Finding Love In Constantinople: Forbidden Love Struggles & Triumphs

by Daisy O. Harrison

Finding Love In Constantinople is a historical fiction inspired by the rich history of the Ottoman Empire, that ruled a third of the world for six centuries. The depiction of the events was accurate, but the characters who moved the story during the period were products of the author's imagination. It began with the kidnapping of a shepherd boy, Andreas along with many others his age from the Greek island of Syros by soldiers. They were enslaved in Topkapi Palace in Constantinople. He grew up to become learned and rose to Sultan Sulayman's finest, favorite craftsman. You will admire the Empire's caring treatment of its slaves. You will commiserate with the hero as he fell in love with the Sultan's favorite lady in the Harem struggled with serious problems it brought him. Now named, Mustapha, he was ordered into a marriage of convenience with an older woman from the Harem who served for 13 years. Feel Mustapha's pain from his prearranged marriage and the his separation from his first love. The romance continued.
Mustafa was sent to fight in another expansionist battle and died leaving two boys with his wife, Sophia and with his first love, Esme; the Sultan's fourth wife. Everyone believed it was the Sultan's. Tragedy, exodus and more deaths followed inside the Palace walls while everyone awaited for the approaching combined troops from Venice and Pope Pius II from Rome.
Danger awaited the escape of the two boys; one in the arms of his mother escaping from the northwestern route to Florence; and the other on the back of Mustafa's friend Omar sailing from the south shore of Izmir through the Mediterranean Sea to Greece.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2025

About the author

I'm a l estate broker/investor from California. I travel the world to see, learn, be inspired and to share insights in my paintings and writings.

My trip to Turkey and Italy inspired my first historical fiction trilogy, "Love & Venom." I weaved fictional characters with true historical characters from my research and put life into events and places in history.

The final book, Finding the Venom To End" concluded the multigenerational drama from the hero in "Finding Love in Constantinople."

The hero's two sons from a forbidden love tiangle were taken to Florence and Rome separately during the chaos of the fall of the Ottoman Empire. In the second book, "Finding the Weight of Blood," the conflict between Florence and the Vatican shaped their lives.

The final book, "Finding the Venom to End" concluded the story of the two adult sons and their roles in Lorenzo Medici's power play.

I recently arrived from Australia and Tasmania after a month stay. This trip was meant for writing my. 3rd travel book. It also served as an inspiration for the coming second trilogy focused between England and down under.

If I am not writing, I am painting, gardening or babysitting my two rambunctious grandkids.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching masterpiece that lingers long after the final page
This book tore me apart in the most beautiful way. Finding Love In Constantinople isn't just a historical fiction novel, it's a tapestry of loss, forbidden love, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of those caught in the wheels of empire. I felt every twist of Mustafa's fate, from his stolen childhood to his impossible love for Esme. The love story was deeply human, never overly romanticized, and that’s what made it so powerful. The ending... my heart broke when the two boys were separated, each carrying a piece of Mustafa's soul. I found myself mourning him like I knew him.

[Phillip John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Love In Constantinople swept me into a world of beauty, betrayal, and heartbreak. Mustafa’s journey from enslaved boy to royal craftsman was powerful, but it was his forbidden love with Esme that truly moved me. The emotional tension, the depth of the characters, and the tragic ending stayed with me long after I finished. A beautifully written, unforgettable story.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story was emotional and full of tension, and I learned a lot about the Ottoman Empire along the way. Mustafa’s journey from a kidnapped boy to a respected figure was powerful, and the romance made it even more engaging. A great read if you enjoy historical fiction with heart.

[patricia hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging

Great book there was tears shed while I was reading this book there where ups and downs. This book was had to put down if your a historical fiction person I recommend this book very educational.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was full of elated me

[Libby Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Love In Constantinople is a richly imagined historical novel that brings the Ottoman Empire vividly to life while telling a deeply human love story.

[Kristen Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy O. Harrison blends history and imagination seamlessly. The world feels authentic, yet the characters are emotionally compelling and relatable.

[Julia W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mustapha’s journey from kidnapped shepherd boy to respected craftsman is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His resilience stayed with me long after finishing the book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The portrayal of life inside Topkapi Palace is fascinating and nuanced, showing complexity rather than relying on stereotypes.

[Vinhelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The forbidden romance at the heart of the story is tender, tragic, and beautifully written. The emotional stakes feel very real.

[Jane S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the respectful and thoughtful depiction of the Ottoman system, especially the care taken to show its contradictions and humanity

[Anthony Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author excels at emotional depth. Mustapha’s pain, longing, and sense of duty are powerfully conveyed.

[Elijah Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia and Esme are strong, memorable female characters, each shaped by love, loss, and survival in different ways

[Gordon L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel does an excellent job of showing how personal lives are shaped—and often destroyed—by empire and politics.

[Jane Berra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The arranged marriage storyline is handled with sensitivity and realism, adding layers of complexity rather than easy drama.

[Robin Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is clear, evocative, and immersive. I could easily picture the palace, the battles, and the escape routes.

[Heather A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension surrounding the children’s fate adds urgency and heartbreak, making the ending especially impactful.