But no matter what her preference, she also knows that she will marry when she's 15. Lisa is adamant, however, that she won't marry an old man, a widower, as many of the girls are forced to do.

As she and her parents plan a huge party to introduce her to the city nobles, Lisa sketches a design for her gown and then returns to playing with her local friends. But a terrible tragedy turns her life into an unrecognizable mess and the party never happens. Lisa begins to take on tremendous responsibility on the estate, helping her father manage the silk business, cooking and cleaning. Her own dreams are put on hold. As she struggles to grow into a woman and accept changes in the household, Lisa remains intrigued by a boy she's met very few times.

And not just any boy, but Giuliano d'Medici, the youngest brother of Florence's renowned Medici family. As time passes and they meet each other at two funerals and then two weddings, she knows that Giuliano cares for her too. But can they build a life amongst a city in political flux -- especially when the chaos is blamed largely on Giuliano's older brother?

A gem of a book! The building and layering of Elisabetta's character is heartwarming and feels so real. Napoli blends the challenges of the times with situations and frustrations that girls and women from every time will recognize. A beautiful fictional account of the woman behind the famous smile.

Book Summary