The Truth About Myths

Series: Winemakers Book Series 3/3

Date Published: 2023

Book Length: 383

Format: E Book I was supplied by the Author as part of the ARC team in return for an honest review

Star Rating 5*****   I loved it, and highly recommend

About Book

Portugal, 1873A prudish princess on a mission…Princess Isabel de Orleans would do anything for Portugal. When her brother, the king, asks for her help, she agrees to travel to Spain to defuse a diplomatic crisis.A beloved rake as a babysitter…Henrique, Viscount Penafiel, has no roots. He prepares to sail to greener pastures when his best friend blackmails him into accompanying the princess to an aristocratic-filled seaside resort.Passion versus patriotism...With his wit and ever-present grin, Henrique delights in showing how Isabel's morals are outdated. Isabel abhors philandering but is entranced by the caring man hidden below a devil-may-care attitude.The sister of Henrique's best friend should be high on a pedestal, safe from his lust. But by demolishing his ideas, she crumbles the height separating them.A Bourbon with ulterior motives…Alfonso is a king sans a throne. When the Bourbon's meteoric interest in Isabel threatens Portugal's independence, Henrique has to take drastic measures to save his country and Isabel's love.

My Thoughts

The Truth about Myths" is a mesmerizing historical novel that transports you to the enchanting world of 19th-century Portugal. The story revolves around the lives of two protagonists, Princess Isabel de Orleans and Viscount Henrique Penafiel, as it unravels a tapestry of myths, secrets, and romance against the backdrop of a nation steeped in tradition.

Giovanna Siniscalchi has skilfully woven a descriptive narrative that takes you on a wondrous journey enabling the sights, sounds and smells to come alive giving you a rich and immersive experience, I will never look at the Blue Pea Flower in the same way again. Also, the book's portrayal of Portugal during this era is nothing short of exquisite, as it vividly captures the country's culture, landscape, and societal norms.

The meticulous research undertaken by the author shines through in every page, making the historical setting feel as tangible as the present day. Romantic novels are not normally a genre I read. However, Giovanna Siniscalchi has changed my mind. Her attention to detail in the descriptions make you believe you are actually there.

The characters of Princess Isabel de Orleans and Viscount Henrique Penafiel are at the heart and soul of the novel. Princess Isabel, a spirited and intelligent young princess, with a strong sense of duty and high morality and her belief in what the correct etiquette is around being a royal and her fight for what is right. On the other hand, Viscount Henrique, who has no roots, with his charisma is a compelling counterpart to Isabel. Their burgeoning romance is beautifully depicted, fraught with tension and passion, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fate.

What sets "The Truth about Myths" apart from other historical novels is its exploration of Portuguese mythology. The author seamlessly incorporates elements of folklore and legends into the book. This fusion adds another dimension to the book, keeping you enthralled. The pacing of the novel is impeccable, with each chapter revealing new layers of the story and its characters. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I also felt the chapters were at the right length to evoke urgency for the next, which left me wondering how things were going to unfold and gaining excitement on each turn of the page.

In conclusion, "The Truth about Myths" by Giovanna Siniscalchi is a masterful work of romance and historical fiction that transports readers to a bygone era, where love and the fight for what is right collides. With its well-drawn characters, rich historical detail, and enchanting storytelling, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersive historical fiction with a true romance. It's a captivating journey through the two lives of Princess Isabel and Viscount Henrique that will leave you yearning for more, long after you've turned the final page.