About the Book:
Juliet, an ambitious, utterly engaging historical novel on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale and The Birth of Venus, follows a young woman who discovers that her family’s origins reach all the way back to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers.
When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he?
About the Author:
Anne Fortier grew up in Denmark and emigrated to the United States in 2002 to work in film. She co-produced the Emmy-winning documentary Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia and holds a Ph.D. in the History of Ideas from Aarhus University in Denmark. The story of Juliet was inspired by Anne Fortier’s mother, who always considered Verona her true home … until she discovered Siena.You can visit Anne Fortier’s website at www.julietbook.com.
My Review:
Words can not explain what I feel about this amazing story. Anne Fortier instantly captured me and took me on a tilt-a-whirl ride to Italy right beside Julie Jacobs. Anne blended wit with pain and tragedy, suspenseful mystery and intriguing history to a create an excellent romantic mysterious drama.
Julie Jacobs was fascinating. She was created with flaws and really dug her way into my heart. When she learns of a secret waiting for her in Siena, Italy, the twists of suspense begin. Julie sets out to her birth place, Italy, to the place where Romeo&Juliet took place, to discover what her long deceased mother left her. The intriguing part of the suspense is when Julie’s history falls into place and the story takes on deeper meaning, as it switches from present day to a historical place in time. She learns there is that dreadful curse that started way back in history, and falls upon her family today, passed on by her descendants….none other than Guiletta Tolomei- the REAL Juliet, whom Julie was actually named for. And, as Julie is searching out her history, can a man bring out the best in her and be her Romeo? Or is the blasted curse going to cause her true love, just like Romeo and Juliet?
This beautiful two part book was perfect for laughs and cries. I did both! The secondary characters, like Janice and Umberto, added an extra oomph to the plot, giving it an added meaning. The story is full of everything from history to romance to mystery, and would make the perfect read for any genre lover.
What was particularly intriguing to me was Anne Fortier’s AMAZING research for this novel! It was like she really was there, with the real Romeo&Juliet, seeing it, and then transcribing it to paper. Not only did my emotions run wild with this story, I felt a pull to the historical side of this modern day Romeo&Juliet love story. I could see the gowns and dresses of Juliet and feel the powerful love of Romeo, from all the finely described details that Anne added to the story. The research was just exquisite! As I said above, there are no words to describe my feelings of this truly enchanting story.
So, please don’t delay in grabbing your copy today. It’s a book that has genres for everyone. A 5 star rating does not do this novel justice….it needs more like 105 stars. Anne Fortier is superb in her skills and I’m looking forward to more modern day, historically epic novels by her!
You can purchase your copy here.
*This book was provided for review by PUYB Promotions*
