The year is 1570, and in the convent of Santa Caterina, in the Italian city of Ferrara, noblewomen find space to pursue their lives under God’s protection. But any community, however smoothly run, suffers tremors when it takes in someone by force. And the arrival of Santa Caterina’s new novice sets in motion a chain of events that will shake the convent to its core.
Ripped by her family from an illicit love affair, sixteen-year-old Serafina is willful, emotional, sharp, and defiant–young enough to have a life to look forward to and old enough to know when that life is being cut short. Her first night inside the walls is spent in an incandescent rage so violent that the dispensary mistress, Suora Zuana, is dispatched to the girl’s cell to sedate her. Thus begins a complex relationship of trust and betrayal between the young rebel and the clever, scholarly nun, for whom the girl becomes the daughter she will never have.
As Serafina rails against her incarceration, others are drawn into the drama: the ancient, mysterious Suora Magdalena–with her history of visions and ecstasies–locked in her cell; the ferociously devout novice mistress Suora Umiliana, who comes to see in the postulant a way to extend her influence; and, watching it all, the abbess, Madonna Chiara, a woman as fluent in politics as she is in prayer. As disorder and rebellion mount, it is the abbess’s job to keep the convent stable while, outside its walls, the dictates of the Counter-Reformation begin to purge the Catholic Church and impose on the nunneries a regime of terrible oppression.
Ripped by her family from an illicit love affair, sixteen-year-old Serafina is willful, emotional, sharp, and defiant–young enough to have a life to look forward to and old enough to know when that life is being cut short. Her first night inside the walls is spent in an incandescent rage so violent that the dispensary mistress, Suora Zuana, is dispatched to the girl’s cell to sedate her. Thus begins a complex relationship of trust and betrayal between the young rebel and the clever, scholarly nun, for whom the girl becomes the daughter she will never have.
As Serafina rails against her incarceration, others are drawn into the drama: the ancient, mysterious Suora Magdalena–with her history of visions and ecstasies–locked in her cell; the ferociously devout novice mistress Suora Umiliana, who comes to see in the postulant a way to extend her influence; and, watching it all, the abbess, Madonna Chiara, a woman as fluent in politics as she is in prayer. As disorder and rebellion mount, it is the abbess’s job to keep the convent stable while, outside its walls, the dictates of the Counter-Reformation begin to purge the Catholic Church and impose on the nunneries a regime of terrible oppression.
Giveaway 411:
* Giveaway ends on July 13th. Winner will be announced on July 14th.
* Open to all domestic and international entries. Passages loves our neighbors across the water =)
* For 5 additional entries sign up as a follower; if you already are a follower you will automatically get this.
* For another additional one entry: post, sidebar, facebook or twitter about this giveaway.
Please note this giveaway is for one ARC of Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant.


Count me in -- I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fabulous book!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Sarah Dunant! Birth of Venus was amazing!
ReplyDeleteOk, I am already a follower (jaime.huff1 at gmail dot com).
I posted on my twitter, (historyslover is my username)
I posted the link on Facebook (find me by jaime_huff at yahoo)
And also on my blog :) www.booknerdextraordinaire.blogspot.com
Oh I bet this is a good one !
ReplyDeleteI am, indeed a follower and I would be thrilled to be able to read this one! Thank You!
I shouldn't be so eager - #1 never wins. But I'd love to read this book! Winning it would be even better. I've so wanted to read this author. Please, pretty please, count me in and draw my name!
ReplyDeleteI'm already following you...
melacan at hotmail dot com
Please count me in - thanks.
ReplyDelete+5 I'm a follower.
libneas[at]aol[dot]com
:) wow! wonderful giveaway! Thank You :)
ReplyDeleteI am an ardent follower :)
and I have blogged about this on my sidebar!
And this book sounds really intriguing!
Wow, looks like I'm the first to apply for this one - your facebook follower and neighbor across the water... ;) Some weeks ago I presented the German edition of "Company of the Courtesan" in my German blog (http://wort-werk-statt.blogspot.com/2009/05/sarah-dunant-venezianische-geheimnisse.html)
ReplyDeleteGisela (http://history-book-scout.blogspot.com/)
I loved her other books and really want to read this one. Please enter me. I am a follower.
ReplyDeletetmrtini at gmail dot com
Thanks for all of your giveaways!
Sweet. I'm interested about this book and would love a free copy. Do I get extra points because I was going to be a nun ;-)
ReplyDeletei'm a follower... please count me in!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good, i like thidea that the politics of convents and how the Catholic Church had such a grip on families.
ReplyDeleteTo think that you couls be incarcerated against your will, by a church is beyond belief.
A follower also
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one. I'm a follower count me in.
ReplyDeleteThanks
I am a follower :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I wanna enter, sounds good. Have seen one of her books in the library but haven't picked it up yet.
This sounds like one that I would really enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a follower.
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
This book interests me. Please count me in. :D
ReplyDelete+5 already a follower!
linna.hsu(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to be entered for this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I follow through Google Reader.
Thanks.
Looks like a good book, please enter me into this drawing.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a Google follower of your blog.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
Amy, please count me in for this one! Thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm also a follower.
I'd love to win this!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower on Google Reader and I just twittered about this @bibliofreakblog
Thanks!
Please enter me to win this book :)
ReplyDeleteI read Sarah Dunant's "Birth of Venus" and loved it! I'd like to read more of her work.
I'm a new follower!
♥Isalys
booksoulmates@gmail.com
Please enter me! I'm dying to read this book. I'm also a follower. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteshereadsandreads(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win this! I have been seeing it everywhere and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI'm also already a follower
Cheers,
julie.sherritt[at]gmail.com
looks like a wonderful read thanks
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and I blogged:
http://crimsonheart.bubble.nu/index.php/2009/06/giveaway/
crimson_haze(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to win. Plese pick me.
ReplyDeleteSince I was taught by nuns from kindergarten thru 8th grade, I've always had a fascination for them. Please count me in for the giveaway. I'm a follower (Deborah) and I've left a comment on Twitter http://twitter.com/AsTheNight/status/2412219302 asthenight at gmail dot com
ReplyDeletePlease add my name to the giveaway! I'm a follower and I'll be posting this on my blog and Tweeting about it! lol
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/FleurDeMar
http://virginiebarbeau.wordpress.com/
Please enter me in the contest. I'm a follower, too!
ReplyDeleteMerci!
Count me in please! i'll put up the post by today!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this... loved her novel The Birth of Venus. I'm a follower!
ReplyDeletewow this sounds intriguing, count me in
ReplyDeletepksanddancer@yahoo.com
follow
ReplyDeletepksanddancer@yahoo.com
Sounds good, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a greta book. Thanks for the chance
ReplyDeletejason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
I'm a follower, and I'm eager to read this!
ReplyDelete(You have such great giveaways)
teabird 17 AT yahoo DOT com
I would love to read this
ReplyDeletePlease count me in, I'd love to read this one!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteMariag
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and would love to be entered into the draw!
Sounds like an intriguing read! Thank you for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletePlease count me in. Yep, I do follow.
ReplyDeleteI blogged it:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2009/06/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-06-27-09.html
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
It sounds like agreat book.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower. I would love to be entered into the drawing.
I also posted it on my blog. Meditative Reading.
bstilwell12 AT comcast DOT net
Please include me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteCurrent follower
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
Please enter me in the contest. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteavalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it
I am now following you in google.
ReplyDeletemadamerkf at aol dot com
I'd love a chance to read Dunant's new novel. Thank you so much for entering me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLaura
I would like to enter, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteeswright18 at gmail dot com
I would love to play! I'm already a follower. Thanks!
ReplyDeletelesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Please count me in - this looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI follow.
Thanks!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
Hi! No need to enter me; just posted about this on Win A Book.
ReplyDeletei avidly follow and i have not read this AUTHOR yet
ReplyDeleteI'd like to enter!
ReplyDeleteI'm also going to blog about it!
http://charliesbooks.livejournal.com
charliekat56@hotmail.com
Count me in - you've never steered me wrong - I'm a follower.
ReplyDeletePlease add my name into the drawing. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePlease include me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am already a follower.
