Labor of Love

Written by Marguerite Martin Gray

Narrated by Christa DelSorbo

Something sinister lurks in Pitti Palace.

Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin's marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana.

With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear.

As the newest under gardener at the palace, Marco Rossi should have everything he's dreamed of--beautiful gardens to tend and master architects and gardeners to learn from. Yet a secret mission threatens his peace of mind, his position, and even the love of Ana. Although God is always with him, reminding him of a bigger plan, Marco feels the weight of the consequences he will face if he challenges a Medici member.

The desires of men and women, both royal and common, create costly dilemmas and potential disasters of hearts and souls. What will it take for Marco and Ana to prevail against everything driving them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
• Release date: Sep 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962377003

Reviews for Labor of Love

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Leaving with a clear conscience was necessary.1560 was a time of obvious class distinctions. Ana grew up on the family farm, loving the opportunity to grow herbs and flowers. Sent to distant relatives to become a companion, her love for the garden was only slightly appreciated. After all, ladies did not have dirt under their nails! With an unwanted, planned marriage in the offing, she begins to wonder if life will ever be what she hopes it will be.The author has given us beautiful, well developed characters that you will want to love and get to know. There are also those who you sincerely hope get what they deserve. Learning to leave everything, especially the hard things, in God’s hands was a hard lesson for Ana and our hero to grasp. I loved all the detail - I could almost see the gardens in my mind.These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is with great admiration that I review this book. The author swept me away to a place where beauty was plentiful. Oh to be beside Ana as she tends to the garden would be wonderful. I wanted to follow her as she took great care with each flower she planted and the herbs that grew with ease. The garden is where she found peace and a place of belonging. She didn’t have a bad life but one that was not chosen by her. To think that her father would send her away only so he would gain wealth when she married someone with power and money was heartbreaking. I enjoyed getting to know the members in the Medici household and learning about their social obligations. The palace was large and Ana was brought there to be a companion to her cousins. All around her were talks of balls and marriage. Would she find freedom some day to marry who she desired? Her father has already decided who she will marry but the man is cruel and heartless. I loved how she turned to God and cried out to him to rescue her. She knew in her heart that He was there and would protect her from evil. Marco is such a charming gentleman. He has come to the palace as a gardener but he has a secret mission that no one can find out about. The beautiful friendship that develops between him and Ana is sweet and written with emotions that are genuine. The author captures not only the beauty of the garden but the gentle spirit of hope as the two main characters slowly recognize that they have feelings for each other. Marco is very aware that something is not quite right with the man who wants to marry Ana. Will he be able to prove that this man is evil and a threat to not only the members of the Medici family but to Ana especially?Rich in historical facts the author brings this story to life with wonderful characters, intrigue , beautiful landscape and God’s promise of protection. I loved this story so much that I reread it because it gave me a feeling of peace as the words flowed with grace and contentment. Where do you go to find peace and God’s presence? I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.