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Lizzie & Dante
The insightful, audacious, and deeply romantic story of a woman whose life turns upside on a magical holiday in Italy
On the heels of a difficult break-up and a devastating diagnosis, Shakespearian scholar Lizzie Delford decides to take one, last, lavish vacation on Elba, the sun-kissed island off the Italian coast, with her best friend and his movie-star boyfriend. Once settled into a luxurious seaside resort, Lizzie has to make big decisions about her future, and she needs the one thing she may be running out of: time.
She leaves the yacht owners and celebrities behind and sneaks off to the public beach, where she meets Dante, his battered dog Lily, and his wry daughter Etta, a twelve-year-old desperate for a mother. Soon Lizzie is confronted with a new dilemma. Is it fair to fall in love if time is short? Are the delicacies of life worth tasting, even if you savour them only for a short while?
On the heels of a difficult break-up and a devastating diagnosis, Shakespearian scholar Lizzie Delford decides to take one, last, lavish vacation on Elba, the sun-kissed island off the Italian coast, with her best friend and his movie-star boyfriend. Once settled into a luxurious seaside resort, Lizzie has to make big decisions about her future, and she needs the one thing she may be running out of: time.
She leaves the yacht owners and celebrities behind and sneaks off to the public beach, where she meets Dante, his battered dog Lily, and his wry daughter Etta, a twelve-year-old desperate for a mother. Soon Lizzie is confronted with a new dilemma. Is it fair to fall in love if time is short? Are the delicacies of life worth tasting, even if you savour them only for a short while?
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
About the author
Mary Bly
6 books163 followersMary Bly (born in Minnesota in 1962) is a tenured associate professor of English Literature at Fordham University who also writes best-selling Regency romance novels under the pen name Eloisa James.
She is the daughter of poet Robert Bly and short-story author Carol Bly.
She is the daughter of poet Robert Bly and short-story author Carol Bly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 807 reviews
August 28, 2021
I was once again reeled in by that GORGEOUS cover, but this book was just fine. The characters were low key frustrating at times.
September 27, 2021
This book is so wonderfully atmospheric, with fascinating characters I’m still thinking about. A lovely reading experience.
June 25, 2021
Not a fan of this book. Way too much going on here and it all felt like forced sentimental rubbish.
“Deeply romantic” - Where was the romance? I didn’t get any ‘romance’ in this book. There was no building of this relationship. It went from ‘I’m not interested in you’ to ‘I’m having fabulous orgasms all the time.’ That is not romance. I never felt that undeniable connection.
I didn’t care about any of the characters. Not one. Romeo and Juliet? Really?? 🙄 Everything was forced here - the literary references, cancer, mommy issues, lgbtq ... I’m sorry, but Etta is unbelievable as a 12 year old.
And that ridiculously long conversation about why they broke up after he announced he was gay. Really?
I kept hoping it would get better. It didn’t.
“Deeply romantic” - Where was the romance? I didn’t get any ‘romance’ in this book. There was no building of this relationship. It went from ‘I’m not interested in you’ to ‘I’m having fabulous orgasms all the time.’ That is not romance. I never felt that undeniable connection.
I didn’t care about any of the characters. Not one. Romeo and Juliet? Really?? 🙄 Everything was forced here - the literary references, cancer, mommy issues, lgbtq ... I’m sorry, but Etta is unbelievable as a 12 year old.
And that ridiculously long conversation about why they broke up after he announced he was gay. Really?
I kept hoping it would get better. It didn’t.
December 26, 2021
It has been days I have finished this book and I still do not have much idea what I want to say about it. Don’t read further if you want absolutely no spoiler, but you find out in the very first pages what is happening, so I am not sure it counts as one ?
I was intrigued by this story of a woman having terminal cancer, taking a sunny vacation in Alba, Italy and figuring out where she really stands after her life and projects are ruined by her diagnosis. It’s not overly dramatic, and not as sad as you could expect. You do not spend that much time inside a brooding, depressed condemned head but you get to enjoy the beauty of life and a summer that may never repeat itself.
I am not really conquered by this book, but it was interesting at least and different from what I expected.
I was intrigued by this story of a woman having terminal cancer, taking a sunny vacation in Alba, Italy and figuring out where she really stands after her life and projects are ruined by her diagnosis. It’s not overly dramatic, and not as sad as you could expect. You do not spend that much time inside a brooding, depressed condemned head but you get to enjoy the beauty of life and a summer that may never repeat itself.
I am not really conquered by this book, but it was interesting at least and different from what I expected.
April 29, 2022
I KNOW my updates with this book have been chaotic but so has my life. I read it in two sittings because I didn't want to leave the island and face real life. Lizzie & Dante, what can I say? Take me to Elba and to dine out every night and I'll be yours forever. This book felt like a painful holiday, each good moment brightly balanced with a heavy decision looming on the horizon. So much love for all these characters who were so magnificently built that they felt like actual friends and made me suffer and laugh with them.
May 21, 2021
This is the best book I've read all year. Truly. I was fortunate enough to receive an arc. I couldn't help but fall in love with the Lizzie, Dante, and their family and friends. It's a love story about all the wonderful things we hold dear, and a lesson in how to live your best. Lizzie and Dante reminds us to savor all those glorious moments that make us who we are. As importantly, never underestimate the impact you have on others. I loved this book so much that I purchased a copy for my keeper shelf. I'll be rereading it soon. I hope you pick it up.
May 6, 2021
This beautifully rendered love story reminds us of the fragility of life while celebrating the joy - and strength - to be found in loving and living each day with every fiber of our being. I don't have enough stars to do it justice. Word of advice: keep the box of tissues handy.
Edited to add from 5/5/21 post at The Romance Dish Blog:
I've been reading historical romances written by Eloisa James for the past 15 years. I adore her wit, her sparkling dialogue, and characters that leap from the page. I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard that she had written a contemporary fiction novel, a love story but not a romance, under her real name of Mary Bly, but I trusted that, whatever the outcome of the story, she would give readers her best. And she has.
First, Bly takes us to the island of Elba, a place she knows well, as is evidenced in the exquisite descriptions that immersed me in the beauty of black sand beaches, the aroma of mouth-watering food, and the rich cultural heritage of the local population.
Then she introduces us to a disparate group of people - long-time friends and newly-met strangers - at different stages of life. People who she begins to slowly weave into one another's lives. People who gradually open hearts and minds to the realities of life, to the possibilities of love, and to the impact one special person can have on many. They may experience great sorrow but they also experience great joy.
This book is not only a beautifully rendered love story, it's a masterfully written triumph of the human spirit over the worst possible consequences life can throw at us. And, in my opinion, it's the best book Bly has written under any name. She offers readers a woman's courageous, emotional, and inspiring journey, ties binding her chosen family of the heart that may strain but never break, and a deeply romantic love story that I will not soon forget, reminding us that pure, unconditional love, wholeheartedly given, and received, is a gift to be treasured, no matter how long - or short - its duration.
CW: Cancer
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Edited to add from 5/5/21 post at The Romance Dish Blog:
I've been reading historical romances written by Eloisa James for the past 15 years. I adore her wit, her sparkling dialogue, and characters that leap from the page. I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard that she had written a contemporary fiction novel, a love story but not a romance, under her real name of Mary Bly, but I trusted that, whatever the outcome of the story, she would give readers her best. And she has.
First, Bly takes us to the island of Elba, a place she knows well, as is evidenced in the exquisite descriptions that immersed me in the beauty of black sand beaches, the aroma of mouth-watering food, and the rich cultural heritage of the local population.
Then she introduces us to a disparate group of people - long-time friends and newly-met strangers - at different stages of life. People who she begins to slowly weave into one another's lives. People who gradually open hearts and minds to the realities of life, to the possibilities of love, and to the impact one special person can have on many. They may experience great sorrow but they also experience great joy.
This book is not only a beautifully rendered love story, it's a masterfully written triumph of the human spirit over the worst possible consequences life can throw at us. And, in my opinion, it's the best book Bly has written under any name. She offers readers a woman's courageous, emotional, and inspiring journey, ties binding her chosen family of the heart that may strain but never break, and a deeply romantic love story that I will not soon forget, reminding us that pure, unconditional love, wholeheartedly given, and received, is a gift to be treasured, no matter how long - or short - its duration.
CW: Cancer
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
July 21, 2021
Staying away from spoiler territory would be so hard if it wasn't that the Goodreads summary pretty much says it all? 😁 We've got Lizzie (32, college professor) taken "against her will" to the beautiful, idyllic Island of Elba in Italy by her ex-boyfriend and BFF, Grey and his famous Marvel actor and "closeted" boyfriend Rohan, who's paying the expensive getaway 🤫 So, Lizzie goes to the beach and meets "the story hot guy" Dante (40, single dad, restaurant owner, solid wallet, and: did I say "hot" right? 😏 Lizzie's sex dry spell will soon be over, yeah right 😏😏
Anyway, knowing from page two, that our heroine has stage three cancer, you know we're entering melodrama territory. It's manageable until the entire cast sings a Beatles tribute ending with "In My Life" and we're stuck in "cheesy land" 😒☹️, and she lost me there, I've never been a fan of Nicholas Sparks books or, as the summary well put it "Under the Tuscan Sun". I just finished a book that had a lot of drama, but cancer is the "cheesiest" trope a romance writer can use for me NOT to cry. The writing is good, not cringy at all and having older characters is a plus, but I just can't rate it higher 🙄
Anyway, knowing from page two, that our heroine has stage three cancer, you know we're entering melodrama territory. It's manageable until the entire cast sings a Beatles tribute ending with "In My Life" and we're stuck in "cheesy land" 😒☹️, and she lost me there, I've never been a fan of Nicholas Sparks books or, as the summary well put it "Under the Tuscan Sun". I just finished a book that had a lot of drama, but cancer is the "cheesiest" trope a romance writer can use for me NOT to cry. The writing is good, not cringy at all and having older characters is a plus, but I just can't rate it higher 🙄
May 15, 2021
For those who don’t know, Mary Bly is Eloisa James who is one of my favorite historical romance writers. I was excited to read this because I am such a fan of her work and was intrigued by what a book written under her own name would be. This novel is a beautiful piece of fiction. It’s not one of those contemporary romances that gets a cartoon and “a novel” on the cover in hopes of being taken seriously (which I very much enjoy, but they’re fluff). Though most would probably consider this “women’s fiction” as it centers Lizzie’s story, I consider this to be true fiction.
From the first page this book has a certain gravitas to it. It made me slow down my reading and savor the words. I found myself highlighting fun turns of phrase, clever descriptions, and certain quotes I wanted to remember and found things to highlight throughout the book. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “She found herself asking unanswerable questions rather than avoiding them. How did she feel? She felt curious. Were there ever dinosaurs on Elba? Had they looked up at the stars, or out at the darkening sea?”
I’m not a big Shakespeare person, but I loved the references in this book. Lizzie is a Shakespeare professor (like Mary) and Rohan is writing a move based on Romeo & Juliet. I’m sure there were a lot of references I didn’t pick up on, but I enjoyed the ones I caught. I also enjoyed Lizzie’s internal commentary every time Rohan misinterpreted the Bard.
I loved all the characters in this book. I found Lizzie’s brain to be absolutely fascinating and being in her head made me feel smarter. I loved the little things like her grouping similes in groups of three. I thought it was clever for Mary to mark the book as not a romance by having the alternative voice to Lizzie’s be Etta’s and not Dante’s. I enjoyed Etta’s chapters. The voice was correct for that of a 13 year old, a lot of writers struggle to have the voice match the age and this one worked perfectly. The men were absolutely wonderful as well. Dante is a dream. I loved the complicated relationship between Grey and Rohan. Each person felt full and had a distinct enough voices that sections of dialog didn’t need a lot of dialog tags.
The entirety of this book takes place on Elba and now I am absolutely dying to go there. The setting was absolutely part of the magic of the book. It made me want spend a summer on the beach on Elba and fall in love with a chef who will make me a hamburger when I don’t want his fancy food. Lizzie and Dante’s romance was just beautiful. Some non-romance readers might think that they dive in unrealistically fast, but I had no problem with that at all. I actually enjoyed not being in Dante’s head because it made me pay attention to his words and actions when he interacted with Lizzie and showed his love. I better stop there or else I’ll go on forever.
Thank you to Net Galley and The Dial Press and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers addressing the ending of the book below
From the first page this book has a certain gravitas to it. It made me slow down my reading and savor the words. I found myself highlighting fun turns of phrase, clever descriptions, and certain quotes I wanted to remember and found things to highlight throughout the book. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “She found herself asking unanswerable questions rather than avoiding them. How did she feel? She felt curious. Were there ever dinosaurs on Elba? Had they looked up at the stars, or out at the darkening sea?”
I’m not a big Shakespeare person, but I loved the references in this book. Lizzie is a Shakespeare professor (like Mary) and Rohan is writing a move based on Romeo & Juliet. I’m sure there were a lot of references I didn’t pick up on, but I enjoyed the ones I caught. I also enjoyed Lizzie’s internal commentary every time Rohan misinterpreted the Bard.
I loved all the characters in this book. I found Lizzie’s brain to be absolutely fascinating and being in her head made me feel smarter. I loved the little things like her grouping similes in groups of three. I thought it was clever for Mary to mark the book as not a romance by having the alternative voice to Lizzie’s be Etta’s and not Dante’s. I enjoyed Etta’s chapters. The voice was correct for that of a 13 year old, a lot of writers struggle to have the voice match the age and this one worked perfectly. The men were absolutely wonderful as well. Dante is a dream. I loved the complicated relationship between Grey and Rohan. Each person felt full and had a distinct enough voices that sections of dialog didn’t need a lot of dialog tags.
The entirety of this book takes place on Elba and now I am absolutely dying to go there. The setting was absolutely part of the magic of the book. It made me want spend a summer on the beach on Elba and fall in love with a chef who will make me a hamburger when I don’t want his fancy food. Lizzie and Dante’s romance was just beautiful. Some non-romance readers might think that they dive in unrealistically fast, but I had no problem with that at all. I actually enjoyed not being in Dante’s head because it made me pay attention to his words and actions when he interacted with Lizzie and showed his love. I better stop there or else I’ll go on forever.
Thank you to Net Galley and The Dial Press and Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers addressing the ending of the book below
June 5, 2021
Wow! This is an entertaining, well written, contemporary romance novel. It has likable, engaging, diverse characters, an adorable preteen, a cute dog, a vividly described, beautiful setting, and a heart-warming romance. It is a touching reminder to enjoy the gifts that we are given each and every day, and is written with the wit and humor that Ms. Bly's fans of her Eloisa James' novels enjoy so much in her writing.
July 23, 2021
Truly garbage
August 13, 2021
On the heels of a devastating diagnosis, Shakespeare scholar Lizzie Delford decides to take one last “working” vacation on Elba, the sun-kissed island off the Italian coast, with her best friend and his movie-star boyfriend. Once settled into a luxurious seaside resort, Lizzie has to make big decisions about her future. Leaving the yacht owners and celebrities behind she sneaks off the the public beach, where she meets a sardonic chef named Dante, his battered dog, Lulu, and his wry daughter, Etta, a twelve-year-old desperate for a mother.
We know where this is headed, right? There are some twists and turns, because the path to happiness is never a straight one. Lizzie has to deal with her own fears and determination to do things her way, as well as the pent up anger and grief of past heart break and a very short future. Then there is Dante, who seems to take things as they come, happy for today and hopeful for tomorrow, determined, whatever the cost, to love Lizzie with all his soul. And of course, we can’t forget Etta, that charming, way too smart and mature twelve-year-old who manages to worm her way into everyone’s heart.
Some of the many cultural references were lost on me, especially the newer music ones, but I did love several of literary references, and a wonderful homage to one of my favorite musicals “The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd” (though the referenced song never mentions the musical, I know the origin).
I did think the author was trying a bit too hard to force the reader to tears, but I still enjoyed the book. And I LOVED all the food references.
We know where this is headed, right? There are some twists and turns, because the path to happiness is never a straight one. Lizzie has to deal with her own fears and determination to do things her way, as well as the pent up anger and grief of past heart break and a very short future. Then there is Dante, who seems to take things as they come, happy for today and hopeful for tomorrow, determined, whatever the cost, to love Lizzie with all his soul. And of course, we can’t forget Etta, that charming, way too smart and mature twelve-year-old who manages to worm her way into everyone’s heart.
Some of the many cultural references were lost on me, especially the newer music ones, but I did love several of literary references, and a wonderful homage to one of my favorite musicals “The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd” (though the referenced song never mentions the musical, I know the origin).
I did think the author was trying a bit too hard to force the reader to tears, but I still enjoyed the book. And I LOVED all the food references.
June 17, 2021
*spoiler alert*-a reviewer remarked that this could contain spoilers. I thought that I was careful but just in case-you may want to skip my review until you've read it!
If I could give this 6 stars I would. This book had everything that I look for-some escapism, a beautiful yet somewhat realistic romance, and wonderful secondary characters. Mary Bly is also known as Eloisa James whose historical romances I've always enjoyed. Lizzie has been diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer and has gotten to the point where she's ready to let her life go. She accepts a 5 week vacation to Elba (a small island off the coast of Italy) with her ex/foster brother Grey and his boyfriend Rohan (a movie star). While snoozing on a public beach, she meets Dante-an Italian chef, his 12 year old daughter Etta and their goofy dog Lulu. Lizzie has to make decisions while in the Italian sun-does she let love happen? Does she give Etta the mother that she urgently desires? Does she just fight to die as she wants to? There is some definite sadness given her cancer diagnosis but it really doesn't hamper the story. I just loved all of the secondary characters: Grey- who's angsty over his love for Lizzie, Rohan-the flighty star who can't relate to Romeo and Juliet without Lizzie's help and Ruby, the childhood friend of Rohan's who has also suffered with cancer. Pieces of the story are told from Etta's POV as well which definitely added to my understanding of the story as a whole.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review!
If I could give this 6 stars I would. This book had everything that I look for-some escapism, a beautiful yet somewhat realistic romance, and wonderful secondary characters. Mary Bly is also known as Eloisa James whose historical romances I've always enjoyed. Lizzie has been diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer and has gotten to the point where she's ready to let her life go. She accepts a 5 week vacation to Elba (a small island off the coast of Italy) with her ex/foster brother Grey and his boyfriend Rohan (a movie star). While snoozing on a public beach, she meets Dante-an Italian chef, his 12 year old daughter Etta and their goofy dog Lulu. Lizzie has to make decisions while in the Italian sun-does she let love happen? Does she give Etta the mother that she urgently desires? Does she just fight to die as she wants to? There is some definite sadness given her cancer diagnosis but it really doesn't hamper the story. I just loved all of the secondary characters: Grey- who's angsty over his love for Lizzie, Rohan-the flighty star who can't relate to Romeo and Juliet without Lizzie's help and Ruby, the childhood friend of Rohan's who has also suffered with cancer. Pieces of the story are told from Etta's POV as well which definitely added to my understanding of the story as a whole.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review!
May 21, 2021
An intelligent, sensitive love story, deeply felt and beautifully observed. In painting, artists use chiaroscuro, the play between dark and light, to heighten effects and create three-dimensional characters. That’s what Mary Bly has done in Lizzie and Dante. All the stuff I love in Eloisa James–the clever dialogue, the romantic chemistry, the complicated negotiations between the sexes–is here, but sharpened and deepened to make poignant contrasts. I loved it.
June 27, 2022
Thank fuck this shit is over🤩🤟
August 12, 2021
Definitely a book where I expected a certain story based on the cover and title but read something I really wasn't expecting. I think Lizzie and Dante started out ok, but at the halfway point thing started to go down hill. Character driven stories are always difficult for me because I'm always waiting for that THING to happen. One of my biggest issues with this book was the flipping title. Lizzie and Dante...you're expecting a story about Lizzie and Dante. I honestly don't know anything about those two and everyone else took the stage away from them. Etta and her coming of age story. Grey and his drama. Even Rohen...and Ruby! Who are Lizzie and Dante??? Ughh.
The ending had a moment of heart and I was feeling it with Lizzie and Etta but that's about it.
Grey, get over yourself. Find yourself a new therapist.
The ending had a moment of heart and I was feeling it with Lizzie and Etta but that's about it.
Grey, get over yourself. Find yourself a new therapist.
May 27, 2021
Everything. This book is everything. Heartbreak and healing and so much love. It was such a beautiful love story, with passion and heart and fear. I loved Lizzie from the very beginning, with all her scars and her pain. She has (mostly) come to terms with the fact that she is dying and wants to enjoy the moments here and now. I also fell in love with Dante, who is secure in himself and his life and his beautiful daughter. He was just so gentle and giving! And Etta, my heart. I might have cried (ok sobbed) but it was a good cry and I will be rereading this book a million times. Special thanks to the amazing author for the arc, it was great to read it a week earlier than my pre-ordered book will arrive!
July 16, 2021
yeah uhm….. so i got to 62% of this and decided to dnf because i have absolutely no energy for it anymore. is it cheating if i mark it as read? i mean i did get over the halfway mark and i did then deliberately go and read the ending just so i know what happens? don’t come for me ok.
anyways. sexy and a little bit sad is how i would describe this. it started out really well and had me hooked but then obviously very quickly that excitement simmered away. maybe it had to do with the characters? i found them very annoying and shallow (but that also could have been the point and i missed it). truth be told, and this may sound shitty, the only person i was interested in was dante. maybe that’s just because he was Sexy as hell though. but not enough for me to finish!
to put it simply, this actually isn’t a bad book at all but i just didn’t vibe with it or particularly care for it. 🤷🏼♀️
anyways. sexy and a little bit sad is how i would describe this. it started out really well and had me hooked but then obviously very quickly that excitement simmered away. maybe it had to do with the characters? i found them very annoying and shallow (but that also could have been the point and i missed it). truth be told, and this may sound shitty, the only person i was interested in was dante. maybe that’s just because he was Sexy as hell though. but not enough for me to finish!
to put it simply, this actually isn’t a bad book at all but i just didn’t vibe with it or particularly care for it. 🤷🏼♀️
June 3, 2021
**Lizzie & Dante generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "...to go home with you." Stars
An incredible story of love and possibility. The setting of the book whisks you away to the Italian island of Elba and follows a cast of characters who are discovering, growing and attempting to heal as they navigate their time and glowing energy into the beauty of the island. Lizzie & Dante lead the cast with a subtle, sweet, and simple yet complex romance. Their relationship, so easy and reassuring in it's simplicity becomes incredibly sweeping and epic in a way that just sneaks up on you as a reader. The romance is sexy and so fitting to the setting as you can imagine. It was so wonderful to live it through the words of this gifted author. The story is charged with a lightness and a freedom while simultaneously being heavy. It's friendships and new found relationships of all sort but the abundance of love reigns supreme and so important. Each relationship is rich with emotion and deeply thoughtful. The whole story is thought provoking that it's a heady reminder to live and to love in excess. I love the way it's structured. Mary Bly's writing proved to be extraordinarily welcoming, forthright and honest, and just beautiful. This book was a gift to read. I'm in awe of the story. And feel so grateful to have read it and bask in it's simplistic brilliance. A physical copy is going to look amazing on my bookshelf. For fans of sweeping romance with lovely characters, amazing settings, and great writing don't miss Lizzie & Dante.
5 "...to go home with you." Stars
An incredible story of love and possibility. The setting of the book whisks you away to the Italian island of Elba and follows a cast of characters who are discovering, growing and attempting to heal as they navigate their time and glowing energy into the beauty of the island. Lizzie & Dante lead the cast with a subtle, sweet, and simple yet complex romance. Their relationship, so easy and reassuring in it's simplicity becomes incredibly sweeping and epic in a way that just sneaks up on you as a reader. The romance is sexy and so fitting to the setting as you can imagine. It was so wonderful to live it through the words of this gifted author. The story is charged with a lightness and a freedom while simultaneously being heavy. It's friendships and new found relationships of all sort but the abundance of love reigns supreme and so important. Each relationship is rich with emotion and deeply thoughtful. The whole story is thought provoking that it's a heady reminder to live and to love in excess. I love the way it's structured. Mary Bly's writing proved to be extraordinarily welcoming, forthright and honest, and just beautiful. This book was a gift to read. I'm in awe of the story. And feel so grateful to have read it and bask in it's simplistic brilliance. A physical copy is going to look amazing on my bookshelf. For fans of sweeping romance with lovely characters, amazing settings, and great writing don't miss Lizzie & Dante.
June 6, 2021
I wept and cheered
I have always, since I first learned it, adored the fact that my favorite author of steamy romances is also a lauded professor at Fordham. I was told repeatedly while pursuing my graduate degree in English at the University of Kansas that popular fiction and scholarship could not, did not spring from the same minds or even occupy the same stratosphere. One professor informed me that I “could not call myself a feminist if [I] read bodice-ripping trash.”
I do, and I do.
This novel is beautifully, achingly written. I loved every page. As I have lived with crippling chronic disease for most of my adult life, I saw myself in the titular character of Lizzie; I wept with her, cheered for her, was glad of her. As an erstwhile English teacher, I also enjoyed the insights on Romeo and Juliet (three Oscars! Yes!).
I hope Mary ably continues to write under her own name as well as her wonderful alter-ego, Eloisa James, whose entire canon I own and reread with relish.
I have always, since I first learned it, adored the fact that my favorite author of steamy romances is also a lauded professor at Fordham. I was told repeatedly while pursuing my graduate degree in English at the University of Kansas that popular fiction and scholarship could not, did not spring from the same minds or even occupy the same stratosphere. One professor informed me that I “could not call myself a feminist if [I] read bodice-ripping trash.”
I do, and I do.
This novel is beautifully, achingly written. I loved every page. As I have lived with crippling chronic disease for most of my adult life, I saw myself in the titular character of Lizzie; I wept with her, cheered for her, was glad of her. As an erstwhile English teacher, I also enjoyed the insights on Romeo and Juliet (three Oscars! Yes!).
I hope Mary ably continues to write under her own name as well as her wonderful alter-ego, Eloisa James, whose entire canon I own and reread with relish.
April 25, 2021
Lizzie & Dante will have you crying. Lizzie has basically given up on life as she spends the summer on th island of Elba. Against her better judgment she falls for 12 year old Etta and her dreamy father Dante. It's a summer of food, friends, fatalism, and the future. This book will stab you in the heart, it's so poignant. Food for thought for anyone facing the same diagnosis as Lizzie. As Dante said I choose love over immortality. I think that says it all. Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the early read.
July 2, 2022
AWWWWWWW . this is book is so adorable and summery and fun, but also so beautiful and heartbreaking. is the writing fabulous? not really, but the story is so cute it makes up for it. the atmosphere of a small italian island in the summertime is so vivid and developed so well, and the found family vibe is so charming and cozy and just . so good . LOVE
May 15, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. First of all, I am very glad that this is a Mary Bly, not an Eloisa James book and marketed as such because the Eloisa James regulars, who still aren't over one particular Lindow heir having drowned in a bog, would pretty much expire from this one. It's a very well written book that is, in my opinion, a Shakespearean tragedy without the high body count. Kind of like Romeo and Juliet but instead of a family feud you have a biological impossibility of happily ever after. BIG SPOILER . I know it's supposed to be a story about love and how it is worth fighting for it but to me it was mostly about pain and the unfairness of destiny. I have enjoyed the read because of the writing, the Shakespearean exegesis and because of the refreshing voice and presence of a twelve year old who (thankfully) did have her whole life ahead of her. But for the life of me I couldn't feel any joy so, my dear fellow reader, if you are already sad, I'd say save this for later. It's definitely worth reading but I'm not sure if it's worth paying for therapy because on top of whatever is not going well in your life, an exquisitely crafted story broke your heart. I didn't knock off a star because it's sad and now I have to go look for at least ten fluffy, no-angst romances to even it out but because of Lizzie. I did not find he at all convincing as a thirty year old in 2019. Perhaps because I am within that age group. I get that she was a highly educated college professor with a severe illness but still, throughout the book I was getting more the vibe of a 50 or 60 year old. Her voice, her behavior, her pop culture references were all from a different decade and it was strange because some of the other characters (like Roh or Gray) didn't have that issue. She was the odd one out for some reason.
I honestly cared more about Lizzie's history and relationship with Gray than with Dante. There was more depth there.
And now to the sex scenes
I recommend this to people who want to read something different and well written with the warning that while it is a love story (several love stories actually) it's NOT romance. Or happy.
I honestly cared more about Lizzie's history and relationship with Gray than with Dante. There was more depth there.
And now to the sex scenes
I recommend this to people who want to read something different and well written with the warning that while it is a love story (several love stories actually) it's NOT romance. Or happy.
June 14, 2021
I finished Lizzie and Dante on Friday, (the audiobook is beautifully narrated) and still, it haunts me. I have a feeling it's going to stay with me a while.
This book is not just a love story, but a story about friendship, about living and dying, and about what makes a family. The characters are richly drawn and the prose lyrical. I laughed, I cheered, I felt grief and I, too, fell in love. Brava! Un libro stupendo!
This book is not just a love story, but a story about friendship, about living and dying, and about what makes a family. The characters are richly drawn and the prose lyrical. I laughed, I cheered, I felt grief and I, too, fell in love. Brava! Un libro stupendo!
April 10, 2022
✨This book is to be read like a sweet summer day.✨
June 8, 2021
In writing this review I find myself searching for the right words - words with which to do justice to a story that’s unlike any other I’ve ever read - the means by which to convey how it made me feel. Because that’s what this book is to me: a feeling. Special seems too simple and yet, it is exactly that. But it’s something deeper as well. Perfectly told, Lizzie and Dante conveys a certain nostalgia for those seemingly trivial moments that are in fact the most important ones of our lives.
While the title may suggest a romance, this story offers so much more. It’s an epic multi-faceted love story filled with thought provoking discussions. The characters are not only well crafted with individual quirks and depths along with compelling motivations, but so incredibly real they’ll leap off the page and sit beside you as you read.
Essentially this is Lizzie’s story of bravery, of fighting for more than what life has given, and of carrying on against adversity. But it’s also the story of her friends, their love for her and for each other, of Dante’s incredible vision for a future Lizzie didn’t believe in before arriving in Elba, and of Etta – a twelve year old girl in need of a mother.
In short, I would describe this book as a lazy afternoon on the beach when you know you’ll eventually have to face the world again, but just for a moment everything stops and you see the perfection in every small detail.
Highly recommended for anyone with a box of tissues at the ready.
