Competition (Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two) by Donna Russo Morin

Thanks to Author, Donna Russo Morin, I am giving away one print copy of Competition (Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two) by Donna Russo Morin.

Description of Competition (Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two) by Donna Russo Morin

In a studiolo behind a church, six women gather to perform an act that is, at once, restorative, powerful, and illegal. They paint. Under the tutelage of Leonardo da Vinci, these six show talent and drive equal to that of any man, but in Renaissance Florence they must hide their skills, or risk the scorn of the city.

A commission to paint a fresco in Santo Spirito is announced and Florence’s countless artists each seek the fame and glory this lucrative job will provide. Viviana, a noblewoman freed from a terrible marriage and now free to pursue her artistic passions in secret, sees a potential life-altering opportunity for herself and her fellow female artists. The women first speak to Lorenzo de’ Medici himself, and finally, they submit a bid for the right to paint it. And they win. 

But the church will not stand for women painting, especially not in a house of worship. The city is not ready to consider women in positions of power, and in Florence, artists wield tremendous power. Even the women themselves are hesitant; the attention they will bring upon themselves will disrupt their families, and could put them in physical danger.

All the while, Viviana grows closer to Sansone, her soldier lover, who is bringing her joy that she never knew with her deceased husband. And fellow-artist Isabetta has her own romantic life to distract her, sparked by Lorenzo himself. 

Power and passion collide in this sumptuous historical novel of shattering limitations, one brushstroke at a time.

Read the first chapter here: The Competition Excerpt

Trailer for  Competition (Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two) by Donna Russo Morin

Praise for Competition (Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two) by Donna Russo Morin

“In elegant prose, Morin paints a captivating tale of courageous women painters who battle against prejudices in Renaissance Florence. Featuring strong women characters, each with distinctive personalities, this is exactly the type of historical novel I enjoy reading. Exhilarating and compassionate, The Competition sings a beautiful tribute of women’s talents and underscores Morin’s masterful storytelling. Delightful!”– Weina Dai Randel, author of The Moon in the Palace and The Empress of Bright Moon

“THE COMPETITION is a page-turning, provocative romp through a fascinating time and place—15th-century Florence—made more so by her invention of a group of women who defy all conventions by secretly studying art under the great Leonardo da Vinci. Even more egregious: they openly compete for the commission to build a fresco in a city chapel. Most shocking of all, they win, drawing the ire of their competitors and inspiring protests and threats. Donna Russo Morin has given us a novel for our time, a book featuring strong female characters fighting the odds to break the “glass ceiling,” and reminding us that this battle is not new: women have been waging it for centuries.”—Sherry Jones, author of THE SHARP HOOK OF LOVE: A Novel of Heloise and Abelard

About Donna Russo Morin

Donna Russo Morin is the internationally published author of five multi-award-winning historical novels including PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY: Da Vinci’s Disciples Book One, and The King’s Agent, recipient of a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Her other titles are The Courtier’s Secret, The Secret of the Glass, and To Serve a King. Her upcoming release, THE COMPETITION: Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two (releasing April 25, 2017), continues to follow the adventures and traumas of a clandestine group of women artists set during the height of the Italian Renaissance.

In addition to her writing, Donna has worked as a model and an actor with appearances in Showtime’s Brotherhood, and Martin Scorsese’s The Departed). A 25-year professional editor, her work spans more than 40 manuscripts.  She holds a BA in Communications and an A.A. in English Literature.  Donna teaches writing courses at her state’s most prestigious adult learning center and has presented at national and academic conferences for over ten years. Donna is a proud, single mother of two sons, Devon and Dylan—an opera singer and a chef—her greatest works. http://www.donnarussomorin.com/

Giveaway of Competition (Da Vinci’s Disciples Book Two) by Donna Russo Morin

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on May 5, 2017 midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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