What Reviewers say:
“I absolutely inhaled this book…from the first page, I was hooked. The narrative voice is wonderful, perfectly suited to a wry performer like the Fool, and more than once I laughed out loud. …[the] world of warring families and vendettas was wonderfully rendered. … Highly enjoyable, a wonderful read!” Julie Rose, author of Oleanna and The Pilgrim Glass
“… she brings this history alive…these characters will live on for you after reading this book. The detail of the history is vivid and the story compelling.” Monette L. Bebow Reinhard author of Felling the Sons and Mystic Fire
“I’ve just completed my read of A Thing Done and have closed it with a sigh of satisfaction. Corrado is the most engaging protagonist I have read for some time.” Prue Batten, author of Gisborne: Book of Pawns and The Chronicles of Eirie series
“All the characters… come across as real people and are three-dimensional. Highly recommended…” Kim Rendfeld, author of The Cross and the Dragon
“This novel set in the 13th century shines a bright light on rival families in medieval Florence, Italy…..Heath Imbues Corrado with a sense of humor in a story rich in detail – food, music, and clothing – as she narrates the consequences of what should have been a harmless prank.” Historical Novels Review
“Heath has vividly captured the insidious effects on society when one class of people feels justified in unlimited use of their influence, power and money. While the content is distinctly Florentine and this is definitely a historical fiction lover’s novel, the theme strikes me as entirely applicable to contemporary America. You’ll enjoy the exciting plot twists and well-developed characters while at the same time having plenty to think about.” Judith Starkston at her blog
“…an excellent transformation of the bare bones of a story in the chronicles into a lively novel.” Warren Public Library blog, Warren, Vermont
“A Thing Done is a novel rich in historical detail … a novel of love, friendship, and loyalty…” Darlene at Peeking Between the Pages
“A Thing Done gets thumbs up for a compelling, empathetic main character and a good story that gets pretty intense at its climax…” Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books
“I found myself unable to put the book down for very long stretches because I just had to find out what would happen next. … I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It has been a while since I learned so much while being entertained.” A Book Geek
“Highly recommended for those who love historical fiction that reaches out of the ordinary. … It will elevate and illuminate you.” Deborah at A Bookish Libraria
About the book:
Florence, 1216: The noble families of Florence hold great power, but they do not share it easily. Tensions simmer just below the surface. When Corrado the Jester’s prank-for-hire goes wrong, a brawl erupts between two rival factions. Florence reels on the brink of civil war. One side makes the traditional offer of a marriage to restore peace, but that fragile peace crumbles under the pressure of a woman’s interference, an unforgivable insult, and an outraged cry for revenge.
Corrado is pressed into unwilling service as messenger by both sides. Sworn to secrecy, he watches in horror as the headstrong knight Buondelmonte violates every code of honor to possess the woman he wants, while another woman, rejected and enraged, schemes to destroy him.
Corrado already knows too much for his own safety. Will Buondelmonte’s reckless act set off a full-scale vendetta? And if it does, will even the Jester’s famous wit and ingenuity be enough to keep himself alive and protect those dear to him?
This is Corrado’s story, but it is also the story of three fiercely determined women in a society that allows them little initiative: Selvaggia, the spurned bride; Gualdrada, the noblewoman who both tempts Buondelmonte and goads him; and Ghisola, Corrado’s great-hearted friend. From behind the scenes they will do what they must to achieve their goals—to avenge, to prevail, to survive.
Published by Fireship Press. Available in ebook or paperback format from Amazon, USA, Amazon, UK, or Barnes and Noble. Also available in paperback from WHSmith, UK, or may be ordered through local bookstores. Coming soon from other vendors.
If you would like to know more, here are some excerpts. Excerpt 1. Excerpt 2. Excerpt 3. Excerpt 4. Also, take a look at the first three chapters on Amazon USA.
All images on this website are copyright free, by virtue of being older than 70 years, or are photos taken by the site author. Banner illustrations are taken from a 14th century manuscript of the Nuova Cronica of Giovanni Villani, which is in the Vatican library.