Leonora D'Orco: A Historical Romance

"Leonora D'Orco: A Historical Romance" by G. P. R. James is a story set in the late 1400s, filled with political drama and family struggles in Italy. Leonora d'Orco is at the heart of the tale. Her connections to Lorenzo Visconti and her father, Ramiro, show the pull between love, what her family expects of her, and her own dreams, all happening when Italy is in a time of danger and change. The story kicks off in a striking mountain pass close to Lago Maggiore, and a parade led by King Charles VIII of France sets the scene for a mix of celebration and serious state business. There's suspense in the air as characters joke around, hinting at their secret goals and who they're loyal to. The book turns its attention to three young people—Lorenzo, Leonora, and Bianca—and how their young lives are affected by what their families did in the past, who they're connected to now, and the first signs of romance. The beginning of the book uses strong images and interesting people to get readers ready for a story about power, love, and how wanting something for yourself can clash with what's happening in politics.