Poinsettia Girl: The Story of Agata della Pieta  by Jennifer Wizbowski
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Poinsettia Girl: The Story of Agata della Pieta by Jennifer Wizbowski

Venice, 1710, Poinsettia Girl is based on the story of Agata de la Pieta, an orphan musician of the Ospedale de la Pieta. Ten-year-old Agata’s world is shaken at the sudden death of her mother. Left only with her egregious father, a working musician in Venice, her ailing grandmother sends her to the well-known orphanage, hidden from everything she’s ever known. Agata auditions for the conservatory style music school where music is both salvation and spectacle. Hidden behind ornate metal grates, adorned with poinsettias in their hair, the singers are veiled in mystery, their ethereal music drawing noble audiences, including gilded young men who see them as treasures-not only for their sound but as coveted marriage prizes. Just as she reaches the height of her musical journey, a marriage proposal from someone outside the audience tempts her with the promise of a new life-a return to the old neighborhood she’s longed for and a home she barely remembers. Torn between the music that has defined her and the hope of belonging to a family, Agata must confront the most profound question of her life: is her purpose rooted in the music that shaped her, or in the love that might free her?

Chick Lit Book Cafe – Premier Multi-Genre Review:

Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski, is a fascinating historical fiction story that captivates from start to finish. Lonely and afraid, Agata a young girl of just ten years old, for her own safety, is sent to live in a rare and special orphanage where the girls are raised appropriately, well fed, cared for, and treated kindly. This is based on a true story and Jennifer Wizbowski narrates it so authentically that my interest was immediately piqued.

This story is the portrayal of a lovely young girl who grows into the beautiful young woman she was forever destined to be. Agata is afraid at first, but she soon makes friends who become like her own family. It is a wonderful story, and her remarkable, heartfelt, and compelling journey is so engaging to read that I was unable to put it down.

Set in Venice in 1710, Poinsettia Girl follows Agata de la Pieta, a gifted young orphan whose life is reshaped when she is sent to the renowned Ospedale de la Pietà after her mother’s death. Hidden behind ornate metal grates with poinsettias in their hair, Agata and the other musicians deliver ethereal performances that captivate noble audiences and attract the admiration of young aristocrats who view them as treasures—both for their artistry and as coveted marriage prospects. As Agata’s talent blossoms and she rises within the choir, an unexpected proposal from outside the concert hall tempts her with the possibility of returning to the neighborhood she barely remembers and finding the family bond she longs for. Torn between the music that has defined her and the promise of a new life, she must confront whether her true purpose lies in the stage that shaped her or in the love that might finally offer her a home.

Jennifer Wizbowski writes with a gift many authors aspire to. Jennifer brings Venice to life in every possible way making readers feel they’d traveled back in time to a place of artistic brilliance, rich and gorgeous landscapes, distinguished venetian villas, luxurious country homes, lavish foods and clothing, both rich and poor  lifestyles, each with their own manner of beauty and mystery.

Her main character—Agata—is relatable and readers will fall in love with her persona, especially after overcoming everything she endured in her young life. Her life is so confusing after losing her mom, and yet, the friendships she makes at the Ospedale de la Pieta save her and help her grow into herself. The Ospedale provides an incredible setting for readers to truly visualize the lives led in Venice in the 1700s. The musical talents of these girls are awe-inspiring, and it also creates a plot sequence that’s unique and original from any other historical fiction I’ve read. I loved the characters in this book and the way Jennifer layered them into the storyline. This book was like stepping into the perfect lavender scented bath—I felt encircled by the beauty of Venice and its people and by the beauty of Jennifer’s writing.

Written in breathtaking prose, Poisenttia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski is a work of art. Her writing is poignant and unique, and her characters are exquisite and inspiring. Her expressive writing style and descriptions of everything in each scene are deeply discerned, felt, and seen as if we were right there as the story progresses on.

Poinsettia Girl, a stunning debut by Jennifer Wizbowski is one of those rare stories that remains with you and becomes a part of you for days after you finish the last page. For any reader who loves books with strong richly developed female characters, and satisfying scenes where your senses come alive and the story keeps you hooked while you can’t wait to find out what will happen next or what the end will hold, Chick Lit Book Café-Multi-Genre Literary Reviews highly recommends Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski! Can’t wait for more from our arising star and debut author Jennifer Wizbowski. Book reviewed by Rachael Finch for CLBC Multi-Genre Literary Reviews Team.

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Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowsk is 
CLBC’s INTERNATIONAL – FIRST PLACE AWARD WINNER FOR BEST “RENAISSANCE HISTORICAL FICTION” of the YEAR 2025