About the Book

Book: Labor of Love

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Narrated: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 21, 2023

Something sinister lurks in Pitti Palace.

Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin’s marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana.

With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear.

As the newest under-gardener at the palace, Marco Rossi should have everything he’s dreamed of—beautiful gardens to tend and master architects and gardeners to learn from. Yet a secret mission threatens his peace of mind, his position, and even the love of Ana. Although God is always with him, reminding him of a bigger plan, Marco feels the weight of the consequences he will face if he challenges a Medici member.

The desires of men and women, both royal and common, create costly dilemmas and potential disasters of hearts and souls. What will it take for Marco and Ana to prevail against everything driving them apart?

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About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of the Revolutionary Faith series, Gardens in Time series, and Room for Love in the Suamalie Islands series. She enjoys researching and studying history. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

My audio book experience.

Do you enjoy audio books? They have become special companions since I now work at home. My first experience with audio books involved cassettes on long road trips which morphed into CDs. I would purchase the ones I knew I could listen to again or pass on to someone else. The library became a source to fulfill my burgeoning habit.

It took me a while to consider audible books as a “reading” endeavor. But when I really thought about it, I changed my mind. As I listen, I am challenged with new and old vocabulary words where I must deduce the meaning from the context. My concentration is zeroed in on the story unless I miss some strategic details similar to straying on a page and not knowing what is going on. I have the same euphoric reaction as the plot unfolds.

Now, I’m never without an audio book. When I was offered the opportunity to have Labor of Love presented in audio format, my heart quivered knowing what joy it could bring to readers while doing housework, caring for loved ones, or relaxing in a comfy chair. I hope you enjoy this format as much as I do.

Happy reading!

MY REVIEW

I have read this book before but this is the first time I have listened to it in audio. Everything comes to life as the story is being read with compassion and excitement. If you read my review below you will see how much I love this book. With the audio version available now, you can enjoy it several ways. Audio is a great way to get involved in the characters more as you listen to them speak.

It is with great admiration that I review this book. The author swept me away to a place where beauty was plentiful. Oh to be beside Ana as she tends to the garden would be wonderful. I wanted to follow her as she took great care with each flower she planted and the herbs that grew with ease. The garden is where she found peace and a place of belonging. She didn’t have a bad life but one that was not chosen by her. To think that her father would send her away only so he would gain wealth when she married someone with power and money was heartbreaking.

I enjoyed getting to know the members in the Medici household and learning about their social obligations. The palace was large and Ana was brought there to be a companion to her cousins. All around her were talks of balls and marriage. Would she find freedom some day to marry who she desired? Her father has already decided who she will marry but the man is cruel and heartless. I loved how she turned to God and cried out to him to rescue her. She knew in her heart that He was there and would protect her from evil.

Marco is such a charming gentleman. He has come to the palace as a gardener but he has a secret mission that no one can find out about. The beautiful friendship that develops between him and Ana is sweet and written with emotions that are genuine. The author captures not only the beauty of the garden but the gentle spirit of hope as the two main characters slowly recognize that they have feelings for each other. Marco is very aware that something is not quite right with the man who wants to marry Ana. Will he be able to prove that this man is evil and a threat to not only the members of the Medici family but to Ana especially?

Rich in historical facts the author brings this story to life with wonderful characters, intrigue , beautiful landscape and God’s promise of protection. I loved this story so much that I reread it because it gave me a feeling of peace as the words flowed with grace and contentment. Where do you go to find peace and God’s presence?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.