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The Secret Courtesan
Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 07:46:07
5 copies available
U.S. only
A dual-timeline adventure novel of a historian who risks everything—including her life—to discover the truth about a female Renaissance sculptor unjustly erased by history.
Two determined women four hundred years apart. One mysterious statue. And a bombshell that could change history.
Art historian Mia is running out of time to prove her theory that the sculptor of an unearthed erotic statue was a courtesan erased from history—a scandal no one will believe. Chasing through Venice, she tracks down hidden details of Sofia, a powerful courtesan who seems to have left a trail of sex-fueled art buried across the city, but Mia’s now being followed, and even her boss might be in on the lie.
Meanwhile, in 1609, Sofia defies Venice’s unfair laws to create illicit art that could ruin her future. Her aspirations to become a great artist go up in flames when her patron’s wife steals her work and threatens her lover.
Four hundred years later, it's up to Mia to discover the truth, but now she’s uncovered a world of art theft that could leave her ousted—or, worse, right in the crosshairs of the most powerful crime family in Italy, who will stop at nothing to force her to authenticate the famous statue. Mia’s only hope is to prove Sofia’s existence before everyone involved silences them both forever.
Two determined women four hundred years apart. One mysterious statue. And a bombshell that could change history.
Art historian Mia is running out of time to prove her theory that the sculptor of an unearthed erotic statue was a courtesan erased from history—a scandal no one will believe. Chasing through Venice, she tracks down hidden details of Sofia, a powerful courtesan who seems to have left a trail of sex-fueled art buried across the city, but Mia’s now being followed, and even her boss might be in on the lie.
Meanwhile, in 1609, Sofia defies Venice’s unfair laws to create illicit art that could ruin her future. Her aspirations to become a great artist go up in flames when her patron’s wife steals her work and threatens her lover.
Four hundred years later, it's up to Mia to discover the truth, but now she’s uncovered a world of art theft that could leave her ousted—or, worse, right in the crosshairs of the most powerful crime family in Italy, who will stop at nothing to force her to authenticate the famous statue. Mia’s only hope is to prove Sofia’s existence before everyone involved silences them both forever.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2026
23 people are currently reading
3405 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Chaput
10 books371 followersKerry Chaput is an award-winning historical fiction author who writes about daring women with loads of adventure and a splash of magic. Kerry’s writing has been an Historical Novel Society editor’s choice, with Midwest Book Review calling her a “Master of the genre.” She’s also been a finalist for Sarton Women’s Book Award and the Chaucer Book Award for early historical fiction. Born in California, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home. Kerry frequents hiking trails, coffee shops, and independent bookstores near her home in Bend, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 (Rounded Up)
THE SECRET COURTESAN by Kerry Chaput is a dual timeline historical fiction novel with an interesting and somewhat unique historical timeline set in Renaissance Italy. I found the historical timeline emotional and fascinating as it pulled me into Sofia’s life, and while the present-day timeline with Mia is interesting regarding her art research, I found the suspense plotline not as compelling or believable.
Dr. Mia Harding is an art historian hired to authenticate a sculpture which she believes is not sculpted by the famous male Renaissance artist it is accredited to, but by a female artist erased by history. The historical timeline has a courtesan named Sofia Rossi, traded to an artist while she has longed her entire life to be an artist, which is not allowed in Renaissance Italy. While both women faced discrimination of a kind in their own timelines, I sincerely felt Sofia’s anguish of not being able to be recognized for what she was born to do and her fight to break the rules; while Mia did face professional discrimination, I never felt she moved forward on her own, but kept feeling sorry for the situation she put herself in. Also, Mia’s romance and run in with people trying to stop her from proving her belief in a female sculptor never hit me as emotionally as Sophia’s story.
I found the research and beautiful emotional writing of Sofia’s story kept me reading this novel to the end and I wish Mia’s present-day story made me feel more. Overall, this is worth the read for the atmosphere, emotion, and history of Sophia’s story, while Mia’s story is not bad, I was hoping for more than an average romantic suspense plot.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 (Rounded Up)
THE SECRET COURTESAN by Kerry Chaput is a dual timeline historical fiction novel with an interesting and somewhat unique historical timeline set in Renaissance Italy. I found the historical timeline emotional and fascinating as it pulled me into Sofia’s life, and while the present-day timeline with Mia is interesting regarding her art research, I found the suspense plotline not as compelling or believable.
Dr. Mia Harding is an art historian hired to authenticate a sculpture which she believes is not sculpted by the famous male Renaissance artist it is accredited to, but by a female artist erased by history. The historical timeline has a courtesan named Sofia Rossi, traded to an artist while she has longed her entire life to be an artist, which is not allowed in Renaissance Italy. While both women faced discrimination of a kind in their own timelines, I sincerely felt Sofia’s anguish of not being able to be recognized for what she was born to do and her fight to break the rules; while Mia did face professional discrimination, I never felt she moved forward on her own, but kept feeling sorry for the situation she put herself in. Also, Mia’s romance and run in with people trying to stop her from proving her belief in a female sculptor never hit me as emotionally as Sophia’s story.
I found the research and beautiful emotional writing of Sofia’s story kept me reading this novel to the end and I wish Mia’s present-day story made me feel more. Overall, this is worth the read for the atmosphere, emotion, and history of Sophia’s story, while Mia’s story is not bad, I was hoping for more than an average romantic suspense plot.
February 11, 2026
Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.
I have read the last 4 or 5 books that Kerry Chaput has written. She writes intriguing and engaging historical fiction with women's roles at the heart. Her Defying the Crown series set in the late 1600's Canada is amazing. This new novel gives us two timelines one in the early 1600's Venice and one in modern day. Our modern day woman is an art researcher under pressure to verify that a particular scuplture is from a famous Italian artist. But she has a different theory which could cost her everything to pursue. Her theory is that the art is not from the credited artist but from a courtesan hired to be his muse. But will she be able to prove it?
The modern time line is pacey and has a hint of danger which keeps the pages turning but the historical one was where my interest was focused. Sofia's trajectory and her will despite how the world viewed her was definitely inspiring. This book also manages to give a woman first, feminist type point of view without making every man in it an absolute monster, which is definitely a trend. Well worth a read if you like art history.
I have read the last 4 or 5 books that Kerry Chaput has written. She writes intriguing and engaging historical fiction with women's roles at the heart. Her Defying the Crown series set in the late 1600's Canada is amazing. This new novel gives us two timelines one in the early 1600's Venice and one in modern day. Our modern day woman is an art researcher under pressure to verify that a particular scuplture is from a famous Italian artist. But she has a different theory which could cost her everything to pursue. Her theory is that the art is not from the credited artist but from a courtesan hired to be his muse. But will she be able to prove it?
The modern time line is pacey and has a hint of danger which keeps the pages turning but the historical one was where my interest was focused. Sofia's trajectory and her will despite how the world viewed her was definitely inspiring. This book also manages to give a woman first, feminist type point of view without making every man in it an absolute monster, which is definitely a trend. Well worth a read if you like art history.
February 10, 2026
"It is the women who will unearth our secrets and keep our legacy burning".
This story follows two Incredible women who even though are separated through time are brought together by art, love, and womanhood.
Mia is an art historian who is in awe of a sculpture in Venice. The more she researches, the more she believes this beautiful piece was created by a woman.
And she is correct.
Sofia is a courtesan in Renaissance Italy who has a passion for creating beautiful art, but this is against the law. Not only as women, but because of the type of art she is creating.
Both women must prove themselves while taking down the patriarchal norms set against them.
This is such a powerful story how women, even across time are connected. There are a lot of layers to these womens stories. It blends beautifully how they navigate their worlds of art and love.
Absolutely lush.
This story follows two Incredible women who even though are separated through time are brought together by art, love, and womanhood.
Mia is an art historian who is in awe of a sculpture in Venice. The more she researches, the more she believes this beautiful piece was created by a woman.
And she is correct.
Sofia is a courtesan in Renaissance Italy who has a passion for creating beautiful art, but this is against the law. Not only as women, but because of the type of art she is creating.
Both women must prove themselves while taking down the patriarchal norms set against them.
