The Beauty of Serendipity…and Meeting Two of My Favorite Living Authors! ♥

Sometimes it is only in retrospect that we see how one thing has led to another…that one choice or decision opened new and unforeseen paths, new connections, new possibilities…and sometimes a little magic! ♥

Serendipity is defined as “a development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way”…or what I prefer, when a wish is fulfilled thanks to the confluence if believing and hoping for the possibility to become a reality…(and in this case, with the help of a very thoughtful friend).

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I won’t bore you with too many backstory details but the very fact that I am writing about this is so incredibly amazing to me!

In a nutshell: As most of you know, I came to Florence during COVID with an open mind and no set timeline…and here I am five years later. It so happened that during those COVID months many art historians, unable to give on site tours, went online and offered art history webinars.

This turned out to be an unexpected blessing for me! Not only was I “introduced” to extraordinary art history experts but I was able to virtually participate in so many of their fabulous webinars (and, in fact, I still do). These deep dives into Renaissance art and history, being introduced to so many interesting, knowledgeable and inspiring historians, authors, museum curators, and artists, has so expanded my knowledge and appreciation for the rich history of this place that I love. And they have inspired me to visit and revisit museums and sites in Florence and beyond…as well as to grow my reading list!

One of the art historians I was introduced to was Paola Vojnovic. Over the years, I have loved her webinars, and share her passion for Florence and Venice…but I have also had the lovely opportunity to become friends and, occasionally, when our calendars mesh, spend a little time together.

When Paola announced that she would be hosting two fall 2025 art history retreats in Florence and that two of my very favorite living authors would be co-hosts/presenters, needless to say, my interest was piqued. Inasmuch as I was unable to participate in the entire retreats, I still reached out to Paola to express my hopes that there might be an opportunity, a window, to squeeze in a few minutes to meet them…

♥ And…thanks to Paola and to the generosity of both authors, I did meet both Sarah Winman and Ross King!

I really cannot express what this meant to me…but I will try…here goes! ♥

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♥ Meeting Sarah…

I don’t remember exactly how I first came across Sarah’s books but I believe that it was by chance in our local bookshop when an intriguing title, “A Year of Marvellous Ways” caught my eye.

After reading it, I was hooked! And it was sometime in 2022 when the paperback version of her latest novel, “Still Life” was available and when I saw that it was about Florence…well, what can I say? I absolutely LOVED it and couldn’t put it down! (In fact, I have read it four more times since and doubtless, I will read it again!)

So, obviously when I learned that Sarah would be in Florence (she lives in the UK), I hoped against hope that perhaps I could meet her at least for a few minutes…

Thanks to Paola for asking and to Sarah for being so amenable, the opportunity, the serendipity came about just a few weeks ago. I received a text from Paola – could I meet them the next morning and spend a few minutes with Sarah? Of course, my very excited response was YES!!

The Beauty of... Meeting Sarah! — *The Beauty of… Meeting Sarah!*

So, it was and I was beyond thrilled to spend time and chat with Sarah. She is exactly as one would expect – so personable, lovely, and unaffected…what a pleasure to meet and to have the opportunity to personally express my deep appreciation for her gift and how much “Still Life” and all of her books mean to me…it’s hard to put into words…so grateful.♥

“Still Life” was my favorite of her books but I also loved and highly recommend “When God was a Rabbit” and “Tin Man”; all unique with compelling characters and stories…and all with a touch of magic.

Stay tuned for Sarah’s next book which is in the works! Can’t wait!

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♥ Meeting Ross...

I have been reading (and rereading!) Ross King’s books, literally, for years! And I always highly recommend them to my clients and friends.

Ross’s books and talks (he is a guest on different history platforms) are always exceptionally informative, interesting, and incredibly well-researched. (Plus the fact that he is a presenter par excellence!)

I first read “Brunelleschi’s Dome” many years ago and have since reread it (at least twice). I subsequently read (and have reread recently) “Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling” and “Leonardo and the Last Supper” and, of course, his most recent publications, “The Bookseller of Florence” and “The Shortest History of Italy”. Needless to say, I’m an avid fan and recommend all of them but I should add that his scope of knowledge and writing includes diverse topics (which you will find on his website).

The Beauty of... Meeting Ross & Melanie! — *Every book that Ross writes is a MUST read!*

Meeting Ross was also a fingers-crossed hope. As it turned out, he had recently started social media accounts. After discussing with Paola, I reached out to him directly regarding the possibility of meeting when he would be in Florence. He was so amiable and receptive…and yes, much to my delight, open to the possibility of meeting.

And so it was! Not only did I meet Ross but I met his lovely wife, Melanie, who is also a writer/historian! What a pleasure to sit across the table and chat with both of them! They were both so personable and accessible, as I imagined them to be.

Just WOW…what a very special opportunity to personally express my gratitude and admiration as well as a shared love of art and history in all of its forms.

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♥ Grazie di cuore! Heartfelt gratitude. I am beyond thrilled to have met Sarah and Ross and to personally express and share how much they have enriched my life with their gifts.

And heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Paola who understood what it meant to me to meet Sarah and Ross… ♥

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And my gratitude to all of YOU for following along and sharing my journey and passion! In fact, I would love to hear what books or authors have inspired or touched you lately? (Comment Below, Please!)

♥ More!

♦ Sarah’s books: Just google Sarah Winman. Ask your local bookstore to order for you or order online. You will love her writing!!

♦ More Ross: https://www.rosskingbooks.com