Description
Book SynopsisER physician Elizabeth Hillman has been hurt by the men in her life far too often—which is why she spends her free time safely alone, reading the memoir of Giacomo Casanova, history’s most famous libertine. But when a child in Lizzy’s care dies, she flees to Venice, Italy for a much-needed break—and there, on a lovely rooftop, Casanova appears beside her. In 2016, Casanova is still Casanova. He seduces her friends, is arrested for child endangerment, and even boffs the cleaning lady. Although his antics upset Lizzy, she’s determined to enjoy his conversation and not fall victim to its legendary charm. But when she and Casanova travel to Paris seeking an answer to a question of love that would have changed his life, an incendiary love affair begins to unfold. Who better to teach modern guarded Lizzy about love and life than an eighteenth-century libertine?
Trade Review2017 The Reader Views Literary Award: Winner, Romance 2017 Beverly Hills Book Awards: Winner, Romantic Comedy 2016 Beverly Hills Book Award: Winner, Romantic Comedy "Rea offers a small spin on the popular time-travel trope by bringing the past to the very near future. The narrative is full of the practical—and often humorous—problems that arise when one meets an 18th-century libertine . . . In addition, Rea sprinkles bits of well-researched history amid the romantic tension, working in specific details from Casanova’s life, such as his appreciation of intelligent women. Though falling in love with an infamous playboy may be ill-advised, Rea makes it seem like a wonderful idea. A light, enjoyable romp through time." —Kirkus Reviews “Conjuring Casanova is a skillfully crafted, delicious tale, successfully integrating contemporary romance, time travel, history, and intrigue . . . Rea’s quick wit and obvious sense of humor shine throughout the narrative.” —Reader Views "Casanova got a bad rep for about three centuries. He was confused with Don Juan, censored until 1960, was dismissed as a writer, and lumped together with famous misogynists. After the true text of the Story of my Life appeared in 1960, his admirers hastened to rescue the famous eighteenth-century lover and Illuminist from ignorance and neglect. Melissa Rea has brought him to life in our time. He was hard to resist in his lifetime, and as this novel makes it clear, he's just as seductive now." —Andrei Codrescu, author of Casanova in Bohemia "Rea takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster in her debut novel, Conjuring Casanova. The story is full of rich characters and extremes; tears to laughter, twists to turns, oh no to oh yes moments, and ahh's that warm the soul. This fascinating story is entertaining from the first page to the last." —Pam Webber, author of The Wiregrass
