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Find Me In Florence
Survival means finding the courage to dig deep and find that elusive inner strength…
Finding herself at life’s crossroads, always-dutiful Lyn Bennett jumps at the chance to teach in historic Florence, Italy; it’s an opportunity to unearth the mysterious details of her mother’s past as one of Florence’s revered Mud Angels who helped save the city during the 1966 flood - as well as to re-evaluate the choices she’s made in her life. When her husband betrays her and a best friend falls to the wayside, Lyn is devastated. When handsome and magnetic Matteo strives to help, she has to decide if she will allow the people – and the city of Florence, with its pride, vitality and beauty - inspire her to open her heart again?
Finding herself at life’s crossroads, always-dutiful Lyn Bennett jumps at the chance to teach in historic Florence, Italy; it’s an opportunity to unearth the mysterious details of her mother’s past as one of Florence’s revered Mud Angels who helped save the city during the 1966 flood - as well as to re-evaluate the choices she’s made in her life. When her husband betrays her and a best friend falls to the wayside, Lyn is devastated. When handsome and magnetic Matteo strives to help, she has to decide if she will allow the people – and the city of Florence, with its pride, vitality and beauty - inspire her to open her heart again?
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Jule Selbo
26 books27 followersSO EXCITED! 6 DAYS, A Dee Rommel Mystery will be available August 5, 2026. It's the fifth in the series. The series begins with 10 DAYS, then comes 9 DAYS, then 8 DAYS (you see the pattern).
Jule Selbo rises an hour before sun-up, likes the fuel of caffeine, and loves to make up stories. She’s an award-winning screenwriter (Disney, Paramount, Universal, and more, including working with George Lucas on Young Indiana Jones Chronicles for five years, penning Ariel’s Beginning (Little Mermaid and Hunchback of Notre Dame Part Deux and more for Disney, tv shows like Melrose Place, Hercules, Space Above and Beyond and HBO’s Women Behind Bars).
She moved to Maine to write novels and short stories – focusing on her favorite genres: crime mystery and historical fiction. 10 DAYS, A Dee Rommel Mystery (2021) is the first of the award-winning series; it is followed by 9 DAYS. 8 DAYS, 7 DAYS and the new 6 DAYS.
Series’ kudos include: Silver Falchion, CIBA Best Series Finalist, nominations for the CLue Award and Foreward Review Award, Kirkus’ Top 5 Mysteries from Small Publishers and more.
Her historical fiction books include biographies of Italy’s John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) and Laura Bassi (first experimental physicist and first female professor at University of Bologna in the late 1700s). Her Find Me In Florence focuses on the country’s Mud Angels; they helped save priceless artwork and books after the 1966 flood.
Short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Magazine and Thriller Magazine.
Jule would love to hear from her readers!
Jule Selbo rises an hour before sun-up, likes the fuel of caffeine, and loves to make up stories. She’s an award-winning screenwriter (Disney, Paramount, Universal, and more, including working with George Lucas on Young Indiana Jones Chronicles for five years, penning Ariel’s Beginning (Little Mermaid and Hunchback of Notre Dame Part Deux and more for Disney, tv shows like Melrose Place, Hercules, Space Above and Beyond and HBO’s Women Behind Bars).
She moved to Maine to write novels and short stories – focusing on her favorite genres: crime mystery and historical fiction. 10 DAYS, A Dee Rommel Mystery (2021) is the first of the award-winning series; it is followed by 9 DAYS. 8 DAYS, 7 DAYS and the new 6 DAYS.
Series’ kudos include: Silver Falchion, CIBA Best Series Finalist, nominations for the CLue Award and Foreward Review Award, Kirkus’ Top 5 Mysteries from Small Publishers and more.
Her historical fiction books include biographies of Italy’s John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) and Laura Bassi (first experimental physicist and first female professor at University of Bologna in the late 1700s). Her Find Me In Florence focuses on the country’s Mud Angels; they helped save priceless artwork and books after the 1966 flood.
Short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Magazine and Thriller Magazine.
