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Juliet's Journey

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Juliet Carlsen is about to become a volunteer in an art school in the tiny northern Italian village of Baiardo. She has recently suffered the loss of her mother. Serene surroundings, a warm welcome and the attentions of a handsome local named Luca help her come to terms with her loss. Then someone from her past shows up and turns everything on its head. Juliet finds herself in the middle of a conflict that threatens to tear the fabric of village life.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2015

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About the author

Kathy Gates

3 books19 followers
After a long career in arts and broadcast marketing, Kathy Gates swapped her desk for the road and became a full-time traveller and part-time English teacher. So far, she has taught in Italy, Germany, Poland, Kenya, Tanzania and Mongolia.
Kathy’s love of Italy, and particularly Rome, was the inspiration for her novel, Keira in Rome. The eternal city is the backdrop to secrets, lies and a few things that get lost in translation. Inveterate scene-stealer Tuscany plays a supporting role.
Her novella, Juliet’s Journey, also set in Italy, was published in 2015. Italophile Book Reviews gave it five-stars, calling it an, “entertaining, compact novella romance with lots of Italian flavour.”
In addition to fiction, Kathy has written about the love of books and reading for the website Amreading, and on lifestyle and travel for the digital magazine Boomercafe.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle Evans.
Author 4 books89 followers
September 5, 2015
This review is also posted on my blog: http://theshortreviewer.blogspot.com/...

This was an enjoyable read about a young woman who travels to Italy to volunteer at an art school, which sounds romantic enough in and of itself. But she is also running away from her grief; she recently lost her mother, and she's hoping a change of scenery will help her feel more like herself again.

The character development in this book is well done; I really felt that I got to know Juliet and even some of the side characters. The writing was fluid, and the descriptions of this beautiful village in Italy were very appealing. I don't get to travel much, and when I do, it's usually some place not too far from home, so I always enjoy reading about other places so that I can feel like I'm there for a little bit. And this novella certainly did momentarily take me to that village in Italy.

It isn't long though before Juliet begins to find out unusual things about the art school, things that have been kept from her. This isn't a thriller or a ghost story or anything like that, but she learns that not everyone has been entirely truthful with her. And someone she used to be with shows up to complicate things. The love interest was also a bit unexpected!

For anyone who enjoys life changing travel stories with an added bonus of romance, this is one story you'll want to check out. It was an entertaining and well done short read.
Profile Image for Max Power.
Author 7 books114 followers
October 7, 2016
Quite simple, quite short and quite charming. On the first and last points I can say that this was quite a delightful and surprising read for me. Definitely out of my normal reading zone if I have one but nonetheless the book is all the more interesting for that. I loved the setting, beautifully captured with simple strokes that said little but enough. Kathy Gates goes further by similarly getting to the the heart of her characters with ease. My singular criticism is that I struggle with the novella concept at the best of times and always feel like telling the author to - go on - write the full story. Sometimes you have enough in a short book, but when a writer has the talent and ability that is evident here, I always would encourage them to expand on their idea. I read this in one sitting and could easily have read on. A really nice book.
Profile Image for Sophie Quist.
Author 1 book3 followers
March 22, 2016
Disclosure: I was provided a with a free copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been feeling a touch of wanderlust lately, so I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to read Juliet’s Journey by Kathy Gates. This romantic novella took me to beautiful Baiardo, Italy in one of the loveliest reveries I’ve enjoyed in awhile.

Juliet Carlsen’s mother recently passed away and she’s on a mission to “get her groove back”. She arrives at Baiardo to volunteer a local art school but gets involved with so much more…including handsome silver-haired Luca da Silvestri (seriously, just say that name aloud – are you not already half in love? And he quotes Shakespeare ♥).

Juliet was a great heroine. She was strong, funny, feminine and – on one memorable occasion – feisty! I had my fingers crossed for her through the whole tale.

I loved the way the mystery and conspiracy in Baiardo unfolded in layers, woven through Juliet’s blossoming romance with Luca. There’s a large cast of supporting characters who also help carry the story and introduce some humor and charm (I adored Antoinette).

The romance in this novella was light and sweet. I’m not usually a fan of the “fade to black” adult scenes, but I loved the way Gates later filled us in on some of the poignant details through Juliet’s memories of the previous evening. In fact, that basking in the afterglow feeling that accompanied her approach was one of my favorite parts of this novella.

I only wish it had been a little longer! I would have loved the chance to get to know Luca better. As the story was told from Juliet’s perspective, I felt a strong connection with her, but Luca remains a bit of an enigma to me. Or maybe that’s part of his appeal. ;) Either way, I wouldn’t argue with a sequel!
Profile Image for Italo Italophiles.
528 reviews41 followers
August 8, 2015
Despite the cover image that looks like a teen, the protagonist of this compact novella is a mature 30 year old who has lived much in those years. She's grieving when the story begins, and the romance she discovers in Italy is part of her healing process. The other part is finding that she can help others in their time of need, the others in this case being the villagers of the hill-town where she is staying.

The problems of Italy's dwindling villages is portrayed honestly, and San Remo feels familiar after the author sets several scenes there. There are many characters, each unique. But I especially enjoyed the multi-generational and multicultural friendship between a trio of women that included the protagonist who is a 30 year old Australian, a mature American, and a middle-aged French woman.

This is not porn. It is a compact romance novella set in northwestern Italy, that is a very entertaining short read. There is some humor, some mystery, some secrets, some romance, and lots of Italian flavor in the beautiful and realistic Italian setting.
Profile Image for Barbara A Martin.
Author 2 books17 followers
September 7, 2015
This is a romantic short story. It takes place in a small village in Italy. The protagonist, Juliet, is Australian by birth and now lives in Tasmania. She has been persuaded to come to Baiardo for a respite from a broken relationship and the death of her dearly loved mother. Juliet’s best friend Zellie suggested she “volunteer” to help at an artists’ school run by an Englishman.

Juliet meets Carrie, an American, who is the manager of the school and her guide to becoming acclimated to the way of life in a small village. She easily settles in and much of the stress and strain of life slips from her shoulders. As naturally as breathing, romance quickly blossoms in this most romantic of settings. But, life is nothing if not constant change as Juliet uncovers a plan by some locals to damage the village’s idyllic way of life, a life she has come to cherish.

The characters are nicely developed and one can easily relate to them, even for so short a story. This reader hopes for a much longer sequel. 4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Midwest Romantic.
489 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2015

Originally posted on my blogLive Laugh & Love Books


Juliet's Journey flowed very nicely and I really enjoyed the realness to the characters and the whole book itself. I've always thought that Italy was a beautiful place, not that I have ever traveled anywhere...but Balardo does seem like a place that you could just relax and enjoy the nature around you!


Overall a good read that you will enjoy!!


*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Profile Image for Beth Hale.
Author 39 books93 followers
August 8, 2015
This is a wonderful short story full of emotion. I enjoyed the description of the village; it felt as if I was there. Juliet's belief in Baiardo and Luca shine through. There were several little mysteries at the beginning, and they were all solved by the ending--something I love in a book. The interaction between all the characters was well done. I liked the by-play between them. The dialogue was sharp and witty and helped to move the story along. I would recommend Juliet's Journey to anyone looking for a short, entertaining read.
Profile Image for Sharon Brownlie.
Author 11 books30 followers
September 22, 2015
A lovely, charming short story of romance and self-discovery. It was written in such a way I imagined myself sitting beside Juliet with a glas of prosecco with her. The characters are developed and I liked the dialogue, especially from Antoinette.

The narrative takes you along at a steady pace, the descriptive used by Kathy Gates is detailed and you could actually visualise yourself walking through the towns or sitting outside a cafe.

I enjoyed Juliet's Journey and for a short time immersed myself in it. I would definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for Donna  Chadwick.
121 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2016
Really good book and it was easy to get in to and l could not put it down once l started reading it and l highly recommended it to anyone and even if you are not in to this type of book it's good to read outside your favorite genre and try something new and improved your reading to different types of books and genre and authors
Profile Image for Allies Opinions.
174 reviews26 followers
October 1, 2015
What a sweet romance! What a beautiful setting to fall in love! Not to mention save a town's economy and a beautiful art school! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Juliet and Luca are a great match. Their story is so sweet. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel to Italy and fall in love but is missing the funds to do so. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Larry Hyatt.
Author 2 books8 followers
January 1, 2016
I’ve never been to Italy but while reading sure felt what it would be like. Not a long investment with characters that captured the spirit of Italy and the fun one would have on a volunteer getaway/escape. Throw in a cause to save an art school, and romance, and you have a lovely read. What I really liked was how the setting was captured.
Profile Image for Erin Riley.
Author 5 books73 followers
September 24, 2015
This was a lovely little story, short and sweet, with characters nicely drawn despite the brevity of the book. I liked Juliet's spunk and Luca's smoldering charm. Kathy Gates writes very well. I would love to read a sequel to find out what happens to Juliet, Luca, and the art school!
Profile Image for Inderpreet Uppal.
Author 3 books77 followers
October 25, 2015

Juliet’s Journey is a fast read, with good language and perfect for a bright summer day or a cozy winter evening painting pictures of a quaint, town. So much of the beauty and heritage of the town comes across, and the sights and sounds of San Remo.

I finished it in a few hours and enjoyed the swift read. Juliet and her thoughts keep the story flowing. Her journey is of finding herself along with facing big changes in her life. Luca da Silverstri is the brooding, handsome guy who is as good looking as he is mysterious. How much can a gal resist, I didn’t want to miss a word of what he said!

As often when we face a trauma or loss of a loved one we tend to make sweeping changes; Juliet did the same. She moves to a picturesque small town Baiardo in Italy to volunteer at an art school. The book has a lot more to be sorted eventually and leaves the reader wanting more. The art school and her ancestral home both have a vague future yet the book closes on a positive and upbeat note. The book cover is beautiful and the book describes the locations so well that I felt I had visited this place.

Juliet’s brother, Jonathan, Chloe his girlfriend and Juliet’s very supportive friend Zellie add to the story and the surprising love angle make for an interesting plot twist. Stuart, the ex boyfriend caused a lot of trouble and heartburn, making me wonder what she found good in him in the first place.

Yet characters like Antoinette, Carrie and many more add to the essence of the book, highlighting the Italian connection. Many of them asking for their own stories to be told!

The language of the book is peppered with Italian and “Ti amo, amore mio” never felt more perfect. Kathy’s writing style is effortless, fluid and the sprinkling of Italian adds to the reading experience.

A well spun story of finding true love and family when you least expect it but such is life.

(I received a copy of the book from the author, the view are my own unbiased views)
Profile Image for Juliet Wilson.
Author 7 books46 followers
November 6, 2015
Juliet is thirty, her mother has just died and she has decided on a whim to leave Australia to volunteer at an art school in Baiardo, Italy, against her brother's advice.

Juliet doesn't expect that her first task will be to weed and clear up along the boundary with the neighbouring property, nor does she expect the rage that this induces in the neighbour, Luca. This is only one of the several intrigues and mysteries that Juliet encounters in her first few weeks at the art school.

Juliet is starting to fall for Luca, when her ex-fiance, Stuart, a dodgy property deceloper turns up.

Can Juliet help the villagers to stop Stuart's plans to turn the art school into holiday homes? Can she convince Luca that everything is over between her and Stuart and that she isn't connected to his property development plans?


(Stuart's plans for the art school reminded me of some of the less than appropriate development proposals hanging over Edinburgh at the moment, including the proposed demolition of the Blue Goose Pub with its beer garden overlooking the Water of Leith to make way for student flats.

I was also instinctively drawn to a story set in an area of Italy I've visited with a heroine called Juliet. Though my parents didn't meet while acting in a school production of Romeo and Juliet.)


This is an engaging, romantic novella in the wonderful setting of northern Italy with a light touch but with the serious issue of inappropriate property development at its heart. Well worth a read.
Profile Image for Joy Lo-Bamijoko.
306 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2015
Juliet was indeed on an adventure. I had to check on the name of the author a couple of times to make sure that she was not Italian. This is because, her protagonist Juliet spoke it so well every time she did, that it was clear that the author spoke it so well too.

Now Juliet needed to get away from whatever it was that was puling her down - bad, past relationship, death of a parent - and generally away from the place where all this happened. She finds herself in this cute Italian resort named Baiardo. Here she meets Luca, whom she will later discover is a sophisticated man of substance.

We all know how these things end, but not before Stuart appears. Stuart is one of those past memories she got away from. Is Stuart tailing her? Is it simply coincidence? Well, as all spoil joys, Stuart will soon reveal his real motive for being in Baiardo. And that is when the story took us in turns and twists to the end. A nice short read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for B. Brumley.
Author 13 books275 followers
October 27, 2015
Juliet is adrift after a personal loss. She travels to Italy at the urging of some friends. She expects to volunteer at the local art school, but gets more than she bargained for when she meets a cranky local named Luca. When her ex also shows up in Baiardo, she realizes that something is amiss. Juliet has quite the adventure as she attempts to bring the hidden dangers to light.

Juliet's Journey was a lovely read. A novella on the shorter side, it can be finished in an afternoon. Juliet was a wonderful new book friend. With Italian words sprinkled throughout the telling, realistic descriptions of Baiardo and the art school, the local flavor whetted my appetite. I enjoyed the experience. Kathy Gates is masterful as a word smith. This is a clean read (with sex off screen and behind closed doors and a lack of foul language). Recommended.
Profile Image for Fiona.
354 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2016
Recommend to anyone looking for a well written charming story, lovers of books that give a real taste of the country they're set in (Italy in this case) and people who enjoy pleasantly light short reads.
I'd describe Juliet's Journey as a short novella rather than a short. Set out in chapters the book follows Juliet's arrival and emmersion in the Italian way of life, the friendships she makes, her romance with the disgruntled neighbour and finally her fight to save the art school that employed her. Characters are well drawn, dialogue is natural and there is a wonderful sense of place and character.
My only complaint is I think there was enough here for a full length novel and sometimes things seemed too rushed. If you like your stories in a condensed form you'll love this one.

Profile Image for Ines Bautista-yao.
Author 20 books147 followers
September 12, 2015
Loved the setting!

This was a short, sweet read. I enjoyed the setting, the language, the handsome Luca, and the fire inside Juliet.

I felt the love story was a bit rushed - I wanted more getting to know you scenes and more romantic tension between Luca and Juliet. I felt everything happened so fast, but maybe that's what happens when you meet a gorgeous stranger in Italy :)

The cause Juliet fought for in the end is definitely worthy and gave me food for thought as well. Would have given this 3 stars for the love story but the beautiful setting raised the bar! Would love to visit Baiardo someday.
Profile Image for Geralyn Wichers.
12 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2015
A charming read. I wasn't surprised that Gates had actually been to the little Italian town of Baiardo, because the whole novel had a ring of authenticity--from the Italian phrases scattered throughout the dialogue, to description of local customs and landmarks. Juliet, our heroine, and Luca, her love interest are both intriguing characters (Luca especially!). I would have like to see them better developed. I thought that the whole story felt a bit rushed, and I wouldn't have minded if it was twice as long. Juliet's Journey doesn't break any new ground, but it is a tasteful and enjoyable romance.
90 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2015
Juliet’s Journey by Kathy Gates is a lovely short story of Juliet Carlsen a young woman who is grieving the loss of her mother and she travels to Italy for a new start in life and she finds romance. I love the international flair and the multinational characters.

It is a well-written story that transported me to beautiful Italy and immersed me in the cultural and the language. Juliet’s journey of healing, self-discovery and love is inspiring. I really enjoyed this quaint romance story. I hope there is a sequel.
Profile Image for C.N..
Author 15 books97 followers
September 27, 2015
This was a fascinating look at another culture. Juliet goes to work as a volunteer in a vacation residential art school to get over the trauma of her mother's death at the suggestion of her friend. Her mind is set when her brother opposes the idea and now she strives to fit in with the locals and her colleagues as they prepare for an influx of the next student group.

There is a delicious romance in this story, but to say more would be a spoiler. The characters are well-drawn and very true to life. I particularly liked the twist in the end.
Profile Image for Reg Shell.
199 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2015
Very Interesting.




The written images of the small village in Italy and the locals and visitors was realistic. The plot contained pleasant aspects of character resilience and romance. The work was of a pleasing easy to read length and then there is art and for the romance inclined a handsome hero.

With multi-cultural characters Juliet’s Journey by Kathy Gates should have wide appeal. I’m happy to recommend it as a five star read. . The plot contained pleasant aspects of character resilience and romance.

Profile Image for D.K. Cassidy.
Author 19 books121 followers
February 17, 2016
Sweet.

Juliet accidentally finds a new purpose in life while on vacation in Italy. She thinks she’s volunteering at an art school, but finds out there are other things in the works.

Author Kathy Gates does a tremendous job of describing the quaint old village of Baiardo. I’ve travelled throughout Italy and recognized the type of buildings and quirky residents of this town. I felt as if I was returning to one of my favorite locations.

As the story progresses, Juliet finds strength and purpose, and an interesting man. This is a great start to what I hope is a long series.
Profile Image for Pene Henson.
Author 3 books66 followers
May 18, 2016
Juliet's Journey is a lovely romantic suspense novella. Its stunning setting is as much a character as Juliet herself. I found the story and the heroine charming. Juliet is sensible and self aware. A pleasant and pragmatic person in a romantic setting and among some dramatic men. Her friends stepped clearly from the page as she met them. Her enemies were a little more opaque. I would love to know how Juliet's history with one of them ever worked.

Overall this was enjoyable and well written, an easy pleasure, old fashioned in the best sense.
Profile Image for Dermot Davis.
Author 16 books50 followers
July 6, 2016
A refreshing clean and sweet love story that is short and does not disappoint. I loved the character of Juliet who is an Australian tourist to Italy for her first time and is there to take a break from her personal pain and grief and to volunteer at a small village art school. The descriptions of the village and the people were so realistic and detailed that I really felt that I was there along with her. Despite meeting a very charming, yet irascible (culture differences) local man, all does not go well in the village, after all. When her ex shows up, things get mighty complicated.
Profile Image for Renae Lucas-Hall.
Author 3 books62 followers
December 9, 2015
This is the perfect book to buy if you’ve ever been to Italy or if you’re just looking for a lovely short romance. The writing style is mature yet vibrant; the characters are endearing, and the plot is well executed and easy to follow. I studied Italian for several years so it was wonderful to see snippets of the Italian language throughout the story. Overall, the romance between Juliet and Luca as well as Juliet’s kind nature and her good intentions really made this book a delight to read.
Profile Image for Molly.
224 reviews
February 5, 2016
"Juliet's Journey" takes the reader onto a journey from sadness to new horizons. Juliet makes new friends from various locations and while enjoying the beautiful Italian scenery, she kind of finds herself.
The novel has some great characters, particularly her girlfriends. At first I worried it might become too 'girlie' but there is enough depth and reflection to make the mystery, romance and humour sit well.
Beautiful.
Profile Image for Rebecca Reilly.
Author 7 books48 followers
February 8, 2016
Juliet's Journey is a fun romance novella. You join Juliet mid-journey as she is taking a break to "get her groove back" after the death of her mother. She travels to Italy to volunteer at an art school. There are secrets, interesting characters, and a a romantic setting. I would have liked a more involved story, but that would make it a novel instead of novella. I wonder where Juliet's life is taking her now?
Profile Image for Deborah Andreasen.
Author 3 books399 followers
October 8, 2015
I felt like this could have been fleshed out into a book rather than a novella. I missed some dialogue and character building. There was history, and as a newcomer dropped into it, I felt like there could have been more to fill that in. The story was vaguely interesting. I felt like Juliet was a good character, but she had potential to be great.
Profile Image for May Panayi.
Author 26 books17 followers
March 29, 2016
Juliet travels to the sleepy village of Baiardo in Italy to an art school. There is an intrigue around the possible sale of the school. Romance seems to be in the air all around, or perhaps it's just those hot blooded passionate Italians. Set against a backdrop of Italian food, passion and wine, this is a great, fast moving storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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