I really enjoyed this novel of Clara, an illustrator/instructor at the Grand Central Art school in the late 1920s/early 30s and Virginia, a recently divorced mother who is supporting herself by working at the Grand Central information counter in 1974. When Virginia finds a painting in the space that used to be the Grand Central School of Art, she's determined to find out about the artist. Meanwhile, we also learn about Clara Darden the illustrator/artist and what happened in her life some 50 years earlier.

What a fun read, especially for metro NY area readers! The author skillfully melded the stories of two fictional women, about 50 years apart, based on facts. Clara is an instructor at the Grand Central School of Art (which really existed), and Virginia is a mom trying to scrape by on her earnings in the GCT information booth. This enchanting novel had a good balance of plot, characterization, and facts all mixed in with romance, art, the Great Depression, and historic preservation. I have recommended this book on our social media and listed it as a "must read" for our Summer Reading for adults.

I loved loved loved this book. I loved the writing style. The story seamlessly went back and forth in time and perspectives. I highly recommend this book and I cant wait to read the author's other books.

I love books about art and artists - throw in some historical preservation and it gets even better. I have to admit that a book about a 1970's divorcee trying to find work doesn't seem like it would be interesting, but when the job is in Grand Central in NYC, it will be. A mysterious painting found in a long-closed art school at the terminal could change Virginia's life for the better, but it could also change the course of art history!

In this book, Fiona Davis takes us to Grand Central Station and the art school that was there during the 1920s. She takes the reader back in time to the 1920s where Clara is an artist at the school and then to the 1970s where down-on-her-luck Virginia is working at the information booth of Grand Central. Each character is facing challenges as the art school closes due to financial hardship in the 20s and there is a threat to tear down the station and add a skyscraper in the 70s. At times the book felt a little predictable or far fetched, but I really enjoyed the history lesson and learning about Grand Central station.

Revolving around the Grand Central Terminal of New York City, we are told the story of two different women in two different time periods. Slow paced but beautifully written, we gradually learn about the growing success of illustrator and artist Clara Darden just before the Depression and a tragic accident ruins her life. Fast forward, Virginia Clay in the 1970s is still reeling from surviving breast cancer only for her husband to divorce her. When she stumbles upon an old art school that used to exist in the Grand Central Terminal, she suddenly finds meaning and purpose in discovering what happened to Clara Darden and who the mysterious artist who called himself 'Clyde' really was. That's not to say it's a mystery. This novel is very much about the journey and learning about the characters, who are well fleshed out.

I adored the detailed descriptions of artwork and fashion and although it was slow paced, it was never boring. I enjoyed reading about both women come into their own and rediscover themselves.

Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

"The terminal was like a giant gallery of hidden art; you just had to know where to look."
Fiona Davis does it again in a gorgeous story of past and present with the architectural wonder, Grand Central Terminal, taking center stage. Her attention to rich and often unbelievable detail, moves this novel along, weaving fact and fiction into a textured narrative. The Great Depression and the Recession of the 70's serve to anchor parallel stories, which intersect at an unexpected conclusion. I have walked past the plaque which acknowledges Jackie Onassis Kennedy's contribution to the restoration possibly hundreds of times. It now takes on an entirely new meaning...bravo Ms. Davis!

As always, the New York history presented by Fiona Davis in this third novel is most interesting. And I love the way she brings historical figures into her tales. As a many time visitor to the city, visitor through Grand Central, and customer at the Oyster Bar, I was totally ignorant of the art school and its importance to the development of major American artists. Also I had totally forgotten about the long drawn out fight to destroy (or keep) Grand Central and Jackie O’s involvement in that. Many thanks for all this good history and the good reminders.

In all 3 novels the story takes a real back seat, as it were, to the history portrayed. Characterization is, at best, unrealistic. This story is better than the first two, more enjoyable and a little more creditable, but Davis really needs to get a different editor. I would suggest an older woman who knows women and who knows what they are like and how they act – especially during different eras. It’s only certain modern women who think women achieved by slutting themselves.

All in all it was an enjoyable read and one I would recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Group, for an ARC of this book. The review is [obviously] my own.

Anyone who has travelled through Grand Central Terminal will appreciate this story that takes us from its heyday in 1929 to the fight in the 1970's to save it from being torn down. Fiona Davis weaves the stories of two women struggling for their identities and their independence, linked by their jobs at Grand Central.

I love Fiona Davis! Her use of New York's historical landmarks and prominent personalities educate me as well as entertain.

A clever novel packed with historical and architectural details that will please readers who cherish New York City. Strong female characters and well written dialog provide an excellent framework for a narrative with some interesting twists.

A story about artists and beauty and courage and strength. ❤️I loved this third book by Fiona Davis! The way she tells a story about people and a historical building at the same time is so original.

Before I review this, I want to make it clear that I have not read any books of Ms. Davis's before. However, I could get into reading them after reading The Masterpiece.

Now that I have listed that disclaimer, The Masterpiece was a very gripping historical fiction novel. I enjoyed how the author wrote the book with dual perspectives and would definitely recommend it to fans of surprises and/or historical fiction.

Fiona Davis knows how to weave a story! I was pulled in from beginning to end. I was drawn to the characters & held my breath as each new discovery was made. I think this would be a great book club read.

Fiona Davis' books are just so captivating. I am fangirling all over! I just completed a marathon read of The Masterpiece followed by The Dollhouse (which I have been dying to read since I heard about it in 2016). I have a major book hangover. The Masterpiece has two timelines, two narratives, two strong women. Clara Darden in 1928, a single woman, artist living in NYC and teaching illustration at Grand Central School of Art, located in Grand Central Terminal, of course. Virginia Clay in 1974, is a divorced mother of a college aged daughter. Virginia takes a job working at the information booth located inside the Grand Central Terminal. The terminal in the 70's is a far cry from the gem it once was in the early 20th century. It's dirty and crime ridden, but Virginia can see the splendor under the grime. As usual, Ms. Davis cleverly connects the two timelines and characters sprinkling a bit of mystery and romance along the way. There are plenty of other interesting characters to round out the story. Ms. Davis' stories are well researched and it shows in all the period detail. After reading this, I wish I had been able to take more time exploring Grand Central when I was there in October 2016, funnily enough I was coming to CT to an author greeting/signing for the Ms. Davis and several other historical fiction authors. I love how Fiona's writing brings a little corner of the huge metropolis on NYC to life in her stories. I eagerly await the next book.

The Masterpiece follows 2 women 50 years apart leading their new lives on their own. Their stories will soon meet through a small piece of art and a very large Historical site (Grand Central Terminal) The story

The Masterpiece is my first book by Fiona Davis, but I am am sure it won't be my last! The setting is beautifully illustrated and the characters intriguing. Though I have to admit, I was initially most drawn to the cover, the actually story was so engaging! I am a sucker for historical fiction, and will go back and read this author's other books in the future!

The upper floors of New York's masterpiece, Grand Central Station, in 1928, house the Grand Central School of Art. Clara Darden, who teaches at the school and is a cover illustrator for Vogue magazine, is fighting for her place in the world of men every step of the way.

50 years later, Virginia Clay accepts a job working at a law firm on the same upper floors when she stumbles upon the remains of the school. A painting stuck behind a cabinet in the school offices begins her quest to bring Clara's work to the forefront and to identify the mysterious "Clyde".

There are many masterpieces in this novel, and Grand Central is only one of them.

I read this EARC courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Group. pub date 08/07/18

True to form, Fiona Davis has brought to life another interesting historical era and setting (the Grand Central Terminal and it's art school). Although a bit formulaic, the formula works. Two time periods involved and both narratives ultimately connect. Entertaining.

A unique and vivid setting, both in the vibrant 20s and the dingy 70s, but the characters felt one-dimensional.