Jule would love to hear from her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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February 19, 2020
REVIEW: FIND ME IN FLORENCE by JULE SELBO
by Paul Corrigan
“A new love expedith oft the old.”
Chaucer, modern text of Troilus And Criseyde
When Lynn, the main character in Jule Selbo’s new novel FIND ME IN FLORENCE, finds out her husband is leaving her for her best friend, she plunges headlong through the winding streets of Florence, wandering for hours in the rain to assuage her anguish. Lynn is in Italy teaching a month-long writing seminar and researching a book and this shocking news greets her at the start of her time in that beautiful city. Thus begins Lynn’s painful journey of discovery as she struggles to regain her equilibrium and to understand the events surrounding this sudden betrayal.
Readers will get an early glimpse of Lynn’s strength of character as, heart-broken, she becomes all the more determined to embrace the more salient reason for her being in Florence – to research a book about her recently deceased Mother. In the 1960’s Lynn’s Mom, with other youthful volunteers, descended on Florence to help rescue its famous paintings, sculpture and great literary manuscripts from the high-water mark of a great flood. These young people were called “Mud Angels” by the grateful city for their hard work helping to preserve Florence’s cultural treasures. With her mother’s journal from that period in hand, and a snapshot of her mom surrounded by other mud angels, Lynn contacts and interviews locals who were around during the great flood and perhaps may have met her mother. Lynn realizes that this is a long shot but the search gives her life purpose at a desperate time.
In addition to seeking out elderly informants from the time of the flood, Lynn also has obligations to the members of her writing seminar. As characters her adult students are very well-drawn, as are the Florentines whom she befriends and who provide her with stories about the Mud Angels. Jule Selbo’s first-hand experience of Italy and thorough research bring Florence to life. Her narration sweeps the reader up, taking her on a lively tour of the great thoroughfares of this culturally rich city.
Selbo is such an adept writer that she is able to capture the torment and the anguish surrounding the looming dissolution of Lynn’s marriage and balance that deep and real heartache with more hopeful and buoyant notes. In her fine story-telling there can exist alongside such grief the looming possibility that in a city as rich in culture, food and fine wine as Florence, new friendships may arise and deepen into something more significant and long lasting. Or, at least, there may be the likelihood that sparks will fly on some enchanted night and the resulting tryst will lighten the weight of Lynn’s heart ache. Selbo wisely keeps the reader guessing as to which of these consolations will prevail up until the very end of the story.
--Paul Corrigan
by Paul Corrigan
“A new love expedith oft the old.”
Chaucer, modern text of Troilus And Criseyde
When Lynn, the main character in Jule Selbo’s new novel FIND ME IN FLORENCE, finds out her husband is leaving her for her best friend, she plunges headlong through the winding streets of Florence, wandering for hours in the rain to assuage her anguish. Lynn is in Italy teaching a month-long writing seminar and researching a book and this shocking news greets her at the start of her time in that beautiful city. Thus begins Lynn’s painful journey of discovery as she struggles to regain her equilibrium and to understand the events surrounding this sudden betrayal.
Readers will get an early glimpse of Lynn’s strength of character as, heart-broken, she becomes all the more determined to embrace the more salient reason for her being in Florence – to research a book about her recently deceased Mother. In the 1960’s Lynn’s Mom, with other youthful volunteers, descended on Florence to help rescue its famous paintings, sculpture and great literary manuscripts from the high-water mark of a great flood. These young people were called “Mud Angels” by the grateful city for their hard work helping to preserve Florence’s cultural treasures. With her mother’s journal from that period in hand, and a snapshot of her mom surrounded by other mud angels, Lynn contacts and interviews locals who were around during the great flood and perhaps may have met her mother. Lynn realizes that this is a long shot but the search gives her life purpose at a desperate time.
In addition to seeking out elderly informants from the time of the flood, Lynn also has obligations to the members of her writing seminar. As characters her adult students are very well-drawn, as are the Florentines whom she befriends and who provide her with stories about the Mud Angels. Jule Selbo’s first-hand experience of Italy and thorough research bring Florence to life. Her narration sweeps the reader up, taking her on a lively tour of the great thoroughfares of this culturally rich city.
Selbo is such an adept writer that she is able to capture the torment and the anguish surrounding the looming dissolution of Lynn’s marriage and balance that deep and real heartache with more hopeful and buoyant notes. In her fine story-telling there can exist alongside such grief the looming possibility that in a city as rich in culture, food and fine wine as Florence, new friendships may arise and deepen into something more significant and long lasting. Or, at least, there may be the likelihood that sparks will fly on some enchanted night and the resulting tryst will lighten the weight of Lynn’s heart ache. Selbo wisely keeps the reader guessing as to which of these consolations will prevail up until the very end of the story.
--Paul Corrigan
December 22, 2019
A Rich Ride Through the Heart of Art and Love
Skip the plane fare and pick up this wonderful tale of the rebirth of romance framed in the city where art was reborn. Jule Selbo weaves a masterful story laced with pathos and humor that shows how one writer’s search for her mother’s past becomes the bridge to her own discovery of future love and success. Colored by the full palette of the sights, sounds, and especially flavors of Florence, this immersive experience in the city’s riches will linger long after you flip the last fast-turning page of this beautifully rendered book.
April 1, 2020
I knew as soon as I read this book's synopsis, I had to buy it. First my daughter did a semester abroad in Florence and learned about the Mud Angels which are at the heart of this story. Secondly, I love Italy and the setting of course was a huge draw. The author did an excellent job of weaving the back story of the Mud Angels in with the present day part of the story with history teacher Lynn. A nice little romance and the story is complete. Perfect for the armchair traveler.
July 31, 2020
Fantastic Romantic, Adventure Book
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story line, the places in Florence, Italy that were introduced, the rich history, and the warmth of the people with a little romance adding a little spice.
It always amazes me how people with different backgrounds come together with a common interest In this case a writing seminar and how they become lasting friends.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story line, the places in Florence, Italy that were introduced, the rich history, and the warmth of the people with a little romance adding a little spice.
It always amazes me how people with different backgrounds come together with a common interest In this case a writing seminar and how they become lasting friends.
June 12, 2020
Florence Has My Heart
Being Italian and having been to Florence a few times, reading this book brought back so many fond memories☺ I enjoyed how the author was very descriptive of historical locations within Florence. The love story was laid out well because it kept me wanting to read more☺ I was sad when story ended ...easy read...highly recommend to explore.
Being Italian and having been to Florence a few times, reading this book brought back so many fond memories☺ I enjoyed how the author was very descriptive of historical locations within Florence. The love story was laid out well because it kept me wanting to read more☺ I was sad when story ended ...easy read...highly recommend to explore.
November 5, 2019
Jule Selbo captures the magic of Italy with a captivating story, steeped in rich history and vivid imagery. In an enchanting setting with complex characters, and surprises and twists along the way, this romance culminates in quite the satisfying ending. A must read for love story lovers!
August 1, 2020
This is a wonderful book. It takes you to Florence and you learn so much about its history. I have never been but now I have warm memories of Florence.
February 27, 2021
Slow start for me, but stayed with it, and then it kicked in. Interesting with the references to Florence history and the Italian romance was icing on the cake.
October 30, 2019
Oh my, I think I have fallen in love!
“Find Me In Florence” by Jule Selbo was so beautifully written and has so much to offer a reader. The majority of the story takes place in Florence, Italy. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and Jule made me feel like I was there. It is such a gorgeous, ancient city. Some of their customs, foods and language were woven into the story. I enjoyed the history of the Mud Angels. They were volunteers who worked endlessly following a flood back in 1966 to save artifacts that were hundreds of years old and many times irreplaceable. There is history there that we don’t often think about because our history in the United States is so young compared to other places in the world. I love a book that teaches me things in a fun way.
The characters were quirky, all in their own way. From the friends Lyn made, her writing students, her Italian teacher to a romantic man all women have dreamed of falling in love with. These characters leaped off the page and right into my life. I was sad when I finished the book because I am going to miss my new friends.
I hope there is a sequel in the works!
“Find Me In Florence” by Jule Selbo was so beautifully written and has so much to offer a reader. The majority of the story takes place in Florence, Italy. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and Jule made me feel like I was there. It is such a gorgeous, ancient city. Some of their customs, foods and language were woven into the story. I enjoyed the history of the Mud Angels. They were volunteers who worked endlessly following a flood back in 1966 to save artifacts that were hundreds of years old and many times irreplaceable. There is history there that we don’t often think about because our history in the United States is so young compared to other places in the world. I love a book that teaches me things in a fun way.
The characters were quirky, all in their own way. From the friends Lyn made, her writing students, her Italian teacher to a romantic man all women have dreamed of falling in love with. These characters leaped off the page and right into my life. I was sad when I finished the book because I am going to miss my new friends.
I hope there is a sequel in the works!
September 4, 2017
I've always loved Florence but knew little of the 1966 devastating flood that destroyed so many priceless artifacts from the golden age of the Renaissance - nor of the thousands of "mud angels" from all corners of the globe who worked valiantly to save what could be saved. That powerful thread serves as the backdrop to an emotionally charged tale of one woman's search for her mother's secret buried deep inside that pivotal moment in history. A story of love, betrayal, and ultimate renewal filled with the sights and sounds and tastes of this magical city on the Arno river in the heart of Tuscany. Highly recommended.
October 10, 2017
Piazza Carousel : A Florence love Story, isn’t the kind of book I normally read. I’m glad I made the effort, because I loved it. I found myself reading, when I should have been working. It was a great escape.
Jule Selbo masterfully weaves together a multi-generational story about divergent cultures colliding, as her protagonist, Lyn Bennett, searches for answers in her own life, as she unravels the mystery of her mother’s past, living in Florence as a young woman. Lyn’s journey toward self-realization becomes our journey and it’s a total delight. A well-told story with the perfect melding of complex characters, exotic locations, Italian food, and the search for truth and love.
December 23, 2019
A Rich Ride Through the Heart of Art and Love
Skip the plane fare and pick up this wonderful tale of the rebirth of romance framed in the city where art was reborn. Jule Selbo weaves a masterful story laced with pathos and humor that shows how one writer's search for her mother's past becomes the bridge to her own discovery of future love and success. Colored by the full palette of the sights, sounds, and especially flavors of Florence, this immersive experience in the city's riches will linger long after you flip the last fast-turning page of this beautifully rendered book.
Skip the plane fare and pick up this wonderful tale of the rebirth of romance framed in the city where art was reborn. Jule Selbo weaves a masterful story laced with pathos and humor that shows how one writer's search for her mother's past becomes the bridge to her own discovery of future love and success. Colored by the full palette of the sights, sounds, and especially flavors of Florence, this immersive experience in the city's riches will linger long after you flip the last fast-turning page of this beautifully rendered book.
October 29, 2017
Jule Selbo has delivered one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in a long time. Love, friendship, betrayal and new beginnings wrapped up in arms of romantic Florence... The art! The food! The people! I loved Lyn's journey of personal renewal, discovering herself as she digs into her mother's past with the Mud Angels. I loved this book.
December 10, 2017
Was it Florence?
Or the wonderful characters, atmosphere, interesting stories, magnificent food? I could not stop reading! Time to add Florence to my bucket list and join the next group of travellers. I loved it!!!
Or the wonderful characters, atmosphere, interesting stories, magnificent food? I could not stop reading! Time to add Florence to my bucket list and join the next group of travellers. I loved it!!!
October 31, 2019
The devastating flood of 1966 in Florence Italy has an irresistible pull its waters drawing a daughter deeper into the past where she discovers her mother’s remarkable secret. Humor, romance, betrayal, love lost and love found this fast paced story has it all.
March 18, 2018
Great Florence atmosphere
An easy read full of love for Italy and Italians. Very pleasant but predictable. Good food and art descriptions. Fun read
An easy read full of love for Italy and Italians. Very pleasant but predictable. Good food and art descriptions. Fun read
November 2, 2019
Perfect read as I prepare for my trip to Italy!
October 17, 2020
All the references to places in Florence and the food were great. The story was predictable.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews