The Maiden of Florence: Shortlisted for the HWA Gold Crown Award 2025

Florence, 1584. Rumours are spreading about the virility of a prince marrying into the powerful Medici family. Orphan Giulia is chosen to put an end to the gossip. In return she will keep her life - and start a new one with a dowry and her own husband. Cloistered since childhood and an innocent in a world ruled by men, Giulia reluctantly agrees, only to be drawn under the control of the Medicis' lecherous minister. Years later, married and with a growing family, Giulia hopes she has finally escaped the legacy of her past. But when a threat arrives from a sinister figure from her youth, she must finally take control of events - and become the author of her own story. Based on true events and reminiscent of The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, The Maiden of Florence gives a charismatic voice to a woman cast aside by history.