The Secret of the Glass

by: Donna Russo Morin

Published by: Kensington Books (March release)

Reviewed by Alex McGilvery

The Secret of the Glass is the newest book by Donna Russo Morin.

The heroine of the book is Sophia Fiolario, the eldest daughter of Zeno Fiolario. Zeno is the premier glassmaker of Murano in Venice during the time when the glassmakers were kept as pampered prisoners to protect the secret of the murano glass. Sophia has learned the art of glassmaking from her father, a secret that could cost her life. Sophia is content with her life until she learns that she is being forced into a loveless marriage that may threaten the happiness of her entire family. Yet as she is forced into the volatile court of the Doge, Sophia finds both friends and enemies, including a man who ignites a passion in Sophia at least as hot as her beloved glass.

In addition to Sophia and her family, The Secret of the Glass is populated by historical figures such as Galileo and Fra Scarpi. Through Sophia’ eyes we are treated to a glimpse into a turbulent period in the history of western culture. The repressive Church of Rome is threatening the progressive community of Venice. Donna Russo Morin paints both historical and fictional characters with the same deft brush. Whether it is Sophia’s awakening to her own beauty and passion or the struggle of Galileo to balance his new understanding of the world with the limited vision that the Church allows, we are pulled into the characters’ lives and want them to prosper in the face of the impossible odds they face.

The Secret of the Glass is an invitation into a world with as much delicacy as the finest glass and more than a hint of the heat that goes into its creation. It is a book that is filled with characters that are easy to like and a plot that twists and turns through history to a most satisfactory conclusion.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a wonderful 5-star historical fiction not released until March 2010.

Author’s Web site: http://www.DonnaRussoMorin.com