The Stargazer

Rating:
Summary: I'm starstruck by Stargazer, bravo bellisima!
Review: Clearly well researched, historically accurate, and brilliantly written, Jaffe's first book affords the reader not only enough gratuitous sex scenes to make the most seasoned romance novel readers sweat, but a clever and absorbing plot, brilliant verbal jousting, and strong character development. Far from the norm for the genre of romance novels, this is by far the best I have ever read. Jaffe manages to combine mystery, sensuality, intensity, and history, with a feminist heroine who no woman could fail to admire. Steele, Greeley, and the rest, beware - Jaffe is clearly an author to watch for. My only question: how soon can I get my hands on her next novel (and my own Ian!)?

Rating:
Summary: Silly, implausible, badly written.
Review: I am finding this book almost impossible to finish. I would throw it away, but I paid a lot for it and I am one of those people who has to finish even a rotten book just to see how bad it can get.

Rating:
Summary: Great summer reading
Review: Ms Jaffe's story was a great summer read with enough of a mystery to keep me guessing up to the end. I enjoyed the setting (16th century Venice) and her narrative and descriptions made me feel like I was there. While I enjoyed Bianca and Ian's story, I found the supporting characters providing that extra depth to the story that other books sometimes lack. Now I want to hear the stories of the other Arboretti, Crispin, Tristan, Miles and Sebastian! Are you listening Ms Jaffe?

Rating:
Summary: This is the best Romance I've ever read!
Review: I've been reading Romances for years, but Michele Jaffe's book really stands out from the crowd. So much of this genre is generic drivel, but Jaffe distinguishes herself with tight plotting, intriguing characters, and the sort of historical detail that is rare in its insight and depth. Not to mention the romantic tension! Great reading -- can't wait for her next book.

Rating:
Summary: A steamy page-turner that celebrates REALationships
Review: The love affair between Bianca and Ian is one that surprises and delights with each fresh page. Those questioning Ms. Jaffe's historical accuracy are doubtless unaware of the years she has spent as a student of Italian Renaissance history -- both in Venice and in Boston -- researching the original texts of the time and exploring the art, architecture and customs. (Those interested in checking may search for her name in the Harvard University libraries where her thesis and dissertation have been archived). It is most enjoyable to read a historical romance that leads us from the heights of Venetian palazzos to the depths of the city's dungeons. One can only hope that her next work will present the world with more fiesty and intelligent female characters -- the kind who forge a life they can live with, instead of accepting the stifling status quo. Let us also hope she is inspired by more such far flung locations -- as too many like novels get mired in the histories of England and America when it is clear many readers yearn for more. With Jaffe's talent for historical research, and her flair for spinning and weaving tales, she can surely take her readers on to more such fascinating journeys to other exotic locales around the globe. But just one thing. Let's have names that fit their locations. If Fabio can sport a name like Fabio, surely Ian could have been termed something just a tad more Italiano.

Rating:
Summary: This one has it all! I loved it!
Review: A friend of mine, who's a BIG fan of romance novels, told me to read THE STARGAZER, so I had some doubts about the book. But right from the opening--how much more suspenseful can you get?--I was drawn, hook, line and sinker, into this lucious world. STARGAZER takes you to a place where the crystal glitters, music wafts and passion abounds. I so enjoyed both the plot and the setting--the author brought a centuries-old time and place back to life. The historical detail was wonderful, like a window into another world, especially the lives of women in that time. As the story grew to an ever more fevered pitch, and as all the little details Jaffe had dropped along the way came to impact the heroine's fate, I found I couldn't put the book down. I hope we get to see where these two lovers go from here, and that you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning evocation of 16th century Venezia
Review: I absolutely loved this book! Jaffe provides a stunning evocation of the beauty and decadence of La Serenissima. The characters are convincing, the settings spectacular, and the plot lines provocative. Definitely two thumbs up! My only question: why is the Count called Ian? A name like Francesco seems much more a propos.

Rating:
Summary: Santa Catarina's head! What was all the fuss about??
Review: Okay, so maybe she does have a PhD, but can she write a good book? No! Skip this one, I wish I had.

Rating:
Summary: Poorly Written
Review: I bought this book with high hopes and the first page was so bad, I knew I'd made a mistake. Because of the price, I kept reading and was shocked by just how bad the writing was in this book. It's petty, trite, stilted, and the purplest prose I've ever read.

Rating:
Summary: I really liked this book
Review: _The Stargazer_ is what all romances should be--interesting and very fun to read. It made me laugh and cry. I really liked the mystery and suspense parts of the plot, and I loved the way Bianca the doctor healed the hero Ian. I had trouble putting the book down.