I read the revised newer version. This novel is set in a less known time period and for me an unfamiliar area: Croatia when it was ruled by Venice halfway the 17the century. It is the end of what in Germany is refered to as the Thirty Years was.
Mauro the son of the Baron is recalled to his ancestral seat from the battlefield as his father had died. As the family promised to marry his to a Greec girl in the Ottoman empire his future wife is send for.
The story is more or less their daily life and the interaction with friends living with them.
The author mentioned shaving off part of the story and as I read the following novel in it's original state I guess it benefitted in making the story a bit faster.
I liked the story as it felt like being on a holiday in someone else's life. Good worldbuilding.

Sweep of history in 1600's Croatia as events bring 2 together from different lives for a future. First time I've read this author's work and looking forward to the next part.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

This is book one of a three part series. The story was very well written and held my attention. Lots of drama and mystery along with some romance. Very well done!