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Book Review

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Publisher's Note:

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.…

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By Rebecca Anderson

By Rebecca Anderson

Reviewer: Rachel
Recommended Age: 18+

Overall Book Review:

Welcome to Manchester, England. It’s the summer of 1857 and the city is hosting a grand art exhibition — one that will attract both good and bad society. The Art of Love and Lies, the latest Proper Romance from Shadow Mountain Publishing, is based on this real Manchester event. Author Rebecca Anderson creates beautiful imagery with her words, using vivid detail to capture moments and feelings. The novel moves slowly in the beginning, but gradually picks up steam. Anderson addresses societal expectations for Victorian women within the plot, and demonstrates strong character development as main characters Martin and Rosanna challenge their long-standing beliefs. Readers will enjoy the royal visit by Queen Victoria and the thrill of a heist and subsequent capture of the thief. Like many a fledgling relationship, misunderstanding abounds between the two main characters, but all will be made right in the end. With the potential for more stories from Anderson — Rosanna has two sisters — readers won’t want to miss out on this book.

Review of Advance Reading Copy from the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Two instances of verbal threats; a second hand report of a man knocked down and reports of railroad accidents; a brief scene of violence involves a character striking another.

Sex/Nudity: Multiple kisses on the lips, head, hand and cheek; a sexual reference is made.

Mature Subject Matter:

Parent incarceration, art forgeries and theft.

Alcohol/Drug Use:

None

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
2
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
2
10

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About the Reviewer

Rachel
My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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