I was reading Ross King's "Brunelleschi's Dome" when I read this line: "Even a girl from the Gaddi family dared to enter the competition to build the lantern." Something sparked inside of me and I knew my next book would be about this girl. But first, I had to find out if she truly existed in Florence, Italy in the 1400's. My search took me from befriending Ross King to the New York Public Library to various attempts to find out about her from experts on the Renaissance. I finally discovered what I believe to be the truth at a local library. The Gaddi girl never existed. Well, she does now, in my novel, The Lantern.
“Joanne Lewis brings Renaissance Florence to life in this delightful and imaginative fable of hope, redemption and rebirth. In Dolce Gaddi - a woman at the heart of one of the most tantalizing mysteries in architectural history - she has created a compelling heroine. Bravissima!” Ross King, New York Times Best Selling Author, Brunelleschi's Dome
The Lantern, a Renaissance Mystery, moves seamlessly between 15th century Florence and 21st century Miami, as two inspired, fearless women battle repressive social forces to reach for destinies only they can envision. Joanne Lewis weaves an entertaining, provocative tale of dreams pursued, told with humanity and passion.
--Paul Robert Walker, author of The Feud That Sparked the Renaissance