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The Timegathering #1
The Renaissance Club
A great artist of the 17th century meets his superfan from another century in a tale of passion transforming into true love and sacrifice ...
If young, ambitious art historian May Gold could talk to one person about her life, she’d ask her idol, Italian sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini. The question she’d put to him: If I were trapped in stone, how would you chisel me free?” Because at just twenty-six, May is already trapped in a dead-end college teaching job and a slowly failing love affair. She yearns to fly free of both job and boyfriend, though he’s the one who has brought her to Italy with their teaching colleagues. May longs to soar with creative wings, like one of Bernini’s marble angels. Secretly, she also longs to be in his arms, the wildly adored partner of the man who created the world’s most beautiful art.
When the floor under the gilded dome of St Peter's basilica rocks under her feet, May finds herself in the year 1624, staring straight into Gianlorenzo's eyes. Their immediate attraction grows each time she meets him during her tour, but her academic future begins to look brighter too. Passion for her artist shakes her to the core, but history says they have no future. Would she give up everything, even the time in which she lives, to be with her soul mate?
A CAPTIVATING LOVE STORY illuminating love’s enduring truth and the timeless power of beauty to uplift us. Perfect for lovers of art, Italy, and time travel romance.
Praise for The Renaissance Club
“Enchanting, rich and romantic…a poetic journey through the folds of time.” – Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and #1 Amazon Kindle bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale
“Highly recommended for lovers of time travel fiction or anyone looking for a compelling story about a woman trying to find happiness.” – Annabelle Costa, Author of The Time Traveler’s Boyfriend.
If young, ambitious art historian May Gold could talk to one person about her life, she’d ask her idol, Italian sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini. The question she’d put to him: If I were trapped in stone, how would you chisel me free?” Because at just twenty-six, May is already trapped in a dead-end college teaching job and a slowly failing love affair. She yearns to fly free of both job and boyfriend, though he’s the one who has brought her to Italy with their teaching colleagues. May longs to soar with creative wings, like one of Bernini’s marble angels. Secretly, she also longs to be in his arms, the wildly adored partner of the man who created the world’s most beautiful art.
When the floor under the gilded dome of St Peter's basilica rocks under her feet, May finds herself in the year 1624, staring straight into Gianlorenzo's eyes. Their immediate attraction grows each time she meets him during her tour, but her academic future begins to look brighter too. Passion for her artist shakes her to the core, but history says they have no future. Would she give up everything, even the time in which she lives, to be with her soul mate?
A CAPTIVATING LOVE STORY illuminating love’s enduring truth and the timeless power of beauty to uplift us. Perfect for lovers of art, Italy, and time travel romance.
Praise for The Renaissance Club
“Enchanting, rich and romantic…a poetic journey through the folds of time.” – Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and #1 Amazon Kindle bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale
“Highly recommended for lovers of time travel fiction or anyone looking for a compelling story about a woman trying to find happiness.” – Annabelle Costa, Author of The Time Traveler’s Boyfriend.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2018
153 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Dacus
14 books487 followersRachel Dacus writes time travel and women's fiction with a supernatural twist. She is the author of seven novels and four poetry collections. Her Timegathering series has been called a "unique and spellbinding twist to the time-traveling adventure, perfect for fans of Susanna Kearsley and Diana Gabaldon." Rachel lives in Northern California with her architect husband and Silky Terrier. She is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 3, 2018
The author uses the story of May’s travels around Italy with the other members of The Renaissance Club in an imaginative way to give the reader the story of Bernini’s life and work without the book ever feeling like an art history textbook.
May’s relationship with her boyfriend, Darren, is strained and what she experiences during her journey through Italy only seems to make their differences more apparent. Although May feels gratitude towards Darren for bringing her on the trip, she feels frustrated at his unwillingness to commit to their future together. They seem temperamentally very different as well. He is ambitious and status driven, whilst May is more interested in exploring her creativity through writing poetry. When Darren remarks dismissively, “There’s not much money in writing poetry, is there?” May’s understandable reaction is to think his comments ‘eminently reasonable, but not exactly encouraging’.
At one point, initiated by Darren, they indulge in an academic debate over lunch about who was the better sculptor – Bernini or Michelangelo. To my mind, the discussion that follows encapsulates the tensions in their relationship – it’s an argument loosely disguised as academic debate. No surprise that Darren puts the case for Michelangelo, dismissing May’s adored Bernini as “a mere entertainer…a vaudevillian who equates art with spectacle…a showoff.” May soon works out what’s really going on. ‘He was demolishing her idol with a savage analysis. This wasn’t their usual game. This was a fight. She felt as if he were acting like a jealous lover.’
May, and her boss, Eva, both find their creativity awakened by their experiences on the tour. For Eva it is getting up close and personal with the greatest Renaissance art, as represented by Michelangelo, that brings about this change and offers her the possibility of moving on from tragedies in her personal life. For May, it is the master of the Baroque, Bernini, who gets her creative (and other) juices flowing. Her creative outlet is poetry, the medium in which she can most effectively express her feelings and emotions.
As a reader, I felt almost transported to the various artistic sites The Renaissance Club visit on their tour thanks to the author’s wonderful descriptions of church interiors, frescoes and sculptures. There are also some evocative descriptions of the cities the group visit on their tour: Rome, Siena, Assisi, Florence and Venice. For example, this description of Rome: ‘Ancient city walls next to rough-piled medieval palazzos, Egyptian obelisks rising from Baroque fountains. Rome was a hot mess of beauty.’ (I love that phrase ‘a hot mess of beauty’. If you’ve ever been there, you’ll realise how apt it is.) Or this description of Venice: ‘White-domed churches shouldered next to palazzos of earthy colours, and the filigreed palaces, with fluted chimneys and Juliet balconies, were jewels against the blue sky. Venice was the gaudy inheritance of a rich empire built on water, imagination, and bold ambition.’ The author also writes poetry and I got a real sense of this in some of the imaginative phrases and metaphors in the book. For instance, as May feels herself slipping between past and present: ‘The city kept doing this to her, zigzagging through its eras so fast she had time-whiplash.’
I really enjoyed The Renaissance Club and found much to admire in it on a number of different levels. I loved the imaginative use of the time travel aspect to provide an insight into Italian art of the Renaissance and the Baroque without feeling that I’d sat through a lecture on art history. I enjoyed seeing the awakening of May’s creativity and the effect on her of Bernini’s energizing presence: ‘I need to learn to flow. Why do I always feel like I’m encased in stone?’. And I found myself applauding the changes she decides to make in her life. As the group’s remarkable tour guide, George, says, “Your life is yours to create, May. Shape it like a poem, with imagination but also sense”.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers, Fiery Sea Publishing, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
May’s relationship with her boyfriend, Darren, is strained and what she experiences during her journey through Italy only seems to make their differences more apparent. Although May feels gratitude towards Darren for bringing her on the trip, she feels frustrated at his unwillingness to commit to their future together. They seem temperamentally very different as well. He is ambitious and status driven, whilst May is more interested in exploring her creativity through writing poetry. When Darren remarks dismissively, “There’s not much money in writing poetry, is there?” May’s understandable reaction is to think his comments ‘eminently reasonable, but not exactly encouraging’.
At one point, initiated by Darren, they indulge in an academic debate over lunch about who was the better sculptor – Bernini or Michelangelo. To my mind, the discussion that follows encapsulates the tensions in their relationship – it’s an argument loosely disguised as academic debate. No surprise that Darren puts the case for Michelangelo, dismissing May’s adored Bernini as “a mere entertainer…a vaudevillian who equates art with spectacle…a showoff.” May soon works out what’s really going on. ‘He was demolishing her idol with a savage analysis. This wasn’t their usual game. This was a fight. She felt as if he were acting like a jealous lover.’
May, and her boss, Eva, both find their creativity awakened by their experiences on the tour. For Eva it is getting up close and personal with the greatest Renaissance art, as represented by Michelangelo, that brings about this change and offers her the possibility of moving on from tragedies in her personal life. For May, it is the master of the Baroque, Bernini, who gets her creative (and other) juices flowing. Her creative outlet is poetry, the medium in which she can most effectively express her feelings and emotions.
As a reader, I felt almost transported to the various artistic sites The Renaissance Club visit on their tour thanks to the author’s wonderful descriptions of church interiors, frescoes and sculptures. There are also some evocative descriptions of the cities the group visit on their tour: Rome, Siena, Assisi, Florence and Venice. For example, this description of Rome: ‘Ancient city walls next to rough-piled medieval palazzos, Egyptian obelisks rising from Baroque fountains. Rome was a hot mess of beauty.’ (I love that phrase ‘a hot mess of beauty’. If you’ve ever been there, you’ll realise how apt it is.) Or this description of Venice: ‘White-domed churches shouldered next to palazzos of earthy colours, and the filigreed palaces, with fluted chimneys and Juliet balconies, were jewels against the blue sky. Venice was the gaudy inheritance of a rich empire built on water, imagination, and bold ambition.’ The author also writes poetry and I got a real sense of this in some of the imaginative phrases and metaphors in the book. For instance, as May feels herself slipping between past and present: ‘The city kept doing this to her, zigzagging through its eras so fast she had time-whiplash.’
I really enjoyed The Renaissance Club and found much to admire in it on a number of different levels. I loved the imaginative use of the time travel aspect to provide an insight into Italian art of the Renaissance and the Baroque without feeling that I’d sat through a lecture on art history. I enjoyed seeing the awakening of May’s creativity and the effect on her of Bernini’s energizing presence: ‘I need to learn to flow. Why do I always feel like I’m encased in stone?’. And I found myself applauding the changes she decides to make in her life. As the group’s remarkable tour guide, George, says, “Your life is yours to create, May. Shape it like a poem, with imagination but also sense”.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers, Fiery Sea Publishing, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 23, 2017
THE RENAISSANCE CLUB is a time travelogue of Italy for poets, dreamers, artists, and romantics. Only a poet-novelist could write a book that captures both the lyrical force of main character May Gold *and* her desire to find her place in the world and in Time. Rachel Dacus has already established herself as a published poet. This beautiful debut promises a future of combining that talent with stories that give readers an escape into the worlds she creates.
January 15, 2018
The author takes us on an amazing journey through Italy, giving us glimpses into the art world of past and present. Her poetic writing weaves us into the scenes, making the reader feel as though they are on the journey with May, her main character. Her interaction with the artist, Bernini, is deep and relevant in helping May discover herself, and establishing the person she knows she wants to be. Not only does this timeless story keep you up in the late hours of the night, but it makes you want to take your own trip to Italy, with the hopes that you may also be a member of the Renaissance Club. Definitely, a must read!
January 14, 2018
If you've ever wanted to travel to Italy, or you've ever wanted a different past or future, or you believe in a life lived full-out, you will want to read this book. It's a wonderful read as we explore the world of art in Italy and get to know the sculptor Bernini the way the protagonist, May, does. I found myself relaxing as I read this poetic book and, for the first time, wanting to go to Italy.
January 23, 2018
A, so far, standalone novel following a group of college professors as they tour the art history of Italy.
I received this story from the publisher, Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC, via Instafreebie.
My Take
Dacus uses single third person point-of-view using May’s perspective and focusing primarily on her passion, her fear. About those influences that attack your own sense of rightness, terrifying you into following someone else’s vision of your life.
It will be a fascinating journey, one that I wish Dacus had spent more time on in providing greater depth, showing us what causes this group of tourists to change as they do. We only see May’s and Eva’s interactions, and even those aren’t all that convincing. It’s more tell than anything.
Still, I did fall in love with The Renaissance Club, for Dacus’ turn of phrase, for her poetry (and I hate poetry!??!!), for her insights on art, for the evolutions in art, for those great quotes:
Yep, there’s plenty of bickering amongst the professors, each trying to one-up the other, but a few were much worse. Eva was just plain nasty. She was so angry at everything and so negative about everyone. She simply couldn’t resist tearing at everyone. Darren is another jerk, always aiming for the “correct” political move to make and such a child in his reactions. Wait’ll you read what Darren thinks of the Apollo and Daphne sculpture…oy…
Of course, May turned out to not be a whole lot better. What a weaseling, judgmental woman! She wants to, she’s afraid, she thinks she should stick to the humdrum, she…whine, whine, whine. She makes promises she doesn’t keep. She tries to railroad Darren. Again. As an historian, I can’t believe how quick May was to want to change Bernini’s future. I mean…what the heck?
I gotta say I didn’t buy Eva’s time reactions; I would have expected more skepticism from her. Especially the way she jumped on George for using the present tense in discussing the past. Although, lol, George did have some excellent responses to her snark.
There’s plenty of conflict in this: the years of negativity from May’s parents (and everyone else — she is wimpy); Sandra’s anger at her parents; Darren’s childishness; Eva’s bitching; Norman’s worries about his daughter (and his own wimpiness and planning obsessions); and, Bernini’s own conflicts.
I absolute DO agree with Eva about how non-painters overcomplicate the art. Sure there are some painters who want to make a statement, but most artists simply need to create whatever image is in their heads.
Then there’s May’s realization about what Bernini uses to “speak of the human condition”. Just beautiful.
Just a couple more niggles... There were a number of sentences that made no sense. I don't know if author/publisher was in a rush or was overtired, but hoo-boy.
I just KNOW Dacus has set this up for a series. And I do hope she writes the next one quickly! ...in spite of all my whining.
The Story
May Gold, college adjunct, often dreams about the subject of her master’s thesis — Gianlorenzo Bernini. In her fantasies she’s in his arms, the wildly adored partner of the man who invented the Baroque.
But in reality, May has just landed in Rome with her teaching colleagues and older boyfriend who is paying her way. She yearns to unleash her passion and creative spirit, and when the floor under the gilded dome of St Peter’s basilica rocks under her feet, she gets her chance. Walking through the veil that appears, she finds herself in the year 1624, staring straight into Bernini’s eyes. Their immediate and powerful attraction grows throughout May’s tour of Italy. And as she continues to meet her ethereal partner, even for brief snatches of time, her creativity and confidence blossom. All the doorways to happiness seem blocked for May — all except the shimmering doorway to Bernini’s world.
May has to choose: stay in her safe but stagnant existence, or take a risk. Will May’s adventure in time ruin her life or lead to a magical new one?
The Characters
May Gold is the Baroque-loving daughter of documentary makers, parents who are firm believers in fact, not fancy, “crushing [their] daughter’s joy in creating”. She is currently a part-time teacher at the college under threat of a layoff. Dr Darren Perl is a self-obsessed senior professor of history and May’s boyfriend.
Dr George “Giorgio” St. James has always been different, traveling back in time even as a child. These days he is a history scholar who teaches at various universities, leads tour groups, and helps people who have an affinity for the past. Timmy was his best friend in fourth grade. Mrs. Smith had been an angry grade school teacher. Dr Maria Donato is George’s high-speed substitute in Florence. Signora Sciutto is the curator of Palazzo Fondazione in Rome.
The Renaissance Club is…
…a group of college professors, their spouses, and friends who take a tour of art and art history in the Italian Renaissance. Norman Wesley is the dean of Mount Antioch College and the club organizer. His wife, Kathleen, organized the trip. Sandra is their angry daughter. Dr Iris is a friend of Kathleen’s and more interested in Italian clothes. Eva Manookian, May’s boss, is the head of the Art and Art History Department, who paints when she’s not teaching. Arthur is her very one-dimensional husband who teaches English literature, heads up the English department, and plays guitar. Rebecca was their daughter who died of cancer three years ago. Rick is head of the Information Technology department and married to the gorgeous Marianna. Becca is the drama instructor; Daphne is her sister. Jake Ismail is a friend and colleague of George’s and currently working at the college.
Vico is the Italian shoe salesman who sweeps Sandra off her feet. Pépé is a fabulous chef. Dr Frank is a therapist Eva has seen before. Brother Leo is with the San Francesco del Deserto in Venice.
Italy, 1624
A sculptor, architect, and playwright, Cavaliere Gianlorenzo Bernini is a Renaissance artist whose ideas ushered in the Baroque era of art. Matteo Bonarelli is Bernini’s newest assistant; Costanza is his wife. Finelli was an amazingly delicate carver and another assistant. Luigi is Bernini’s traitorous brother.
Donna Olimpia Maidalchini was the mistress of Pope Innocent X. Prince Niccolo connives with Bernini. Cardinal Scipione Borghese had been Bernini’s best patron and a friend; his home is now a museum. Giotto was a shepherd who discovered perspective.
Some of George’s historic acquaintances include Solon, Thomas Jefferson, and Zheng who invented pasta.
The Cover and Title
The cover is glowing around May’s body, partially submerged in a Venetian canal, her long dark, curly hair descending midway down her back, as she faces away from us, staring into the pink and gold city of Venice, a cloud of butterflies flitting overhead in the dawning sky of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows. The title is centered just below May’s hair with a text separator beneath with the author’s name beneath that in a distressed olde worlde parchment-textured serif font.
The title is the ongoing conflict, The Renaissance Club tour group of professors and art lovers.
I received this story from the publisher, Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC, via Instafreebie.
My Take
Dacus uses single third person point-of-view using May’s perspective and focusing primarily on her passion, her fear. About those influences that attack your own sense of rightness, terrifying you into following someone else’s vision of your life.
It will be a fascinating journey, one that I wish Dacus had spent more time on in providing greater depth, showing us what causes this group of tourists to change as they do. We only see May’s and Eva’s interactions, and even those aren’t all that convincing. It’s more tell than anything.
Still, I did fall in love with The Renaissance Club, for Dacus’ turn of phrase, for her poetry (and I hate poetry!??!!), for her insights on art, for the evolutions in art, for those great quotes:
”This was beauty in service of a cruel faith that turned terrible persecution into its symbol of love.”Dacus’ passion for the Renaissance came through quite clearly and definitely made me want to book my ticket for Italy right now! What Dacus says about Cosimo de Medici’s Library and what Michelangelo introduced in creating it. Wow. And yet more tidbits on the various artists who helped art to evolve, expand. And I had to laugh about “the constant need for entertainments”. Our time doesn’t need all the physical events Bernini speaks of…’cause we got TV and the Internet. Hmmm…
Yep, there’s plenty of bickering amongst the professors, each trying to one-up the other, but a few were much worse. Eva was just plain nasty. She was so angry at everything and so negative about everyone. She simply couldn’t resist tearing at everyone. Darren is another jerk, always aiming for the “correct” political move to make and such a child in his reactions. Wait’ll you read what Darren thinks of the Apollo and Daphne sculpture…oy…
Of course, May turned out to not be a whole lot better. What a weaseling, judgmental woman! She wants to, she’s afraid, she thinks she should stick to the humdrum, she…whine, whine, whine. She makes promises she doesn’t keep. She tries to railroad Darren. Again. As an historian, I can’t believe how quick May was to want to change Bernini’s future. I mean…what the heck?
I gotta say I didn’t buy Eva’s time reactions; I would have expected more skepticism from her. Especially the way she jumped on George for using the present tense in discussing the past. Although, lol, George did have some excellent responses to her snark.
There’s plenty of conflict in this: the years of negativity from May’s parents (and everyone else — she is wimpy); Sandra’s anger at her parents; Darren’s childishness; Eva’s bitching; Norman’s worries about his daughter (and his own wimpiness and planning obsessions); and, Bernini’s own conflicts.
”[Rome] is pure melodrama, meant to intimidate the sinner and bind the believer.”I did love how supportive Bernini was of May. If only there were more people who could be so upbeat and positive.
”Her head emptied its thoughts into the pillow.”There’s an interesting conflict in those of the group who see beauty as a lie, mostly due to their own issues, and others who appreciate beauty as truth. There was a fascinating bit from Bernini about “truth resid[ing] in the ideal, not the actual” with May realizing that [Bernini’s] kind of beauty didn’t cheat truth or realism. It heightened it.” How can you not love that?
I absolute DO agree with Eva about how non-painters overcomplicate the art. Sure there are some painters who want to make a statement, but most artists simply need to create whatever image is in their heads.
Then there’s May’s realization about what Bernini uses to “speak of the human condition”. Just beautiful.
Just a couple more niggles... There were a number of sentences that made no sense. I don't know if author/publisher was in a rush or was overtired, but hoo-boy.
I just KNOW Dacus has set this up for a series. And I do hope she writes the next one quickly! ...in spite of all my whining.
The Story
May Gold, college adjunct, often dreams about the subject of her master’s thesis — Gianlorenzo Bernini. In her fantasies she’s in his arms, the wildly adored partner of the man who invented the Baroque.
But in reality, May has just landed in Rome with her teaching colleagues and older boyfriend who is paying her way. She yearns to unleash her passion and creative spirit, and when the floor under the gilded dome of St Peter’s basilica rocks under her feet, she gets her chance. Walking through the veil that appears, she finds herself in the year 1624, staring straight into Bernini’s eyes. Their immediate and powerful attraction grows throughout May’s tour of Italy. And as she continues to meet her ethereal partner, even for brief snatches of time, her creativity and confidence blossom. All the doorways to happiness seem blocked for May — all except the shimmering doorway to Bernini’s world.
May has to choose: stay in her safe but stagnant existence, or take a risk. Will May’s adventure in time ruin her life or lead to a magical new one?
The Characters
May Gold is the Baroque-loving daughter of documentary makers, parents who are firm believers in fact, not fancy, “crushing [their] daughter’s joy in creating”. She is currently a part-time teacher at the college under threat of a layoff. Dr Darren Perl is a self-obsessed senior professor of history and May’s boyfriend.
Dr George “Giorgio” St. James has always been different, traveling back in time even as a child. These days he is a history scholar who teaches at various universities, leads tour groups, and helps people who have an affinity for the past. Timmy was his best friend in fourth grade. Mrs. Smith had been an angry grade school teacher. Dr Maria Donato is George’s high-speed substitute in Florence. Signora Sciutto is the curator of Palazzo Fondazione in Rome.
The Renaissance Club is…
…a group of college professors, their spouses, and friends who take a tour of art and art history in the Italian Renaissance. Norman Wesley is the dean of Mount Antioch College and the club organizer. His wife, Kathleen, organized the trip. Sandra is their angry daughter. Dr Iris is a friend of Kathleen’s and more interested in Italian clothes. Eva Manookian, May’s boss, is the head of the Art and Art History Department, who paints when she’s not teaching. Arthur is her very one-dimensional husband who teaches English literature, heads up the English department, and plays guitar. Rebecca was their daughter who died of cancer three years ago. Rick is head of the Information Technology department and married to the gorgeous Marianna. Becca is the drama instructor; Daphne is her sister. Jake Ismail is a friend and colleague of George’s and currently working at the college.
Vico is the Italian shoe salesman who sweeps Sandra off her feet. Pépé is a fabulous chef. Dr Frank is a therapist Eva has seen before. Brother Leo is with the San Francesco del Deserto in Venice.
Italy, 1624
A sculptor, architect, and playwright, Cavaliere Gianlorenzo Bernini is a Renaissance artist whose ideas ushered in the Baroque era of art. Matteo Bonarelli is Bernini’s newest assistant; Costanza is his wife. Finelli was an amazingly delicate carver and another assistant. Luigi is Bernini’s traitorous brother.
Donna Olimpia Maidalchini was the mistress of Pope Innocent X. Prince Niccolo connives with Bernini. Cardinal Scipione Borghese had been Bernini’s best patron and a friend; his home is now a museum. Giotto was a shepherd who discovered perspective.
Some of George’s historic acquaintances include Solon, Thomas Jefferson, and Zheng who invented pasta.
The Cover and Title
The cover is glowing around May’s body, partially submerged in a Venetian canal, her long dark, curly hair descending midway down her back, as she faces away from us, staring into the pink and gold city of Venice, a cloud of butterflies flitting overhead in the dawning sky of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows. The title is centered just below May’s hair with a text separator beneath with the author’s name beneath that in a distressed olde worlde parchment-textured serif font.
The title is the ongoing conflict, The Renaissance Club tour group of professors and art lovers.
June 27, 2018
The Renaissance Club is undoubtedly one of the best books I've read this year. I am a huge fan of time travel stories, but this was unique for me because I've never read a book that is set in the Renaissance Period in Italy. When Fiery Seas Publishing offered this book to me, I was so excited because I am a huge history nerd (and a history major), and I absolutely adore learning about the Renaissance, so needless to say I jumped straight into this book. Before I get into specifics, I just want to say that I read this book twice, back to back, because I loved it so much.
Possibly the best thing about this book is the writing. Rachel Dacus describes the setting in such luscious and vivid detail that it's almost a shock when you look up and realise that you're not in Italy. In terms of the story itself, the romance felt natural and didn't feel like it was forced on you, and the characters were interesting and offered unique experiences of the world around them. As you're reading you feel the emotions of the characters, and you are completely immersed in the settings. This book is so incredible, and it really is unique. I will remember this book for a very long time.
For anyone who is interested in either history or art (or both!) this is a must read.
Possibly the best thing about this book is the writing. Rachel Dacus describes the setting in such luscious and vivid detail that it's almost a shock when you look up and realise that you're not in Italy. In terms of the story itself, the romance felt natural and didn't feel like it was forced on you, and the characters were interesting and offered unique experiences of the world around them. As you're reading you feel the emotions of the characters, and you are completely immersed in the settings. This book is so incredible, and it really is unique. I will remember this book for a very long time.
For anyone who is interested in either history or art (or both!) this is a must read.
January 21, 2018
I love doing ARC reviews for Fiery Seas Publishing, and their most recent release of The Renaissance Club was no exception. Another stellar story and subtle romance! Rachel Dacus' story weaves the past and the present together in a seamless blend of prose and poetry, with subtle undertones reminiscent of a fine Italian culinary dish.
This was not my first time-travel romance, but Ms. Dacus is easily on par with my literary heroine, Diana Gabaldon. While the heroine travels back and forth through time, she tries to keep her present-day, dead-on-arrival, relationship with Darren together; but each trip through the portal of Time, each liason with her artistic hero, Bernini, she finds herself comparing past and present in more ways than one.
The romance between May and Bernini sizzles, and the love scenes are subtle, but pack a punch and the author moves deftly through the full range of human emotions with style and sensitivity. All the while, Dacus is describing art and Italy with a deftness that leaves even the least-experienced art historian with a clear mental image of what the characters are seeing and studying.
Her characters step in and out of time seamlessly, and it would seem that all of our intrepid travelers on this particular three-week academic tour find themselves somehow changed by the magic of Italy; its pull an irresistible dare to be something more, fly higher, try something new, inspired by the innovation in artistic styles that Rome, Venice, Florence, and Assisi seethe with. And who wouldn't find themselves forever altered by meeting Masters of their time such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini?
Even those who aren't romance fans will find something in the pages of this book to pique their imagination. Aspiring authors, poets, painters and sculptors especially, should read at least the first three chapters, and pay special heed Bernini's advice.
You won't find steamy sex scenes in this book, but in this reviewer's opinion, they would have most likely detracted from the overall impact of Rachel's work. Readers will be left with a new appreciation of art, history, love and time itself. A must for every romance reader's book list, especially fans of time-travel romance.
This was not my first time-travel romance, but Ms. Dacus is easily on par with my literary heroine, Diana Gabaldon. While the heroine travels back and forth through time, she tries to keep her present-day, dead-on-arrival, relationship with Darren together; but each trip through the portal of Time, each liason with her artistic hero, Bernini, she finds herself comparing past and present in more ways than one.
The romance between May and Bernini sizzles, and the love scenes are subtle, but pack a punch and the author moves deftly through the full range of human emotions with style and sensitivity. All the while, Dacus is describing art and Italy with a deftness that leaves even the least-experienced art historian with a clear mental image of what the characters are seeing and studying.
Her characters step in and out of time seamlessly, and it would seem that all of our intrepid travelers on this particular three-week academic tour find themselves somehow changed by the magic of Italy; its pull an irresistible dare to be something more, fly higher, try something new, inspired by the innovation in artistic styles that Rome, Venice, Florence, and Assisi seethe with. And who wouldn't find themselves forever altered by meeting Masters of their time such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini?
Even those who aren't romance fans will find something in the pages of this book to pique their imagination. Aspiring authors, poets, painters and sculptors especially, should read at least the first three chapters, and pay special heed Bernini's advice.
You won't find steamy sex scenes in this book, but in this reviewer's opinion, they would have most likely detracted from the overall impact of Rachel's work. Readers will be left with a new appreciation of art, history, love and time itself. A must for every romance reader's book list, especially fans of time-travel romance.
March 4, 2018
A perfect time-travel story, full of romance and Italian travel. Don't miss this one!
May 29, 2018
This was a wonderful and fun book to read while traveling around Italy, which is exactly when I read it :) An interesting premise well-executed.
May 15, 2024
The narration was great! Really fun to listen to!
February 11, 2018
Readers of The Renaissance Club will discover an enchanting world of riches—not only in the gorgeous setting of Italy, but in the discussions and descriptions of art, particularly with regard to Bernini and Michelangelo. Dacus, an accomplished poet, showcases her talent with prose that evokes the lush beauty of the art and landscape of Italy’s finest. That, alone, is worth reading this imaginative, time-traveling tale of a May Gold, a young woman caught between the present and the past.
George, the mysterious tour guide of The Renaissance Club, understands the ability to fold time, allowing May the actual experience of living in the Renaissance during random slices of time. She quickly becomes the lover of Bernini—the topic of her master’s thesis and the object of her obsession. Bernini’s passionate nature (in all things) influences May’s previous acceptance of her modern-day troubles, giving her the comparative insight to see her situation through a different lens. First, there is her boss, Eva, a distasteful woman who heads the university Art Department and who takes great pleasure in putting up roadblocks to stall May’s career. And then there is Darren, a tenured professor at the university and May’s boyfriend, who is such an unlikeable character I was aching for May to blast him out of her life.
May learns, as many of us do, that change happens when we are able to step outside our lives long enough to realize that what we accept as “the way things are” isn’t the way things have to be.
Beautiful story, beautifully told, and the perfect way to escape to Italy—with an author who captures the country and its artistic treasures with expertise and poetic flair.
George, the mysterious tour guide of The Renaissance Club, understands the ability to fold time, allowing May the actual experience of living in the Renaissance during random slices of time. She quickly becomes the lover of Bernini—the topic of her master’s thesis and the object of her obsession. Bernini’s passionate nature (in all things) influences May’s previous acceptance of her modern-day troubles, giving her the comparative insight to see her situation through a different lens. First, there is her boss, Eva, a distasteful woman who heads the university Art Department and who takes great pleasure in putting up roadblocks to stall May’s career. And then there is Darren, a tenured professor at the university and May’s boyfriend, who is such an unlikeable character I was aching for May to blast him out of her life.
May learns, as many of us do, that change happens when we are able to step outside our lives long enough to realize that what we accept as “the way things are” isn’t the way things have to be.
Beautiful story, beautifully told, and the perfect way to escape to Italy—with an author who captures the country and its artistic treasures with expertise and poetic flair.
February 2, 2018
See the original review at https://thevagariesofus.com/2018/01/2... -- Included is an excerpt from chapter 3!
The Renaissance Club is a standalone time-travel novel written by Rachel Dacus. The story follows May, a young woman who joins her boyfriend and other art scholars on a tour through some of the more famous art hotspots in Italy. The tour is guided by George, an older man with the secret ability to leap through time. George, seeing May’s passion in all things Bernini- a famous sculptor and playwright from the seventeenth century- hands her a “hall pass” for time leaping. This hall pass sends her careening into a fortuitous meeting with her inspiration and art idol- Bernini himself.
Thus begins an emotional and introspective journey for May as she finds her love of Bernini’s art shifting beyond what he can create, to what he has awoken within her. Bernini in all his arrogant and passionate glory helps May become confident in her writing and poetry, embraces her passion for art and history (especially as it is centered around his creations), and does not disparage her desire for children (as her boyfriend Darren is often doing throughout the novel). In kind, May centers Bernini by directing his passions towards his art, rather than the lives of others (for example, he could have dwelled on the betrayal of his brother and Constanza, but May was there to help him see through this difficult time). Bernini and May inspired each other, and eventually, this inspiration grew into a passionate and sweet love.
I enjoyed following the Renaissance Club’s journey through the soft, rolling countryside of Assisi, the stone city of Florence, the canal ways of Venice, and the ancient and history-rich Rome. If you are a great lover of art and history, or even a fan of Italy itself, then this would be a novel you enjoy. The landscape was a fluid thing in this novel which made it intriguing. I loved seeing where we would be taken next- and especially loved not knowing when May would be thrust back into time and into Bernini’s arms. I enjoyed embarking on this journey with May and had worried a few times about how she would solve the problem of maintaining a relationship with Bernini, while not altering history in any way. In this, I was not disappointed! The ending left me pleased- as the solution to this problem was as creative and enlightening as the rest of the novel.
The Renaissance Club is a standalone time-travel novel written by Rachel Dacus. The story follows May, a young woman who joins her boyfriend and other art scholars on a tour through some of the more famous art hotspots in Italy. The tour is guided by George, an older man with the secret ability to leap through time. George, seeing May’s passion in all things Bernini- a famous sculptor and playwright from the seventeenth century- hands her a “hall pass” for time leaping. This hall pass sends her careening into a fortuitous meeting with her inspiration and art idol- Bernini himself.
Thus begins an emotional and introspective journey for May as she finds her love of Bernini’s art shifting beyond what he can create, to what he has awoken within her. Bernini in all his arrogant and passionate glory helps May become confident in her writing and poetry, embraces her passion for art and history (especially as it is centered around his creations), and does not disparage her desire for children (as her boyfriend Darren is often doing throughout the novel). In kind, May centers Bernini by directing his passions towards his art, rather than the lives of others (for example, he could have dwelled on the betrayal of his brother and Constanza, but May was there to help him see through this difficult time). Bernini and May inspired each other, and eventually, this inspiration grew into a passionate and sweet love.
I enjoyed following the Renaissance Club’s journey through the soft, rolling countryside of Assisi, the stone city of Florence, the canal ways of Venice, and the ancient and history-rich Rome. If you are a great lover of art and history, or even a fan of Italy itself, then this would be a novel you enjoy. The landscape was a fluid thing in this novel which made it intriguing. I loved seeing where we would be taken next- and especially loved not knowing when May would be thrust back into time and into Bernini’s arms. I enjoyed embarking on this journey with May and had worried a few times about how she would solve the problem of maintaining a relationship with Bernini, while not altering history in any way. In this, I was not disappointed! The ending left me pleased- as the solution to this problem was as creative and enlightening as the rest of the novel.
February 10, 2018
What a great story!! I loved how effortlessly the author transported me to Italy, both past and present, and as a reader I was fully immersed me in the art and culture of the Renaissance period (in such a wondrous way). Reading this book was an absolute delight for my senses. I thoroughly enjoyed the main character Maya, who was wonderful and I was so invested in her journey. This was a lovely debut, and I'm really looking forward to future books by Rachel Dacus!
September 1, 2019
I'm often tempted to begin a review of a book like this by saying I don't read a lot of books like this, but I've read enough Outlander novels now that maybe I shouldn't say that. The Renaissance Club is a breezy read that brings Renaissance sculptors Bernini and (to a lesser extent) Michelangelo alive to two women in an American college art department who are touring Italy with a larger group that includes their boyfriend and husband, respectively. The main character has a lot of choices to make, and time itself (or maybe its mysterious guide, George) seems to favor her with dips into the past to her hero Bernini when necessary to help her move along. I enjoyed that this romance across centuries was not all sweetness and light -- people definitely didn't bathe as much, and patriarchy was in full bloom, too. I appreciated the snarky academic politics. Dacus does a good job of not getting bogged down in how on earth all this is happening, and her characters complete interesting arcs. If you enjoy Italy, Renaissance art, the process of making art, eating, or reading or writing poetry, or maybe just watching women make difficult decisions about imperfect relationships, chances are excellent you'll enjoy this novel. I received a free copy from the author, whom I know from a couple of online groups, in exchange for signing up for her mailing list.
November 28, 2018
I loved this book! I have always dreamed of visiting Italy, mostly for the food, but am now just as excited to go and experience the art!
Dacus provides beautiful descriptions of architecture, paintings and sculptures as she leads us through a tour of various cities. She brings the artists and sculptors to life in ways that allow us to better interpret their masterpieces - what they felt, what they thought, what they desired when creating them.
The tug of war between May's relationship with Darren and her seemingly impossible romance with Bernini keeps you engaged throughout the book. I found her struggle to find where she belongs in the world very relatable! Wouldn't we all love the chance to go to another place and another time, and try to rewrite the past?
This book was a quick and easy read, and one that any lover of art, travel and romance will enjoy!
Dacus provides beautiful descriptions of architecture, paintings and sculptures as she leads us through a tour of various cities. She brings the artists and sculptors to life in ways that allow us to better interpret their masterpieces - what they felt, what they thought, what they desired when creating them.
The tug of war between May's relationship with Darren and her seemingly impossible romance with Bernini keeps you engaged throughout the book. I found her struggle to find where she belongs in the world very relatable! Wouldn't we all love the chance to go to another place and another time, and try to rewrite the past?
This book was a quick and easy read, and one that any lover of art, travel and romance will enjoy!
May 13, 2019
Woolgathering or daydreaming has produced a really good read!
I really enjoyed this first-time novelists new book. May Gold's adventures in Italy as a member of the Renaissance Club touring Italy finding and appreciating the art of the masters. Really enjoyed the whimsy of time travel and the growth of May to chart a new and different course among the beauty of the art long gone by. What awaits is a wonderful excuse to while away some hours as May gets to spend time with her beloved muse of the Renaissance time.
I really enjoyed this first-time novelists new book. May Gold's adventures in Italy as a member of the Renaissance Club touring Italy finding and appreciating the art of the masters. Really enjoyed the whimsy of time travel and the growth of May to chart a new and different course among the beauty of the art long gone by. What awaits is a wonderful excuse to while away some hours as May gets to spend time with her beloved muse of the Renaissance time.
March 3, 2018
For more reviews, author interviews and book news check out my personal blog: https://inkandpapercuts.wordpress.com/
I received Rachel Dacus's ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel Dacus’s “The Renaissance Club” comprises a unique conglomeration of historical romance and time travel imbued in Italian allure. Set in Italy, it guides the reader back and forth between eras and art movements in order to narrate the story of the Renaissance Club—especially of one of its members, the young and promising May Gold.
I must admit that reading this novel was fun and enjoyable even if, ultimately, I realized that it fell short of my own expectations. Dacus has an incredible writing style; the ARC I received was impeccable in grammar, diction, and syntax. The author seems to be an expert in handling English with care, and she exhibits a deep knowledge of figurative speech and manners of speech.
Moreover, I fancied the way the story enveloped but I think that there was not adequate justification for the reason time travel occurred in the first place. Also, the fact that a student was in love with a Renaissance painter did not strike a chord with me. The plot is extremely romantic both in terms of the erotic interests lurking but also in terms of May; she has to surpass a number of obstacles, namely her own insecurities if she is to establish dominance in her own field of expertise.
I have evidently grown out of time travel romance and this is the reason why the novel did not satisfy me. Perhaps, one of the strongest characteristics of Dacus’s work is her excellent language and the optimal editing by the publishing house. Even if the novel does not take stock of the myth of time travel and its connotations of fantasy as it should have, the romance is sufficient to drive the whole storyline—one that is definitely not poorly developed or loosely created.
Bernini’s life story also drives the plot, but I failed to understand the reason I was to enjoy Renaissance history in conjunction with some type of romance that seemed unjustified. As another reader pointed out, the novel is a travelogue of Italian art and poetry, and I am adding: of impossible romance both chronologically and sensibly. Unfortunately, I am not such a fan of either of these.
VERDICT:
At the end of the day, “The Renaissance Club” consists an enjoyable and addictive romance novel which enchants the reader with Italian notes and instills on them a fervent admiration for Italian art. A great choice for readers of romance and light fantasy.
I received Rachel Dacus's ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel Dacus’s “The Renaissance Club” comprises a unique conglomeration of historical romance and time travel imbued in Italian allure. Set in Italy, it guides the reader back and forth between eras and art movements in order to narrate the story of the Renaissance Club—especially of one of its members, the young and promising May Gold.
I must admit that reading this novel was fun and enjoyable even if, ultimately, I realized that it fell short of my own expectations. Dacus has an incredible writing style; the ARC I received was impeccable in grammar, diction, and syntax. The author seems to be an expert in handling English with care, and she exhibits a deep knowledge of figurative speech and manners of speech.
Moreover, I fancied the way the story enveloped but I think that there was not adequate justification for the reason time travel occurred in the first place. Also, the fact that a student was in love with a Renaissance painter did not strike a chord with me. The plot is extremely romantic both in terms of the erotic interests lurking but also in terms of May; she has to surpass a number of obstacles, namely her own insecurities if she is to establish dominance in her own field of expertise.
I have evidently grown out of time travel romance and this is the reason why the novel did not satisfy me. Perhaps, one of the strongest characteristics of Dacus’s work is her excellent language and the optimal editing by the publishing house. Even if the novel does not take stock of the myth of time travel and its connotations of fantasy as it should have, the romance is sufficient to drive the whole storyline—one that is definitely not poorly developed or loosely created.
Bernini’s life story also drives the plot, but I failed to understand the reason I was to enjoy Renaissance history in conjunction with some type of romance that seemed unjustified. As another reader pointed out, the novel is a travelogue of Italian art and poetry, and I am adding: of impossible romance both chronologically and sensibly. Unfortunately, I am not such a fan of either of these.
VERDICT:
At the end of the day, “The Renaissance Club” consists an enjoyable and addictive romance novel which enchants the reader with Italian notes and instills on them a fervent admiration for Italian art. A great choice for readers of romance and light fantasy.
February 8, 2021
The Renaissance Club, Book 2 of the Time Gathering serie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this novel Rachel Dacus tells the adventures of the Renaissance Club, a group of American scholars (most traveling in couples), among them Art and History teachers going on a culture trip to Italy’s most revered artistic treasures with the famous the Time Gatherer, Stanford and Berkeley’s renown professor George St James.
As a “Time Gatherer” or someone able to travel between times, George has the ability to feel the presence of other Time Gatherers even if themselves ignore their talent.
The main character May Gold, a young history teacher is fond of the work of Bernini, a famous Renaissance artist, well known for his expressive sculptures. The book describes how art, in this case seconded by some time travel, can help reveal the true nature and the real potential of those who let themselves be captured and how it could lead them to reassess their priorities and lead them to a different future.
This is well a written novel, conveying a real love for the beauty of art and its sensuality, I enjoyed reading it, appreciating the tour of Italy it provides the reader with. Nevertheless even if this book gives a great travelling experience, I wonder if those of the readers who have not read the Volume 1 “The Time Gatherer” can really get the full flair of the time travel twist to the story….. Would definitely advise reading it to art, including literature, lovers, preferably after having read Vol 1.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this novel Rachel Dacus tells the adventures of the Renaissance Club, a group of American scholars (most traveling in couples), among them Art and History teachers going on a culture trip to Italy’s most revered artistic treasures with the famous the Time Gatherer, Stanford and Berkeley’s renown professor George St James.
As a “Time Gatherer” or someone able to travel between times, George has the ability to feel the presence of other Time Gatherers even if themselves ignore their talent.
The main character May Gold, a young history teacher is fond of the work of Bernini, a famous Renaissance artist, well known for his expressive sculptures. The book describes how art, in this case seconded by some time travel, can help reveal the true nature and the real potential of those who let themselves be captured and how it could lead them to reassess their priorities and lead them to a different future.
This is well a written novel, conveying a real love for the beauty of art and its sensuality, I enjoyed reading it, appreciating the tour of Italy it provides the reader with. Nevertheless even if this book gives a great travelling experience, I wonder if those of the readers who have not read the Volume 1 “The Time Gatherer” can really get the full flair of the time travel twist to the story….. Would definitely advise reading it to art, including literature, lovers, preferably after having read Vol 1.
May 12, 2022
4/5 Stars
May Gold is an art historian that loves the work of Bernini. When a trip around Italy causes her to meet her idol, May must decide how her life will precede and if she can she change Bernini's fate as well as her own.
I love myself some time travel romances. Mix that with a prolific artist of the Renaissance and you get an interesting story. I do always worry when romances deal with real life figures and considering this one has one as the main male lead, I was extra worried.
However, I loved how May knows so much about Bernini and how readers are shown his rich history. This story focuses on other historical artists, like Michelangelo, but they are more for inspiration to a side character. In the case of Bernini and May, they each deal with problems in their personal lives that helps them realize they are meant to be.
There was much thought that went into this story to bring Bernini to life. Readers learn not only his personal history but also about his art that was inspired by those events.
My only problem with this story was how some characters viewed pregnancy. There were multiple instances where characters believed a pregnancy could cure their relationships. It turned me off for a bit until I could push through.
Other than that, this book was amazing and I can't wait to read more.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy through BookSirens.
May Gold is an art historian that loves the work of Bernini. When a trip around Italy causes her to meet her idol, May must decide how her life will precede and if she can she change Bernini's fate as well as her own.
I love myself some time travel romances. Mix that with a prolific artist of the Renaissance and you get an interesting story. I do always worry when romances deal with real life figures and considering this one has one as the main male lead, I was extra worried.
However, I loved how May knows so much about Bernini and how readers are shown his rich history. This story focuses on other historical artists, like Michelangelo, but they are more for inspiration to a side character. In the case of Bernini and May, they each deal with problems in their personal lives that helps them realize they are meant to be.
There was much thought that went into this story to bring Bernini to life. Readers learn not only his personal history but also about his art that was inspired by those events.
My only problem with this story was how some characters viewed pregnancy. There were multiple instances where characters believed a pregnancy could cure their relationships. It turned me off for a bit until I could push through.
Other than that, this book was amazing and I can't wait to read more.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy through BookSirens.
June 26, 2024
First I'd like to thank Bee Productions for The Renaissance Club audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The Renaissance Club was full of time traveling and beautiful language. At times the language felt very hoity-toity because it was coming from modern-day women. However, when they were brought to the past - it helped make it feel like the characters were finally where they would belong.
The narrator was good, not great, but didn't hinder the story. The idea behind the plot was good, and throughout I did love the ripples in time and the influences it had on the character's growth.
However, what really hurt this story for me were the characters. They were insufferable and I hated 90% of them. The fact that May tried to force a pregnancy onto her partner (no matter how shitty and condescending he was) just sat so horribly with me and ruined the character for me. I felt bad for her at first, because her other co-workers were just so demeaning, but after that - it really turned me off May.
Bernini, while a little misogynic cause of his time, was the most enjoyable character in the story and I really did enjoy it.
The Renaissance Club was full of time traveling and beautiful language. At times the language felt very hoity-toity because it was coming from modern-day women. However, when they were brought to the past - it helped make it feel like the characters were finally where they would belong.
The narrator was good, not great, but didn't hinder the story. The idea behind the plot was good, and throughout I did love the ripples in time and the influences it had on the character's growth.
However, what really hurt this story for me were the characters. They were insufferable and I hated 90% of them. The fact that May tried to force a pregnancy onto her partner (no matter how shitty and condescending he was) just sat so horribly with me and ruined the character for me. I felt bad for her at first, because her other co-workers were just so demeaning, but after that - it really turned me off May.
Bernini, while a little misogynic cause of his time, was the most enjoyable character in the story and I really did enjoy it.
June 27, 2024
5 star review/recommendation post!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much @audiobeeproductions for reaching out to me to review this book! I absolutely loved this story! This book follows the story of May Gold, a young woman who is touring Renaissance Italy with some colleagues and a troublesome boyfriend. Gianlorenzo Bernini was a 17th century Italian sculptor who creating masterpieces and breathtaking art and May daydreams about meeting him, but she doesn't realize how possible that could be. In a turn of events May is transported back to 17th century Italy where she encounters Bernini, who is no stranger to beautiful women. Upon their engagement May begins to tell him who she is and where she's from, as well as how much she admires him giving him glimpses into his future. But time-travel is a tricky thing and as May is forced back into the present she begins to wonder if she made a mistake. How much damage could actually be done? In this heart felt novel can true love bridge the gaps in time, even if it means changing history?
Thank you again for the opportunity to listen to and review this book! It was lovely!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much @audiobeeproductions for reaching out to me to review this book! I absolutely loved this story! This book follows the story of May Gold, a young woman who is touring Renaissance Italy with some colleagues and a troublesome boyfriend. Gianlorenzo Bernini was a 17th century Italian sculptor who creating masterpieces and breathtaking art and May daydreams about meeting him, but she doesn't realize how possible that could be. In a turn of events May is transported back to 17th century Italy where she encounters Bernini, who is no stranger to beautiful women. Upon their engagement May begins to tell him who she is and where she's from, as well as how much she admires him giving him glimpses into his future. But time-travel is a tricky thing and as May is forced back into the present she begins to wonder if she made a mistake. How much damage could actually be done? In this heart felt novel can true love bridge the gaps in time, even if it means changing history?
Thank you again for the opportunity to listen to and review this book! It was lovely!
July 5, 2023
(4.5 stars) The Renaissance Club was a romantic story that featured the bending of time between the 1600s and 21st century. The story follows May Gold, a part-time art history teacher from California who travels to Italy with her colleagues to study Renaissance art. Once there, May finds herself face-to-face with famous Baroque sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini, who she wrote her master's thesis on. She soon finds herself in a love triangle while playing time and history.
This book had me gripped the whole time, constantly questioning the choices that May made and what the potential consequences would be. I loved traveling through Italy with The Renaissance Club and watching the characters develop over time. I sometimes found some of the characters frustrating as I was reading, but I liked how each of their stories wrapped up in the end. I especially loved George and his mysterious ways, and I will absolutely be adding the prequel to my TBR to get more of a background on his life.
This was a great lighthearted read, and I can't wait to check out the other two books in the series!
This book had me gripped the whole time, constantly questioning the choices that May made and what the potential consequences would be. I loved traveling through Italy with The Renaissance Club and watching the characters develop over time. I sometimes found some of the characters frustrating as I was reading, but I liked how each of their stories wrapped up in the end. I especially loved George and his mysterious ways, and I will absolutely be adding the prequel to my TBR to get more of a background on his life.
This was a great lighthearted read, and I can't wait to check out the other two books in the series!
March 14, 2018
Not impressed, I didn't care about May at all, she seemed too young and silly to be considered a expert in any field, let alone a teacher of something so complicated. I didn't "feel" any real emotion, between her and Darren, or Bernini! Her dialogue with Darren didn't make any sense most of the time, one minute they're having an intelligent debate, the next minute he's calling her "bitch", one minute he's offering an olive branch, the next he's walking away with another woman, all a matter of a paragraph.
I've been to Italy several times myself and I didn't "feel" Italy at all in this book. My favorite historical fiction puts me front and center of the events, you can taste, and smell and see everything laid out in front of you. Not this one. Very disappointed...
I've been to Italy several times myself and I didn't "feel" Italy at all in this book. My favorite historical fiction puts me front and center of the events, you can taste, and smell and see everything laid out in front of you. Not this one. Very disappointed...
May 22, 2022
I got this book because it was the first in a series and I thought I should read it before I read the next one. There were two characters having time-slip events that turned out to be transformational in different ways. Each only minimally affected the other creating a disjoined story. There were lots of artistic details in the story, many of which were lost on me since I have little knowledge in that area. I still plan to read the next story because after reading the description again, I think it will be a better fit for me because it seems to be George's story which was mostly missing in this book.
January 27, 2018
The moment I began reading this book I knew I was in for a treat. The writing was absolutely professional, and the prose was beautiful. Right away I felt transported to Italy as though I were visiting with the Renaissance Club (the group of May's teaching colleagues). If you're looking for a traditional romance story and format, you won't find it here. But if you're in the mood for an art and history filled time-travel story, this book is for you!
June 25, 2019
I don't usually read time travel novels. But Ms. Dacus has written this in such a way you feel time really could 'fold' and transport you to another time and place. She paints beautiful 'word pictures' of the art seen by The Renaissance Club and the towns they visit. And the inclusion of poetry was a natural for a writer who is an accomplished poet. I have always wanted to visit Italy and now I have moved that trip a little higher on my bucket list.
May 8, 2024
This audiobook was so lovely to listen to. Faith Fizer is a wonderful narrator. She depicts each character with such talent. I loved her voice for May, Bernini, and George. She also nailed those Italian pronunciations! I'm not usually a fan of romance but this was a great book to listen to while doing chores around the house and traveling to work. I learned so much about Italy and art!
April 29, 2018
I read this before going to Rome. Just so so.
September 4, 2018
Loved the art history. I'm not a romance reader, or I'd likely have given it a 5.
Read
April 16, 2025DNF 18%. I just couldn’t get into it.
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