A Yorkshire orphan struggling for
opportunity against 18th-century odds reluctantly transforms into a Venetian
courtesan during the Empire's last days.
Sixteen-year-old Renna Covert toils away in the shadows of a Yorkshire
workhouse, her days filled with the mundane task of shelling cotton and the
dangerous duty of scouting for punters. One fateful night, she crosses paths
with two sailors and finds herself thrust into the heart of a chilling
encounter at the local asylum.
These harrowing experiences catalyze Renna's journey, promising newfound
opportunities and revealing long-buried family secrets. Yet, at every turn,
powerful forces conspire to thwart her quest for truth, forcing her to abandon
her scullery work and embark on a daring escape to Venice alongside her
steadfast companions.
In the labyrinthine alleys of Venice, Renna's fate takes yet another twist. She
is ensnared by a cunning Madam who trains her as a Venetian courtesan. But
beneath the veneer of luxury lies a world fraught with danger, where Renna must
rely on her witts and resilience to navigate the treacherous waters of deceit
and betrayal.
Set against the backdrop of Venice's tumultuous Napoleonic invasion of 1797,
this is a tale of a girl's struggle for survival. It is a story of resilience,
defiance in the face of adversity, and, ultimately, one young woman's
determination to reclaim her identity.
THE CURSE OF MAIDEN SCARS is a coming-of-age, women's fiction novel
with gothic flair set in the tradition of Victoria Mas' THE MADWOMAN'S
BALL, and Sarah Dunant's IN THE COMPANY OF THE COURTESAN, with
the sensuality of LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER.
Buy Links:
Universal Ebook Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgDEOq
Audible US Buy Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Curse-of-Maiden-Scars-Audiobook/B0D9R4BCHX
Amazon US Audiobook Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/The-Curse-of-Maiden-Scars/dp/B0D9R32NN9/
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AUDIO EXCERPT
Nicolette Croft can’t
remember a time when she was not creating imaginary worlds inspired by her
Hungarian and American ancestors. As a neuro-divergent learner, however,
putting those stories to paper proved more challenging than imagining them.
Because her determination would not allow her to settle, she pursued an English
B.A. to improve her writing.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.nicolettecroft.com
Twitter: https://x.com/croft_nicolette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoletteCroftAuthor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-croft-a6744929a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettecroft22/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nicolettecroft22
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicolette-Croft/author/B0D3KPG536
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49634836.Nicolette_Croft