Wednesday, October 20, 2010

JULIET: PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
JULIET
BY ANNE FORTIER
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Twenty-five-year-old Julie Jacobs is heartbroken over the death of her beloved aunt Rose. But the shock goes even deeper when she learns that the woman who has been like a mother to her has left her entire estate to Julie’s twin sister. The only thing Julie receives is a key—one carried by her mother on the day she herself died—to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy.
   
This key sends Julie on a journey that will change her life forever—a journey into the troubled past of her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei. In 1340, still reeling from the slaughter of her parents, Giulietta was smuggled into Siena, where she met a young man named Romeo. Their ill-fated love turned medieval Siena upside-down and went on to inspire generations of poets and artists, the story reaching its pinnacle in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. 
   
But six centuries have a way of catching up to the present, and Julie gradually begins to discover that here, in this ancient city, the past and present are hard to tell apart. The deeper she delves into the history of Romeo and Giulietta, and the closer she gets to the treasure they allegedly left behind, the greater the danger surrounding her—superstitions, ancient hostilities, and personal vendettas. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in the unforgettable blood feud, she begins to fear that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is destined to be its next target. Only someone like Romeo, it seems, could save her from this dreaded fate, but his story ended long ago. Or did it?
   
From Anne Fortier comes a sweeping, beautifully written novel of intrigue and identity, of love and legacy, as a young woman discovers that her own fate is irrevocably tied—for better or worse—to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers.



 
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, Denmark. The story of Juliet was inspired by Anne Fortier’s mother, who always considered Verona her true home . . . until she discovered Siena.
PRAISE FOR JULIET:
"Anne Fortier delivers a rollicking quest through the dark alleyways and shimmering hill towns that once inspired Shakespeare's great love story. This book has everything: Juliet and Romeo;  the Italian nobility and the mafia underworld; swashbuckling heroes and spunky heroines; secret documents and hidden treasures; passionate loves and violent vendettas that span the centuries. Juliet is a thrilling debut novel, completely saturated in fascinating history."—Katherine Neville, author of The Fire

"This book is a stunner. Elegantly written in exquisite, vibrant and witty prose that rides well with the clever use of quotes from Shakespeare, it interweaves an astonishing historic take on the tale of the star-crossed lovers with a fast-paced, modern thriller. Every sentence is a joy, every character lives, and medieval and modern Siena are brilliantly evoked. The theme is delightfully original - and the kind of thing you wish you had thought up yourself. The author is to be congratulated on a truly fabulous book that will surely be a resounding success! We will never see Romeo and Juliet in quite the same way again..."—Alison Weir

"Spinning backward and forward from Shakespeare's immortal play, Anne Fortier puts to delicious use all the familiar Romantic motifs alternating with complex contemporary intrigue to weave a multi-layered cloth of stories within stories, where fortunes turn in an instant and every character is a shape shifter. Boldly imagined, brilliantly plotted, beautifully described, Juliet will carry you spellbound until the gripping end. An astonishing achievement."—Susan Vreeland, author of Girl in Hyacinth Blue and Luncheon of the Boating Party
 

"In her debut novel, Anne Fortier takes a great idea—a young woman discovers she is the descendant of the Juliet who inspired  Shakespeare's play—and executes it thrillingly.  JulietLeonardo’s Swans and Stealing Athena

"A feast of myth, history, and tantalizing indulgences—I was swept away, blown away, and taken for ransom. Anne Fortier breathes new life into the Shakespearean tragedy we thought we knew. I fell in love with Juliet all over again"—Jaime Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

"Ingenious, intriguing, a thrilling story that keeps you turning the pages. This is a wonderfully textured novel of history and imagination that brings Italy, past and present, beautifully to life." —Kate Mosse, author of Labyrinth and Sepulchre

“One of those rare novels that have it all. . . I was swept away.”—Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants
GIVEAWAY

I HAVE ONE COPY OF THIS
FASCINATING, BEST SELLING
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY MYSELF!
 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY:
WATCH THE VIDEO AND READ "ABOUT THE BOOK" ABOVE AND COMMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: VISIT ANNE FORTIER'S WEBSITE BY GOING HERE AND READ MORE ABOUT HER THERE AND COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ABOUT HER

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAY OF MINE THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED. PLEASE COMMENT ON ONLY ONE THIS TIME.

