THE ART OF LOVE AND LIES, by Rebecca Anderson, Shadow Mountain, Aug. 8, 2023, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)
A young artist finds herself mixed up in an art heist in The Art of Love and Lies, a new Proper Romance novel by Rebecca Anderson.
Manchester, England, 1857
Rosanna Hawkins is one of Manchester’s finest artists, even though no one knows her name. She reproduces “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces with near-perfect precision, which her employer then sells to the emerging upper-middle class families.
When the largest art exhibition ever to be held in England opens in Manchester, Rosanna is excited to visit. She meets the handsome Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of security, and is immediately intrigued by his charm, confidence, and portrait-worthy good looks. The two spend many a flirtatious afternoon exploring the exhibition hall, discussing art, and sharing their secret hopes. Rosanna dreams of painting something original and meaningful, and Martin hopes to one day shed the shadow of his father’s notorious past.
But when they discover the theft of some of the paintings―and all the evidence points to Rosanna―she must convince Inspector Harrison she is innocent and proposes a plan to capture the real art thief.
It is a daring race to catch the criminal before he disappears with the most priceless piece in the collection―Michaelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. If Rosanna and Inspector Harrison fail, not only will the painting be lost forever but so will their chance to paint their own happily ever after. — Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain
You might recognize author Rebecca Anderson as the author of Isabelle and Alexander, another Proper Romance set in 1850s Manchester. It, too, is a romance, but that’s where the plot similarities end between the two novels.
The Art of Love and Lies is an ode to fine art. It’s clear that it’s a subject Anderson is passionate about. Her descriptions of paint strokes, attention to light and color are vivid and full of emotion. This appreciation of art comes through Rosanna’s eyes, and it’s the highlight of the book.
I wouldn’t call The Art of Love and Lies a love at first sight book, but there’s definitely attraction from the moment Rosana and Martin meet. They fall into a sort of natural banter that continues over time.
Martin is the less complicated of the two. Even with his backstory, there’s nothing that really makes him sing as a character. He’s perfectly fine, but I wouldn’t describe him as “swoonworthy.”
The Art of Love and Lies is a quick-moving, slow-burn romance that should hold interest. The ending does feel slightly rushed and a little too convenient, but it’s not a deal-breaker. It’s a good gentle romance option, particularly if you have an interest in historical fiction and art.
*This book features youngish characters of varying personalities against the backdrop of a “chaste” romance making it suitable for fans of young adult, new adult, and adult fiction.
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