A heartbreaking story beautifully told. For me it was a page turner as Mimi’s life story unfolded. Very well written and definitely an author I will follow. Highly recommended.

Engaging and atmospheric!
I am a big historical fiction fan and was incredibly interested in this book when I first set eyes on it and pleased to say I wasn't disappointed! I liked how the story flowed and how easy and engaging the narrative was to follow, the historical details are eye-opening and richly vivid, I liked the characters and the journey they went on,
Mimi is a wonderful woman, talented, imaginative, and intelligent and it was inspiring to see her make her way in a time which was controlled by men to see a creative woman make her mark.
A must-read for any historical fiction reader!

Paris, 1860 but not in the more affluent places, but the slums where existence for many women means either working in a laundry, washing the clothes of the rich or spending your days laying on your back. The dream is always to better yourself or not fall as low as possible.

Mimi Bisset is trying to survive, in a world where she has had to to give up her daughter born out of wedlock to the rich. She will do anything to bring herself up to their level. A chance meeting brings her into a circle of artists. One in particular singles her out; Edouard Manet. Mimi becomes his muse, his model, his pupils and eventually his lover.

Mimi is thrust into another world, a world far away from the one she knows and one that is closer to her own daughter. When a chance encounter brings Mimi close to her daughter, she realises that Manet is harbouring a secret. Mimi must do everything to bring her daughter back to her.

That includes going back to the only place she knows, the slums, the circus and her art. Can this save her and her daughter?

This book takes you into the depths of Paris of a time I knew little of. I recognise the names of the famous artists, but had to look up all their work as it was mentioned throughout the novel. I had a wonderful time, looking at this artwork and marvelling that I knew more than I thought I did!

Whilst Mimi is not a real person, she is certainty a mixture of a number of people named around that time and the story that has been created is beautiful and artistic as it is sad and poignant of the world that struggling female artists lived in, in fact a world where being female is a struggle.

A great example of well researched historical fiction and Helen Fripp is becoming a name to notice in this genre. An excellent read.

As one who likes historical fiction I loved this one. I might recommend it for my in person book club as one of our picks for next year. I loved the cover and the imagery so much. I thought that the description was done super well too.

My thoughts: Mimi's wild but ambitious personality coupled with her determination and fierce love for her daughter made her a fascinating and compelling character to pretty much fall in love with. The author's portrayal of Manet, Berthe Morisot, and several other renowned artists of the period was spot on, as was the depiction of the class struggles between the poverty-stricken working class people and the "toffs," the rich and privileged. I also appreciated the author's focus on the difficulties experienced by women artists of this time period-especially how hard it was for them to get anyone to take them seriously. If you like historical fiction about Paris and art, you will love this book!

Just beautiful. This author's writing glows. I am truly in awe. A wonderful book that I will treasure and reread. One to cherish. Do read this one. You will be wowed.

‘I want to paint you,’ he whispers. In his high-ceilinged studio filled with golden light she takes in the canvases propped against every wall, the paints like jewels. She thinks of the pictures she longs to paint, of her lost little girl playing in sunlit gardens. Will she ever see her daughter again?”

As usual, not everything that sparkles is so shiny and beautiful In reality.

The novel takes the reader in a brand bohemian Paris setting, a place for artists to create without judgment, a place to fall in love without being constricted by the social scales expectations. But also a place to lose yourself in lies and betrayal.
My heart hurt so many times for Mimmi.

A strong woman that just wanted her daughter back but she had to go through so much pain and suffering for her to loose her again.

The prose is beautiful with interesting characters and a story that many readers will hopefully enjoy as much as I did.

🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

What struck me most in this book was the colour, movement and vibrancy of 19th century Paris that the author has created. The slums of Montmartre with ragpicker children and steamy laundries, contrast with the sparkle and spectacle of the circus and the hazy absinthe world of the artists. It all came alive through Mimi, a young woman who gives life everything she has got, which is nothing in terms of wealth or status, but everything in terms of steely determination to succeed. She wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries – her own and those imposed on her by society, and I couldn’t help but be drawn into her life and want her to achieve her dreams, despite the social inequalities of the time.

Her friendship with Edouard Manet was as destructive as it was inspiring for them both. There was passion, but nothing could take away the sadness that drove Mimi, the desperation to succeed in order to get her daughter Colette back, and the impossibility of what she was asking of herself.

I know it’s fiction, but I finished this book really believing I’d had a glimpse into Paris of the Impressionists and felt a kinship with the Batignolles group that included Monet, Degas and Renoir, just as their day was dawning. I even found myself googling some of the works of art that made an appearance in the book and if I could, I’d be in Paris knocking on the door of the Musée d’Orsay, ready to feast my eyes on the real things.

This is a book for the dreamers, a reminder to never let that fire within you go out. There was passion, love and life in abundance, and like a great work of art, there was always some little detail on the pages to catch my eye.

19th Century Paris, a time when that world was filled with the rise of the Impressionism style of painting.. Focused on Manet, we have a fictionalized woman, Mimi, who was based on a real person of that era. Mimi, rising out of the slums of Paris and having to give away her daughter born out of wedlock takes us on a journey through the Paris of cafes, artists, the salons and the vibrant time of a past long gone. For those who love impressionism of these artists (as I do) this is a must read. Through this novel, their lives, these times jump off the pages and you are there. Superb writing, excellent research, this is a book worth reading...highly recommended. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written and adding to the books that have developed my love for #historicalfiction and historical romance.

19th century Paris. comes alive with wonderful historical novel by Helen Fripp.
Mimi, the child of an alcoholic mother grows up in the slums on the outskirts of Paris. Mimi works three jobs and struggling to survive, decides to give up her daughter so she can have a better life. When offered work with trapeze artist Jules Leotard in the Parisian circus, she gladly accepts. She enters circus life and a world dazzling impressionist artists that sketch circus performers. Her meeting and relationship with Edouard Manet changes everything. She becomes his muse and glides through social circles that were once unimaginable. The life she had and the life she was living went from monochrome to vibrant color. One day, Mimi and Edouard walk by the Seine, she notices a girl with beautiful green eyes. They were eyes that she knew. This girl was her daughter Colette and she is with a family that Many knows.
With this twist of fate and rumors that arise about Mimi, her path once again changes and life takes on a different hue as she tries to clear her name and move forward with her life.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Helen Fripp for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

Paris, 1860s. For Mimi Bisset, survival is everything on the cobbled streets of the Paris slums. She tries to forget the pain of losing her daughter Colette: born out of wedlock and forcibly given away to a rich family. But Mimi’s world turns upside down after a chance encounter with handsome artist Édouard Manet. Boldly posing for portraits on Manet’s chaise longue, Mimi feels a wild freedom – and as Manet teaches her how to layer the vivid paints on canvas herself, a passion grows between them that breaks all the rules…
This is such a heartbreaking historical romance. Set in the 19th century Paris, The Painter's Daughter is a fictional novel but I swear it felt like I had a glimpse into Paris of the Impressionists and felt a kinship with the amazing artists
Helen Fripp did such an amazing job picturing the colours, the movement and vibrancy of Paris. I loved the contrast between the slumps and the spectacle of the circus and the world of artists
This is a book for the dreamers and a reminder to never let the spark fade
I totally recommend THE PAINTER'S DAUGHTER with all my heart

A novel set in 19th century Paris 'The Painter's Girl', is a story where a young woman with grit and determination changes the course of her life.
This fictionalized novel introduces us to the Paris where Impressionists like Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Manet were just getting recognized but unfortunately the doors for women artists were still closed. The muses for these gentlemen though talented were considered to be from the wrong side. Women were scoffed at unless they were of the high society or married. Mimi, the main character breaks all the society barriers and proves that anything can possible.
I loved this novel! The vibrancy of Paris's locales, it's cafés and the salons of these masters comes across very clearly in this story. The descriptions of the art is just superb and it's hard not to search those paintings while reading the book. Dive into this book if you love art and you won't be disappointed.

The Painter’s Girl is set in Paris, 1860. Mimi Bisset grew up in the slums with an alcoholic mother.
She vows to never take that path for herself doing whatever job she can find to support herself, even though life has never been easy for her. A mother's heart never forgets. Giving up her daughter has been the hardest thing she has ever done in her life though at the time she thought she was doing the right thing so her daughter will have a chance at a better life. Mimi is the darling of the circus life where she preforms but an unfortunate injury puts a stop to that. Always having had an interest in painting she's pulled into the world of impressionist artists and the glamour that goes with it.
Life is rosy and bright with what looks to be a sure thing romance blooming but once again the sky darkens for her. When she discovers a secret has been kept from her she is outraged and can concentrate on nothing else. Her main objective is to have her daughter back with her and if this can't happen nothing else matters in life.
The story is fast paced and I enjoyed the descriptions of the art world. I felt like I had gone on a little trip to Paris.
The book kept my attention and was hard to put down. I recommend this historical fiction.

Publication Date: March 22, 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Painter’s Girl is a mesmerizing, bittersweet story, that takes us on an emotional journey through the desperately harsh slums of 19th century Paris, to the dazzling art world. Mimi finds love with the charming Impressionist Édouard Manet, though secrets that surface could change everything, including her chance for happiness.
I’m a sucker for Parisian historical fiction, and loved moving through social circles with Mimi. I don’t love circus scenes/books typically but in this setting, I wasn’t bothered as it was really used a tool to meet our artists and to see another side of 19th century culture.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Growing up on the Montmartre streets of Paris have made Mimi Bisset into someone who can look out for herself and who isn't afraid to take chances. When she is offered work in a Parisian circus she grasps the opportunity with, quite literally, both hands as she trains to fly through the air as a trapeze artist with the renowned, Jules Léotard. When an untimely event brings her into contact with a group of artists who spend their time sketching the circus performers, Mimi finds that she is drawn into the progressive world of the French Impressionists. Her burgeoning relationship with Édouard Manet will take her far beyond the poverty stricken world she inhabits and into a glittering world of artists and their muse.

Beautifully reminiscent of a bygone era, the very essence of nineteenth century Paris comes alive with vibrant expectancy, whether it be high kicks at the Folies Bergère or mixing a paint palette of alizarin crimson and yellow ochre at Édouard's studio on the rue Bonaparte, the story brings us firmly into the colourful work of the Impressionist painters. And as her own artistry blossoms so Mimi starts to grow in confidence, seeing ahead of her a whole world of possibility. Cleverly combining historical fact with fiction this fascinating story allows us a glimpse into Mimi's world, her hopes and fears and her express wish to be reunited with someone very precious to her.

The Painter's Girl is beautifully written historical fiction. Imaginative and expressive I have loved following Mimi's poignant journey as she follows her dreams into a better future.

I was thoroughly taken by The French House by Helen Fripp. It is historical fiction at its finest. So, you can imagine my excitement when I saw The Painter’s Girl. While I don’t think it quite lives up to her previous novel, there is plenty to like about it.
First of all, Paris. Who doesn’t like a novel set in Paris? Then add a circus. And impressionist painters.
Yes, it might seem like a lot going on, but I promise it all makes sense in the course of the plot. Although, it does seem a bit “busy” at times, with so much going on.
As always, you can read the gist of the plot in the blurb on any number of sites. I will say that as I read, I had mixed vibes. Maybe it was the subject matter, maybe it was the setting. I don’t know.
But at various times, I got vibes that were Les Miserables, Moulin Rouge, and La Boheme. Not sure if that was the intention, or just my personal knowledge seeping in, but it all added an extra level of enjoyment to my reading.
The plot itself is pretty straightforward even as there are twists and turns in Mimi’s life. And she certainly experiences the fickleness and unpredictability of an artist’s personality. Then again, she is an artist as well, soooo…..
There are a few things that I had difficulty with. It felt a little rushed and complicated where it didn’t need to be. But when I think about it, it seems as if a couple of decades of history are condensed into this story. So that could be part of it.
There are also a lot of characters to keep track of. It’s not an insurmountable amount, but you do have to pay attention.
As with any good historical fiction novel, there is a mixture of historical fact and fiction to tie it all together. In this case it works for the most part.
I think if a reader goes into this with the knowledge that a lot is going on, but with the eye to being entertained, they will find The Painter’s Girl to be an excellent read. I look forward to reading more from Helen Fripp.

Paris, 1860’s. Mimi Bisset never truly got over the losing her daughter Colette. Mimi is pulled into the world of art and begins attending the parties, and the masked balls that go along with it. Just when she feels like her life is finally on the right track, rumors start circulating about Mimi and her reputation is one that she may not be able to get past. One day while Mimi and Manet were walking along the Seine, she recognizes her daughter, Colette with her family. Manet knew about Colette and her family but kept it a secret from Mimi. When Mimi finds out she is livid that the man she loved kept such a secret from her. It leaves her shattered and wondering if losing her daughter for a second time will be the last time. This story was completely unexpected and so interesting in the time frame of 19th century Paris. The incorporation of the Impressionistic art world and the circus world made for an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the description of Paris and the art, while the circus was entertaining. I found the characters to be interesting, and the storyline was entertaining, and it kept me engage in the story.

Thank you Helen Fripp for a wonderful story. I enjoyed this book as it was a wonderful escape to Paris and the world of art. I recommend it.

Mimi is a refreshing literary character. She shows both the good and the bad of Paris in the mid-late 1800s. She fully represents the tide of change sweeping through both the art world and society at that time. Mimi didn't allow the accepted status quo to define her. Fripp writes a story that allows Mimi to jump off the page as she moves throughout her life. Everything Mimi experienced- from her alcoholic mother, living in the slums, giving up her daughter, overcoming a near death tragedy- all pushed her towards finding success and happiness on her own terms. While there were times that the book felt a bit deja vu, overall it is a fast paced enjoyable story.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley.

This was a fun read. It was a little slow to start, but once I got to page 80 or so, it was hard to put down!

I adore historical fiction, and I love when it overlaps with art history. The Impressionists were a fascinating bunch, and Fripp does her best to include all of them. The plot is fun and the romance is sweet. (It's closed door, though there are plenty of descriptions of non-sexual nudity.) If you don't enjoy books with more than one romance/one where the main character is ambiguously in love with multiple characters, you will not enjoy this one.

My biggest quibble, and maybe this is me being pedantic, but it was the ambiguous setting of 1860s...and then compressing 20 years' worth of historical events into the space of 1-2 years. Hopefully there will be an author's note about playing fast and loose with historical events.

Nonetheless, this was fun, if slightly more serious than my usual romance reads!