The Woman in the Painting

‘She’s beautiful,’ I told him. ‘Hair like skeins of silk; deep, brown eyes that sparkle in the light like jewels; beautiful lips, deep pink, and as juicy as ripe fruit.’ Ideas rippled in the pools of his eyes. ‘I must paint her,’ he said. 1508. In Rome artists are everywhere, and feted as gods. But the most celebrated amongst them, a man who can paint beauty itself, is Raphael. When he touches brush to canvas, his subjects burst to life; he takes base metal and turns it to glistening gold. When Raphael meets Margarita Luti, a baker’s daughter, he is beguiled and inspired in equal measure. As his muse, her face becomes that of a thousand Madonnas, but it is his portraits of her which reveal his full talents – and which will become his downfall. For Raphael is wanted for greater things than a mere baker’s daughter. He is soon promised to the niece of a cardinal, a man upon whose connections and commissions the artist’s future relies. Without his good will, Raphael will be ruined. Raphael must make a choice between his love for Margarita and his future as an artist – a choice that will have devastating consequences. Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this stunning and evocative novel is perfect for fans of Debbie Rix, Kate Furnivall and Dinah Jefferies. What readers are saying about Kerry Postle: ‘WOW. I'm stunned… Simple perfection.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Joyously entertaining.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Superb.’ Book Corner Reviews, 5 stars ‘Full of characters that jump off the page with life… The author explodes history wide open. A wonderfully written novel.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘A delight… Kerry's writing is so beautifully evocative.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Illuminating and engrossing.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Compelling… A richly layered read.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘A page turner… Beautifully written: intelligent, descriptive, well researched. A great read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars