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Rosanna Hawkins is one of Manchester’s finest artists, even though no one knows her name. She reproduces “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces with near-perfect precision, which her employer then sells to the emerging upper-middle class families.
When the largest art exhibition ever to be held in England opens in Manchester, Rosanna is excited to visit. She meets the handsome Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of security, and is immediately intrigued by his charm, confidence, and portrait-worthy good looks. The two spend many a flirtatious afternoon exploring the exhibition hall, discussing art, and sharing their secret hopes. Rosanna dreams of painting something original and meaningful, and Martin hopes to one day shed the shadow of his father’s notorious past.
But when they discover the theft of some of the paintings―and all the evidence points to Rosanna―she must convince Inspector Harrison she is innocent and proposes a plan to capture the real art thief.
It is a daring race to catch the criminal before he disappears with the most priceless piece in the collection―Michaelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. If Rosanna and Inspector Harrison fail, not only will the painting be lost forever but so will their chance to paint their own happily ever after.
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Rebecca Anderson loves hiking, Broadway shows, rainstorms, food, books, and movies. She lives in the mountains and adores the ocean; she dreams of travel but loves staying home. Happiness is dabbling in lots of creative activities, afternoon naps, and cheese. All the cheese.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What are the themes in The Art of Love and Lies?
Rebecca Anderson - As a former English teacher, I have to qualify my answer: Themes arise that were never necessarily intended, but when plots and characteristics work together to present universal truths, you kind of run with it.
So, I’d say that some of the themes in The Art of Love and Lies are the following:
Life Is What It's Called - Will this be a series with more books on the sisters of Rosana Hawkins?
Rebecca Anderson - I would LOVE to do a story for each of Rosanna’s sisters, and I hope that happens! Lottie and Ella have depths I’d love to discover, both related to their artistic gifts and in their own souls.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you think readers will like most about this book?
Rebecca Anderson - I adore a great bad guy. I hope people love Anton Greystone (right up until they definitely have to hate him). I hope they like the forays into an artist’s mind. I love the relationship she has with her sisters, but it’s much deeper in my head than it was able to be in this book. I hope they love the playful way Rosanna teases Martin. And of course, everyone loves Martin. Right?? (*Sigh, men in uniform*)
Life Is What It's Called - How is The Art of Loves and Lies similar and different to Isabelle and Alexander?
Rebecca Anderson - At their cores, they’re both love stories—romances that guarantee a happy ending, which I love. They both explore attractions and feelings of duty. There is disappointment and there is sweetness. Time period is the same (Mid-Victorian 1850s) as well as location (Manchester, England). That surety that one’s opinions are right (do we all feel that, and then do we all feel a little devastated when we realize we’re wrong?). I love to explore the conflict between expectation and reality, so I think that will feel familiar, even in a very different setting.
The Art of Love and Lies is playful—much more than Isabelle and Alexander, which, because of its tragic plot, has to be taken more seriously.
Life Is What It's Called -What was your favorite scene to write?
Rebecca Anderson - When Rosanna takes Martin into the office, and they try out the Gaze. If you know, you know.
Life Is What It's Called -Why did you decide for Rosana to be an artist, and what research did you have to do to create this character?
Rebecca Anderson - I love the idea of being an artist. I have no talent for creating visual art, but I love to imitate. (I watch a LOT of watercolor tutorials online.) But I am definitely an appreciator. I have a minor in art history, and I love museums and galleries. One of my kids is a professional artist, and the courage and effort it takes to make a life in the arts astounds me. And my favorite part about creating Rosanna’s talents is that she doesn’t consider herself an artist. (WHAT??) She doesn’t feel like an innovator, which, to her, is the true mark. I have many friends who are gifted artists, but several of them don’t see themselves that way. I love that internal conflict.
When I read about the Art Treasures Exhibition, I wanted to set a story within its galleries, and having Rosanna be a painter was such a fun way to explore that element of history. I read a ton about the paintings that hung on the walls that summer, and because of my university studies, I knew many of the artists (mostly men from Western Europe, but—you know—we do better now) and recognized many of the paintings.
I love to do the research for a story, and this was like going back in time and wandering gallery halls. A dream!
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What are the themes in The Art of Love and Lies?
Rebecca Anderson - As a former English teacher, I have to qualify my answer: Themes arise that were never necessarily intended, but when plots and characteristics work together to present universal truths, you kind of run with it.
So, I’d say that some of the themes in The Art of Love and Lies are the following:
- What is art, as opposed to craft? What makes an artist?
- Which matters more—what we see or what we feel it means?
- When an emotional intimacy develops quickly, can it be trusted?
- Are there universal standards of truth and beauty? (But I can’t get all that serious about Plato, so I stick to pretty paintings)
Life Is What It's Called - Will this be a series with more books on the sisters of Rosana Hawkins?
Rebecca Anderson - I would LOVE to do a story for each of Rosanna’s sisters, and I hope that happens! Lottie and Ella have depths I’d love to discover, both related to their artistic gifts and in their own souls.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you think readers will like most about this book?
Rebecca Anderson - I adore a great bad guy. I hope people love Anton Greystone (right up until they definitely have to hate him). I hope they like the forays into an artist’s mind. I love the relationship she has with her sisters, but it’s much deeper in my head than it was able to be in this book. I hope they love the playful way Rosanna teases Martin. And of course, everyone loves Martin. Right?? (*Sigh, men in uniform*)
Life Is What It's Called - How is The Art of Loves and Lies similar and different to Isabelle and Alexander?
Rebecca Anderson - At their cores, they’re both love stories—romances that guarantee a happy ending, which I love. They both explore attractions and feelings of duty. There is disappointment and there is sweetness. Time period is the same (Mid-Victorian 1850s) as well as location (Manchester, England). That surety that one’s opinions are right (do we all feel that, and then do we all feel a little devastated when we realize we’re wrong?). I love to explore the conflict between expectation and reality, so I think that will feel familiar, even in a very different setting.
The Art of Love and Lies is playful—much more than Isabelle and Alexander, which, because of its tragic plot, has to be taken more seriously.
Life Is What It's Called -What was your favorite scene to write?
Rebecca Anderson - When Rosanna takes Martin into the office, and they try out the Gaze. If you know, you know.
Life Is What It's Called -Why did you decide for Rosana to be an artist, and what research did you have to do to create this character?
Rebecca Anderson - I love the idea of being an artist. I have no talent for creating visual art, but I love to imitate. (I watch a LOT of watercolor tutorials online.) But I am definitely an appreciator. I have a minor in art history, and I love museums and galleries. One of my kids is a professional artist, and the courage and effort it takes to make a life in the arts astounds me. And my favorite part about creating Rosanna’s talents is that she doesn’t consider herself an artist. (WHAT??) She doesn’t feel like an innovator, which, to her, is the true mark. I have many friends who are gifted artists, but several of them don’t see themselves that way. I love that internal conflict.
When I read about the Art Treasures Exhibition, I wanted to set a story within its galleries, and having Rosanna be a painter was such a fun way to explore that element of history. I read a ton about the paintings that hung on the walls that summer, and because of my university studies, I knew many of the artists (mostly men from Western Europe, but—you know—we do better now) and recognized many of the paintings.
I love to do the research for a story, and this was like going back in time and wandering gallery halls. A dream!
REVIEW
In The Art of Love and Lie, Rosanna produces "parlor" replicas of famous paintings. When the great works start disappearing at an art exhibit and are replaced with her replicas, Rosanna is a primary suspect. She must convince the handsome Inspector Harrison that she's innocent.
Rosanna instantly draws the reader into the story through her character and love of art. Rosanna struggles trying to earn a living within the scope of what society will allow. She has to put up with the condescending comments and criticisms of her art broker. Gradually through the book she starts to fight for what she wants. This book shows the vulnerability of women during that time period to fulfill their artistic endeavors and get recognized for it. I felt like there was a lot of interesting themes and ideas from this book that shows how women have progressed in society. The other interesting idea was replicas. Nowadays, there are replicas sold at museums and online. I never really thought about what it took to make a replica in the Victorian era. There were different ideas presented in this book that got me thinking a little more deeply about society and art. I liked that the book showed deeper thoughts that were layered beyond the main storyline. The main story was also interesting as Rosanna and Inspector Harrison try to get back the famous paintings that were stolen. It had a bit of action, drama, danger and romance. I felt like it had a bit of everything. I would be interested to see if the author continues this book as a series. It didn't feel like a stand-alone to me and there were hints of an overarching storyline, but I don't know if that was intentional or just my imagination running away from me. I would recommend checking it out and adding it to your to-read list. To learn more, click here.
Rosanna instantly draws the reader into the story through her character and love of art. Rosanna struggles trying to earn a living within the scope of what society will allow. She has to put up with the condescending comments and criticisms of her art broker. Gradually through the book she starts to fight for what she wants. This book shows the vulnerability of women during that time period to fulfill their artistic endeavors and get recognized for it. I felt like there was a lot of interesting themes and ideas from this book that shows how women have progressed in society. The other interesting idea was replicas. Nowadays, there are replicas sold at museums and online. I never really thought about what it took to make a replica in the Victorian era. There were different ideas presented in this book that got me thinking a little more deeply about society and art. I liked that the book showed deeper thoughts that were layered beyond the main storyline. The main story was also interesting as Rosanna and Inspector Harrison try to get back the famous paintings that were stolen. It had a bit of action, drama, danger and romance. I felt like it had a bit of everything. I would be interested to see if the author continues this book as a series. It didn't feel like a stand-alone to me and there were hints of an overarching storyline, but I don't know if that was intentional or just my imagination running away from me. I would recommend checking it out and adding it to your to-read list. To learn more, click here.
Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post is in cooperation with the publisher. This post also contains affiliate links that help support this blog.
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