Francesca

The Silk Merchant's Daughters #2

by Bertrice Small

New York Times bestselling author Bertrice Small continues her glorious historical romance series featuring four sisters in Renaissance Florence who have anything but marriage on their minds…

Giovanni Pietro d’Angelos selected his oldest daughter’s husband, and the marriage proved to be a disaster. He offers to give his next oldest daughter, Francesca, more latitude in choosing a husband than her sister had. But the arrogant beauty has no desire to marry, and she drives every potential suitor away.

The Duke of Terreno Boscoso seeks a wife for his heir, Rafaello, and invites Francesca, along with several other possible brides, to come meet him. Francesca’s parents think it’s a good match, but she refuses to consider it until her father makes her a promise: If he does not suit, you may return. She is therefore shocked when, not long after they meet, Rafaello chooses her as his bride and her parents agree to his proposal—without her consent.

Furious and feeling betrayed, Francesca flees into the woods and takes shelter at an inn. There, she earns her keep as a servant—and meets an unlikely suitor who steals her heart. But the future remains uncertain for the runaway bride, who is still promised to another.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Medieval, Medieval Romance

432 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

Bertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, the daughter of Doris S. and David R. Williams, both broadcasters. She studied at Attended Western College for Women and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. On October 5, 1963, she married George Sumner Small, a photographer and designer with a History Major at Princeton. They had a son Thomas David. She lived on eastern Long Island for over 30 years. Her greatest passions were her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.

Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.

Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.

Reviews

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a unique read and the first Bertrice Small book I finished. I started one of her others but could not make it through. This was a bit of a neo mild bodice-ripper with mistaken identity and a lot of female duty. I also think the author's recent loss of her husband colored the tone.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW:

I have read several of Ms. Small's books and I have to say they are wonderful reads. This book disappointed me just a little in that it was not romantic enough for me. Francesca and Rafaello just didn't seem to have enough time for a lot of romance. It was more like a reality. I like Ms. Small's books because it let's you get away from that reality. We have enough of that in our lives. You read a romance to be taken away from it all even if it's just for an hour or so. Another thing that disappointed me was what happened to Rafaello. I can't tell you. It might spoil your reading, but it's not what you want in a romance. The book spent more time on the Duchy instead of Francesca and Rafaello. The book was more a Historical read than romance. You could almost predict what was going to happen at first.. There were a few surprises but it ended in disappointment for me. I would recommend this book to any reader. Everyone has their own opinion on a book. Yours may be different and that's O.K. This won't keep me from reading Ms. Small's books. This one just wasn't for me.

I would give the book 3.5 STARS.

The cover is magnificent, 5 STARS.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, FRANCESCA: THE SILK MERCHANT'S DAUGHTERS BOOK 2 by Bertrice Small from Manic Readers for this unbiased review.

[Julia (Shakespeare and Such)]

DNF @4% SHE’S FIFTEEN AND HE’S TWENTY NINE idc if it’s the Italian renaissance and that age gap was feasible you do NOT have to go ahead and write that 🤚

[Naksed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful read for this avowed Bertrice Small fan. Her books are a combination of historical fiction, swashbuckling romance, purple-prosed bodice rippers and feminist girl superhero fare. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, I wouldn't blame you. But for me, she is IT.

Francesca takes the reader to Medici era Italy. The title character is a bit of a spoiled rich girl who is invited to partake in a medieval era Bachelor reality show, where Duke Rafaello will choose between her and two other women temporarily residing at his home for the coveted title of Duchessa. This does not sit well with clever, proud Francesca as she wants to find real love, not be paraded around as one of three brood mares to be mounted by the Duke'stallion lol. It is Francesca’s wit that impresses the Duke rather than her incomparable beauty, not that her perfect face, figure, and fashion sense hurt, as Small inevitably reminds us every third paragraph!

What could have degenerated into a trite romance with laughably stupid plot twists (apparently, in Small's world, growing a beard and standing in shadows can completely disguise you so that you are completely unrecognizable ha!) becomes more interesting when the Duchy comes under threat by a greedy France.

