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Mara Coyne #1
The Chrysalis
Haarlem, Holland, seventeenth-century The city's chief magistrate commissions a family portrait from Dutch master painter Johannes Miereveld. But when the artist sees the magistrate's daughter, Amalia, an illicit love affair begins. Miereveld creates a captivating masterpiece, The Chrysalis-a stunning portrait of the Virgin Mary, full of Catholic symbols, that outrages his Protestant patron and signals the death of his career.
New York, present day: Mara Coyne is one high-profile case away from making partner at her powerful Manhattan law firm, and now the client that is sure to seal the deal has fallen into her lap. The prestigious Beazley's auction house is about to sell a lost masterwork, The Chrysalis, in an auction that is destined to become legendary. Standing in the way, however, is the shocking accusation that the painting belongs not to Beazley's client but to Hilda Baum, the daughter of a Dutch collector who lost his paintings-and his life-to the Nazis.
The case brings an unexpected surprise when Mara discovers that Beazley's in-house attorney is Michael Roarke, a man for whom she once had an intense attraction. But the same skills that make her a brilliant litigator also make Mara suspicious, and she begins to believe that Hilda's tragic family story might be more than just heartbreaking-it might be true. And the man she's come to love might not be who she thought he was at all.
Spanning centuries and continents, The Chrysalis is a brilliant, intelligent, fast-paced thriller that melds art and history into a provocative work of fiction. From the underground Catholicism in seventeenth-century Holland to the unspeakable crimes of the Nazis and the repercussions that reverberate to this day throughout the art world, Heather Terrell has created a fascinating story that will entrance readers to the very last page.
New York, present day: Mara Coyne is one high-profile case away from making partner at her powerful Manhattan law firm, and now the client that is sure to seal the deal has fallen into her lap. The prestigious Beazley's auction house is about to sell a lost masterwork, The Chrysalis, in an auction that is destined to become legendary. Standing in the way, however, is the shocking accusation that the painting belongs not to Beazley's client but to Hilda Baum, the daughter of a Dutch collector who lost his paintings-and his life-to the Nazis.
The case brings an unexpected surprise when Mara discovers that Beazley's in-house attorney is Michael Roarke, a man for whom she once had an intense attraction. But the same skills that make her a brilliant litigator also make Mara suspicious, and she begins to believe that Hilda's tragic family story might be more than just heartbreaking-it might be true. And the man she's come to love might not be who she thought he was at all.
Spanning centuries and continents, The Chrysalis is a brilliant, intelligent, fast-paced thriller that melds art and history into a provocative work of fiction. From the underground Catholicism in seventeenth-century Holland to the unspeakable crimes of the Nazis and the repercussions that reverberate to this day throughout the art world, Heather Terrell has created a fascinating story that will entrance readers to the very last page.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
77 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Heather Terrell
15 books421 followersHeather Terrell is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College with a focus in History and Art History, and a cum laude graduate of the Boston University School of Law. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.
Heather is the author of The Chrysalis and The Map Thief, which will appear in more than ten countries, as well as Brigid of Kildare. She turned her hand to young adult fiction with the Fallen Angel series, and continues it with the upcoming series The Books of Eva. The first book in the series -- Relic -- releases in October 2013.
Heather is the author of The Chrysalis and The Map Thief, which will appear in more than ten countries, as well as Brigid of Kildare. She turned her hand to young adult fiction with the Fallen Angel series, and continues it with the upcoming series The Books of Eva. The first book in the series -- Relic -- releases in October 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 11, 2018
The book weaves present time story of a law case involving a painting stolen during WWII and the 17th century story of a painter who created the painting.
Mara Coyne, a lawyer, takes a case involving The Chrysalis’s provenance. “Provenance is the history of ownership of a prized object.” As the prestigious Beasley’s auction house is about to sell the lost masterwork. But in the way of selling it is an accusation of Hilda Baum, the daughter of a Dutch collector who lost his paintings and his life to the Nazis.
Johannes Miereveld, 1646, gets apprenticed at the studio of Nicholoes Van Maes in Haarlem, Netherlands. He becomes a master in “using revolutionary color, brushstrokes, and iconography to capture his subjects’ essences.” As his master gets sick and the painting he was commissioned to paint needs to be finished by specific night. Miereveld puts the last strokes, which give him his first recognition. Partnership and plenty of commissions follow.
The present time story skillfully explains how Nazi acquired artwork during 1932-1946 and the details of preparation for this specific case. However, the story of the painter is rushed and is fictional, which was the most disappointing part of this book. At the end, it turns out that you can hardly put this book in the category of historical fiction.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
Mara Coyne, a lawyer, takes a case involving The Chrysalis’s provenance. “Provenance is the history of ownership of a prized object.” As the prestigious Beasley’s auction house is about to sell the lost masterwork. But in the way of selling it is an accusation of Hilda Baum, the daughter of a Dutch collector who lost his paintings and his life to the Nazis.
Johannes Miereveld, 1646, gets apprenticed at the studio of Nicholoes Van Maes in Haarlem, Netherlands. He becomes a master in “using revolutionary color, brushstrokes, and iconography to capture his subjects’ essences.” As his master gets sick and the painting he was commissioned to paint needs to be finished by specific night. Miereveld puts the last strokes, which give him his first recognition. Partnership and plenty of commissions follow.
The present time story skillfully explains how Nazi acquired artwork during 1932-1946 and the details of preparation for this specific case. However, the story of the painter is rushed and is fictional, which was the most disappointing part of this book. At the end, it turns out that you can hardly put this book in the category of historical fiction.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
September 2, 2007
This one has a lot of buzz going for it. Fortunately, the buzz doesn't entirely rely on the Da Vinci-Codeness of the book. While it has the same art-as-clue premise, the action takes place in 1600s Holland, Nazi Germany, and the present day. The search for the provenance of The Chrysalis, a painting, has fun twists and turns. The historical viewpoint of 1600s Holland and the difficulties of being a Catholic at that time is nicely presented as is the Nazi lust for artwork and its consequences.
A tidy little piece and pretty darn good for a first-time author. Worthy of all the buzz and advertising? meh...it'll do.
It's a great read for young adults and for those adults who want a beach read or something beyond Da Vinci. And that isn't a bad thing at all. It is accessible to the average Joe or Jill and that can only be a good thing if you're encouraging reading. It is also a nice little romp for those more accustomed to heavier fare.
Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist find it to be perfectly suited to public library collections and I agree. The June 2007 Romantic Times gave it 4.5 stars - their highest rating. If you're looking for a bit of fun, I say read it.
A tidy little piece and pretty darn good for a first-time author. Worthy of all the buzz and advertising? meh...it'll do.
It's a great read for young adults and for those adults who want a beach read or something beyond Da Vinci. And that isn't a bad thing at all. It is accessible to the average Joe or Jill and that can only be a good thing if you're encouraging reading. It is also a nice little romp for those more accustomed to heavier fare.
Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist find it to be perfectly suited to public library collections and I agree. The June 2007 Romantic Times gave it 4.5 stars - their highest rating. If you're looking for a bit of fun, I say read it.
July 10, 2013
The story is really about a young aggressive attorney Mara, who is assigned a case involving WWII Nazi stolen art. The story starts out like fairly stereotypical romance novel,but then takes some twists. I wanted to give it a higher rating but much of the book was a little formulated. I understand it was her first book. I liked Brigid of Kildare far better. Would try some other of her books. Her topics I find interesting, involving characters searching out historical mysteries.
February 21, 2022
3,5* Um enredo bem elaborado e rápido que mistura suspense e obras de arte saqueadas pelos nazis
November 29, 2007
When Mara Coyne is hired by a prestigious auction house to defend the legal ownership of a 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary from the claims of a Holocaust survivor, she uncovers a web of deceit that has far-reaching results. Complicating the issue is the fact that she begins an affair with the auction house's main attorney--a man from her past.
