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Love's Portrait
Newly appointed art curator Molly Goode is committed to diversifying her museum’s collection. When Georgina Wright, the museum’s aloof benefactor, asks for Molly’s help in identifying the provenance of a 19th century portrait of social activist Josephine Brancaster, Molly welcomes the opportunity, even if it means spending time with the standoffish financier. But passions soon flare as the women uncover the heartbreaking story of doomed lesbian love behind the watercolor painted by Josephine’s lover, Edith Hewitt. As their love blossoms, Molly is determined to display Edith’s portrait of Josephine and to tell their story in the museum, but she needs the influential Georgina to help convince the board. When an unforeseen twist in the painting’s provenance forces Georgina to confront her own painful past, will history repeat itself, or can Molly and Georgina’s love prevail?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2019
13 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Anna Larner
7 books23 followers"Spicy, flirty or sweet coming of age romances - All packed with witty banter, tension, twists and turns."
Anna Larner is an author of lesbian romance books packed with captivating authentic characters, original storylines, and immersive settings. Check out her website for sapphic writing tips!
Whether you're into slow burn romances with mystery and intrigue, Love's Portrait and Invisible, or rollercoaster family dramas set in the majestic Scottish Highlands, Highland Fling and Highland Whirl, there's something for everyone.
Finalist - Foreword INDIES Book Of The Year, Rainbow Awards and Golden Crown Literary Society Awards. https://linktr.ee/annalarner
Invisible: Violet is convinced she is invisible. By day she’s a costume shop assistant no one remembers, but after hours, in the wonder of her imagination, she becomes explorer, warrior, queen.
Highland Whirl: Has commitment-phobic Roxanne finally met her match?
Love's Portrait: Can Molly advocate for what's right, even when it means putting her heart and career in jeopardy?
Highland Fling: Hearts are on the line when a holiday fling with an older woman becomes so much more!
Hooper Street - It's impossible to ignore the girl-next-door! Available on kindle unlimited.
Anna Larner is an author of lesbian romance books packed with captivating authentic characters, original storylines, and immersive settings. Check out her website for sapphic writing tips!
Whether you're into slow burn romances with mystery and intrigue, Love's Portrait and Invisible, or rollercoaster family dramas set in the majestic Scottish Highlands, Highland Fling and Highland Whirl, there's something for everyone.
Finalist - Foreword INDIES Book Of The Year, Rainbow Awards and Golden Crown Literary Society Awards. https://linktr.ee/annalarner
Invisible: Violet is convinced she is invisible. By day she’s a costume shop assistant no one remembers, but after hours, in the wonder of her imagination, she becomes explorer, warrior, queen.
Highland Whirl: Has commitment-phobic Roxanne finally met her match?
Love's Portrait: Can Molly advocate for what's right, even when it means putting her heart and career in jeopardy?
Highland Fling: Hearts are on the line when a holiday fling with an older woman becomes so much more!
Hooper Street - It's impossible to ignore the girl-next-door! Available on kindle unlimited.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 9, 2019
3.75 Stars. This was better than I expected. I actually had forgotten I had read Larner before. I thought her debut was pretty good, but this book was even better. It’s always nice to see a new author that improves with each book.
This book is on the longer side and can be a little cerebral at times with the art. It’s not fluffy beach read, it has more substance. I was impressed with the writing since most of the time if felt well done. The book does slow a little in places. I read the first third, than put the book down. Nothing was making me pick it back up. I finally did start reading again and after that and I could not put the book back down. The book got more and more interesting as it went on and I was hooked.
This is a slow burn romance, a slow, slow burn romance. I personally really enjoy that. I felt like there was believable chemistry between the mains, it wasn’t really intense chemistry but it was there and they made a sweet couple. The sex scenes are not very explicit but I honestly didn’t mind this time.
This book does have flashbacks which I’m not often a fan about, but they didn’t really bother me. The two mains are doing research about a painting trying to figure out two people’s lives. The main characters have their guesses, than the flashbacks tell you what really happened in the past. It was actually an interesting way to do it.
Besides the romance I liked that there was a lot going on to keep my attention. There is some family drama, some relationship drama, work issues, while this was a slower paced book, there always was something happening which I appreciate. Just be prepared that you might want a tissue handy. I cried twice. I love a book that gets my emotions going.
This was definitely better than I expected and I have to put Larner on my list to keep my eye on. This books wasn’t perfect and it did slow down at times especially in the beginning. But overall I was happy with this read and would recommend this to romance fans that don’t mind a slightly more cerebral read.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
This book is on the longer side and can be a little cerebral at times with the art. It’s not fluffy beach read, it has more substance. I was impressed with the writing since most of the time if felt well done. The book does slow a little in places. I read the first third, than put the book down. Nothing was making me pick it back up. I finally did start reading again and after that and I could not put the book back down. The book got more and more interesting as it went on and I was hooked.
This is a slow burn romance, a slow, slow burn romance. I personally really enjoy that. I felt like there was believable chemistry between the mains, it wasn’t really intense chemistry but it was there and they made a sweet couple. The sex scenes are not very explicit but I honestly didn’t mind this time.
This book does have flashbacks which I’m not often a fan about, but they didn’t really bother me. The two mains are doing research about a painting trying to figure out two people’s lives. The main characters have their guesses, than the flashbacks tell you what really happened in the past. It was actually an interesting way to do it.
Besides the romance I liked that there was a lot going on to keep my attention. There is some family drama, some relationship drama, work issues, while this was a slower paced book, there always was something happening which I appreciate. Just be prepared that you might want a tissue handy. I cried twice. I love a book that gets my emotions going.
This was definitely better than I expected and I have to put Larner on my list to keep my eye on. This books wasn’t perfect and it did slow down at times especially in the beginning. But overall I was happy with this read and would recommend this to romance fans that don’t mind a slightly more cerebral read.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
April 26, 2019
I love the depth a dual story line gives to a novel and even more so, when the duality is spread across time and interlinked with the present characters. When the city museum is about to receive a bequest from the estate of one of the benefactors, Molly Goode, a new curator, is asked to assist the benefactors daughter in ascertaining the origins of one of the paintings. Georgina Wright has just lost her father, is having to deal with his estate as well as keep up with her high-powered financial investor position in London. Molly is a little nervous of working with such a businesslike and aloof person but when and inscription on the back of the painting comes to light they both find they’re invested in finding out who Edith was to Georgina’s ancestor, Josephine Wright.
Molly is a wonderful character and easy to like. She’s irrepressibly positive with an arty sense of dress. She won’t tolerate any disrespect of her car, the antique and temperamental Daisy May. She’s inquisitive and rarely on time for work but also really wants to impress her boss, the bitter and shrewd Evelyn. Georgina is used to dealing with people like Evelyn but working with Molly turns her world upside down.
I expected Georgina to be more distant but she’s surprisingly open and emotional, in particular when it came to Molly, and I warmed to her just as much. The story of Edith and Josephine unfolds through Molly and Georgina’s guesswork, their investigations at the Records Office and also through the occasional flashback. The flashbacks are non-linear and pertain to whatever piece of information Molly and Georgina are worrying about which gave the story a lovely complexity.
There’s a beautiful balance of the sadness of Edith and Josephine’s story in contrast to the hope of Molly and Georgina’s. There were a couple of moments that I wanted the story to move a little more quickly but on the whole, this is a really enjoyable read. It probably helps that I have an interest in curatorship, museums, art and the putting together of loose pieces of history.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Molly is a wonderful character and easy to like. She’s irrepressibly positive with an arty sense of dress. She won’t tolerate any disrespect of her car, the antique and temperamental Daisy May. She’s inquisitive and rarely on time for work but also really wants to impress her boss, the bitter and shrewd Evelyn. Georgina is used to dealing with people like Evelyn but working with Molly turns her world upside down.
I expected Georgina to be more distant but she’s surprisingly open and emotional, in particular when it came to Molly, and I warmed to her just as much. The story of Edith and Josephine unfolds through Molly and Georgina’s guesswork, their investigations at the Records Office and also through the occasional flashback. The flashbacks are non-linear and pertain to whatever piece of information Molly and Georgina are worrying about which gave the story a lovely complexity.
There’s a beautiful balance of the sadness of Edith and Josephine’s story in contrast to the hope of Molly and Georgina’s. There were a couple of moments that I wanted the story to move a little more quickly but on the whole, this is a really enjoyable read. It probably helps that I have an interest in curatorship, museums, art and the putting together of loose pieces of history.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
June 1, 2019
Molly is a quirky, warm hearted character who is an art curator at a museum outside of London. She is wonderfully bright in spirit and mind so when she meets Georgina, the wealthy and standoffish woman who is now in charge of her deceased father’s bequest to the museum, a light shines for both of them. They work together to uncover the mystery of a painting of two women in the past. Dreamy and genteel, moody and quietly romantic, this one made me deliriously happy. The ending wasn’t perfect but it was still overall a great read for me.
Beyond ticking off my favorite boxes of beautiful writing, just enough angst, sharply smart women and did I mention gorgeous scenes carved out by words that are both lyrical and strikingly visual, the book struck me to my core. How can you not love this, “Laughing, tipsy, sprawled out on the sitting room floor, their legs entwined, and their hearts tangled up in each other.” Loved this book.
Beyond ticking off my favorite boxes of beautiful writing, just enough angst, sharply smart women and did I mention gorgeous scenes carved out by words that are both lyrical and strikingly visual, the book struck me to my core. How can you not love this, “Laughing, tipsy, sprawled out on the sitting room floor, their legs entwined, and their hearts tangled up in each other.” Loved this book.
April 3, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is another new author for me. This story features MC Molly, who is an art curator at a museum and MC Georgina, who is a banker from London who has recently lost her father and is involved with the mueseum through his bequest. Their shared interest in a painting that forms part of Georgina’s father’s collection has the two embarking on a quest to uncover the identity of the painter, which allows for a second love story to be told (Edith/Josephine).
I’m finding it hard to rate this, because while there were things I liked, there were things that also annoyed me. Pros first: Molly is an absolute sweetheart, and Georgina is nowhere near as stuffy as first presented, and their romance is sweet and charming. Fran’s character adds humour and perspective, and the relationship itself is not rushed, so it feels somewhat organic in how it unfolds. I also liked the message of trying to uncover all of the histories (that is, any that don’t involve white men) that have been hidden/forgotten.
The cons: I found the mueseum stuff/the tracking of Edith’s history to be a boring a times, and honestly, how the relationship between Molly and Georgina was portrayed suffered due to this, because it felt like they (and therefore the reader) spent more time on the Joesphine and Edith realtionship than Molly and Georgina’s because so many of the M/G scenes focussed on E/J. I was also annoyed by the flashbacks to the E/J relationship, because while I get that the author wanted to provide the backstory, there was no context to how this information was known. While M/G do find Edith’s papers, these do not contain the story, the flashbacks just appear but no one is telling this part of the story. As a device, it did nothing for me. I also found it terribly convenient that all the information they needed to find about Edith was available to them eventually. The drama in the last 25% of the book is also fairly well telegraphed and pretty cliche.
So, I was about 50/50 on this one, I did like the love story between the leads, and was intrigued but Edith/Jospehine’s story, but wish there had been more focus on the actual love story than the secondary one. I did like this enough to try more by this author though. 3 stars.
This is another new author for me. This story features MC Molly, who is an art curator at a museum and MC Georgina, who is a banker from London who has recently lost her father and is involved with the mueseum through his bequest. Their shared interest in a painting that forms part of Georgina’s father’s collection has the two embarking on a quest to uncover the identity of the painter, which allows for a second love story to be told (Edith/Josephine).
I’m finding it hard to rate this, because while there were things I liked, there were things that also annoyed me. Pros first: Molly is an absolute sweetheart, and Georgina is nowhere near as stuffy as first presented, and their romance is sweet and charming. Fran’s character adds humour and perspective, and the relationship itself is not rushed, so it feels somewhat organic in how it unfolds. I also liked the message of trying to uncover all of the histories (that is, any that don’t involve white men) that have been hidden/forgotten.
The cons: I found the mueseum stuff/the tracking of Edith’s history to be a boring a times, and honestly, how the relationship between Molly and Georgina was portrayed suffered due to this, because it felt like they (and therefore the reader) spent more time on the Joesphine and Edith realtionship than Molly and Georgina’s because so many of the M/G scenes focussed on E/J. I was also annoyed by the flashbacks to the E/J relationship, because while I get that the author wanted to provide the backstory, there was no context to how this information was known. While M/G do find Edith’s papers, these do not contain the story, the flashbacks just appear but no one is telling this part of the story. As a device, it did nothing for me. I also found it terribly convenient that all the information they needed to find about Edith was available to them eventually. The drama in the last 25% of the book is also fairly well telegraphed and pretty cliche.
So, I was about 50/50 on this one, I did like the love story between the leads, and was intrigued but Edith/Jospehine’s story, but wish there had been more focus on the actual love story than the secondary one. I did like this enough to try more by this author though. 3 stars.
May 7, 2019
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of Anna Larner’s « Love’s Portrait » from BSB, via NetGalley (Thank you so much for that) … So, here it is !!
Since it’s the 1st time I read a book by Anna Larner, I can’t compare with her previous novels but what I can say is that I deeply appreciated this discovery …
My rating : 4 stars
The story focuses on newly appointed art curator at the Leicester museum Molly Goode and Georgina Wright, the museum’s aloof benefactor who doesn’t even like art … until now … After Georgina's father passed away she takes care of his will which includes donating his art collection to the Leicester museum. Georgina and Molly begin to work together when Georgina asks for Molly’s help in identifying the provenance of a 19th century portrait…The painting is a beautiful watercolour of Georgina's relative : social activist Josephine Brancaster & the only piece of art in her father's home which has no instructions to be part of the display … Molly & Georgina grow closer as they spend time together and their love blossoms always more brightly as they uncover the heartbreaking story of doomed lesbian love behind the watercolor painted by Josephine’s lover, Edith Hewitt …
The Pros :
° the title … « Love’s Portrait » is just perfect but to know exactly why, people, you’ll have to read the novel 😉
° the change of scenery since we’re back in the UK in this book …
° the good, distinguished & interesting wording with a choice of not so common words.
° the very passionate description of some pieces of art (Josephine’s portrait & a few others) which makes it easy to picture them. All this also makes the novel interesting & prevent it to become boring.
° the good and subtil humor which made me laughed hard more than once…
° the very sweet and slow burn romance between the two main characters
° the depth the dual story line gives to the novel. (warning : the flashbacks from Josephine & Edith’s time are sometimes heartbreaking)
° the good secondary characters : Evelyn the boss & super bitch who likes to belittle everyone and Fran, the supportive older friend who, adds even more humour and a lightly different perspective to the story.
The cons :
° the end is a too rushed compared to the rest of this quite long novel
° the lack of a real epilogue which prevent some of the reader’s questions to be answered properly.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Yes
Did I find the characters believable? => Definitely and they’re very touching as well
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes
Will I purchase the paperback? => Yes
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes
Would I recommend this book => Yes …to everybody (not just the art lovers …)
Guess what guys and gals : now it’s your turn !! So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of Anna Larner’s « Love’s Portrait » from BSB, via NetGalley (Thank you so much for that) … So, here it is !!
Since it’s the 1st time I read a book by Anna Larner, I can’t compare with her previous novels but what I can say is that I deeply appreciated this discovery …
My rating : 4 stars
The story focuses on newly appointed art curator at the Leicester museum Molly Goode and Georgina Wright, the museum’s aloof benefactor who doesn’t even like art … until now … After Georgina's father passed away she takes care of his will which includes donating his art collection to the Leicester museum. Georgina and Molly begin to work together when Georgina asks for Molly’s help in identifying the provenance of a 19th century portrait…The painting is a beautiful watercolour of Georgina's relative : social activist Josephine Brancaster & the only piece of art in her father's home which has no instructions to be part of the display … Molly & Georgina grow closer as they spend time together and their love blossoms always more brightly as they uncover the heartbreaking story of doomed lesbian love behind the watercolor painted by Josephine’s lover, Edith Hewitt …
The Pros :
° the title … « Love’s Portrait » is just perfect but to know exactly why, people, you’ll have to read the novel 😉
° the change of scenery since we’re back in the UK in this book …
° the good, distinguished & interesting wording with a choice of not so common words.
° the very passionate description of some pieces of art (Josephine’s portrait & a few others) which makes it easy to picture them. All this also makes the novel interesting & prevent it to become boring.
° the good and subtil humor which made me laughed hard more than once…
° the very sweet and slow burn romance between the two main characters
° the depth the dual story line gives to the novel. (warning : the flashbacks from Josephine & Edith’s time are sometimes heartbreaking)
° the good secondary characters : Evelyn the boss & super bitch who likes to belittle everyone and Fran, the supportive older friend who, adds even more humour and a lightly different perspective to the story.
The cons :
° the end is a too rushed compared to the rest of this quite long novel
° the lack of a real epilogue which prevent some of the reader’s questions to be answered properly.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Yes
Did I find the characters believable? => Definitely and they’re very touching as well
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes
Will I purchase the paperback? => Yes
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes
Would I recommend this book => Yes …to everybody (not just the art lovers …)
Guess what guys and gals : now it’s your turn !! So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
May 18, 2019
This was a very sweet "Fairytale ". Everything turns out rosey. Which was nice but very predictable. The love story between the two main characters is very warm and sweet, the museum and art information is interesting and the portrait back story is tragically sad but typical for its time. And that is the basis for the story. The romance is intimate but no sex scenes, which I missed. The most intimate was a first kiss in a lone restaurant in the moonlight. Overall I enjoyed the story and I would recommend it.
May 6, 2021
What a treasure. Exquisitely witty writing. So many wonderful moments and smiles. Also, centers on recovering women's history, a topic I am interested in.
November 3, 2021
I liked the British humour in here, Molly and her yellow mini coop car called "Daisy May" meaning Daisy May get you there, or Daisy May Not. lol. The character of Molly is such a doll - she's funny, quirky, outgoing and friendly, finds joy in the simplest of everyday things. The complete anti-thesis to love interest Georgina, who is closed off, almost curmudgeonly, definitely swears off love, and goes through life seemingly joyless.
This is a very slow burn novel, but for me it became a bit tedious, and not as enjoyable as I would have liked, even with Molly and her sweet personality and funny antics. While we do get to know why Georgina is the way she is, and sympathize with her pain - it becomes a bit irritating, and I don't feel we got enough character growth for her with how extensive her own pain and issues were. We needed more.
The dynamics between them being so very different simply leave you questioning whether the relationship could last, let alone if they are really meant to be together. Which is generally not how you want your romance novels to go.
I enjoyed the under story of the mystery of Georgina's watercolour portrait of a decease relative from the 1800's, and discovering who really painted the picture and that womans love before she wed, and the typically sad details of women loving women in such a time. But therein, is the rub. Because it is a cliche and sad ending for that particular storyline, which leaves you deflated after being so invested...
The overall tone was just kind of odd to me, and never really felt quite right, so didn't give me warm fuzzies or a feeling of hope or lasting love. Which is ultimately what we want from romance, right?
This is a very slow burn novel, but for me it became a bit tedious, and not as enjoyable as I would have liked, even with Molly and her sweet personality and funny antics. While we do get to know why Georgina is the way she is, and sympathize with her pain - it becomes a bit irritating, and I don't feel we got enough character growth for her with how extensive her own pain and issues were. We needed more.
The dynamics between them being so very different simply leave you questioning whether the relationship could last, let alone if they are really meant to be together. Which is generally not how you want your romance novels to go.
I enjoyed the under story of the mystery of Georgina's watercolour portrait of a decease relative from the 1800's, and discovering who really painted the picture and that womans love before she wed, and the typically sad details of women loving women in such a time. But therein, is the rub. Because it is a cliche and sad ending for that particular storyline, which leaves you deflated after being so invested...
The overall tone was just kind of odd to me, and never really felt quite right, so didn't give me warm fuzzies or a feeling of hope or lasting love. Which is ultimately what we want from romance, right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2021
Overall, I enjoyed the chemistry, romance, and poetic style of writing that showed up at times. This was a little too artsy/museum for me. There was a lot of research and talk of art. It is not really a big interest of mine so at times I wanted to skim through some scenes. But there were enough clues of the story embedded in them that I couldn't.
December 28, 2019
This book is a pure jewel. The best romance I've read so far.
The two characters, Molly and Georgina complement each other perfectly, with totally different personalities. Molly more spontaneous and optimistic, Georgina more introverted. Two worlds collide in the past and the present. The narrative in the story is very moving. the museum approach and Molly's skills in art are very interesting, a world that was totally foreign to me. Great approach of the two protagonists, where a search for truth and a slow-burn relationship between Molly and Georgina, mingle.
This story moved me, made me laugh, smile.
The cover is not very pretty and does not reflect what's inside.
A must-read book!
The two characters, Molly and Georgina complement each other perfectly, with totally different personalities. Molly more spontaneous and optimistic, Georgina more introverted. Two worlds collide in the past and the present. The narrative in the story is very moving. the museum approach and Molly's skills in art are very interesting, a world that was totally foreign to me. Great approach of the two protagonists, where a search for truth and a slow-burn relationship between Molly and Georgina, mingle.
This story moved me, made me laugh, smile.
The cover is not very pretty and does not reflect what's inside.
A must-read book!
September 28, 2023
sappho once said, “someone will remember us. even in another time”
May 2, 2019
Molly Goode is a art curator at a museum an hour outside of London. She is a feminist and wants to bring more diverse works to the museum. She really does have a challenge because her boss is no nonsense and not so eager to hear her ideas. In steps Georgina Wright. Her father has passed away recently leaving her over the Wright trust which is the museum's biggest contributor. .In a bid to impress Georgina, Molly's boss puts the pressure on her to help Georgina with a 19th century painting of family member Josephine Brancaster. This sets a ball in motion that neither Molly nor Georgina can ignore.
So Love's Portrait is the love story between Molly and Georgina and Josephine and Edith Hewitt. One story is a forbidden love buried deep over the years and the other is a new love that comes as they discover what happened to the women and the love they had for one another.
I really must say I enjoyed this story. There is chemistry between Molly and Georgina and their courtship takes place over several months. This gives the two MC's the opportunity to get to know each other and share things about their past that is important to move forth. The one thing I wish I could change was the length. I did feel that some of the back story about Josephine and Edith was not necessary for the telling of their story.
I rate this one 4.25
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
So Love's Portrait is the love story between Molly and Georgina and Josephine and Edith Hewitt. One story is a forbidden love buried deep over the years and the other is a new love that comes as they discover what happened to the women and the love they had for one another.
I really must say I enjoyed this story. There is chemistry between Molly and Georgina and their courtship takes place over several months. This gives the two MC's the opportunity to get to know each other and share things about their past that is important to move forth. The one thing I wish I could change was the length. I did feel that some of the back story about Josephine and Edith was not necessary for the telling of their story.
I rate this one 4.25
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
April 16, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First time reading from this author and I can't wait for her future stories. This one has Molly, an art curator at a museum and Georgina, a banker, as main characters. Without wanting to spoil anything, these two obsess over a painting that belongs to Georgina’s father’s collection (Georgina lost her father recently) and they try to uncover the identity of the painter . This leads to the narration of the second love story between Edith and Josephine.
I really liked both MCs they are both such sweethearts. The relationship is a slow burn and the way it unfolds feels organic and not rushed or forced. In general I like to read more explicit rated stories when it comes to intimate scenes but here I was not bothered at all (there are intimate scenes but not as explicit).
The only con is that I found the story and the flashbacks of Edith and Josephine a little bit boring and since I was only interested in the main couple, this continuous switch between stories got me a little bit annoyed.
First time reading from this author and I can't wait for her future stories. This one has Molly, an art curator at a museum and Georgina, a banker, as main characters. Without wanting to spoil anything, these two obsess over a painting that belongs to Georgina’s father’s collection (Georgina lost her father recently) and they try to uncover the identity of the painter . This leads to the narration of the second love story between Edith and Josephine.
I really liked both MCs they are both such sweethearts. The relationship is a slow burn and the way it unfolds feels organic and not rushed or forced. In general I like to read more explicit rated stories when it comes to intimate scenes but here I was not bothered at all (there are intimate scenes but not as explicit).
The only con is that I found the story and the flashbacks of Edith and Josephine a little bit boring and since I was only interested in the main couple, this continuous switch between stories got me a little bit annoyed.
Read
May 28, 2019It’s a bit depressing how facts seem to hide more than they reveal.” – Molly Goode, museum curator
Less than a year on the job, Molly finds herself tasked with at a make-or-break crossroads with Evelyn Fox, the frosty and exacting Director. In order to carry out the final bequest of their longtime benefactor, George Wright, Molly must work closely with his daughter, Georgina. While Georgina expresses no interest in the arts, the unknown provenance of a cherished watercolor portrait of her ancestor Josephine, compels her to enlist Molly’s assistance. As they delve deeper, becoming increasingly invested in the discovering the identity of the artist, Edith Hewitt, and her relationship with Josephine Brancaster-Wright, the two women’s chemistry builds. However, Molly struggles with the line between professionalism and her heart; while Georgina grapples with the ever-present wounds of her relationships with her parents. Author Anna Larner combines a satisfying mix of humor, bittersweet revelations, family and workplace dynamics, drama, opposites attract romance, and history.
“Love’s Portrait” explores personal histories obscured by dominant narratives and available information, particularly as it effects the stories passed down from queer lives. Fragments of Josephine’s and Edith’s relationship in 19th century England surface as Molly and Georgina discover records. The novel does not have dual narratives, however, as most of the story focuses on the contemporary romance and the protagonists goal of honoring queer history in the present-day. Larner’s uses of fragmentary glimpses mirrors the frustrations of the contemporary time sleuths with the limitations of preserved & available records and ephemera.
If you enjoyed “As Long as Love Lasts” by Jea Hawkins, you’ll likely enjoy Anna Larner’s “Love’s Portrait”. Both combine contemporary romance with investigations into family members’ hidden lesbian pasts.
Listen to Clare Lydon’s interview with Anna Larner on The Lesbian Book Club podcast.
*Review posted on Omnivore Bibliosaur @ wordpress.com
Less than a year on the job, Molly finds herself tasked with at a make-or-break crossroads with Evelyn Fox, the frosty and exacting Director. In order to carry out the final bequest of their longtime benefactor, George Wright, Molly must work closely with his daughter, Georgina. While Georgina expresses no interest in the arts, the unknown provenance of a cherished watercolor portrait of her ancestor Josephine, compels her to enlist Molly’s assistance. As they delve deeper, becoming increasingly invested in the discovering the identity of the artist, Edith Hewitt, and her relationship with Josephine Brancaster-Wright, the two women’s chemistry builds. However, Molly struggles with the line between professionalism and her heart; while Georgina grapples with the ever-present wounds of her relationships with her parents. Author Anna Larner combines a satisfying mix of humor, bittersweet revelations, family and workplace dynamics, drama, opposites attract romance, and history.
“Love’s Portrait” explores personal histories obscured by dominant narratives and available information, particularly as it effects the stories passed down from queer lives. Fragments of Josephine’s and Edith’s relationship in 19th century England surface as Molly and Georgina discover records. The novel does not have dual narratives, however, as most of the story focuses on the contemporary romance and the protagonists goal of honoring queer history in the present-day. Larner’s uses of fragmentary glimpses mirrors the frustrations of the contemporary time sleuths with the limitations of preserved & available records and ephemera.
If you enjoyed “As Long as Love Lasts” by Jea Hawkins, you’ll likely enjoy Anna Larner’s “Love’s Portrait”. Both combine contemporary romance with investigations into family members’ hidden lesbian pasts.
Listen to Clare Lydon’s interview with Anna Larner on The Lesbian Book Club podcast.
*Review posted on Omnivore Bibliosaur @ wordpress.com
April 15, 2019
Molly Goode is a delightful lesbian heroine - somewhat goofy, as-good-as-they-come, colourful and intelligent. She consoles her mishaps with large spoons of peanut butter and even larger glasses of Malbec. She drives a characterful car called Daisy May, who ‘is not at her best, first thing’. She’s passionate about art and the uses it can be put to, and she works ardently to populate the voids of absent minority histories. She also happens to be the art curator at a Leicester Museum whose main benefactor is the Wright Foundation. Cue the entry, from the stately Wright family home on Museum Square, of Georgina Wright. Aloof and hurting Georgina may be, but Molly, with her curatorial-lesbian eye, can’t help but note ‘her perfectly toned body. Everything in exquisite order. Was she real? It was almost impossible not to reach out and touch her.’
When Georgina walks into Molly’s life, she comes clutching a water colour painting of a nineteenth century ancestor under her arm. The subject is Josephine Wright but who painted it and why? And then there’s the dedication revealed during the painting’s de-framing ‘All my love always, Edith.’ As Molly and Georgina become absorbed in finding out the story behind the painting, they uncover and champion not just a lost lesbian love story from the past but also their own feelings about each other and their future choices. This is despite various spanners being thrown into the works, not least by the unexpected return of Georgina’s despised mother.
I mean it as the utmost compliment that at times I felt I was reading a compelling C19th novel that just happened to be set in C21st Leicester with lesbians. It’s not too much of a leap to say that, if Jane Austen was writing lesbian romance fiction today, she might have come up with something akin to ‘Love’s Portrait’!
When Georgina walks into Molly’s life, she comes clutching a water colour painting of a nineteenth century ancestor under her arm. The subject is Josephine Wright but who painted it and why? And then there’s the dedication revealed during the painting’s de-framing ‘All my love always, Edith.’ As Molly and Georgina become absorbed in finding out the story behind the painting, they uncover and champion not just a lost lesbian love story from the past but also their own feelings about each other and their future choices. This is despite various spanners being thrown into the works, not least by the unexpected return of Georgina’s despised mother.
I mean it as the utmost compliment that at times I felt I was reading a compelling C19th novel that just happened to be set in C21st Leicester with lesbians. It’s not too much of a leap to say that, if Jane Austen was writing lesbian romance fiction today, she might have come up with something akin to ‘Love’s Portrait’!
May 26, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a review.
Molly Goode wants what's best for the community where her museum lives. Georgina's father recently died, and though he left his collection to the museum, she is having trouble parting with his things and settling his estate. Molly is appointed to convince Georgina that handing over the pieces should happen ASAP, but when Georgina finds a portrait not cataloged anywhere, she enlists Molly to help her discover its history. As the two uncover the mystery of the lady in the portrait, they grow closer and Georgina will have to face old emotions if she wants a future with Molly.
I work part-time in an art museum, and aside from the promise of romance, that's mainly what drew me to this book. I loved Molly and her enthusiasm for what she does and her desire to reach more people rather than just protect the legacy of some old, white dudes.
I also loved the story within the story. I was as invested in Josephine and Edith's story as I was Molly and Georgina's budding romance. It moves quickly, and I loved the dynamic of Molly's quirkiness and Georgina's seemingly buttoned-up nature. There is plenty of history and lots of romance, so definitely check it out if that sounds up your alley.
Molly Goode wants what's best for the community where her museum lives. Georgina's father recently died, and though he left his collection to the museum, she is having trouble parting with his things and settling his estate. Molly is appointed to convince Georgina that handing over the pieces should happen ASAP, but when Georgina finds a portrait not cataloged anywhere, she enlists Molly to help her discover its history. As the two uncover the mystery of the lady in the portrait, they grow closer and Georgina will have to face old emotions if she wants a future with Molly.
I work part-time in an art museum, and aside from the promise of romance, that's mainly what drew me to this book. I loved Molly and her enthusiasm for what she does and her desire to reach more people rather than just protect the legacy of some old, white dudes.
I also loved the story within the story. I was as invested in Josephine and Edith's story as I was Molly and Georgina's budding romance. It moves quickly, and I loved the dynamic of Molly's quirkiness and Georgina's seemingly buttoned-up nature. There is plenty of history and lots of romance, so definitely check it out if that sounds up your alley.
April 24, 2019
When Molly Goode started working for the City Museum she had just ended a relationship and was ready to move on. Working as the Curator of Fine Arts is her dream job and she has many ideas when it comes to moving the museum towards promoting diversity but she finds some resistance from her boss Evelyn Fox. She wants to celebrate the local history concerning LGBT and other minorities. She gets her chance when she’s asked to organize an exhibition of the works coming from the Wright Foundation.
Georgina Wright wants to follow her father’s wishes in his desire to donate his art collection to the museum. The only problem is she can’t understand why one painting wasn’t included. What was it about the portrait of social activist Josephine (Brancaster) Wright that he wanted kept in the family.
When Molly and Georgina meet they decide to delve into the history of Josephine, discovering the true relationship between Josephine and her good friend Edith Hewitt. Their attraction to each other certainly makes the search into Josephine and Edith’s history all the more interesting.
Even though Ms Lerner’s book is longer than other lesbian romances I’ve read, it is one of the better books I’ve read lately. In some books the length sometimes means you are in for a slow paced book. This doesn’t. Perfectly paced read. Very, very enjoyable story telling.
ARC via NetGalley
Georgina Wright wants to follow her father’s wishes in his desire to donate his art collection to the museum. The only problem is she can’t understand why one painting wasn’t included. What was it about the portrait of social activist Josephine (Brancaster) Wright that he wanted kept in the family.
When Molly and Georgina meet they decide to delve into the history of Josephine, discovering the true relationship between Josephine and her good friend Edith Hewitt. Their attraction to each other certainly makes the search into Josephine and Edith’s history all the more interesting.
Even though Ms Lerner’s book is longer than other lesbian romances I’ve read, it is one of the better books I’ve read lately. In some books the length sometimes means you are in for a slow paced book. This doesn’t. Perfectly paced read. Very, very enjoyable story telling.
ARC via NetGalley
November 3, 2019
Paintings and Passions
Art curator Molly is new at her job and her boss is seriously intimating!! Molly has been given the task of working with financier Georgina on a special project designed to keep Georgina a happy donor. Together they are trying to find out who painted a portrait of Georgina’s ancestor. As they uncover the heartbreaking story of lesbian love in the19th century, they find themselves drawn to each other as well… With twists and turns galore, do they stand a chance?
Molly and Georgina could not be more different. Molly is a perky, bouncy romantic while Georgina is closed off and refined but also drowning in sorrow after her father’s death. I found this story fascinating. There is a lot that goes on in this book but it’s not drowning in too much drama. I loved the mystery surrounding the painting, the heartbreaking tale of Edith and Josephine and the deepening feelings and eventual love between the two women. This is a lovely read that will keep you entertained for hours!
Art curator Molly is new at her job and her boss is seriously intimating!! Molly has been given the task of working with financier Georgina on a special project designed to keep Georgina a happy donor. Together they are trying to find out who painted a portrait of Georgina’s ancestor. As they uncover the heartbreaking story of lesbian love in the19th century, they find themselves drawn to each other as well… With twists and turns galore, do they stand a chance?
Molly and Georgina could not be more different. Molly is a perky, bouncy romantic while Georgina is closed off and refined but also drowning in sorrow after her father’s death. I found this story fascinating. There is a lot that goes on in this book but it’s not drowning in too much drama. I loved the mystery surrounding the painting, the heartbreaking tale of Edith and Josephine and the deepening feelings and eventual love between the two women. This is a lovely read that will keep you entertained for hours!
September 25, 2023
3.5 to be exact.
Georgina, Molly, Josephine and Edith. The historical significance was honestly the story that tugged at my heart the most. There’s nothing more tearjerking than a passionate love that defies time, so pure and beautiful it speaks to anyone who’d care to listen. Art, poetry, photography, and sculpture, when created in devotion and dedication to love found or lost makes the onlookers feel even a tendril of the passion the artist mixed-in creating their art.
Georgina, Molly, Josephine and Edith. The historical significance was honestly the story that tugged at my heart the most. There’s nothing more tearjerking than a passionate love that defies time, so pure and beautiful it speaks to anyone who’d care to listen. Art, poetry, photography, and sculpture, when created in devotion and dedication to love found or lost makes the onlookers feel even a tendril of the passion the artist mixed-in creating their art.
August 21, 2019
Absolutely wonderful story.
April 23, 2019
This book was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. In a good way.
The romance between the two main characters was very sweet and slow burn. I enjoy when there's some build up not straight to jumping into bed together and this one definitely delivered that. These characters go through a great deal emotionally together. The larger story happening alongside their budding feelings was both interesting and believable. I became very emotionally invested in it. Many times I felt both sad for one aspect of the story and happy for another. I don't think I've dealt with such conflict while reading in a while.
In terms of the individual characters, I felt they had great personality. They stayed true to what we knew about them throughout the story. Georgina was both brooding and insecure, yet sweet, and Molly was just precious. They are they driving factor that kept me reading hands down.
The romance between the two main characters was very sweet and slow burn. I enjoy when there's some build up not straight to jumping into bed together and this one definitely delivered that. These characters go through a great deal emotionally together. The larger story happening alongside their budding feelings was both interesting and believable. I became very emotionally invested in it. Many times I felt both sad for one aspect of the story and happy for another. I don't think I've dealt with such conflict while reading in a while.
In terms of the individual characters, I felt they had great personality. They stayed true to what we knew about them throughout the story. Georgina was both brooding and insecure, yet sweet, and Molly was just precious. They are they driving factor that kept me reading hands down.
April 23, 2019
3.50 - Well, I thought I wouldn't like this, but I enjoyed a lot of the book. It's a little heavy on the technical side, but I was fine with that, as the art curation is so intrinsic to Molly's character and the painting is so central to the plot. There are some flashbacks, which were full of emotion, but I thought they were just a little clumsily handled.
This is a story about an idealistic young art curator in Molly who meets an heiress who's got some serious trust issues. Georgina, while holding on to a substantial gallery of art (handed down to her from her deceased father) is not a fan, and is certainly not a fan of people who she considers vultures just coming in to snatch of the last bits of what's left of her dad. She's in mourning, but her only ray of sunshine is the gorgeous, lively woman who almost always eats her lunch in the square in front of her mansion. The woman turns out to be Molly, and they are both struck quite dumb the first time they meet face to face.
I thought the romance was a little on the cheesy side, with both Molly and Georgina pining for each other from up close but not really doing anything about it until later on. Their love story doesn't fall into line with the flash back scenes of Edith and Josephine-the painter of the portrait and its subject respectively- as the modern one comes very close to hitting a lot of the story points of a manic pixie dream girl style story. Molly, being quirky, full of life and smart is Georgina's actual dream girl that she'd been watching from her house almost every day. Georgina is sad, dark, and brooding. Molly helps Georgina out of her funk by showing her the more interesting side of art, and opens up more possibilities for Georgina to have a positive impact on the community that Georgina wasn't aware of before. Also, seeing Molly nerd out on research spoke to me - I'm a research nerd myself, and her enthusiasm and talent for that part of the job was an excellent touch.
If you're into some really really sappy romance points, then this is for you. It also gives a chance for the technical side of art history and curation a chance to be a huge part of the story. That's what makes it stand out from a typical romance, and something that helped me enjoy the character's enthusiasm more. I know it's a 3 stars, but it's a very positive 3 stars, simply because I wished there was a different way to have the 1800's flashbacks included in the story.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a story about an idealistic young art curator in Molly who meets an heiress who's got some serious trust issues. Georgina, while holding on to a substantial gallery of art (handed down to her from her deceased father) is not a fan, and is certainly not a fan of people who she considers vultures just coming in to snatch of the last bits of what's left of her dad. She's in mourning, but her only ray of sunshine is the gorgeous, lively woman who almost always eats her lunch in the square in front of her mansion. The woman turns out to be Molly, and they are both struck quite dumb the first time they meet face to face.
I thought the romance was a little on the cheesy side, with both Molly and Georgina pining for each other from up close but not really doing anything about it until later on. Their love story doesn't fall into line with the flash back scenes of Edith and Josephine-the painter of the portrait and its subject respectively- as the modern one comes very close to hitting a lot of the story points of a manic pixie dream girl style story. Molly, being quirky, full of life and smart is Georgina's actual dream girl that she'd been watching from her house almost every day. Georgina is sad, dark, and brooding. Molly helps Georgina out of her funk by showing her the more interesting side of art, and opens up more possibilities for Georgina to have a positive impact on the community that Georgina wasn't aware of before. Also, seeing Molly nerd out on research spoke to me - I'm a research nerd myself, and her enthusiasm and talent for that part of the job was an excellent touch.
If you're into some really really sappy romance points, then this is for you. It also gives a chance for the technical side of art history and curation a chance to be a huge part of the story. That's what makes it stand out from a typical romance, and something that helped me enjoy the character's enthusiasm more. I know it's a 3 stars, but it's a very positive 3 stars, simply because I wished there was a different way to have the 1800's flashbacks included in the story.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 24, 2021
Beautifully Romantic!
Molly is excited by the prospect of making the museum where she is curator for art more diverse. Upon an encounter with the mysterious benefactor Georgina Wright, Molly finds herself swept away in the wonderful world of discovering the meaning behind a piece of artwork, a portrait belonging to Georgina’s late father, but also in discovering the real Georgina so many don’t get to see. Upon discovering who is in the beloved portrait and who the real artist is, Molly is determined to honour the memory of the women and the meaning of it all, but she needs Georgina’s help.
This was so sweet, and lovely, and cute, and romantic, and I just got so lost in the romance inside the romance that I was genuinely in love with the story and blown away by the end. This is only the second story I have read by Anna Larner but I am in awe of her ability to capture such passion, longing, and love as she has with Love’s Portrait. It was truly beautiful, even the more tragic elements and I longed to learn that there was happiness and there was. I adored every second and became fully immersed in the story to the point I just couldn’t put it down.
Molly and Georgina were wonderful, from their first awkward and angst filled meeting, to their acquaintance blossoming to friendship and more. Their story was the epitome of great art itself, almost so that it could be the most wonderful painting of all. I adored the whole premise and them working together but also unsure of one another and their feelings and what it all meant. They were really in the moment, carried away by wonder and I think for me a lot of that was sparked because Molly was just so infectious. I just couldn’t help but be excited with her and for her, and also anxious when she was, nervous when she was, and sad when she was uncovering the truth about Josephine and Edith, and the portrait, it was quite the connection. And the same went for Georgina, she was carrying around so heavy baggage and just being around Molly helped her to temporarily forget and just get carried away.
It was so beautiful and romantic, the whole story and I would love to not only see more of Molly and Georgina in future, but also of the other romance that was explored in this story. A full story about Edith and Josephine would be so perfect because the glimpses in this just were not enough for me.
My words just cannot express enough how wonderful this was to read but it is definitely a romance I recommend for everyone. It is perfect!
Molly is excited by the prospect of making the museum where she is curator for art more diverse. Upon an encounter with the mysterious benefactor Georgina Wright, Molly finds herself swept away in the wonderful world of discovering the meaning behind a piece of artwork, a portrait belonging to Georgina’s late father, but also in discovering the real Georgina so many don’t get to see. Upon discovering who is in the beloved portrait and who the real artist is, Molly is determined to honour the memory of the women and the meaning of it all, but she needs Georgina’s help.
This was so sweet, and lovely, and cute, and romantic, and I just got so lost in the romance inside the romance that I was genuinely in love with the story and blown away by the end. This is only the second story I have read by Anna Larner but I am in awe of her ability to capture such passion, longing, and love as she has with Love’s Portrait. It was truly beautiful, even the more tragic elements and I longed to learn that there was happiness and there was. I adored every second and became fully immersed in the story to the point I just couldn’t put it down.
Molly and Georgina were wonderful, from their first awkward and angst filled meeting, to their acquaintance blossoming to friendship and more. Their story was the epitome of great art itself, almost so that it could be the most wonderful painting of all. I adored the whole premise and them working together but also unsure of one another and their feelings and what it all meant. They were really in the moment, carried away by wonder and I think for me a lot of that was sparked because Molly was just so infectious. I just couldn’t help but be excited with her and for her, and also anxious when she was, nervous when she was, and sad when she was uncovering the truth about Josephine and Edith, and the portrait, it was quite the connection. And the same went for Georgina, she was carrying around so heavy baggage and just being around Molly helped her to temporarily forget and just get carried away.
It was so beautiful and romantic, the whole story and I would love to not only see more of Molly and Georgina in future, but also of the other romance that was explored in this story. A full story about Edith and Josephine would be so perfect because the glimpses in this just were not enough for me.
My words just cannot express enough how wonderful this was to read but it is definitely a romance I recommend for everyone. It is perfect!
April 24, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book by the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. What an amazing read. I was hooked from start to finish. The book is beautifully written. The main characters of Molly who is a Curator and Georgina who is a banker are divine. Molly is just so lovable and Georgina took a little longer for me to fall in love with but by the end I thought they were perfect for each other. The pace was just right and some great secondary characters. The twist in the story was my favourite part. I would say if you only have one book to read this year, then this is the one. It is definitely my favourite so far this year.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. What an amazing read. I was hooked from start to finish. The book is beautifully written. The main characters of Molly who is a Curator and Georgina who is a banker are divine. Molly is just so lovable and Georgina took a little longer for me to fall in love with but by the end I thought they were perfect for each other. The pace was just right and some great secondary characters. The twist in the story was my favourite part. I would say if you only have one book to read this year, then this is the one. It is definitely my favourite so far this year.
April 23, 2019
No synopsis necessary.
Peanut butter, the cure-all for peanut lovers! I loved quirky Molly and stiff-upper lip Georgina. Set in the world of art and museums, I was slowly but surely pulled into the storyline. The romance, angst and supporting characters (and beautifully interwoven secondary plot) made me laugh and weep. I savoured each page in the book which ended too soon.
Kudos Ms. Larner. I have no hesitation in recommending this with 5 stars.
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Stroked Books for a voluntary review.
Peanut butter, the cure-all for peanut lovers! I loved quirky Molly and stiff-upper lip Georgina. Set in the world of art and museums, I was slowly but surely pulled into the storyline. The romance, angst and supporting characters (and beautifully interwoven secondary plot) made me laugh and weep. I savoured each page in the book which ended too soon.
Kudos Ms. Larner. I have no hesitation in recommending this with 5 stars.
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Stroked Books for a voluntary review.
June 14, 2019
The story started out okay, the antagonist entered the picture and then it got bogged down in relationships. I can't quite put my finger on where the book lost its appeal to me, but I was glad to finally finish the book
March 29, 2024
I met the author, Anna Larner, at a book fair. We had a lovely chat about her books and our shared interest in heritage.
This book appealed to me because of its setting in the world of museums and curatorship. More so because one of the protagonists of our story, Molly Goode is passionate about increasing the accessibility of museum spaces for marginalised communities and diversifying collections. As someone who works in the heritage industry, this is something I also feel very strongly about.
I want to start by saying that this book didn’t disappoint and that the story that Larner has crafted is both heartfelt and intriguing. We have two fully realised protagonists with undeniable chemistry, whose interactions both delighted and, at times, frustrated me.
The stand-out thing for this book for me though, was the fact that Larner does a brilliant job of integrating difficult themes into the narrative. One of the most prominent is the erasure of specific groups from history, particularly women and those within the LGTBQ+ community. This is highlighted in Molly and Georgina’s struggle to discover the truth behind the portrait of Josephine. Not only is it revealed that Josephine and Edith, the painter of the portrait, were lovers but they also staunchly fought for the abolitionist cause. Josephine and Edith’s heart-breaking struggle to hide their authentic selves is revealed through a series of flashbacks dotted throughout the book. These scenes are powerful and hit home for the reader.
Furthermore, their losing fight to be viewed seriously as proponents of the abolitionist cause is shown through Molly’s present-day battle to collect information on them which is scarce. The lack of credit given to them reflects the real-life situation of 19th-century all-female anti-slavery groups. The work of many of these groups has historically not been recognised and only recent scholarship has brought their importance in abolishing slavery to the forefront (For more check out Elizabeth Heyrick, Lucy Townsend, and the Birmingham Ladies Friends Society.)
The discovery of these things leads Molly to advocate for a special exhibition around the painting. Of course, she hits many obstacles along the way which highlight challenges that museums face when it comes to bringing previously hidden narratives to the forefront. However, as Molly and Georgina’s love intensifies they both work to overcome personal and professional challenges. However, will it be enough? Will Edith and Josephine’s story be told to the world?
If you would like to know, pick up a copy of the book!
This book appealed to me because of its setting in the world of museums and curatorship. More so because one of the protagonists of our story, Molly Goode is passionate about increasing the accessibility of museum spaces for marginalised communities and diversifying collections. As someone who works in the heritage industry, this is something I also feel very strongly about.
I want to start by saying that this book didn’t disappoint and that the story that Larner has crafted is both heartfelt and intriguing. We have two fully realised protagonists with undeniable chemistry, whose interactions both delighted and, at times, frustrated me.
The stand-out thing for this book for me though, was the fact that Larner does a brilliant job of integrating difficult themes into the narrative. One of the most prominent is the erasure of specific groups from history, particularly women and those within the LGTBQ+ community. This is highlighted in Molly and Georgina’s struggle to discover the truth behind the portrait of Josephine. Not only is it revealed that Josephine and Edith, the painter of the portrait, were lovers but they also staunchly fought for the abolitionist cause. Josephine and Edith’s heart-breaking struggle to hide their authentic selves is revealed through a series of flashbacks dotted throughout the book. These scenes are powerful and hit home for the reader.
Furthermore, their losing fight to be viewed seriously as proponents of the abolitionist cause is shown through Molly’s present-day battle to collect information on them which is scarce. The lack of credit given to them reflects the real-life situation of 19th-century all-female anti-slavery groups. The work of many of these groups has historically not been recognised and only recent scholarship has brought their importance in abolishing slavery to the forefront (For more check out Elizabeth Heyrick, Lucy Townsend, and the Birmingham Ladies Friends Society.)
The discovery of these things leads Molly to advocate for a special exhibition around the painting. Of course, she hits many obstacles along the way which highlight challenges that museums face when it comes to bringing previously hidden narratives to the forefront. However, as Molly and Georgina’s love intensifies they both work to overcome personal and professional challenges. However, will it be enough? Will Edith and Josephine’s story be told to the world?
If you would like to know, pick up a copy of the book!
May 1, 2019
When Georgina Wright's father passes away, he donates his art collection to the Leicester museum. She must work with the museums curator, Molly Goode, to bing his collection on display in the museum. One of the paintings in her father's home has no instructions to be part of the display. The gorgeous watercolour of Georgina's relative Josephine Wright is so unlike the others and the artist is a mystery. She takes the painting to Molly and together the two uncover the mystery of who painted the beautiful watercolour. The two women grow closer as they spend time together, but family matters and pressures from Molly's boss threaten to tear them apart.
I really really enjoyed this book. It was a bit on the slower side, but it worked well for me. I thought that it was beautifully paced and perfectly balanced. There are a handful of scenes set in the past with Josephine and Edith woven into the story. It really brought their story to life. I'm a sucker for historical romance so I could have used a whole lot more of their story, but the way it was written was the perfect amount to please everyone.
Molly and Georgina were so beautifully matched in their wit and spirit. They were both little bit vulnerable but also had great strength in complementary areas. I loved their relationship. It was very mature and beautiful and sexy.
The writing was stellar, and this story just came to life for me with the author's words. The cities, the artwork, George Wright's home... Just brilliant.
This is my first book by the author and I'm sure it will not be the last.
I received an ARC vis NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really really enjoyed this book. It was a bit on the slower side, but it worked well for me. I thought that it was beautifully paced and perfectly balanced. There are a handful of scenes set in the past with Josephine and Edith woven into the story. It really brought their story to life. I'm a sucker for historical romance so I could have used a whole lot more of their story, but the way it was written was the perfect amount to please everyone.
Molly and Georgina were so beautifully matched in their wit and spirit. They were both little bit vulnerable but also had great strength in complementary areas. I loved their relationship. It was very mature and beautiful and sexy.
The writing was stellar, and this story just came to life for me with the author's words. The cities, the artwork, George Wright's home... Just brilliant.
This is my first book by the author and I'm sure it will not be the last.
I received an ARC vis NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2021
I would give this 10 stars, if I could. It's the most enjoyable, best-written, most engaging romance novel I've ever read. The characters are so real, I feel like I'll run into them at the next event I go to. Molly, in particular, is delightful and has some fantastically funny lines. Even the secondary characters enrich the story and the reading pleasure.
This is a romance with a HEA ending, but be prepared to get emotional along the way. Anna Larner is an expert at putting us in the heads and hearts of her characters. You were forewarned.
The setting of the story is a modest-sized art museum, which increased the pleasure of the book. The author is obviously very knowledgeable of the topic, which is always appreciated.
I thought that the historical subplot was done very well and added greatly to the story. It was well-crafted into the plot. There are a couple of surprises in the plot, which is rare in a romance, so kudos to the author. Her handling of some scenes at the end of the book, which had the potential for being melodramatic, were realistic and at times painful, but not predictable. Again - kudos.
Just read this book - it's fantastic.
This is a romance with a HEA ending, but be prepared to get emotional along the way. Anna Larner is an expert at putting us in the heads and hearts of her characters. You were forewarned.
The setting of the story is a modest-sized art museum, which increased the pleasure of the book. The author is obviously very knowledgeable of the topic, which is always appreciated.
I thought that the historical subplot was done very well and added greatly to the story. It was well-crafted into the plot. There are a couple of surprises in the plot, which is rare in a romance, so kudos to the author. Her handling of some scenes at the end of the book, which had the potential for being melodramatic, were realistic and at times painful, but not predictable. Again - kudos.
Just read this book - it's fantastic.
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