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The Painter from Seville
“The Spanish Inquisition, forbidden love, and a murder to be solved – add to your must-read pile.”
– Kirkus Review
‘The Painter from Seville’ is an intriguing tale of forbidden love, justice, and art, set against the complexity of Renaissance Seville.
It is 1512 and Francisca dreams of making her way as a painter. Leonardo da Vinci's radical new ideas inspire her, but reality weighs her down.
A prospective marriage looms and when she uncovers her mother's final masterpiece, questions surrounding a tragedy that befell her parents when she was a child begin to prey on her mind.
Francisca's life takes an unexpected turn when she is tasked to assist a renowned Italian artist in decorating the grand Seville Cathedral. She meets Isabel, the artist's captivating muse, whose flamenco singing ignites a passion within her that cannot be ignored.
Just as Francisca begins to believe she can break free from the constraints of her life, the Inquisition threatens and the secrets that have kept her safe unravel. Amid the splendours of the Renaissance and the dangers of persecution, she faces a stark submit or fight for freedom.
Praise for ‘The Painter from Seville’:
“Excitement builds from the start in this engaging, suspenseful, and fast-paced novel. The engaging prose, compelling characters, and suspenseful plot make for a truly enjoyable read.” – Kirkus Review
“Beautifully and eloquently written. It is a feast for the reader. I did not want the book to end.”
“Sonya Van de Graaff is a brilliant writer and storyteller. I read the first chapters and could not put it down… the plot is so interesting. Fascinating story.”
‘The Painter from Seville’ is an intriguing tale of forbidden love, justice, and art, set against the complexity of Renaissance Seville.
It is 1512 and Francisca dreams of making her way as a painter. Leonardo da Vinci's radical new ideas inspire her, but reality weighs her down.
A prospective marriage looms and when she uncovers her mother's final masterpiece, questions surrounding a tragedy that befell her parents when she was a child begin to prey on her mind.
Francisca's life takes an unexpected turn when she is tasked to assist a renowned Italian artist in decorating the grand Seville Cathedral. She meets Isabel, the artist's captivating muse, whose flamenco singing ignites a passion within her that cannot be ignored.
Just as Francisca begins to believe she can break free from the constraints of her life, the Inquisition threatens and the secrets that have kept her safe unravel. Amid the splendours of the Renaissance and the dangers of persecution, she faces a stark submit or fight for freedom.
Praise for ‘The Painter from Seville’:
“Excitement builds from the start in this engaging, suspenseful, and fast-paced novel. The engaging prose, compelling characters, and suspenseful plot make for a truly enjoyable read.” – Kirkus Review
“Beautifully and eloquently written. It is a feast for the reader. I did not want the book to end.”
“Sonya Van de Graaff is a brilliant writer and storyteller. I read the first chapters and could not put it down… the plot is so interesting. Fascinating story.”
- GenresHistorical Fiction
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
58 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 8, 2025
3.5 stars
The Painter from Seville is a fusion of historical events and fictional storytelling, interwoven with themes of forbidden love and personal awakening. The narrative immerses readers in the vibrant yet tumultuous world of early 1500s Spain, a period marked by intense political strife and religious upheaval. Within this rich backdrop, we follow the journey of a young woman as she grapples with her identity amidst societal constraints.
As she pursues her aspirations for freedom and self-discovery, the heroine navigates the complexities of her desires, which clash with the rigid societal expectations. Along her path, she encounters an unexpected romance that defies the norms of her time, challenging the conventions that seek to bind her.
Sonya Van de Graaff, in her debut novel, crafts a narrative filled with emotional depth and intricacy. The story is suffused with elements of betrayal, unrest, and secrets, all while weaving a quest for truth and justice. Each page brings forth a touch of suspense, leading to an exploration of destiny. This blend of historical reality and rich character development ensures that readers are entertained.
The Painter from Seville is a fusion of historical events and fictional storytelling, interwoven with themes of forbidden love and personal awakening. The narrative immerses readers in the vibrant yet tumultuous world of early 1500s Spain, a period marked by intense political strife and religious upheaval. Within this rich backdrop, we follow the journey of a young woman as she grapples with her identity amidst societal constraints.
As she pursues her aspirations for freedom and self-discovery, the heroine navigates the complexities of her desires, which clash with the rigid societal expectations. Along her path, she encounters an unexpected romance that defies the norms of her time, challenging the conventions that seek to bind her.
Sonya Van de Graaff, in her debut novel, crafts a narrative filled with emotional depth and intricacy. The story is suffused with elements of betrayal, unrest, and secrets, all while weaving a quest for truth and justice. Each page brings forth a touch of suspense, leading to an exploration of destiny. This blend of historical reality and rich character development ensures that readers are entertained.
January 1, 2026
The Painter from Seville follows Francisca, a young ambitious painter with a mission to make her art meaningful and known. She's given the opportunity to work under infamous painter Antonio Ceretti. Though, he is a lot more rough around the edges than she expects. Eager to impress him, she works diligently and follows his every command. In her work, she meets his lover, Isabel. Isabel is a beautiful, auburn haired woman with an air of mystery that immediately pulls Francisca in. We follow these two as they grow closer, and become inseparable.
As we follow the two, we learn of the tragedy that befell her father, leaving her mother bedridden and ill. Unbeknownst to them, Francsica and Isabel will fight for answers together... as well as a better future.
I did enjoy this one! Refreshing to read a lesbian historical fiction where neither of the leads die or are separated! Yay! Van de Graaff's way of writing is impressively descriptive and draws you in with each page. At no point in this book did I go back and think "wait, what's this setting again?" In addition to this, Van de Graaff hooks us with her characters and we care about each and every one of them. Or, at the very least, are interested in them (father Alberto you will never be in my good graces)
My only qualm/s with this are small. For one, we run into repetitive descriptions quite a bit in the middle of the story. I understand we're meant to feel Fransisca's longing, but how many times are we going to read "desire coursed through her"? Anywho, my only other qualm was what (to me) felt like an out of place exorcism to rid Francisca's mother of her long standing trauma? And then it worked? IDK I feel like that's not how trauma works but I'm also not religious so who cares about what I think.
All in all, a solid historical fiction and a solid LGBTQ+ story!
As we follow the two, we learn of the tragedy that befell her father, leaving her mother bedridden and ill. Unbeknownst to them, Francsica and Isabel will fight for answers together... as well as a better future.
I did enjoy this one! Refreshing to read a lesbian historical fiction where neither of the leads die or are separated! Yay! Van de Graaff's way of writing is impressively descriptive and draws you in with each page. At no point in this book did I go back and think "wait, what's this setting again?" In addition to this, Van de Graaff hooks us with her characters and we care about each and every one of them. Or, at the very least, are interested in them (father Alberto you will never be in my good graces)
My only qualm/s with this are small. For one, we run into repetitive descriptions quite a bit in the middle of the story. I understand we're meant to feel Fransisca's longing, but how many times are we going to read "desire coursed through her"? Anywho, my only other qualm was what (to me) felt like an out of place exorcism to rid Francisca's mother of her long standing trauma? And then it worked? IDK I feel like that's not how trauma works but I'm also not religious so who cares about what I think.
All in all, a solid historical fiction and a solid LGBTQ+ story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
This book is simply marvelous..! I do not know how else to put into words how much I truly enjoyed it. I am a huge history lover, so being put into 1500s Spain, a time in which I am most unfamiliar, truly transported me into a new world.
I haven't read properly in years, much less in recent months. This book was the perfect "coming home" I've had the joy to experience. It is beautifully written, with Sonya's ornate way of putting the smallest of detail into the bigger picture to make for easy visualization of Seville, and all of the paintings that accompany the characters throughout this story. That in itself is a detail I love so much, that each chapter or each part of Francisca's journey of self growth sort of has an artistic piece surrounding it.
She starts out a naive girl of nineteen, full of mirth and hope, thinking that if she is to finish her ill mother's forgotten mural, it'll instill hope and strength in her to get better. Her world is small outside of painting, her uncle, and their shared home with many other centric characters. Both in namesake and presently there. But, a single job opportunity opens gates to a new realm unimaginable to her at the time. As she is bestowed the chance to join a master painter as an assistant in a commission her Uncle Carlos has paid for on behalf of his church. Artistic appreciation runs in the family, even if one does not have the particular talents for it. Carlos is a patron of the arts, and hopes to make his homebase Seville as archbishop an art mecca for pilgrimage, while Francisca's mother was a brilliant painter who taught her the fundamentals before her unfortunate ailment took her over.
Francisca is hopeful that in assisting a master painter, he might help her in her journey to help her mother find the strength to want to recover from of the loss of losing Francisca's father. But, all is not as expected in her head when she meets the master with whom she'd be working alongside. The Master Antonio Ceretti, a man known for his almost blasphemous feeling works that evoke something unsettling amongst viewers and appreciators of his work. He's nothing like Francisca expected, and so quickly she loses all hope of her delusions of being taken under his wing and traveling from Spain to the arms of Rome, Italy for both artistic freedom and her mother's healing.
But in that disappointment comes a love and obsession unexpected, the Master Ceretti's lover, Isabel. The story unfolds into something unexpected, in more ways than one.
This story wasn't just about character growth or art, it was about freedom to be truly who you are and fighting with all you can until you are able to achieve whatever it is your heart so wistfully yearns for. It's got all the good bits, and more. Yearning, rebellion, youth and nativity, and plenty of emotional twists and turns. Overall a pretty easy and enjoyable read, especially if historical fiction is a completely new genre to you.
I haven't read properly in years, much less in recent months. This book was the perfect "coming home" I've had the joy to experience. It is beautifully written, with Sonya's ornate way of putting the smallest of detail into the bigger picture to make for easy visualization of Seville, and all of the paintings that accompany the characters throughout this story. That in itself is a detail I love so much, that each chapter or each part of Francisca's journey of self growth sort of has an artistic piece surrounding it.
She starts out a naive girl of nineteen, full of mirth and hope, thinking that if she is to finish her ill mother's forgotten mural, it'll instill hope and strength in her to get better. Her world is small outside of painting, her uncle, and their shared home with many other centric characters. Both in namesake and presently there. But, a single job opportunity opens gates to a new realm unimaginable to her at the time. As she is bestowed the chance to join a master painter as an assistant in a commission her Uncle Carlos has paid for on behalf of his church. Artistic appreciation runs in the family, even if one does not have the particular talents for it. Carlos is a patron of the arts, and hopes to make his homebase Seville as archbishop an art mecca for pilgrimage, while Francisca's mother was a brilliant painter who taught her the fundamentals before her unfortunate ailment took her over.
Francisca is hopeful that in assisting a master painter, he might help her in her journey to help her mother find the strength to want to recover from of the loss of losing Francisca's father. But, all is not as expected in her head when she meets the master with whom she'd be working alongside. The Master Antonio Ceretti, a man known for his almost blasphemous feeling works that evoke something unsettling amongst viewers and appreciators of his work. He's nothing like Francisca expected, and so quickly she loses all hope of her delusions of being taken under his wing and traveling from Spain to the arms of Rome, Italy for both artistic freedom and her mother's healing.
But in that disappointment comes a love and obsession unexpected, the Master Ceretti's lover, Isabel. The story unfolds into something unexpected, in more ways than one.
This story wasn't just about character growth or art, it was about freedom to be truly who you are and fighting with all you can until you are able to achieve whatever it is your heart so wistfully yearns for. It's got all the good bits, and more. Yearning, rebellion, youth and nativity, and plenty of emotional twists and turns. Overall a pretty easy and enjoyable read, especially if historical fiction is a completely new genre to you.
November 7, 2025
The Painter From Seville is an historical fiction set in Renaissance Seville, 1512. This was a captivating debut novel that blends historical intrigue, forbidden love, resilience, rebellion, justice, self identity, personal ambition, and artistic ambition into a richly layered narrative. The story follows Francisca Mendez, a nineteen-year-old aspiring painter who dreams of breaking into the male-dominated art world. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s radical ideas, she yearns for creative freedom and personal autonomy. A commission to assist the enigmatic Italian artist Antonio Ceretti at Seville Cathedral introduces Francisca to Isabel, Ceretti’s muse and a flamenco singer whose presence ignites a passionate and forbidden romance. As Francisca’s artistic and emotional journey unfolds, she must navigate the oppressive forces of the Spanish Inquisition, societal expectations, and the haunting legacy of her parents’ past.
Francisca is ambitious, introspective, and courageous, navigating societal expectations, family secrets, and the looming threat of the Spanish Inquisition. Isabel is magnetic and expressive, a symbol of freedom and desire. Their connection challenges the norms of the time, while Master Ceretti, the brooding artist, pushes Francisca to confront uncomfortable truths about art and power. This is a compelling tale of resilience, passion, and the power of art to challenge norms and reveal hidden truths. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction, art history, and stories that celebrate personal freedom against the odds. The historical backdrop is meticulously researched, with immersive depictions of Renaissance art techniques, religious politics, and cultural tensions. The pacing balances suspense with introspection, making it both a page-turner and a reflective read.
Francisca is ambitious, introspective, and courageous, navigating societal expectations, family secrets, and the looming threat of the Spanish Inquisition. Isabel is magnetic and expressive, a symbol of freedom and desire. Their connection challenges the norms of the time, while Master Ceretti, the brooding artist, pushes Francisca to confront uncomfortable truths about art and power. This is a compelling tale of resilience, passion, and the power of art to challenge norms and reveal hidden truths. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction, art history, and stories that celebrate personal freedom against the odds. The historical backdrop is meticulously researched, with immersive depictions of Renaissance art techniques, religious politics, and cultural tensions. The pacing balances suspense with introspection, making it both a page-turner and a reflective read.
September 30, 2025
This is an enjoyable and engaging historical romance which did keep me hooked until the last page. Set in 1512 in Renaissance Seville the intriguing storyline mixes forbidden love, artistic passion, and Renaissance art. With Leonardo da Vinci's radical new ideas inspiring her Francisca dreams of being a painter. Her mother’s final masterpiece gets her questioning the tragedy that her parents suffered when she was a child. Francisca’s dreams become a reality when she assists a renowned Italian artist decorating the grand Seville Cathedral. Here she meets the artist’s muse Isabel with her love of flamenco singing, who ignites an unforgettable passion within her.
Francisca believes that she can break free from the constraints of her life and avoid her prospective marriage. However, with the threat of the Spanish Inquisition, and the dangers of persecution becoming a reality Francisca faces a choice to either submit or fight for her freedom. This gripping story kept me reading way past my bedtime, unable to stop reading and eager to find out Francisca’s fate. The descriptive narrative brought the picturesque setting of Seville and the Renaissance splendours vividly to life. Whilst the added historical details transported me back in time and place, making me feel fully immersed in the story.
I love how the amazing art of the Renaissance period was sprinkled throughout the story. Francisca and Isabel’s forbidden love and their feelings and emotions came across in the narrative sending me on an emotional rollercoaster. I was hooked by the fascinating storyline and the plot twists which made this a real page turner. I was captivated throughout and the characters stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
Francisca believes that she can break free from the constraints of her life and avoid her prospective marriage. However, with the threat of the Spanish Inquisition, and the dangers of persecution becoming a reality Francisca faces a choice to either submit or fight for her freedom. This gripping story kept me reading way past my bedtime, unable to stop reading and eager to find out Francisca’s fate. The descriptive narrative brought the picturesque setting of Seville and the Renaissance splendours vividly to life. Whilst the added historical details transported me back in time and place, making me feel fully immersed in the story.
I love how the amazing art of the Renaissance period was sprinkled throughout the story. Francisca and Isabel’s forbidden love and their feelings and emotions came across in the narrative sending me on an emotional rollercoaster. I was hooked by the fascinating storyline and the plot twists which made this a real page turner. I was captivated throughout and the characters stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
November 5, 2025
Okay, so this book swept me right into the heart of Renaissance Spain, where passion simmers under the surface and art is so much more than brushstrokes on a canvas. The Painter from Seville is one of those stories that feels lush, atmospheric, and dangerously romantic — the kind that makes you want to slow down and savor the prose, but also flip pages like you’re starving for the next moment.
We follow Juan, a young painter who’s insanely gifted but trapped in a world built for everyone but him — class, power, and expectation are stacked against him from the start. And then comes Catalina, the woman who is both a muse and a disruption. Their love is forbidden in that classic, aching way: tender, intense, and edged with risk. Every time they’re on the page together, there’s this charged tension that grows and grows — you feel how dangerous their connection is, yet also how inevitable.
The historical detail is gorgeous without ever feeling heavy. The descriptions of art, the streets of Seville, the social rules, the religious pressures, the rivalries — it’s all woven together so naturally that the world just comes alive. I could practically smell the paint oils and hear the bustling markets.
What I loved most is how this book explores what it means to create — not just art, but identity. Juan’s struggle is more than love; it’s voice, purpose, survival. And Catalina? She’s not just some passive muse. She has layers, agency, and her own fire.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested — heart in my throat, hoping for them, fearing for them, feeling everything.
We follow Juan, a young painter who’s insanely gifted but trapped in a world built for everyone but him — class, power, and expectation are stacked against him from the start. And then comes Catalina, the woman who is both a muse and a disruption. Their love is forbidden in that classic, aching way: tender, intense, and edged with risk. Every time they’re on the page together, there’s this charged tension that grows and grows — you feel how dangerous their connection is, yet also how inevitable.
The historical detail is gorgeous without ever feeling heavy. The descriptions of art, the streets of Seville, the social rules, the religious pressures, the rivalries — it’s all woven together so naturally that the world just comes alive. I could practically smell the paint oils and hear the bustling markets.
What I loved most is how this book explores what it means to create — not just art, but identity. Juan’s struggle is more than love; it’s voice, purpose, survival. And Catalina? She’s not just some passive muse. She has layers, agency, and her own fire.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested — heart in my throat, hoping for them, fearing for them, feeling everything.
October 15, 2025
The Painter from Seville is a fantastic historical fiction story set in 16th-Century Seville, in the midst of the Inquisition. I was drawn to it because I love LGBTQ+ historical fiction, and I also really enjoyed the details around art history and the mysteries that Francisca is trying to solve.
For me, this book strikes the balance between teaching me a lot and keeping me in the flow of the story. We learn loads about art history, including the materials and techniques used and the stylistic conventions of the time. We also learn lots about the religious politics and persecutions of the time. These details are shared gradually and as part of immersive scenes where they help to make the story more vivid.
As Francisca completes a fresco that her mother began and abandoned many years previously, she begins to unravel mysteries about her family. I love stories where art is used to decipher mysteries and it is particularly special here that Francisca is involved in the creation of the art that she is deciphering.
This book gets five stars from me! If you enjoy historical fiction with LGBTQ+ characters, or are a fan of art history and ekphrasis, you will love this book!
For me, this book strikes the balance between teaching me a lot and keeping me in the flow of the story. We learn loads about art history, including the materials and techniques used and the stylistic conventions of the time. We also learn lots about the religious politics and persecutions of the time. These details are shared gradually and as part of immersive scenes where they help to make the story more vivid.
As Francisca completes a fresco that her mother began and abandoned many years previously, she begins to unravel mysteries about her family. I love stories where art is used to decipher mysteries and it is particularly special here that Francisca is involved in the creation of the art that she is deciphering.
This book gets five stars from me! If you enjoy historical fiction with LGBTQ+ characters, or are a fan of art history and ekphrasis, you will love this book!
October 21, 2025
The Painter from Seville: An engrossing tale of forbidden love and Renaissance art that will keep you hooked until the last page by Sonya Van de Graaff. This is such a unique, different type of historical romance. Its part historical and part fiction all meshed into one. Its the story of Francesca during 1500's Spain during a historical religious upheaval. Francesca is a 19 year old naive young lady who is trying to finish her ill mother's painting in hopes it will cause her to fight to get better. When she is offered a job as an assistant to to a master painter for a commission her Uncle has paid for as a gift to the church. Francesca is hopeful this job will free her from the constraints of marrying who has been arranged for her. While working for this master painter doesn't work out to be all she had hoped there are other doors opening up and she is exploring all kinds of new things. The journey this painting takes her on teaches her things about her family she never knew and some she may wish she never did know. It also explores love interests that are not the "norm" for this day and age. In fact it is very frowned upon. Such a deep book full of history and romance.
September 20, 2025
3 - 3.5 Stars
The Painter from Seville by Sonya Van de Graaff is a bit of a deep-dive into Renaissance Seville - blending art, ambition, and forbidden love.
Set in 1512, we follow Francisca, a young woman determined to break into the male-dominated world of painting whose journey of self-discovery comes through art, yearning, passion, obsession, and a little rebellion. Her path is filled with challenges that reflect the rigid societal norms of the time.
The story also manages to tie Francisca’s personal struggles to the broader cultural shifts of the era – making it a tale that is also about pushing boundaries and embracing new ways of thinking.
The themes of justice and forbidden love are intermingled with plenty of dramatic details and little twists to keep the reader engaged.
So if you’re into historical fiction or stories about resilience and following your dreams, this book is definitely worth picking up. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and an intriguing escape into a different time and place.
Happy Reading…
The Painter from Seville by Sonya Van de Graaff is a bit of a deep-dive into Renaissance Seville - blending art, ambition, and forbidden love.
Set in 1512, we follow Francisca, a young woman determined to break into the male-dominated world of painting whose journey of self-discovery comes through art, yearning, passion, obsession, and a little rebellion. Her path is filled with challenges that reflect the rigid societal norms of the time.
The story also manages to tie Francisca’s personal struggles to the broader cultural shifts of the era – making it a tale that is also about pushing boundaries and embracing new ways of thinking.
The themes of justice and forbidden love are intermingled with plenty of dramatic details and little twists to keep the reader engaged.
So if you’re into historical fiction or stories about resilience and following your dreams, this book is definitely worth picking up. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and an intriguing escape into a different time and place.
Happy Reading…
November 5, 2025
Francisca believes that she can break free from the constraints of her life and avoid her prospective marriage. However, with the threat of the Spanish Inquisition, and the dangers of persecution becoming a reality Francisca faces a choice to either submit or fight for her freedom. This gripping story kept me reading way past my bedtime, unable to stop reading and eager to find out Francisca’s fate. The descriptive narrative brought the picturesque setting of Seville and the Renaissance splendours vividly to life. Whilst the added historical details transported me back in time and place, making me feel fully immersed in the story.
Sonya Van de Graaff, in her debut novel, crafts a narrative filled with emotional depth and intricacy. The story is suffused with elements of betrayal, unrest, and secrets, all while weaving a quest for truth and justice. Each page brings forth a touch of suspense, leading to an exploration of destiny. This blend of historical reality and rich character development ensures that readers are entertained.
Sonya Van de Graaff, in her debut novel, crafts a narrative filled with emotional depth and intricacy. The story is suffused with elements of betrayal, unrest, and secrets, all while weaving a quest for truth and justice. Each page brings forth a touch of suspense, leading to an exploration of destiny. This blend of historical reality and rich character development ensures that readers are entertained.
November 7, 2025
This was a really interesting historical romance. It is a story of one women's journey of discovery and determination as she follows her passions at a time and place where women weren't supposed to do that. The authors attention to detail really brings the story to life for me and the details really transports me back to the time period this story is set in.
The year is 1512 and we are in Renaissance Seville, here we find a young woman called Francisca. Francisca has one dream in life to become a painter however that isn't easy as painting is a very male dominated thing so Francisca has a fight on her hands trying to expand the strict social norms to follow her dreams.
Add to this the added drama of an arranged marriage and forbidden love and so much more and you can't help find yourself captivated by Francisca's story.
I loved being transported back in time and it was interesting ready Francisca's journey of self discovery, rebelling against the rules society places on women during that time and determination and courage as she pursues her dreams.
The year is 1512 and we are in Renaissance Seville, here we find a young woman called Francisca. Francisca has one dream in life to become a painter however that isn't easy as painting is a very male dominated thing so Francisca has a fight on her hands trying to expand the strict social norms to follow her dreams.
Add to this the added drama of an arranged marriage and forbidden love and so much more and you can't help find yourself captivated by Francisca's story.
I loved being transported back in time and it was interesting ready Francisca's journey of self discovery, rebelling against the rules society places on women during that time and determination and courage as she pursues her dreams.
October 21, 2025
The Painter from Seville is set in the early 1500s, where Francisca Mendez, a young woman from a prominent household, who was fully taught to paint privately. Dreaming of becoming an artist, and inspired by the Renaissance classics like Da Vinci, her life seems to be going the way she wants until she comes face to face with a past about her mother she wasn’t prepared for. Finding painters her mother created, she will need to confront old ghosts before she can move forward. Connecting with Isabel de Flores, she will connect with her as a friend then romantically as more. During the 1500s, this type of relationship was not heard of, and the shadow of persecution and church politics could be the end of Francisca. Overall, The Painter from Seville is an emotionally driven novel combining art, forbidden love, and beautiful art all swirling together. If you are looking for a great book with such a resonating sound than this is the book for you.
March 16, 2025
Really nice sapphic historical fiction.
I don't personally have the knowledge to attest to the accuracy of the depiction of the time period, but I can say that it felt authentic, and I was fully immersed. I particularly enjoyed the artistic references. I do have some knowledge in that area, and reading portions of this book sent me back to various art history classes. I could picture the paintings and their themes very vibrantly. This book felt well-researched. I also liked the protagonist Francisca as a character. She goes on an intense journey of self-discovery, and I found her growth very gratifying.
Just a solid book all around. If you're looking for a historical novel with a sapphic twist set during the Renaissance and the Spanish Inquisition, you can't go wrong with this.
I don't personally have the knowledge to attest to the accuracy of the depiction of the time period, but I can say that it felt authentic, and I was fully immersed. I particularly enjoyed the artistic references. I do have some knowledge in that area, and reading portions of this book sent me back to various art history classes. I could picture the paintings and their themes very vibrantly. This book felt well-researched. I also liked the protagonist Francisca as a character. She goes on an intense journey of self-discovery, and I found her growth very gratifying.
Just a solid book all around. If you're looking for a historical novel with a sapphic twist set during the Renaissance and the Spanish Inquisition, you can't go wrong with this.
September 13, 2025
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed the author’s ability to pull me into the characters' world with ease and keep me turning pages to the end. This is a well written story about a passion for art and survival are one in the same. There is a lot going on in this story but I enjoyed how the author kept me engaged and how I didn’t get lost. The characters are strong, supportive of each other and will keep you coming back for more. Francisca is my favorite of the story. She is so full of passion and life that I wanted her dreams to come true. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it entertaining and easy to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down mystery with secrets that will keep you on your toes to the end. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
November 7, 2025
The Painter from Seville completely swept me away. It’s one of those historical novels that feels lush and cinematic, but also really personal. I loved following Francisca’s journey! She’s a woman trying to make her mark in a world that tells her she can’t, and her passion for art feels SO real and relatable. The mix of forbidden love, mystery, and Renaissance drama kept me hooked the whole way through. I especially loved the dynamic between Francisca and Isabel because it’s intense, beautiful, and a little heartbreaking. The writing is gorgeous without being over the top. You can almost smell the paint and experience the vivid scenery. It’s definitely got that “just one more chapter” kind of pull so prepare yourself to lose some sleep or ignore some of your responsibilities. If you like art, history, or stories about finding your voice in impossible times, you’ll really enjoy this one.
November 8, 2025
The Painter From Seville by Sonya Van de Graaff is a beautiful historical romance novel that is dutifully detailed, so much so you'll practically be able to see the story unfold in front of you. As with most Renaissance pieces, this book is truly a work of art. I love historical fiction, so i was so excited to pick this up, and was utterly blown away. The characters are wonderfully written, and its worth mentioning a second time, the attention to detail is what really brings this all together. I couldn't get myself to put this down, forgetting I myself wasn't living in 1512! I highly recommend picking this up, speaking from experience, you WON'T regret it!
November 8, 2025
Francisca dreams of making it as a painter. She is inspired by the works of Leonardo da Vinci and his new ideas but reality knocks her down. She has a prospective marriage on the horizon when she finds her mothers final masterpiece. Now she has questions surrounding the tragedy that took her parents from her when she was a child. Francisca has a great life changing opportunity when she is taked with helping a renowned Italian artist decorate the Seville Cathedral. When she finally feels that she can break free she finds that she has two choices. She either submits to what life and society expect of her or she fights for her freedom. Which will she choose?
November 26, 2024
Incredible Read!
Van de Graaff does an incredible job of painting a fictional story into historical events. Through this book I learned so much about the style and expression of art was like hundreds of years ago, the practicality of being an artist, and some of Spain and Italy’s tumultuous political history. The love story is beautiful and woven into a high stakes political situation with just the right amount of mystery. If you enjoy historical fiction and anything to do with renaissance art, then this book is for you!
Van de Graaff does an incredible job of painting a fictional story into historical events. Through this book I learned so much about the style and expression of art was like hundreds of years ago, the practicality of being an artist, and some of Spain and Italy’s tumultuous political history. The love story is beautiful and woven into a high stakes political situation with just the right amount of mystery. If you enjoy historical fiction and anything to do with renaissance art, then this book is for you!
October 10, 2025
This book is an interesting historical fiction story that combines the world of art with forbidden love. The story is focused on Francisca, an aspiring artist looking to break into a world that always just feels out of reach. A lot goes on in the story and yet it is all fitting for the era the author is writing in.
I loved watching Francisca and the journey she goes on throughout the book. She has to overcome so many challenges and she handles each of them with such ease. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story from the moment I started reading.
I loved watching Francisca and the journey she goes on throughout the book. She has to overcome so many challenges and she handles each of them with such ease. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story from the moment I started reading.
October 20, 2025
What a wonderful book. Francisca is a young girl in Seville who finds purpose in painting. When she finds an outline from a painting started by her mother on her home’s walls she is determined to paint it. Meanwhile her uncle has arranged for her to help Senor Ceretti paint the chapel. Watching Ceretti paint Isabel as Mary Magdalene one day Francisca is taken with Isabel’s beauty. What follows is a story of forbidden love, betrayals, a daring rescue, and the impending Spanish Inquisition. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out how the story ended.
November 11, 2025
The Painter from Seville is my first Sonya Von de Graaff book. Historical fantasy is not favorite genre, but I did like this one. It is a sapphic romance set in Spain right before the Spanish Inquisition starts. We follow Francisca as she expresses her love and joy through painting and thanks to her uncle she gets to become an assistant to a professional painter. She meets a lady named Isabel who is a singer and involved with her new boss. It is a tangle of darkness trying to block out the light.
October 23, 2025
I immediately connected with Francisca’s fierce longing to create and to live on her own terms—it reminded me of that restless feeling of wanting more than the world allows. I especially adored the scenes with Isabel; her flamenco singing and free spirit lit up the page and made Francisca’s awakening feel electric. The mystery tied to her mother’s final masterpiece gave the story an emotional pull that kept me turning pages, eager for answers. A great read!
November 2, 2024
Mesmerising. Truly evocative of a time (1512) and a place (Seville). Though very much anchored by its setting (and the shadow cast by the Inquisition), some of the themes of forbidden love, being true to oneself and breaking societal expectations felt timeless. I would thoroughly recommend this novel to anyone interested in art, philosophy, history and love.
October 13, 2025
The Painter from Seville was engaging and fascinating from the first chapter. The author uses vivid colors and descriptions to convey and create this beautiful and complex world. The characters, the setting, the landscape - it draws you in and holds you captive while you eagerly await what the next page or the next chapter might bring.
October 22, 2025
Set in 16th century Seville,this book's world easily draws you in, emerging yourself in the story, making it easy to picture. Van De Graaff's characters are just as well developed, well rounded easy for you to imagine. Her story takes you a journey through the world of art at the time with an edge of mystery running through the story as well. I would recommend this book to others.
October 28, 2025
The Painter from Seville is a really cool story with lots of heart and great vibes. The way it dives into the art world feels fresh and interesting, and the main character is easy to connect with. It’s got a nice mix of emotion and creativity that keeps things engaging without being overwhelming. Definitely a solid read that sticks with you.
November 8, 2025
Beautiful. This book brought such a gorgeous landscape to life in my mind. The story is full of love and heartache and longing. The words, so beautifully written. The struggles, really felt and the tense moments really connected. This book is one that is not a part of my usual genres I read but I am so glad I picked it up.
October 29, 2024
A wonderful story of painting, politics, and love in 1512 Seville. The characters are sensitively drawn and the story flows beautifully, intertwining the art of painting with the history of the Spanish Inquisition and forced conversions to Catholicism.
I read the whole book in one sitting.
I read the whole book in one sitting.
November 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
February 17, 2025
What an outstanding debut. It was a slow, deliberate tale but had me on edge to the final page. Such a Renaissance journey of love. Stunning cover too
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