Wonderful details of the art world and the history of painting and religion, but the story line lacks the gripping suspense of a seasoned author. Recommended.
Wonderful details of the art world and the history of painting and religion, but the story line lacks the gripping suspense of a seasoned author. Recommended.
May 17, 2019
Ideal reading for a long airplane ride. The book covers three time periods, the 1600, when a young boy is making his way in a Holland that is devided along religious lines. This mother is Catholic, while his father is a Calvinist. Later when his mother dies, he returns to that faith that initially was why his father removed him from the home to live with a master painter.
His painting is beloved by Erich Baum, who during the Nazi era is identified as Jewish due to a grandfather, but his is a plot to take his paintings. So we hve the whole matters of stealing art from a people during that era. We are also in the present as Hilda Baum wants possession of the painting that she grew up with, since she has no family and her parents died in a concentration camp.
We also have the present, when Mara and attorney is representing the firm that auctions painting to keep their reputation. In the process, she rekindling a friendship with a member of the auction firm who she knew as undergraduates. Their lives when different ways, but the connections is manufactered in many ways, but they have romance. Mara knows the risks of involvement with a client, but she slowly discovers that Michael is very much a part of the problema. His uncle had been involved with a practice of forging names on documents to mask that art works were stolen and sold by criminals. There are important friendships with women and of course as the truth emerges Michael become violent. The book raises questions about justice on many levels.
His painting is beloved by Erich Baum, who during the Nazi era is identified as Jewish due to a grandfather, but his is a plot to take his paintings. So we hve the whole matters of stealing art from a people during that era. We are also in the present as Hilda Baum wants possession of the painting that she grew up with, since she has no family and her parents died in a concentration camp.
We also have the present, when Mara and attorney is representing the firm that auctions painting to keep their reputation. In the process, she rekindling a friendship with a member of the auction firm who she knew as undergraduates. Their lives when different ways, but the connections is manufactered in many ways, but they have romance. Mara knows the risks of involvement with a client, but she slowly discovers that Michael is very much a part of the problema. His uncle had been involved with a practice of forging names on documents to mask that art works were stolen and sold by criminals. There are important friendships with women and of course as the truth emerges Michael become violent. The book raises questions about justice on many levels.
August 21, 2019
O livro mistura arte e Direito em um contexto de uma disputa legal em que contrastam moral e lei. O enredo do livro é bem elaborado, deixando um pouco a desejar no clímax e na escrita. É um livro que vale a pena a leitura, a qual não é cansativa e corre muito bem.
October 23, 2015
I chose this book because its subject matter piqued my interest: Who rightly owns a painting of questionable provenance that may have been confiscated by the Nazis? Unfortunately, despite its focus on art, the book itself is artless.
Mara Coyne, a New York lawyer, is hired by an art auction house to prove that it is the legitimate owner of a Dutch painting titled The Chrysalis and that it is not the property of Hilda Baum who claims that the Nazis stole it from her father, a Dutch art collector. Helping her with the case is Michael Roarke, the in-house attorney for the auction house, and Lillian Joyce, its provenance department chief. Besides describing the legal case and Mara’s budding romantic relationship with Michael, the book includes flashbacks to The Netherlands in the 1600s and the 1940s.
The pacing is uneven. The first half of the book is very slow; it details Mara’s legal research in preparation for court. The second half is very fast-paced. Mara makes a quick trip to London to get a piece of information that surely she could have been given over the phone or via email. Events happen in a short space of time. Is it likely that a person would make a quick decision to make someone a beneficiary after only a short acquaintance and for that same person to discover, in a matter of days, a “distant ancestral relationship” to a person who lived over 350 years earlier? The first part of the book reads like a romance and the second part reads like a thriller in the style of The Da Vinci Code, albeit a poor imitation of the latter.
There are so many illogical events that aggravate. Mara had had “long conversations” with a fellow student in an art class but she had never learned his name? Michael, a lawyer for an art auction house, has to be told that a relationship between client and attorney is inappropriate and has to be explained “the landscape of replevin law”? Lillian, the provenance chief for the auction house, is reluctant to give Mara her “full assistance” despite the fact that her employer needs her co-operation in a case dependent on a clean provenance? Lillian can claim a seventeenth-century artist made “masterful renderings of his subjects’ features” when she has no evidence of what those subjects looked like? Lillian has access to “still-classified World War II documents” relating to art: how would she come to have such documents in her possession and why would documents relating to Nazi looting of art be so secretive and then why would one of those documents be “dog-eared” if it has not been available for anyone to read? A map in a museum’s public guidebook would include areas designated for storage? Is it likely that a person of “eighty-odd years” would still be working, especially since she is independently wealthy? A person who “would not let [Mara] leave his sight or his touch” minutes before let her escape his grasp and she did nothing to escape? Mara has a plan to escape her captor that requires him to get an unexpected call on his cellphone? Is she prescient?
This brings to the forefront another problem with the novel: characterization. The author takes great pains to portray Mara as intelligent yet her handling of the cross-examination of Hilda Baum is inept at best. She wants to become a partner in her law firm but she risks it all to have an inappropriate sexual liaison? Mara has an opportunity to escape when her captor accosts her in a café, but instead of asking the assistance of a waitress, she accepts coffee “with gracious thanks”? Even when “threatened and afraid, Mara was moved by the soaring ceiling and weightless cupola” of a museum? And Mara is not the only problem. Her supposed best friend Sophia behaves in no way like a true friend would and her motivation is incomprehensible since Mara’s decisions would not impact Sophia’s ability to become a partner in the law firm.
It is unfortunate that the author was unable to write an interesting book given the possibilities of the topic of Nazi confiscated art.
Please check out my reader's blog (http://schatjesshelves.blogspot.ca/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
Mara Coyne, a New York lawyer, is hired by an art auction house to prove that it is the legitimate owner of a Dutch painting titled The Chrysalis and that it is not the property of Hilda Baum who claims that the Nazis stole it from her father, a Dutch art collector. Helping her with the case is Michael Roarke, the in-house attorney for the auction house, and Lillian Joyce, its provenance department chief. Besides describing the legal case and Mara’s budding romantic relationship with Michael, the book includes flashbacks to The Netherlands in the 1600s and the 1940s.
The pacing is uneven. The first half of the book is very slow; it details Mara’s legal research in preparation for court. The second half is very fast-paced. Mara makes a quick trip to London to get a piece of information that surely she could have been given over the phone or via email. Events happen in a short space of time. Is it likely that a person would make a quick decision to make someone a beneficiary after only a short acquaintance and for that same person to discover, in a matter of days, a “distant ancestral relationship” to a person who lived over 350 years earlier? The first part of the book reads like a romance and the second part reads like a thriller in the style of The Da Vinci Code, albeit a poor imitation of the latter.
There are so many illogical events that aggravate. Mara had had “long conversations” with a fellow student in an art class but she had never learned his name? Michael, a lawyer for an art auction house, has to be told that a relationship between client and attorney is inappropriate and has to be explained “the landscape of replevin law”? Lillian, the provenance chief for the auction house, is reluctant to give Mara her “full assistance” despite the fact that her employer needs her co-operation in a case dependent on a clean provenance? Lillian can claim a seventeenth-century artist made “masterful renderings of his subjects’ features” when she has no evidence of what those subjects looked like? Lillian has access to “still-classified World War II documents” relating to art: how would she come to have such documents in her possession and why would documents relating to Nazi looting of art be so secretive and then why would one of those documents be “dog-eared” if it has not been available for anyone to read? A map in a museum’s public guidebook would include areas designated for storage? Is it likely that a person of “eighty-odd years” would still be working, especially since she is independently wealthy? A person who “would not let [Mara] leave his sight or his touch” minutes before let her escape his grasp and she did nothing to escape? Mara has a plan to escape her captor that requires him to get an unexpected call on his cellphone? Is she prescient?
This brings to the forefront another problem with the novel: characterization. The author takes great pains to portray Mara as intelligent yet her handling of the cross-examination of Hilda Baum is inept at best. She wants to become a partner in her law firm but she risks it all to have an inappropriate sexual liaison? Mara has an opportunity to escape when her captor accosts her in a café, but instead of asking the assistance of a waitress, she accepts coffee “with gracious thanks”? Even when “threatened and afraid, Mara was moved by the soaring ceiling and weightless cupola” of a museum? And Mara is not the only problem. Her supposed best friend Sophia behaves in no way like a true friend would and her motivation is incomprehensible since Mara’s decisions would not impact Sophia’s ability to become a partner in the law firm.
It is unfortunate that the author was unable to write an interesting book given the possibilities of the topic of Nazi confiscated art.
Please check out my reader's blog (http://schatjesshelves.blogspot.ca/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
February 12, 2015
2.5 STARS
"Haarlem, Holland, seventeenth-century: The city’s chief magistrate commissions a family portrait from Dutch master painter Johannes Miereveld. But when the artist sees the magistrate’s daughter, Amalia, an illicit love affair begins. Miereveld creates a captivating masterpiece, The Chrysalis–a stunning portrait of the Virgin Mary, full of Catholic symbols, that outrages his Protestant patron and signals the death of his career.
New York, present day: Mara Coyne is one high-profile case away from making partner at her powerful Manhattan law firm, and now the client that is sure to seal the deal has fallen into her lap. The prestigious Beazley’s auction house is about to sell a lost masterwork, The Chrysalis, in an auction that is destined to become legendary. Standing in the way, however, is the shocking accusation that the painting belongs not to Beazley’s client but to Hilda Baum, the daughter of a Dutch collector who lost his paintings–and his life–to the Nazis.
The case brings an unexpected surprise when Mara discovers that Beazley’s in-house attorney is Michael Roarke, a man for whom she once had an intense attraction. But the same skills that make her a brilliant litigator also make Mara suspicious, and she begins to believe that Hilda’s tragic family story might be more than just heartbreaking–it might be true. And the man she’s come to love might not be who she thought he was at all." (From Amazon)
An all right mystery.
"Haarlem, Holland, seventeenth-century: The city’s chief magistrate commissions a family portrait from Dutch master painter Johannes Miereveld. But when the artist sees the magistrate’s daughter, Amalia, an illicit love affair begins. Miereveld creates a captivating masterpiece, The Chrysalis–a stunning portrait of the Virgin Mary, full of Catholic symbols, that outrages his Protestant patron and signals the death of his career.
New York, present day: Mara Coyne is one high-profile case away from making partner at her powerful Manhattan law firm, and now the client that is sure to seal the deal has fallen into her lap. The prestigious Beazley’s auction house is about to sell a lost masterwork, The Chrysalis, in an auction that is destined to become legendary. Standing in the way, however, is the shocking accusation that the painting belongs not to Beazley’s client but to Hilda Baum, the daughter of a Dutch collector who lost his paintings–and his life–to the Nazis.
The case brings an unexpected surprise when Mara discovers that Beazley’s in-house attorney is Michael Roarke, a man for whom she once had an intense attraction. But the same skills that make her a brilliant litigator also make Mara suspicious, and she begins to believe that Hilda’s tragic family story might be more than just heartbreaking–it might be true. And the man she’s come to love might not be who she thought he was at all." (From Amazon)
An all right mystery.
February 9, 2021
I really wanted to love this book - with elements of The DaVinci Code and National Treasure, I was certain I would love it. Unfortunately, it ended up being a mess of legal jargon combined with a romance that felt not only like insta-love, but also completely unnecessary. The only thing that kept me from DNFing this book were the flashback scenes, which revealed the heritage of the painting “The Chrysalis” and its journey through WWII era Europe.
I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters, and when I finally felt like I was getting into the plot, a bunch of legal jargon dumped into the plot and I felt lost again. I do think that this book would make an excellent TV show or movie, but unfortunately it just didn’t leap off the page to me.
Fortunately, the historical WWII elements of this book were very interesting. I enjoyed those scenes so much they could’ve been the whole book and I probably would’ve enjoyed it more.
I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters, and when I finally felt like I was getting into the plot, a bunch of legal jargon dumped into the plot and I felt lost again. I do think that this book would make an excellent TV show or movie, but unfortunately it just didn’t leap off the page to me.
Fortunately, the historical WWII elements of this book were very interesting. I enjoyed those scenes so much they could’ve been the whole book and I probably would’ve enjoyed it more.
January 2, 2013
The premise was interesting, three ideas that hooked me into the subject; art; history; and the theft of art by the Nazis.
I began the book with much anticipation. Unfortunately the writing was a bit over blown at times, but the thing that really put me off; and finally made me leave the book at the last moment (Last chapter!!) was that I found the protagonist, Mara Coyne quite revolting! I had found her morally slightly questionable at first...but by the middle of the book, realised that here was a young woman that I would cross the street, in order to avoid.
over-indulged, ghastly little madam. I kept reading in hopes that she would see the light and redeem herself; but alas her near redemption was rather a whiny self indulgent excuse fest.
Perhaps she did redeem herself in the last chapter, but by then, I was willing to chuck her and the book into the nearest lake.
I began the book with much anticipation. Unfortunately the writing was a bit over blown at times, but the thing that really put me off; and finally made me leave the book at the last moment (Last chapter!!) was that I found the protagonist, Mara Coyne quite revolting! I had found her morally slightly questionable at first...but by the middle of the book, realised that here was a young woman that I would cross the street, in order to avoid.
over-indulged, ghastly little madam. I kept reading in hopes that she would see the light and redeem herself; but alas her near redemption was rather a whiny self indulgent excuse fest.
Perhaps she did redeem herself in the last chapter, but by then, I was willing to chuck her and the book into the nearest lake.
January 17, 2016
Ms Terrell's first, this is a very good read. The young lawyer, striving to make partner, draws an art auction house as a client. The client is being sued by the elderly daughter of a Holocaust victim, whose art collection was taken by the Nazi's. The young lawyer does her best for her client, but discovers something is not quite Kosher about the auction house's claim. Added to that, she's been seduced by the auction house manager, who's a former college art classmate, that she was attracted to back then. Much suspense ensues. I look forward to her next book, "The Map Thief", which again has her tracking down art, in what I'm sure will be a most suspenseful way.
August 14, 2010
This book was ok - not one that I would recommend to scads of others though. It was interesting but not enough to get swept off my feet. It was intriguing but not enough to really peak my interest and never put the book down. But it was not a bad read otherwise. I generally like a story with a fine art slant. I do get a little tired of the lawyer thing that's wrapped into the story along with it. It's been over used.
March 7, 2008
Heather is a local author from my hometown. I met her very briefly at a Mystery Lover's Tea and she seemed very nice. I am always willing and anxious to check out local authors. Heather's debut novel did not disappoint. I find it highly entertaining and the subject matter (art thief) is something I've been interested in for awhile.
October 5, 2008
fascinating story about art theft and the law relating to it ((esp) WW2 art from Europe conficated by the Nazis). This author has struck gold with her idea for this book and has followed it up swiftly with another ("The Map Thief") which cross-references with Gavin Menzies book about the Chinese being the first to discover the "rest" of the world.
March 31, 2011
I thought this sounded good. I thought it started out great. But then it just kinda fizzled for me. I enjoyed it without a doubt, but I am not sure that 1) I am excited to read something else she has written or 2) I would recommend this to someone else. Good story though, and I enjoyed the writing
May 11, 2009
A fast-paced lawyer novel about a painting, the family that owned it, the lawyer who is trying to protect it, and the Dutch painter in the 1600's who painted it. The separate plots are so tightly woven together that it would be impossible to tell one story without the others.
November 17, 2011
Thought this book was very good. It takes you back and forth from the Netherlands in the 17th century to modern day United States researching the provenance of a Dutch painting. Great story.
Will recommend.
Will recommend.
April 22, 2008
A mystery of a painting that you follow through time. There isn't any time travel, just history and mystery of a painting that is going up for auction. A quick read and very interesting.
May 18, 2009
part historical novel; part nazie art thefts; part modern day legal thriller. Terrell combine them all in this well-written first novel. a really good first novel.
November 13, 2018
Attorney hired by art auction house to defend against claim that painting was stolen by Nazis during WWII. This might have been an interesting book in the hands of a capable writer (author is an attorney & this may be her first book) or if author had had a breathing editor. So badly written that I had to skip an entire disc to get to the ending. Mary Higgins Clark could have written this except that the plucky young attorney does not get the hunky guy in the end. Do not read this book unless you find the subject matter (16th C. Dutch art / replevin law / Nazi looting of art) fascinating.
July 25, 2017
Mara is a lawyer assigned to a case about art stolen by the Nazis.
The book bounces back and forth from the 1600's when the painting originated, the 1940's when the painting was stolen by the Nazis, and the present time. During the present time, there is a law suit about whom the painting belongs to.
There is mystery, romance and deceit.
The book bounces back and forth from the 1600's when the painting originated, the 1940's when the painting was stolen by the Nazis, and the present time. During the present time, there is a law suit about whom the painting belongs to.
There is mystery, romance and deceit.
March 9, 2021
This book is composed of short interesting chapters. There are three story lines which I normally don't enjoy but did this time. The book is plot driven and a quick read. This book provided yet more information the Nazis as well as an art history lesson. I will never look at a Rembrandt in the same way.
December 2, 2023
Spellbinding novel
Heather Terrell is a magnificent author. I guess practicing law pays the bills. This book captivated me, and I felt like a fly on the wall observing events as they happened. I sincerely hope she will continue to write more novels. I believe this is her true calling.
Heather Terrell is a magnificent author. I guess practicing law pays the bills. This book captivated me, and I felt like a fly on the wall observing events as they happened. I sincerely hope she will continue to write more novels. I believe this is her true calling.
October 18, 2025
Good story, editing errors distracting
I liked the book and have read most of Marie Benedict's work. All very good. I'm wondering how there could be so very many errors in this digital copy. Probably most blatant was main character often being "mara" vs "Mara". Haven't experienced any issues like this with her books before!
I liked the book and have read most of Marie Benedict's work. All very good. I'm wondering how there could be so very many errors in this digital copy. Probably most blatant was main character often being "mara" vs "Mara". Haven't experienced any issues like this with her books before!
September 27, 2022
This idea had potential but I am shocked that anyone thought this book was quality writing. All of the characters are two-dimensional and none of them ring true-the main character was the worst—she’s weak, self-pitying, and unlikeable. Way too much inner monologue and 3rd person narrative, while the entire story is trope-filled and inevitable. I genuinely thought this series was self-published.
September 13, 2017
Interesting mix of past and present. Nice moral plight of lead figure.
November 3, 2017
Great read!
This story had some surprising twists and brought the characters to life. Excellent writing and vivid descriptions of people and places.
This story had some surprising twists and brought the characters to life. Excellent writing and vivid descriptions of people and places.
October 30, 2018
The novel was FABULOUS. It made me cry, and left me wanting more. I can't wait for Ms. Terrell's next novel.
October 25, 2019
Fast-paced. Interesting perspective on sorting out ownership after the Nazi confiscated art. At times slightly cliched in some of the descriptions about romantic interactions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews