The stone witch of Florence

As a plague ravages Italy in 1348, healer Ginevra is summoned back to Florence. Though she had been exiled years earlier for heresy for using her deep connection to nature to help others, particularly by harnessing the power of gemstones, someone has been stealing relics that people rely on for protection. In return for finding the relics, she wants to be officially recognized as a doctor. As Ginevra travels from church to church, she cannot resist healing the few people she comes across despite the danger it poses to herself. Her compassion and determination inspire others to move out of their comfort zones and help her in her quest. As her search for the relic thief intensifies, she becomes caught in a web of greed and intrigue deeper than she could have anticipated. Rasche's thoroughly researched debut features a strong female protagonist ahead of her time who simply wants to use her gifts to help others. Elements of mystery and fantasy, well-rounded characters, and a relatable history make for an engaging story that includes a very satisfying epilogue.

Jewelry historian Rasche debuts with an engrossing novel of 14th-century Florence that sees a woman accused of witchcraft called back from exile to help solve a case of stolen holy relics. Ginerva di Gasparo was born in 1320 Genoa, where the rising influence of Christianity made it hazardous to perform the rituals she learned from her ancestors, including a "priestess who could talk to oak trees" and a soothsayer. She's 20 years old and living in Florence when Bishop Angiolo Acciaiuoli discovers she's been healing the sick with gemstones and banishes her to Genoa. Eight years later, Angiolo offers to allow her to return to Florence on the condition she help him find the culprit who made off with a set of relics, which have taken on new significance since the city was beset with the bubonic plague. Ginerva accepts, and Angiolo permits her to use her magical abilities for the mission. Rasche's vivid depictions of medieval Florence aid the reader in suspending disbelief in the supernatural elements, and the solution to the case turns out to be equal parts surprising and logical. Fans of M.J. Rose should take note. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Oct.)