Giveaway: O, JULIET by Robin Maxwell

Good Luck Everyone and Happy Reading!
~Lizzie~

Mailbox Monday: Robin Maxwell

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
"Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage into the Medici dynasty, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that takes flight in the privacy of her bedchamber and on her garden balcony.
Her life and destiny are forever changed when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars".

No Will But His: A Novel of Kathryn Howard by Sarah A. Hoyt 

"The author who "masterfully builds a dramatic story" presents another gripping novel of the women of Tudor England.

As the bereft, orphaned cousin to the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard knows better than many the danger of being favored by the King. But she is a Howard, and therefore ambitious, so she assumes the role Henry VIII has assigned her-his untouched child bride, his adored fifth wife. But her innocence is imagined, the first of many lies she will have to tell to gain the throne. And the path that she will tread to do so is one fraught with the same dangers that cost Queen Anne her head".
~Lizzie~

Winner of O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

Drum roll Please...... And the winner is....
congratulations
In The Hammock

In Bookstores Today! O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

In Bookstores Today!
Finally today is the day! Release day for O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell. I know many of you have been dying to get your hands on it after the Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table event. Be sure to check the HFBRT site for more on O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell.

"Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that knows not the bounds of her great family's stalwart keep.

The latter path is hers for the taking when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars. The breathless intrigue that ensues is the stuff of beloved legend. But those familiar with Shakespeare's muse know only half the story... "

Be Sure and Enter for your chance to win a copy of O, Juliet Giveaway ends February 4th at 12pm

HFBRT Schedule of O, Juliet
January 24th – Announcement Post for O, Juliet event.

January 25th – Q&A with Robin Maxwell on the HFBRT, Lucy’s Book Review: O, Juliet at Enchanted by Josephine, “Romeo & Juliet in Art” at Hist-fic Chick, “Versions of Romeo and Juliet Throughout History” at Historical-fiction.com.

January 26th – “Romeo & Juliet Original Artwork by Elizabeth Johnson” at Historically Obsessed, “The Life of William Shakespeare Part I” at All Things Royal, Arleigh’s Book Review: The Queen’s Bastard at Historical-fiction.com.

January 27th – Robin Maxwell Guest Post: “Cosimo de’ Medici: Renaissance Man” at Hist-fic Chick, “Lucrezia Tornabouni – Renaissance Poet” at The Maiden’s Court, Marie’s Book Review: O, Juliet at The Burton Review, Amy’s Book Review: O, Juliet at Passages to the Past, “O, Juliet Cover Art Comparison” at Historically Obsessed, Arleigh’s Book Review: The Wild Irish at Historical-fiction.com.

January 28th – “Romeo & Juliet Original Artwork by Lucy Bertoldi” at Enchanted by Josephine, “Romeo & Juliet in Art: The Duel” at Historically Obsessed, Susie’s Book Review: O, Juliet at All Things Royal, and Arleigh’s Book Review: Signora da Vinci at Historical-fiction.com.

January 29th – Arleigh’s Book Review: O, Juliet at Historical-fiction.com, and “The Life of William Shakespeare Part II” at All Things Royal.

January 30th – Heather’s Book Review: O, Juliet at The Maiden’s Court, “Tragic Romance in Literature” at The Burton Review, “Romeo & Juliet in Fashion Photography” at Hist-fic Chick, “Pre-Raphaelites Romeo and Juliet in Art” at Historically Obsessed.

January 31st – “Dante Alighieri, Beatrice, and La Vita Nuova” at Passages to the Past, Lizzy’s Book Review: O, Juliet at Historically Obsessed.

February 1st – Q&A Survey Discussion on the HFBRT, Allie’s Book Review: O, Juliet at Hist-fic Chick, “Verona” at Enchanted by Josephine, “The Life of William Shakespeare Part III” at All Things Royal.
February 2nd – O, Juliet Book Release Date, Summary of Events and Giveaway at HFBRT.

Want more Romeo and Juliet? The 1996 Movie

I first saw this movie when it came out in the theater. I love Claire Danes and did develop a crush on the hottie Leonardo DiCaprio after watching this. Keeping with the Historical Fiction Round Table Event feature of O, Juliet I just could not resist putting this up. The WHOLE time I read O, Juliet at key points in the novel I kept hearing the soundtrack to this movie going with the book. I love the music it was a perfect fit for the emotions that needed to be conveyed.

The movie trailer is first and then I could only find the second part of the actual movie. The second part is almost the beginning except it is missing the intro of the families and the first brawl in the streets between the houses. Enjoy all, I need to just buy this movie so I can watch it over and over until I get it out of my system.

Book Review: O' JULIET by Robin Maxwell

O' Juliet is due to hit bookstores on February 2nd 2010

O, Juliet, oh oh Juliet. The passionate lovers tale of the greatest love story ever told. Robin's tale of O, Juliet was woven in the stars of time leaving a lasting impression on the heart of every book lover in comes into contact with. The devourer of books that I have become I found that I had to hold back on this read because I did not want it to end. Robin has more than breathed new life into a classic love story she exceeded my highest expectations in tackling this tale of Juliet and her lover Romeo. Hopefully this book will be able to inspire a whole new generation of Romeo and Juliet lovers.
Almost every breathing human being has at one point or another in their life heard the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet's romantic love affair. Even though we all know the eventual demise of the love stuck couple is inevitable. It is not the ending that matters it is how they get to the end that makes all the difference. After finishing I awoke the next morning my mind was a blaze with thoughts of Romeo and Juliet. A creativity whirlwind kicked up making to where the only way I could calm my thirst for more was to listen to the 1996 Romeo and Juliet soundtrack . In my listening I was drawn to pen and paper, furiously, more like frantically putting my thoughts to paper. At one point my husband, sitting across from me was waving his arms to get my attention. Lets just say he was at it for about ten minutes before I even looked up.

Juliet Capelletti a 18 year old poetic, heartfelt dreamer, her inspiration came from the formidable Dante himself. Ah but you say women were not typically educated in this time period? Fate would have it that her best friend Lucrezia (Lorenzo's mother from signora da vinci) was to be married to Piero De Medici, son of Cosimo De Medici. It has been said that Cosimo was the sole person responsible for the Renaissance that had swept the known world at the time. Believing in education, the fine arts, and since Lucrezia was to become a De Medici she had to be an educated upstanding lady. Lucrezia beseeches Cosimo to allow Juliet the same education . After their many years of education Juliet had found her one true passion in life was poetry, specializing in Dante's works. Keeping her talent for verse hidden deep with in her soul, Lucrezia was the only one who knew of her secret love affair with poetry.

To announce the engagement of Lucrezia to Piero there was to be a masked ball held at the De Medici household. The two girls donned their feather masks and made a grand entrance to the party. Proving to be an interesting gathering with Juliet's mother keeping close tabs on her and her fathers angry glare always searching for her. Juliet was not at all pleased about her soon to be betrothal to her fathers new business partner Jacob Strozzi. A despicable human he was, a man ruled by his tyrant mother, lacking in the belief of a woman's capabilities. At one point he even went so far as to state that Juliet's education had ruined her and given her wild thoughts of fancy. The nerve!

Romeo oh Romeo, he had made an uninvited appearance at the ball that night to petition Cosimo for peace between the waring houses Capelletti, and Monticecco. His mission was brought to an abrupt halt when his eyes took in the feast that was Juliet. Dancing with her girlfriends to the "Virgins Dance", she was radiantly lovely. Love at first sight, he donned his mask and pushed into the dancers for a chance to be her partner. Once she laid her eyes on him it became a instant mutual love at first sight. His pearly white teeth flashing from behind his mask, oops then a stumble in the group and Viola they were outside in the garden alone. Jesting of Dante and love the pair had an instant electric connection. A passion that between them was equal. Twin mirror souls that when they were together they became one. After being abruptly interrupted by her fathers calls; she fled back to the ball only to see Romeo speaking with in seconds to Cosimo. That did not last long before the Capelletti entourage became out raged by his presence. Romeo narrowly escaped their clutches with a little help from sneaky Juliet. To see that he had made it she ran to the balcony just in time to see him bolt on his beautiful white horse nearly running down the angry mob that had gathered to put him in his place.

The masquerade ball was just the beginning of the extraordinary love affair of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo would move heaven and earth to be with her. Fighting against hundred of years of blood feud was like fighting the incoming tide of the ocean. He succeeded in partially making peace and gave the love a thread of hope to hold onto for their future together. The one obstacle left could prove to be their undoing. A vindictive soon to be betrothed Jacob Strozzi had made his own scheme and Juliet was a pawn in a deadly game of chess. Romeo and Juliet on the light side playing for the good in love, Jacob Strozzi with his mother who held all the power on the dark side. Can love conquer all or would the fates play one after another cruel joke on the lovers. Leaving their future in the hands of destiny would the god of love be on their side or would he not hear them calling?

5+/5 LOVED IT! It all made sense to me that my favorite author was going in a new direction with her time periods and locations. I like where she has led us to. First "Signora Da Vinci" and now tackling the tale of Romeo and Juliet like no one else has been able to do. I among many had noticed that there really is not a historical fiction novel about Romeo and Juliet, a completely lacking area of void is out there on the tale. Robin being the genius that she is made me live and breath every word of this novel. I have never said this but I WILL be rereading this book. I never do it, never ever but I feel the need read it again and again. Tragically this novel is kicking Robin's other novel "Tower Born" off its number one spot in my favorite HF novels. My most highly recommended novel to date. Thank you Robin for sending me this wonderful book.

Be sure and enter the giveaway for your chance to win a copy of O, Juliet!

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell Giveaway!

It is here! Giveaway for O, Juliet! I am so excited about this it has been a long time coming. Here are the rules:

Rules

* For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you. * For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, thanks, and please let me know in the comments. You're eligible for the extra entry as well. * For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

Good luck all it is for one ARC paperback copy that is very gently used of O, Juliet. Open to all entries around the world. Be sure to enter with the other charter members of Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table. We are all hosting a giveaway for our event and there is also one on the group site also. We want to make sure that everyone gets as many chances to win as possible.

I will draw a winner on February 5th 2010 using Random.org, good luck to all who enter!

No email no entry!

...::: Allie of :::... Hist-Fic Chick
...::: Amy of :::... Passages to the Past
...::: Arleigh of :::... Historical-Fiction.com
...::: Heather of :::... The Maiden's Court
...::: Lucy of :::... Enchanted by Josephine
...::: Marie of :::... The Burton Review
...::: Susie of :::... All Things Royal

O Juliet by Robin Maxwell Cover Art Comparison

The wonderful Robin Maxwell decided to share a juicy tid bit about the history of the cover art for O, Juliet. After talking back and forth about the Pre-Raphaelites she asked me if I had seen The Fisherman and the Syren by the famous Pre-Raphaelite artist Frederic Leighton. One thing led to another and the truth about the chosen cover art came out.





















The final cover art was not her first choice. C.W. Gortner himself did a mock up cover with the The Fisherman and the Syren. The first mock up of the book was taken to the London Book Fair with The Fisherman and the Syren and it was a big hit. It never made it to the final edition but I think both of them are to die for. Since I am one of the more risque people the nudity does not bother me on the Syren cover, I actually really like. What do you all think? Like or dislike? Reasons?

Painted by Frederic Leighton from 1856-1858

Lizzy's O, Juliet

My my my, I loved this novel so much that it hit me like a lightning bolt of creativity. I furiously drew out the drafts for these as soon as I finished O, Juliet. Robin does not go into too much detail on Juliet's appearance. She wants you to let your own imagination become the guide. Robin I LOVED it and will more than likely reread it again.

As you can see the first image is Juliet up close. What I did was scan it into the computer first. Then before I down sized it I cut out some of the picture for the close ups. The full image is below. Below you will also find more up close images I thought were appealing.








































































































I have come into a phase of accepting my art creations with the help of some very wonderful blogger and commentators. In my past I always wanted to be like other people. Making realistic art, dresses and women, more like the Pre-Rapaelites. I have accepted that it just is not meant to be and have finally felt like I have grown into my own artist skin. I lean more towards the comic book style with a romantic flare. I felt that I had to do something new with this novel but what? After some excellent cheer leading from Allie I decided to broaden my horizons and go bigger. Normally I am not so great with backgrounds or men but these pieces blew me away when I had finished.

Medium you ask? For the balcony scene I laid down a pencil draft first, then a second, and a third. After finally getting the dimensions down I did a really funky thing rather than erasing my pencil I did one more draft. These draft were made by me holding it to a window for the best light. With the vague draft I then did every last inch of it in water color pencil. Leaving as little white on the paper as necessary and not adding any black. Once it reached my satisfaction level I then went to the water. The trees and flowers were more like a wash. After it was done and dried I went onto pens. I broke out the micro point pens and filled in the details like the bark on the tree still not adding black I used mostly brown to give it more of a soft feel. Then I added the black in the few areas it needed it. The crazy part is I had to iron it upside down because it had wrinkled. I changed my paper because in the last few pieces you could see the texture of the paper. Viola it was done.

