A Search for Identity

An undecipherable manuscript, centuries old, a teacher determined to learn how it connects to her past, and three spirited high school girls who happen to be geniuses. Bring them together and you have a very intriguing mystery that reads almost like a treasure hunt.

What an enjoyable mystery this was. It may have been written for middle school and up, but there is much to appreciate for adults as well. At the end you will wonder, coincidence or fate?

All the ingredients of an adventure are there. The manuscript (that actually exists), gypsy connections, orphaned young women who long for family, plus even romance. Add in ancient curses and, perhaps best of all, the beautiful setting of Italy.

It is entertaining, fast paced, and sure to leave a smile on your face when it ends. While it had a definite conclusion, I rather hope the author will continue their story in a sequel. Great for the imaginations of the young as well.

In North Carolina

Carolina, a young teacher at an orphanage and girls school, can relate to the children that are in her care. She first learned she was adopted when she turned 18.

Since that birthday she has sought knowledge of her ancestry, but with a single photo in a small box left for her, it won’t be easy. Still she is determined to learn of her past. Within the box is contained another mysterious clue, one she doesn’t understand until her studies reveal information about the Voynich manuscript.

The three young geniuses are wreaking havoc at the school with minds that need more challenge. Their bond formed as misfits, so much smarter than the other children there.

A final school prank finally enables Carolina to seek the answers to her heritage. When her three charges upset the entire orphanage and school campus, Carolina comes up with a solution that may solve all of their problems. The dean of the school, more than relieved to get the girls out of his hair, agrees to the research project she proposes. On that will take them to Italy.

One girl learns languages with ease–invaluable perhaps for translating the mysterious manuscript. The second girl is a math genius. Since math can be used to solve far more than we know, her skill may simplify the search. The last girl seems to think in music. The cadence of lives blending heavy and light until she has a masterpiece created in her mind and on paper.

In Italy

There is still more at play…

Across the world, a older gypsy woman remembers the day her child was taken from her. Still saddened by the memories, she lives her quiet life, making cures and potions, and teaching the young gypsies among her the old ways of healing.

There is a mysticism surrounding gypsies, some even still today. The lessons draw you further into the story, especially as the old connects to the new.

And finally, a man whom Carolina loves will prove to be more than she imagines.

It is a pleasure to watch how it all comes together into a solid story. It is one you can read to or with your children, but even without children, you will enjoy it.

A sweet story throughout the mystery of it is watching the girls find their place, and family.

The Tour

We are so pleased to be included on Ms. Casey’s virtual book tour for The Cadence of Gypsies.  Hosted by Italy Book Tours, you can find the author at a number of sites from April 25th to May 6th, 206.  Check out the site link here to see the full schedule.

Book Description for The Cadence of Gypsies:

On her 18th birthday Carolina Lovel learned that she was adopted and was given a letter written by her birth mother in an unknown language. After years of research she travels to Italy on a mission to find the truth about her past. Carolina is accompanied by three extremely gifted but mischievous students the FIGs from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women.

In an effort to help their favorite teacher, the FIGs will have to use their special abilities to decipher the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world, and the one thing that is strangely similar to what Carolina was given. Their search will take them into the mystical world of gypsy tradition and magic, more exciting and dangerous than any of them could have imagined.

Buy the Book:   Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Author’s Bio:

Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels for both adults and young adults, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. In addition to her own writing, she is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency, established in 1995, representing authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan.

In 2014 Barbara became a partner in Strategic Media Books Publishing, an independent publishing house that specializes in true crime and other cutting-edge adult nonfiction.

Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with her husband and three dogs who adopted her: Benton, a hound-mix, Fitz, a miniature dachshund, and Gert, a Jack Russel terrier of sorts.

Connect with the author: Website

//

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas