<b>"There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." -Vincent Van Gogh</b>

When I requested this ARC there were no reviews for it anywhere and I wasn't familiar with the author. Still sometimes novels whisper, "Read me." even when I already have stacks to get to. I was an art teacher for a few years and in my classroom the walls were covered in poster sized prints of famous works. The artists' names weren't visible, and students of all ages visited my room. Without fail Van Gogh's pieces were the biggest draw regardless of student age. I will do my best to explain the rather intricate premise and a bit of character study, sans spoilers of course.

This novel gave me a book hangover because there was so much to take in. I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading then I started noticing double meanings and imagery and I had to slow my pace because missing something wasn't an option. The layout is told through multiple POVs and a dual timeline the historic section takes place along the years 1888-1924. If you know your Van Gogh, you will note this will be when he was in France and that his suicide occurred during this stretch. While he is in France in the novel, this is historical fiction, and I can tell it is heavily researched. However, if you're looking for a play by play of Vincent's life look elsewhere perhaps to the collections of his letters. He is a supporting character in this novel. The modern timeline takes place in 2012 we meet Jane Ward a librarian who suffered an accident as a teen that left her color blind and face blind with a single exception. There is a mesmerizing painting displayed in her Granny Jo's home that she has adored since childhood, and she can see both color and the woman's face. Doctor's call it "phantom sight".

Jane's friend Ted shows her a portrait done by landscape artist Francis Firth of his wife Caroline. On The woman in the portrait is the same woman in Granny Jo's painting and Jane can see the red poppy in this painting too. Jane is invited to the bring her painting to the Firth Gallery. However, her first night in Geneva ends with her drugged and the painting stolen. Her path to recover the beloved art leads to the Alps where more history and hard truths await to be unraveled.

Sophie the woman in the painting lives life out loud given half a chance. She goes skinny dipping, riding horses with the Shawnee, and spends time as a boat deck girl. She also struggles with her mental health and spent time in various asylums from childhood. Much like the character of Vincent the author took care to show her brilliance and vulnerability.

There was much to discover in these 422 pages never a lull. Both timelines were engaging and the author included other facts about those moments in history to further solidify the timeline. Certain characters were enigmatic I loved feverish moments when they seemed like more than words on a page. Reading this felt like an adventure to far flung corners across time and the globe. Traveling through mysteries, imagination, and thought feels electric. I stayed up last night because I couldn't stop thinking about this novel!

Due to the title and the fact that it contains a romantic thread I will mention that the spicy scenes are tasteful. There is nothing I considered overtly graphic or coarse language.

At its heart this is the story of two women separated by time, connected by a beloved painting. The intricate design of this novel and its fascinating characters held my hand across the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review. All opinions are my own.

It was lovely to revisit one of my favourite cities in Southern France and read about an artist who fascinates me. This was one of the better Van Gogh stories I’ve read because the plot was so unique! I was pulled in by the mystery, given a chance to be an armchair detective, and was enlightened about all things Van Gogh. I’ll be recommending this to my fellow Van Gogh enthusiasts and telling them that Hetzer breathes life and colour into this painter’s life.

I was gifted this copy by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Well written with believable characters. It’s a thriller you will love. A must read. I was given an ARC to read and leave my honest review. These words are mine.

A wonderful read!
Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.