The last one it very unique to me because I hardly ever use charcoal anymore. I made the sketch in charcoal and just went with it. I still felt it needed more and I went on to test my photoshop skills. Figures when I scanned it in I added a filter to the picture of water color. I then edited the hue to give it a purple ting. I had downloaded some new brushed and added the pink curls. The font was fun I really like my stuff to be full of color and I think I achieved my goal with both of these pieces. The size of the balcony scene is 11x15 and the other is smaller maybe half the size.

Enjoy all!

Grand Event: O, Juliet Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table Event

Announcing a grand historical event presented by the Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table. Our feature this month is O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell. The group will be covering everything O, Juliet from creative posts, reviews, and the new launch of Robin's new blog entitled Love Games. Be sure to check around the charter members blogs for some very interesting post all relating to Romeo and Juliet. There will giveaways too but more on that later.

Charter Members
Allie @ Hist-fic Chick
Amy @ Passages to the Past
Arleigh @ Historical-fiction.com
Heather @ The Maiden's Court
Lizzy @ Historically Obsessed
Lucy @ Enchanted by Josephine
Marie @ The Burton Review
Susie @ All Things Royal

Robin Maxwell's O, Juliet Love Poetry Contest Opens!

OOOh wee! Robin has brought out the big guns in a new love poetry contest on her blog. Here is what she had to say about it:

"I'm thrilled to announce the most exciting event of "The O, JULIET Love Games" -- the Love Poetry Competition.

When I initially made the decision that "my" Romeo and Juliet would not only be 15th century Dante freaks but amateur poets themselves, it didn't quite compute that they would both have to write love poetry...meaning I would have to write verse in both their voices. I must say, it gave me pause. In all the years I've been writing I'd only dabbled with poetry for fun (I didn't let anybody read it except my husband). But I decided to take the plunge and while of course it's not Shakespeare, it was a lot of fun. It didn't hurt that neither Romeo nor Juliet were themselves anything more than amateurs. But the experience got me thinking that readers might like to take a crack at writing poetry about everybody's favorite emotion. Thus, the O, JULIET Love Poetry Competition was born.

Run through my blog, http://robinmaxwell.blogspot.com , there'll be two separate contests (and winners), one for adults, and one for young poets age 13-18. The winner in each category will receive a signed copy of O, JULIET, a Renaissance style leather-bound journal, and a leisurely phone conversation with me.

My blog is also hosting the third and last of my "Love Game Giveaways," the prize a solid silver, hand-crafted heart necklace."

Love Challenges Part Two Enter for Your Chance

The second part of Robin Maxwell's Words of Love challenge opened today. I already posted my comment with my poem, have you?

"This week, in order to win the lovely hand-blown glass heart necklace pictured above, I’m going to ask that instead of searching your own heart for gems of wisdom about love and what it means to you, you find your favorite love quotation from literature, poetry or song and share it with me."

Robin Mawell's O, Juliet Love Games Begins!

My favorite author of all time has begun the O, Juliet love games. You can enter for a chance to win one of three beautiful heart necklaces. Be sure and check out Robin's blog for the giveaway and some really interesting posts all about LOVE.

New Release, O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

I am so excited about this one it has had me wriggling in my chair since I read the last page of Signora Da Vinci. Even though it is such a long wait until February 2ND, 2010! I will have to hold back until then but at this point it seems a completely impossible feat to accomplish.

Robin Maxwell was gracious enough to bestow some tidy bits to hold us all over for a while. She has stated: "I set the story of the lovers in Florence, and you'll be happy to know that Lucrezia de' Medici (Lorenzo mama) at age 18, is Juliet's best girlfriend and confident". Lorenzo being one of my favorite characters from Signora Da Vinci, the steamy, intelligent, and hot Italian man.

"Penguin books also is planning a big Valentine's Day promotion, which is fitting, as this is the greatest love story every told. And once the book is on sale, I'm going to run a contest via my website -- asking readers to send in their own love stories. There will be prizes"!

Oh goody goody! I am going to start writing my own love story asap so it will be done when the book finally hits stores. My husband and I defiantly shared a fateful meeting of destiny when we came together. It will be fun to put it to pen and paper. Thank you Robin for all the wonderful information as we all wait patiently for its release.