Nonna's Book of Mysteries Review

Book description from back of book:

At age fourteen, all Emilia Serafini wants is to learn to paint so that she can become an artist. But painters’ apprenticeships for young women don’t exist in the Florence of Renaissance Italy. The odds appear stacked against her until she receives a fascinating book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. It was once her grandmother’s and Emilia turns again and again to the Manual for guidance.

When Emilia meets the wealthy, brooding Franco Villani, her life takes a thrilling, but dangerous turn. Franco will do anything to win a place in the court of the powerful Cosimo de’ Medici. Well aware that Cosimo prizes ancient manuscripts above all, Franco realizes Emilia’s Manual would be invaluable to him in more ways than one.

Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny.

I loved this YA novel that takes the reader through life in Renaissance Italy and through Emilia's dreams of life as an artist. I liked Emilia and her determination to not just be a wife and mother, but a painter. This book also has some elements of fantasy when Emilia is studying her grandmother's book of alchemy. I wanted to read more about Emilia and continue the journey of her life. I'll have to wait for the other books This book and Alchemy's Daughter are part of a four book series. I think adults will enjoy this novel as well as YA. The author conceived the idea for this book while vacationing in Tuscany. She hosts alchemy parties for teen girls to help them reflect and dream their dreams to light by making alchemy jars. To learn more about these alchemy parties go to www.MysticFiction.com.

This book was sent to me free of charge by Lake Street Press for my review.

Happy Reading !

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