Rating: 
Summary: Excellent! Consuming..couldn't put it down!
Review: The combination of the romance and the historical epic nature of this novel captured me and my imagination. It was the kind of book that feels like the story is going to go on without you if you put it down. A great read!
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: The history of 16th century Italy portrayed in this novel is captivating. The heroine is an interesting character, however the life she leads is unbelievable. I recommend this book and have, in fact, given it as a gift. The author has an error in connection with the use of the telescope in the early 16th century. Lenses, however, were not used until the early 17th century by Gallileo to form an eyeglass, later named an astronomical telescope. The editor should have proofed basic information.
Rating: 
Summary: Historical novel set in 16th century Italy captivates
Review: The history of 16th century Italy portrayed in this novel is captivating. The heroine is an interesting character, however the life she leads is unbelievable. I recommend this book and have, in fact, given it as a gift. The author has an error in connection with the use of the telescope in the early 16th century. Lenses, however, were not used until the early 17th century by Gallileo to form an eyeglass, later named an astronomical telescope. The editor should have proofed basic information.
Rating:
Summary: Well researched historical novel but a disappointing story
Review: The Secret Book of Grazia dei Rossi started out as a promising read. The historical and cultural information was quite accurate and the telling from a Jewish woman's point of view was refreshing. However, what started out as a intriguing story with interesting characters fell into a long series of episodes that seemed written only to display the author's research into different areas of renaissance life. I soon became bored with the characters, the story became predictable, and the tacked on epilogue was an uninspired way to tie up the ends of the story. The tediousness of the novel was not helped by the straight forward and simple prose style. The lack of artistry and depth made this novel a dull superficial read.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding historical fiction
Review: This book describes the life of a 15th-16th century Italian Jewess. The main conflict revolves around her love for an Italian nobleman vs. her loyalty to her faith. It's beautifully written, historically rich, and relevant to anyone today who is struggling with the same issues. And yes, while it is not a romance novel, it has one sizzling "romantic" scene to give the book a little added spice!
Rating: 
Summary: Promising subject; poor execution.
Review: This book had potential: the subject matter is interesting and could make for fascinating reading. The problem is that the tale consistently comes across in a soap opera fashion, with actions and reactions that are often predictable and melodramatic. Very disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most captivating historical fictional books read.
Review: This book is one of the few I've read which evoked the most emotions one feels when one is involved with someone, friend or family member, over the course of a lifetime. I smiled, cried, was shocked, and felt sympathy for Grazia. The characters where real life characters with good and bad points. One of the few fictional books I've read without skimming.
Rating:
Summary: An erudite tale of Renaissance Italy.
Review: This is a well written book which brings the reader into the tumultuous life of one Jewish woman in Renaissance Italy. The prose is lyrical, the characters are interesting and the historical details/dialogues are accurate.
Rating:
Summary: fascinating
Review: This is an extremely interesting book from an entertainment standpoint, but the most gratifying part of reading it is the enormous amount of information one unconsciously picks up in the process. A fascinating read.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating, intelligent and engaging novel
Review: This novel is a truly engrossing, intelligent story of a Jewish woman in Renaissance Italy that I found very convincing. The historical events described and the adventurous life of Grazia in anti-Jewish Italy captivated my imagination. Whether or not the events and Jewish customs described were real, it's a wonderful story. I encourage anyone interested in historical novels or Jewish heroines to read this book. It is inspiring.
| 
