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In Plain Sight
Two young publicists, driven by grief and ambition, make their mark in Chicago’s elusive, but powerful art world. The future seems bright. If they can find the courage to face a dark past.
Vanessa Montes is torn. While grieving her beloved grandmother, she nervously anticipates her new dream job at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her path soon crosses with Shay Pearson, a passionate art lover and driven marketing director, who was overlooked for the position. Despite their differences, the two women work well together and even form a deep bond when Shay experiences the loss of her own grandmother.
Their collaborative debut is the museum's annual gala, a pivotal event that holds the key to their intertwined futures. Seeking guidance, they enlist the expertise of Elyse Ryerson McArthur-curator of the European collection and a scion of Chicago's influential lineage-who wields more power and influence than they could ever imagine. Alongside fellow curator Quinn McCourt, the team begins planning the museum's paramount fundraiser.
As financial pressures and family duties begin to weigh on both Vanessa and Shay, the gala's triumph becomes critical. But behind the art world's glittering facade, they find the path to success is riddled with greed, jealousy, and deceit.
The allure and mystique of the art world intertwines with the opulence of Chicago's elite in this captivating novel that delves into the city's eternal struggle for justice
Vanessa Montes is torn. While grieving her beloved grandmother, she nervously anticipates her new dream job at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her path soon crosses with Shay Pearson, a passionate art lover and driven marketing director, who was overlooked for the position. Despite their differences, the two women work well together and even form a deep bond when Shay experiences the loss of her own grandmother.
Their collaborative debut is the museum's annual gala, a pivotal event that holds the key to their intertwined futures. Seeking guidance, they enlist the expertise of Elyse Ryerson McArthur-curator of the European collection and a scion of Chicago's influential lineage-who wields more power and influence than they could ever imagine. Alongside fellow curator Quinn McCourt, the team begins planning the museum's paramount fundraiser.
As financial pressures and family duties begin to weigh on both Vanessa and Shay, the gala's triumph becomes critical. But behind the art world's glittering facade, they find the path to success is riddled with greed, jealousy, and deceit.
The allure and mystique of the art world intertwines with the opulence of Chicago's elite in this captivating novel that delves into the city's eternal struggle for justice
- GenresContemporary
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
1 person is currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Anna Marie Riley
5 books10 followersAnna writes from the ethical edge, where good people make questionable choices. Where life-altering challenges to societal norms meet the quiet mysteries of the heart. Her characters work in fascinating fields from curating centuries-old art to designing supersonic trains. Yet they experience the same joy and pain we all share. Through their eyes, readers discover the line between right and wrong isn’t just thin. It’s imaginary.
She lives in St. Louis with her husband and two dogs.
She lives in St. Louis with her husband and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 7, 2024
In Plain Sight by Anna Marie Riley takes readers into the competitive and glamorous world of Chicago's art scene. The story follows Vanessa Montes, a young woman grieving the loss of her grandmother while starting her dream job at the Art Institute of Chicago, and Shay Pearson, an ambitious marketing director who was passed over for the same position. Despite their differences, the two women team up to plan the museum's important annual gala, a high-profile event that could define their futures.
As they work together, Vanessa and Shay bond over their shared experience of loss—Shay is also mourning her grandmother—and the emotional depth of their relationship adds richness to the story. Along the way, they turn to Elyse Ryerson McArthur, a powerful curator from a well-established Chicago family, for guidance. Elyse’s influence in the art world and her connections bring both opportunities and challenges for the women.
The novel explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and deception, set against the backdrop of Chicago’s elite art world. The gala, which serves as a key event in the story, becomes a symbol of both professional success and personal stakes for Vanessa and Shay.
While the story is engaging, some parts of the plot feel predictable, and the themes of greed and ambition aren't anything new. The pacing slows down in places, and certain characters, particularly Shay, could have been developed more deeply. However, Riley does a great job of bringing the art world to life, with vivid descriptions of the museum, the gala, and the power struggles within the scene.