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST,
NOVEMBER 3

GOOD LUCK!

82 comments:

Reading said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I have always loved Romeo and Juliet. I think this story would be facinating.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Reading said...

I find it interesting that she submitted her first manuscript so young.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Reading said...

I have entered the Kids Halloween giveaway.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Reading said...

I entered the False Friend giveaway.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

This book sounds exceptional. I haven't seen such high praise for a book in a long time. Saw that the author of Water for Elephants loved it so speaks a lot.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

+5SWAG


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like the fact that this book is inspired by her mother's love for Sienna, Italy where the story of Romeo and Juliet took place.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:

Carolee888 http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/ Enter the above contest for a giveaway of Juliet!
less than 5 seconds ago via web

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I entered the contest for Ciao Italia.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

debbie said...

I find it interesting to weave the tale of romeo and julliet into a mystery in our time. I would like to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

traveler said...

This delightful giveaway is so appealing for the original story and this new premise. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Let's Eat. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

This young author has imagination and wonderful talent. Her upbringing has contributed to her interest in this book and her travels. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

I was captivated with the website which is interesting. Her life and writing career as well as her home being more Italian than Danish is remarkable and amazing. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Nose for Justice. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

This novel would be compelling since romance, Italy all interest me greatly. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Margie said...

I enjoy books that float between the past and the present. Also...I would be interested in the Romeo and Juliet background.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Much of the research for Siena in this book was done by the author's mother. Much collaboration was done between them, even though they lived far apart. The book is dedicated to her mother.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the giveaway for Nose for Justice.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Reading said...

I entered the Rita Mae Brown giveaway.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

Romeo and Juliet is a beautiful, romantic story and Anne Fortier's boouk sounds like more riveting version of that story with not only the romantic story but with mystery and intrigue thrown into the mix and a wonderful modern woman who is suffering a terrible loss and seeking to discover the truth in the beautiful setting of Siena, Italy. I can't imagine not wanting to read this book!

Thank you for this great giveaway!

~ Amy
Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I think it's fascinating that Anne Fortier, who was born to a Danish mother, was raised as if she was Italian with an emphasis on Romeo and Juliet and one of her favorite treasures was a plastic staue of Romeo and Juliet. No wonder she has written this beautiful story!

Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I entered your giveaway for National Adopt-a-Dog Month Giveaway!

Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

holdenj said...

Just want to chime in that this was a great story, really enjoyed it!

Laura H. said...

OMG! I HAVE to have this book!!! It's a combination of all those things I find interesting in a book: mystery, intrigue, journey to a faraway land, historical tones, and how the lives of past generations still play a part in the lives of future generations. This WILL BE/IS on my TBR list. Thanks again for another great giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

The main thing I came away with from visiting Ms. Fortier's website is her close relationship with her mother. It's quite apparent her mother was, and continues to be, a great inspiration to her. Way to go Mom!!

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/27988525457

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Entered the October Paranormal Romance giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Sarah E said...

I want to win this book because the multi-layered plot sounds fascinating.

Please enter me in this giveaway!

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I find it interesting that she grew up in Denmark.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

Tweeted:

http://twitter.com/BookLoverSarah/status/28006721506

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I also entered the giveaway for Room by Emma Donoghue.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Margay Leah Justice said...

I've been reading a lot of good buzz about this book. Plus, the premise is just different enough to snag my attention.

Margay1122(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I love Romeo and Juliet. This book has been on my to read list. I really want this book. Please enter me in contest. It sounds like a really good book. Tore923@aol.com

Colleen Turner said...

I have had my eyes on this book for a few months now! I am loving the trend in books lately of having one main character living in the present and somehow being linked and evoking a character (usually famous) from the past. I just finished reading Lady in Waiting which I just loved and it sounds very similar to this. I would love to give the book a try!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I went to the author's website and learned she started writing when she was 11 and actually submitted her first piece to a publisher at 13! It must be wonderful to know what you wish to do when you grow up at such a young age :).
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Halloween Kid's book giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

i want to read this b/c my mom told me it was an awesome book! i also love shakespeare variations! thanks!

inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

Tea said...

