SPORTOCHICK’S MUSINGS: This is a memorable read that I still think about weeks later. Full of robust descriptions creating a world of mystery and intrigue. Bravo to author Isabel Ibañez and narrator Beatrice Grannò who voice made me feel like I was actually in Florence.

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Graceless Heart
The Spellbound History Quartet #1
by Isabel Ibañez
Narrated by Beatrice Grannò

Pub Date Jan 13 2026
Macmillan Audio

DESCRIPTION

New York Times bestseller Isabel Ibañez in her adult debut: a gorgeous, historical, and romantic fantasy that will leave listeners breathless for more! This program is read by italian actor Beatrice Grannò, who played Mia in season two of The White Lotus.

She was never meant to be seen. Now she’s a weapon the world can’t ignore.

As a sculptress, Ravenna Maffei has always shaped beauty from stone but she has a terrible secret. Desperate to save her brother, she enters a competition hosted by Florence’s most feared immortal family, revealing a dark power in a city where magic is forbidden.

Now a captive in the cutthroat city of Florence, Ravenna is forced into a dangerous task where failure meets certain death at the hands of Saturnino dei Luni, the immortal family’s mesmerizing but merciless heir. But as he draws her closer, Ravenna realizes the true threat lies beyond Florence’s walls.

The Pope’s war against magic is closing in, and Ravenna is no longer just a prisoner but a prize to be claimed. As trusting the wrong person becomes lethal, Ravenna must survive the treacherous line between a pope’s obsession and the seductive immortal who might be the end of her — or surrender her power to a city on the brink of war.

A Macmillan Audio production from Saturday Books

REVIEW

Narrator – Beatrice Grannò does a superb job with all the character voices creating a seamless flow in the story. Her accent is fabulous and swept me into the streets of Florence.

Book/Audio

This is a memorable read that I still think about weeks later. Full of robust descriptions creating a world of mystery and intrigue. Bravo to author Isabel Ibañez for the well written book and narrator Beatrice Grannò who’s voice made me feel like I was actually in Florence.

Well written and full of deep emotions, this book’s storyline stays in my mind as one of the best books I have read to date. The creation of the characters Saturnino dei Luni and his immortal family members really makes this story a standout. There are many plots going on at the same time so the reader will not get bored or lost.

Sculptress, Ravenna Maffei seems to continually make decisions that are not good for herself and those she loves but in the end her heart wins and she makes sacrifices knowing that death awaits her. This is not a shy woman…. She fights for those she loves.

The cat and her love for Ravenna and Saturnino adds some interest and brings the storyline a smoothness from the sharpness of the other characters and all the background politics. In the end I think readers will come to love the cat.

I give this 5+++ stars for the impact it made on me.

I received this book for free from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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