Today I’m celebrating the launch of my book The Pirate’s Physician: A Thrilling Companion Novella to the Sea and Stone Chronicles. The novella was inspired by my discovery that a renowned medieval medical school in Salerno, Italy, welcomed women students. What’s more, one of its female graduates, Trotula of Salerno, wrote important medical texts about women’s health that influenced the work of physicians all over Europe for centuries.
I knew the moment I learned about Trotula that I would create a character in her honor, and the result is The Pirate’s Physician.
I’ll let the book blurb speak for itself:
When her world shatters, she dares to trust a pirate. Will she survive what comes next?
The Pirate’s Physician is the story of Giuliana Rinaldi, a student at Salerno’s famed medieval medical school, whose lifelong dream of becoming a physician crumbles when her uncle and mentor dies suddenly.
Faced with an unwanted marriage to a ruthless merchant, Giuliana enlists the help of a Basque pirate and flees home for the dangers of the open sea. Will she make it to Genoa, where her only remaining relative awaits? Or will this impulsive decision seal her own doom?
The Pirate’s Physician is a thrilling companion novella to my award-winning Sea and Stone Chronicles series of historical novels: Island of Gold, Sea of Shadows, and The Queen’s Scribe.
“A page-turning joy to read.” —J.G. Harlond, author of The Chosen Man trilogy
“Delightful! An unparalleled journey through the Mediterranean.” —Brook Allen, author of the Antonius Trilogy
“A spellbinding tale of intrigue and romance. Unputdownable!” —Elizabeth St.John, author of The Godmother’s Secret
“A real treat. Engaging, fast-paced, and deeply researched.” —Vivienne Brereton, author of The House of the Red Duke series
“Brilliant . . . If you’re a fan of seafaring adventure tales with a touch of romance and intrigue, you’ll love this book!” —Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Review
The Pirate’s Physician is available at various online retailers here: https://mybook.to/PiratesPhysician
You can also order paperbacks from your favorite bookstore or ask your local librarian to stock the book.
To learn more about my research for the book, check out this blog post about Salerno’s medical school and life in the medieval Mediterranean.
