Fall into the atmosphere created that speaks of the early twentieth century. Although at first blush, it appears to be a more innocent time, it was anything but for young Jenny. It’s now 1924 and Jenny has escaped her dark past, the pain, the lies, the murder, the debt she paid that she never owed.

A gifted artist, her work reflects her inner turmoil, her lack of color in her life, until an invitation to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s artist’s colony helps one trouble young woman open her heart to life, but will her past come back to haunt her? Will it steal the color she has finally found through love and the mentorship of an artisan who saw her “light”?

TIFFANY BLUES by M.J. Rose is a unique romantic mystery that reads as if seen through a dark veil, emotionally taut and bittersweet as the past, present and future collide like frenzied brushstrokes on the canvas of one young woman’s life. Entrancing reading from beginning to a powerhouse of an ending.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Atria Books!

Publisher: Atria Books (August 7, 2018)
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction | Suspense
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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"The New York Times bestselling author of The Library of Light and Shadow crafts a dazzling Jazz Age jewel—a novel of ambition, betrayal, and passion about a young painter whose traumatic past threatens to derail her career at a prestigious summer artists’ colony run by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany and Co. fame. “[M.J. Rose] transports the reader into the past better than a time machine could accomplish” (The Associated Press).

New York, 1924. Twenty‑four‑year‑old Jenny Bell is one of a dozen burgeoning artists invited to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s prestigious artists’ colony. Gifted and determined, Jenny vows to avoid distractions and romantic entanglements and take full advantage of the many wonders to be found at Laurelton Hall.

But Jenny’s past has followed her to Long Island. Images of her beloved mother, her hard-hearted stepfather, waterfalls, and murder, and the dank hallways of Canada’s notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women overwhelm Jenny’s thoughts, even as she is inextricably drawn to Oliver, Tiffany’s charismatic grandson.

As the summer shimmers on, and the competition between the artists grows fierce as they vie for a spot at Tiffany’s New York gallery, a series of suspicious and disturbing occurrences suggest someone knows enough about Jenny’s childhood trauma to expose her.

Supported by her closest friend Minx Deering, a seemingly carefree socialite yet dedicated sculptor, and Oliver, Jenny pushes her demons aside. Between stolen kisses and stolen jewels, the champagne flows and the jazz plays on until one moonless night when Jenny’s past and present are thrown together in a desperate moment, that will threaten her promising future, her love, her friendships, and her very life."

Tiffany and the Jazz Age are making me go, perhaps if she doesn't mention sandalwood I won't have flashbacks to that bad book of her's I read...

Tiffany Blues by M.J. Rose
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Jenny Bell lives in constant fear of someone discovering her dark secret. Though she has moved far from her home and those who know of her past, her troubles, Jenny is fearful, living half a life. The only true joy she has are the moments when she paints, the times when she attempts to capture the nature of light on canvas.

Jenny’s days are largely the same, hours spent in class honing her drawing and painting skills, afternoons and early evenings working at the tea house, and nights spent with her roommate and friends at the neighborhood speakeasy. Jenny’s roommate, and best friend, Minx Deering is a New York socialite who always knows where to find the best parties, the best people, and has the money to spare on the festivities. In fact, she has money to spare for Jenny too and does so gladly. To this end, Jenny’s social circle has expanded greatly, her living conditions are posh, and she always has time to paint.

What Jenny doesn’t want is more attention. She is happy to be left alone, left to her own devices, but Minx is a busy body and entirely proud of herself when she announces she (Minx) and Jenny have both been accepted into the Fellows Program at Laurelton Hall, home of Louis Comfort Tiffany. What’s more, Jenny won’t even have to worry about the fees, because she qualified for a scholarship. With both trepidation and excitement, Jenny and Minx embark on the most eventful and disastrous eight weeks of their respective lives.

Laurelton Hall is a revelation for Jenny. The landscape, the house, the stained glass is unlike anything Jenny has ever seen, and Mr. Tiffany is welcoming and kind. In fact, Mr. Tiffany has taken a liking to Jenny and often walks with her discussing art and the endless quest to capture light. Though the environment is wonderfully welcoming, there is also a darkness around Jenny. As the days and weeks go by, events unfold around Jenny that suggest someone knows who she really is, and what her horrifying past entails. What’s more, in the time they’ve been at Laurelton Hall, Minx has changed, in the worst ways possible, and Jenny can’t help but think it may be her best friend all the awful things that have been happening.

In addition to all the drama surrounding her past, there is Jenny’s present. Her present doesn’t just include a series of troubling events, but also an exciting new (or old depending on perspective) change in her art and a romantic entanglement with a man who not only completely understands her but accepts every part of her including her past. Oliver is kind, generous, loving, and empathetic to Jenny’s situation. He wants nothing more than to be with Jenny, and though there are some obstacles, he is determined to clear the path and make a way for them to be together. Unfortunately, before they can achieve their happily ever after, tragedy once again strikes, and Jenny’s worst fear comes true, her past comes to light.

