The Chosen Man

Book 1 in The Chosen Man Trilogy

From Genoa to tulip-fever Holland, charismatic rogue Ludovico da Portovenere endeavours to fulfil a secret Vatican commission on his own terms, for his own reasons. But as he nears success, Ludo must confront suppressed secrets of his own, and an implacable assassin who is pursuing him for very personal reasons.

Spring, 1635; Ludo da Portovenere, Italian merchant and charismatic rogue, is on a familiar voyage from Constantinople to Amsterdam when he is presented with a surprising, secret Vatican commission – to cause financial mischief in Holland. The idea amuses him; he can turn it to his own benefit, he accepts.

Then a pirate raid brings him a girl; the feisty but innocent Alina, who won’t go home. She’s an encumbrance so Ludo sells her to a minor English nobleman in Plymouth and sails on. There’s a wealthy widow waiting for him in Amsterdam, someone with the money and all the right contacts for his new scheme.

Alina is taken to an ancient estate on a Cornish backwater, where she disrupts the status quo to the point that her mother-in-law will do anything to be rid of her. Alina’s life is in jeopardy, but one day, she is certain, Ludo will rescue her from her rural prison.

Eventually Ludo does arrive – because he is escaping his worst enemy, a Vatican assassin named Rogelio. Nothing is as Alina imagined it would be, but now there are two other men willing to love and protect her. Which one will she choose?

Accomplished writer – great read

‘J.G. Harlond is a real find. The Chosen Man is a novel with everything going for it: a cracking story centred on an intriguing and charismatic hero… the author wants to pull you in and entertain you. And succeeds triumphantly. I’m keeping my fingers crossed there will be more.’ Sarah Harrison (The Flowers of the Field trilogy)

A Reader’s Favorite 5* read and A Discovered Diamond award