Firstly thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Really enjoyed the story was transported to 17th century Rome and felt the writing was really immersive .

Was a bit of a slow start but picked up in the middle . Would recommend if you enjoyed historical fiction .

I did enjoy the book but it was a little long so I did skim read the end.

I really liked Costanza and her characterisation was done really well. I also liked her relationship with Lorenzo. I did lose interest in the book when their relationship came to an end. I don’t think the rest of the book was bad but it just wasn’t for me at this moment.

I would recommend this book to readers who really enjoy historical fiction. I think it was a really important book as Costanza’s story should be written about. It really highlighted feminist issues of the time and how unfair women’s treatment was. I also adore that she was able to rebuild her life.

4.5⭐️ This has been on my Netgalley shelf for a while and I’m so mad at myself for not reading it sooner! A beautifully written story full of friendship, desire, love, scandal and revenge. A well paced and truly fabulous historical debut (I can’t believe it’s a debut novel) that I physically could not put down. Also loved the authors notes at the end which gives even more of an insight into who the real Costanza was. Really enjoyed!

The book is based on a true story through the eyes of Costanza. The men ruled the 1600's in Rome where women were married young, and expected to be mothers, wives, and lovers....
This beautiful young woman is in a marriage that is not what she expected, she is eventually lured into a wealthy man's bed, becoming his mistress, but this is where her life goes wrong, becoming a scapegoat to protect the male ego
Fully immersed in the book I could not put this down, a tale of love, lust, and danger. what a book and what a woman Constanza was. I felt every emotion in this story.
A definite five stars and very highly recommended

Rome, 1636. History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story.

This is based on the true story of Costanza who is married to Matteo and is a respectable young wife. That is until she meets famed sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini who has a temper but from the moment they meet the attraction is immediate.

Whilst Costanza's reputation is at stake due to their affair , Bernini has a vision in mind to make Costanza his muse and sculpts a statue so that she is immortalised in marble. When the statue is unveiled it also condemns Costanza as she is exposed to be his lover and this causes an almighty scandal within the Roman society. This could be the undoing of Costanza but whilst others believe this is the end for her will she show her resilience and rise above it all.

I will be honest with you I had never heard of Costanza or her story but what I will tell you is that this book had me hooked from the first chapter. I felt for Costanza as from the start she did not have it easy and whilst cheating is never a good thing she had reasons behind it, which are explained within the story. The Bernini family are unlikeable especially Luigi. Overall this story is so very well written and just cements the fact that historical fiction is becoming a firm favourite of mine and this book is worth every one of the 5 stars I have rated it.

Rachel Blackmore has written an historical epic in "Costanza". It is truly engrossing, and it's based on fact! The characters are amazing and Bernini's obsession with Costanza is believable, in the way it develops for him, but also for her. Previously, having not visited Rome, I had only really come across Bernini in Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons". This book brings alive that period of history in Rome when the Popes were all powerful and great works of art were being commissioned, to build on those already produced during the Renaissance.

This book is a must for all lovers of historical fiction. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is historical fiction at its very best. Rachel Blackmore achieves that rare thing of truly transporting the reader so that they are living and breathing 17th century Rome. Not only that, we see it, feel it and think it via the protagonist of this somewhat tragic tale of Costanza Piccolomini, muse to the great (Gian)Lorenzo Bernini, renowned and respected sculptor to the pope.
Costanza is a victim of patriarchy and, sometimes, misogyny but is so much more than that. She is strong, reinventing herself time and time again. Her downfall is falling in love and trusting the wrong people. I like the way that the author explores different sexualities in the context of the era and place, exposing vulnerabilities and adding to the rich context of the plot rather than detracting from it. Without wanting to give much away, Costanza is driven into the arms of Bernini who becomes totally obsessed with her, much to the annoyance of his jealous younger brother who triggers the spiral that results in Costanza’s fall from grace.
She finds a sisterhood in her fellow ‘prisoners’ at the convent and through them she is lifted and learns to be a better person. Her husband, Matteo, stands by her throughout and you can’t help but have empathy with them both.
The ultimate ending is a bit of a ‘sails of into the sunset’ one and after the well paced lead up does feel a bit rushed but not enough to lose a star over! I was sad to finish this book and miss Costanza already.
I was very interested to read about the association with the Sarah Everard tragedy at the end and learn a little more about the ‘birth’ and ‘growth’ of this story from Rachel Blackmore - thank you.

Costanza is beautifully written. The story is about the hardships of women and giving women in history a voice, and I absolutely love that. At times it is difficult content but the prose is lyrical and balances this out. The ending is very much about rising up and this was needed after the heavier elements. The complexity of relationships is explored and portrayed as true to life fully immersing you into Costanza’s life. The characters are vivid and engaging, some infuriating. I always love a book that makes me mad. The setting is another beautiful element that needs mentioning. The pacing is on the slower side but this did not deter me from Costanza’s story. A great piece of historical fiction and I will definitely be checking out this authors future work. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

Costanza Rachel Blackmore

4 stars
I do enjoy historical fiction especially when it is based on a true story and this book ticks these boxes.

Costanza is 22 years old and has been married to Matteo for 4 years. She is happy but feels that there is no real love between her and her husband. Whilst attending a dinner she encounters Lorenzo Bernini, the most famous sculptor of his age, a man favoured by The Pope. There is an immediate attraction between them and when Lorenzo offers to introduce her to the amazing artworks in Rome in the 16th century, Matteo agrees. However there is no impropriety between the two until one day when Costanza arrives home unexpectedly she finds her husband in bed with another man. This is so shocking to her that she lets her passion for Lorenzo show and they become lovers.
Without revealing the story through no fault of her own, Costanza is labelled a slut and her life becomes one of drudgery. However she is still able to rise above her surroundings and live her life.

This story was interesting to me because of the strength of character of Costanza despite the hypocrisy surrounding her. She is a strong woman and lives her life without regard to what the society of Rome demands of a married woman.

I did find the last part of the book not as interesting as the first but I admire the way the author has taken a real person and written a story about her which is mainly based on the truth. I also particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Rome at that time.

Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley

Not my usual style of historical fiction but "Costanza" by Rachel Blackmore definitely grew on me. Set in 17th Century Rome against the backdrop of artists, Costanza becomes the mistress and muse of Bernini. The female protagonist is mainly fictional but the story is based on fact and demonstrates how you can be the centre of a man's universe one minute and cast aside the next. I preferred the section in the nunnery where you really got to know the wronged women who ended up there and heard their stories. Thank you to Rachel Blackmore for breathing life into these women.

I wish I'd had this to read the last time I was in Rome, admiring Bernini's fountains! It's a harrowing story that really highlights the disparity of moral judgement between men and women in Italian society at the time. The Catch-22 situation of funding for the fallen women's own imprisonment was particularly shocking, although the characters of Rosa and Lisbetta provided some respite during this section of the book. All in all, it was a thought-provoking read and an interesting insight into some of the darker potential stories behind the marble sculptures so admired for their beauty.

1636 and Lorenzo Bernini, a famous sculptor has fallen in love with a married woman, Costanza Piccolomini. She is young and beautiful and she becomes his muse and lover. But his brother also desires her. What will be the cost to Costanza living in Rome where the Catholic Church does not approve of adultery?

Brilliant novel based on facts. Well written and well paced. Strong characters with a story to be told. A woman’s life can be hard when men rule all aspects of their future.

Rome 1636: Costanza - respectably married, relatably taken for granted, understandably angry, and hungry for life - catches the eye of sculptor Lorenzo Bernini, a dark, brooding genius with even the Pope at his feet. Costanza risks everything as they are ineluctably drawn together, but dares to believe they can make things work. She doesn’t realise, however, that she’s up against jealousy and pride even more powerful and reckless than the passion consuming her.

It packs an emotional punch (several, in fact) but never feels rushed or melodramatic and moments of strength and beauty, plus wonderful characters, make sure the darkness doesn’t overwhelm it. Kind of ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ and ‘Disobedient’ meet ‘Tess of the d’Urbevilles’ (in the best possible way).

I LOVED Costanza herself. She’s a warm, relatable, realistically flawed, believably brilliant, genuine woman who I would happily have a drink with any time. Rachel has done a beautiful job of defining her by her strengths, her resilience, and the threads of solidarity and humanity in her story, rather than the hardships she faces, and she shines brightest in some heartbreakingly dark moments.

Mesmerising sensuality, stomach churning envy, and heartwarming solidarity are all rendered brilliantly. The psychological elements are chillingly well observed, making me want to fight even harder for Costanza. There’s also a wonderful sense of place and period. You feel the coldness of the winter streets just as vividly as the steaminess of a Roman summer.

The historical note at the end is also deeply moving: I felt it was a real privilege to have spent time with Rachel’s Costanza.

Thanks again to @dialoguepublishing and @netgalley for the proof. I was so keen to read this, I’d already pre-ordered, but didn’t have the willpower to wait when offered an eARC.

It’s out on 1 August. I can’t wait to get my hands on the beautiful hardback.

Costanza by Rachel Blackmore
Having seen the bust of Costanza at the Bargello Museum in Florence I was very keen to read this book about the relationship between Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor and Costanza, his lover. The story opens with Costanza becoming increasingly distressed by her relationship with her husband Matteo. She longs to have a child and yet her husband seems reluctant to lie with her.
Her husband works for Lorenzo Bernini who is a favourite of the Pope and has wields great power in Rome. When Costanza meets Lorenzo he becomes interested in her and, with the blessing of her husband, he begins to teach her about art. Initially their relationship is chaste but then a relationship develops between them which becomes a great passion.
The book is very well researched and you feel immersed in the Rome of the seventeenth century. She demonstrates how women were not able to run their own lives - how they were dependent upon men for everything. I became very involved in the life of Costanza and also of her dear friend Guiliana whose husband insisted on intimate relations with her even though pregnancy left her weak and debilitated. As a Catholic wife there was no way they could refuse or take any precautions to prevent pregnancy.
I knew the story of Costanza and what had happened to her but this did not diminish my love of the story. I was full of admiration for this strong woman who refused to behave in the way that was expected of her. I also loved the way in which the author described how women supported one another throughout all of their trails.
I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen and would like to offer my gratitude to the author, the publishers and Net Galley for enabling me to read such a powerful novel in return for an honest review.

Costanza was a glorious dive into the baroque world of 17th century Rome, with all the sights, sounds and smells... and also a brutal account of the way that Costanza - and most of the other women - were treated. I'd studied all about Bernini years ago and it was amazing to get this insight into the real person - or monster - behind the art. It's shocking even for those days, how he was excused from a horrific crime because of his supposely 'fiery' personality and artistic genius....
I particularly enjoyed reading the author's account of why she chose this story, and her anger about the way women continue to suffer under the patriarchy. Costanza's success once she'd come out of the nunnery is an inspiration.

"Costanza" by Rachel Blackmore is a story set in 17th-century Rome, this novel is a sensual and evocative portrayal of a woman's struggle for autonomy in a time when women were largely controlled by the church and society.
Costanza Piccolomini is a young wife who is torn between her desire for passion and her duty to her husband. When she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, a famous sculptor, she finds herself caught in a web of desire and danger. Their secret love affair is intense and all-consuming, but it's also fraught with danger, as Costanza's reputation is at stake.
I loved how Blackmore woven together the historical details of the period with the intimate and sensual portrayal of Costanza's experiences. The setting is sumptuous and evocative, transporting me to the streets of Rome during a time of great turmoil.
As for the characters, I found Costanza to be a relatable and likeable protagonist, despite her flaws. Her naivete and impulsiveness make her a bit frustrating at times, but it's also understandable given the circumstances. Bernini is more complex, with a dark temper and a possessive nature that makes him both fascinating and terrifying.
The themes of the book are powerful and timely, exploring the struggles that women face when they are silenced and marginalized. The story is inspired by real-life events.
While there were some issues with the writing style - specifically the occasional shift from first person to third person - they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. The exploration of female friendship in the final part of the book was particularly powerful, highlighting the importance of support and upliftment among women.
Overall "Costanza" is for anyone looking for a historical novel that will challenge their perspectives on gender roles and societal expectations. It's a difficult but ultimately uplifting read that will stay with me for a long time.

4.5 stars

Total "judging a book by its cover" with this one! Look how gorgeous she is! I have been so excited about this book.

This is a story I knew nothing about. Part of me feels I must have heard about Matteo Bonuccelli and Gianlorenzo Bernini, and in turn, Costanza, at some point, especially as I used to really be into art, but nope, nothing. Which meant I could come into this with a blank slate, with no knowledge or expectation.

Rachel immediately takes us into this world. I've been to Rome once, many years ago, and I don't remember much of it, other than the fact it rained nearly every day and I wasn't a huge fan of the city, but the way she has described it means I can picture 1636 Rome far easier than the early noughties Rome.

You can see the hours of research Rachel must have put into this book. I'm still in the research stage o my own book and I've often thought whether it's actually worth it all, but this proves it. You really get a feeling for the time and place and people, you can really get the idea that Rachel is an expert in her area and that then makes the story beautiful.

