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Finding Juliet
For 17-year-old foster kid Alex Riddle, life has been a series of unhappy endings… until she meets her Romeo, the handsome star of the high school play. What could possibly go wrong? For starters, a malfunctioning cell phone that propels Alex 400 years into the past. Now, stuck in 17th century London, Alex must find her way home, navigating a world of conspiracy and danger, all without Wi-Fi. Is Alex destined to become like Juliet, a victim of life’s tragic circumstances? Or can a star-crossed girl write her own ending?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
2 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 15, 2025
If Shakespeare had access to a time machine and a really good therapist, he might have written something like Finding Juliet. Dale Lisa Flint has crafted a smart, witty gem that grabbed me by the metaphorical collar from page one and refused to let go—which is impressive, considering I have the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel.
Don't let the "young adult" label fool you into thinking this is some predictable teen romance wrapped in period costume drama. Sure, there's time travel. Yes, there's Shakespeare. And okay, fine, there might be some swooning involved. But Finding Juliet is far too clever to be your garden-variety "girl falls through time portal and finds true love" story.
Flint has done something genuinely refreshing here: she's written a book where romance exists but doesn't dominate the narrative like an overeager stage parent. Instead, she's more interested in the meatier questions—who are you when you strip away everyone else's expectations? What happens when you get to rewrite your own story? It's like Romeo and Juliet went to therapy and learned some healthy boundaries.
The writing is sharp and layered, with enough unexpected twists to keep you guessing without feeling like you're being jerked around by an author having too much fun with plot devices. The characters feel real and complex, not like they walked out of a YA novel casting call. And the Shakespearean elements? They're woven in so naturally that even people who usually run screaming from anything involving doublets and "thees" will find themselves thoroughly entertained.
My only complaint—and the reason for docking half a star—is that the book ended just when I was really settling in for the long haul. It's like being served the most delicious meal of your life and then having the waiter snatch your plate away before you've properly savored the last bite. I wanted more time with these characters, more exploration of this fascinating world Flint has created. Basically, I'm suffering from a severe case of "book hangover," and I'm holding the author personally responsible.
Finding Juliet proves that young adult fiction can be both intelligent and entertaining, tackling serious themes without losing its sense of humor or adventure. It's the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place—and then leaves you desperately hunting for everything else the author has written.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a book that's smarter than its genre suggests and more fun than its premise has any right to be, Finding Juliet should be at the top of your TBR pile. Just clear your schedule first—you're going to want to read it in one sitting.
Don't let the "young adult" label fool you into thinking this is some predictable teen romance wrapped in period costume drama. Sure, there's time travel. Yes, there's Shakespeare. And okay, fine, there might be some swooning involved. But Finding Juliet is far too clever to be your garden-variety "girl falls through time portal and finds true love" story.
Flint has done something genuinely refreshing here: she's written a book where romance exists but doesn't dominate the narrative like an overeager stage parent. Instead, she's more interested in the meatier questions—who are you when you strip away everyone else's expectations? What happens when you get to rewrite your own story? It's like Romeo and Juliet went to therapy and learned some healthy boundaries.
The writing is sharp and layered, with enough unexpected twists to keep you guessing without feeling like you're being jerked around by an author having too much fun with plot devices. The characters feel real and complex, not like they walked out of a YA novel casting call. And the Shakespearean elements? They're woven in so naturally that even people who usually run screaming from anything involving doublets and "thees" will find themselves thoroughly entertained.
My only complaint—and the reason for docking half a star—is that the book ended just when I was really settling in for the long haul. It's like being served the most delicious meal of your life and then having the waiter snatch your plate away before you've properly savored the last bite. I wanted more time with these characters, more exploration of this fascinating world Flint has created. Basically, I'm suffering from a severe case of "book hangover," and I'm holding the author personally responsible.
Finding Juliet proves that young adult fiction can be both intelligent and entertaining, tackling serious themes without losing its sense of humor or adventure. It's the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place—and then leaves you desperately hunting for everything else the author has written.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a book that's smarter than its genre suggests and more fun than its premise has any right to be, Finding Juliet should be at the top of your TBR pile. Just clear your schedule first—you're going to want to read it in one sitting.
August 6, 2025
Star-Crossed assuming that’s the title or working title is the kind of book that grabs both your heart and your imagination. It’s part time-travel adventure, part historical drama, and part modern YA romance and it pulls off that tricky mix with charm, wit, and genuine emotional depth.
Seventeen-year-old Alex Riddle is a foster kid who’s seen more than her fair share of heartache. When she falls for the Romeo of her high school play, you’re hoping just maybe things will finally go right. But instead of a meet-cute, we get a twist: her cell phone glitches and sends her 400 years into the past.
And here’s where the story truly shines.
Dropped into 17th-century London, Alex is smart, resourceful, and refreshingly sarcastic navigating a world of plague, patriarchy, and political intrigue while wearing Converse. The historical details are rich but never overbearing, and Alex’s modern voice offers just the right contrast to the world around her. Think Outlander meets 10 Things I Hate About You with a dash of Doctor Who thrown in.
But what elevates this novel is its emotional core. Beneath the time travel and Shakespeare references lies a powerful story about agency, resilience, and writing your own ending no matter what the world expects of you. The Juliet comparison is subtle and poignant, and the book leaves you wondering how many Alex Riddles in history never got to tell their stories.
Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Lauren James, or Julie and the Phantoms, this is a clever, fast-paced read that blends laughter, tears, and just the right amount of swoon.
Seventeen-year-old Alex Riddle is a foster kid who’s seen more than her fair share of heartache. When she falls for the Romeo of her high school play, you’re hoping just maybe things will finally go right. But instead of a meet-cute, we get a twist: her cell phone glitches and sends her 400 years into the past.
And here’s where the story truly shines.
Dropped into 17th-century London, Alex is smart, resourceful, and refreshingly sarcastic navigating a world of plague, patriarchy, and political intrigue while wearing Converse. The historical details are rich but never overbearing, and Alex’s modern voice offers just the right contrast to the world around her. Think Outlander meets 10 Things I Hate About You with a dash of Doctor Who thrown in.
But what elevates this novel is its emotional core. Beneath the time travel and Shakespeare references lies a powerful story about agency, resilience, and writing your own ending no matter what the world expects of you. The Juliet comparison is subtle and poignant, and the book leaves you wondering how many Alex Riddles in history never got to tell their stories.
Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Lauren James, or Julie and the Phantoms, this is a clever, fast-paced read that blends laughter, tears, and just the right amount of swoon.
June 27, 2025
Finding Juliet is a smart, fun, and utterly captivating read that had me hooked from the very first page. Marketed for young adults, this book is anything but typical—it’s layered, witty, and full of unexpected turns. It’s the kind of story that, like Shrek, works on multiple levels: teens will be swept up in the action and sharp dialogue, while adults will find themselves laughing out loud at clever jokes and references that fly just above adolescent heads.
Although time travel and a Shakespearean setting might suggest romance, Finding Juliet is not your standard love story—and that’s one of its most refreshing strengths. Romance plays a role, but it’s not the point. Flint is more interested in exploring identity and the freedom to define your own path—topics that resonate far beyond a love plot.
Dale Lisa Flint has created something truly special: a novel that feels like Outlander reimagined for a younger audience, yet every bit as sophisticated and emotionally rich. The historical detail is immersive—you learn about 17th-century England without ever feeling like you’re being taught. And at the same time, the book tackles contemporary issues with honesty, clarity, and heart.
Finding Juliet is smart, surprising, and completely original. It’s a must-read for teens, history lovers, and anyone who craves stories that challenge the rules of genre while still delivering a thoroughly satisfying, page-turning experience.
Five glowing stars.
Although time travel and a Shakespearean setting might suggest romance, Finding Juliet is not your standard love story—and that’s one of its most refreshing strengths. Romance plays a role, but it’s not the point. Flint is more interested in exploring identity and the freedom to define your own path—topics that resonate far beyond a love plot.
Dale Lisa Flint has created something truly special: a novel that feels like Outlander reimagined for a younger audience, yet every bit as sophisticated and emotionally rich. The historical detail is immersive—you learn about 17th-century England without ever feeling like you’re being taught. And at the same time, the book tackles contemporary issues with honesty, clarity, and heart.
Finding Juliet is smart, surprising, and completely original. It’s a must-read for teens, history lovers, and anyone who craves stories that challenge the rules of genre while still delivering a thoroughly satisfying, page-turning experience.
Five glowing stars.
January 7, 2026
A young adults time travel story, starring 17yr old Alex Riddle, who has had to endure foster home after foster home. Will home #13 be a place to call home.
One stormy night she gets transported back to the 1700's.
What ensues is a historical trip through Shakespeare's world. A well rounded novel, about finding new friends, avoiding the executioners noose, archaic gender roles, witches, anti-semitism, all while trying to find a way back to 2013.
It missed a star rating...although I've enjoyed many a YA book before, I found this one a little cutesy and a little odd in the dialogue in places or trying too hard to be cutesy/young. So I would definitely recommend for a younger audience.
I can maybe understand a 17yr old not knowing what an apothecary is, but then at the same time knowing what a hyperbole is, is a bit unrealistic.
The book cover missed the spot. The time travel theory was a bit flaky.
I liked the ending, it gives you warm fuzzies. The envelope at the end, didn't make sense to me. Maybe someone needs to explain that one to me :)
All up, it's a decent YA read and would recommend.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#FindingJuliet #NetGalley
One stormy night she gets transported back to the 1700's.
What ensues is a historical trip through Shakespeare's world. A well rounded novel, about finding new friends, avoiding the executioners noose, archaic gender roles, witches, anti-semitism, all while trying to find a way back to 2013.
It missed a star rating...although I've enjoyed many a YA book before, I found this one a little cutesy and a little odd in the dialogue in places or trying too hard to be cutesy/young. So I would definitely recommend for a younger audience.
I can maybe understand a 17yr old not knowing what an apothecary is, but then at the same time knowing what a hyperbole is, is a bit unrealistic.
The book cover missed the spot. The time travel theory was a bit flaky.
I liked the ending, it gives you warm fuzzies. The envelope at the end, didn't make sense to me. Maybe someone needs to explain that one to me :)
All up, it's a decent YA read and would recommend.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#FindingJuliet #NetGalley
August 9, 2025
What a fun and imaginative twist on time travel and classic romance! Alex Riddle is such a relatable heroine her mix of modern teenage wit and the shock of being thrown into 17th century London made for a story that was both funny and suspenseful. I loved the contrast between her high school life and the gritty, dangerous streets of the past. The author did a great job weaving in historical detail without slowing down the pace, and the fish-out-of-water moments were perfectly balanced with genuine emotion and stakes. The cell phone mishap as the time travel trigger was clever, and I found myself rooting for Alex every step of the way. If you enjoy YA romance with a dash of history, humor, and danger, this is definitely worth the read!
August 7, 2025
Dale Lisa Flint’s debut YA time travel novel, is a captivating blend of wit, warmth, and historical charm. The story follows 17 year old Alex Riddle a foster kid who finds herself unexpectedly transported from modern day California to 1613 London, thanks to a rogue cell phone and a dramatic bolt of lightning. Mistaken for a Juliet actor in a royal production, Alex must navigate a world of stockades, marionettes, and social peril to find her way home
October 26, 2025
I loved this book. It's the perfect blend of lightheartedness and charm! I also really enjoyed the humor in it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews