Lady of Monza

A True Story of Forbidden Love, Murder, and Betrayal

Behind convent walls, desire becomes deadly.

Spain’s daughter. God’s prisoner. No one’s bride

Forced into the veil at thirteen, Virginia Maria de Leyva, noblewoman, unwilling nun, kneels in the Italian Renaissance Convent of Santa Margherita and dreams of the world she left behind. When the dashing Gian Paolo Osio scales the convent wall under cover of darkness, he offers her something more dangerous than freedom: forbidden love.

Their secret affair ignites in stolen moments and smuggled letters, but passion in a Counter-Reformation convent demands a terrible price. Pregnancy. Blackmail. Betrayal. Dark Secrets. Murder. Bodies buried beneath stones and dirt.

As Virginia’s web of deception spreads like poison through the cloistered walls, she transforms from victim to conspirator – and both law enforcers and the Church are watching. When the law officials and the Cardinal’s inquisitors arrive, Virginia faces an impossible choice: confess the truth and be immured alive, or blame her desires on witchcraft and sorcery, denying the only freedom she ever chose.

Based on the true 17th century scandal that rocked Italy and inspired Manzoni’s The Betrothed, this gripping Italian biographical historical fiction novel unveils the untold story of the Nun of Monza – a woman who defied the Church, murdered to protect her secrets, and paid with thirteen years entombed in darkness.

Perfect for readers of Philippa Gregory, Sarah Dunant, and Italian historical fiction with forbidden romance, strong female protagonists, and stories based on true events.