Books by Laura Morelli

'Historical fiction at its best' Reader review The Tattooist of Auschwitz meets Girl with a Pearl Earring in this gripping, dual-timeline historical novel about one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings and the woman who fought to save it from the Nazis.

Richly painted maiolica ceramics from Tuscany. Supple Florentine leather. The cameos of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of cheeses. Jaw-dropping glass from the island of Murano. MADE IN ITALY takes you on a complete tour of the dazzling artisanal legacy of Italy, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind, hidden workshops where everything from leather bags to gilded frames are turned out completely by hand, piece by piece. This book includes instructions for getting a free copy of the companion guide, Artisans of Italy, with complete, continually updated listings of Laura's personally recommended shops and artisans across Italy. Laura Morelli, art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you behind the tourist traps to discover some of Italy's most traditional arts. Laura holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and shares how, what, and where to buy, hints on recognizing quality and authenticity, and tips for bringing home the artisanal treasures of Italy in your suitcase.

Baccarat crystal. Limoges porcelain. Scented gloves and handmade Parisian umbrellas. The prized digestifs, Armagnac and Cognac.Organized by region, with one chapter devoted to Paris, MADE IN FRANCE takes you on a complete tour of the dazzling artisanal legacy of France, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind, hidden workshops where everything from lingerie to chocolate is turned out completely by hand, piece by piece. This book includes instructions for getting a free copy of the companion guide, Artisans of France, with complete, continually updated listings of Laura's personally recommended shops and artisans across France. Laura Morelli, art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you behind the tourist traps to discover some of France's most traditional arts. Laura holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and shares how, what, and where to buy, hints on recognizing quality and authenticity, and tips for bringing home the artisanal treasures of France in your suitcase.

Would you rather sacrifice your livelihood, your lover, or your life? When the Black Death comes knocking on your door, you'd better decide quickly.Venice, 1510. Maria Bartolini wants nothing more than to carry on her father's legacy as a master gilder. Instead, her father has sent her away from the only home she's ever known to train as an apprentice to Master Trevisan, a renowned painter.Maria arranges to leave the painter's workshop to return to her family workshop and to a secret lover waiting for her back home. But the encroaching Black Death foils her plans…When the painter's servants uncover the real reason why Maria has been sent away to train with Master Trevisan, they threaten to reveal a secret that could tear down her family and the future of their trade. She is forced to buy the servants' silence, but as their greed steadily grows, Maria resorts to more desperate measures. She questions whether her heart's desire is worth risking her family, her trade, and her future, but Maria's sacrifices may amount to nothing if the plague arrives on her father's doorstep and steals away everything she's ever loved.From the author of the award-winning novel, The Gondola Maker, comes a rich tale of Renaissance Venice, a heroine with a lust for life, and love against all odds.

Would you rather sacrifice your livelihood, your lover, or your life? When the Black Death comes knocking on your door, you'd better decide quickly.Venice, 1510. Maria Bartolini wants nothing more than to carry on her father’s legacy as a master gilder. Instead, her father has sent her away from the only home she’s ever known to train as an apprentice to Master Trevisan, a renowned painter.Maria arranges to leave the painter’s workshop to return to her family workshop and to a secret lover waiting for her back home. But the encroaching Black Death foils her plans…When the painter’s servants uncover the real reason why Maria has been sent away to train with Master Trevisan, they threaten to reveal a secret that could tear down her family and the future of their trade. She is forced to buy the servants’ silence, but as their greed steadily grows, Maria resorts to more desperate measures. She questions whether her heart’s desire is worth risking her family, her trade, and her future, but Maria’s sacrifices may amount to nothing if the plague arrives on her father’s doorstep and steals away everything she’s ever loved.From the author of the award-winning novel, The Gondola Maker, comes a rich tale of Renaissance Venice, a heroine with a lust for life, and love against all odds.