Sense of Touch: Love and Duty at Anne of Brittany’’s Court

"A romance and an interesting novel about a little-known French queen...a striking story of heartache and forbidden love, of women in the 15th century French court, who fought with passion and determination for what they wanted." -- Historical Novel Society

In July of 1497 Anne of Brittany, Queen of France, gives birth to a son. Within hours the child joins the five dead siblings who came before him.

In the mournful weeks that follow, fifteen-year-old Nicole St. Sylvain meets Philippe de Bois, a young horse trainer breaking in one of the queen's stallions. The attraction between the two is immediate, but duty and honor bring their romance to an abrupt halt. They work together to heal the horse's infected hoof, then part ways.

As the daughter of a wealthy but untitled merchant, Nicole exists in a precarious social position. Her family has money, she is the sole heir, but she is only noble on her dead mother's side. An arranged marriage to an established noble family will secure her future but dash any hope she has of a life with Philippe.

When the queen's only living child falls ill, she remembers Nicole's skill as a healer. If Nicole's healing sense of touch can save the royal child, will the queen reward her with the greatest desire of her heart--marriage to her one true love?

Rozsa Gaston writes playful books on serious matters, including the struggles women face to get what they want out of life. In addition to Sense of Touch, she is the author of Paris Adieu, Black is Not a Color, Budapest Romance, Running from Love, Dog Sitters, and Lyric.

Gaston studied European intellectual history at Yale and received her masters in international affairs from Columbia.

Gaston has worked as a singer and pianist all over the world. After leaving the entertainment industry she worked at Institutional Investor, then as a hedge fund marketer.She lives in Bronxville, New York, with her family and is currently working on Anne of Brittany: Girl Who Ruled a Country, the sequel to Sense of Touch.