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The Lady with the Dark Hair
Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella's greatest work--a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair .
In 1879, Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists' pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella's sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.
This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes readers from the sleepy Midwest to the sultry Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one's dreams.
In 1879, Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists' pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella's sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.
This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes readers from the sleepy Midwest to the sultry Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one's dreams.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Erin Bartels
11 books833 followersERIN BARTELS writes character-driven fiction for curious people. Her readers know to expect that each of her novels will tell a unique story about fallible characters so tangible that it’s hard to believe they are not real people. Whether urban, rural, or somewhere in between, her settings come alive with carefully crafted details that engage all the senses and transport the reader to a singular time and place. And her themes of reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future leave her readers with a sense of peace and possibility.
Erin is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, Everything Is Just Beginning, and The Lady with the Dark Hair. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards and two Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Michigan’s capital city, she now lives with her family in a charming small town surrounded by farm fields and pasturelands.
You can find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.
Erin is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, Everything Is Just Beginning, and The Lady with the Dark Hair. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards and two Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Michigan’s capital city, she now lives with her family in a charming small town surrounded by farm fields and pasturelands.
You can find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 27, 2024
Present day. Esther Markstrom and her artist mother Lorena have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They run a small museum and gallery dedicated to his work in Lansing, Michigan. Esther bumps into her history professor Ian Perez from college, questions arise about Vella's greatest work a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.
The story has a dual timeline told from the two main characters points of view, Esther and Viviana and it's easy to follow.
In 1879. Viviana Torrens is in hiding, and she’s has found a job working as a maid in Southern France. Monsieur Renaud is a painter, she becomes his muse and he introduces her to merchant Francisco Vella, he’s from Gibraltar and sells artists pigments. Viviana is running from her past in Spain, to escape France and she poses as Vella’s sister.
I received a copy of The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels from Revell and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author writes about art, artists and in an easy to understand manner and kept my interest for the entire book and sometimes novels about this subject can be rather complicated and I struggle to stay focused.
The narrative brings up some very relevant topics, such as women’s roles in the 1880’s and how they couldn't travel without a chaperone, and Esther having to look after her mother who suffers from a mental illness and this is done honestly and tactfully. Both women deal with adversity and conquer obstacles, are strong and I really admired their tenacity.
A story about family history, identity, slowly putting all the clues together, with lots of twists and turns, uncovering long buried secrets and the truth. I really found the parts set in the Mediterranean and Gibraltar fascinating and I was so happy when Esther got a break from looking after her mum and experienced it for herself and met Adam de la Paz. Five stars from me, this is the first book I have read by Erin Bartels, stunning cover and novel, I’m impressed and it won’t be my last.
The story has a dual timeline told from the two main characters points of view, Esther and Viviana and it's easy to follow.
In 1879. Viviana Torrens is in hiding, and she’s has found a job working as a maid in Southern France. Monsieur Renaud is a painter, she becomes his muse and he introduces her to merchant Francisco Vella, he’s from Gibraltar and sells artists pigments. Viviana is running from her past in Spain, to escape France and she poses as Vella’s sister.
I received a copy of The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels from Revell and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author writes about art, artists and in an easy to understand manner and kept my interest for the entire book and sometimes novels about this subject can be rather complicated and I struggle to stay focused.
The narrative brings up some very relevant topics, such as women’s roles in the 1880’s and how they couldn't travel without a chaperone, and Esther having to look after her mother who suffers from a mental illness and this is done honestly and tactfully. Both women deal with adversity and conquer obstacles, are strong and I really admired their tenacity.
A story about family history, identity, slowly putting all the clues together, with lots of twists and turns, uncovering long buried secrets and the truth. I really found the parts set in the Mediterranean and Gibraltar fascinating and I was so happy when Esther got a break from looking after her mum and experienced it for herself and met Adam de la Paz. Five stars from me, this is the first book I have read by Erin Bartels, stunning cover and novel, I’m impressed and it won’t be my last.
March 27, 2024
4.5 stars
Richly drawn characters, vibrant settings, and thoughtful explorations of timeless themes… No, I’m not talking about the artwork that graces The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels but about the book itself. Bartels immediately immersed me in both timelines with her vivid descriptions and exquisite writing voice, and there were times when I could have sworn I smelled wet paint and sea air as I read.
Esther (present day) and Viviana (past) are connected by more than just their ties to the enigmatic Francisco Vella. They both have bittersweet stories of – on the one hand – overcoming the odds stacked against them to survive but, on the other hand, still struggling to thrive. I especially found Viviana’s story compelling, made all the more so by what she has already overcome before we even meet her on the pages, though the layers to Esther’s story are perhaps more empathetic and definitely more relatable to modern readers. And yet, whether or not we have experienced what either of these characters have lived through, we can certainly identify with the empty places of the heart & soul they are both seeking to fill. Along with befriending these two heroines during our reading time together, I also loved meeting the supporting characters (who add further depth to both timelines) and vicariously visiting intriguing places such as France, Tunisia, and Gibraltar.
Bottom Line: There is so much I want to gush about when it comes to The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels… the treatment of mental health, the real-life historical artists we encounter, the family/art history mystery that connects the timelines. the vibrant settings, the timeless theme of finding one’s place & purpose in the world. Suffice it to say that I was thoroughly captivated by this story, as much a work of art as the pieces hanging in Esther’s museum and her house. Bartels’ writing is impeccable, her characters are full of life, and her mastery of both timelines is seamless. I was completely satisfied with the ending but I also want to know the ‘rest’ of the story – what happens after we leave Viviana and Esther for the final time on these pages – and I would gobble up a sequel! Perfect for fans of Melanie Dobson and Kate Morton!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Richly drawn characters, vibrant settings, and thoughtful explorations of timeless themes… No, I’m not talking about the artwork that graces The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels but about the book itself. Bartels immediately immersed me in both timelines with her vivid descriptions and exquisite writing voice, and there were times when I could have sworn I smelled wet paint and sea air as I read.
Esther (present day) and Viviana (past) are connected by more than just their ties to the enigmatic Francisco Vella. They both have bittersweet stories of – on the one hand – overcoming the odds stacked against them to survive but, on the other hand, still struggling to thrive. I especially found Viviana’s story compelling, made all the more so by what she has already overcome before we even meet her on the pages, though the layers to Esther’s story are perhaps more empathetic and definitely more relatable to modern readers. And yet, whether or not we have experienced what either of these characters have lived through, we can certainly identify with the empty places of the heart & soul they are both seeking to fill. Along with befriending these two heroines during our reading time together, I also loved meeting the supporting characters (who add further depth to both timelines) and vicariously visiting intriguing places such as France, Tunisia, and Gibraltar.
Bottom Line: There is so much I want to gush about when it comes to The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels… the treatment of mental health, the real-life historical artists we encounter, the family/art history mystery that connects the timelines. the vibrant settings, the timeless theme of finding one’s place & purpose in the world. Suffice it to say that I was thoroughly captivated by this story, as much a work of art as the pieces hanging in Esther’s museum and her house. Bartels’ writing is impeccable, her characters are full of life, and her mastery of both timelines is seamless. I was completely satisfied with the ending but I also want to know the ‘rest’ of the story – what happens after we leave Viviana and Esther for the final time on these pages – and I would gobble up a sequel! Perfect for fans of Melanie Dobson and Kate Morton!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
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March 20, 2024I thought this book was brilliant. Wonderfully written and perfectly paced. Heartfelt, honest, intriguing, unique. The two female main characters in the two timelines were so different from each other in some ways, yet they were both searching for their place in the world in a way that resonated with me. Highly recommend.
March 24, 2024
1879-1881 France and Gibraltar and present day East Lansing Michigan
Lovely! Beautiful blending of timelines with art and discovery at the center.
In 1879, Viviana is on the run and stumbles into art lessons. She loves painting. It is who she is, but feels her life is being determined for her. She yearns to carve out a life of her own choosing.
In present day Michigan, Esther runs an art museum and gallery. She is proud of her heritage as an artist's descendant, but feels suffocated by the inability to be away from her mentally ill mother for any stretch of time. Like Viviana, she wants a life of her own creation.
Art is the connection between the two time periods. The story unfolds in such an engaging way.
Highly recommended!
My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Lovely! Beautiful blending of timelines with art and discovery at the center.
In 1879, Viviana is on the run and stumbles into art lessons. She loves painting. It is who she is, but feels her life is being determined for her. She yearns to carve out a life of her own choosing.
In present day Michigan, Esther runs an art museum and gallery. She is proud of her heritage as an artist's descendant, but feels suffocated by the inability to be away from her mentally ill mother for any stretch of time. Like Viviana, she wants a life of her own creation.
Art is the connection between the two time periods. The story unfolds in such an engaging way.
Highly recommended!
My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 16, 2024
An intriguing story in dual time.
I especially connected with the present when Esther goes to a flea market and antique shops . It reminds me of attending shows, flea markets and auctions with my mother who was an antique dealer.
The past timeline was rich in descriptions of an artist, his muse and the techniques of painting.
The connector was a painting titled The Lady With the Dark Hair by Francisco Vella. Family tradition says that Vella was an ancestor of Esther Markstrom through her mother who is also an artist. Esther has built her career around the painter by opening a gallery under the Vella-Markstrom names. She has a degree in art and has researched her subject well but still has things to discover as another painting surfaces.
The 1879 period recounts Viviana Torrens, her unique background and how she happened to accompany Vella on a world trip to acquire pigments which he sold to artists. This takes place during the Impressionist movement ( one of my favorite artists is Monet ) and Mary Cassatt makes an appearance .
This was an utterly fascinating story told in a winsome way.
*I won complimentary copy of this book from Library Thing through Revell and I also acquired a digital copy from NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
I especially connected with the present when Esther goes to a flea market and antique shops . It reminds me of attending shows, flea markets and auctions with my mother who was an antique dealer.
The past timeline was rich in descriptions of an artist, his muse and the techniques of painting.
The connector was a painting titled The Lady With the Dark Hair by Francisco Vella. Family tradition says that Vella was an ancestor of Esther Markstrom through her mother who is also an artist. Esther has built her career around the painter by opening a gallery under the Vella-Markstrom names. She has a degree in art and has researched her subject well but still has things to discover as another painting surfaces.
The 1879 period recounts Viviana Torrens, her unique background and how she happened to accompany Vella on a world trip to acquire pigments which he sold to artists. This takes place during the Impressionist movement ( one of my favorite artists is Monet ) and Mary Cassatt makes an appearance .
This was an utterly fascinating story told in a winsome way.
*I won complimentary copy of this book from Library Thing through Revell and I also acquired a digital copy from NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
April 18, 2024
This book is a brilliantly written dual-timeline novel with captivating characters and fascinating research intertwined seamlessly into the story. The present day protagonist is Esther, an art history major who is the head of the family’s museum that promotes a family ancestor, artist Francisco Vella. She is also the caretaker of her mentally ill mother Lorena, quite a quirky and demanding woman. The other part of the story is told in the late 1800’s and is about Viviana, a woman in hiding from justice in Spain while pursuing her interest in art with Vella, a man who is a merchant of art supplies. I was captured by the unselfishness of Esther caring tirelessly for her mother, even though she would like to have her own life. Equally compelling was the story of Viviana as she travels with Vella and finds out that it is not always easy or advisable to travel using an alias. The novel includes a cleverly written mystery about a painting and its origins as well as its artist. “The Lady with the Dark Hair” is a story within a story, cleverly written to reveal details methodically and keeping me glued to the page as I sought answers to the identity of the artist and the outcome of Esther’s life of selflessness. I really enjoyed the pace of the plot because it was perfect to keep me interested. The characters were dynamic and also believable and relatable. The story was complex, but the author’s way of revealing the layers like peeling an onion was exceptionally unique and delightful. I loved the story, learned from the research and identified with the characters. This novel is thought-provoking, intriguing and remarkably written to entertain as well as educate.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
April 11, 2024
2.5⭐️
This is my second Erin Bartels novel and I think she’s a very talented writer! I enjoy her dual timeline approach - where the reader knows the stories are going to weave together somehow and each chapter reveals more of the connection.
This work in particular contains exhaustive detail on both the subject matter (artists and painting) and the historical context (Europe, 1880). I also thought all the local Michigan references were fun! Although, if you’re not a Michigander, all the area-specifics may confuse you.
But a few things frustrated me and impacted my enjoyment. As someone who is happy to be living as a wife and mother, I couldn’t relate to the complaining over “a woman’s place being restricted to the home”. The whole novel was laced with this toxic feminist mindset and it felt forced, and honestly got annoying.
I also was disappointed in the complete lack of Christian content. Coming from Revell, who typically has books with strong faith themes, I missed out on that aspect in this book.
I also felt the ending was abrupt and I was left with lots of questions.
😇: Christian publisher (Revell), but completely neutral on content; no spiritual or faith content
😍: mentions of unwed affairs, no scenes and nothing descriptive
😬: no language!
Thank you to Revell & Baker Books for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
This is my second Erin Bartels novel and I think she’s a very talented writer! I enjoy her dual timeline approach - where the reader knows the stories are going to weave together somehow and each chapter reveals more of the connection.
This work in particular contains exhaustive detail on both the subject matter (artists and painting) and the historical context (Europe, 1880). I also thought all the local Michigan references were fun! Although, if you’re not a Michigander, all the area-specifics may confuse you.
But a few things frustrated me and impacted my enjoyment. As someone who is happy to be living as a wife and mother, I couldn’t relate to the complaining over “a woman’s place being restricted to the home”. The whole novel was laced with this toxic feminist mindset and it felt forced, and honestly got annoying.
I also was disappointed in the complete lack of Christian content. Coming from Revell, who typically has books with strong faith themes, I missed out on that aspect in this book.
I also felt the ending was abrupt and I was left with lots of questions.
😇: Christian publisher (Revell), but completely neutral on content; no spiritual or faith content
😍: mentions of unwed affairs, no scenes and nothing descriptive
😬: no language!
Thank you to Revell & Baker Books for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
March 27, 2024
“The human body was meant for movement, as was the human life.” Two women connected through time by one amazing painting. The Lady with the Dark Hair was such a unique, well written, intriguing read! I loved the dual time period mystery with a hint of romance. I was swept away by the vivid, beautiful descriptions and the heartfelt stories.
Present day art history graduate Esther Markstrom runs her family museum dedicated to her mother’s ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. His most prized work, a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair comes into question when Esther’s former professor visits. As Esther discovers more about her ancestor’s past, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
In 1879, Vivianna Torrens is a Catalonian orphan on the run. She’s found a place as a servant in the home of a painter in Southern France from whom she learns much. When she’s asked to pose for a painting, she meets Francisco Vella, a merchant who sells art pigments. The instant attraction between them is palpable, but Vivianna is skeptical. When her past resurfaces, she’s forced to go on the run with him posing as his sister. Her travels will take her across the Mediterranean from Morocco to Gibraltar as she uses her new found skills to create captivating masterpieces.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the gorgeous settings I could easily picture in my mind. I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of art and painting. Both Esther and Vivianna are compelling characters who are easy to connect with. Esther struggles to keep the family museum going while also trying to care for a mother suffering from mental illness. I appreciated her struggle as she tries to keep her mother alive while her mother strives to find her own voice and control over her life. Vivianna’s life was filled with pain and difficulty and bares both physical and mental scars from what she experienced from a young age. I loved how she found a new voice through painting.
The mysterious way these two women’s lives intersect was so fun to discover throughout the story. I found myself eagerly turning the pages and loved how each event that happened in the past was discovered in the present day. The ending was completely satisfying and paid tribute to all the women in the story. It’s a story I’ll be thinking about for a long while after reading and look forward to what this author writes next. I received an advanced complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4 1/2 stars!
Present day art history graduate Esther Markstrom runs her family museum dedicated to her mother’s ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. His most prized work, a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair comes into question when Esther’s former professor visits. As Esther discovers more about her ancestor’s past, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
In 1879, Vivianna Torrens is a Catalonian orphan on the run. She’s found a place as a servant in the home of a painter in Southern France from whom she learns much. When she’s asked to pose for a painting, she meets Francisco Vella, a merchant who sells art pigments. The instant attraction between them is palpable, but Vivianna is skeptical. When her past resurfaces, she’s forced to go on the run with him posing as his sister. Her travels will take her across the Mediterranean from Morocco to Gibraltar as she uses her new found skills to create captivating masterpieces.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the gorgeous settings I could easily picture in my mind. I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of art and painting. Both Esther and Vivianna are compelling characters who are easy to connect with. Esther struggles to keep the family museum going while also trying to care for a mother suffering from mental illness. I appreciated her struggle as she tries to keep her mother alive while her mother strives to find her own voice and control over her life. Vivianna’s life was filled with pain and difficulty and bares both physical and mental scars from what she experienced from a young age. I loved how she found a new voice through painting.
The mysterious way these two women’s lives intersect was so fun to discover throughout the story. I found myself eagerly turning the pages and loved how each event that happened in the past was discovered in the present day. The ending was completely satisfying and paid tribute to all the women in the story. It’s a story I’ll be thinking about for a long while after reading and look forward to what this author writes next. I received an advanced complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4 1/2 stars!
March 17, 2024
If you are one who has an appreciation of art and loves to investigate the history of the artists, then this is a book for you. Erin Bartels has brought us into the lives of two art loving women from different centuries. European art of the 1880s was well researched and presented in a way that a non-art person can make sense of it. For the modern-day side of art loving, we were shown what it is like to be a part of a family operated museum. For the art history lover in all of us, the parallels drawn between Gibraltar and the portrait of the Lady with the Dark Hair were amazing!
This women’s fiction story is written with cliffhanger type chapters alternating between the time periods. In one suspenseful plot twist I jumped ahead for the outcome, then, I settled down and trusted the author’s flow and was not disappointed. I found getting to know both main characters very enjoyable. The story was well written and kept my attention. Dialogue between the characters flowed well.
Life issues of limitations of women’s roles and accomplishments was a strong theme in both timelines. Both Vivianna and Esther were strong women whose life circumstances imposed certain limitations on them. We get to follow them both while they navigated their way to a new understanding about their options. The author also brought to light family dynamics in relation to mental illness. I feel she shared many issues of the heart related to Schizophrenia thoughtfully and respectfully.
This is my first book by this author as well as my first dual timeline read. I will be looking forward to more work from Erin Bartels.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Publisher through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
This women’s fiction story is written with cliffhanger type chapters alternating between the time periods. In one suspenseful plot twist I jumped ahead for the outcome, then, I settled down and trusted the author’s flow and was not disappointed. I found getting to know both main characters very enjoyable. The story was well written and kept my attention. Dialogue between the characters flowed well.
Life issues of limitations of women’s roles and accomplishments was a strong theme in both timelines. Both Vivianna and Esther were strong women whose life circumstances imposed certain limitations on them. We get to follow them both while they navigated their way to a new understanding about their options. The author also brought to light family dynamics in relation to mental illness. I feel she shared many issues of the heart related to Schizophrenia thoughtfully and respectfully.
This is my first book by this author as well as my first dual timeline read. I will be looking forward to more work from Erin Bartels.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Publisher through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
April 18, 2024
My goodness, y’all! This dual-timeline character-driven novel was such a page turner. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
Esther Markstrom has dedicated her entire adult life to serving as the director and curator of a museum displaying the artwork of her ancestor Francisco Vella. The crowning jewel of his work is a portrait titled The Lady with the Dark Hair. Esther has never had a reason to doubt that Vella was the creator of this portrait—until . . .
Centuries earlier and thousands of miles away, Viviana Torrens, a Catalonian woman with a tortured past, meets Francisco Vella while serving as a scullery maid for a wealthy French artist (Valentin Renaud) and his ailing wife. She becomes the subject of Renaud’s artwork and, after a while, his protege—until . . .
While I feel like as you get to know the characters, you can predict certain elements of the story, I still really wanted to see how it all played out. I was still left with questions, but the story wasn’t incomplete or unresolved.
I enjoy a good dual timeline story and this one was fascinating! I loved the mental illness representation and the struggles depicted around that. I also thoroughly enjoyed a story depicting a female in her mid-40s that didn’t center around romance or her lack of it.
I could say so much more because this story had so many layer, but I’ll just encourage you to read it yourself! It was a solid 4.5 stars for me.
Thanks to @revellfiction for providing me with a complimentary eARC to review!
Esther Markstrom has dedicated her entire adult life to serving as the director and curator of a museum displaying the artwork of her ancestor Francisco Vella. The crowning jewel of his work is a portrait titled The Lady with the Dark Hair. Esther has never had a reason to doubt that Vella was the creator of this portrait—until . . .
Centuries earlier and thousands of miles away, Viviana Torrens, a Catalonian woman with a tortured past, meets Francisco Vella while serving as a scullery maid for a wealthy French artist (Valentin Renaud) and his ailing wife. She becomes the subject of Renaud’s artwork and, after a while, his protege—until . . .
While I feel like as you get to know the characters, you can predict certain elements of the story, I still really wanted to see how it all played out. I was still left with questions, but the story wasn’t incomplete or unresolved.
I enjoy a good dual timeline story and this one was fascinating! I loved the mental illness representation and the struggles depicted around that. I also thoroughly enjoyed a story depicting a female in her mid-40s that didn’t center around romance or her lack of it.
I could say so much more because this story had so many layer, but I’ll just encourage you to read it yourself! It was a solid 4.5 stars for me.
Thanks to @revellfiction for providing me with a complimentary eARC to review!
March 24, 2024
the Lady with the Dark Hair is an engaging sweeping tale of artists in the late 1800s and present day. As Esther in present day is learning about her ancestor artist Francisco Vella things are not all as they seem. We are introduced to Viviana in the past time line as follow on her journey to freedom and her connection to Francisco Vella.
If you love art, painting and creating I think you'll like this book. I was here for the historical time line but then began to enjoy the current timeline and became invested in the characters. I would have liked a little more faith content. But it was an enjoyable read, 4 stars
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
If you love art, painting and creating I think you'll like this book. I was here for the historical time line but then began to enjoy the current timeline and became invested in the characters. I would have liked a little more faith content. But it was an enjoyable read, 4 stars
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2024
This is a beautiful book to go with its beautiful cover. 😍
The Lady with the Dark Hair is a dual POV/dual timeline historical fiction novel set in present day Michigan and 1879-1881 Gibraltar.
This book was so unique and fascinating. The depth of detail was fantastic, and I actually learned quite a bit of art history. Both FMCs were brilliant and their stories, so different from each other, came together in such a beautiful way.
I would so love to read a prequel of Viviana’s story and almost wished that the story had picked up a bit sooner in her timeline! Viviana was such a special character.
This story had so much—a mystery, rich history, family ties, a mental illness rep, travel, heartbreak, hope. If you’re looking for a clean and engaging historical fiction with dual POV and strong FMCs, I would definitely recommend this book to you.
This is a Christian fiction, but it didn’t feel to me that there was a clear Christian message. I still really enjoyed this wonderful story and the lack of a Christian message didn’t bother me, but I do want to be transparent about that. 🤗
Highly recommend!
Thank you to @revellfiction for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Lady with the Dark Hair is a dual POV/dual timeline historical fiction novel set in present day Michigan and 1879-1881 Gibraltar.
This book was so unique and fascinating. The depth of detail was fantastic, and I actually learned quite a bit of art history. Both FMCs were brilliant and their stories, so different from each other, came together in such a beautiful way.
I would so love to read a prequel of Viviana’s story and almost wished that the story had picked up a bit sooner in her timeline! Viviana was such a special character.
This story had so much—a mystery, rich history, family ties, a mental illness rep, travel, heartbreak, hope. If you’re looking for a clean and engaging historical fiction with dual POV and strong FMCs, I would definitely recommend this book to you.
This is a Christian fiction, but it didn’t feel to me that there was a clear Christian message. I still really enjoyed this wonderful story and the lack of a Christian message didn’t bother me, but I do want to be transparent about that. 🤗
Highly recommend!
Thank you to @revellfiction for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2024
LOVED the dual timeline art focus of Bartels' latest. I dropped just half a star (4.5), because I did wish for just a smidge more at the end. Even so, I couldn't wait to tuck myself in each night so I could read another few chapters. The pacing is superb!
March 28, 2024
I'll admit that I pick up very few split-timeline novels these days. Why? Because I've found that, in my case, it's usually only one of the timelines that really has and holds my interest. Which means I'm only enjoying half or a third of a book.
Well. The stunning, slightly mysterious cover art of this historical/contemporary women's ChristFic novel hooked me. I decided to give the book a go, even with its two timelines.
And, my goodness. Both heroines' journeys in the book spoke to me. For real. The well-woven themes on truly being seen and also uniquely seeing, as a unique human being. And a crucial tie between artistic creation and hope. And the theme of hope to live in and live out one's authenticity. To also realize the value in the pursuit of a dream.
All of it spoke to me.
As a thinker.
As a writer.
As a woman.
Now, indeed, even though I was disappointed in a couple of the heroines' actions, my lifelong book-loving self did enjoy this as a quality work of fiction. Still, there are certain occasions when my connection with a story is on quite a different plane, beyond my usual levels of observation and commentary as a bibliophile. Certain occasions when a timely written work intersects profoundly with my time.
This was definitely one of those occasions.
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Well. The stunning, slightly mysterious cover art of this historical/contemporary women's ChristFic novel hooked me. I decided to give the book a go, even with its two timelines.
And, my goodness. Both heroines' journeys in the book spoke to me. For real. The well-woven themes on truly being seen and also uniquely seeing, as a unique human being. And a crucial tie between artistic creation and hope. And the theme of hope to live in and live out one's authenticity. To also realize the value in the pursuit of a dream.
All of it spoke to me.
As a thinker.
As a writer.
As a woman.
Now, indeed, even though I was disappointed in a couple of the heroines' actions, my lifelong book-loving self did enjoy this as a quality work of fiction. Still, there are certain occasions when my connection with a story is on quite a different plane, beyond my usual levels of observation and commentary as a bibliophile. Certain occasions when a timely written work intersects profoundly with my time.
This was definitely one of those occasions.
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
February 24, 2024
Simply put, this was a beautifully intriguing story!
This is a dual timeline story, alternating between Viviana's story in 1879 Europe and Esther's story in present-day US. Both women have had difficult pasts, overcoming tremendous obstacles. Oftentimes with dual-timeline novels, I find myself preferring one time over the other... but I found that this is one where I felt equally invested in both. Both stories were quite complex and I find myself wanting to learn more about both.
For the historical timeline, the author did a great job of taking us back and giving us a feel for what women (and particularly women artists) had to deal with at this time. The amount of research that went into bring the story to life was clear, down to the techniques and mediums that were used in the time. I don't know much about art history, but I found that really interesting. I have always love Mary Cassatt's paintings- though I didn't know anything of her history- so I really thought the inclusion of her and other artists through history was wonderful too. In the current-day, I love that it took on mental illness... and did so quite well, I thought.
If you enjoy dual-timeline women's fiction and art history, this is definitely one you'll want to check out for yourself.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is a dual timeline story, alternating between Viviana's story in 1879 Europe and Esther's story in present-day US. Both women have had difficult pasts, overcoming tremendous obstacles. Oftentimes with dual-timeline novels, I find myself preferring one time over the other... but I found that this is one where I felt equally invested in both. Both stories were quite complex and I find myself wanting to learn more about both.
For the historical timeline, the author did a great job of taking us back and giving us a feel for what women (and particularly women artists) had to deal with at this time. The amount of research that went into bring the story to life was clear, down to the techniques and mediums that were used in the time. I don't know much about art history, but I found that really interesting. I have always love Mary Cassatt's paintings- though I didn't know anything of her history- so I really thought the inclusion of her and other artists through history was wonderful too. In the current-day, I love that it took on mental illness... and did so quite well, I thought.
If you enjoy dual-timeline women's fiction and art history, this is definitely one you'll want to check out for yourself.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I usually have to be convinced to read books set in two different timelines. But this time I have the opportunity to convince others that this is definitely a worthwhile read! I really enjoyed how this story unfolds across the two timelines. I couldn't put the book down until I found out what each timeline was leading to. Fortunately, this book is easily read in one sitting if that's your wish (it definitely was mine)!
I think characters from both periods were very well done. I found myself connecting to both Viviana and Esther in different but meaningful ways. This is really a great example of a character driven book! You'll love these characters and become so invested in their story and how they'll take you along with them as the grow and learn.
I love historical fiction and books (set in any time period) about art. The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels does incredibly in both of these areas! I also loved the settings, especially the parts set in Gibraltar. Erin Bartels did a beautiful job showing places through Viviana's and Esther's experiences. Definitely made me feel like I was with them wherever they were!
This was my first book by Erin Bartels and I'm grateful to have discovered her! I definitely will be checking out more of her work based on how well-crafted I thought this story was!
I think characters from both periods were very well done. I found myself connecting to both Viviana and Esther in different but meaningful ways. This is really a great example of a character driven book! You'll love these characters and become so invested in their story and how they'll take you along with them as the grow and learn.
I love historical fiction and books (set in any time period) about art. The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels does incredibly in both of these areas! I also loved the settings, especially the parts set in Gibraltar. Erin Bartels did a beautiful job showing places through Viviana's and Esther's experiences. Definitely made me feel like I was with them wherever they were!
This was my first book by Erin Bartels and I'm grateful to have discovered her! I definitely will be checking out more of her work based on how well-crafted I thought this story was!
January 18, 2024
Erin Bartels––she just keeps getting better. Her books, I mean. THE LADY WITH THE DARK HAIR is her latest and her best.
For most of the book, two stories are going on, one set in Europe during the late 19th century, the other in present-day East Lansing, Michigan. The stories are connected by the belief that a little known but great artist is the ancestor of the owner of an art museum in East Lansing.
In 1880, Viviana, a servant, becomes a painter, first trained by her employer, an artist. When she has to leave to evade the law, she goes with the tradesman, Francisco Vella.
Nowadays in East Lansing Esther runs a museum that caters in part to the great art of an ancestor, Vella. After her former professor questions whether Vella really did paint The Lady with the Dark Hair, she travels to Europe to speak with another Vella descendent and take ownership of another Vella painting. There Esther learns the true story of Viviana and Vella.
Although I was sad that Viviana didn't love Vella and although I was aggravated with Esther's actions after she learned more about her supposed ancestor, I can honestly say that this is a lovely story and another step up by Erin Bartels.
Her writing style reminds me of that of Ruta Sepetys, who is known as a "crossover" author, i.e., a writer of young adult novels that adults also enjoy. This is especially true in THE LADY WITH THE DARK HAIR. Maybe, because the main characters in this novel are not teenagers, we could say here that the crossover is from adult to YA. It is certainly appropriate subject matter as well as style for both age groups.
For most of the book, two stories are going on, one set in Europe during the late 19th century, the other in present-day East Lansing, Michigan. The stories are connected by the belief that a little known but great artist is the ancestor of the owner of an art museum in East Lansing.
In 1880, Viviana, a servant, becomes a painter, first trained by her employer, an artist. When she has to leave to evade the law, she goes with the tradesman, Francisco Vella.
Nowadays in East Lansing Esther runs a museum that caters in part to the great art of an ancestor, Vella. After her former professor questions whether Vella really did paint The Lady with the Dark Hair, she travels to Europe to speak with another Vella descendent and take ownership of another Vella painting. There Esther learns the true story of Viviana and Vella.
Although I was sad that Viviana didn't love Vella and although I was aggravated with Esther's actions after she learned more about her supposed ancestor, I can honestly say that this is a lovely story and another step up by Erin Bartels.
Her writing style reminds me of that of Ruta Sepetys, who is known as a "crossover" author, i.e., a writer of young adult novels that adults also enjoy. This is especially true in THE LADY WITH THE DARK HAIR. Maybe, because the main characters in this novel are not teenagers, we could say here that the crossover is from adult to YA. It is certainly appropriate subject matter as well as style for both age groups.
April 7, 2024
"Art is romance. It's seeing something and having such deep affection for it in that singular moment that you're compelled to capture it so you can revisit it again and again. So you can share it with other people. So you can make them see the worth in what you see." - Erin Bartels
I think those sentences sum up this novel pretty well! Esther has done everything in her power to keep their family name and art history known and alive through their museum but when she runs into an old art professor, he may just upend everything she has ever believed about her ancestry. I just loved the storylines in this novel. The historical was so fun to read about women painters and the current day Esther working to keep things up and running while taking care of her mother. I really enjoyed Esther's character as well as her mother and that dynamic of taking care of a parent. The past and current day stories flowed so well within each eachother. I was rooting for Viviana the whole time. The search to uncover the truth about the painting is also what brings about some truth and lessons about family and that sometimes the truth is hard to accept. Thank you to the Revell Blogger Program and to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
I think those sentences sum up this novel pretty well! Esther has done everything in her power to keep their family name and art history known and alive through their museum but when she runs into an old art professor, he may just upend everything she has ever believed about her ancestry. I just loved the storylines in this novel. The historical was so fun to read about women painters and the current day Esther working to keep things up and running while taking care of her mother. I really enjoyed Esther's character as well as her mother and that dynamic of taking care of a parent. The past and current day stories flowed so well within each eachother. I was rooting for Viviana the whole time. The search to uncover the truth about the painting is also what brings about some truth and lessons about family and that sometimes the truth is hard to accept. Thank you to the Revell Blogger Program and to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
February 29, 2024
Erin Bartels is a master storyteller. I love everything about her writing style and the amazing characters she writes about. The bonus for me is that she is from Michigan and I love all the references to the places I know.
The Lady With The Dark Hair enters the world of art. One time line takes place in 1879 in southern France. It follows the life of Vivienne, a servant to a famous painter. The second timeline takes place in present time and follows the life of Esther, a woman who owns an art gallery.
Vivienne was an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a murderer, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model and a student. You will absolutely love her. Esther is the daughter of a mentally ill mother who has given up her life for her. She owns an art gallery with her mother and has devoted her life to her mother the paintings she shows at the gallery. Both women hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m sad this one is over and look forward to the next book by Erin Bartels. If you like this book you must read The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water and We Hope For Better Things.
The Lady With The Dark Hair enters the world of art. One time line takes place in 1879 in southern France. It follows the life of Vivienne, a servant to a famous painter. The second timeline takes place in present time and follows the life of Esther, a woman who owns an art gallery.
Vivienne was an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a murderer, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model and a student. You will absolutely love her. Esther is the daughter of a mentally ill mother who has given up her life for her. She owns an art gallery with her mother and has devoted her life to her mother the paintings she shows at the gallery. Both women hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m sad this one is over and look forward to the next book by Erin Bartels. If you like this book you must read The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water and We Hope For Better Things.
March 1, 2024
Erin Bartels is a master storyteller. I love everything about her writing style and the amazing characters she writes about. The bonus for me is that she is from Michigan and I love all the references to the places I know.
The Lady With The Dark Hair enters the world of art. One time line takes place in 1879 in southern France. It follows the life of Vivienne, a servant to a famous painter. The second timeline takes place in present time and follows the life of Esther, a woman who owns an art gallery.
Vivienne was an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a murderer, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model and a student. You will absolutely love her. Esther is the daughter of a mentally ill mother who has given up her life for her. She owns an art gallery with her mother and has devoted her life to her mother and the paintings she shows at the gallery. Both women hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m sad this one is over and look forward to the next book by Erin Bartels. If you like this book you must read The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water and We Hope For Better Things.
The Lady With The Dark Hair enters the world of art. One time line takes place in 1879 in southern France. It follows the life of Vivienne, a servant to a famous painter. The second timeline takes place in present time and follows the life of Esther, a woman who owns an art gallery.
Vivienne was an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a murderer, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model and a student. You will absolutely love her. Esther is the daughter of a mentally ill mother who has given up her life for her. She owns an art gallery with her mother and has devoted her life to her mother and the paintings she shows at the gallery. Both women hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m sad this one is over and look forward to the next book by Erin Bartels. If you like this book you must read The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water and We Hope For Better Things.
January 24, 2024
I have learned about being an artist in Europe in the late 1800’s. But even more about being a women artist. Erin Bartels a story of Viviana whose life is forever changed when she is tricked into going to a room where the husband of the house is painting. She starts modeling and learns how to paint.
Esther runs a museum dedicated that has been in her family for years. She longs to live her own life, but must take care of her mother. Her mother suffers from mental illness and Esther can’t leave her long.
Two women many years apart connected through art. Bartels pens a story that I enjoyed all the way through. Each one her books has taken me into a world I didn’t know much about, but once done I want to learn more.
Straight up just a good story.
Esther runs a museum dedicated that has been in her family for years. She longs to live her own life, but must take care of her mother. Her mother suffers from mental illness and Esther can’t leave her long.
Two women many years apart connected through art. Bartels pens a story that I enjoyed all the way through. Each one her books has taken me into a world I didn’t know much about, but once done I want to learn more.
Straight up just a good story.
March 4, 2024
Erin Bartels takes us to Michigan again in her latest women lit, The Lady with the Dark Hair. This time, she takes us to her hometown of Lansing with the story of art gallery owner Esther along with telling the story of Viviana, an artist model in France in the 1800's.
As I often do, I did prefer the contemporary of storyline of the dual stories. I felt for Esther as she tried to keep a failing art gallery open for her ancestor painter Vella while dealing with a mentally ill mother. Viviana is running from her past in war and becomes a muse for her employer instead of just his servant. Villa is a merchant who visits the house, and she runs off with him after learning how to be an artist herself. The two stories combine as Esther travels to Europe to find out the truth behind the artist whose work she houses in her gallery.
All artists will especially enjoy these two storylines and it’s a great novel for book clubs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Revell through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
As I often do, I did prefer the contemporary of storyline of the dual stories. I felt for Esther as she tried to keep a failing art gallery open for her ancestor painter Vella while dealing with a mentally ill mother. Viviana is running from her past in war and becomes a muse for her employer instead of just his servant. Villa is a merchant who visits the house, and she runs off with him after learning how to be an artist herself. The two stories combine as Esther travels to Europe to find out the truth behind the artist whose work she houses in her gallery.
All artists will especially enjoy these two storylines and it’s a great novel for book clubs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Revell through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
January 26, 2024
This review was made possible via an ARC through NetGalley.
The Lady with the Dark Hair is a dual timeline historical novel between Esther, a midwestern woman who is the descendant of an obscure European painter and pigment merchant, Vella, and Viviana , a young woman who travels with that painter.
Viviana previously served in the Carlist militia with her brother and is running from the authorities in France and later around Europe. She is pulled in by the painter, Renaud, to pose for one of his paintings with Vella. Vella and Viviana are taken with each other and Vella agrees to send Viviana letters while he is away on his travels and business.
While Vella is gone, Renaud takes Viviana on as an apprentice of sorts and she develops her own artistic skills. Vella comes back a year later to reveal that he has gotten married and asks Viviana to come with him to be his companion. A romance doesn’t bloom between the two because Viviana’s affections for him have waned during their separation, but they do care about each other, sometimes to their detriment
Esther lives with her mother in a small college town and runs an art gallery that features her ancestor’s art as well as local art and Esther’s own on occasion. The most beautiful painting in Esther’s home, La Dama, is believed to be painted by Vella until Esther’s college professor asks if it could have been painted by someone else, leading Esther on a journey to learn more about Vella’s legacy and her own ancestry.
Viviana’s POV was my favorite of the two and I really liked how the author described the act of painting as well as the description of La Dama. I would love to see it realized because it sounds stunning.
I would recommend this to fans of art history.
The Lady with the Dark Hair is a dual timeline historical novel between Esther, a midwestern woman who is the descendant of an obscure European painter and pigment merchant, Vella, and Viviana , a young woman who travels with that painter.
Viviana previously served in the Carlist militia with her brother and is running from the authorities in France and later around Europe. She is pulled in by the painter, Renaud, to pose for one of his paintings with Vella. Vella and Viviana are taken with each other and Vella agrees to send Viviana letters while he is away on his travels and business.
While Vella is gone, Renaud takes Viviana on as an apprentice of sorts and she develops her own artistic skills. Vella comes back a year later to reveal that he has gotten married and asks Viviana to come with him to be his companion. A romance doesn’t bloom between the two because Viviana’s affections for him have waned during their separation, but they do care about each other, sometimes to their detriment
Esther lives with her mother in a small college town and runs an art gallery that features her ancestor’s art as well as local art and Esther’s own on occasion. The most beautiful painting in Esther’s home, La Dama, is believed to be painted by Vella until Esther’s college professor asks if it could have been painted by someone else, leading Esther on a journey to learn more about Vella’s legacy and her own ancestry.
Viviana’s POV was my favorite of the two and I really liked how the author described the act of painting as well as the description of La Dama. I would love to see it realized because it sounds stunning.
I would recommend this to fans of art history.
April 11, 2024
I enjoyed this dual timeline story. The POV alternates between the late 1800s Viviana Torrens, an aspiring artist with a dark past, and the present day, Esther Markstrom who runs an art museum for the artist Francisco Vella, someone Viviana Torrens travelled with. I generally love dual timeline stories, especially ones that deal with art/art history, and I liked this one just fine but it didn't grab me the way I expected it to.
Note: I read this as a free eARC from Netgalley
Note: I read this as a free eARC from Netgalley
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April 3, 2024This book is a difficult one to review. It's not my normal genre, but I took a chance on it because this author's previous book, Everything is Just Beginning, also isn't my usual reading material, but it genuinely touched me. However, The Lady With the Dark Hair...didn't, even though I could tell it was trying. At first I wondered if I simply didn't relate to the characters, but that doesn't always preclude connection, you know? Even though I didn't relate to the characters in Everything is Just Beginning either, it resonated with me. This book, unfortunately, didn't. There are a few possibilities why that could be, but I suspect part of the reason is that much of this book is very much about the experience of being a woman in a man's world, but in a way that is shifted just to the side of my own experience, my own struggles and desires, so that reading it was like trying to grasp at a common thread and just missing. I finally caught some of those threads there at the end, found a little of that common ground, but it wasn't enough to overcome the rest of the book.
Part of this book's problem is a genuine "it's not you, it's me" issue, but there were some pacing and plot/character choices that just seemed...odd. And disconnected, almost like I was being a told a summarized story than actually living through events along with the characters. There was beauty in it, some truly insightful moments, but portions of time were skimmed over with a rapidity that made it difficult to set down roots of investment within the story. I know enough about history to know that some of the circumstances portrayed in the book are not as unbelievable as they first appear, but something about the way they were handled made them seem so. I never felt like I really followed the progress of a compelling plot or character arc, and perhaps that is because it was really just there to service a message--or rather, an exploration of an experience. As I said before, it was one that didn't really resonate with me and so it probably made me less forgiving of the book's real flaws. Honestly, the whole book left off feeling rather hollow because its conclusion didn't satisfy me in a matter of plot or theme.
While I'm sure I won't be the only person who feels that way, I doubt I'm in the majority. All of the reviews I've seen thus far have been overwhelmingly positive, and I get it. After all, not everything does or even should resonate with everyone, and so while this one was a miss for me, I'm positive for many others that won't be the case.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Part of this book's problem is a genuine "it's not you, it's me" issue, but there were some pacing and plot/character choices that just seemed...odd. And disconnected, almost like I was being a told a summarized story than actually living through events along with the characters. There was beauty in it, some truly insightful moments, but portions of time were skimmed over with a rapidity that made it difficult to set down roots of investment within the story. I know enough about history to know that some of the circumstances portrayed in the book are not as unbelievable as they first appear, but something about the way they were handled made them seem so. I never felt like I really followed the progress of a compelling plot or character arc, and perhaps that is because it was really just there to service a message--or rather, an exploration of an experience. As I said before, it was one that didn't really resonate with me and so it probably made me less forgiving of the book's real flaws. Honestly, the whole book left off feeling rather hollow because its conclusion didn't satisfy me in a matter of plot or theme.
While I'm sure I won't be the only person who feels that way, I doubt I'm in the majority. All of the reviews I've seen thus far have been overwhelmingly positive, and I get it. After all, not everything does or even should resonate with everyone, and so while this one was a miss for me, I'm positive for many others that won't be the case.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 16, 2024
This is a book about art and artists. It's a dual time line story with plenty of art in both times - paintings, pigments and artists. It's apparent that the author did significant research into the details of the art world in the late 1800s and art history in general. It was also interesting to meet and get to know some of the female artists of the time period.
Late 1800s - Viviana Torrens has found a job as a maid in the house of an aging artist in the south of France. She is a on the run from the civil war in Spain where she was accused of killing someone. The aging artist likes the way she looks and uses her as a model for one of his paintings along with Vella, a merchant who sells pigments to artists all of over Europe. Vella asks her to leave with him and travel throughout Europe but she refuses and stays in the home of the artist where he teaches her about painting. When her past catches up with her, she leaves with the merchant posing as his sister and travels throughout Europe and getting to know many of the famous artists of the day. As her artistic talent grows, she is still on the run from the authorities and she signs her paintings with a "V" which everyone assumes is for Vella and not for Viviana.
Present Day - Esther and her artist mother are proud that they are descendants of the unappreciated artist Vella and even have a small museum featuring his paintings. When Esther's art history professor comes to view the museum, he questions the identity of the artist, especially the painting of The Lady with the Dark Hair. Esther and Adam go on a fact finding trip to Europe to try to find out the history of the painting and who the artist really was. Was it really Vella or could it have been Viviana who was the artist?
This was an interesting book and I thoroughly enjoyed both time lines. I had great respect for Viviana who was a wonderful artist in a time that female artists were not appreciated. I also liked Esther and her rabid determination to find out more about the real artist of The Lady with the Dark Hair.
As I was reading the book, I spent a lot of time googling the artists that were mentioned - especially the female artists like Mary Cassett and Berthe Morisot so not only was the book enjoyable but I learned more about art history during this time period.
I'm a real fan of Erin Bartels and have read and enjoyed all of her books. Add her new book to your list of books that you don't want to miss.
Late 1800s - Viviana Torrens has found a job as a maid in the house of an aging artist in the south of France. She is a on the run from the civil war in Spain where she was accused of killing someone. The aging artist likes the way she looks and uses her as a model for one of his paintings along with Vella, a merchant who sells pigments to artists all of over Europe. Vella asks her to leave with him and travel throughout Europe but she refuses and stays in the home of the artist where he teaches her about painting. When her past catches up with her, she leaves with the merchant posing as his sister and travels throughout Europe and getting to know many of the famous artists of the day. As her artistic talent grows, she is still on the run from the authorities and she signs her paintings with a "V" which everyone assumes is for Vella and not for Viviana.
Present Day - Esther and her artist mother are proud that they are descendants of the unappreciated artist Vella and even have a small museum featuring his paintings. When Esther's art history professor comes to view the museum, he questions the identity of the artist, especially the painting of The Lady with the Dark Hair. Esther and Adam go on a fact finding trip to Europe to try to find out the history of the painting and who the artist really was. Was it really Vella or could it have been Viviana who was the artist?
This was an interesting book and I thoroughly enjoyed both time lines. I had great respect for Viviana who was a wonderful artist in a time that female artists were not appreciated. I also liked Esther and her rabid determination to find out more about the real artist of The Lady with the Dark Hair.
As I was reading the book, I spent a lot of time googling the artists that were mentioned - especially the female artists like Mary Cassett and Berthe Morisot so not only was the book enjoyable but I learned more about art history during this time period.
I'm a real fan of Erin Bartels and have read and enjoyed all of her books. Add her new book to your list of books that you don't want to miss.
March 26, 2024
‘What a thought-provoking novel by Erin Bartels.
Erin Bartel is a skilful writer who has a way with words that will get you interested in her work right at the beginning. The Lady with the Dark Hair is story of two women living in different times whose lives are intertwined by a painting, La Dama del Cabello. Vivianna Torrens living in 1879 is a young fugitive who has escaped to France after fleeing her homeland. Her work as a scullery maid brings in her path two men who will help shape her life: Monsieur Renaud and Francisco Vella. One man will usher her into the world of painting while the other will take her across Europe and eventually be a catalyst in her pursuit for freedom.
Esther Markstrom, living in present time Michigan is an artist and an art gallery owner whose life needs a spark. Like Vivianna she yearns for freedom but is saddled with taking care of her schizophrenic mother and a barely surviving family art gallery. Like Vivianna, two men enter her life who become the catalyst to bring vibrancy in her life: Ian Peters, her former college tutor and Adam Peters, cousin of Ian. Both Esther and Vivianna are women struggling to find their place of belonging and identity in the period they belong in.
I loved the consistency in Erin Bartels’ writing and how Vivianna and Esther’s story were well written. The added knowledge of painting and geography in relations to Vivianna and Esther’s travels was also a plus for me in this novel. The suspense in this novel was very subtle but enough to engage me to the very end of the story. Erin Bartels’ The Lady with the Dark Hair is one of those novels that builds up an anticipation in you but does not leave you fully quenched. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. Having followed Vivianna’s journey from Vivianna to Vivianne to Veronica, it was quite a disappointment the way the novel ended for her character. I hope there is a sequel to this novel.
Overall, a very good read. I did not struggle to read this novel and I would recommend this novel to Erin Bartels fans and to new fans like me.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.’
Erin Bartel is a skilful writer who has a way with words that will get you interested in her work right at the beginning. The Lady with the Dark Hair is story of two women living in different times whose lives are intertwined by a painting, La Dama del Cabello. Vivianna Torrens living in 1879 is a young fugitive who has escaped to France after fleeing her homeland. Her work as a scullery maid brings in her path two men who will help shape her life: Monsieur Renaud and Francisco Vella. One man will usher her into the world of painting while the other will take her across Europe and eventually be a catalyst in her pursuit for freedom.
Esther Markstrom, living in present time Michigan is an artist and an art gallery owner whose life needs a spark. Like Vivianna she yearns for freedom but is saddled with taking care of her schizophrenic mother and a barely surviving family art gallery. Like Vivianna, two men enter her life who become the catalyst to bring vibrancy in her life: Ian Peters, her former college tutor and Adam Peters, cousin of Ian. Both Esther and Vivianna are women struggling to find their place of belonging and identity in the period they belong in.
I loved the consistency in Erin Bartels’ writing and how Vivianna and Esther’s story were well written. The added knowledge of painting and geography in relations to Vivianna and Esther’s travels was also a plus for me in this novel. The suspense in this novel was very subtle but enough to engage me to the very end of the story. Erin Bartels’ The Lady with the Dark Hair is one of those novels that builds up an anticipation in you but does not leave you fully quenched. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. Having followed Vivianna’s journey from Vivianna to Vivianne to Veronica, it was quite a disappointment the way the novel ended for her character. I hope there is a sequel to this novel.
Overall, a very good read. I did not struggle to read this novel and I would recommend this novel to Erin Bartels fans and to new fans like me.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.’
April 10, 2024
“‘There she is,’ he said in Spanish, ‘the lady with the dark hair.’ ‘There he is,’ she replied in French, ‘the man who disappeared.’” “He took the painting, clasping it clumsily, his thumb smearing the decorative V that served as Viviana’s all purpose-signature. It had worked for her whether she was Vivienne, Veronica, or Viviana.”
“She’d gotten rather used to it, this taking off of one identity and putting on another. In the studio, she was Viviana. But when it came time to do her real job, it was back to Vivienne. A few letters, an extra syllable–these painted the lines of demarcation between servant and student…She had lived as an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model, a student. Surely she could live as an artist. All she had to do was change her name.”
“What if the lady with the dark hair wasn’t a person who existed at some point in the past but instead was an anthropomorphism of Gibraltar itself?...On the outside, the Rock [of Gibraltar] looks solid. And it is, to some degree. But inside it is honeycombed with empty spaces…I think you are very much the same way…On the outside you appear to me to be solid and determined…But I hear the echo of emptiness inside you. All those things that make up a person’s being–our family, our hometown, our language, our traditions, our songs, our history–are things you have either never experienced or experienced in such a broken way that they don’t fill the spaces in you that they should…Maybe painting won’t fill the the empty places inside me…But surely it can make them more beautiful.”
Meanwhile, nearly a century and a half later, art gallery curator Esther has resigned herself to life as a “just middle-aged woman taking care of her mentally ill mother…She often felt like she was living a tamer version of life than the one she was truly meant to live.” Until an encounter with The Lady With the Dark Hair sends her jetsetting to the other side of the world only to lose and find her identity and discover love along the way. Erin Bartels’ The Lady With the Dark Hair is a masterpiece.
“She’d gotten rather used to it, this taking off of one identity and putting on another. In the studio, she was Viviana. But when it came time to do her real job, it was back to Vivienne. A few letters, an extra syllable–these painted the lines of demarcation between servant and student…She had lived as an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model, a student. Surely she could live as an artist. All she had to do was change her name.”
“What if the lady with the dark hair wasn’t a person who existed at some point in the past but instead was an anthropomorphism of Gibraltar itself?...On the outside, the Rock [of Gibraltar] looks solid. And it is, to some degree. But inside it is honeycombed with empty spaces…I think you are very much the same way…On the outside you appear to me to be solid and determined…But I hear the echo of emptiness inside you. All those things that make up a person’s being–our family, our hometown, our language, our traditions, our songs, our history–are things you have either never experienced or experienced in such a broken way that they don’t fill the spaces in you that they should…Maybe painting won’t fill the the empty places inside me…But surely it can make them more beautiful.”
Meanwhile, nearly a century and a half later, art gallery curator Esther has resigned herself to life as a “just middle-aged woman taking care of her mentally ill mother…She often felt like she was living a tamer version of life than the one she was truly meant to live.” Until an encounter with The Lady With the Dark Hair sends her jetsetting to the other side of the world only to lose and find her identity and discover love along the way. Erin Bartels’ The Lady With the Dark Hair is a masterpiece.
April 17, 2024
The Lady with the Dark Hair
By Erin Bartels
This is a split-time book that follows Esther Markstrom, who lives in the present day, and Viviana Torrens, who called the later half of the 19th-century home. Ester's life has been dictated by her mother's artistic tendencies and their familial ties to Francisco Vella, a minor painter during the Impressionist Era.
Vella is a bit of a mystery, with not much known about his work other than the collection of works shown at the museum run by Esther's family. But we, as readers get to see Vella and his "relationship" with Viviana. Viviana can no longer return to her home. She is an orphan who, through a series of events, finds herself seeking refuge and escape. We get to experience Viviana's journey as she discovers herself and the world through the eyes of an artist.
Both these timelines are brought together as Esther begins a journey for answers, thanks to questions raised by her former professor. Who painted The Lady with the Dark Hair? Was it her ancestor as her family has long believed? Or was it another? But this journey will do more than answer questions about the past. It will help Esther discover truths about herself that she's never had the luxury to explore.
I love duel timelines and the way the story unfolds, revealing bits and pieces of the mystery. And there are so many facets that draw one attention to the world of art. I found the process of making paint in the late 1800s fascinating. I have to be honest, I had never before given any thought as to where paint came from. In my limited experience, it comes from a tube or a small pot. Overall, I would say, this was a good read. There's a mystery and a touch of romance, but nothing to keep you up all night. If you want a book you can read leisurely without the tension that suspense causes, you will love this book.
I was provided a complementary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
By Erin Bartels
This is a split-time book that follows Esther Markstrom, who lives in the present day, and Viviana Torrens, who called the later half of the 19th-century home. Ester's life has been dictated by her mother's artistic tendencies and their familial ties to Francisco Vella, a minor painter during the Impressionist Era.
Vella is a bit of a mystery, with not much known about his work other than the collection of works shown at the museum run by Esther's family. But we, as readers get to see Vella and his "relationship" with Viviana. Viviana can no longer return to her home. She is an orphan who, through a series of events, finds herself seeking refuge and escape. We get to experience Viviana's journey as she discovers herself and the world through the eyes of an artist.
Both these timelines are brought together as Esther begins a journey for answers, thanks to questions raised by her former professor. Who painted The Lady with the Dark Hair? Was it her ancestor as her family has long believed? Or was it another? But this journey will do more than answer questions about the past. It will help Esther discover truths about herself that she's never had the luxury to explore.
I love duel timelines and the way the story unfolds, revealing bits and pieces of the mystery. And there are so many facets that draw one attention to the world of art. I found the process of making paint in the late 1800s fascinating. I have to be honest, I had never before given any thought as to where paint came from. In my limited experience, it comes from a tube or a small pot. Overall, I would say, this was a good read. There's a mystery and a touch of romance, but nothing to keep you up all night. If you want a book you can read leisurely without the tension that suspense causes, you will love this book.
I was provided a complementary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 14, 2024
It’s hard to do a dual-timeline story well. Inevitably some part of the story seems irrelevant or unnecessary or simply weaker than others. Erin Bartles manages a fairly successful dual plot in this novel, though at times there are certainly chapters that are clearly characters trying to get from Point A to Point B, and tells a solid, heartwarming story about female accomplishment in two separate time periods in the process.
Though I didn’t enjoy this book as much as her previous, Bartels is a good author, avoiding many pitfalls and problems with her straightforward, usually non-romance-centric tales. Her books are usually more character-driven, and the same is true of this one, where she tells two stories side-by-side: the story of Viviana Torrens, an aspiring female artist in the 1880s with a secret, traumatic past, and Esther Markstrom, a present-day gallery owner who, in her forties, is still struggling to figure out her place in life. As you might expect, the stories are connected, and even though the reader will figure things out much, much sooner than Esther, the build-up is quite nice and each story has enough to distinguish them that it makes each of them interesting, rather than imbalanced. Though there are hints of romance, it is not the focus; rather, the focus is more on females accomplishing things outside of the male sphere (especially Viviana’s story, which is about how female artists were underrecognized and struggled more than male artists).
I am sometimes critical of Christian-marketed books that don’t mention God at all. This book does not, as far as I can remember. However, the beauty of this type of book is its wide appeal: because there’s nothing overtly religious, many more people can read and enjoy it, and Bartels’ message about self-worth and perseverance is powerful and true.
Disclaimer: Book provided by publisher. All opinions are my own.
Though I didn’t enjoy this book as much as her previous, Bartels is a good author, avoiding many pitfalls and problems with her straightforward, usually non-romance-centric tales. Her books are usually more character-driven, and the same is true of this one, where she tells two stories side-by-side: the story of Viviana Torrens, an aspiring female artist in the 1880s with a secret, traumatic past, and Esther Markstrom, a present-day gallery owner who, in her forties, is still struggling to figure out her place in life. As you might expect, the stories are connected, and even though the reader will figure things out much, much sooner than Esther, the build-up is quite nice and each story has enough to distinguish them that it makes each of them interesting, rather than imbalanced. Though there are hints of romance, it is not the focus; rather, the focus is more on females accomplishing things outside of the male sphere (especially Viviana’s story, which is about how female artists were underrecognized and struggled more than male artists).
I am sometimes critical of Christian-marketed books that don’t mention God at all. This book does not, as far as I can remember. However, the beauty of this type of book is its wide appeal: because there’s nothing overtly religious, many more people can read and enjoy it, and Bartels’ message about self-worth and perseverance is powerful and true.
Disclaimer: Book provided by publisher. All opinions are my own.
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