning the World to Stone – The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One 1472 to 1488, as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Blurb

Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy.

Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.

“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”

Excerpt

Caterina took Girolamo’s proffered arm, and together they ascended the steps leading to the basilica’s courtyard. While she knew to keep her head straight and look ahead, she couldn’t help but glimpse the row of arch-topped columns that made up the open space, making her feel like she had entered a Roman temple. As they continued, they passed a fountain in the shape of a pinecone that was at least as tall as three of Caterina, reminding her of the heavily scented forests near her childhood home.

Ahead was the holiest spot in all Christendom, and Caterina took a breath as they entered the basilica. Like the courtyard, simple columns ran in a double row the entire length of the building. As they moved slowly to the front, Caterina could see chapels set into the walls, each glinting gold in the candlelight. She also saw the others gathered for mass today, staring at her and her husband as they passed. Keeping her eyes focussed forward, she barely noticed the polite nods and smiles but still knew they watched.

By the time they reached the tomb of St Peter at the front of the basilica, Caterina’s dress felt uncomfortably warm, and her skin prickled with the added heat of attention. Sweat rolled between her shoulder blades, and as they finally stopped and took their places at the front of the gathered congregation, she lifted her hand to surreptitiously wipe her neck. Her movement was interrupted by loud whispers that moved through the crowd like a wave.

Turning slightly to see what was happening, she understood. The Holy Father, Pope Sixtus IV, had arrived.

Turning the World to Stone is available on Kindle Unlimited and at
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Kelly Evans

Born in Canada of Scottish extraction, Kelly Evans graduated in History and English then moved to England where she worked in the financial sector. While in London Kelly continued her studies in history, concentrating on Medieval History, and travelled extensively through Eastern and Western Europe.

Kelly is now back in Canada with her husband Max and a rescue cat. She writes full-time, focussing on illuminating little-known women in history with fascinating stories. When not working on her novels, Kelly writes Described Video scripts for visually impaired individuals, plays oboe, and enjoys old sci-fi movies.

For more information about Kelly and her books click on the links below
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BookBub • AmazonAuthorPage • Goodreads

More information on the Coffee Pot Book Club and other works of quality historical fiction can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

Book Title: Turning the World to Stone – The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One 1472 to 1488
Author: Kelly Evans
Publication Date: 2 May 2023
Publisher: Eska Publishing
Page Length: 385 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction