I was drawn to the author and subject because both are new to me and what an amazing find. The basis of the story is to answer the question “What started the fire that destroyed Louis Comfort Tiffany’s home, Laurelton Hall, 1957?” Ms. Rose does this by mixing historical fact with fictional characters to weave a story that you won’t be able to stop reading. In 1924, Jenny Bell is an up and coming artist with a devastating secret that she is hiding. She receives an invitation (along with seven other artists) from the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation to study under Louis Tiffany and hone their art. The culmination of the stay is a prize that will launch the career of the artist who wins. In amongst the beauty, Jenny finds love but she senses danger and her past is slowly revealed with shattering consequences.

I enjoyed the author’s presentation of the storyline and characters. It is told in the first person, in Jenny’s voice. The people and places are brought to life with this technique and details are supplied that bring you into the story. This also allows you to feel her emotions as the plot washes over her and she is helpless to stop it. Although you seem to know where the scenario is leading, the ending is unexpected.

The author presents a very believable story that holds you captive. She intersperses the plot with real people and events that compel you to keep reading. It also compels you to further investigate the happenings and characters which good historical fiction should do. Young teen to adults can read and enjoy this book which will leave you with a sad smile at the end.

In a lot of ways, I was a big fan of this book. But at the same time, I have some issues that I can't ignore which informed giving it a 3 star rating. Rose has created the meticulously intricate world of Louis' Tiffany's escape at Laurelton, an artist's retreat. I love that it started with a mystery of how it was burned to the ground, and then we roll back in time to put together the pieces. However, I felt that this novel was incredibly slow-moving, due to the amount of exacting detail, which then moved the story along at a snail's pace. The last section of the book was the most exciting, but after hundreds of pages of gradual unspooling, it all happened in a rather slapdash quick manner. I would say to read this book for the ambience, and immersion in an opulent time and place, rather than for the mystery at hand.

The writing style was so over-wrought--I couldn't get into this. I didn't finish it.

I've read all of M.J. Roses books and I love the way she works with description so I feel I can see the setting. This book was unique because there was so much color in the descriptions, since the heroine was an artist. I wish that the Tiffany estate was still around, because it must have been so beautiful. With all her books, Rose makes me feel part of the story, and this was no different. The past haunts our main character and the story is more about her journey as a young woman but there is a bit of romance. I read it quickly, and now wish I'd taken more time. I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A poignant, deftly written story about two artists in the 1920s who win a scholarship to Laurelton for eight weeks, This intensive, live-in course takes place in the sumptuous home of Tiffany, the glass designer and manufacturer.
Both female artists have a past that intrudes into their lives and struggle to overcome it while dealing with a murder and romance.
I particularly enjoyed the history behind the Laurelton estate and Tiffany glass, as well as the characterization. The historical setting and events are well researched and woven into this compelling tale.
Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction and mysteries.

In 1920’s New York, art student Jenny Bell meets Minx, another talented art student who is also a wealthy heiress. Jenny has so many secrets from her past which threaten to overwhelm her, but Minx has secrets, too. Both women are selected for a summer study program at the Long Island estate of Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is evident that MJ Rose has not only researched the period extensively, but she has also created nuanced characters, and ended the story with a shocking revelation. A fascinating page-turner combining history, art, and romance.