Wow - Juliet is one of those amazing debut novels you will be so glad you that did not pass up! This quest-filled historical romance has a shining combination of magic, mystery and romance all told with scintillating humor and contemporary zing!

I loved this book ! I could not put it down. It had all the elements I look for in a good book- romance, mystery, surprises at every turn. I loved the connection to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Ms. Fortier brought us back and forth between 1340 and the present, without confusing the reader. This book reminded me of the style and historic references of Dan Brown's DaVinci Code. I will absolutely tell all my friends to read this book.

Fortier hooked me from the first page. She combined mystery, adventure, and romance with history to make a tale that I would recommend to anyone but particularly to people interested in Italy, history, Shakespeare or even mystery lovers. My next trip will be to Siena.

Whether it was purely Fortier's story telling power or my love of all things Shakespeare, Italy and ghostly - 3 Chapters in and I was hooked! As the story unfolded and switched between present day and ancient Siena I couldn't turn the pages quick enough to find out what twist the story would take next - none of which were even remotely predictable. Definitely a must read for anyone with a love of history, literature and suspense!

I loved this book! Juliet of ancient Siena and Juliet of the 21st come to life in Fortier's skillful writing. She takes an old story, adds some new ideas and some interesting plot points, and creates a wonderful new scenario for the doomed lovers. I stayed up all night to finish the over 400 pages in one session because I couldn't stop. I had to know what happened!

The basic concept of this novel, that a modern protagonist is somehow connected to characters in a classic piece of literature, is not exactly original. However, Fortier succeeds with an excellent telling of this tale of a spirited descendant of the historical Juliet. With chapters alternating between present day events and those of 14th century Siena, the writing is smart, the plot complex and believable, and the characters multi-faceted and delightfully human. This book is a fine example of historical fiction at its best.

Juliet was an exciting read from the beginning. Each time the action shifted from present day to 1340 or back, I was disappointed at leaving the story I was engrossed in, but within a page was just as lost in the other story. Ms Fortier takes the well-known elements of Romeo and Juliet and weaves them into an entirely new tale that keeps the reader guessing and wanting more and even manages a surprising ending!

This book is outstanding...the storyline, the descriptions, the characters, and Italy.

I loved how the book went back and forth from the 1300's to the present day using the story of Romeo and Juliet as the main plot and how the main characters unraveled family and life-long mysteries....you will love the present-day characters Julie and Janice Jacobs, also known as Giulietta and Giannozza Tolomei.

I couldn't put it down. I loved "being in Italy" again, and could just see the buildings and all the quaintness of the country and the city of Siena. The web page Random House set up for the book adds to your interest because the pictures go along with the pages of the book.

I can't see how it wouldn't be liked...it is a book you won't want to miss. It has something for everyone...history, romance, mystery, betrayal, life in the 1300's in Italy, ancestors, middle-age family feuds, suspense, and a great author. Ms. Fortier did a superb job with her novel.

It is absolutely wonderful right up to the last page. You will not want it to end. What an extraordinary novel. ENJOY!!