Jeanne Ray Julie and Romeo Get Lucky

Julie and Romeo Get Lucky

Jeanne Ray

Pocket, Jun 2005, $22.00, 256 pp.

ISBN: 1416509690

In Somerville, Massachusetts Romeo Cacciamani and Julie Roseman were raised by their respective families to detest one another. The clans have been competitive florists; so each family member grew up loathing one another.

Both in their sixties and divorced from others, three years ago shockingly ROMEO AND JULIE GET LUCKY (see JULIE AND ROMEO) and fall in love with one another just as their children did. However, the older couple does not live together. Instead Julie's home includes her daughter, her son-in-law (Romeo's son) and her grandchildren while Romeo's is loaded with the family of his other son. When Romeo goes macho lifting Julie up a set of stairs, he injures his back. As she nurses her beloved back to health with the help of Father Al, their families continue to make demands on both of them, which they lovingly try to achieve.

This is a humorous novel that deeply explores relationships especially in extended families. The storyline contains plenty of pathos, but also employs amusement so as not to overload the audience. Each of the members has unique personalities, but the tale belongs to the older couple finding one another while "mixing it with love that makes the world taste good" for their cherished descendents. Readers will feel lucky if they persue this fine charming family drama.

Harriet Klausner