Lindsay is joined by author Gigi Berardi to discuss her newest book, “Bianca’s Cure,” which was released by She Writes Press on February 10th, 2026.

Florence, 1563. Forbidden from practicing her herbal cures in Venice, the young noblewoman Bianca Capello flees to Florence, where the ruling Medici family practices alchemy. There, she wins herself an invitation to their palace, and, as well as a path to Duke Regent Francesco’s bed. The impassioned bond between Francesco de Medici and Bianca is at the core of this fact-driven dive into medicine, politics, love, and ultimately death in Renaissance Florence.

Gigi Berardi hails from Hollywood, and holds degrees in biology, resources and planning, and dance. A Fulbright scholar in Italy and professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham, she also teaches in Florence, Italy. She’s written more than 400 reviews and articles for print media and been featured on an array of podcasts and broadcast media. Beyond writing, her other passions include dance, cheesemaking, and travel.

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