Mona Lisa’s Daughter

by Belle Ami

From acclaimed author Belle Ami, renowned for her poignant World War II epic, The Last Daughter , inspired by her mother's survival of the Holocaust, emerges a captivating saga that transcends the bounds of time. Mona Lisa’s Daughter entwines the fates of two remarkable women against the backdrop of history's glittering peaks and darkest depths.

In the resplendent glory of Renaissance Florence, Leonardo da Vinci meets Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of a silk merchant, forging a friendship that transcends the conventional roles of artist and muse. Their bond yields what many consider the greatest masterpiece the world has ever known, but also harbors a shared secret that must be kept hidden at all costs.

Fast forward four centuries to the dawn of World War II, where in the shadow of fascist rule, fear grips the city of Florence. It is here that young nun Valentina Amati shoulders the duty of safeguarding a hidden cache of letters exchanged between Leonardo and Lisa. However, as the malevolence of Hitler’s Nazis marches ever closer, Valentina finds herself haunted by her own past and ensnared in a perilous web of secrets that threaten not only her life but also the sanctuary she has vowed to protect.

2025 Judge's Top Pick in Historical Fiction for the Silver Falchion Award.

Genres: World War II, Fiction, Historical Fiction

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

#1 Bestselling Amazon author, Belle Ami, knows that “Dreams do come true.” Belle Ami is an author of time travel romantic thrillers, international thrillers, and historical fiction. Her latest #1 historical fiction novel is The Last Daughter, based on the true story of her mother’s survival of the Holocaust. Whether she writes thrillers set in the art world with a supernatural twist or her new Lost in Time series of time-travel historical romances for Dragonblade Publishing, Belle’s books are all meticulously researched with compelling stories that will usher you through breathtaking twists and turns and introduce you to captivating heroes and heroines. Belle’s books have won many awards, including the RONE, the Raven, Readers’ Favorite Award, National Jewish Book Award, and The Book Excellence Award, to name a few.
Belle Ami Book List:
Mona Lisa's Daughter
Lost in Time Series: London Time, Paris Time, & Tuscan Time
The Last Daughter
The Blue Coat Saga: The Rendezvous in Paris, The Lost Legacy of Time, and The Secret Book of Names
Out of Time Series: The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci, The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio, and The Girl Who Adored Rembrandt
Tip of the Spear Series: Escape, Vengeance, Ransom, and Exposed
The Only One Series: The One, The One & More, and One More Time is Not Enough
When Bells isn’t writing, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up a delectable meal for her family to enjoy. In addition to gourmet cooking, Belle is an accomplished pianist, avid skier, and world traveler. She lives in Southern California with her wonderful Giorgio Armani—her regal Chihuahua.

Reviews

[CHenry Roi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dual timelines are handled with precision, and the secrets unearthed are both shocking and satisfying. A must-read for aficionados of historical mysteries.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The beautiful object was made of wood and carved with an inlay of two birds in flight. Its metal hinges were free of rust. No dust nor any cobwebs covered its exterior. It was not overly heavy, but it was locked, so she stretched her hand again to the back of the secret compartment, seeking a key to unlock the chest.

“I see you’ve discovered our treasure,” Suor Maria Vittoria’s amused voice floated up the ladder.

Valentina gasped again and would have lost her footing had the nun not steadied her.

“Careful, my child.”’

Mona Lisa’s Daughter begins in 1882, at the convent of Santa Maria del Carmine, when a young nun, Suor (‘Sister’) Maria Vittoria, is tasked by an elderly nun, Suor Ursula, with looking after a treasure the convent has been hiding for centuries. Suor Ursula is dying, and there are only few chosen ones who would ever know of this secret box of delicate, faded letters. Suor Maria Vittoria swears to look after it well.

Next, the action moves to 1925, when young Valentina Amato is taken – pregnant – to the convent by her irate mother. Despite her initial reluctance, she soon begins to warm to several nuns, and eventually, acknowledging Valentina's good education, Suor Maria Vittoria employs her in the convent library. In time, they build up a trust, and after Valentina discovers the hidden box, she is tasked to transcribe the content of the 400-year-old letters kept in the box. Sworn to secrecy, she is intrigued by what they reveal.

Flashback to 1503, and we delve into the bustle of Renaissance Florence. Powerful families rule the city, which prospers under the benevolence of their masters. But even renowned artists need to pay bills, and for Leonardo da Vinci, this means doing portraits. He meets a mysterious lady, who buys, and then releases, a pair of turtledoves. Her demeanour, and her beauty, intrigues him. This is the beginning of a slow, fascinating, intimate relationship between the artist and his younger muse.

