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Impostor: A Novel Set in the Kingdom of Naples
Celeste is devastated when she learns of her arranged marriage to the notorious Ferrante degli Spini. Raised in a convent by the esteemed Sister Assunta, she has little contact with the outside world. Moved by love for her ward, the crafty nun convinces Celeste's only friend, Valentina, to assume the identity of the bride. Marriage to the harsh nobleman poses difficult challenges. Ferrante's friend and mentor, the fascinating Prince Raimondo di Sangro, offers the na�ve Valentina valuable insight on how to overcome these obstacles. Although she accepts his advice, an unexpected betrayal threatens to ruin her life. Set in Naples, Italy during the Age of Enlightenment, IMPOSTOR embodies the passion, drama, and vibrancy that is "Bella Napoli."
- GenresHistorical Fiction
268 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2019
319 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
C. De Melo
33 books62 followersI perform CPR on history & breathe life into the past...
Hello and welcome! After obtaining my Art History degree from UMASS Dartmouth in 2000, I was hired by an American university to coordinate educational programs throughout Italy. In 2007, I settled in Florence to work as a museum guide. I've been a full-time author since my first book (SABINA) hit #1 in 2014.
My specialty is historical fiction set in Italy, although I do write different genres. I'm a globetrotter and do my utmost to visit every city and historical site mentioned in my novels in order to provide readers with vibrant descriptions.
NOTE: Unfortunately, goodreads does not update book covers, so some of these here are outdated. Please visit my Amazon page by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/C.-De-Melo/e/B...
Hello and welcome! After obtaining my Art History degree from UMASS Dartmouth in 2000, I was hired by an American university to coordinate educational programs throughout Italy. In 2007, I settled in Florence to work as a museum guide. I've been a full-time author since my first book (SABINA) hit #1 in 2014.
My specialty is historical fiction set in Italy, although I do write different genres. I'm a globetrotter and do my utmost to visit every city and historical site mentioned in my novels in order to provide readers with vibrant descriptions.
NOTE: Unfortunately, goodreads does not update book covers, so some of these here are outdated. Please visit my Amazon page by clicking this link: https://www.amazon.com/C.-De-Melo/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 7, 2019
The ending is a bit simple, but it was a fun quick read.
June 5, 2021
Audio Review:
Impostor: A Novel Set in the Kingdom of Naples hooked me with its synopsis. The story started off fast paced and then in the middle it slowed down a bit, but picked up near the end. I enjoyed the story for the most part except a found it got a little boring in the middle but overall a enjoyable listen. I also liked the settings and history of the characters. I was happy with the ending.
Told in third person pov narrator Jenn Lee inflection fit the story. Her ability to change her tone based on the characters was excellent.
Overall, a entertaining historical romance listen.
Impostor: A Novel Set in the Kingdom of Naples hooked me with its synopsis. The story started off fast paced and then in the middle it slowed down a bit, but picked up near the end. I enjoyed the story for the most part except a found it got a little boring in the middle but overall a enjoyable listen. I also liked the settings and history of the characters. I was happy with the ending.
Told in third person pov narrator Jenn Lee inflection fit the story. Her ability to change her tone based on the characters was excellent.
Overall, a entertaining historical romance listen.
April 8, 2025
A romantic story with an insight into 18th-century Naples. Plot a bit predictable though.
February 3, 2022
This is my second read from C. De Melo and I am still perplexed on why this gifted author doesn’t have more of a cloud in the historical romance genre. Her books are very well written and immensely researched.
“The impostor” (the title itself is too much of a spoiler albeit very accurate ) is definitely a fairytale romance type of book. As good as one who expect with a young-smart-ingenue and an older-hurt-good-looking-rich protagonist. There is a smoothness about the intrigue, the characters are lovable and magnanimous however there is an educational factor in this book that sometimes feels unrelated to the story …great to know who built the cathedral and when but somehow it didn’t feel effortless.
I exceedingly enjoyed my first C. De Melo read “Vendetta” which presented a more complex genre.
Extremely well narrated by Jenn Lee with multiple easily recognizable inflections. Fun easy quick listen.
“The impostor” (the title itself is too much of a spoiler albeit very accurate ) is definitely a fairytale romance type of book. As good as one who expect with a young-smart-ingenue and an older-hurt-good-looking-rich protagonist. There is a smoothness about the intrigue, the characters are lovable and magnanimous however there is an educational factor in this book that sometimes feels unrelated to the story …great to know who built the cathedral and when but somehow it didn’t feel effortless.
I exceedingly enjoyed my first C. De Melo read “Vendetta” which presented a more complex genre.
Extremely well narrated by Jenn Lee with multiple easily recognizable inflections. Fun easy quick listen.
May 23, 2020
Quick Read
I recently discovered C. D. Melo’s books in the kindle store and this is my third read so far. I would say this is my second favorite, and I enjoyed the story. As a Lover if historical fiction I have fallen in love with Italy and the rich detail that the author has woven into her stories. Each of the novels I have read in about 3 nights of reading, and I look forward to diving into the next book.
If you are looking for a challenging novel with complex characters and plots- this may not be it. However if you want an easy read with a feel-good ending- then you’ve come to the right place.
I recently discovered C. D. Melo’s books in the kindle store and this is my third read so far. I would say this is my second favorite, and I enjoyed the story. As a Lover if historical fiction I have fallen in love with Italy and the rich detail that the author has woven into her stories. Each of the novels I have read in about 3 nights of reading, and I look forward to diving into the next book.
If you are looking for a challenging novel with complex characters and plots- this may not be it. However if you want an easy read with a feel-good ending- then you’ve come to the right place.
February 28, 2020
Well written
This is the perfect book for a good rainy day. Easy to read, and very well written. A little adventure and romance. The ending seemed a little rushed, but it was great nonetheless.
This is the perfect book for a good rainy day. Easy to read, and very well written. A little adventure and romance. The ending seemed a little rushed, but it was great nonetheless.
July 24, 2020
Utterly scheming
Really enjoyed this one! The young innocent novice is anything but! Loved the women characters in this book how their secrets and scheming ways got them into trouble. Really good story!
Really enjoyed this one! The young innocent novice is anything but! Loved the women characters in this book how their secrets and scheming ways got them into trouble. Really good story!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews