Title: The Sharp Hook of Love: A Novel of Heloise and Abelard
Author: Sherry Jones
Publisher: Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster)
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Acquired Via: Publisher
The first retelling of the passionate, twelfth-century love story since the discovery of 113 lost love letters between Heloise d’Argenteuil and Pierre Abelard—the original Romeo and Juliet.
"While I sleep you never leave me, and after I wake I see you, as soon as I open my eyes, even before the light of day itself." —Abelard to Heloise
Among the young women of twelfth-century Paris, Heloise d’Argenteuil stands apart. Extraordinarily educated and quick-witted, she is being groomed by her uncle to become an abbess in the service of God.
But with one encounter, her destiny changes forever. Pierre Abelard, headmaster at the Notre-Dame Cloister School, is acclaimed as one of the greatest philosophers in France. His controversial reputation only adds to his allure, yet despite the legions of women swooning over his poetry and dashing looks, he is captivated by the brilliant Heloise alone. As their relationship blossoms from a meeting of the minds to a forbidden love affair, both Heloise and Abelard must choose between love, duty, and ambition.
Sherry Jones weaves the lovers’ own words into an evocative account of desire and sacrifice. As intimate as it is erotic, as devastating as it is beautiful, The Sharp Hook of Love is a poignant, tender tribute to one of history’s greatest romances, and to love’s power to transform and endure.
Praise for The Sharp Hook of Love
"Heloise is the sort of heroine you cannot help rooting for: brilliant and naïve, vulnerable and tough. The Sharp Hook of Love will have you up all night holding your breath as you turn each page." - Rebecca Kanner, author of Sinners and the Sea
"Jones weaves history and passion in a tale full of emotional heft that questions what it means to truly love someone..." - Kirkus Reviews
"A sensual journey into twelfth century Paris. With a sharp eye for historical detail, Jones weaves an unforgettable, compelling tale about enduring love." - Lynn Cullen, nationally bestselling author of Mrs. Poe
"Passion and treachery mingle in Sherry Jones's explosive novel The Sharp Hook of Love. Wrenching and erotic, this is a grand romance in every sense of the word." - Mary Sharratt, author of Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen
My Review
It's not very often that I can go into a historical novel that I'm interested in and not know anything about the story. I tend to gravitate to the stories set in historical periods that I'm interested in, and being a history major, I've studied them quite a bit. I adore church history, so I have no idea how I missed out on Heloise and Abelard. (It was probably the Crusades that distracted me.) Anywho, going into The Sharp Hook of Love was a rare treat because I got a tragic love story, as well as some new (to me) history to study. Hooray!
That's not to say that The Sharp Hook of Love was an easy book to read. Heloise and Abelard were dealt a pretty shitty hand, her especially. There is a scene that almost made me put down the book (it's usually an "instant DNF"), but the curiosity of their story kept me going. Just so you know, Abelard is not my favorite, but I just kept reminding myself that this all happened hundreds of years ago, and most men were a lot more awful than him.
The Sharp Hook of Love was a beautifully written book and such a pleasure to read. If you like historical fiction, you will certainly enjoy this book. And if you've never heard of Heloise and Abelard, this is the perfect way to learn about their story.
Buy Links
Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | B&N (Nook)
B&N (Paperback) | Books-a-Million | iBooks | IndieBound
About the Author
Sherry Jones is the author of five biographical fiction books: The Sharp Hook of Love, about the famed 12th-century lovers Abelard and Heloise; The Jewel of Medina and The Sword of Medina, international — and controversial — best sellers about the life of A’isha, who married the Muslim prophet Muhammad at age nine and went on to become the most famous and influential woman in Islam; Four Sisters, All Queens, a tale of four sisters in 13th century Provence who became queens of France, England, Germany, and Italy, and White Heart, an e-novella about the famous French “White Queen” Blanche de Castille.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Spotlight at Bibliophilia, Please
Tuesday, November 25
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Wednesday, November 26
Review at Book Babe
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection
Friday, November 28
Guest Post at Historical Tapestry
Sunday, November 29
Spotlight & Excerpt at The Lusty Literate
Monday, December 1
Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Interview at Mina's Bookshelf
Tuesday, December 2
Review at Bibliophilia, Please
Wednesday, December 3
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Thursday, December 4
Review at The Lit Bitch
Friday, December 5
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession
Feature at Romantic Historical Lovers
Interview at To Read or Not to Read
To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received a copy of the novel from the publisher through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an unbiased review. It has in no way affected the outcome. All expressed opinions are awesome, honest, and courtesy of me.
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