Overall, In Plain Sight is a solid read for fans of stories about women balancing careers, relationships, and personal growth. While it may not offer many surprises, it’s an enjoyable and immersive look at the intersection of art, ambition, and the complexities of the Chicago elite.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As they work together, Vanessa and Shay bond over their shared experience of loss—Shay is also mourning her grandmother—and the emotional depth of their relationship adds richness to the story. Along the way, they turn to Elyse Ryerson McArthur, a powerful curator from a well-established Chicago family, for guidance. Elyse’s influence in the art world and her connections bring both opportunities and challenges for the women.
The novel explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and deception, set against the backdrop of Chicago’s elite art world. The gala, which serves as a key event in the story, becomes a symbol of both professional success and personal stakes for Vanessa and Shay.
While the story is engaging, some parts of the plot feel predictable, and the themes of greed and ambition aren't anything new. The pacing slows down in places, and certain characters, particularly Shay, could have been developed more deeply. However, Riley does a great job of bringing the art world to life, with vivid descriptions of the museum, the gala, and the power struggles within the scene.
Overall, In Plain Sight is a solid read for fans of stories about women balancing careers, relationships, and personal growth. While it may not offer many surprises, it’s an enjoyable and immersive look at the intersection of art, ambition, and the complexities of the Chicago elite.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
This is an entertaining novel with a context I know little about – the competitive world of art museums. Set in Chicago at the prestigious Art Institute, the author takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of two young women who share a bond, not only at work, but in their grief over losing their respective beloved grandmothers.
Vanessa brings ten years of experience in publicity to her new role, but knows virtually nothing about art. Shay, on the other hand, has immersed herself in art since childhood. Despite her knowledge and passion for her work, she was passed over for the position given to Vanessa ostensibly due to her youth and less experience. As the two work together to promote the annual gala – a critical element for the Institute’s financial wellbeing – they are drawn into the political and social network of curators and board members.
Vanessa’s character was the least likeable of the two. Her ambition and selfish need for keeping up social appearances was often at odds with her family’s best interests. While she was friendly with Shay, there was a definite chasm that prevented a true friendship.
The author explores the personalities and life trajectories of these two characters with insight and compassion. Themes of loss, grief, ambition, and racism are woven through the story giving richness and depth. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that was difficult to put down until reaching the end.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Vanessa brings ten years of experience in publicity to her new role, but knows virtually nothing about art. Shay, on the other hand, has immersed herself in art since childhood. Despite her knowledge and passion for her work, she was passed over for the position given to Vanessa ostensibly due to her youth and less experience. As the two work together to promote the annual gala – a critical element for the Institute’s financial wellbeing – they are drawn into the political and social network of curators and board members.
Vanessa’s character was the least likeable of the two. Her ambition and selfish need for keeping up social appearances was often at odds with her family’s best interests. While she was friendly with Shay, there was a definite chasm that prevented a true friendship.
The author explores the personalities and life trajectories of these two characters with insight and compassion. Themes of loss, grief, ambition, and racism are woven through the story giving richness and depth. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that was difficult to put down until reaching the end.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
November 18, 2024
**In Plain Sight** by Anna Marie Riley, with beautiful illustrations by JeLena Fleming, is a book rich in character depth and plot, set against the backdrop of Chicago’s competitive art world.
The story follows Vanessa Montes, a young woman who is grieving the loss of her grandmother while beginning her dream job at the Art Institute of Chicago. It also features Shay Pearson, an ambitious marketing director who was overlooked for the same position.
This book takes readers on a journey with these two very different women as they both strive to establish their names in the art industry. This was a very enjoyable book.
The story follows Vanessa Montes, a young woman who is grieving the loss of her grandmother while beginning her dream job at the Art Institute of Chicago. It also features Shay Pearson, an ambitious marketing director who was overlooked for the same position.
This book takes readers on a journey with these two very different women as they both strive to establish their names in the art industry. This was a very enjoyable book.
November 6, 2024
In Plain Sight beautifully navigates the intertwined lives of Vanessa and Shay as they strive to make their mark in Chicago’s competitive art world. The story expertly blends themes of grief, ambition, and friendship against the backdrop of glamorous galas and high-stakes fundraisers. I loved how the characters felt so real and relatable, especially their struggles balancing personal loss with professional aspirations. It's a heartfelt and engaging story that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
October 8, 2025
I deeply enjoyed a story that ultimately had two fmc’s working together in two very different stages of their life, joined and bonded by similar circumstances. I know little to nothing about the intricacies of any art institute or big events like the event written about in this novel. So I can’t comment on how accurate some of the details may be, but I love how reading this book.
It was a work of art, full of emotion, and simply a delight! Thank you Goodreads for allowing me the pleasure of getting to win this book! I will think about this book for a long time!
It was a work of art, full of emotion, and simply a delight! Thank you Goodreads for allowing me the pleasure of getting to win this book! I will think about this book for a long time!
January 25, 2026
Sadly, didn't find this very engaging. The character of Vanessa was meant to be sympathetic, but the way she is written shows hints of her being ruthless, sometimes heartless, but this never materializes which somehow leads to believe the author put in possible tangents then never explored them... The plot itself was also slow and pedantic in places, but generally, the art world is well-depicted and engaging.
The copy I read of this book also had a lot of editing errors, which didn't make for an immersive experience.
The copy I read of this book also had a lot of editing errors, which didn't make for an immersive experience.
November 5, 2024
✨ Ready for a rollercoaster through Chicago’s dazzling art scene? In Plain Sight totally hooked me from the start! Vanessa and Shay’s journey is packed with drama, passion, and those “you can’t make this stuff up” moments. If you love stories about strong friendships and chasing dreams amidst glitter and gossip, this book is a must-read. Dive in and get swept away by the magic and mayhem of the art world! 🎨💖
October 11, 2025
Boring
In Plain Sight by Anna Marie Riley started out with a wake for Vanessa's Grandmother. The story stopped being interesting as he started focusing on a woman named Shay. At times Vanessa felt more like an afterthought. I'm still not sure what the story was supposed to be about.
In Plain Sight by Anna Marie Riley started out with a wake for Vanessa's Grandmother. The story stopped being interesting as he started focusing on a woman named Shay. At times Vanessa felt more like an afterthought. I'm still not sure what the story was supposed to be about.
November 3, 2025
I won this in a giveaway. While the writing is good I just couldn't get into it.
November 3, 2025
I won this in a giveaway. I honestly couldn't get into it. The writing was good though.
June 23, 2025
This was a tough book to judge, and I have had some time for my thoughts to settle. The book follows two women: a young black woman, Shay, who has the passion and knowledge for the Chicago Art industry but lacks the years necessary for respect, and a mid-career woman, Vanessa, who has the drive and experience in marketing but lacks the understanding of the art world. These women are unfortunately vying for the same job at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago as the marketing director. Both women are going through crucial moments in their lives dealing with loss and family.
I found the characters to be unlikable at points, and I was never rooting for either one. If anything, I was questioning how the Art Institute of Chicago was run and about their questionable hiring practices. I don’t think Vanessa or Shay were qualified for the job and should never have been in a position where they were both pitted against each other. Shay needed time to grow and get experience and Vanessa needed to be more knowledgeable about art before either of them became the director of the department. This could have been a story about two women working together to fill in the other’s faults but instead we got a story about two women trying to tear each other down to get to the top.
Thank you to Net Galley and the author, Anna Marie Riley, for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found the characters to be unlikable at points, and I was never rooting for either one. If anything, I was questioning how the Art Institute of Chicago was run and about their questionable hiring practices. I don’t think Vanessa or Shay were qualified for the job and should never have been in a position where they were both pitted against each other. Shay needed time to grow and get experience and Vanessa needed to be more knowledgeable about art before either of them became the director of the department. This could have been a story about two women working together to fill in the other’s faults but instead we got a story about two women trying to tear each other down to get to the top.
Thank you to Net Galley and the author, Anna Marie Riley, for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews