In the prequel to Sofia's Song, The Queen's Companion, we are present at the birth and through the beginning years of Princess Sofia, only child to Queen Catherine and heir to the throne of Montalcino. We witness Sofia's manipulation by the kingdom's religious leader, as he slowly and methodically poisons her mind against her own mother. Sofia's betrayal by the bishop culminates in a horrifying climax that leaves the young princess broken. The sequel, Sofia's Song, invites us into her personal memoirs where she journals to her newborn and we experience the past through her eyes. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing Inquisition in Italy, we discover the power of forgiveness, the beauty of love, and the faith and spiritual traditions of the mystics. Faith, religious traditions, spiritual rituals, sacred sites, powerful myths, holy mysteries and divine guidance are woven into our human experience, and into this story. Sofia's Song explores the core issues at the heart of humanity and in the religions that reflect both the usury and redemption inherent in our journey. History has provided proof enough of the danger in allowing any one religion to wield power over anyone or anything. Radicalism and fundamentalism in any form-and from any religious institution-removes the freedom of choice and free will that is our birthright. This fourth volume of historic fiction by Maggi A. Petton tells a difficult story, one that is most relevant in these times of profound inquiry and change, and both challenges and honors the reader with the responsibility to determine for themselves the song of their heart and the course of their actions.