I would love, love to win Juliet. Wow! The video is fantastic. I like it because she looks or finds the man she loves but has never met. That's just too romantic.

teakettle58(at)Yahoo(dot)com

Tea said...

I find the author's mother very interesting. She truly and deeply loved Itay over her home in Denmark. People thought she was eccentric.

Tea said...

I blogged about the giveaway. It links back here.

http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/2010/10/juliet-by-anne-fortier.html

Tea said...

I have entered the contest for Fly Away Home.

Tea said...

I have entered the contest for Fly Away Home.

g.g. said...

I love when the hero goes back to someone in their past and so it makes it happen like in two time periods

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for Safe Haven Audio Book

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

It said she was born in Denmark and traveled all over the world which must give her lots to write about

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

It said she was born in Denmark and traveled all over the world which must give her lots to write about

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

bison61 said...

receiving a key on the death of her aunt-exciting!

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Jolee said...

Find it interesting that her mom did a lot of the research for this book. It's gotten great reviews and sounds like a fascinating read. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

Learned from her site that she has a PhD in History of Ideas! My gosh, how cool is that? joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

Jolee said...

Entered Room giveaway too. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

hendy said...

I've had this book on my wish list for almost two months now. I love the history along with the romance and its parallels to the classic Romeo and Juliet. I like that it alternates between the stories of two different characters as well.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

Commented on Fly Away Home giveaway
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/HendyMartin/status/28645962154
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

hendy said...

I found it interesting that she started writing at 11 and turned in her first manuscript at 13. Her mom was also extremely encouraging or her writing allowing her to skip out on chores such as washing the dishes in order to write.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

rubynreba said...

I've always liked Romeo and Juliet and would like it with a modern twist.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

She states that the m,edieval story was more of a challenge than the modern one to write.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Entered Fly Away Home giveaway
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

What an intriguing premise & an interesting twist to Romeo & Juliet.
I love romance & Mysteries and would really enjoy this book.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

She spent a lot of time learning Italian and listening to opera with her Mom. With her Mom she became a two person Italian island in the middle of conformist Denmark.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "The Home For The Friendless" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

slb3334 said...

I love to read just about anything.

Anonymous said...

I would like to win this book because of the Shakespeare tie in.
farrell@crosslake.net

Amber said...

I just love historical fiction and I think Italy is the most romantic place on earth...so naturally I would love to win!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I think it's so incredible that Anne has a Ph.D. in the History of Ideas!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

entered your A Desirable Residence audiobook giveaway!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Daniel M said...

sounds like a fun adventure! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Melissa B. said...

It sounds like a story that I can really lose myself in.

Tarah said...

It sounds like a great spin off of Romeo & Juliet - a great story to begin with!

Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com

Anonymous said...

I like the author's inspiration of her Mother and the locations of Verona and Siena!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

CherylS22 said...

I loved the video & it made me want to read this book. I like the story of "Romeo & Juliet" and all the romance and tragedy that goes along with their love. Thanks for the chance to win this book!

megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I found it interesting that the author's mother ran away from home in Denmark to live in Verona, Italy & loved everything Italian even when they returned to Denmark to live.

megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

Entered the "Fly Away Home" giveaway
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I hope to read this book!!!I enjoyed the synopsis. Never read this author. Thanks for the Giveaway!!!


lknott@partnercom.net

flychild7 said...

In her debut novel, Anne Fortier takes a great idea—a young woman discovers she is the descendant of the Juliet who inspired Shakespeare's play—and executes it thrillingly.

This made me want to read the book. A new author always interests me

flychild7(at)gmail(dot)com

DEBIJOT said...

I am a true romantic at heart and this books fits the bill.

DEBIJOT said...

I like that her mother inspired this book.

DEBIJOT said...

entered the Thanksgiving 3 book set for kids giveaway

susansmoaks said...

i would love to win this, i love to read
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I want to win because it sounds like a very interesting book. It has a great story with a great location. garrettsambo@aol.com

Sand said...

I read about this book in Elle magazine and have been wanting to read it.

Bakersdozen said...

This book sounds interesting and different from what I am currently reading. I would love to win. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

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