This is such a powerful story how women, even across time are connected. There are a lot of layers to these womens stories. It blends beautifully how they navigate their worlds of art and love.
Absolutely lush.
December 18, 2025
I knew immediately that The Secret Courtesan was a book for me. It perfectly aligned with my reading tastes. A female-led, historical adventure thriller set in Venice's world of art across two timelines. It delivered on all my favorite elements.
Mia, an art historian, is running out of time to prove that an unearthed erotic statue was crafted by a courtesan erased from history. With her colleague Noah, she journeys to Venice to prove the truth she knows is right. In 1609, Sofia risks everything by creating illicit art in defiance of Venice’s laws. Her ambitions crumble when her patron’s wife steals her work and threatens her lover. Mia’s only hope is to prove Sofia’s existence before those involved silence them both forever.
This truly was a great book! It had adventure, mystery, art, romance, woman-focused perspective and was set partly in the Renaissance. My favorite timeline was the one in the past, obviously, and I often wished for more chapters featuring Sofia, but that's just the history nerd inside of me.
I enjoyed reading about Mia too. Her passion for art and finding out who the courtesan truly was shone throughout. I do have to admit that some elements from her timeline felt a little too surreal, like the supernatural feelings she would get in some places and the end was a bit too drawn out in the end but perhaps I’m overanalyzing these small details.
Overall, The Secret Courtesan by Kerry Chaput was a beautifully written, adventures art mystery set in two timelines that made for one unforgettable story. If you like art, history and stories that center on female voices, then I'm sure you'll love this one!
Mia, an art historian, is running out of time to prove that an unearthed erotic statue was crafted by a courtesan erased from history. With her colleague Noah, she journeys to Venice to prove the truth she knows is right. In 1609, Sofia risks everything by creating illicit art in defiance of Venice’s laws. Her ambitions crumble when her patron’s wife steals her work and threatens her lover. Mia’s only hope is to prove Sofia’s existence before those involved silence them both forever.
This truly was a great book! It had adventure, mystery, art, romance, woman-focused perspective and was set partly in the Renaissance. My favorite timeline was the one in the past, obviously, and I often wished for more chapters featuring Sofia, but that's just the history nerd inside of me.
I enjoyed reading about Mia too. Her passion for art and finding out who the courtesan truly was shone throughout. I do have to admit that some elements from her timeline felt a little too surreal, like the supernatural feelings she would get in some places and the end was a bit too drawn out in the end but perhaps I’m overanalyzing these small details.
Overall, The Secret Courtesan by Kerry Chaput was a beautifully written, adventures art mystery set in two timelines that made for one unforgettable story. If you like art, history and stories that center on female voices, then I'm sure you'll love this one!
November 27, 2025
This is a fantastic dual timeline story of a forgotten artist and the quest to find her in the historical records of Venice. Mia, art historian, must prove a statue was created by a female sculptor 400 years ago but was erased from history. On her quest, she has to travel to Venice from London to dig into the archives and the local architecture to find this artist with help from fellow historian, Noah. In 1609, Sofia wants to create art but women are forbidden to do so. She becomes a courtesan to a man, Lucca, and together they create some erotic statues, but his wife destroys it all. Mia tangles with the mafia in Venice as she begins to uncover the truth about Sofia.
I loved this book. It is a powerful story about how easily women were erased from history records. Each story line faced the misogynistic views of men in power and found ways to battle against it to have their voices heard. Mia and Sofia are strong, smart, and creative women and I thoroughly enjoyed how their stories evolved. Mia and Noah's relationship moves from friendship to something deeper. Having been to Venice, I could see the characters traveling through the city. Since it is an old city, you could recognize the similarities and differences four hundred years apart.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love historical fiction, dual time lines, art, and 'badass women in history' (Kerry Chaput's substack title).
#TheSecretCourtesan #SheWritesPress #NetGalley
Thank you She Writes Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved this book. It is a powerful story about how easily women were erased from history records. Each story line faced the misogynistic views of men in power and found ways to battle against it to have their voices heard. Mia and Sofia are strong, smart, and creative women and I thoroughly enjoyed how their stories evolved. Mia and Noah's relationship moves from friendship to something deeper. Having been to Venice, I could see the characters traveling through the city. Since it is an old city, you could recognize the similarities and differences four hundred years apart.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love historical fiction, dual time lines, art, and 'badass women in history' (Kerry Chaput's substack title).
#TheSecretCourtesan #SheWritesPress #NetGalley
Thank you She Writes Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 15, 2026
“If we look at history from a different angle, we see different truths.”
I love historical fiction, especially about badass women, so I was surprised to have never read anything by Kerry Chaput. This was an interesting book that took a forgotten and underestimated character and shined a light on her life and struggles. I enjoyed the dual timeline and learning about art from a feminist lens. Some of the things in the current timeline with Dr. Mia Harding were a little unbelievable (not the part where they forgot to call her Dr. but kept calling her Miss, that was very believable), but I definitely preferred Sofia’s story. All in all this was very enjoyable.
“History needs advocates to ask hard questions.”
✨3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for this e-arc. The Secret Courtesan comes out February 10, 2026.
I love historical fiction, especially about badass women, so I was surprised to have never read anything by Kerry Chaput. This was an interesting book that took a forgotten and underestimated character and shined a light on her life and struggles. I enjoyed the dual timeline and learning about art from a feminist lens. Some of the things in the current timeline with Dr. Mia Harding were a little unbelievable (not the part where they forgot to call her Dr. but kept calling her Miss, that was very believable), but I definitely preferred Sofia’s story. All in all this was very enjoyable.
“History needs advocates to ask hard questions.”
✨3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for this e-arc. The Secret Courtesan comes out February 10, 2026.
February 5, 2026
3⭐️
I appreciate historical fiction that brings overlooked women and art history to life, and The Secret Courtesan has moments of real brilliance in that regard — particularly in its depiction of women working in art research and the role of courtesans in Baroque history. The dual-timeline premise and the focus on a forgotten female artist and courtesan were compelling hooks that promised something unique. 
However, I found the overall pacing draggy, especially as the story moved between timelines. Rather than building momentum, many scenes felt bogged down in description or repetitive interactions that didn’t deepen character or plot.
A few specific issues that made it hard for me to fully engage:
• Inconsistent descriptive choices: Characters’ expressions sometimes contradict (e.g., “faces flat” paired with “eyes glimmering”), which made it hard to visualize scenes clearly.
• Unconvincing intimate scenes: The sex scenes fell flat for me and didn’t feel authentic or earned; they didn’t resonate emotionally or add depth to the characters.
• Dialogue clarity: Many spoken exchanges were confusing because there were few dialogue attributions. Sentences would run together in back-to-back quotes with no clear speaker identification, which made the narrative harder to follow.
Despite these challenges, I did enjoy the slices of scholarly life and the glimpses into art history — those parts felt rich and authentic.
Who might enjoy this book:
Readers who love dual-timeline historical fiction with art and history at its core, especially those willing to overlook pacing and dialogue issues.
Who might not:
Those who prefer tighter pacing, clear dialogue, and convincingly rendered intimate scenes.
Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and NetGalley for the advance copy. Releases 2/10/2026.
I appreciate historical fiction that brings overlooked women and art history to life, and The Secret Courtesan has moments of real brilliance in that regard — particularly in its depiction of women working in art research and the role of courtesans in Baroque history. The dual-timeline premise and the focus on a forgotten female artist and courtesan were compelling hooks that promised something unique. 
However, I found the overall pacing draggy, especially as the story moved between timelines. Rather than building momentum, many scenes felt bogged down in description or repetitive interactions that didn’t deepen character or plot.
A few specific issues that made it hard for me to fully engage:
• Inconsistent descriptive choices: Characters’ expressions sometimes contradict (e.g., “faces flat” paired with “eyes glimmering”), which made it hard to visualize scenes clearly.
• Unconvincing intimate scenes: The sex scenes fell flat for me and didn’t feel authentic or earned; they didn’t resonate emotionally or add depth to the characters.
• Dialogue clarity: Many spoken exchanges were confusing because there were few dialogue attributions. Sentences would run together in back-to-back quotes with no clear speaker identification, which made the narrative harder to follow.
Despite these challenges, I did enjoy the slices of scholarly life and the glimpses into art history — those parts felt rich and authentic.
Who might enjoy this book:
Readers who love dual-timeline historical fiction with art and history at its core, especially those willing to overlook pacing and dialogue issues.
Who might not:
Those who prefer tighter pacing, clear dialogue, and convincingly rendered intimate scenes.
Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and NetGalley for the advance copy. Releases 2/10/2026.
November 2, 2025
Feminist take on The DaVinci Code! Loved the heroine of the story and her quest to prove the truth. Perfect for fans of adventure, mystery, and reclaiming women’s history. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Book Sparks and the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Dr. Mia Harding is an art historian, tasked with validating that an erotic statue unearthed in Venice was sculpted by Renaissance artist Lucca Armani. But the more she digs, the more certain she becomes that the true artist was a woman, and a courtesan at that, swept away by history. It’s up to Mia to expose the truth, a truth that could cost her more than just her job and her credentials. Meanwhile, in 1609, under the guidance of her patron, courtesan Sofia Rossi creates illicit art, despite the laws of the time forbidding such subjects, and the refusal of the ruling class to purchase art created by women. When her patron’s wife plots against her and her lover, Sofia will have to fight to save her dream and their lives.
This was such a good read from start to finish. The story focuses on Dr. Mia Harding, an art researcher, and Sofia Rossi, a courtesan in Renaissance Italy. Both are strong-minded women, ill-regarded by men in the field of art. When Mia is tasked with validating a male colleague's findings on a newly discovered sculpture from Venice, she's torn between validating his research so that she can continue building the life she's always thought she wanted and following her intuition that there's more to the sculpture than initially meets the eye. I love that Kerry interweaves the two women's stories, jumping back and forth between their respective timelines so that we get to see the first-hand telling of it from Sofia just as Mia is discovering the truth for herself. While both women have their own romance in this book, I appreciated that the focus wasn't wholly on that aspect and that their love stories felt uniquely their own.
Read if you like:
Historical romance
Female empowerment
High-stakes secret
Forbidden love
Renaissance Italy
Dual timelines
Dual-POV
Dr. Mia Harding is an art historian, tasked with validating that an erotic statue unearthed in Venice was sculpted by Renaissance artist Lucca Armani. But the more she digs, the more certain she becomes that the true artist was a woman, and a courtesan at that, swept away by history. It’s up to Mia to expose the truth, a truth that could cost her more than just her job and her credentials. Meanwhile, in 1609, under the guidance of her patron, courtesan Sofia Rossi creates illicit art, despite the laws of the time forbidding such subjects, and the refusal of the ruling class to purchase art created by women. When her patron’s wife plots against her and her lover, Sofia will have to fight to save her dream and their lives.
This was such a good read from start to finish. The story focuses on Dr. Mia Harding, an art researcher, and Sofia Rossi, a courtesan in Renaissance Italy. Both are strong-minded women, ill-regarded by men in the field of art. When Mia is tasked with validating a male colleague's findings on a newly discovered sculpture from Venice, she's torn between validating his research so that she can continue building the life she's always thought she wanted and following her intuition that there's more to the sculpture than initially meets the eye. I love that Kerry interweaves the two women's stories, jumping back and forth between their respective timelines so that we get to see the first-hand telling of it from Sofia just as Mia is discovering the truth for herself. While both women have their own romance in this book, I appreciated that the focus wasn't wholly on that aspect and that their love stories felt uniquely their own.
Read if you like:
Historical romance
Female empowerment
High-stakes secret
Forbidden love
Renaissance Italy
Dual timelines
Dual-POV
February 14, 2026
This was my first read by this author. I enjoyed the dual timeline and I have not read many historical fiction stories that take place in the 1600’s in Venice. This is really a powerful story of how women of the past have been erased from historical records of their accomplishments. Mia is an art historian that has been tasked to authenticate a beautiful sculpture from Venice. Sofia is a courtesan who has been sold to an artist to help him create works of art however she longs to be free and produce her own art. It was a very intriguing storyline and had vibes of Fiona Davis’s latest book The Stolen Queen. The book has a lot of action, mystery, and interconnectedness between the two women centuries apart. I really loved the impactful ending of this story.
Blurb:
1609: Defying the Law Sofia, a Venetian courtesan, risks everything to create art in a world where women are forbidden from doing so. Her passion becomes dangerous when she partners with a patron, only for her work to be threatened by jealousy and greed.
The Race for Truth Four hundred years later, Mia must connect the dots between Sofia's past and a modern, corrupt, high-stakes art world. With her career and life on the line, she must prove Sofia's existence before they are both forgotten forever!
Thank you to BookSparks and Kerry Chaput for a copy of this book for review. The book was just released February 10th!
February 23, 2026
Thank you to BookSparks and She Writes Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of The Secret Courtesan by Kerry Chaput.
The story is a dual timeline one, with a current day female art historian trying to authenticate a newly discovered sculpture from the early 17th century ini Venice, Italy, and the story of a courtesan who lived at that time, with the unheard-of ambition to be an artist herself.
The plot intrigued me, especially since I once thought I would major in Art History in college. (I didn’t.) And once I opened the book, I found this wonderful dedication! “This book is dedicated to all the disobedient women history has erased.”
So this should have been a big hit for me. Sad to say, it wasn’t. The writing constantly bounced between Mia in the present day and Sofia in the past, which made the story feel disjointed, interrupting the flow of the narrative. I thought I would be more interested in the search/research in the present day timeline, but I actually enjoyed Sofia’s timeline more. Either way, somehow the story just never reached the “page turner” level that I was hoping for.
The story is a dual timeline one, with a current day female art historian trying to authenticate a newly discovered sculpture from the early 17th century ini Venice, Italy, and the story of a courtesan who lived at that time, with the unheard-of ambition to be an artist herself.
The plot intrigued me, especially since I once thought I would major in Art History in college. (I didn’t.) And once I opened the book, I found this wonderful dedication! “This book is dedicated to all the disobedient women history has erased.”
So this should have been a big hit for me. Sad to say, it wasn’t. The writing constantly bounced between Mia in the present day and Sofia in the past, which made the story feel disjointed, interrupting the flow of the narrative. I thought I would be more interested in the search/research in the present day timeline, but I actually enjoyed Sofia’s timeline more. Either way, somehow the story just never reached the “page turner” level that I was hoping for.
February 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for the ARC of "The Secret Courtesan," it is very much appreciated!
This book! The ending!! No spoilers, I promise, but WHAT a book! I haven't enjoyed a novel this much in quite a while. I stayed up way too late on a work night to finish it. Reading this brought to mind Jodi Picoult's "By Any Other Name;" these books both tell of women past and present struggling to be seen for the talent they possess, overshadowed by men who disregard them or claim their work as their own.
Kerry Chaput brings the rich, sensuous Venice of 1609 to vivid life through the eyes of courtesan and artist Sofia Rossi. Four hundred years later art historian Dr. Mia Taylor races against the clock, her boss, and the Italian Mafia to bring Sofia the recognition she was denied.
This is a gorgeous book; the story is sharp and engaging, the settings vibrant and real, and the characters have depth, speaking fearlessly, shouting to be heard through the fog of obscurity.
This book! The ending!! No spoilers, I promise, but WHAT a book! I haven't enjoyed a novel this much in quite a while. I stayed up way too late on a work night to finish it. Reading this brought to mind Jodi Picoult's "By Any Other Name;" these books both tell of women past and present struggling to be seen for the talent they possess, overshadowed by men who disregard them or claim their work as their own.
Kerry Chaput brings the rich, sensuous Venice of 1609 to vivid life through the eyes of courtesan and artist Sofia Rossi. Four hundred years later art historian Dr. Mia Taylor races against the clock, her boss, and the Italian Mafia to bring Sofia the recognition she was denied.
This is a gorgeous book; the story is sharp and engaging, the settings vibrant and real, and the characters have depth, speaking fearlessly, shouting to be heard through the fog of obscurity.
January 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! Starting off, the concept is so strong and the dual timelines a great way to develop both of our fmcs. I am sad to say I struggled to enjoy Mia & the present timeline. I found her to lack the growth I hoped to see and so much of her story was reiterating her difficult upbringing and past (the trailer park was mentioned a few too many times). Sofias story was beautiful and surprising and I enjoyed that I truly didn’t know where it would end! Sadly, I found myself wishing to be done with Mia’s chapters to focus on Sofias.
January 5, 2026
I received this as an ARC and it did not disappoint!
We have two time lines. Mia (current day) and Sophia (1609). You go between the two times to fill out the whole story of Mia being asked to determine if the status is done by a famous artist.
Mia is confident Lucca is not the artist who did the newly found sculpture but she has found no proof that he is not only her gut feeling.
Mia and her co worker run off to Italy to try and find out who really did the s art work. She finds herself in the middle of a Centuries Long drama that could cause her EVERYTHING
We also follow the story from the 1609 side with Sophia as she fights to be remembered by history when the world does its best to hide her from the records. A women wanting to be more and how it effects everyone around her.
If i could give half stars this would be a 4.5!
We have two time lines. Mia (current day) and Sophia (1609). You go between the two times to fill out the whole story of Mia being asked to determine if the status is done by a famous artist.
Mia is confident Lucca is not the artist who did the newly found sculpture but she has found no proof that he is not only her gut feeling.
Mia and her co worker run off to Italy to try and find out who really did the s art work. She finds herself in the middle of a Centuries Long drama that could cause her EVERYTHING
We also follow the story from the 1609 side with Sophia as she fights to be remembered by history when the world does its best to hide her from the records. A women wanting to be more and how it effects everyone around her.
If i could give half stars this would be a 4.5!
December 29, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up. I loved this dual timeline historical fiction following Mia, an art historian, in present day and Sofia, an artist and courtesan, in 1609. This story started slow for me in the present but instantly sucked me into Sofia’s storyline. As the book progressed, I loved the focus on female artists with no voice in history and whose work was attributed to men to gain notoriety and validity. I look forward to reading more by this author about strong women through history.
“Draw a line from sex to art, and you’ll find a short, twisted web of scandal.” In the present timeline, Mia is hired to authenticate a sculpture recently uncovered. It is being attributed to Lucca Armani but Mia knows there’s more to that sculpture and she only has a few days left before she has to authenticate. In 1609, Sofia is at heart an untrained artist who is by day a courtesan. Sofia sexually serves male artists but wants to be remembered for her own talents. Sofia is purchased by Catherine Armani to fix her tortured artist of a husband and respark his creativity. But Sofia is not just the muse, she’s the true artist.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the advanced Reader copy. The Secret Courtesan publishes on February 10, 2026.
“Draw a line from sex to art, and you’ll find a short, twisted web of scandal.” In the present timeline, Mia is hired to authenticate a sculpture recently uncovered. It is being attributed to Lucca Armani but Mia knows there’s more to that sculpture and she only has a few days left before she has to authenticate. In 1609, Sofia is at heart an untrained artist who is by day a courtesan. Sofia sexually serves male artists but wants to be remembered for her own talents. Sofia is purchased by Catherine Armani to fix her tortured artist of a husband and respark his creativity. But Sofia is not just the muse, she’s the true artist.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the advanced Reader copy. The Secret Courtesan publishes on February 10, 2026.
February 13, 2026
Book review: 4.25/5 ⭐️
Genre: historical fiction/mystery
Themes: art, identity, history, feminism
📖 Read if you like: By Any Other Name
I knew I was going to love this. A revelation of women lost to HIStory and the world of art in Venice as it translates through time. It is a sort of female led DaVinci Code centred on the treatment of women within a male dominated field past and present. A dual timeline mystery with two fierce heroines embroiled in unexpected love stories within a city of magic and danger looming in the wake of their audacity.
The feminist point of view really had my blood boiling at the level of inequity and forced obscurity. I was cheering on these rebellious women in their tenacious need to be seen and heard. I adored the past timeline with art and the process of creation taking centre stage. It was an interesting contrast to have another female in this timeline hungry for power and control, a villain willing to denigrate all others in her search. It demonstrated all the variable forms of revolt from the prison of women forced into submission.
Sofia Rossi made for a passionate artist trapped within the confines of her gender and class. Forced to trade her body for security, she has become one of the most sought after courtesans in the 1600s. Within her flares the anger and dark desire to break from the box she has been shoved into and become more than her city and her time will allow. Sofia will push the limits even further and create pieces in the furrows of passion. She sees longing and anger as avenues to her work and more than anything she wished to be seen, not hidden behind the name of a man and convention, nor her own body and sexuality. She represents countless artists whose talent has been used and abused by the powers that be.
Four hundred years later art historian Mia Harding is hired to authenticate an unearthed statue largely attributed to a talented artist lost to obscurity in his later years. While there is some proof the statue was made by Lucca Armani there are a lot of gaps and questions within the research. While she searches for the truth, Mia will not only discover an artist forgetting to time, but a modern world embroiled in corruption and power. As she delays authentification, a dangerous syndicate starts making threats that start with her career and reputation and end with her life. As she races against the clock and shady figures trailing in her wake, history will reveal itself.
I did wish the mystery unfolded with more clues and less mysticism. It was clever to try and connect this sensation to the unnamable feeling art can inspire, but to have our lead researcher feel importance in certain places or objects took a very real story into the unimaginable. I wanted this reclamation to be rooted in the tangible word. Still, I very much enjoyed this dual timeline narrative and a search for the truth and freedom from outdated and biased convention.
Thank you to BookSparks and Kerry Chaput for gifting this book as part of a book tour and #WinterPopUp.
Genre: historical fiction/mystery
Themes: art, identity, history, feminism
📖 Read if you like: By Any Other Name
I knew I was going to love this. A revelation of women lost to HIStory and the world of art in Venice as it translates through time. It is a sort of female led DaVinci Code centred on the treatment of women within a male dominated field past and present. A dual timeline mystery with two fierce heroines embroiled in unexpected love stories within a city of magic and danger looming in the wake of their audacity.
The feminist point of view really had my blood boiling at the level of inequity and forced obscurity. I was cheering on these rebellious women in their tenacious need to be seen and heard. I adored the past timeline with art and the process of creation taking centre stage. It was an interesting contrast to have another female in this timeline hungry for power and control, a villain willing to denigrate all others in her search. It demonstrated all the variable forms of revolt from the prison of women forced into submission.
Sofia Rossi made for a passionate artist trapped within the confines of her gender and class. Forced to trade her body for security, she has become one of the most sought after courtesans in the 1600s. Within her flares the anger and dark desire to break from the box she has been shoved into and become more than her city and her time will allow. Sofia will push the limits even further and create pieces in the furrows of passion. She sees longing and anger as avenues to her work and more than anything she wished to be seen, not hidden behind the name of a man and convention, nor her own body and sexuality. She represents countless artists whose talent has been used and abused by the powers that be.
Four hundred years later art historian Mia Harding is hired to authenticate an unearthed statue largely attributed to a talented artist lost to obscurity in his later years. While there is some proof the statue was made by Lucca Armani there are a lot of gaps and questions within the research. While she searches for the truth, Mia will not only discover an artist forgetting to time, but a modern world embroiled in corruption and power. As she delays authentification, a dangerous syndicate starts making threats that start with her career and reputation and end with her life. As she races against the clock and shady figures trailing in her wake, history will reveal itself.
I did wish the mystery unfolded with more clues and less mysticism. It was clever to try and connect this sensation to the unnamable feeling art can inspire, but to have our lead researcher feel importance in certain places or objects took a very real story into the unimaginable. I wanted this reclamation to be rooted in the tangible word. Still, I very much enjoyed this dual timeline narrative and a search for the truth and freedom from outdated and biased convention.
Thank you to BookSparks and Kerry Chaput for gifting this book as part of a book tour and #WinterPopUp.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A statue several centuries old has been discovered in Italy. The leading male art expert believes that it was created by a sculptor named Lucca Armani. He has asked Dr. Mia Harding to support his research, but Dr. Mia feels that something is amiss. Sofia Rossi is a courtesan living in Renaissance Venice who aspires to a life devoted to creating art. Sofia and Mia may be separated by centuries, but their lives and reputations are tied to this mysterious statue. Can Dr. Mia figure out the truth of the statue before her time runs out? Kerry Chaput tells the tale of these two remarkable women in her novel, “The Secret Courtesan.”
I would like to thank She Writes Press and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I have been reading a lot more dual timeline novels and novels set in Renaissance Italy, so when I saw the description of this book, I knew I wanted to give it a try.
Chaput begins in the modern day with Dr. Mia Harding, a struggling woman art historian, who is trying to build her own reputation in the field. She has been asked by Dr. Byron, an expert on the art by Lucca Armani to verify his research on the statue entitled The Estasi. The problem is that Dr. Mia believes that the statue was created by someone else, perhaps a woman. No one else believes her except for a stranger named Dr. Noah Beckett, who wants to help bring down Dr. Byron. They decide to research a different lead on the statue, the idea that a woman created the piece of art. This single theory will send Mia and Noah on a wild goose chase to Venice, where they find the truth about a courtesan at the risk of being arrested and chased by the mafia.
We also get to see how the statue was created in Venice in the year 1608. Sofia Rossi is a courtesan for Lord Marco, but all she wants to do is create art and sell her pieces as a woman artist, which would be an uphill battle. Her life changes when Lord Marco tells her that she has been sold to Lucca Armani. She believes that she will finally be able to live her dream, but it turns out to be a nightmare. Lucca’s wife, Caterina, is the one truly in control, and she manipulates every aspect of Sofia’s life. Sofia does find some solace in her art and in an art dealer, Antonio Bruni, but her life and her dreams come to a tragic end.
This was a gripping novel that shows what it might have been like for a female artist to prove her worth in a world of male artists in Renaissance Italy. We also get a taste of what it might feel like to be a female art historian in the modern day. Chaput made these characters so believable that there were a few times that I had to make sure that the Renaissance figures were, in fact, fictional because they were written so well. If you want a thrilling dual timeline novel about Renaissance art, I recommend you read “The Secret Courtesan” by Kerry Chaput.
I would like to thank She Writes Press and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I have been reading a lot more dual timeline novels and novels set in Renaissance Italy, so when I saw the description of this book, I knew I wanted to give it a try.
Chaput begins in the modern day with Dr. Mia Harding, a struggling woman art historian, who is trying to build her own reputation in the field. She has been asked by Dr. Byron, an expert on the art by Lucca Armani to verify his research on the statue entitled The Estasi. The problem is that Dr. Mia believes that the statue was created by someone else, perhaps a woman. No one else believes her except for a stranger named Dr. Noah Beckett, who wants to help bring down Dr. Byron. They decide to research a different lead on the statue, the idea that a woman created the piece of art. This single theory will send Mia and Noah on a wild goose chase to Venice, where they find the truth about a courtesan at the risk of being arrested and chased by the mafia.
We also get to see how the statue was created in Venice in the year 1608. Sofia Rossi is a courtesan for Lord Marco, but all she wants to do is create art and sell her pieces as a woman artist, which would be an uphill battle. Her life changes when Lord Marco tells her that she has been sold to Lucca Armani. She believes that she will finally be able to live her dream, but it turns out to be a nightmare. Lucca’s wife, Caterina, is the one truly in control, and she manipulates every aspect of Sofia’s life. Sofia does find some solace in her art and in an art dealer, Antonio Bruni, but her life and her dreams come to a tragic end.
This was a gripping novel that shows what it might have been like for a female artist to prove her worth in a world of male artists in Renaissance Italy. We also get a taste of what it might feel like to be a female art historian in the modern day. Chaput made these characters so believable that there were a few times that I had to make sure that the Renaissance figures were, in fact, fictional because they were written so well. If you want a thrilling dual timeline novel about Renaissance art, I recommend you read “The Secret Courtesan” by Kerry Chaput.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Secret Courtesan is a compelling exploration of women, power, and the stories history chooses to remember—or forget. Through its dual timelines, Kerry Chaput gives voice to two determined women, separated by four hundred years, whose lives intersect around art, ambition, and the struggle to be seen.
Sofia Rossi’s chapters are the heart of the book. As a courtesan and artist in 1609 Venice, she navigates a world that refuses to recognise her talent simply because of her gender and social status. Her fight to create, to assert herself, and to leave a legacy despite the barriers imposed on her is raw, inspiring, and heartbreaking. Chaput doesn’t shy away from showing how the systems of power crush women’s ambition and how women’s contributions are erased from history. Sofia’s story is a potent reminder of the many brilliant women whose work has been hidden, stolen, or attributed to men.
Mia Harding’s contemporary investigation mirrors Sofia’s struggle in a modern setting. As an art historian trying to prove the truth about a female artist, she faces skepticism, professional gatekeeping, and even threats from powerful men. While I connected more with Sofia’s emotional arc, Mia’s story underscores that the fight for recognition and autonomy is ongoing. The dual narrative shows that female ambition, courage, and the pursuit of legacy are timeless struggles.
The book beautifully highlights the intersection of art, gender, and power. It’s not just a story about a stolen or overlooked statue — it’s about the broader cultural erasure of women, the courage required to reclaim their stories, and the ways women support and challenge each other across generations. Chaput’s Venice is rich, detailed, and atmospheric, giving the historical and modern timelines equal weight in exploring these themes.
Overall, The Secret Courtesan is a thought-provoking, immersive read that goes beyond mystery and romance to examine female agency, artistic legacy, and the power dynamics that shape history. Sofia’s story alone is worth the read, and the contemporary lens reminds us that the fight for recognition and respect is far from over.
Sofia Rossi’s chapters are the heart of the book. As a courtesan and artist in 1609 Venice, she navigates a world that refuses to recognise her talent simply because of her gender and social status. Her fight to create, to assert herself, and to leave a legacy despite the barriers imposed on her is raw, inspiring, and heartbreaking. Chaput doesn’t shy away from showing how the systems of power crush women’s ambition and how women’s contributions are erased from history. Sofia’s story is a potent reminder of the many brilliant women whose work has been hidden, stolen, or attributed to men.
Mia Harding’s contemporary investigation mirrors Sofia’s struggle in a modern setting. As an art historian trying to prove the truth about a female artist, she faces skepticism, professional gatekeeping, and even threats from powerful men. While I connected more with Sofia’s emotional arc, Mia’s story underscores that the fight for recognition and autonomy is ongoing. The dual narrative shows that female ambition, courage, and the pursuit of legacy are timeless struggles.
The book beautifully highlights the intersection of art, gender, and power. It’s not just a story about a stolen or overlooked statue — it’s about the broader cultural erasure of women, the courage required to reclaim their stories, and the ways women support and challenge each other across generations. Chaput’s Venice is rich, detailed, and atmospheric, giving the historical and modern timelines equal weight in exploring these themes.
Overall, The Secret Courtesan is a thought-provoking, immersive read that goes beyond mystery and romance to examine female agency, artistic legacy, and the power dynamics that shape history. Sofia’s story alone is worth the read, and the contemporary lens reminds us that the fight for recognition and respect is far from over.
February 13, 2026
The Secret Courtesan is a richly layered historical thriller that braids together art, ambition, and the erasure of women’s genius across four centuries. The Secret Courtesan is one of those rare novels that feels both immersive and urgent, pulling the reader into the hidden corridors of Venice’s past while racing through a modern conspiracy that feels dangerously plausible.
The dual timeline works beautifully. In present-day Venice, art historian Mia risks her reputation and her safety to prove that an unearthed erotic statue was sculpted not by a celebrated male master, but by Sofia, a seventeenth-century courtesan whose artistic legacy was deliberately erased. Four hundred years earlier, Sofia herself burns with talent and defiance, creating illicit art in a city that profits from her body while denying her intellect. Watching her navigate patronage, power, and betrayal is both infuriating and exhilarating.
Chaput’s research is evident on every page. The Venetian art world, its politics, its sensuality, and its shadows feel tangible. The details never weigh the story down; instead, they deepen it. The novel explores art theft, corruption, and the silencing of women in ways that feel timeless. The stakes rise steadily as Mia realizes that her discovery threatens powerful interests who would prefer history remain unchanged.
What makes this book especially compelling is its emotional throughline. Both women are fighting for authorship of their own lives. Both refuse to disappear quietly. That shared determination across centuries gives the novel its heart.
I could not put this book down. It has the sweep and visual richness of a cinematic thriller, and it would translate beautifully to film. Venice, illicit art, danger in narrow alleys, a secret that could upend art history—this story begs for the screen.
If you love historical fiction grounded in real research, layered female protagonists, and high-stakes intrigue set against a breathtaking backdrop, The Secret Courtesan delivers.
The dual timeline works beautifully. In present-day Venice, art historian Mia risks her reputation and her safety to prove that an unearthed erotic statue was sculpted not by a celebrated male master, but by Sofia, a seventeenth-century courtesan whose artistic legacy was deliberately erased. Four hundred years earlier, Sofia herself burns with talent and defiance, creating illicit art in a city that profits from her body while denying her intellect. Watching her navigate patronage, power, and betrayal is both infuriating and exhilarating.
Chaput’s research is evident on every page. The Venetian art world, its politics, its sensuality, and its shadows feel tangible. The details never weigh the story down; instead, they deepen it. The novel explores art theft, corruption, and the silencing of women in ways that feel timeless. The stakes rise steadily as Mia realizes that her discovery threatens powerful interests who would prefer history remain unchanged.
What makes this book especially compelling is its emotional throughline. Both women are fighting for authorship of their own lives. Both refuse to disappear quietly. That shared determination across centuries gives the novel its heart.
I could not put this book down. It has the sweep and visual richness of a cinematic thriller, and it would translate beautifully to film. Venice, illicit art, danger in narrow alleys, a secret that could upend art history—this story begs for the screen.
If you love historical fiction grounded in real research, layered female protagonists, and high-stakes intrigue set against a breathtaking backdrop, The Secret Courtesan delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "The Secret Courtesan" in exchange for my honest review!
I was immediately interested in this book when I learned it was dual perspective from two women who are 400 years apart, telling two sides of the same story. The modern perspective is from Dr. Mia Harding, an art historian working to prove her theory about a work of art that she's refusing to authenticate, while the historical perspective is from Sofia Rossi, a courtesan to an artist and an artist herself. I admittedly enjoyed the story that Sofia was telling much more than the story that Dr. Harding was telling and think that the story was made better by the dual perspectives. Sofia's perspective had me invested in the story, while Dr. Harding's felt a bit repetitive and as if all she and the other relevant character in her time did was run from the crime family.
I do think that this book was good in addressing women in academia, both through Dr. Harding's hardships as a woman in a male dominated history field and through Sofia's work as a courtesan and her dreams of being respected as an artist. I liked how the struggles they faced were similar to each other's, yet unique given the time difference of their lives. I feel that that was definitely a well-done aspect of the book.
Despite that, I do wish that there was a little bit more on the crime family that Dr. Harding is dealing with. They're meant to be a threatening presence, yet they didn't really feel like it. Maybe that's damped by the one (1) lady following them being referred to as "Lipstick Lady", which makes her feel much less threatening, but they also just weren't an established presence beyond "Italy has the mafia". The threat level just felt very low all things considered.
Overall, I thought that this was a pretty interesting book. I would definitely read an entire book of just Sofia, that much I can say for certain.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "The Secret Courtesan" in exchange for my honest review!
I was immediately interested in this book when I learned it was dual perspective from two women who are 400 years apart, telling two sides of the same story. The modern perspective is from Dr. Mia Harding, an art historian working to prove her theory about a work of art that she's refusing to authenticate, while the historical perspective is from Sofia Rossi, a courtesan to an artist and an artist herself. I admittedly enjoyed the story that Sofia was telling much more than the story that Dr. Harding was telling and think that the story was made better by the dual perspectives. Sofia's perspective had me invested in the story, while Dr. Harding's felt a bit repetitive and as if all she and the other relevant character in her time did was run from the crime family.
I do think that this book was good in addressing women in academia, both through Dr. Harding's hardships as a woman in a male dominated history field and through Sofia's work as a courtesan and her dreams of being respected as an artist. I liked how the struggles they faced were similar to each other's, yet unique given the time difference of their lives. I feel that that was definitely a well-done aspect of the book.
Despite that, I do wish that there was a little bit more on the crime family that Dr. Harding is dealing with. They're meant to be a threatening presence, yet they didn't really feel like it. Maybe that's damped by the one (1) lady following them being referred to as "Lipstick Lady", which makes her feel much less threatening, but they also just weren't an established presence beyond "Italy has the mafia". The threat level just felt very low all things considered.
Overall, I thought that this was a pretty interesting book. I would definitely read an entire book of just Sofia, that much I can say for certain.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
WOW! Kerry Chaput, the Author of “The Secret Courtesan” has written an intriguing, captivating and memorable Historical Fiction Novel. The Genres for this book are Renaissance Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Italy, Mystery, Suspense, Adventure, Romance and Fiction. This is an amazing well-written novel with two timelines that do blend together. The author has provided tremendous research into the time periods. Kerry Chaput has visually and vividly described the scenery, the time lines, the plots, and the dramatic, dark, complex and complicated characters. In both timelines, men seem to be regarded as more important than women, there are betrayals, lies, greed, danger, and women seeking for truth and justice. The two timelines are 400 years apart.
In 1609, Sofia is a courtesan, but an amazing artist. During this time only men seem to get credit for any types of creative work. Sofia is traded by her first owner to a second artist, who needs her inspiration to complete his art. His wife had plans for her husband and Sofia. Sofia wants the love and hard work that she has completed to be remembered one day.
In present time, Mia, an Art Historian is supposed to authenticate some Art from 1609. She and another colleague find clues to art theft, and the question posed if there was a woman artist? Someone is providing the clues, and someone is following her, and going through her things. There is scandal, danger and threats.
In both timelines, there are twists and turns, strange events, and danger. I couldn’t put this book down, and read it in one afternoon. I appreciate how the author discusses how courageous and determined some of the women are. The author mentions seeking the truth at any cost. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and intense novel.
In 1609, Sofia is a courtesan, but an amazing artist. During this time only men seem to get credit for any types of creative work. Sofia is traded by her first owner to a second artist, who needs her inspiration to complete his art. His wife had plans for her husband and Sofia. Sofia wants the love and hard work that she has completed to be remembered one day.
In present time, Mia, an Art Historian is supposed to authenticate some Art from 1609. She and another colleague find clues to art theft, and the question posed if there was a woman artist? Someone is providing the clues, and someone is following her, and going through her things. There is scandal, danger and threats.
In both timelines, there are twists and turns, strange events, and danger. I couldn’t put this book down, and read it in one afternoon. I appreciate how the author discusses how courageous and determined some of the women are. The author mentions seeking the truth at any cost. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and intense novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Secret Courtesan first drew me in because of its description and my enjoyment of the 1998 movie “Dangerous Beauty”. I am fascinated with these accomplished women in history who have been long since forgotten and love that authors like Kerry Chaput work to resurrect their stories. The dual timeline and immersive world building in both eras kept me engaged and turning pages to find out what happened next.
The present day FMC is Dr. Mia Harding. She’s an art historian and is set to sign off on and authenticate a statue by famous artist Lucca Armani. Near the end of her allotted stay in Venice, she becomes convinced that it was actually crafted by a courtesan of the artist. She unearths clues, riddles, and mounting evidence to support her theory. The stakes become incredibly high as she and her colleague Noah are chased, threatened, and stalked through Venice, by people who never want her to unearth the truth.
In 1609, Sofia Rossi is a courtesan and gifted artist. She creates erotic and emotional art, defying Venice’s laws in her lifetime. We see how she is treated, how powerful she truly is and how constrained and demeaned she is within her profession. The stakes grow higher as she is caught in a dangerous web of people in power and her work gets uncovered and stolen by her patrons wife. Having fallen in love with another powerful man in the art community while she’s the property of another, she can feel the world crashing in around her.
Mia is driven and willing to face any consequence in order to prove Sofia’s existence and bring her brilliance to light before the powers that be silence both of their voices.
It’s an incredible story full of suspense, emotion, longing, and love!
The present day FMC is Dr. Mia Harding. She’s an art historian and is set to sign off on and authenticate a statue by famous artist Lucca Armani. Near the end of her allotted stay in Venice, she becomes convinced that it was actually crafted by a courtesan of the artist. She unearths clues, riddles, and mounting evidence to support her theory. The stakes become incredibly high as she and her colleague Noah are chased, threatened, and stalked through Venice, by people who never want her to unearth the truth.
In 1609, Sofia Rossi is a courtesan and gifted artist. She creates erotic and emotional art, defying Venice’s laws in her lifetime. We see how she is treated, how powerful she truly is and how constrained and demeaned she is within her profession. The stakes grow higher as she is caught in a dangerous web of people in power and her work gets uncovered and stolen by her patrons wife. Having fallen in love with another powerful man in the art community while she’s the property of another, she can feel the world crashing in around her.
Mia is driven and willing to face any consequence in order to prove Sofia’s existence and bring her brilliance to light before the powers that be silence both of their voices.
It’s an incredible story full of suspense, emotion, longing, and love!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love reading about women in history and this novel was so fascinating in creating a woman based on many women in the art world of Venice during the 1600's. Current day art historian Mia is working to prove the theory of who sculptured an erotic statue that was found buried. She knows there is something more to this statue than what Dr. Byron has theorized and she refuses to validate his findings. She knows a woman was involved, but who? What was her role during this time and why was she erased from history? Deciding to go risk her career and name in the art world, she heads to Venice with a colleague who believes in her. As they start to ask questions and uncover the pieces of the Venice art world from the 1600's, they are being threatened and tracked at every turn. All they want is for Mia to substantiate Dr. Byron's findings so they can continue with excavation of more buried artifacts. Meanwhile in 1600's, Sofia a woman well before her time is bound to make a life of art. As a courtesan she is nothing, and so when she is given the task to become the muse for a dried up artist, she takes the challenge. But there is much more going on in the darkness of this household than what appears and soon she finds out just who is in control and what they will do to get what they want for their husband and themself. I loved all the Venice scenery as well as the history that was woven through out this novel. I had no idea about the art world during this time. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for another your invite of hers. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Secret Courtesan, as a fast-paced art mystery, blends intellectual intrigue and feminist proclamations. With strong echoes of The Da Vinci Code, the novel swaps Robert Langdon for Dr. Mia Harding, an art historian racing through Venice to prove that a newly unearthed erotic statue was created by a courtesan deliberately erased from history.
Chaput’s Venice is richly atmospheric, with vivid, sensory-driven action scenes that pull readers into shadowed alleys, hidden art, and escalating peril. Webs of art theft, betrayal, love, and passion weave threads of tension throughout both storylines. In fact, Chaput’s skill to build that tension for both Sofia and Mia stands-out with deft skill to create a dual timeline where each time period engages the reader page-by-page, chapter-by-chapter. The emotional bridge between past and present is also reinforced by prose like Sofia’s reflection: “I possess a deep, soulful understanding of the wounds handed to me by those who came before,” a line that could belong to either woman.
While the primary theme presents a mandate to find the women erased from history – by men - Chaput also gives us supportive male characters, without reducing them to caricatures. Noah and Antonio provide balance, even when Mia educates Noah through poignant exchange: “There must be proof somewhere. Think of all the people lost to time,” Noah says. “That’s called women’s history,” Mia replies.
Smart, suspenseful, and resonant, The Secret Courtesan is an art thriller that entertains while forcefully reclaiming women’s place in history.
Chaput’s Venice is richly atmospheric, with vivid, sensory-driven action scenes that pull readers into shadowed alleys, hidden art, and escalating peril. Webs of art theft, betrayal, love, and passion weave threads of tension throughout both storylines. In fact, Chaput’s skill to build that tension for both Sofia and Mia stands-out with deft skill to create a dual timeline where each time period engages the reader page-by-page, chapter-by-chapter. The emotional bridge between past and present is also reinforced by prose like Sofia’s reflection: “I possess a deep, soulful understanding of the wounds handed to me by those who came before,” a line that could belong to either woman.
While the primary theme presents a mandate to find the women erased from history – by men - Chaput also gives us supportive male characters, without reducing them to caricatures. Noah and Antonio provide balance, even when Mia educates Noah through poignant exchange: “There must be proof somewhere. Think of all the people lost to time,” Noah says. “That’s called women’s history,” Mia replies.
Smart, suspenseful, and resonant, The Secret Courtesan is an art thriller that entertains while forcefully reclaiming women’s place in history.
February 24, 2026
TW: torture (on page), sexual assault (attempted and on page), murder (on page), misogyny (both period typical and modern), death, stalking/surveliance
The Secret Courtesan was above all else, a timely but still fun read.
But first the plot: Mia Harding, an Art historian, is having an ethical crisis. She's been told to authenticate a statue dredged from the depths of a Venetian canal, or face career destruction. The sculpture is of a woman in climax, and as the foremost expert in Italian women's history in art , this should be a simple affair. Say that this male artist, was the author of the sculpture, and be set for life. However, Mia is sure that there's something about this statue that would rock the art world, and refuses. However, this is only half of the story.
The second POV of this book concerns Sofia, a Venetian courtesan in the Renaissance with an artist's talent and soul. When Sofia's patron sells her contract, she has to rekindle a man's darkness, and make him paint. Will she be able to stay true to her own soul?
I am of two minds about this book. Mia's story wasn't really impactful. I suppose that is because she did a really dumb thing that seems to be the only reason why she's truly scared of her boss. Her character felt real in that she experienced all too real sexism, but that's all that she left me with. Her romance with her male colleague, a history professor who desperately wanted to hear her out, left me similarly cold. Also, the ending to her story felt too convenient near the end, even if the ending was neat enough.
I was here for Sofia's story. Venice as it was in the 1600's was fascinating and was described with suck vivid colour by our courtesan artist. Her story felt so much more real, and visceral. I felt her sadness and rage at not being able to practice her art. I felt the weight of those beautiful gowns trapping her. I read this for her story, and was glad to do so. She stuck with me whereas Mia's character fell flat.
All in all, this novel was worth the read, especially if you like historical fiction. Just be mindful that a portion of the book might not be to everyone's tastes.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the ARC!
Final Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded to 4)
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The Secret Courtesan was above all else, a timely but still fun read.
But first the plot: Mia Harding, an Art historian, is having an ethical crisis. She's been told to authenticate a statue dredged from the depths of a Venetian canal, or face career destruction. The sculpture is of a woman in climax, and as the foremost expert in Italian women's history in art , this should be a simple affair. Say that this male artist, was the author of the sculpture, and be set for life. However, Mia is sure that there's something about this statue that would rock the art world, and refuses. However, this is only half of the story.
The second POV of this book concerns Sofia, a Venetian courtesan in the Renaissance with an artist's talent and soul. When Sofia's patron sells her contract, she has to rekindle a man's darkness, and make him paint. Will she be able to stay true to her own soul?
I am of two minds about this book. Mia's story wasn't really impactful. I suppose that is because she did a really dumb thing that seems to be the only reason why she's truly scared of her boss. Her character felt real in that she experienced all too real sexism, but that's all that she left me with. Her romance with her male colleague, a history professor who desperately wanted to hear her out, left me similarly cold. Also, the ending to her story felt too convenient near the end, even if the ending was neat enough.
I was here for Sofia's story. Venice as it was in the 1600's was fascinating and was described with suck vivid colour by our courtesan artist. Her story felt so much more real, and visceral. I felt her sadness and rage at not being able to practice her art. I felt the weight of those beautiful gowns trapping her. I read this for her story, and was glad to do so. She stuck with me whereas Mia's character fell flat.
All in all, this novel was worth the read, especially if you like historical fiction. Just be mindful that a portion of the book might not be to everyone's tastes.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the ARC!
Final Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded to 4)
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January 20, 2026
*Thank you to NetGalley & She Writes Press for providing a digital copy to review*
As soon as I saw that the story involved art history, dual timelines, and a mystery, I was in. I studied Art History at uni, so it’s something that excites me, and I love it whenever art plays a major role. I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this story, but there were some that were a bit of a letdown.
The mystery is unravelled across two timelines. Mia, an art historian, is trying to prove that the artist of a newly discovered statue is Sofia. A courtesan who was erased from history. We follow Sofia in 1609 Venice as she tries to become an artist but is controlled by those who have ownership of her. I loved how important pieces of information are uncovered in both timelines and that the subsequent chapter then expands on them. The chapters alternate between the two time periods.
I enjoyed Sofia’s chapters the most. I just felt like her story was better structured, and her love interest didn’t feel as forced. I think Mia could have done without the romance aspect; it would have been better if they were just friends. Mia also just felt all over the place. I didn’t feel like I got to know her as well as Sofia, and it all felt a bit rushed.
I enjoyed the investigation and the uncovering of the mystery, especially as it related to female artists. When I was at university, I was primarily interested in the Italian Renaissance and the Baroque periods, as well as the work of female artists from this era. This story highlights how these female artists were often ignored, forgotten, or their works were attributed to male artists. It’s reminded me just how passionate I am about this area of Art History.
As soon as I saw that the story involved art history, dual timelines, and a mystery, I was in. I studied Art History at uni, so it’s something that excites me, and I love it whenever art plays a major role. I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this story, but there were some that were a bit of a letdown.
The mystery is unravelled across two timelines. Mia, an art historian, is trying to prove that the artist of a newly discovered statue is Sofia. A courtesan who was erased from history. We follow Sofia in 1609 Venice as she tries to become an artist but is controlled by those who have ownership of her. I loved how important pieces of information are uncovered in both timelines and that the subsequent chapter then expands on them. The chapters alternate between the two time periods.
I enjoyed Sofia’s chapters the most. I just felt like her story was better structured, and her love interest didn’t feel as forced. I think Mia could have done without the romance aspect; it would have been better if they were just friends. Mia also just felt all over the place. I didn’t feel like I got to know her as well as Sofia, and it all felt a bit rushed.
I enjoyed the investigation and the uncovering of the mystery, especially as it related to female artists. When I was at university, I was primarily interested in the Italian Renaissance and the Baroque periods, as well as the work of female artists from this era. This story highlights how these female artists were often ignored, forgotten, or their works were attributed to male artists. It’s reminded me just how passionate I am about this area of Art History.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set against the shimmering, dangerous backdrop of 17th-century Venice and our modern day, The Secret Courtesan is an intense, charged dual-timeline masterpiece. It explores the lives of two women— in the past and in the present—who are bound by a shared bloodline of talent and a struggle not to be silenced by the eras they inhabit.
This is a novel about the rage to be known. Chaput expertly navigates the sophisticated, complex power dynamics of Venetian intrigue, where hunger and seduction are used as both weapons and shields, and then serves up today’s patriarchy and its cowardice.. At its core, the story pulses with the unrelenting fire to be seen, coursing through the veins of these women—expertise and talent that yearns to be realized in a world hellbent on taking credit for their work—whose voices and existence are silenced. The political intrigue is high in both eras where jealousy and power plays threaten the protagonists and create a frustrating, gripping layer of tension. Chaput’s prose captures a simmering visceral outrage—fear— of being erased. It’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the art that survives when the artist is forbidden to speak. And finally, it’s a defiant tribute to so many women who are still missing from historical records.
This is a novel about the rage to be known. Chaput expertly navigates the sophisticated, complex power dynamics of Venetian intrigue, where hunger and seduction are used as both weapons and shields, and then serves up today’s patriarchy and its cowardice.. At its core, the story pulses with the unrelenting fire to be seen, coursing through the veins of these women—expertise and talent that yearns to be realized in a world hellbent on taking credit for their work—whose voices and existence are silenced. The political intrigue is high in both eras where jealousy and power plays threaten the protagonists and create a frustrating, gripping layer of tension. Chaput’s prose captures a simmering visceral outrage—fear— of being erased. It’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the art that survives when the artist is forbidden to speak. And finally, it’s a defiant tribute to so many women who are still missing from historical records.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book should have been a slam dunk for me - historical fiction + art history + feminism + da Vinci code … but it totally fell apart for a variety of reasons.
The romantic parts weren’t written in a believable way. I don’t buy into any of them. I needed more witty banter or chemistry or anything to make me feel it. There was kinda a lack of depth to a lot of the writing. I wanted so badly to be whisked away into the time period but the writing just didn’t pull me in. There were also a lot of plot points that I couldn’t get behind…mainly with the MC. What was she doing for the weeks before the deadline to research? Why did she suddenly decide to dig deeper and seek an ally the night before the due date? Also, her character had a lot of aha moments (that we knew about from the alternate plot) but the way she figured it out was just by guessing or intuition???? That was very lazy writing. I wanted clever reveals! The final 15% was closer to what I was hoping for throughout the book but couldn’t make up for the rest of its mediocrity. Sadly, this book was a miss for me.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
The romantic parts weren’t written in a believable way. I don’t buy into any of them. I needed more witty banter or chemistry or anything to make me feel it. There was kinda a lack of depth to a lot of the writing. I wanted so badly to be whisked away into the time period but the writing just didn’t pull me in. There were also a lot of plot points that I couldn’t get behind…mainly with the MC. What was she doing for the weeks before the deadline to research? Why did she suddenly decide to dig deeper and seek an ally the night before the due date? Also, her character had a lot of aha moments (that we knew about from the alternate plot) but the way she figured it out was just by guessing or intuition???? That was very lazy writing. I wanted clever reveals! The final 15% was closer to what I was hoping for throughout the book but couldn’t make up for the rest of its mediocrity. Sadly, this book was a miss for me.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is what happens when National Treasure and Dangerous Liaisons collide and decide women should finally get the credit. The Secret Courtesan jumps right in with vivid characters and a plot that knows how to tease information just enough to keep you hooked and slightly unhinged.
The dual timelines are addictive in the best way. Each switch comes right after a revelation, forcing you to abandon one storyline just as it gets good. Both female leads are compelling, powerful, and impossible to ignore, and I raced through the pages desperate to see how their stories connected.
Yes, there is spice—exactly as advertised—but it never overshadows the heart of the story. This is ultimately about women’s power, agency, and the women history conveniently tried to forget. Add intrigue, corruption, and treasure-hunt vibes, and you’ve got a smart, fun, highly bingeable read. I’m genuinely hoping this turns into a series because I would happily follow Noah and Mia into whatever secrets and treasures come next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
The dual timelines are addictive in the best way. Each switch comes right after a revelation, forcing you to abandon one storyline just as it gets good. Both female leads are compelling, powerful, and impossible to ignore, and I raced through the pages desperate to see how their stories connected.
Yes, there is spice—exactly as advertised—but it never overshadows the heart of the story. This is ultimately about women’s power, agency, and the women history conveniently tried to forget. Add intrigue, corruption, and treasure-hunt vibes, and you’ve got a smart, fun, highly bingeable read. I’m genuinely hoping this turns into a series because I would happily follow Noah and Mia into whatever secrets and treasures come next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Secret Courtesan is a dual timeline story that covers some really interesting history. Not only is it filled with history but also mystery, drama, and scandal. You have to admit certain occupations back in the day caused quite an uproar with their flamboyant patrons and that still happens in today's world. However, this story really caught my attention and I was in awe with the story and with the characters.
In the modern timeline we are introduced to Mmia who works as a art historian. She is facinated by a statue that is said to have been crafted by a not well known Courtesan. Unfortunately, there is little information about the artist and Mia is determined not to let this part of history be forgotten. However, there are those who will do anything to keep her from finding out the complete truth.
In the sixteenth century we are introduced to Sofia who has a passion for art but advancement is nearly impossible due to her current profession. She gets the opportunity to work for a man named Lucca who encourages her to grow in her artistic side. However, Lucca's jealous wife will do anything in her power to destroy Sofia's dream.
In the modern timeline we are introduced to Mmia who works as a art historian. She is facinated by a statue that is said to have been crafted by a not well known Courtesan. Unfortunately, there is little information about the artist and Mia is determined not to let this part of history be forgotten. However, there are those who will do anything to keep her from finding out the complete truth.
In the sixteenth century we are introduced to Sofia who has a passion for art but advancement is nearly impossible due to her current profession. She gets the opportunity to work for a man named Lucca who encourages her to grow in her artistic side. However, Lucca's jealous wife will do anything in her power to destroy Sofia's dream.
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