While the title may suggest a romance, this story offers so much more. It’s an epic multi-faceted love story filled with thought provoking discussions. The characters are not only well crafted with individual quirks and depths along with compelling motivations, but so incredibly real they’ll leap off the page and sit beside you as you read.
Essentially this is Lizzie’s story of bravery, of fighting for more than what life has given, and of carrying on against adversity. But it’s also the story of her friends, their love for her and for each other, of Dante’s incredible vision for a future Lizzie didn’t believe in before arriving in Elba, and of Etta – a twelve year old girl in need of a mother.
In short, I would describe this book as a lazy afternoon on the beach when you know you’ll eventually have to face the world again, but just for a moment everything stops and you see the perfection in every small detail.
Highly recommended for anyone with a box of tissues at the ready.
June 5, 2021
Favorite Book of The YEAR possibly several years.
I am going to have to visit Italy.
😭 UGLY CRY!
I am going to have to visit Italy.
😭 UGLY CRY!
June 3, 2021
4.5⭐️ for a wonderful love story between friends, lovers, grown up and teens, as well as lovers. A story about not giving up and finding home and belonging in a family where few are related. And, peppered with Italian food and wine. Thank you Dial Press for ARC. Now available.
May 28, 2021
When I started reading this book, I didn’t care for the part that seemed a little too real life for me (I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet), and if it had been written by any other author, I would have stopped reading. As it is, I read the end to see if it at least had a happy ending. Again, I don’t want to spoil the story for those who haven’t read it yet, so I will just say that it was such a good ending that I finished reading the book. Throughout the book, Ms. Bly will make you laugh and cry and smile and sigh, so keep plenty of tissues next to you, but definitely read this book.
May 15, 2021
Lizzie is going to the beautiful island of Elba with her friend Grey and his partner Rohan. Lizzie and Grey were partners from the time they were children in foster care until he began a relationship with Rohan. Rohan is a famous Hollywood actor who's making his directorial debut with Romeo and Juliet in the coming year and Lizzie being a college professor of Shakespeare is helping him with his script. Lizzie is also dying. She has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and doesn't wish to continue her treatments. Before coming to the island, she gives away her books and makes arrangements with the local Episcopal church to be cremated and buried in their prayer garden. Elba is intended.to be her final lavish vacation.
While resting on the beach, Lizzie meets Dante and his dog Lulu. Dante is a world famous chef, though Lizzie has no idea of this upon meeting. Lizzie falls for Dante and his daughter Etta which of course causes her to rethink her plan entirely.
This book was beautiful! The writing. The characters. The descriptions of the food and the scenery. The story. Reading this makes you fall in love with reading love stories all over again. This isn't some trite boy meets girl and they kiss and marry. THE END. This makes you feel for her when she's scared to make love because of her many scars. Laugh with her when she has moments of joy, and cry with her when she has to decide just how far shes willing to go to live. You truly end up asking yourself hard questions as well. Would you choose to undergo many painful surgeries for another month? Maybe more? What is a sign of strength? Holding on until the bitter end or letting go when you're ready? This is a beautiful love story don't get me wrong. Lizzie and Dante are perfect together. They bring out the best in each other and Etta finds the mother she's craved her whole life. But intertwined within the love story is a story of life and death and what's right for one may not be for another.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Id give this six stars if I could. This story will stay with me for a long time. Its beautiful. Heartfelt. And absolutely one of the best summer reads of 2021.
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Mary Bly for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While resting on the beach, Lizzie meets Dante and his dog Lulu. Dante is a world famous chef, though Lizzie has no idea of this upon meeting. Lizzie falls for Dante and his daughter Etta which of course causes her to rethink her plan entirely.
This book was beautiful! The writing. The characters. The descriptions of the food and the scenery. The story. Reading this makes you fall in love with reading love stories all over again. This isn't some trite boy meets girl and they kiss and marry. THE END. This makes you feel for her when she's scared to make love because of her many scars. Laugh with her when she has moments of joy, and cry with her when she has to decide just how far shes willing to go to live. You truly end up asking yourself hard questions as well. Would you choose to undergo many painful surgeries for another month? Maybe more? What is a sign of strength? Holding on until the bitter end or letting go when you're ready? This is a beautiful love story don't get me wrong. Lizzie and Dante are perfect together. They bring out the best in each other and Etta finds the mother she's craved her whole life. But intertwined within the love story is a story of life and death and what's right for one may not be for another.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Id give this six stars if I could. This story will stay with me for a long time. Its beautiful. Heartfelt. And absolutely one of the best summer reads of 2021.
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Mary Bly for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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