Thanks
Carlene
iluvreading(at)Verizon.net
I would love to be entered!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
There's a music recording that ties in with this book--it's almost like the book has a sound track. You can find out more at Sarah Dunant's website at
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sarahdunant.com/Sarah-Dunant-Podcasts/podcasts-author-sarah-dunant.htm
and www.musica-secreta.com.
pls add me in
ReplyDeleterubs_babydoll@yahoo.com
educhico AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteWow, great book!
I would love it!
Thanks!
I love Sarah Dunant's Books. Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe by Googlereader
Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com
Please count me in - this sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeletegaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
+ I'm a follower
I'd love a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
I blogged: http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/06/30/book-giveaways-0629-0705/
Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com
I'd love a chance to win this book. Count me in please :)
ReplyDeletechayanna82(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to read this.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
marielay@gmail.com
Please enter me for this one, I'm already a loyal follower. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read this! And I just became a follower...
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this one, please count me in. I'm already a facebook follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy !
Carine
carine[underscore]devos[at]hotmail[dot]com
Please enter me.
ReplyDelete+5 I am a new follower.
budletsmom at yahoo dot com
I would like to enter
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
jen4777[at]hotmail.com
count me in
ReplyDeleteI blogged: http://throuthehaze.blogspot.com/2009/07/books_07.html
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
pls enter me in this contest, I also put a link up on my sidebar.
ReplyDeleteSee here
sensitivemuse at gmail dot com
Please include me, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI already follow!
dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com
Count me in please Amy!
ReplyDeleteI'm a long time fan + 5
I've posted this on my blog sidebar
The Eclectic Reader
Please enter my name! I haven't read anything by this author.
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name. I haven't read anything by this author yet!
ReplyDeleteDid you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put his boots on?
ReplyDeleteHe asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn't want to go on. When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet."
She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet.
He then announced, "These aren't my boots."
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?" like she wanted to do. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off.
He then said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear them."
She didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She than mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots onto his feet again.
She said, "Now, where are your mittens?"
He said, "I stuffed them in the toes of my boots..."
*****
The cover of that is gorgeous. Is it cool if I enter? If not, that's fine, lol. ^^
I'm already a follower and I posted about it here:http://bookcontestlinks.blogspot.com/2009/07/july-9rd-2009.html
Laina1312@gmail.com
I would like to read this book.
ReplyDeletePleas enter me, I'm a new follower - vvperesk@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePlease count me in!!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of your blog and would love to be included for this draw!
Thanks again,
Andrea
Sounds like an interesting book but WOW you have had a lot of entries !
ReplyDeletePlease include me in the drawing.
Thanks
Carol
I've read Sarah Dunant before and I really enjoy her writing. I'm a follower on Facebook.
ReplyDeletephantomphan114 AT msn DOT com
I would love this book.
ReplyDeleteEspecially winning it.
;)
carlos_durao AT hotmail DOT com
Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
lovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com
Jaime Antunes
ReplyDeleteo_rei_de_havana AT hotmail DOT com
+5
ReplyDeletei am a new follower who wants to read this book. o, look for a little white dog who represents me as hodgepodgesppv
spvaughan yahoo com
spvaughan http://bit.ly/CKLTZ sacred hearts book giveaway
ReplyDeletetwitter...i'm spvaughan there
Sandra Vaughan http://bit.ly/CKLTZ sacred hearts book giveaway
ReplyDeletePassages to the Past: Sacred Hearts Giveaway!
Source: bit.ly
sandra vaughan in facebook
your site is now on my list under the heading i want to win books of my blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://hodgepodgespv.blogspot.com/
I would love to add this book to my plaidy collection. I heard it is a wonderful read. You are on my homepage, so I can keep up with you daily, and I am now a follower. Thank you so much for your time and dedication to your site (and obviously) your love. tanya
ReplyDeletePlease sign me up.
ReplyDeletechocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com
I follow.
ReplyDeletechocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a great book. Please include me in the giveaway. heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed her other books, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletemattandjen[at]gmail.com
Would really love reading this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
;)
dr.strangelove.vs.citizen.kane AT gmail DOT com
Would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteI already follow your blog. :)
ibeeeg(at)gmail(dot)com
This looks so great. Thanks for sharing~
ReplyDeletes.mickelson at gmail dot com