The resilience shown by Francesca, once a spoiled and possibly annoying heroine, and now rising to the challenge like so many she-dragons of her era (Anne de Beaujeu is even mentioned), is what turns her, and her story, into a compelling tale.

[Aurian Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the scandal in Venice, Francesca is sent back home to Florence, to find a husband there. But she scorns away all her suitors, determined to never marry. Which is just not done for a lady in the 1400’s in Italy. She is 15 already, and almost to old to be married. So when the invite comes from the Duke of Terreno Boscoso to spend some time at his country and get to know his son, Francesca wants to refuse. Her father doesn’t allow that, as his friend and benefactor, the great Lorenzo de Medici is behind this scheme.
And so, dressed to the nines, with her two beautiful horses with their own slave boys to take care of them, her grey hounds, two nuns as her chaperones, her own priest, her personal maid and a big guard of men-at-arms, Francesca sets out on the month long journey from Florence to Terreno Boscoso. Of course she has no intention of staying there and marrying the Duke’s son, she would miss her family and city too much. Her father is a very wealthy silk merchant, and he can and does give his family the best. Her mother though has her heart set on this match, her daughter marrying a Duke! This will sure make the prospects for her other daughters so much better. Even though Terrono Boscoso is only a small country between French and Italy, it has some strategic importance.

Besides Francesca, there are two other girls invited. Louisa Maria de Genoa is the bastard daughter of the Duke of Genoa, and a very sweet girl. Unfortunately, she is terrified of Rafaello, and has fallen in love with his best friend instead. The third girl is a real shrew, Aceline Mary du Barry, daughter of the Comte du Barry. Aceline is convinced that Rafaello will chose her as his bride, as she is very beautiful and of higher birth than both Louisa and Francesca. But Rafaello is intrigued by Francesca, who doesn’t seem to be interested in him at all. He knows that his best friend has fallen for Louisa, and such a timid girl would never suit him. Aceline is only interested in him because he will be the Duke soon, and she wants to spend his money. Rafaello also dislikes how she treats the other girls and the servants, he will never choose her. And so Francesca is the logical choice for him. She is beautiful, but so are the other girls, but she also has a kind heart, and is smart and not afraid to tell him what is on her mind.

So when Francesca finally learns that Rafaello has chosen her for his bride, and that her parents have already consented to the marriage, she is furious! She does not want him! She wants to go home to her sisters and her parents. And with the help of her servants and slaves, she escapes the castle and seeks to find her way home. But she gets lots in the forest quite soon, and the howling wolves scare her very much. So when she finds an Inn, and the owner promises to bring her to the main road come spring, she has no choice but to stay and work as a servant. To her own surprise, she grows to like the work, to feel useful and have a purpose. The woodsmen for whom this inn is intended leave her alone after their leader puts her under his protection.
Later that winter a new woodsman arrives, Carlo, and to her own surprise, Francesca is attracted to him. But she will not sleep with him; she will go into her marriage a virgin. Carlos keeps trying to seduce her of course, but Francesca does not give in to him. Until that last night, before they will close the inn for spring and summer, and she will be free to return home. But to her big surprise, Carlos is now the one who refuses to take his price.

Back in town, Francesca learns that the next day is the day Rafaello will be married. So he did find a new bride after all? She will try to find out if her servants are still at the castle, and take them home with her. But very early the next morning soldiers come to take her with them, and she is taken to the castle where she is bathed and dressed for her own wedding. Apparently, the Duke has know where she was the whole winter, and has decided to leave her there, to reconsider her life. Francesca is ready now to do her duty to her family, even though she has fallen in love with Carlo. She knows she can never have him, and she will honor her marriage vows to Rafaello.

After the wedding, the old Duke abdicates, and Rafaello and Francesca are crowned the new Duke and Duchess. But Rafaello is ignoring his bride, and Francesca will have none of that. If they are to make a success of their marriage, he will have to talk to her, and sleep with her. And so they decide to take a few days for themselves, to get to know one another again. Francesca comes to like Rafaello, and is willing to be a good wife and Duchess for him. And to do that, she wants to know everything that is happening in their Duchy.

The French girl, Acelinde, was not happy when Francesca was chosen instead of her, and she has made quite a scene. And apparently, their troubles with her and her family are not over yet, as she claims to have given birth to Rafaello’s son…


I really enjoyed this book, and I wanted to finish it in one evening. Which is not smart to do on a Monday, when I kept on reading way past my bedtime. But the book is certainly worth losing a few hours of sleep.
In the first book, I did not really like Francesca, but I quickly warmed up to her in this book. She had no choice but to go on the visit, but she sure got everything else she wanted from her father. Her life was not easy, especially not after her marriage, but she was a great duchess, and she was a lot smarter than her husband. He was pampered and a good warrior, but had no idea of the world and the politics behind his borders.
I have to admit, I liked the Old Duke better than his son. Rafaello was arrogant as a noble man can be, but also kind of naïve and too trusting and soft.

I am not going to spoil the story itself for you, and the bad things that happen, but it is a great historical romance, with an emphasis on historical. I did try to Google for this country though, and did not find it, other than the English meaning of the name: woodlands. Which is appropriate.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

9 stars.

© 2013 Reviews by Aurian

Full review on my blog, www.boeklogboek.blogspot.com

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Bianca was more rash and yes Francesca despite being a spoiled brat at first did some rash Bianca-ish things running around and escaping from her obligations and responsibilities for fear of not being loved when it was time to marry Rafaello, she comes to her senses and read well into my review because the author unlike many authors nowadays, has been writing for many years therefore she has a lot of experience and her writing has only gotten better.
She writes within the perspective of those times so people who can't handle that go read something else. Books like these are intelligently written, smartly woven and the plots are so intricate, the characters so complex. The romance fits well withing the plausibility. A lot of research has been put into Bertrice's novels. You can tell every time you read her novels.
However I have to say that while I *do* like Bianca, Francesca is more practical. Despite that running away episode, throughout the novel she is more level headed than her elder sister whom her family no longer talk of.
She is the moving force behind her husband's duchy defense. She does not stay sad long after he is killed by one of their servants who betrays them to the French. She is a woman who like Caterina Sforza will do anything and everything to protect her people and, in this case, her family and her son's birthright.
The novel's conclusion with her son being conferred Duke with Bernardo and Captain Arnaldo by her side was excellent, flawlessly written.
The epilogue is one of the best I've read so far and it has more insight and a happier ending than her sister in the novel Bianca where the last we hear is her leaving with Amir, and her mother's confession to the priest.

[Isabel Garay · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Just. No. While the book started off as a guilty pleasure it quickly deescalated into horribly written sex scenes and an excuse to use more exclamation points than are needed. I usually don't read romance novels however I love the concept being very romantic at heart. Smalls seemed to rush through this book in order to drain whatever use she could from a frustrating female protagonist. Oftentimes, the words used were repetitive and while the main heroine protested loudly about wanting to be more that beautiful arm candy, she sure as hell loved beating people over the head with how beautiful she was.

Everyone thought she was beautiful.
She thought she was beautiful.
The huntsmen thought she was beautiful.
Did I mention she was beautiful?
Oh no? Well shes beautiful.

Maybe I would have given it a better review had the ending not tossed salt over the grave. I wont spoil it but if you read this book you might have hoped that I did.

[Stephanie Balderas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore Bertrice Small. She weaves a tale of love, betrayal and history with such vivid imagery. Her stories just suck you in. I can almost smell the succulent dinners, feel the fabric of the elaborate skirts and feel the sweet kisses...she just immerses you into her world. Francesca was a good edition, though not her best.

[Bew Keobua · Rating 3 out of 5]

it could be a 4 stars except for the ending

As BS fans I do expect death in in her books. Many times BS have habit of killing heroes but eventually gives hers heroine happy ending, which is acceptable. (Spoiler Ahead) However, with this book , the death of Francesca only love (almost on the very last chapter) Rafaello came so suddenly and unexpectedly is very to cruel. After that the last chapter have completely lost my interest because it was just extension of how Francesca claim back duchy for her son and finally die at age of 80 with smiling face and call for her love (never remarried or have lover). It’s a lonely life of our heroine, she deserves much better. As for plots, writing, steamy-ness and historical accuracy BS never disappoint. But I have to give 3 stars because if I know that this will be how it end I would not have read the book and I know majority of historical romance reader will think the same. I’m honestly terrified to read the next one (guess I have to reading the ending first)

I almost complete the whole collection of BS’s book (the only remaining were Friarsgate Inheritance) so far I found another one that have death of hero at the very end of the book, A Moment in Time, which I gave 4 stars because there is reincarnation aspect and paranormal in this one so the epilogue is acceptable and not so disappoint.

[Anna Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in Bertrice Small's Silk Merchant's Daughters series brings much of what makes Bertrice Small my favorite HR author. A standout heroine, a man who loves her for exactly who and what she is, historical versimilitude, and supporting chracters who come to vivid life. All of that around a background of place and time that is at once true to its own world and not that different from our own. Add to that the bonus of our heroine, Francesca Pietro d'Angelo taking center stage after her big sis, Bianca, the heroine of the first book in the series, upturned the whole apple cart in her book.

As with a few Small books, I did enjoy this book better the second time around, proving her re-readability, though I do have to shelve this in historical fiction with romantic elements instead of historical romance. There will always be a part of me wishing Francesca could have had a second adventure in a sequel, as Lady Small has a track record of doing rather well with such things.

[Judith Sherrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesca

A fantasy story worthy of a Disney movie. Beautiful rich girl sent to find her destiny in a small duchy. The ruling family are descendants of the Ceasers of Rome. The duke was slightly shallow and his education had been scarce in logic and defence. Therefore the duchy was threatened by the French and nearly absorbed into France. Only Francesca had the knowledge to keep all of the safe and to protect her people.

[Angela Tumeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a Bertrice Small book so I have nothing to compare it to. I loved the beginning of the book but by the halfway mark I was bored. I kept reading hoping it would rekindle my interest but it didn’t. The ending was just dreadful. ***Spoiler this book does not have a happy ending. She killed off the hero and it made absolutely no sense.

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting moments, I didn't care for Francesca most of the story. The dialog sometimes felt simplistic and for a younger audience. At times I wondered how the whole thing would finally end. This is definitely Francesca's story more than Rafaello's

[Amanda Hallam-Taillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of Bertrice Smalls I’ve read. I didn’t like it as much as Bianca. Francesca is a likeable character but not the sort of defiant heroine I particularly enjoy. The ending was different than I anticipated (which is fab). Overall a good read.

[k · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoted reader

I have been reading Me Snail's books for years. They have always delighted me. I was very saddened that I would not know the date of Serena.

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this if you are ok with getting your heart broken in the end.

It reminded me of that book series , The Selection by Kiera Cass. But for adults.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Points off for not really being a romance novel. Points back for keeping me guessing with this absolutely wild plot with no real cohesion to a traditional narrative arc.

[LaverMank · Rating 3 out of 5]

the end made me sad.

[Kbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible Romance Package

AUDIOBOOK: Read April 9 & 10 2018
13hrs 14min

Narrator: Jill Tanner does a great job.
Good story but a sad ending, though Francesca does show she is strong and very witty.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free edition at the RT Booklover's Convention 2015 in Dallas.

Bertrice Small is a romance writing legend. I consider her historical romances as the "bread and butter" of the romance novel section in any bookstore. Small's attention to every detail from every button and pleat on a duchessa's riding habit to every spice in every dish served at the bridal banquet are detailed to paint a rich picture the reader can immerse themselves within. Francesca is no exception.


Francesca is the second book in Small's "Silk Merchant's Daughters" series (yes, each book is named after each girl). The life of a daughter raised amongst the aristocracy of the Italian states is about making strategic alliances via marriage. After her older sister, Bianca, has run off to marry her true love in the Ottoman Empire, which can be read at Bianca, Francesca's wealthy Florentine merchant family is struggling to see her successfully married off. Problem though, Francesca has girlish ideals of love only enhanced by seeing her older sister chase love both out her religion, family and state. Francesca has scorned every suitable suitor in Florence and her parents are now shipping her off to the northern territory of Terreno Boscono (better get used to this name because you'll be reading it A LOT) with hope she will be chosen as to be the bride of the future duke. Spoiler Alert: Francesca IS CHOSEN, but you would have known that from reading the back cover, and in her immaturity and under the force of her ideas of pride and love she flees into the surrounding forest thinking she can find her way home. Small keeps true to the times by aging Francesca at 15, and she's actually kind of old, so her immature behavior is not entirely out of left field.

Francesca's flight into the woods lands her at the Duke's winter hunting lodge where she poses "Cara", a maid servant, until spring. During her months as Cara, Francesca learns what real labor is and falls "in love" with a huntsman named Carlo. I say "in love" because throughout the novel Francesca is her own sort of philosopher about love: what it is, what it can means, and how it changes, and how you can differentiate from lust and manipulation. Small stays brutally honest to the realities of a life in the times of the di Medicis and 100 Year War and includes plenty of history going on alongside an insular life in a north western pocket of Italy. (by real life I mean men are in control and women are chattel, but Small has a few slip ups because often men are portrayed as idiots and only women have brains) Francesca's love life takes a twist when she attempts to return home to Florence and Rafaello, the duke's son, is still willing to marry her despite her 3 month hiatus, and without giving away too many spoilers, the rest of the novel details Francesca's role as duchessa of Terreno Boscono. Francesca fell short of 3 stars because I HATED what happened in the end. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get there. Not cool, Small, not cool. And no deathbed whisperings are going to heal the wound.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes a somewhat brutally honest historical novel, but with somewhat stilted conversation yet know-it-all characters.

Happy Reading!

[Marcie · Rating 2 out of 5]

God love an old-school Renaissance-era romance novel! I'm not saying I liked it or it was great. I'm saying it took me back to the late 1970s when as a 13-year-old reader, I pored over every detail of the ball gowns worn and the 15-course meal eaten, lol (birds stuffed inside other birds, candied flowers, etc.).

Today writers are encouraged to not spend paragraphs on relentless detail like this, because it supposedly slows down the story, disrupts the flow, the action. But Bertrice Small, or her ghostwriters (she passed at age 77 in 2015, two years after this publication in 2013), says "ah, hell no, I've written zillions of romance novels just like this and I'm gonna keep doing it long after they put me in the ground!"

God love her and God love these silly old-fashioned books. We all just want to be a princess every once in a while, dammit.

[Renee Huttle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francesca was the perfect second story after Bianca. Her stubbornness, strength, and logical mind was an asset, making her situation believable. There is the major twist regarding Rafaello, and I was grinning for five minutes while reading-I absolutely didn't see it coming (no spoilers, though!) I thought the amount of romance (ie, sex) was perfect, not too much to distract from the flow, and just spicy enough. In a perfect world, I would have changed the ending a bit, that is what is holding me back from giving a full five stars. Onto Lucianna now! :)

[Kashii · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite realistic in a sense but still thoroughly enjoyable. I'll admit Francesca irritated me a bit but *sigh* i had to constantly remind myself she was 15 years old. I think that maybe at least in the beginning that Rafello was too concerned about her sensibilities. but all in all i enjoyed it

[Tommie Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the Silk Merchants Daughters was so much better than the 1st! It started out slow but once Francesca arrived at the Dukes home it was great. Plot twists several times where you don't know where the story will go or who will show up. Ending wasn't what I had expected but I think Small did a great job wrapping up the lives of all in a great way.

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical romance with lots of events but the first half moved kind of slow and was mostly predictable. The second half picked up and some parts were rather surprising but I did not like the ending. Francesca is one of three maidens selected as potential bride for Rafaello.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! As I do all her books!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story from Bertrice Small. I love how she ties some history into her stories!

[Angie Benko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like an ending that puts tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.

[Krystal Nunley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really liked this book! This time in history is one of my favorites and I love anything about Italy!