Back in the 20th century, the time arrives for Valentina to give birth to a daughter, in the knowledge that the babe will be adopted. She briefly meets her daughter’s new parents – a Jewish couple from Rome who adore the baby from the start. Heartbroken, she rushes away to leave them to their newfound joy.

But returning home, Valentina is being observed by the same man who stalked her previously. And whilst her uncaring mother plans Valentina’s wedding, the girl hatches a daring plan of her own.

Will Valentina escape the clutches of her tormentor? And what happens with Leonardo da Vinci and Lisa del Giocondo? Well, read the book to find out!

~~~

An intriguing dual-timeline novel set in Florence, Mona Lisa’s Daughter covers the Renaissance, when Leonardo painted his famous portrait of a woman who belonged to another. And it also delves into the dark era of pre-WWII Italy under the firm command of Mussolini and his dangerous henchmen. When Italy aligns itself with Germany, and Jews began to be rounded up, to be sent to internment camps far away from home, the fate of Valentina’s daughter, and her adoptive parents, comes dramatically into play.

Several characters make this story so compelling: Valentina, who grows from insecure teenager to astute young woman as she takes an important decision that sets out her future; Suor Maria Vittoria, the friendly nun who gives the wronged girl a chance, without judgment; and Leonardo da Vinci, famed painter who falls for another man’s wife.

For me, Valentina is the undisputed star of this novel, as she grows from a young innocent to a woman who knows her heart. The choices she makes are born from necessity, and we, as readers, empathise with her plight. But it is through her that we uncover one of history’s long-kept secrets: that of a liaison between da Vinci and Mona Lisa.

Valentina’s character shines through, and as she grows into an adult, she brings a strong sense of realism into the plot. Her fate probably resembled that of dozens of other young women through the ages, and her decision must be respected; admired even. We follow her steep learning curve as external forces encroach into the sanctity of the convent, where – like many other convents or monasteries – they harboured rebels, Jews, and other people endangered by Nazi politics.

I absolutely adored Valentina. She is a wonderful character and, together with the indomitable Suor Maria Vittoria, makes a formidable duo.

Suor Maria Vittoria is a kind nun, caring, intelligent, and friendly. Her support of the young girl who’d arrived pregnant on their doorstep is incredible. She is a steadfast character, not only in her faith, but also in seeing the good in the women around her. Her trust in Valentina is rewarded by the girl’s devotion. Their bond is a close one, among religious sisters, and it’s what makes this novel so heart-warming.

I’m afraid I didn’t care too much for Leonardo and Lisa’s part of this novel. I found them a little one-dimensional, and although the fictional plot has some merit – Ms Ami explains this part in her Notes at the back of the novel – I never found their story of much interest. I have seen the painting repeatedly, and I can well imagine there to be a small grain of truth in the plot, but it just didn’t do it for me.

My focus was entirely on Valentina, whose story was foremost in my mind. Her life could have gone completely wrong, especially had her devious mother had her way, but with her mind made up, Valentina chose the best path for her, and one that kept her and her daughter safe. Well, most of the time…

Ms Ami has undertaken some absolutely incredible research, not only into the splendour and brilliance of Renaissance Florence, but also into Italy between the wars. Mussolini’s growing power is mentioned, and although the convent is fairly cut off from the world, news does reach them. The parts set in the Renaissance are exquisitely authentic, and Ms Ami has created an enticing environment for two great minds – the painter and the good wife – to meet. The detail of the era is so realistic, you feel transported back in time. For me, sadly, the emotional side did not work out, but the historical setting was very well portrayed indeed through the graceful narrative.

Mona Lisa’s Daughter is a moving and intriguing dual-timeline story of human actions, hope, obsession, persecution, and ultimately, of enduring love. As her fate echoes through the ages, it is her story that sets the tone of this novel, and it is her character who turns it into an unforgettable reading experience.

Recommended especially for readers of dual-timeline mysteries, in an exquisite setting, who love an intriguing plot, and characters who show incredible fortitude and unconditional love.

Review by Cathie Dunn
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Belle Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers' Favorite Book Review
Title: Mona Lisa's Daughter

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam

Belle Ami’s Mona Lisa's Daughter is a well-researched and wellcrafted story of art, romance, suspense, and the stark reality of war. The story is set in Italy, in two timelines; the 16th-century
