The Last of the Magicians (coming soon)

In 17th century London, Isabella Blake is an unassailable beauty until she’s ruined by scrofula—a disfiguring scourge known as the King’s Evil. Her physician father prescribes leeches, mercury, figwort, and a dose of false assurances. Elsewhere, faith healers heal by touch, Isaac Newton practices alchemy in secret, and the scientists of the day exalt empirical evidence at the expense of the miraculous. (Adult fiction)

The Last of the Magicians was inspired by the true story of Valentine Greatrakes, an Irish faith healer. Read about Greatrakes’ memorable 1666 visit to London here.

Advance Praise for The Last of the Magicians

“Mary A. Osborne’s The Last of the Magicians is a masterful work of historical fiction.”

—Amy Andrews Alznauer, author of Flying Paintings: The Zhou Brothers: A Story of Revolution and Art and co-author of Love & Salt: A Spiritual Friendship Shared in Letters, recipient of the Annie Dillard Award for Creative Nonfiction.

Alchemy’s Daughter (Lake Street Press 2015)

In medieval San Gimignano, Santina Pietra apprentices to Trotula, the village midwife. Some say she’s the victim of the midwife’s spell, but Santina is determined to follow in Trotula’s footsteps even as calamities strike. (Young adult fiction, ages 16 to adult)

Literary Classics Gold Award for YA Fiction 2014

Literary Classics Gold Award for YA Historical Fiction 2014

Paris Book Festival 2014 Grand Prize Winner 2014

  • “Brimming with details of life in Italy during the plague of 1348, this well-researched story incorporates historical information about medieval alchemy, and arresting contrast  for Santina’s thoroughly modern attitudes.”

    —Kirkus Reviews

  • “Alchemy’s Daughter is a poetically written historical fiction novel. It will delight  middle grade and young adult readers, who will root for Santina as she faces  obstacles with strength and resolve.”

    —Charla Hollingsworth, VOYA Magazine

  • “…Santina is a smart, capable heroine whose desire for both knowledge and love will feel familiar to many modern readers.”

    —Booklist

  • “In Santina, multiple-award winner Mary A. Osborne has crafted a fully complex  character, impulsive and enthusiastic on the surface, but with greater depth than  typically found in YA fare… Santina’s story is a lively, emotional journey worth  sharing.”

    —Pallas Gates McCorquodale, Foreword Reviews

  • “A thoughtful, intelligent addition to the young adult genre, Alchemy’s Daughter by Mary A. Osborne proves that a star-crossed love story can also teach history, science, and spirituality.”

    —Mindy M. Jones, Chicago Book Review

Nonna’s Book of Mysteries (Lake Street Press 2010)

Emilia Serafini wants to learn to paint so she can become an artist. But painter’s apprenticeships for young women don’t exist in the Florence of Renaissance Italy. Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny. (Young adult fiction, ages 14 to adult)

Eric Hoffer First Horizon Winner

ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Bronze Winner

IBPA Ben Franklin Nominee Best New YA Book

  • “In Nonna’s Book of Mysteries, Emilia defies what is expected in order to create a life  filled with happiness. Readers will enjoy a unique storyline, identify with Emilia’s   personal struggles to become a good person, and be encouraged to step beyond expectations to pursue their own passions and happiness despite the odds.”

    —Alicia Sondhi, ForeWord Reviews

  • “I loved Nonna's Book of Mysteries!  It's is a wonder of a book—exciting, mysterious, and wise. I’ll long remember the courageous and determined Emilia who learns about choices and the consequences of choices, about the importance of struggle and perseverance, another from Mary Osborne.”

    —Karen Cushman, Newberry Award winner

  • “Nonna's Book of Mysteries is a fascinating and fun read, not to be missed.”

    —Midwest Book Review