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ZO: She loved him for 500 years.
Four famous Australians rush from around the world to help their childhood friend, Ally. They owe her their lives, but they betrayed her in the past and she disappeared for decades. Now that they’ve found her, they will do anything to keep her alive, even listen to her stories of Zo, the man she loved all her life… Lorenzo de’ Medici, a man who lived five hundred years ago. Sometimes, being a friend means you believe the impossible. Sometimes, the impossible happens. Peter, Sandy, Lyn, and Andrew recall growing up in Geelong, Australia, in the 1960s and 1970s, and how their friend Ally lifted them up into amazing lives. As fifty-nine-year olds, they are coming back to save her and learn the secrets that drove her beyond sanity. A novel about the power of friendship and love, of resilience, and the darkness that can lie behind the brightest of lives. Whether you are ten in the 1960s, turning sixty in the 21st Century, or living in Renaissance Florence, there are few powers as great as love itself. An uplifting and empowering novel.(No graphic sex scenes. No swearing.)
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2019
89 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Owens
26 books53 followersI live on our farm in Queensland, Australia, and write a variety of books, many of them involve horses. I'm an English teacher with a Master's in Education and I've done freelance writing for Australian horse magazines for decades, and also wrote and reported for Horse Talk TV. I love writing books that take readers on an emotional journey - lots of laughs, love, tragedy, romance, adventure, twists, and turns, but no swearing and no graphic sex scenes.
I have many more books to write, so I hope if you read one, you'll read more, and enjoy the different characters and different stories that all deserve to live outside my mind.
I have many more books to write, so I hope if you read one, you'll read more, and enjoy the different characters and different stories that all deserve to live outside my mind.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Want to read
April 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/7/2019)! 🎁
March 24, 2020
I took a chance because I loved muted and voila another awesome read. Background info, engaging and believable characters it just left me wanting to finish to see how it all ended.
April 7, 2019
"Always chose life"
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The lives of 5 friends from primary school onward will pull the reader into the story. I read this book feeling every emotion possible. I am still on the verge of tears & smiles. The characters are definitely memorable and the dialogue is exquisite. The descriptive writing gives substance to the story & the imagery is clear and sometimes overwhelming. As a reader, seldom can I find books that will pull at my very soul, Zo is one of the few. This is a book that I will read again & again.
As I do not have the words to give this book a proper description without giving anything away, I encourage you to read it. I'm full of feeling. My emotions run rampant through my being. The beauty, the ugly, the times & events, the people who appear throughout this book will surprise & please you. The twists and turns will astound you, all culminating to an end that will cause you to wonder. This author is well worth reading! She is able to write a compelling book that will have you forsaking sleep for the journey. Highly recommended.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The lives of 5 friends from primary school onward will pull the reader into the story. I read this book feeling every emotion possible. I am still on the verge of tears & smiles. The characters are definitely memorable and the dialogue is exquisite. The descriptive writing gives substance to the story & the imagery is clear and sometimes overwhelming. As a reader, seldom can I find books that will pull at my very soul, Zo is one of the few. This is a book that I will read again & again.
As I do not have the words to give this book a proper description without giving anything away, I encourage you to read it. I'm full of feeling. My emotions run rampant through my being. The beauty, the ugly, the times & events, the people who appear throughout this book will surprise & please you. The twists and turns will astound you, all culminating to an end that will cause you to wonder. This author is well worth reading! She is able to write a compelling book that will have you forsaking sleep for the journey. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2019
What a book!
I can't really tell you what this book is about, as that would ruin the story. Just know that it will touch your heart, make you think, and feel. It's sometimes sad, sometimes horribly heartbreaking, and a truly uplifting story of lifelong friendships, and how they can change, and sometimes save our lives. Parts of it were very difficult to read, the things done to each of the friends when they were children, will break your heart, but the strength of their friendships, especially with the main character Ally, saves each of them, and helps them become the wonderful people they grow into.
I can't really tell you what this book is about, as that would ruin the story. Just know that it will touch your heart, make you think, and feel. It's sometimes sad, sometimes horribly heartbreaking, and a truly uplifting story of lifelong friendships, and how they can change, and sometimes save our lives. Parts of it were very difficult to read, the things done to each of the friends when they were children, will break your heart, but the strength of their friendships, especially with the main character Ally, saves each of them, and helps them become the wonderful people they grow into.
March 24, 2020
Historical, friendship, psychological, romance plus more
This is a long book so I didn't read it in one sitting. But I tried. The beginning introduces the 5 main characters & although a little slow is necessary. Don't let it put you off. It is a terrific book. Hard to categorize. It is a beautiful historical romance in 1400 Florence, a sci-fi story of time travel, a psychological story of trama, depression, fantasy, friendship, love & childhood. Don't miss it if any of these are something you enjoy!
This is a long book so I didn't read it in one sitting. But I tried. The beginning introduces the 5 main characters & although a little slow is necessary. Don't let it put you off. It is a terrific book. Hard to categorize. It is a beautiful historical romance in 1400 Florence, a sci-fi story of time travel, a psychological story of trama, depression, fantasy, friendship, love & childhood. Don't miss it if any of these are something you enjoy!
April 10, 2019
Intriguing!
I rarely rate a book with five stars but would have given
this book more if it had been possible. This story goes beyond a beautiful love story. It stirs and sifts through important issues of friendship, aging, cruelty and abuse, mental illness, reality and successes. I laughed and cried reading some passages. This is a book I will read again. Open your mind and enjoy a well written story that explores the unknown power of love. Enjoy!
I rarely rate a book with five stars but would have given
this book more if it had been possible. This story goes beyond a beautiful love story. It stirs and sifts through important issues of friendship, aging, cruelty and abuse, mental illness, reality and successes. I laughed and cried reading some passages. This is a book I will read again. Open your mind and enjoy a well written story that explores the unknown power of love. Enjoy!
November 21, 2019
Compelling read. Unique and delicious, it ends to soon.
The love stories intertwine seamlessly, the lifelong love of good friends, the unfulfilled unrequited loves that can last lifetimes, and the passionate love that can endure beyond death, beyond centuries. I could have only asked for more.
The love stories intertwine seamlessly, the lifelong love of good friends, the unfulfilled unrequited loves that can last lifetimes, and the passionate love that can endure beyond death, beyond centuries. I could have only asked for more.
December 29, 2020
Compelling
I don't know how I picked this book. I just know I did and started reading and could not put it down. For me Australia is exotic. And the sequences in Renaissance Italy equally exotic. But the friendships of the people in this book are both phenomenal and heartening. Such good reading
I don't know how I picked this book. I just know I did and started reading and could not put it down. For me Australia is exotic. And the sequences in Renaissance Italy equally exotic. But the friendships of the people in this book are both phenomenal and heartening. Such good reading
June 29, 2022
What a soul bending story!
I'm not sure if I will ever have the right words for this book, to believe it, yes, to say how much I liked it no. It leaves you with goose bumps, tears, and a thousand smiles! I love time travel stores but this one out does them all! Thank you to the author!
I'm not sure if I will ever have the right words for this book, to believe it, yes, to say how much I liked it no. It leaves you with goose bumps, tears, and a thousand smiles! I love time travel stores but this one out does them all! Thank you to the author!
April 20, 2019
Marvelous
What a beautiful love story combining famous artists from history with people of the present century, all interlocking with lust, intrigue, deep relationships and even murder. Great read!
What a beautiful love story combining famous artists from history with people of the present century, all interlocking with lust, intrigue, deep relationships and even murder. Great read!
April 23, 2019
This was a book that kept me wanting to read. There may have been a couple of editing errors, but not enough to draw away from the story. It's long, but definitely worth reading. The look at friendship and glimpses of history are wonderful.
April 29, 2019
Fantastic book
I got lost in this book. The dishes, laundry and all the other housework had to wait until I finished this wonderful book. I plan on reading Muted next. Please keep these good books coming.
I got lost in this book. The dishes, laundry and all the other housework had to wait until I finished this wonderful book. I plan on reading Muted next. Please keep these good books coming.
May 28, 2019
Loved it
The characters are so real. Absolutely couldn’t put the book down. Just thinking of who all I am telling about this magnificent book. Thanks for sharing such an inthralling story
The characters are so real. Absolutely couldn’t put the book down. Just thinking of who all I am telling about this magnificent book. Thanks for sharing such an inthralling story
July 29, 2019
Incredible
As a voracious reader it's still seldom to come across a story as resoundingly impactful as this one. It's timeless yet so pertinent to our time. Everyone should read this book. Oprah needs to put this on her list.
As a voracious reader it's still seldom to come across a story as resoundingly impactful as this one. It's timeless yet so pertinent to our time. Everyone should read this book. Oprah needs to put this on her list.
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October 2, 2019Keep reading
This book starts slow and I was about to put it aside, but I'm glad I kept reading. When it gets good it won't let you put it down. A history lesson, a romance and maybe a bit of science fiction. Another great read from author Leanne Owens.
This book starts slow and I was about to put it aside, but I'm glad I kept reading. When it gets good it won't let you put it down. A history lesson, a romance and maybe a bit of science fiction. Another great read from author Leanne Owens.
March 6, 2020
500 years of love
I do recommend this story. It seemed to me it was a departure from Leanne's usual writing. I enjoyed it , but I did feel it dragged a little too. I am glad I read it.
I do recommend this story. It seemed to me it was a departure from Leanne's usual writing. I enjoyed it , but I did feel it dragged a little too. I am glad I read it.
November 17, 2021
beautiful
Such a beautiful story - I’m not giving any spoilers here, just read it! At the end the author says she might write another if readers ask - well I’m ASKING - pleeeeease!!!
Such a beautiful story - I’m not giving any spoilers here, just read it! At the end the author says she might write another if readers ask - well I’m ASKING - pleeeeease!!!
April 23, 2023
great story of friendship and love
Beautifully written and engaging tale of childhood friends who gather again to help one of their own in need. And she has a love story for the ages.
Beautifully written and engaging tale of childhood friends who gather again to help one of their own in need. And she has a love story for the ages.
July 28, 2023
Words cannot do this story justice .
Zo took me away better than calgon . Tragic, uplifting, magical. Gives substance to the power of LoVe & friendship. My eyes need good rest now! Never give up on your dreams.
Zo took me away better than calgon . Tragic, uplifting, magical. Gives substance to the power of LoVe & friendship. My eyes need good rest now! Never give up on your dreams.
July 29, 2023
This is an interesting book that takes an in-depth look at the bonds of friendship. It does take place in two time periods; however, the focus is not really time travel, but instead about the power of love and connection between people who support each other. I truly enjoyed this book.
April 14, 2019
Excellent story. Would have done more stars if possible. Definitely not a cookie cutter story. I love the characters and will miss them!
October 23, 2019
Well done
Good read. Thought provoking story about a woman who travels back in time after a horrific childhood. A story of friendship and souls whose love is eternal
Good read. Thought provoking story about a woman who travels back in time after a horrific childhood. A story of friendship and souls whose love is eternal
September 25, 2020
Sappy love story
Couldn't put it down. Wanted to know the next visit.
Am watching a tv show called Mexico now and find book close to truth.
Couldn't put it down. Wanted to know the next visit.
Am watching a tv show called Mexico now and find book close to truth.
January 28, 2022
fall in love with life
Love is a strange and beautiful thing.
A love story for everyone.
Believe love is everywhere for everyone.
Even if it’s just in you heart.
Love is a strange and beautiful thing.
A love story for everyone.
Believe love is everywhere for everyone.
Even if it’s just in you heart.
May 9, 2022
wonderful story
One of the best books I have read. Interesting and unique plot and characters. Highly recommend this engaging story. Loved it!
One of the best books I have read. Interesting and unique plot and characters. Highly recommend this engaging story. Loved it!
July 12, 2022
A beautiful love story
From start to finish. It will have you wondering. Is it possible. We can only dream and hope for a love like they had.
From start to finish. It will have you wondering. Is it possible. We can only dream and hope for a love like they had.
August 28, 2022
This was such an interesting premise, but way too wordy and repetitive. And the ending was no surprise.
July 20, 2023
ZO...Alive as Ever
I really liked this book. It kept me reading, I wanted to finish the story. History lesson was good too.
I really liked this book. It kept me reading, I wanted to finish the story. History lesson was good too.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews