This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick begins with Orazio Bordoni, who chooses to forsake the family business to pursue his passion for art in Rome. This decision disappoints not only his parents but also his brother Vincenzo, a Vatican priest. Orazio soon falls in love with Lena, a model with a mysterious family connection. His yearning for friendship leads him to Nicolo Giotto, a member of a wealthy but questionable Sicilian family. Soon, Orazio’s entanglement with the Giotto family introduces a web of intrigue and danger that tests his values and relationships.
While reading House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I felt as though I was surrounded by the masterpieces of Caravaggio. The beautiful paintings and notes displayed in the story vividly depict the work and life of this great master. Philbrick masterfully explores the intertwined themes of honor and home. I loved the depth with which these themes were woven into the narrative, adding layers of complexity to the main characters. For Nico, honor was a complex concept; while he believed his father deserved respect, he also felt the elder Giotto fell short of true honor. To Nico, honor meant doing the right thing, no matter the cost. Vincenzo shared this view, adhering steadfastly to his principles even as those around him faltered. The theme of home resonated strongly in Orazio’s story as Philbrick drew inspiration from the parable of the prodigal son. I highly recommend this novel to readers who appreciate a story rich in art, culture, and religion, interwoven with the politics of the Vatican and the Sicilian mafia.