Renaissance and the 20th century, including World War II. In 1925 after a terrifying experience, 15-year-old Valentina Amato of Fiesole finds sanctuary in the Santa Maria del Carmina Convent in Florence.She becomes a nun, Suor Gianna. With her love of learning and books, she becomes a librarian under the mentorship of Suor Maria Vittoria. Valentina is entrusted with deciphering and making handwritten and typed copies of treasured and precious letters from the 16th century. The letters are the personal correspondence between the genius and artist Leonardo de Vinci and Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of a wealthy silk merchant. The correspondence lasted about 20 years, beginning in 1503 when Leonardo was commissioned to create Lisa’s portrait. Valentina continues the transcription of the letters in WWII as Italy joins Germany to fight
the Allies.
Compelling and immersive, I thoroughly enjoyed Belle Ami’s Mona Lisa's Daughter with its unforgettable characters and complex plotlines. I loved the worldbuilding of both centuries, 16th-century Renaissance Florence and 20th-century Florence from about the 1920s to the end of WWII. The artwork and graphics evoked beautifully the two periods: the young nun Valentina in the 20th
century, Florence in WWII, and the Renaissance painting of Mona Lisa. The character development was outstanding, particularly that of Leonardo de Vinci and Lisa del Giocondo. I liked how the
(fictitious) letters expressed the growing bond of love and affection between the artist and the muse and their discovery that they are kindred spirits. The settings of their everyday lives and Leonardo's
other art commissions added great depth to the story. Equally, I liked Valentina’s character development, her courage, and her determination to face the daunting challenges in her life, beginning from the time she became a nun through the terror of WWII when the nuns provided sanctuary to Italian Jews facing persecution. I loved Mona Lisa's Daughter for its intriguing and poignant story of Leonardo and Lisa, and the profoundly moving story of Valentina, the nun and guardian of the treasured letters. A haunting tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mona Lisa’s Daughter is a phenomenal book, there is no doubt about that. And you get two stories for the price of “one”. The author’s descriptive writing leaves you spell bound with every page. Add the historical settings and the well-known artist Leonardo da Vinci to it, just gives it surreal feeling that I seldom experience while reading.

Two women, two men, and two worlds so vastly different, yet it just makes perfect sense in the plot.
The one woman finds herself in the confines of a 15 century marriage and is the muse of the famous artist who created the Mona Lisa.

After six children and the loss of another, Lisa found her drawn to Da Vinci’s, the man. Hours upon hours of sitting for him made them realised how much they have in common. Soon, a deeply found relationship blossomed. When Da Vinci was commissioned to go to another city, they began to write to each other and, in the confines of paper; they discovered the depth of their feelings. These love letters were placed in the watchful care of a nunnery. Soon Valentina Amati joins this nunnery after a sexual assault, and she became the next trustee of these letters.

Valentina Amati is trapped in the turmoil of a war that devastated the globe. An unwanted pregnancy and a diabolical man. When her daughter was born, she had to return to her village, where she discovered that her mother was busy arranging a marriage with the man that assaulted her. This prompted her to return to where she began the ardent role of rewriting the love letters for future generations.

In both of their lives, love and romance are frowned upon, yet they are forced to make decisions that would influence the rest of their lives. Hard choices followed them everywhere, choices that tested their love, devotion, and faith.

This is truly an exceptional story that I can recommend to anyone that loves the Renaissance period, and the different nuances of World War 2.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this story.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is told in a dual timeline set-up. The one timeline is in the early 1500s and follows Leonardo di Vinci and the woman who was the inspiration for the Mona Lisa. The other timeline is just before and during World War II. In both cases, the story takes place in Italy. I feel like a dual timeline story (or any book that switches back and forth between two or more stories) requires a delicate balance. With this one, I kept feeling like the Leonardo di Vinci and Mona Lisa timeline interrupted the story. I really just wanted to get back to what was happening in the other story. I feel like the dual timeline set-up made it so neither story was properly developed. The 1900s story, though, felt better written than the other story.

I did, though, learn two interesting things about di Vinci. He loved animals, and he had a feud going on with a certain other artist. In looking up more about him, both of these things are true. If you're a fan of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," you'll be happy to know that both Michelangelo and Raphael make appearances in the book. Unfortunately, Donatello was from an earlier period than the others, so you won't see him.

This book does have some mild swearing. It hints at sexual relationships between di Vinci and some men. While the graphic content is mild when it comes to sexual content and violence, there are several topics that might be difficult for some readers to handle. These include rape, attempted rape, a baby born as the result of an affair, racism, sexism, and violence related to the Holocaust. Di Vinci and others also make several sexual comments about his and other artists' artwork.

I feel like this book had the potential to be a good book. For me, though, the author was trying to tell too many stories in a small space. I would have preferred just reading the World War II story without the whole di Vinci plot included.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that's caused you to actually respond verbally to something that happens? Because that's what I did when I read where the baby was going. I found myself muttering "no, no, no, don't do that" at my kindle, because, while the characters had no idea what was to come, I was all too aware. And I can't say more than that because I always keep my reviews spoiler free.

Mona Lisa's Daughter is a beautiful dual timeline story, set in both Da Vinci's Italy of 1503 - 1519, and then 1925-1945. The two stories are connected by the letters between Da Vinci and Lisa Giacondo, who is widely believed to be Mona Lisa.

In the Da Vinci part of the timeline i loved learning more about Da Vinci and his muse. Whilst I am familar with his paintings, I often forget that he was also an inventor. In particilar I loved the image of Lisa reading the 'Book of the City of Ladies' and contemplating how it would feel to be remembered in history. Likewise Da Vinci's ponderings on whether his painting of The Last Supper would survive. I hope they are both pleased with how they are remembered.

And now for the 20th century timeline. Anyone who knows me, or follows my reviews, will know that World War II, in particular the lands occupied by the Nazis and the Holocaust, is my favourite period and book genre. But I'll be honest and say that I have read very little set in Italy in this period. So Mona Lisa's Daughter was a refreshing change, and Belle has captured perfectly how it must have felt to try and survive that time. I loved Valentina, and as always am grateful that I am an unmarried Mother in a time and place where it is allowed.

Overall this was an utterly fantastic book, and I'm definitely going to read more books by Belle. I think The Last Daughter may well be my read for the weekend.

[Coffee Book Couch by Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mona Lisa’s Daughter by Belle Ami sweeps you into two eras, blending history with mystery in a way that feels vivid and deeply personal. From the Renaissance streets of Florence to a World War II-era convent, the story unfolds with Lisa del Giocondo—yes, the Mona Lisa herself—and Valentina, a young nun who finds herself entangled in a centuries-old secret.

What I love most about this book is how it brings these women to life. Lisa is far more than a muse to da Vinci; she’s strong-willed, authentic, and her relationship with Leonardo adds layers of intrigue to the familiar smile. Valentina, generations later, mirrors Lisa’s strength in a time of unimaginable danger, tasked with protecting these hidden letters just as the Nazis close in. Belle Ami’s portrayal of their worlds—Lisa’s Renaissance Florence and Valentina’s wartime Florence—feels so tangible, full of richness and urgency.

The novel’s suspense builds beautifully. As the narrative jumps between these two timelines, the links between Lisa and Valentina become clear, and the mystery unfolds in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night. The emotions and dilemmas these women face are timeless, making this historical novel feel surprisingly modern.

If you’re drawn to books that weave art, history, and a bit of suspense, Mona Lisa’s Daughter will not disappoint. It’s a journey of resilience, passion, and the secrets we carry through generations.

[Carola Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully transported me between Renaissance Florence and the turbulent years of World War II with a story that felt remarkably intimate yet epic in scope. From the very start, the connection between Leonardo da Vinci and his iconic muse, Lisa del Giocondo, breathes life into history, giving an unexpected emotional weight to the mystery of the Mona Lisa. Belle Ami has a way of bringing historical figures to life with such depth, making you feel like you’re standing right there in da Vinci’s studio, watching his masterpiece take shape.

The dual timelines work seamlessly here, especially regarding Valentina Amati's story. The courage she shows, safeguarding secrets under the shadow of Nazi invasion, is inspiring and brings a haunting beauty to the novel. Valentina’s journey embodyed the resilience and sacrifice that wartime often demands. With rich historical detail and characters who leap off the page, this novel is a wonderful escape that also makes you think about the legacies we leave behind. Truly a memorable read.

[Deepa Kandaswamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life is a brief dream, and love is the only thing that makes it worthwhile".

Why is the smile of Mona Lisa so mysterious in the painting? Valentina is put in a convent by her mother when she is pregnant after she is raped. She works helping the librarian and discovers letters over 400 years old - correspondence between Da Vinci and Mona Lisa. As the librarian wants her to make copies of it in ink and print, she sets about doing it. Once Valentina has the baby, she is convinced by the nuns to give up her baby daughter for adoption and a young Jewish couple adopt her baby. She is forced to return, and her mother decides to marry her to her rapist and Valentina leaves her home and becomes a nun in Florence. But what has Da Vinci's correspondence 400 years ago with Lisa got to do with Valentina and the second world war? The author answers this and much more in her book, 'Mona Lisa's daughter'. For the rest of the review go here: https://deepakandaswamy.blogspot.com/...

[Laura Naramore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found Belle Ami's writing so very different from anything that I have ever read, and it was a bit difficult having to go back and forth to translate some of the words. Valentina as a character I just wanted to hug, especially when she had to give up her daughter. The rape scene was a little hard to handle. I loved all the nuns and how their character brought something special to the book, and it would not have been the same without it.
The back and forth from this story to that to something totally different was a little hard to get behind, and I don't know if all her books are like that, but the book was easy at times and others not so much.
I absolutely loved the history, since that was one of my favorite subjects in school, I love historical fiction. I don't know if I would go and read another one of her books, I might try it if it wasn't a dual timeline and see if I liked that better. Her words and the characters are what I loved but I could not ignore that at times it was a difficult story and trying to read and hunt down a translation just wasn't what I wanted in a book.

[DAB-E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written story that combines the life of Da Vinci with WWII as a historical fiction. I never thought about the artistic competition between the artists and how the personalities may have clashed. I also did not know how long it took to paint the Mona Lisa. While I know this is fiction, I really wish that the relationship between DaVinci and Lisa was true.

The author does a great job of describing what was going on in the different time periods and obviously did a lot of research on both timeframes.

I look forward to enjoying other books by this author.

Thanks goodreads for this book.

[Roy Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale is all about bringing together two distinct eras, a historical mystery that spans centuries. The Renaissance-era friendship between Leonardo da Vinci and Lisa del Giocondo holds a well-guarded secret. Fast-forward to World War II, and young nun Valentina Amati finds herself safeguarding da Vinci’s correspondence under the looming threat of Nazi forces in Florence. Strong research and pro storytelling make this novel a captivating choice for anyone who enjoys historical puzzles and well-crafted suspense.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mona Lisa’s Daughter” by Belle Ami is an historical fiction book with two timelines: Renaissance and World War II. The timelines were connected through a secret treasure of letters.

The historical content is well researched. I learned a bit about Leonardo DaVinci, Lisa (Mona Lisa), and WWII in Italy. The history is woven into the fiction in an interesting way.

I recommend this book to others who love historical fiction. I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ebook.

[Susan Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I know the story of Leonardo and Mona Lisa is fictional It is rich and historical detail and beautifully researched.
I’ve read a lot Belle Ami’s work and this is definitely my favorite
The story deftly weaves between the 1500's - Leonardo’s and Lisa’s time- And a second timeline playing out in the background of World War II in Italy where a treasure trove of Leonardo and Lisa's correspondence is safeguarded by an order of nuns . It's just so well done. Highly recommend.

[Stephanie Benoist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belle Ami weaves an intriguing, vibrant story centered around a secret treasure of letters written between Leonardo da Vinci and his muse, Mona Lisa. It deftly shifts between the two remarkble historical eras of the Renaissance and World War II.
Mona Lisa's Daughter richly describes the impressions and feelings of its characters, bringing the past to life and giving a voice to the suffering, sensuality, and beauty felt by entire generations.

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Amazing Historical Fiction♡

This book was truly captivating, and I couldn't put it down once I started it. The dual timelines gave so much more depth and suspense, which I loved! Parts of this story ended up getting very emotional, but the author did such a wonderful job portraying each emotion. The characters were well developed, and overall, I really enjoyed this reading experience!

Thanks so much to the author and Henry Roi Pr for the ARC!

[Sara Lynott · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader of historical fiction this book has many of the things that I enjoy. The story was told in many different times in history and was well researched. I liked how the Italian language was added in here and there.
This story has me Turing the pages quickly as I wanted to know the fate of Leonardo in the past and the main characters in the future.

[Melampus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous book across Italy in the 1500s and the 1940s in Florence and Rome. Connecting them both are the love and letters of Leonardo DaVinci and Mona Lisa, and the bravery of those who maintain these secret missives during one of the darkest times of Europe.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. I feel like Ami needs to go and write a story behind every famous painting.

[Tyler Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, 'Mona Lisa’s Daughter' is so cool! The way it mixes old-timey stuff with WWII is epic. The characters are awesome, and the story keeps you hooked. Totally recommend!"