The Silkworm Keeper

By: Deborah Swift

Narrated by: Diana Croft

Rome 1638

"Old sins have long shadows." (Italian proverb)

Giulia Tofana never wanted to be a nun, but she is determined to atone for her past misdeeds by making her new monastery a success. When an unexpected disaster closes the convent, Giulia is forced to turn to her old friend, Fabio Pasello, for help. Giulia still has intense feelings for Fabio, and Fabio’s passion for her has never diminished.

But they are not the same people they were before. Giulia has taken her vows, and Fabio is apprenticed to Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famous sculptor, and has become one of Bernini’s rakish libertines. They could not be further apart.

To add to their problems, Giulia cannot escape her reputation as a poisoner, and is soon embroiled in a plot against Fabio’s patron, Pope Urban VIII. Faced with the idea of murder, will Giulia renounce her vows or embrace them?

Inspired by true stories, this is a novel of nuns and courtesans, artists and priests, in the shadow and splendor of the Eternal City.

©2021 Deborah Swift (P)2022 Deborah Swift

Facebook's are so good

I started reading them because Diana Croft is one of my favorite narrators and I never would have read this kind of a book they are so good and she's so good at Nair ready she puts her whole heart and soul into the books I cannot wait for another book thank you

Excellent Second Book in Fantastic Series

Sometimes second books in a series sizzles or feels like a bridge between book one and book three. Not this one! I was every bit as enthralled with this offering as with the first—very imaginative and just as thrilling. Giulia vows to be good—and Fabio tumbles into trouble—thank heavens their fate has much more in store for them than they think. This narration of this multi-character book is amazing, each character with quite a distinct voice. Now I can’t wait for the third!

I can hardly wait

This is amazing book; I can hardly wait for the next in the series. This woman is a personal hero of mine, because she stood up for others who are helpless.

Great series

Both this book and The Poison Keeper are excellent reads that are well researched. The stories move along at a good clip, not getting bogged down, and the narration makes them even more enjoyable.

Renaissance Women

A compelling tale of women in this period. The storytelling is compelling and lush with period details. The narration is like a rhapsody.