It is a bit slow to begin with, but I'm not sure that's a negative. For me anyway, it really helped lead me into the story, gave me time to get invested in the lead characters and their situation, so that when the s*** hits the fan later on, you really care for the characters and the outcome. There are some slower moments later on in the novel. Not a deal breaker, not a huge issues, and I still really, really, really liked it, but there were just a few occasions I wanted to get to the crux of things a bit quicker, but it didn't affect the enjoyment of the book.

It angers me all this talk in books about how women were treated. I know this is set in the 1600s and the power balance between sexes is completely different, but it doesn't make for easy reading, and whilst Rachel hasn't made it too OTT, she hasn't hidden away from it either.

I love the strong women Rachel has created. It's tough for them, but Costanza especially definitely seems ahead of her time, speaking out, back-chatting to me, being overly familiar with men, walking unaccompanied. It all sounds normal now, but for that time it was very provocative. But she's not shy about it. And in her strength lies the strength of others, building them up and helping them when they fall back down.

I believe this is Rachel's debut historical novel and it really is promising. I've read a lot - A LOT - of historical novels recently. Set in the 1600s-1800s, strong women in difficult situations, love affairs etc. and actually, quite a lot set in Italy come to think of it. And I'm sure that eventually I will get bored of them, or authors will run out of stories to tell, but this is just different enough to be original and enjoyable, unlike anything else I've read before.

Rachel is clearly a born storyteller, she's passionate about her creation, about these characters, about doing them justice; she's aware these are real people with real lives and they deserve to have their stories told, and you can feel that love in the writing.

I really, really enjoyed it. And whilst it was all good to read, the last third of it was my favourite. It's not always nice or easy to read, it gets uncomfortable, but it's so raw and brutal and honest and passionate that it was impossible not to be moved by it - by the plot but also Rachel's way of writing it.

Taking everything into account, this is a fabulous historical debut, with great characters (even if they're not always comfortable to read about), vivid locations, expert storytelling, with the odd pacing issues, but I could barely face putting it down, so keen was I to see how it ended.

Thank you NetGalley & Dialogue books for the ARC

It's the 17th century, Costanza is a young woman married to an up and coming sculptor who works out of the renowned Lorenzo Bernini's studio. She stumbles into a passionate love affair with Bernini who becomes obsessed with his new muse, immortalising her in a marble statute and thus making it impossible to hide their affair.

I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. I'm not one for historical fiction usually but the narrative was so wonderfully compelling. Blackmore's own feminine rage at the state of the world for women and girls was shining throughout this book, you can see what's going to happen for Costanza, it's a story we've heard time and again, we know she is the one who will suffer the most and yet there's nothing you can do to stop the slow carcrash.

Being based in reality the story is rich, and full of detail that helps to bring the world to life. I would 100% recommend this.

I was eager to read this book as I had read Anna Mazzola's novel The Book of Secrets that covered the same time and place in history. as well as The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell. I used to live in Rome and latterly in Pisa, so every novel from that country fascinates me. Rachel Blackmore's Costanza is a novel written with passion, but also great deal of anger and pain. As such, it is not a comfortable story to read, following the rise and fall of a famous mistress of Bernini. The details of how the sculptors and artists survived in that era, with essential patronage from the Pope and other rich families was very interesting. The aspirations of the women struggling with childbirth and poverty was at times a little twenty first century, but the author admits in her acknowledgements that details of Costanza are scant, leaving Blackmore free to invent much of the detail. As so often in history, it is the man who gets his place in time, but I could imagine the reality of these women who chose the path of mistress as the only route to advancement. I could also believe in the hypocrisy of a society that revered beauty, but shunned any woman who did not conform to the image of the Madonna. It exists today in many countries and many religions. Overall, an interesting story, but not light holiday reading.

What I loved: the characterisation and the richness of the storytelling. Costanza is a wonderfully flawed but relatable character, and it was hard not to feel her emotions and share her experiences really keenly. It made for difficult reading at times, especially as we progressed in her story (this is no spoiler, there is a real sense of foreboding from the beginning!), but this made her come alive in a way that even Lorenzo's sculptures could not achieve! The shared narratives were also done well, not distracting from the story or jumping around for each chapter. The worldbuilding was very lush, I really felt the heat and oppression of a Italian summer and Blackmore's descriptive style really suits the historical fiction genre.

What I didn't love: I felt the story took a little while to get started, but once I was in the flow, I finished it within a few days. I also felt the story concluded quite abruptly, but this is likely due to the story being based on a real person, and the Blackmore taking great pains to be faithful to Costanza's story. I admit I had expected a little more spice in the romance scenes, based on the description, but that is a personal preference.