The Girl Who Fled the Picture

by Jane Anderson

A girl who won’t conform. A journey across 18th Century Europe. A dangerous pursuit of forbidden love.

1742, Constantinople. Fifteen-year-old Isabella dons Turkish dress to pose for her portrait. The touch of the artist’s apprentice freeing her from corsets and draping her in sensuous silk unleashes a passion that changes her life forever.

Fleeing to Rome to avoid an arranged marriage, Isabella rebuilds her life creating beautiful silver jewellery but love for the apprentice takes her on another journey. She arrives in Scotland just in time for the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. In the midst of the dangerous intrigue of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s court, will the forbidden nature of her secret love see her lose everything?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Queer

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2023

About the author

I am an Edinburgh based writer of historical fiction. I was born in Fife and originally studied English Literature at Edinburgh University. I spent most of my life living overseas in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Azerbaijan and most recently, Egypt.

I travelled extensively, including visiting Moscow and St Petersburg. Retelling history from the point of view of women is where the fun begins.

Edinburgh is a great place to be a writer and I am very active in the local writing community. I help to run two literary organisations here: The Edinburgh Writers’ Forum and the Edinburgh Women’s Fiction Festival.

My next novel The Orchid Hunter’s Daughter will come out towards the end of 2025.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The Girl Who Fled the Picture is a beautifully written historical fiction book set during the Jacobite Rebellion. Isabella was a wonderful character to follow, and I really felt for her at times during this story. If I didn't know this was a debut and was told this after reading this book, I'd have been like,'No way!' It's that amazingly written, and I'm hard pressed to find any criticism at all, except I'd have liked to know what happened to Sir John and the painting at the end of the book. If you're a fan of forbidden love, adventure, eighteenth century reads, romance, mystery and historical fiction, this is definitely a book I recommend! Jane Anderson is definitely an author to watch out for!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Who Fled the Picture is just the kind of historical fiction I enjoy. Set in the 18th century, it transports us to several different places in this, one of my favourite eras to read about. We begin in Constantinople, where the two worlds of Western Europe and Asia meet. Jane Anderson has written evocative descriptions of the city, the buildings, the fashions, the people. She made it easy to visualise these beautiful places and see them through the eyes of Isabella.

Isabella is a spirited heroine who you can sense is frustrated with the hand life has dealt her. An orphan, she travels with her uncle, who is a jeweller, helping him attract well-to-do clients and she is a talented silversmith herself. She certainly isn’t going to let herself be married off to an older man who she has no feelings for, especially when there is handsome artist’s apprentice Vittorio in the world.

The Girl Who Fled the Picture takes the reader on an exciting adventure across Europe taking in Italy and France and ending up right here in Edinburgh just as Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite followers march on the town. Isabella has to rely on her own resourcefulness and finds she has a good friend and ally in her chaperone Mistress Nichol. Issy has been betrayed by someone she trusted and is trying to make her own decisions at a time when women have very little agency. She is in love with someone from a very different social circle and any kind of relationship seems impossible but she has the dream that she will be with her true love.

The book is not without surprises; one in particular had me open-mouthed. I had no inkling about what was revealed, yet it all made perfect sense.

The Girl Who Fled the Picture is thrilling historical fiction filled with strong female characters and telling history from a woman’s point of view. I liked the inclusion of real people and historical happenings in the novel which made it feel very authentic. It’s a book filled with danger, love, passion and excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent debut novel and can’t wait to read more from Jane Anderson.

[Gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel of a young girl trying to survive in an eighteenth century world with the epic backdrop of the Jacobite Rebellion. It’s a period of history I am not too familiar with so I found all the Jacobite planning to be very interesting.

Despite how interesting the second half of the book was, I think my favourite was the first half. I loved reading about how the painting was made and Isabella trying to get away from Sir John. I would have loved to know what happened to Sir John and the painting in the end. I really loved the forbidden love side of the novel, it was beautifully written and I just wanted Isabella and Vee to get married and live happily ever after.

I think this novel will really appeal to fans of romantic historical fiction. I will definitely be looking to read more of Jane Anderson in the future. Also, I have to mention how beautiful is this front cover?! Stunning.

I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.

[Robin Huffmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this wonderful historical fiction. Follow the journey of 3 women, including the one that was in a true historical painting. Two strong young women and one strong older woman who travel through European countries in 1742+ and land in Edinburgh. Life is not always easy but they figure out how to make their dreams come true while standing up for what they believe in.

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Girl Who Fled the Picture’ is an outstanding piece of historical fiction, packed full of adventure, forbidden love and female empowerment! This is Jane’s first novel and I truly would not of believed this as the writing, pace and narrative are brilliant! Plus, we have iconic characters to boot!

1742 Constantinople finds 15-year-old Isabella travelling across Europe with her Uncle Richard selling their jewellery, but they contain fake stones. Isabella ends up posing for a portrait and meets the artist’s apprentice and falls head over heels in love for him. Fleeing to Rome to escape an unwanted arranged marriage Isabella and her companion Mistress Noble realise they need to gain their financial independence. Having to return to Scotland to sort out her inheritance, the group lands just as the Jacobite Rebellion takes place.

This is a great piece of historical fiction! Packed full of authentic and rich details, you are instantly transported to Isabella’s world and the exotic locations. I am not really a romance girl (getting better I promise you!) but I loved the forbidden love story in this book! Isabella is a great character and I totally fell for her. The historical threads of the exile Prince Charlie and the return to Scotland was portrayed fantastically, it's clear that the author has done their research and applied it in the best way!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical romance that drags you in immediately. The writing has a lovely flow to it that I found myself immediately enjoying the book, and wanting to keep reading, even as my eyes were closing on themselves for being too sleepy. I’m not really a “historical” reader, but when they are written as eloquently as this one, sign me up! You won’t want to miss this one. The main character being 15 and going through all this mentally through me off at first, but given the time period (1700s), yeah it makes sense. It just still baffles me that those poor babies had to go through all of that back in the day. But watching Isabella learn to accept touch (of love, rather than from creeps) was both beautiful and sad. I just kept thinking this poor girl. Also as you fry further into the book, it had a backdrop of the Jacobite Rebellion, which immediately made me think of Outlander (another series I love). The cover and writing of this book are both gorgeous!! Definitely recommend.
Thank you Love Books Tours for the early copy.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that grabs your attention with this book is obviously this gorgeous front cover. It initially reminded me of the Lancashire/Yorkshire roses, just because of the colouring - but it also shouts a real feminine energy, looks like a stained glass window ....and is just stunning - I love it!

This book takes us on a journey across Europe in the 18th Century and we follow Isabella in her pursuit of forbidden love.

I used to shy away from historical fiction, but through my tours, I've read some amazing books and this one was beautifully written and fascinating.
I loved the character of Isabella who was passionate and loved by her heart, but also showed an inner strength and resillience that allowed her to create the opportunities and take them.

We travel with Isabella from Constantinople (now Istanbul) where her adventure and love begins. This was so richly described that I was completely transported there. The culture so different to our own and even more so given the era.
We travel then to Rome, as Isabella flees from her arranged marriage. Once again the descriptions of the places are so vivid that it was easy to become immersed. I loved that Isabella was creating jewellery here and was able to position herself in this new culture.
When finally Isabella follows her love, we end up in a Jacobite Edinburgh (a city that I would love to visit). This was a time of political unrest and high adventure, an important point in history which I've never explored before. The historical facts and information weaved into the story were fascinating and made me, later, go and read up a bit more about that period.

Essentially a story of love, this book was so much more. The writing style was beautifully crafted (I can't believe this is a debut!!) and the characters relatable and lovable.
A really great read and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

[Fizza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was certainly unexpected.

[Robin Ion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of historical fiction and was keen to read this book when I came across it by chance in a conversation on Twitter.
It reminded me a little of the classic R.L Stevenson Scottish adventures - it's fast-paced, characters are appealing and the villains are villainous. The action takes place across Europe and against the backdrop of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. I enjoyed the locations - especially Edinburgh. The story of the Stuart prince and his claim to the throne is also interesting and very romantic .
The overarching story about two young women and their chaperone ,who try to make their way in a male dominated world , is the thing that ties the book together. Issy , Vee and Bessie develop as characters over the course of the novel . I particularly liked Bessie - an ordinary Edinburgh woman whose life has been challenging but who retains a spirit for adventure and a hope for a better life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to more from this author .

[Caitlin (cottagewitchreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so many ups and downs I felt like I was on a rollercoaster.

15 year old Isabella and her uncle make their living selling jewellery, once part of high society but now forced to work for their keep. But when a long lost family friend commissions for Issy to have her portrait done, her life is changed forever. A budding love for the artist’s apprentice, fleeing to Rome to escape an arranged marriage, caught in the middle of the Jacobian Rebellion. Issy is faced with hardships and questions, will she be able to sort through the mess and keep her forbidden love or will it all be lost forever?

The author expertly crafted 1770’s Europe, the descriptions and language used to describe the places, objects, scenery, and events really put you in the chapter, like you were really there in a Bazar or Castle. There were a few moments in this book where I did audibly scream (two prominent times that I wont spoil), always an indicator of good writing.

Issy deserves a long sit down and a hot drink after what she’s had to endure. How she never lost hope is beyond me and I admired her for it. Her story was full of adventure, of hardships, of love, of cruelty. To me it seemed that Issy has been manipulated all her life, but she had the courage to speak up about it and I’m glad she did.

The romance started off a bit rocky for me. One moment they were glancing at one another, the next they were proclaiming love? In spite of this, once they were older and had more interactions, I liked their romance. I thought it was very sweet and very forbidden (no joke when they say forbidden romance!) But there was some spice here too and I felt it was the right amount for this story.

I have to say that my favourite character in the entire book was Bessie. An ally, a mother figure, and a friend. I connected with her instantly and I only grew to like her more with each chapter. I applaud the author for making me wish I could be her friend too!

A twisting tale of adventure and forbidden love in an historical setting. Historical fiction fans should pick this one up.


My question for the author is this: Of all the places Issy visited, which was your favourite to research and write about?

Thank you to Love Book Tours and Jane for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Joce_a_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We all have purpose even if we're still striving to understand what that is" - Angela Bassett

The Girl who Fled the Picture is set in 1754 moving from Constantinople to the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. Isabella, an orphan, has been living with her Uncle for years forging jewelry when she meets Vittorio, an apprentice painter in Constantinople. Throughout this story, Isabella, her friends and the woman around her find inner strength amidst a world that is every changing.

The 1750's are a fascinating time, especially in England and in Scotland as the Stuarts are fighting for power. Using this setting as a backdrop to the story was very interesting and really propelled the story forward. At this time, women had very few rights - at one point in the story, it is even pointed out to Isabella that all her earthly possessions and finances become the property of her husband should she marry. Yet these women manage to find the strength to pave their own way in life!

What I LOVED:
I really enjoyed Isabella's character, her awareness of her own mind and her continued motivation to be an independent woman. I enjoyed the friendship she displayed throughout the book, as she was someone who had strong morals and principles and really fought for herself.
The twist in this book was jaw dropping and very interesting!! No spoilers here, but worth a read!

What I didn't:
Sometimes there were too many characters and competing storylines, while I wanted to spend time with my favourites! Never a bad problem to have because everyone will connect to different characters within the story!

The Verdict:
Check out this great novel from Jane Anderson!

[Sara S. Alvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big history buff and always enjoy a well crafted story. The Girl Who Fled the Picture is loosely based on events leading to the Jacobite Revolution, and reading the book made me google this history bit. The book cover is beautifully illustrated.

Isabella may come across as demure but proves to be a resilient character. This my second book this month with a strong female protagonist and I wasn’t disappointed. The first few chapters beautifully capture the richness of the Constantinople, now Istanbul and the stark contrast of Colonialism. Though there were a few slow instances in the book that dragged a little, the plot was well constructed and minutely detailed. The book is mainly told through Isabella’s POV but we are also shown what her chaperone, Bessi, thinks and feels. I enjoyed the chapters about Rome as it was like a virtual tour of some the places. The last half of the book brings us to Edinburgh, another favourite city of mine.
The book has treachery, forbidden relationships, and unconventional skills for a woman to have in in the year 1743. Definitely pick it up if you are a historical fiction can and enjoy political stories. I look forward to more books by the author.

❤️📖

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a captivating historical fiction that truly transports you back to 18th Century Europe.

Set during the Jacobite Rebellion, we follow the spirited, orphaned Isabella travel across Europe with her Uncle - helping to make knock-off jewellery for her Uncle to sell. But things take a turn when her Uncle tries to marry Isabella to Sir John, which she does not want. Isabella wants to be free to make her own choices, and her heart is set on the handsome Vittorio - an artists apprentice.

As we travel with Isabella as she tries to flee Sir John, we land in Italy, France and ultimately Edinburgh - right in the time where the Jacobite Rebellion was at its peak.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I haven't read many historical fiction novels, but this had made me want to read more. I was so captivated by Isabella's story, the friendships she makes along the way, and of course the love interest.

The story was so beautifully written and I loved learning more of the history about the Jacobite Rebellion. Isabella had such a passionate heart and I loved how strong she was - determined to make a life for herself and the one she loved.

Overall, this was a really enthralling, captivating read - and I can't wait to read more by Jane!

Thank you to LoveBookTours for this copy. This review is voluntary.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, this book has a stunning cover and it honestly drew me on to this read. Then I checked out the blurb and just knew I absolutely had to read this journey.
I found the blurb really introduced us to a tale of the adventures of a woman, in a time that was suited to the person she was inside. She wanted to follow the love that gave her a feeling unlike any other, but the love was not allowed in the time. She travelled all over the world, trying to satisfy her list, but not evening making fine jewellery would do it. It was so brilliant to get a glimpse into such a different time, sometime where you were exchanged in marriage for a trade and expectations were that you followed as you were told. It was interesting and very exciting and I read.
The main character was interesting to get to know, and really see inside the mind of a quiet rebel. I found the book exciting and intriguing.

[Fam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, well written, Historical Story

This is a story about a young lady called Isabella Godfrey who travels across 18th century Europe & meets some interesting characters along the way. Whilst visiting Constantinople she has her portrait painted & life for Isabella changes forever.

The places she visits are very descriptive and so is Isabella's jewellery making skills where she produces beautiful silver jewellery which in time will hopefully help rebuild her life.

Eventually she arrives in Edinburgh just in time for the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.
There is plenty twists which will keep you interested throughout.

I discovered Jane Anderson at a Literacy Festival in Dundee. When I saw the cover of her books I just knew & when I read the blurb I was sold. So kind of her to sign my book aswell.
I will certainly be looking forward to reading another Jane Anderson book in the future.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story pulled me in from the beginning. The author did a wonderful job writing the story and creating characters that all seem real.

The main character is a courageous character trying to make a life for herself. She is orphaned and left in her uncle's care, which then puts her in a few situations she didn't agree to. Thankfully she comes across people willing to help her.

I liked that this story was more than just a romance. She wanted so much more for her life and romance wasn't the main focus. There is a lot of adventure in the story.

This story does include scenes of violent behavior in the beginning.

Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to be part of the tour. Please check out other reviewers tagged in this post.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and following the story of the two main female characters in times where women were owned by men, be it their fathers or other male relatives or their husbands.

I’m not knowledgeable on this period of history but that wasn’t a problem and I still understood the storyline.

I really enjoyed getting to know Isabella. She came across as a strong, independent woman in a time when that was very unusual. I also grew to like Bessie who put herself in danger to help Isabella.

I highly recommend this novel!

[Abi C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the author’s debut novel and I hope to see more!

Imagine being 15 years old in the 18th century and having to somehow get from Turkey to Rome? This book has strong female characters and includes themes of love and loss, set at a tumultuous time in history. The catholic royal family are in exile and there is war threatened, so the political and historical backdrop is also really interesting. I loved the characters of Izzy and Bessie.