The Bottom Line: This isn’t my first trip into the world of Louis Comfort Tiffany, and just like the last time, I quite enjoyed the trip. In this instance, there is mystery, suspense, and darkness mixed brilliantly into the sparkling world of Tiffany’s stained glass and jewelry. As the plot unfolds, as the troubling events in the present unfold, Jenny’s past is explained and woven into the present. The weaving works well, and once the big bad is revealed, it all makes perfect sense, like a load of puzzle pieces all fitting together perfectly. Though I don’t generally care for great passages of description, the descriptions in this book are just enough to enliven and enrich the read, to really set the scene, while not being overwhelming and obnoxious. In all, this bit of historical fiction is quite good and a wonderful addition to the genre!

Tiffany Blues grabbed my attention because of its cover, but it held it because of its moving, engaging, well-written story. Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction!

This is a beautiful book, it is written very descriptive and makes you feel and see the art. In many ways although it’s a mystery it could also be an artist canvas.

Set against the backdrop of 1924 New York, Rose has created a beautiful story using color and the bohemian lifestyle of artists and speakeasies as her canvas to create a portrait of Jenny Bell, a gifted artist whose dream is to paint light. Try as she may, Jenny only creates in monochromatic tones. Minx Deering wants to help her break out of this pattern by secretly applying for a special artist symposium at Laurelton Hall, the magnificent estate of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Surrounded by the beautiful furnishings of the mansion, the beautiful gardens and the promise of love, perhaps Jenny can put aside her past and become the artist of her dreams. Jenny is amazed when Tiffany selects her to model and wear a suite of his newest design of jewelry at an exclusive party. Little does she know that this wonderful and exciting event will possibly be the unraveling of her life as she knows it.

Rose’s prose truly paints a wonderous landscape using the color of words and emotions. I have read several novels by Rose and I believe this is at the top of my list. The research she put into the background of Louis Comfort Tiffany and his estate make you want to hop in your car or jump on a plane and go visit this amazing place of color. Sadly, it no longer exists but you can still walk the halls and grounds through this novel. The wonderous renditions of this lost estate almost overshadow the mystery at the heart of the book. This is excellent story telling.

I knew nothing about the Tiffany glass and jewelry family. While this is a work of fiction, the details about Louis Comfort Tiffany are drawn from primary sources which made the story both informative and interesting. The post war, speakeasy, artist culture mixed with a bit of a mystery and some history made for a great beach read even if I was landlocked the entire time.

For transparency, I know the author and this is the first book of hers that I have read and I am so happy I did! This Historical Fiction book has so much going for it: Beyond a great story, with love, mystery, and character development, there are all these texturey things that made my heart soar - The Roaring 20's in NYC, in the Village, Bohemia, both starving artists and those with extreme wealth! Not to mention the clothes, oh the clothes! I could visualize all of it. But the pièce de résistance was the ART! It's about artists. When they're not studying at the Arts Students League in NYC they are at an artist colony for the summer. It's based on a true artist colony owned and run by Tiffany, of the blue boxes and lamps. MJ has done a meticulous job of bringing the art, the stained glass and the estate to life, as well as the comforts of the super rich. I want to see the movie to see it all! Having seen multiple Tiffany stained glass exhibits, one as recently as last month, I truly appreciate the love she used to describe the works, the colors and techniques. It made we want to see another exhibit and to pick up my paint brush again. Without art and beauty, there is nothing.

Enter the world of the early twentieth century where a war-torn nation struggles to rebuild itself through beautifying the world around them. A unique glimpse into the live of the Tiffany glass and jewelry mogul and his efforts to bring joy through art to many in the art scene. The research is well done, and the world feels authentic, though I wish Tiffany's character were a little more fleshed out. However, the other characters were well-rounded, and aside from a few plot skips, the story was fresh and engaging!

As editor of BookBrowse I requested this book to assess it for review on BookBrowse. All things being equal, a review is scheduled for shortly after on sale and will be posted at https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/13266/tiffany-blues
We will be in touch with the publicist direct when it is posted.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tiffany Blues was a very cool book! It made me try compare voices to colors--something that I had not previously considered. This was well written and held my attention, but I believe some of the plot resolution was revealed to me way too early in the novel. (Maybe not every reader will see it as I did.) Because of this, I found myself mostly reading to see how the expected plot would unfold more than simply enjoying the rest of the novel. I did really like the book, however.. No matter how close to or far from actual history it may have been, I was enthralled by the now imagined, yet beautiful descriptions of the sprawling property owned by the Tiffany patriarch. I also appreciated the tenderness demonstrated between the heroine and her love interest.

An interesting premise, but the language was forever switching between obvious statements by characters lacking much growth, and an overabundance of color descriptions,

This book was a very beautiful story and it did transport me back to the 1920s and Laurelton Hall to witness what Jenny had gone through. I was even inspired by the book to create a makeup look based on the colors mentioned in this book.

Tiffany Blues has the intriguing setting of a 1920's artist's colony led by Louis Comfort Tiffany. This is a lovely read for fans of historical fiction!

LOVED IT!!! Loved the characters and the history. Loved the mystery and the detail. Beautifully written. Beautiful art descriptions. This book held my attention to the last word.

This book is a wonderfully imagined story of a young woman with a dark family history who dreams of being an artist. Based on Louis Comfort Tiffany's real Foundation, created to aid struggling artists and giving them access to Laurelton Hall's summer artist's retreats. The author's love of art and fascination with the play of light is evident in Jenny Bell's character and the focus of her own efforts. Around the actual history of Tiffany's estate and eventual destruction, the author places characters that suit the jazz era's freedom and hedonism and you will find yourself rooting for Jenny as she finds friends, love and success and learns that you can't ever be severed completely from the past. The author's descriptions of Tiffany's stained glass and other prized artifacts bring them alive, a testament to her love for her subject.

Have you ever received a gift in the iconic Tiffany Blue box with the white ribbon? Interesting fact: Tiffany Blue, is a trademark color of Tiffany & Co., which bears the same number (1837) on the Pantone Matching System as the year Tiffany & Co. was founded.

Author Rose has gifted us with a beautiful and evocative story. I urge you to read it slowly. The gift to readers is a book overflowing with beautiful descriptions of the times, the settings, and the art. While there is a mystery, this book’s main focus is the power of art.

The main character is young Jenny Bell. She comes to New York to study art and painting. New York City in 1924: the war was over and the city was “roaring”. The author deftly portrays the essence of the times, speakeasies, jazz, psychic research, a bit more freedom for women. Jenny has secrets and a troubled past, which gradually unfolds.

One of the most fascinating characters is Louis Comfort Tiffany, the first Design Director of Tiffany & Co. and son of the founder. In addition to Tiffany, other famous people of the times are shown: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, and Thomas Edison.

After World War I Louis Tiffany created a Foundation bearing his name to aid artists at his estate on Long Island’s Gold Coast.
Jenny Bell and her best friend Minx, a young socialite and fellow artist attend the summer session. Jenny longs to “be buffered from the world, cocooned by beauty at Mr. Tiffany’s estate.”

She gets to know Mr. Tiffany who encourages her to “Paint as if your life depends on it.” Jenny also experiences a sensual romance during her summer sojourn.

While much of the story dwells on the beauty and power of art, there is also a focus on the mystery of Jenny’s life. Like the kaleidoscope that is discussed in the book, this story contains some beautiful designs that will enthrall the careful reader.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. This is my honest review.

Jenny is trying to escape a tragedy and make a new life in the art world of 1920s New York City when her wealthy roommate, Minx, sends applications for both of them to attend a session at Laurelton Hall, Louis Comfort Tiffany's artist retreat. Jenny is both overjoyed to get the opportunity and upset that Minx was digging through her personal things. At Laurelton Hall strange things begin to happen and Jenny is afraid that someone knows about her past. Will Jenny be able to put the past behind and embrace the world of color she discovers at Laurelton Hall or will the past always have a hold on her? A story of art, and love, and learning to embrace the color in the world when darkness threatens to overwhelm you.

Tiffany Blues by M. J. Rose is a story of a young woman, Jenny, living in a post WWI era who wants to be an artist. She has secrets from her past she hopes don't come back to haunt her. She paints to capture light. I loved this book, its writing was like reading a beautiful painting. The descriptions were vivid. I loved how Jenny assigns color to people's voices.

This book is part mystery and part art. I loved the description of Mr. Tiffany's Laurelton Hall where artist's go to study. This is a beautiful story. I highly recommend it as well as M. J. Rose's other books.



I would like to thank Netgalley and Atria books for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

While the narration starts in 1957, after the destruction by fire of the former home of Louis Comfort Tiffany, much of the action takes place in 1924 and even earlier. Painter Jenny Bell tells the story of the summer she and her best friend, rich socialite artist Mix Deering, spent in Laurelton Hall as part of a young artist’s intensive. During this eight week period, eight young artists have total artistic freedom, and at the end, the piece judged the best earns them a show at the Tiffany store.

Jenny has a hidden past and a big secret, but she doesn’t realize that she’s not the only one at the intensive with those. As she blossoms personally, so does her palette. A love affair, and the friendship of Louis Comfort Tiffany himself, make her feel that maybe, just maybe, all could be well. It soon becomes obvious, though, that someone is out to drive Jenny away, or worse

The author has a way with description. The Laurelton Hall was a gorgeous place, decorated within an inch of its life, with multiple water features inside and out, stained glass windows everywhere, Art Nouveau trim, and stunning gardens around it. Rose paints this setting for us in glowing detail, as well as the wonderful clothing and jewelry the women wore. It almost made me cry that this building (it was real, as was the summer artist retreat) is gone and that these descriptions are the only way I have to see it. It’s a suspenseful story, and I enjoyed the characters. The story does have a very slow place, though, I think because of the focus on the descriptions. But I was quite willing to move slowly through the world of wealth and art in 1924! Four and a half stars.