by Anne Fortier
First published 2010
Julie Jacobs travels to Siena after her aunt's death and discovers she may be descended from the original Juliet Capulet. Her investigation into family documents reveals a centuries-old curse that has plagued both the Tolomei and Salimbeni families since the fourteenth century. As Julie searches through Siena's medieval streets and hidden archives, she uncovers the true story behind Shakespeare's famous tragedy. The young woman finds herself caught between past and present when she meets Alessandro, a man whose family history intertwines with her own in dangerous ways. Ancient rivalries surface as Julie realizes the Romeo and Juliet story was based on real people whose descendants still carry the burden of old hatreds. She must solve the mystery of her heritage while navigating threats from those who want to keep the past buried.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, suspense, mystery
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Siena, Italy
Period: 14th Century, Present Day
509 pages · Paperback