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soo can I just say I'm really loving the historical books or books set wayyy back in time I never in a million years thought I would enjoy these books like I do I can't get enough of them and this book was no exception I loved Isabella and her story and how strong of a character she was. I truly felt for her and her journey was incredible!! I legit couldn't put this book down!! I was so invested and I had to know what happened next. Y'all need to go get this book!!!

[Hellerick Ferlibay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not every book has to be complex, but this one was too simple for my liking. The language was too modern, the dialogues too quick and short, the decisions were rushed, and the characters were too determined by stereotypes. And the author did not seem to know much about the described era. Somehow this story seems kinda fake.

[Melanie McAinsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the journey of these women, the historical time frame, a wonderful sense of place and the love story that unfolded.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible adventure! At no point did I know what would happen next. Wonderful.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and forbidden love is a trope that is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine for many reasons and so I was so keen to read and review this book, and, it really didn't disappoint.

This book is so well written, the fact that this is a debut novel blows me away in all honesty. The story line is absolutely captivating, I didn't want the book to end, and the characters are well developed and I fell in love with them, especially Isabella, seriously girl, I have blanket fort, snacks and a pile of books with your name on it when you want to come and sleep over in my head.

I loved the romance element, but it was also so much more than that it was absolutely crammed full of adventure and mystery. I couldn't put it down and i missed out on lunch to keep reading - anyone who knows me would know what a big deal that is.

I loved it and I cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a debut novel this was! You’d not think reading it that it was a first book by this author, such a great story, well written and researched. Set during the 1700’s in Rome and Scotland, during the Jacobite times of such uncertainty and danger.

I loved Isabella, how she overcame so much in her short lifetime that we follow her is just amazing. She makes some great friends during her travels who prove to be incredibly loyal during such awful times. There are times of fun and laughter but also of heartache and sadness.

Such a fantastic historical novel, go read it and I’ll be keeping this author on my radar for future releases.

[Jeane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifteen-year-old Isabella is travelling around the world with her uncle, after she has lost her parents. When they arrive in Constantinople, she poses for a portrait in traditional clothing and this encounter soon starts changing her life. Isabella seems to be destined for bad luck, brought to her by people who claim to know bests for her. Luckily there are also others who mean well, who start to fill her life and together with these friends her further travels, hardship and struggles... she takes up everything that comes her direction. From Rome to Scotland they follow her, during the Jacobite rebellion she keeps showing her strength. While all the time only one thing is on her mind, will she be able to stay with her one true love and what will she have to lose for it.

I was hoping the story wouldn't be a weak, romantic story and it didn't disappoint. The girl who fled the picture brings us a strong story filled with history, travels and strong, interesting characters. Women who don't want to conform to traditional eighteen century views. Isabella shows that she isn't just a young girl. Whatever kind of situation is thrown to her, she takes it up and tries to make the best of the situations. For a girl this young, she is remarkable. But characters like Vee, Richard, ...too. I loved Bessie, she is such an amazing, beautiful person. She has lost so much from a you age too and keeps going. She was such a binding character in the book and you just have to love her.
From the first sentences that I read of this story, I was thinking ...if the story and writing doesn't change, this will be a beautiful story to enjoy reading. And I was absolutely right, it was a pageturner! Historical fiction

[Johanna Markson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this love story that takes you across Europe and grabs you immediately.

[Jo Gosling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this and, in fairness, had the first part of the book not been engaging, I probably wouldn’t have finished it.

I liked the story linking Isabella’s portrait to a real and somewhat enigmatic painting and how she refused to accept the future prepared for her by the domineering men in her life. Isabella’s strength of character in the first part was quite compelling and I could ignore the irksome things (everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) that her chaperone Bessie ‘muttered’ or ‘mumbled under her breath’, as well as the very clunky but inconsistent broken English that was an attempt to convey Vee’s Italian accent.

But once the initial peril dissipated and the romance developed fully, the story lost something for me. Isabella turned into a paranoid and jealous whiner and the dialogue lost any credibility of historical plausibility. I usually enjoy learning about unfamiliar periods in history when I read historical fiction but this was so focused on the romance that any detail about the Jacobite uprising was just an afterthought in the background. Disappointing.