A Heart Returned: Memoir of a 9/11 Widow

by Juliette Brisman, Alice M. Greenwald (Foreword)

A love story, a tragedy... and a miraculous twist of fate
Juliette and Mark Brisman had a storybook romance and family life until one fateful day when the worst tragedy to occur on American soil 9/11. Mark, who had arrived early at his office at Twin Towers 2 office in New York City on that Tuesday, became a victim of one of the worst terrorist attacks in American history, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.
Juliette, who had to restart her life as a widow with her two young children, was unable to receive full closure with her late husband. Until...four years later, when a call from the NYPD changed everything.
Supplemented with a photographic insert,  A Heart Returned  is a powerful love story that transcends the boundaries between life and death and elucidates the resilience of the human heart.

Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2022

Reviews

[Jenny Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in New York and happened to visit the 9/11 memorial on the day Juliette was there signing copies. I had the sincere pleasure of meeting her in person and hearing a brief description of her story. I purchased a copy of her book and read it in one sitting. This is a heartbreaking story of a family, one of many affected by the tragic events of the attacks on 9/11, who lost a family member. Juliette offers a beautiful tribute to her late husband, Mark, that can be felt on every page. Not to mention, this is a gift she is giving her two children to always serve as a memory of their father.
Juliette does a wonderful job captivating the reader with personal history of her and Mark's relationship and how their love bloomed over the years. She offers truths about what the devastation of his loss meant to her and brings the story full circle when she is given his ring.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for anyone that wants to see how heartbreak can be turned into a positive life lesson and message. Thank you Juliette for sharing your story.

[Taylor Furgalack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written love story torn apart by tragedy. The book starts with the story of how Juliette and Mark met, fell in love, and built their life together. Unfortunately, Juliette lost her husband in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and shared her experience in dealing with loss for herself and her two young children. Her strength for her family and unwillingness to give up is so admirable and I feel lucky to read her words.

I got to meet Juliette and her family at the 9/11 museum in NYC and see the item of Mark’s that was returned to her 4 years later. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and she was so kind to share her story with us.

[Christine Rondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this precious book. I found it both heartbreaking and inspiring. Heartbreaking because a family lost a loved one way before they should have. Inspiring because we should all aspire to be more like Mark Brisman. Inspiring because after going through an unthinkable tragedy, Juliette Brisman chose to look for joy in her life rather than give in to despair. And inspiring to read about the loving, strong support system that Mark and Juliette Brisman’s parents, brothers, sisters, and community provided when a family needed it most.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading I could not put it down. It is joyful, delightful, heartbreaking and so heartfelt. For anyone who grew up on Long Island in the 80’s it is a trip down memory lane. Juliette is so brave to share her story of love and loss of her wonderful husband. It is a must read.

[Linda Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in awe of Juliette who shares her story with us honestly and with joy. I can only marvel at her strength in going through such a profound loss and coming out so much stronger for it.