The Art of Love

The Golden City #1

by A.B. Michaels

…With nothing but a strong back and a barrel full of ambition, August Wolff finds wealth beyond measure in the frozen goldfields of the Klondike. Success, however, comes at an unbearably high price. Now Gus walks alone, and all the money in the world can’t buy him what he needs.
In the late 1800’s, when women are largely seen and not heard, Amelia Starling longs for a life limited only by her imagination. Blessed with abundant artistic talent and an even bigger heart, she moves to the boom town of San Francisco, hoping to make her mark and living with the pain of a sacrifice no woman should have to make.
Two wounded yet defiant individuals meet at the dawn of a new century, discovering a passion eclipsing all they’d ever known. Longing to build a life together, can they overcome the dictates of a cruel and spiteful society?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Ebooks, Fiction, Drama

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2014

About the author

A native of northern California, A.B. Michaels earned masters' degrees in history and broadcasting, and worked for many years in public relations and marketing. Now that she's an empty nester, she has time to write the kinds of stories she loves to read. Her historical series, "The Golden City," follows characters who make their way in turn of the twentieth century San Francisco. "I love creating flawed characters I can relate to, who have to make difficult choices, and who long for happiness like the rest of us. So much was happening in the early 1900's that help shape my novels. Once I tear myself away from the underlying research, they are fascinating stories to write."

Currently Ms. Michaels lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two furry creatures who are unclear on the concept that they are just dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to read and travel. A dabbler in fabric art, she also plays bocce in a summer league. Her latest stand-alone novel, "The Price of Compassion," is Book Four of the "Golden City" series. It's scheduled for release this summer and will be followed by Book Five, "Josephine's Daughter."

Reviews

[Sunhawk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm happy to have read this mediocre book, as it confirms my belief that my ratings -- mostly 4s -- are fair. How lovely, to have so many good books to read!
But this isn't one of them. This is a run-of-the-mill Bodice Ripper that attracted my attention because it centers on The City -- San Francisco -- that's dearest to my East Bay born heart. The book isn't bad; it uses many of the tropes common to Bodice Rippers, including the author's apparent discomfort with writing about actual Bodice Ripping and the sex that follows. The two main characters are attractive and distinct. It's even a good story -- I'm sure that several reviewers have recounted the plot in excruciating detail! (Why do they do that? Are they in 4th grade with Miss Lassen?)
The editing -- if any? -- was lamentable. Our heroine anticipates her "eminent" move to her new digs, and hero and hero admire the lights around the "parameters" of buildings seen from the top of the Palace Hotel. Such illiteracy really spoils the overall impact.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of life’s great pleasures is finding an author with a body of work that I can follow for a while to feed my appetite for reading. Often I find an author late in their career and I am sorry I missed seeing them sooner but I’m glad that I can binge on the backlog. A friend recommended A.B. Michael’s, The Art of Love. It grabbed me from the first page and had me staying up way too late to read just one more chapter, again and again. When I finished I wanted more and was sad to realize I will just have to wait to get the next installment. I promise to wait; I just won’t be patient about it. I want to know what happens to not just Lia and Gus but all of their friends and family. Do they have children of their own, what becomes of the artists’ colony, how does the upcoming earthquake impact their lives. A.B. Michaels did such a wonderful job of weaving history and romance and tension and political issues into an I can’t stop reading wonder. I was left with such a sense of these being real people; it makes me wonder what she used as her inspiration.

[Barbara D. Mason · Rating 1 out of 5]

The historical setting was interesting, but the author didn't stay true to the portrayal because she imposed modern language, activities and societal standards. I suppose she was trying to appeal to today's reader, but this is what I found to be beyond plausible:
1)Gus goes for a jog and goes to the gym. Really? This is turn of the century! Yes, gyms did exist (I googled it), but they were boxing gyms. I could be wrong, but jogging is a relatively modern exercise. It would have been more likely for him to go out and chop a cord of wood if he wanted to physically let off steam or work the body.
2) Swear words (the 'f' and 's' words) were not likely used in that period. Again, I could be wrong.
3) This is the most blatant faux pas--the frequent premarital sex. That would have been not only scandalous, but downright reckless given that no birth control was mentioned. Come on! She got pregnant right away with her first husband, and not with Gus?
I give this book the lowest rating and will not pursue this author.

[Bonnye Reed]

DigitalBookSpot

[Anemone Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four out of five stars. The Art of Love: Origins of Sinner’s Grove by A.B. Michaels is a romance novel chronicling love between two art lovers in San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th century. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a sedate, slow story!

The book is written in three parts. Part one introduces Augustus Wolf on his claim during the height of the gold rush. It has a wonderful wild west feel to it, which I suppose is only to be expected given the setting. The second part is Amelia’s story, telling of her origins in the East and why she travels west. The third part commences when they are both in place in San Francisco. By now Augustus is at the top, socially and financially, but the circumstances of his success have left scars that won’t stay buried. When the young artist Amelia Starling catches his eye, it starts a chain reaction that helps him finally solve the unanswered questions that have haunted him for years.

Michaels’ real-world setting for this book feels very well-researched, and I found it transporting. Amelia and Augustus come across as fully rounded characters, complete with flaws and strong points; there are also several secondary characters who are very charming. I found the story’s tone reminiscent of Louis L’Amour for the western style; I don’t normally read romance, so I’m not sure which authors it most resembles in that genre.

Because this book is a romance, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I rate it for married adults on the Aardvark scale, and even then it may be too sensual for many people. There was one scene in particular that I pretty much skipped. Be aware of what you’re getting yourself into, because you won’t want to stop in the middle of this book! If you enjoy romance novels, westerns, or historical fiction, you will enjoy this debut novel by A.B. Michaels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.

[B Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled through this book. As others have commented, the plot is thin and the characters, for the most part are pretty weak. But the biggest problem for me was the lack of dénouement. The book ends abruptly in the middle San Francisco earthquake leaving the fate of most of the characters completely unresolved. It was as though the author finally thought “I’ve had enough of this“ and wrapped it up and closed it off. Bummer.

[Heidi Breton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four out of five stars. The Art of Love: Origins of Sinner’s Grove by A.B. Michaels is a romance novel chronicling love between two art lovers in San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th century. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a sedate, slow story!

The book is written in three parts. Part one introduces Augustus Wolf on his claim during the height of the gold rush. It has a wonderful wild west feel to it, which I suppose is only to be expected given the setting. The second part is Amelia’s story, telling of her origins in the East and why she travels west. The third part commences when they are both in place in San Francisco. By now Augustus is at the top, socially and financially, but the circumstances of his success have left scars that won’t stay buried. When the young artist Amelia Starling catches his eye, it starts a chain reaction that helps him finally solve the unanswered questions that have haunted him for years.

Michaels’ real-world setting for this book feels very well-researched, and I found it transporting. Amelia and Augustus come across as fully rounded characters, complete with flaws and strong points; there are also several secondary characters who are very charming. I found the story’s tone reminiscent of Louis L’Amour for the western style; I don’t normally read romance, so I’m not sure which authors it most resembles in that genre.

Because this book is a romance, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I rate it for married adults on the Aardvark scale, and even then it may be too sensual for many people. There was one scene in particular that I pretty much skipped. Be aware of what you’re getting yourself into, because you won’t want to stop in the middle of this book! If you enjoy romance novels, westerns, or historical fiction, you will enjoy this debut novel by A.B. Michaels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Love is the first book in The Golden City series by A.B. Michaels. The story opens in May 1896 as August “Gus” Wolff works a claim in the Klondike. His wife, Mattie, has decided that life in the Klondike is not want she wanted and decides to return to Seattle with their one-year old daughter, Annabelle. Against all odds, he does strike gold and he travels to join them in Seattle, only to find out they are no longer there. No one seems to know where they have gone and despite his best efforts, Mattie and Annabelle have vanished. Around the same time, Amelia “Lia” Bennett faces an unwanted marriage in New York City. Her only joy is painting and when her new husband forbids her to paint, she devises a plan to leave him and New York behind. Gus and Lia’s stories converge in San Francisco in 1902. Gus is now a wealthy shipping tycoon and Lia, a well sort after artist. When the two meet, sparks fly, but Gus is known as the local playboy, so Lia keeps him at arm’s length. Or so she tries.
The Art of Love was an enjoyable, fast paced historical romance. The story is exciting and thrilling until the very end. The banter and teasing between Gus and Lia is funny as well as romantic. The friends in their lives are equally interesting and I look forward to seeing them get their own stories or make appearances in the other books. I enjoyed every bit of the story and eagerly turned each page to see if the questions swirling around them would be answered. Even the aspects of the story that seemed out of place, it fit. It also shows that despite that most of the society of the day may have accepted or played by the social conventions of the time, doesn’t mean everyone did. Overall, it was a great story, a great start to a series. I look forward to continuing the series. I highly recommend The Art of Love.

The Art of Love
is available in paperback and eBook

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Art of Love’ by A.B. Michaels is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. This wonderful story takes us from the Yukon to New York and lastly San Francisco in the late 1800's.
The story drew me in during the first chapter and had me staying up late to read ‘just one more chapter’ When I finished I wanted more. There was hope however since the cover of the book says The Golden City #1.

Both the main characters Gus and Lia are extremely complex characters who have both survived failed relationships and heartache. Both Gus and Lia have had to make very hard decisions. They both have worked tirelessly to carve out a second chance at life. They have each found the strength to face a future alone. But they are not alone for long because when they meet sparks fly. The story of how Gus and Lia find each other and come to terms with their pasts is compelling and the memorable secondary characters add depth to the rich storyline. Is rich in history, description, and especially in the two main characters. They're flawed and so very human.
I found myself wanting to read about August Wolff and Amelia Starling. The book is beautifully written, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book. I will be on the look out for more from this author.

I would like to thank A.B. Michaels, BooksgoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engrossing read despite my reluctance to read about divorce. The author has presented another aspect of such a solution to the intolerable situation that Lia, George and Emma are in (in Part 2) by way of introducing Amelia Ruth Bennett's story. I can not also fault Lia in choosing her own path (though painful by her leaving Little Georgie) but that was the best option so that George and the newly widowed Emma can be together and Lia can pursue her art. What I cannot fathom is why did Emma not marry George in the first place instead of Hiram when Mr. Bennett's main goal was money anyway and the Powells are rolling in it plus it would have honored Catherine Bennett's wish that George and Em marry? Mr. Bennett is a disgusting entitled, idle snob using his daughters as pawns for more money to spend and yet cannot add to it. And Mr. Powell is no better by using blackmail to ensure that Lia and George do marry. So Lia went away with Sandy (who is gay and her supposedly adulterous partner cited in George's and Lia's divorce) to San Francisco to live as "bohemian artists." In this Golden City, Lia meets Gus and life as they know it has completely changed for them both, being that Love is the catalyst. But their pasts caught up with them, specially that of Gus's that is till unresolved because of a 7~year~old lie.

[Nanette Littlestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

History and passion come alive!

From the icy fields of the Yukon to the rich abodes of New York to the growing beauty of San Francisco and the redwood forests, A.B. Michaels captures the history and aliveness of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in her heroes Lia and Gus. I shivered through Gus's gold mining attempts in the Yukon and wondered how any man or woman could exist there. Then my heart bristled in outrage at Lia's unfortunate turn of events among the wealthy patronage of New York. And through it all I wondered how do these characters connect? But they do, and beautifully.
The Art of Love brings together such different locations and characters and personalities and melds them like the melting pot of civilization that they were and continue to be. Michaels' deft hand shares the cultural high points of San Francisco in the early 1900s through art and food and construction and shipping. You taste Lia's fervent desire to establish herself as an artist, Gus's need for love and family despite his rise to wealth, and the minor characters of Sandy and Will are far from cardboard and show depth and compassion and great loyalty.
The satisfying ending came about much too soon. I wished the book could have gone on longer.

[Rebecca Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming Gilded Age Romance

Instead of the usual innocent ingenue meets dashing worldly bad boy and tames him with her love, it's a more unusual recipe. New York society girl forced to marry for money and position decides to take her fate into her own hands and become an artist! (She has the talent after all!)

Meantime, a down on his luck prospector in the Klondike is abandoned by his wife who takes their daughter and "vanishes" just as he was about to strike it rich!

The prospector who wisely invested his earnings and the talented artist seem fated to meet at a soiree in the golden city of San Francisco, but can their love survive when their pasts catch up with them?

[Kristy Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A turn-of-the-century novel based upon upper society in San Francisco

This is an excellent novel based upon San Francisco elite. The author doesn't write what's expected about upper class society, yet about the struggles one man goes through to get what he wants, happiness. The book is well written, week developed and well paced. Scenes are described so vividly they can be easily pictured. Characters are believable and emotions are heartfelt. An excellent book, highly recommended.

[Debbie Shoulders · Rating 4 out of 5]

More romance that historical fiction, A.B. Michaels attempts to relive the era of late 19 Century San Francisco. Gus makes a fortune through some luck in the Yukon and a lot of hard work. But he loses his wife and daughter to his ambition. Lia, an artist is born to a family, high in status but low in wealth, finds herself wed to her sister's love. Locating a way to escape, she takes herself to San Francisco and quickly becomes attracted to the wealthy August Wolff. The descriptions of Bay Area is its early years are nice but are merely the scenery to carry a love story.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of the Golden City series and I want to read the next book. Businessman August Wolff and talented artist Amelia Starling meet and find that the love they feel for each other just keeps growing, but Gus is hiding something from his past that can tear them apart. I know I want to read the next book in this series. I recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Zollmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Love lives up to its name!

I just love me the writings of A.B. Michaels! Though this is only the second novel of hers that I've read, I'm even more gratified than I was after the first. Her character development, historical setting & plot line is such that I am totally enthralled. I read alot & it's been years since I've come across an author who displays such finesse at her craft. I highly recommend this author & can't wait to read more of her work.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this as a lighter read between my normal dystopian novels. I tend to avoid romance as they don't normally prescribe to what I consider a healthy relationship. For me, this book was enjoyable, but I found Gus to be unrealistically forward for the time period. He touches Lia's face on the first time they met and would talk considerably dirty to her even before they were courting. As I said, it was enjoyable, but romance is not my favorite genre.

[Kasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book-it was a good solid enjoyable read. I didn’t give it 5 stars because I reserve that for books that stay with me, or that I may reread. But this book did make me want to read others on the series. While I could predict what would happen, that in no way deterred my enjoyment. The time period was we’ll researched and accurate. San Francisco is my favorite city (was home!) and this did the city’s history and its people justice. A lot of fun to read and would highly recommend!

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The details were great and I liked that the author kept the novel as historically accurate as she could. It was a marvelous love story that tugged at my heart strings. I recommend reading this novel if you enjoy historical romances and happy endings! Also, the best part about this novel is that even though it is book one in a series, all the books can be read as a standalone.

[Beth McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storybook romance

Beautiful love story that is told with passion and with so much feeling. The story is well told, so much so that it feels like you are hearing it first hand from two strong, passionate people who finally get to realize a storybook romance. The story of life in the gold mines comes to reality on the pages of this book, and you will be happy for the successes that occurred. Good read!

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book because it was written by a alumni I knew in high school. Historical romance is not my usual forte. I’d call this a Gold Rush setting for a Bridgerton novel.
There’s a young man whose gold panning in the Klondike with a lovely young woman and child. Mattie is NOT a strong woman able to tolerate the harsh conditions. Meantime, Lia in New York ends up marrying her sister’s true love to save the family fortune.
An acceptable way to pass a few afternoons.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He made it rich and now he hopes to go find a new place to try to get over his missing wife and daughter. Will he ever find out what happened to them he meets another who is just as lost as he is. She is an artist. Can two broken people find a new way to live? Find out what they will do

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The author describes the history of many historical things in San Francisco. There is an amazing love story with lots of drama. I thought the book was full of emotions with great characters. I think the author did a wonderful job of making you feel the characters pain and love. A great book to read.

[John Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down until I finished the book.

This book was wonderful as a romance but just as engrossing as a history of the gold rush in California and the Klondike. Viewing it through the eyes of a woman from the privileged yet structured life of New York society to the freedom of starting her own journey was doubly satisfying.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true San Francisco treat

What an extraordinary book on the golden era of San Francisco. ST is a real treat and A.B. Michael's story does the city by the bay real justice. Looking forward to all the novels in the two series. San Francisco was that wild city flourishing to great heights. All the characters are bigger than life but that's want makes them real SF treats.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting story full of love and courage.

I like the way this book is written. It goes between past and present but in a very pleasant way. The characters are so real and lovable and down to earth and it is a facinating tale with historic details woven throughout. Excellent and uplifting message message.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

an Interesting Story with Lots of History

This book was well written and I enjoyed it for the most part. I don’t prefer to read steamy sex and this had that. I prefer clean language, and most of it was. However there were a few places that words were thrown in that didn’t need to be there to get the point across

[Patricia MacCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Love (The Golden City Book 1)

Beautifully written story filled with descriptive characters and scenery. The reader is transported to the last years of the 19th century (from the Klondike to New York City). The book has action, adventure, romance, something for everyone. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, heart touching story

I could have done without the explicit sexual descriptions, but the story was so well written and intriguing that I just skipped over those pages so that I wouldn't miss out on the story. The plot was clearly well presented and the characters were quite well developed. The book was so interesting that I hated to put it down. I really liked it.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author took us on a well written trip to the gold mining era. I liked the story and the characters. I was surprised by some of the things in the book, but I also was intrigued. The storyline was fascinating. It was a well written trip into the past.