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Love Hurts
A tiny child’s face hidden within each painting is at the heart of the mystery surrounding world-renowned artist, Catarina di Rossi. It’s this mystery that’s also at the heart of the broken relationships with her two daughters.
Catarina paints breathtaking landscapes, but always with the little child’s face somewhere in the midst of the painting. Instinctively, Anna knows it’s the child, although she doesn’t know who it is, who has stolen their mother’s ability to love her own children.
Anna and her sister, Jilly, walked away from their mother and the family fortune over a decade ago in order to not only find themselves, out from under the shadow of their famous mother, but also to get away from the constant pain of being ignored for the sake of their mother’s passion.
Anna followed in her mother’s footsteps when she walked away from her childhood sweetheart, Chris Mackenzie, in order to escape the pain of the relationship with her mother. Her mother left Italy, and Anna’s father, many years ago for the same reason.
Anna not only has to face her mother if she’s to make peace with her past, but also Chris, and the guilt from breaking his heart. Anna knows that unless she faces what she’s done, she will never have what she wants most.
Catarina paints breathtaking landscapes, but always with the little child’s face somewhere in the midst of the painting. Instinctively, Anna knows it’s the child, although she doesn’t know who it is, who has stolen their mother’s ability to love her own children.
Anna and her sister, Jilly, walked away from their mother and the family fortune over a decade ago in order to not only find themselves, out from under the shadow of their famous mother, but also to get away from the constant pain of being ignored for the sake of their mother’s passion.
Anna followed in her mother’s footsteps when she walked away from her childhood sweetheart, Chris Mackenzie, in order to escape the pain of the relationship with her mother. Her mother left Italy, and Anna’s father, many years ago for the same reason.
Anna not only has to face her mother if she’s to make peace with her past, but also Chris, and the guilt from breaking his heart. Anna knows that unless she faces what she’s done, she will never have what she wants most.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
48 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Grate
5 books7 followersBrenda Grate is the author of four novels spanning women's fiction and young adult genres. Her upcoming releases include The Mediterranean Herbalist, a comprehensive herbal guide, and a travel memoir.
As a certified herbalist, novelist, and artist, Brenda draws on her diverse experiences to create rich, authentic narratives and characters. Her extensive travels, herbal training, and wildlife art have cultivated a deep connection to the natural world. A lifelong learner, she continually explores new storytelling themes and pushes creative boundaries.
Currently residing in Greece with her husband, Brenda shares her farm life with her cats Diego and Molly, who are constant companions in her creative and herbal adventures.
As a certified herbalist, novelist, and artist, Brenda draws on her diverse experiences to create rich, authentic narratives and characters. Her extensive travels, herbal training, and wildlife art have cultivated a deep connection to the natural world. A lifelong learner, she continually explores new storytelling themes and pushes creative boundaries.
Currently residing in Greece with her husband, Brenda shares her farm life with her cats Diego and Molly, who are constant companions in her creative and herbal adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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February 10, 2016208pgs, she is a famous artist and always includes a childs face somewhere in the landscape. She cannot love her own children, and they know it has something to do with the child in the pictures. The child 19s face hidden within each painting is at the heart of the mystery. It 19s this mystery that 19s also at the heart of the broken relationships with her two daughters.
March 1, 2013
It was a touching story, but something was lacking. I'm not sure what. I think it was that even though the main characters went through some pretty heavy stuff emotionally, it didn't go deep enough and got resolved rather smoothly in the end.
February 25, 2016
Good read
I started out slow on this book but the more I read the more it got my attention. I loved the story. I also love the descriptions of the country. Sure makes you want to travel to Italy!
I started out slow on this book but the more I read the more it got my attention. I loved the story. I also love the descriptions of the country. Sure makes you want to travel to Italy!
January 25, 2019
Wow, this is book touched so many emotions!
It has been a very long time since I have read a book that was so difficult to put down. It was very well written as far as putting you in the place of each character and the need of each character.
It has been a very long time since I have read a book that was so difficult to put down. It was very well written as far as putting you in the place of each character and the need of each character.
February 24, 2024
A story of what happens when people don't communicate
Two sisters haven't spoken to their mom, an artist in years
She gets in touch with a gallery owner on the sisters' town to have a gala with a piece she painted of them as little girls.
This is when everything begins to change.
Two sisters haven't spoken to their mom, an artist in years
She gets in touch with a gallery owner on the sisters' town to have a gala with a piece she painted of them as little girls.
This is when everything begins to change.
August 11, 2020
Good story.
Liked the feel good happy ending. Nice that the family finally talked, which is what they needed to come to terms with the past.
Liked the feel good happy ending. Nice that the family finally talked, which is what they needed to come to terms with the past.
May 21, 2013
I have just finished reading Love Hurts. Once started I could not put it down and read it in one day. The development of the characters and their emotional issues was excellent. As the story developed the complexity of generational issues was presented. The pain and suffering, due to secrets, was felt intensely. One had to wonder how these issues would ever be resolved. A great story of the healing of intense pain through forgiveness and understanding. I recommend this book highly!
April 13, 2013
very good light reading romance and family relations novel--I read it in one day so not difficult to read but keeps your interest and gives some incite into how family secrets can destroy family relationships for generations
June 7, 2013
I actually really enjoyed this book. I read it rather quickly because I was just so curious about what would happen next. But I do kinda wish we would know more about what happened to everyone in the end. Maybe a book #2?!
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October 15, 2012Amazon Freebie 10/15/2012
February 16, 2013
This book was very touching! It really makes you think about choices we make in life. Love does hurt...title is perfect! Great book!
April 23, 2013
This story kept me up because I couldn't put it down. I was very intrigued to see where the sotry would go.
November 16, 2013
The story has potential but it was so lacking and rushed
January 7, 2014
Good sotry with a happy ending. Quick reading too. I'd read more of her novels!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews