My Review

Labor of Love, a captivating audiobook by Marguerite Martin Gray, tells the story of Ana Geovani, who has spent eight years as a companion to her cousins in the Medici household. Despite her long-standing service, Ana still grapples with questions about her role and place in the household. Her fears escalate as her cousin's marriage approaches, and a marriage is arranged for Ana without her consent, leaving her feeling helpless and disheartened. Even the beauty of the palace gardens, which she holds dear, fails to lift her spirits.

Meanwhile, Marco Rossi, the newest under-gardener at the palace, has always dreamed of mastering the art of gardening and learning from the best architects and gardeners. However, his peace of mind is threatened by a secret mission that could jeopardize his position and even his love for Ana. Despite his faith in God and his belief in a bigger plan, the potential consequences of challenging a Medici member weigh heavily on him.

As the desires of both royalty and commoners collide, Marco and Ana find themselves caught in a web of costly dilemmas that could lead to heartbreak and soul-shattering disasters. But seem to find hope throughout it all.

The book is beautifully written and engaging, with a fantastic narrator who brings the characters to life and adds depth to the story. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction. Many thanks to Celebrate Lit for the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful audiobook.

About the Book

Book: Labor of Love

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Narrated: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 21, 2023

Something sinister lurks in Pitti Palace.

Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin’s marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana.

With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear.

As the newest under-gardener at the palace, Marco Rossi should have everything he’s dreamed of—beautiful gardens to tend and master architects and gardeners to learn from. Yet a secret mission threatens his peace of mind, his position, and even the love of Ana. Although God is always with him, reminding him of a bigger plan, Marco feels the weight of the consequences he will face if he challenges a Medici member.

The desires of men and women, both royal and common, create costly dilemmas and potential disasters of hearts and souls. What will it take for Marco and Ana to prevail against everything driving them apart?

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About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of the Revolutionary Faith series, Gardens in Time series, and Room for Love in the Suamalie Islands series. She enjoys researching and studying history. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

My audio book experience.

Do you enjoy audio books? They have become special companions since I now work at home. My first experience with audio books involved cassettes on long road trips which morphed into CDs. I would purchase the ones I knew I could listen to again or pass on to someone else. The library became a source to fulfill my burgeoning habit.

It took me a while to consider audible books as a “reading” endeavor. But when I really thought about it, I changed my mind. As I listen, I am challenged with new and old vocabulary words where I must deduce the meaning from the context. My concentration is zeroed in on the story unless I miss some strategic details similar to straying on a page and not knowing what is going on. I have the same euphoric reaction as the plot unfolds.

Now, I’m never without an audio book. When I was offered the opportunity to have Labor of Love presented in audio format, my heart quivered knowing what joy it could bring to readers while doing housework, caring for loved ones, or relaxing in a comfy chair. I hope you enjoy this format as much as I do.

Happy reading!