Victoria Sportelli writes strong, adventurous women who follow their dreams despite the social constraints of their times. She has released a historical romance set in18th century Venice. The Songbird of Venice is about forbidden love and a secret that could tear the newlyweds apart. An article about the composer Antonio Vivaldi sparked her idea for this novel, so she included Vivaldi in the story. She loves Venice partly because her ancestors came from the Veneto region.Henry's Spare Queen Trilogy starts as historical fiction and becomes a romance. Margaret is reduced from a lady of rank to a slave. Her story includes England's King Henry I and Queen Matilda. He needs to keep his crown; she wants to give him an heir. As Lady Margaret becomes vital to their success, two men seek to marry her.Ms. Sportelli thoroughly researches the daily lives and times she writes about. She travels to each major site. If she describes a place, she has been there. If she writes A is 25 yards from B, she knows because she measured it. When in England she heads for her favorite shop for high tea but refuses to reveal the spot. A life-long Anglophile who loves British folklore, customs, history, and humor, she extensively researched 6th to 12th century England before writing her prequel and trilogy.
