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The Master's Protégé Trilogy #1
Shades of Brilliance
When a young woman from a disgraced aristocratic family in Venice and a Florentine master artist and duke cross paths, their lives and the Italian art world will never be the same.
Fans of The Other Boleyn Girl, Wolf Hall, and Girl with A Pearl Earring will find much to love in this poignant and thrilling new saga by award-winning author Eleanor Chance.
Celeste Gabriele's life has gone from wealth and privilege in the highest echelons of Venetian aristocracy to dismal poverty in the slums. With her drunk of a father missing and her mother dead, it falls upon Celeste to protect her younger brothers and sister from starvation. When the burden becomes overwhelming, and Celeste makes plans to escape her wretched life, her wealthy aunt appears and whisks her off to work as a nanny to young Federigo Benetto.
One day as Celeste escorts Federigo to his art lesson with Maestro Luciano Vicente, the maestro discovers a sketch drawn by Celeste. He immediately recognizes her raw artistic talent and begs her to become his secret protégé. Celeste consents and soon becomes obsessed as she hones her abilities under the watchful eye of Luciano, whom she secretly loves. She carries on blissfully until their arrangement is discovered and she is thrown out onto the street with nothing. Will she survive in a world working against her to achieve her dreams and win the heart of the nobleman she loves?
Fans of The Other Boleyn Girl, Wolf Hall, and Girl with A Pearl Earring will find much to love in this poignant and thrilling new saga by award-winning author Eleanor Chance.
Celeste Gabriele's life has gone from wealth and privilege in the highest echelons of Venetian aristocracy to dismal poverty in the slums. With her drunk of a father missing and her mother dead, it falls upon Celeste to protect her younger brothers and sister from starvation. When the burden becomes overwhelming, and Celeste makes plans to escape her wretched life, her wealthy aunt appears and whisks her off to work as a nanny to young Federigo Benetto.
One day as Celeste escorts Federigo to his art lesson with Maestro Luciano Vicente, the maestro discovers a sketch drawn by Celeste. He immediately recognizes her raw artistic talent and begs her to become his secret protégé. Celeste consents and soon becomes obsessed as she hones her abilities under the watchful eye of Luciano, whom she secretly loves. She carries on blissfully until their arrangement is discovered and she is thrown out onto the street with nothing. Will she survive in a world working against her to achieve her dreams and win the heart of the nobleman she loves?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2020
403 people are currently reading
2469 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Chance
9 books57 followersEleanor Chance's debut novel, Arms of Grace is a finalist in consideration for production by Wind Dancer Films, is a silver medalist in the Readers' Favorite Awards, and is a recipient of the B.R.A.G. Medallion.
As an avid reader, Eleanor cherishes books that influence her writing and her life. She hopes to create the same experience for readers and thrives on crafting tales of everyday heroes.
Eleanor has traveled the world and lived in five different countries. She currently resides in the Williamsburg, Virginia area with her husband and is the proud mother of four grown sons and Nana to one amazing grand-darling.
As an avid reader, Eleanor cherishes books that influence her writing and her life. She hopes to create the same experience for readers and thrives on crafting tales of everyday heroes.
Eleanor has traveled the world and lived in five different countries. She currently resides in the Williamsburg, Virginia area with her husband and is the proud mother of four grown sons and Nana to one amazing grand-darling.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 13, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A “rags-to-riches” story meets the Renaissance! The story is broken up into three different parts, slowly showing the progression of Celeste’s journey as an artist.
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A “rags-to-riches” story meets the Renaissance! The story is broken up into three different parts, slowly showing the progression of Celeste’s journey as an artist.
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 2, 2020
I was delighted to find this novel as it fits right into my sweet spot. I, too, am an author of historical fiction set in Italy, focusing on art history, painters, strong female protagonists, and the Medici, so of course, I read this novel with interest and high hopes. I was not disappointed. Drawn in immediately by the lovely cover, I read with interest the story of Celeste Gabriele’s rise from the ashes of poverty and shame to become a master painter. The story begins in Venice and moves to Lucca and Florence, and we follow the protagonist’s journey over the years as she dares to defy convention, develops into a confident woman, and earns admiration and respect for her work. Well written and evocative of the period.
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December 10, 2020A "rags-to-riches" story meets the Renaissance!
My full review can be found in InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
My full review can be found in InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
October 9, 2020
A story about a girl who just wants to survive but who becomes so much more. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, I found it hard to put down. Being slowly introduced to the Italian art world I felt like I was on the journey with Celeste, very well written. I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book, but readers should be aware there is some (mild) sexual content.
I loved the story, about a young female artist in Renaissance Italy. I'm not super familiar with this time period/culture, but it certainly seemed well-researched and authentic in the way it was written. I loved the details about art and Italian culture. The first chapter felt a bit rushed to me, especially compared to the more slow-moving plot later on, but other than that it was pretty well-written. The complications of being a female artist in this time and place seemed very real, and the characters felt like they belonged in the time period, rather than being transplants from the 21st century (always something that irks me in much of modern his fic)
For instance, the protagonist begins by accepting the limitations of her lot in life as a penniless female, not raging against the normal societal expectations, as if she somehow magically knows it will be different hundreds of years later. As she gradually finds that her talents and passion put her at odds with cultural expectations, her thought process tends more along the lines of 'why am I so different?' Instead of 'what's wrong with all these stupid old-fashioned people and why can't they behave like 21st century Americans?' I always find this kind of period authenticity refreshing.
For my Christian readers, be aware there are definitely several sexual encounters in this book, though they are handled in a fairly restrained manner. By that I mean, the details are mostly skimmed over, or painted with very broad brushstrokes. In general, it was less graphic than the account of Onan in scripture, if you know what I mean. lol. I'm just mentioning it because I know some people are more sensitive than I am.
True to the religious culture of the time period, the characters have a generally Christian/catholic outlook, and God is frequently mentioned, though the spiritual life of the characters does not play much of a role in the story. I definitely liked it well enough to read the second book in the trilogy.
I loved the story, about a young female artist in Renaissance Italy. I'm not super familiar with this time period/culture, but it certainly seemed well-researched and authentic in the way it was written. I loved the details about art and Italian culture. The first chapter felt a bit rushed to me, especially compared to the more slow-moving plot later on, but other than that it was pretty well-written. The complications of being a female artist in this time and place seemed very real, and the characters felt like they belonged in the time period, rather than being transplants from the 21st century (always something that irks me in much of modern his fic)
For instance, the protagonist begins by accepting the limitations of her lot in life as a penniless female, not raging against the normal societal expectations, as if she somehow magically knows it will be different hundreds of years later. As she gradually finds that her talents and passion put her at odds with cultural expectations, her thought process tends more along the lines of 'why am I so different?' Instead of 'what's wrong with all these stupid old-fashioned people and why can't they behave like 21st century Americans?' I always find this kind of period authenticity refreshing.
For my Christian readers, be aware there are definitely several sexual encounters in this book, though they are handled in a fairly restrained manner. By that I mean, the details are mostly skimmed over, or painted with very broad brushstrokes. In general, it was less graphic than the account of Onan in scripture, if you know what I mean. lol. I'm just mentioning it because I know some people are more sensitive than I am.
True to the religious culture of the time period, the characters have a generally Christian/catholic outlook, and God is frequently mentioned, though the spiritual life of the characters does not play much of a role in the story. I definitely liked it well enough to read the second book in the trilogy.
December 12, 2020
Extraordinary!
A beautiful story of a girl, the eldest child of her family, whose father had nearly completely ruined the family name; whose relatives did little to nothing to help most of the time. From the baby to her, the fate of 5 children who need to be spared the vicissitudes of a drunken and abusive father, the weight falls on her shoulders. Her only chance for helping them lies with an aunt who comes with food one day, and a job for her: nanny to a rich woman's child. Her employer's son goes once a week to art lessons with a maestro. While she is there, she sketches things around her, like his paintings. He sees the sketches & teaches her ietly alongside her young charge. He is astounded to have found a raw talent that well developed - something he discovers one day when he sends her home with equipment to paint a picture, & she brings him back an exquisite painting with excellent techniques beyond many of his advanced apprentices. He teaches her, one way or another, until she is discovered going there late at night and loses her position. She goes home to check on her siblings and finds them skin and bones, her father drinking all the money she earned that wqs sent to feed the kids. He isn't home when she comes so she sends her older siblings to get food and has rhem hide the rest of the money and tell their father that's all she got because she was fired. Her father finds her and beats her up so badly that she lies unconscious in an alley; when she comes to, she uses her will and her last bit of strength to go to the maestro's palazzo for help. It takes ages for her to heal up, the severity of the beating is that bad.
The maestro is married, but his wife is unfaithful. She dies in childbirth bearing another's child. Her lover grabbed any woman he fancied among the servants with impunity - calling for help got the servants in trouble for "encouraging" them, & they lost their positions and were given bad references for what often amounted to rape...esp if they got pregnant.
The way becomes clear for a better future for the illegitimate baby, the talented painter, and many of the painter's relatives. They end up going through a lot of changes, are discovered doing something illegal, and at the end, a door is opening for them if they have the courage to walk through it.
Whether or not they decide to walk through that door os the subject of the 2nd book, due for release in Summer 2021.
It's going to be a long, hard wait for this eager reader!
A beautiful story of a girl, the eldest child of her family, whose father had nearly completely ruined the family name; whose relatives did little to nothing to help most of the time. From the baby to her, the fate of 5 children who need to be spared the vicissitudes of a drunken and abusive father, the weight falls on her shoulders. Her only chance for helping them lies with an aunt who comes with food one day, and a job for her: nanny to a rich woman's child. Her employer's son goes once a week to art lessons with a maestro. While she is there, she sketches things around her, like his paintings. He sees the sketches & teaches her ietly alongside her young charge. He is astounded to have found a raw talent that well developed - something he discovers one day when he sends her home with equipment to paint a picture, & she brings him back an exquisite painting with excellent techniques beyond many of his advanced apprentices. He teaches her, one way or another, until she is discovered going there late at night and loses her position. She goes home to check on her siblings and finds them skin and bones, her father drinking all the money she earned that wqs sent to feed the kids. He isn't home when she comes so she sends her older siblings to get food and has rhem hide the rest of the money and tell their father that's all she got because she was fired. Her father finds her and beats her up so badly that she lies unconscious in an alley; when she comes to, she uses her will and her last bit of strength to go to the maestro's palazzo for help. It takes ages for her to heal up, the severity of the beating is that bad.
The maestro is married, but his wife is unfaithful. She dies in childbirth bearing another's child. Her lover grabbed any woman he fancied among the servants with impunity - calling for help got the servants in trouble for "encouraging" them, & they lost their positions and were given bad references for what often amounted to rape...esp if they got pregnant.
The way becomes clear for a better future for the illegitimate baby, the talented painter, and many of the painter's relatives. They end up going through a lot of changes, are discovered doing something illegal, and at the end, a door is opening for them if they have the courage to walk through it.
Whether or not they decide to walk through that door os the subject of the 2nd book, due for release in Summer 2021.
It's going to be a long, hard wait for this eager reader!
December 23, 2025
I just finished Shades of Brilliance, and wow, this book really takes you back to Renaissance Venice while making you care about real people and their struggles.
Celeste Gabriele is an amazing character. She starts out as a poor nanny, taking care of her siblings after her family falls into hard times. But she’s secretly a talented artist, and when she begins learning from Maestro Luciano Vicento through the lessons meant for young Federigo, she discovers her own gift.
I loved how the book shows that being talented isn’t always enough, you also have to fight for recognition, especially as a woman in the 15th century. Celeste risks everything, including her life, to follow her passion. And the love story between her and Luciano adds so much depth, especially because it’s complicated, he’s married, and yet they still find ways to connect and grow together.
The story keeps you on edge because you don’t know if she’ll get discovered, lose her art, or face ruin from the powerful artists’ guilds. Even when things seem hopeless, a chance encounter with a patron gives her a shot at real recognition.
What makes this book so special is how it mixes art, history, love, and courage. You feel like you’re walking through Venice, seeing the city through Celeste’s eyes, and rooting for her every step of the way.
I also liked that Eleanor Chance was inspired by real historical art like Girl with the Pearl Earring, but she created a story that feels completely alive and personal. Celeste’s struggles and victories make you think about how hard it is to follow your dreams, and how rewarding it is when you do.
Overall, Shades of Brilliance is inspiring, thrilling, and full of emotion. I think anyone who loves historical fiction, stories about art, or strong female characters will love this book.
Celeste Gabriele is an amazing character. She starts out as a poor nanny, taking care of her siblings after her family falls into hard times. But she’s secretly a talented artist, and when she begins learning from Maestro Luciano Vicento through the lessons meant for young Federigo, she discovers her own gift.
I loved how the book shows that being talented isn’t always enough, you also have to fight for recognition, especially as a woman in the 15th century. Celeste risks everything, including her life, to follow her passion. And the love story between her and Luciano adds so much depth, especially because it’s complicated, he’s married, and yet they still find ways to connect and grow together.
The story keeps you on edge because you don’t know if she’ll get discovered, lose her art, or face ruin from the powerful artists’ guilds. Even when things seem hopeless, a chance encounter with a patron gives her a shot at real recognition.
What makes this book so special is how it mixes art, history, love, and courage. You feel like you’re walking through Venice, seeing the city through Celeste’s eyes, and rooting for her every step of the way.
I also liked that Eleanor Chance was inspired by real historical art like Girl with the Pearl Earring, but she created a story that feels completely alive and personal. Celeste’s struggles and victories make you think about how hard it is to follow your dreams, and how rewarding it is when you do.
Overall, Shades of Brilliance is inspiring, thrilling, and full of emotion. I think anyone who loves historical fiction, stories about art, or strong female characters will love this book.
May 25, 2022
Shades of Brilliance: An Italian Renaissance Love Story: The Master’s Protégé Trilogy, Book 1 is by Eleanor Chance. This story starts in Venice between 1473-1483. This book catches your attention and keeps you pulled into the book.
Celeste Gabriele has had a rough time with life so far. She watched as her beloved mother wasted away in the slums of Venice. She was left caring for her four siblings while her father drank away any money they might come up with. Her father had inherited money; but spent or drank it all away. He was disinherited by the family while his brother took over the family business and was straightening it out. Then Aunt Portia comes to get Celeste and set her up as a nanny for a friend, Maria Foscaci.
One of Celeste’s jobs is to take Frederico to his uncle’s studio for art lessons.. His uncle is Maestro Luciano Vicente who is a revered artist in Italy. As Celest sat behind a screen for two hours a week while Frederico had his lessons, she picked up invaluable painting techniques from the Maestro. She would try sketching using these techniques on scraps of paper she picked up around the house. One day, Luciano saw one of her sketches and was amazed. She was remarkably good; however, although he wanted to teach her, it wasn’t possible in that time period. Eventually, he would figure something out. As good as she was, her paintings couldn’t be sold as she was a woman. She wouldn’t get the recognition she deserved; but she had a passion to paint, so she continued.
How would they solve this problem as well as the problem of his falling in love with her? Could she leave her siblings behind?
Celeste Gabriele has had a rough time with life so far. She watched as her beloved mother wasted away in the slums of Venice. She was left caring for her four siblings while her father drank away any money they might come up with. Her father had inherited money; but spent or drank it all away. He was disinherited by the family while his brother took over the family business and was straightening it out. Then Aunt Portia comes to get Celeste and set her up as a nanny for a friend, Maria Foscaci.
One of Celeste’s jobs is to take Frederico to his uncle’s studio for art lessons.. His uncle is Maestro Luciano Vicente who is a revered artist in Italy. As Celest sat behind a screen for two hours a week while Frederico had his lessons, she picked up invaluable painting techniques from the Maestro. She would try sketching using these techniques on scraps of paper she picked up around the house. One day, Luciano saw one of her sketches and was amazed. She was remarkably good; however, although he wanted to teach her, it wasn’t possible in that time period. Eventually, he would figure something out. As good as she was, her paintings couldn’t be sold as she was a woman. She wouldn’t get the recognition she deserved; but she had a passion to paint, so she continued.
How would they solve this problem as well as the problem of his falling in love with her? Could she leave her siblings behind?
November 7, 2023
I was so looking forward to reading this historical novel set during one of my favorite time periods, The Renaissance. The heroine, Celeste , a gifted artist, suffers oppression as women of sixteenth century Italy experienced.
Her desire to fulfill her promise of artistic achievement is miraculously aided by the rich, handsome, kind, artistic Luciano. Of course, they fall in love, marry and have babies and plenty of family infighting. But the problem of Celeste being a woman continues to be the central obstacle to her success.
The early part of the book draws the reader in introducing new, interesting characters, period detail, plot twists and challenges for Celeste. Then it deteriorates into formulaic Romance genre that is so repetitive and boring, it made me want to scream. I kept hoping the storyline would return to art, painting, plot movement. However, it just slugged along until I gave up reading at 85%, so frustrating I didn’t care what happened next (if anything)!
This novel is truly mediocre writing sorely in need of massive editing. I suggest a serious reader of literary and historical fiction not waste their time. Instead look for THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA by Susan Vreeland, or DISOBEDIENT by Elizabeth Fremantle.
Her desire to fulfill her promise of artistic achievement is miraculously aided by the rich, handsome, kind, artistic Luciano. Of course, they fall in love, marry and have babies and plenty of family infighting. But the problem of Celeste being a woman continues to be the central obstacle to her success.
The early part of the book draws the reader in introducing new, interesting characters, period detail, plot twists and challenges for Celeste. Then it deteriorates into formulaic Romance genre that is so repetitive and boring, it made me want to scream. I kept hoping the storyline would return to art, painting, plot movement. However, it just slugged along until I gave up reading at 85%, so frustrating I didn’t care what happened next (if anything)!
This novel is truly mediocre writing sorely in need of massive editing. I suggest a serious reader of literary and historical fiction not waste their time. Instead look for THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA by Susan Vreeland, or DISOBEDIENT by Elizabeth Fremantle.
December 6, 2022
Wow! What a beautiful story.
Love the history of women coming of age, in an age when women were ground upon in industry, especially in the arts. Love the true deep meaning sworn to only one man in marriage, but love the fact she is smitten by another but stays true to her spouse. I believe her children played a large roll in the fact they brought her back from the brink of death. Luck her husband was a prime reason to grow in her arts. Her benefactors were also prime in her well being as well. Love all the different angles of the story from family disgrace to the making of many beautiful paintings. Would love to have some print illustrated pages to excite the eyes.
Love the history of women coming of age, in an age when women were ground upon in industry, especially in the arts. Love the true deep meaning sworn to only one man in marriage, but love the fact she is smitten by another but stays true to her spouse. I believe her children played a large roll in the fact they brought her back from the brink of death. Luck her husband was a prime reason to grow in her arts. Her benefactors were also prime in her well being as well. Love all the different angles of the story from family disgrace to the making of many beautiful paintings. Would love to have some print illustrated pages to excite the eyes.
September 10, 2021
Exquisitely written historical novel
Chance has written an exquisitely crafted and researched historical novel set in 15th century Venice, Florence and Lucca. Developed are the worlds of art, politics, and the social and economic classes. The expected roles of women is a theme throughout . The plot and characters are wonderful created as is the inner passion of an artist. When I finished the book, I signed up for the author's newsletter, something I have rarely done. I look forward to reading more of this wonderful writer.
Chance has written an exquisitely crafted and researched historical novel set in 15th century Venice, Florence and Lucca. Developed are the worlds of art, politics, and the social and economic classes. The expected roles of women is a theme throughout . The plot and characters are wonderful created as is the inner passion of an artist. When I finished the book, I signed up for the author's newsletter, something I have rarely done. I look forward to reading more of this wonderful writer.
December 28, 2025
This was a beautiful story , with interesting characters and placed in Venice. Having been there I could see where some of the places where the story took place were. If you are interested in Venice, Lucca or Florence and or interested in art , this book will be a must read. The story goes so much deeper then a romance and delves into the social norms of the period and the place. Fascinating💗😊5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
inspiring
really enjoyed this one, although gets a little too lovey dovey for me and somewhat phoney in the way her and her husband always are able to work out their differences. loved reading about the amazing artistic talent in the main character. inspired me to start painting again. this is a rags to riches book.
really enjoyed this one, although gets a little too lovey dovey for me and somewhat phoney in the way her and her husband always are able to work out their differences. loved reading about the amazing artistic talent in the main character. inspired me to start painting again. this is a rags to riches book.
March 10, 2024
Historical fiction about a talented young female artist in a man’s world, where women are not allowed in the art world. (Seems kinda ridiculous by todays standards, but that’s how it was.). The story takes place in Venice, Florence and Lucca, though there is not much description of the environs. The story has mostly positive outcomes, which I found comforting in today’s world of negativity.
April 11, 2025
Beautifully written!!!!
I absolutely loved this story. It was written so beautifully. From the story and the carectors, it was a page turner fro. Begining to the end. There was not a thing I disliked about this book. I'm looking forward to the next in this series. Ill be looking for more books by this author.
I absolutely loved this story. It was written so beautifully. From the story and the carectors, it was a page turner fro. Begining to the end. There was not a thing I disliked about this book. I'm looking forward to the next in this series. Ill be looking for more books by this author.
October 3, 2020
A great historical Romance
This book is a vestige of a time lost, where builds ruled and women were not permitted to sell their wares.
Its more than just a beautiful romance - it's the story of 2 artists willing to risk everything to do what they love.
This book is a vestige of a time lost, where builds ruled and women were not permitted to sell their wares.
Its more than just a beautiful romance - it's the story of 2 artists willing to risk everything to do what they love.
October 30, 2020
Shades of Brilliance is exactly that. Brilliant. A poignant, powerful tale of loss, love and perseverance with a strong, talented heroine that is very easy to identify with, the story drew me in and held me enthralled to the end.
Taking place in Venice and Florence during the Renaissance, the scenes of the canals and magnificent estates were so vividly depicted, that I could almost feel myself gliding down the canal with Celeste Gabriele.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book. Highly recommended.
Taking place in Venice and Florence during the Renaissance, the scenes of the canals and magnificent estates were so vividly depicted, that I could almost feel myself gliding down the canal with Celeste Gabriele.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book. Highly recommended.
November 5, 2021
A novel about a female artist from the Renaissance set in Italy!! Rags to riches, love story, painting, descriptions of life in Venice and Florence, I’m a happy reader! And it’s a trilogy, so on to part 11!
February 19, 2022
Delightful New To Me Author
I am enthralled with the story. The plot, history and integrity are a welcome relief in finding worthy, appropriate, clean historical Romances.
Going for Book 2 and hoping not to be disappointed. Well done...bring it on!
I am enthralled with the story. The plot, history and integrity are a welcome relief in finding worthy, appropriate, clean historical Romances.
Going for Book 2 and hoping not to be disappointed. Well done...bring it on!
January 24, 2024
We are proud to announce that SHADES OF BRILLIANCE (The Master's Protégé Trilogy, #1)by Eleanor Chance has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
June 17, 2024
A woman’s talent is hers alone
Celeste has an inborn artistic talent that is recognized and expanded under the tutelage of her husband. How as a woman she can be accepted in the art world is a tale of deceit and love.
Celeste has an inborn artistic talent that is recognized and expanded under the tutelage of her husband. How as a woman she can be accepted in the art world is a tale of deceit and love.
October 4, 2021
Shades of a modern woman glimpsed during renaissance
Not a masterpiece but captures the nuances of a woman pushing her boundaries ,while still balancing a family life,well enough.
Not a masterpiece but captures the nuances of a woman pushing her boundaries ,while still balancing a family life,well enough.
September 28, 2022
Boring, predictable, barely maintained my interest to finish the book
January 2, 2023
Very well written, a must read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a fact and good read. I look forward to reading more works from Eleanor Chance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a fact and good read. I look forward to reading more works from Eleanor Chance.
September 5, 2023
Shades of Brilliance
I couldn't go to bed until I completed this book. I can't wait to read her next book about this family.
I couldn't go to bed until I completed this book. I can't wait to read her next book about this family.
October 30, 2023
Love all historical fiction/ nonfiction about artists. This did not disappoint! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
May 5, 2025
Interesting enough, but too predictable. No surprises. No emotion.
January 14, 2026
Fast read. Loved the story between Celeste and Luciano but wished there were more details about her paintings and the other painters from that time period.
March 13, 2021
Astounding. The books reads so real. The characters are awesome. The historical period is described in great detail. Sad how women with talent were barred from participating in writing books or painting. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews