Julia Gonzaga

At age twenty, Julia Gonzaga was one of the most envied women in Italy. A property owner, she entertained artists, poets, and musicians at her castle; and she was the prettiest woman in the country! Yet Julia was confused and anxious about God and her own sin. No matter how hard she tried not to sin, she often put her desires to please other people before obeying God. She finally found peace when she understood the gospel, and then she devoted her life to sharing the good news with others. Her story, set in the 1500s, gives today's young readers an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges of the Italian Reformation and some of the Italian Christians who risked and even gave their lives for the sake of Christ. "Finally, a captivating biography of Julia Gonzaga, a true champion of the Christian faith. Simonetta Carr has done it! Written for young readers but perfectly suitable for adults, this book opens a window into the little-known world of the Italian Reformation by telling the fascinating story of its most important woman. It also introduces the audience to forgotten heroes like Juan de Valdés, Pietro Carnesecchi, and Benedetto da Mantova. If you want your faith to be stirred up by a story of courage for the gospel, read this book. It will also show you why we need to pray earnestly for God to bring Reformation again to His church in Italy."

—Michael G. Brown, pastor of Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia, Milan, Italy