This is a lovely story! I enjoyed the intrigue and beauty between the characters! The setting of Manchester was perfect and loved the train scenes! What an adventure set around art and the uniqueness of a masterpiece in a persons eyes!

Thanks to NetGalley I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily!

The Art of Love And Lies is a genteel, well-researched novel about art forgery and true love, and all of it’s based around a real-life incident of art fraud. The end result is lovely romance, but some research issues kept it from getting a higher grade.

Rosanna Hawkins has a unique job – she painstakingly reproduces famous works of art as parlor replicas which hang in the homes of the average citizen. Her boss does not respect her, though she is the daughter of a gentleman, and does not treat her art as anything but fungible. As part of her job and at the insistence of her boss, Anton Greystone, Rosanna attends a large art showing in Manchester, trying to scout Michelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna, which she plans to replicate next. Romance unexpectedly arrives in the form of the exhibit’s head of security, Inspector Martin Harrison.

But criminality may threaten to ruin their romance; someone is stealing art from the exhibition and planting evidence there that implicates Rosanna. Determined to clear her name, Rosanna and Harrison team up to find out who the real culprit is before a priceless masterpiece is stolen forever.

The Art of Love and Lies knows its art forgery history, and does a good job when it steers into a version of the genuine heist which occurred at the very art expo Rosanna attends. But some historical wobbles popped out as quite noticeable to me.

To wit: Rosanna and her sisters are the daughter of a gentleman and are Landed Gentry. And yet their father encourages them to work instead of marrying and has no problem with Rosanna living in a boarding house.

Rosanna is a smart if slightly snobbish heroine, and I liked Harrison just fine. Their romance is very sweet and well-handled, although th mystery is initially not really mysterious, and leans heavily on their missing obvious context clues. There is an eventual plot twist, though, that makes up for this.

I do, however, have to protest that while it’s perfectly possible for Rosanna to be skilled enough to make several copies of famous paintings in quick succession, the paint on her canvas wouldn’t instantaneously dry, especially without proper curing or glazing.

And yet The Art of Love and Lies is a perfectly nice book that’s good enough for an evening’s diversion.

Not at all what I expected and a delightful read. A completely unique book about love, life, and history. You'll want stay up all night reading about this treasure.

What a fun cover and I just adore that hat!

Rosanna is an independent woman--one who finds herself painting copies of famous paintings and unknowingly ends up caught in a ring of intrigue. It was fun to imagine the replicas and the painting process. Martin is a dashing investigator and it was a treat to watch their interactions.

I felt like the story was building up for the first half of the book and I wasn't sure what twists and turns it would take, if any, so it was a surprise to watch the second half unfold. While it did take a minute to get into the story, it was a ride once I did.

The romance was a bit of a whirlwind and was fun to watch develop. I loved the Victorian art experience and it was a surprise to see an appearance by the Queen herself. The mystery, intrigue, and gradually building plot made for an amusing story.

Content: a few mild moments of peril/danger; mild romance

Such a fun, quick read! This is a great cozy mystery if you’re looking for fun, romantic, flirty, and fast.
Plot: Very upbeat and quick, which is a good thing! It didn’t have time to get boring, and every part of the story mattered. We’ve got great romance with flirty banter, puzzling mystery, and just a touch of suspense.
Atmosphere: If you’re a fan of art museums, you’re going to love this one. The artsy Victorian vibes are something I didn’t even know I needed, but it was so fun!
Characters: They aren’t super dynamic or deep, but they’re just right for the pace and vibes of the story, there is growth, and they’re fun, believable characters.
Enjoyment: It was so fun! A lovely, unexpected read that is definitely worth enjoying.
Depth: This is a pretty light read, but it definitely works. I think it’s just meant to be fun, and it is! There is some light violence, but nothing too graphic or disturbing.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

This was such an enjoyable romance/mystery read and I loved learning of the Art Exhibition. Well written.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

After reading the synopsis, I was so intrigued by the story. It started off slowly but I as I kept reading, the climax of the story finally hits about 2/3 of the way in. I feel like it it could have been tweaked to have the robbery of the art happen much sooner. Then the writer could have spent more time building up the romance of the two MCs. I really wanted to liked this story, but sadly I didn't.

Rebecca Anderson's writing style is enjoyable, but the believability of the storyline is far fetched. I'm not an art expert, but even I know that you can't copy paintings that fast and wrap them up even faster without sufficient time to let the paint dry.

Manchester 1987: Rosanna Hawkins is a masterful artist from the Victorian modern era who knew her paintings were "Nice" and "little." From the original paintings, they were intolerant. Rosanna was an upstanding woman of unimpeachable character with a family peopled with uprightness. Her employer Anton Greystone was astonished and delighted by her reproduced masterworks which reflected each stroke, each layer, and moreover, she was quick. Her speed and artistic style could match any style, be it modern, like Cole, or classical. Among the wealthy clients who either loved art or wished to understand it, her Renaissance work was highly in demand. She was not a creator, she reproduced with a great deal of skill, simplicity, and clarity. The masterworks Rosanna made were referred to as "Parlor versions" to sell to the emerging upper middle class of Manchester, as well as to some of the higher classes who preferred their painting to be bought cheaply.

Anton promises Rosanna to expand her work everywhere not only in local houses but also in the drawing rooms and parlors of fine homes from London to Glasgow and beyond. Rosanna was proud that she know how to distinguish her reproductions from the originals they so perfectly reflected. Anton took the money by selling the reproduced painting of Rosanna to the wealthy working class so that they could festoon their walls and halls with pictures.

Manchester was about to witness a vast array of world-famous art. Rosanna was interested and delighted to visit the Art Treasures exhibition display of Rembrandt etchings where she will own an original print on the streets of Manchester. What attracted visitors from London and America to Manchester's Arts Treasure exhibition was The Manchester Madonna, Michelangelo's recently discovered fragment of a study for Mary and Jesus painting. Rosanna desires to take this opportunity to visit the exhibition to educate herself to study, ponder and experiment with copying the masters up and close and in person. She is confident she could replicate the paintings at the exhibition flawlessly. Anton asked Rosanna to recreate the partial work of the Manchester Madonna, to recreate the painting to her surprise. So that she makes a worthy copy that will make them both rich. The concern is whether will Rosanna be able to duplicate an unfinished work to reproduce a partial work? The intention was to be famous, gain rewards, accolades, and greed to become rich.

The role of head of exhibition security at the Art Treasure in Manchester, thrilled Martin Harrison. Rosanna and Martin's paths cross in the hallways and galleries of the exhibition. Hawkins explains to Martin the art pieces that he is not aware of which amused and delighted him with a story, a painting, a sculpture, or a sketch. As they admire each other's talents and looks but their encounter only becomes romantic and flirtatious. The irony happens here as Martin accuses Rosanna of copying the paintings and for accompanying a theft that occurs at the exhibition. Rosanna wants to prove her innocence and Martin is on the way to catch the real thief of the paintings that goes missing on the day of Queen Victoria's visit to the Art exhibition in Manchester. The chase begins!!

The author has researched plenty about art history and brought to light the interesting era of Victorian times. The characters are intriguing and bring surprises along the way. Easy read and can be read as a standalone novel. The story is a bit predictable though after the half till the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as it was a sweet and wonderful read. Loved the cover of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an advance copy for my honest review.

Smitha Agy
Novel Nerd Blog: https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

In 1857 Manchester, Rosanna Hawkins excels as an uncredited artist reproducing classic masterpieces. She takes pride in the independence her work gives her, though she longs to create something meaningful. When she meets Inspector Martin Harrison, she is drawn to his charisma and shared interests. Amid flirtations and discussions of their aspirations, they uncover art theft. Rosanna must prove her innocence and catch the true thief, coming to grips with her part in the crime.

Given how much I adore the Proper Romance series, I was looking forward to this one set in the Victorian era. However, from the start, I felt like Rosanna was a character who did not fit her time period. Not even in just a “she’s a forward thinking woman”, but she just didn’t fit at all. How was I supposed to believe that an upper class family would just allow their daughter to move out alone? Never mind how perfect she was at painting, that she needed to make a mark so she could distinguish it from the original.

From the description, I was expecting a bit more mystery from this story. However, it was really straightforward, with no surprises at all.

Overall, this story had the potential to be interesting, but fell flat for me. Readers who are looking for just a sweet romance with no expectation for anything else may enjoy this more than I did.

While it took me a while to get into this book, I did enjoy it! I loved getting a glimpse into the world of art...one that I am not very familiar with. Interesting setting, interesting characters, and interesting resolution.

“You have stolen my heart, and I shall never be the same.”

An artist. A detective. An art exhibition in Manchester England, and a crime to be stopped.

This book had me on the edge of my seat, I had to keep reading to see what would happen next! There is a mystery, some danger and suspense. There is also a lovely love story. I loved Rosanna and Martin! They have some very sweet moments and kisses between them.

Read for:
🤍the meet cute
🤍Victorian England
🤍instant attraction
🤍an art exhibition
🤍a mystery to be solved
🤍danger and suspense
🤍sisters
🤍a sweet romance

I loved learning about the Art Treasures Exhibition of 1857 in Manchester England. I felt like I took a step back in time to visit! The author’s knowledge and love for art really shone through the pages and I loved it! I also loved how the story tied up so nicely in the end. Such a satisfying happy ending! This is a wonderful, educational, romantic, suspenseful, adventurous story that you don’t want to miss!

Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

Content: some violence, some dangerous situations.

The Art of Love and Lies by Rebecca Anderson perfectly balances everything you expect in a Victorian romance and everything you expect in an art heist film. It was utterly wonderful and I loved every page!

Anderson balances the character and relationship development for Rosanna and Martin beautifully with the action surrounding the Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition. I so enjoyed how the actual history was layered in with the fictitious events of Rosanna and Martin's story. It was clear Anderson had done her research well -- everything was so richly detailed and it made the story come alive!

Another aspect I enjoyed was learning about the art on display in the exhibition. I'd never even known about this event before; it was so fascinating to learn bits and pieces from the novel that I went online and searched for more information! s

The combination of romance and action was perfectly executed. Rosanna and Martin's relationship progression is paced so well alongside the conflict with Anton and the artwork replicas Rosanna created. The conflict surrounding the morally gray area in which Rosanna's replicas resides is so fascinating as well. There's certainly nothing wrong (and I'd say a lot of good) in making art more accessible to more people, but I can also see the negative side to flawless replicas as well.

A solid five star read for me! Thank you to Netgalley, Shadow Mountain, and Rebecca Anderson for an ARC copy. All opinions are my own.

I was intrigued with this title, The Art of Love and Lies. I have enjoyed painting for years and I enjoyed the reminiscing of how Rosanna describes each of her strokes, the light and shadows, it helped you envision the painting. Unfortunately I think it unrealistic for an oil painting to dry and packaged within a day or two of finishing it. The plot of the story was not necessarily original, but I found it interesting. Although there were a lot of holes in the story, or maybe it was too quick paced. The art description was thorough, but everything else could use some deeper detail. The instant attraction of Martin and Rosanna was nice, but I would have liked a little more development of their relationship. I also thought the chase of the thief was choppy. There could be more explanation or suspense, what led them to actually became on the same train, or jumping trains. Overall, it was a good read, but not my favorite from this author. I appreciate the clean, wholesome story.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

As an artist, Rosanna Hawkins’ works are some of the most sought after in Manchester. Rosanna reproduces classic masterpieces into “parlor versions.” With her talent, she is able to recreate near-perfect versions that her employer then sells to upper-middle class families.

With the Art Treasures Exhibition happening in Manchester, Rosanna is happy to attend the exhibition as often as she can while studying and sketching the paintings she is requested to reproduce. When she meets the handsome and charming Inspector Martin Harrison, she is even more eager to visit the exhibition. As Rosanna and Martin continue to explore the arts together, their relationship starts to blossom into more than friends.

Their time together soon comes to a stop when Rosanna discovers that some of the paintings are not the originals. Martin finds that all evidence points to her and now she must prove her innocence, stop and capture the real thief and maybe win back the man who has won her heart.

The Art of Love and Lies from Rebecca Anderson is a unique story set in Victorian England. I loved that this story revolved around the real Art Treasures Exhibition. The paintings in the book were actual paintings shown in the exhibition. I suggest looking them up if you get the chance. It is so neat to bring aspects of the book to life.

I loved the time period of this book. The world is starting to change especially for women. They are starting to step into roles that before were strictly a man’s. Rosanna and her family are embracing these changes. I appreciated seeing Rosanna start to become a business woman, take charge of her life and live independently from her parents. She learns lessons that we all learn in our own ways. She is doing her best and isn't that all our goal?

This book has a White Collar feel to it. I loved that Rosanna has to prove her innocence but also trap the real thief. She is determined to right what she now sees as wrong and is learning to trust again after being hurt. I also like Martin who also has been hurt and must learn to trust again. It’s not easy for either of them but I’m so glad they do.

The Art of Love and Lies is the newest release from Rebecca Anderson (a.k.a. Becca Wilhite.) If you love instant attraction, Victorian England, classic art and dual POV, this is a read for you!

After being told her art isn't art, and that all she should ever do is replication, artist Rosanna Hawkins becomes a sought after painter for her near perfect parlor versions of beloved classics. It isn't until she meets a dashing detective that she starts to think she may be in trouble.

Detective Martin Harris is the head of security for the largest art exhibition in Manchester. He meets Rosanna while she is studying the images there for her replications. As the two of them tour the exhibit day after day, they form a summer relationship. But one word from Martin sends Rosanna fleeing, and realizing her employer may be more than she sees. She doesn't want to believe it, until she notices her work in place of original pieces of art. Now the two race to find and protect the originals, while still trying to protect their hearts and relationship.

I quite liked these two. I also liked reading about the art and the explanation of why certain pieces evoked certain emotions. Rebecca Anderson did a beautiful job on this story, and it made me love the people of Manchester more during this time period.

Once I stopped staring at the gorgeous cover and started reading I was immediately drawn into the story of gifted artist Rosanna Hawkins and policeman Martin Harrison. I love the Victorian era--the fashion, women had jobs other than governesses, the rules of propriety weren't quite as strict, and trains were becoming a more common mode of transportation.

Rosanna is a gifted artist and loves painting. She does magnificent replicas of famous paintings so the less wealthy can have a piece of art in their homes to enjoy and admire. Rosanna spends a lot of time at the Art Treasures Exhibition studying the paintings she'll reproduce for her employer, Anton Greystone. This is where she meets Martin, who has been put in charge of security for this large exhibit. I loved the friendship Roseanna and Martin form as she teaches him about the paintings and enjoyed the playful and witty banter of their conversations. I could easily see how quickly these two were falling for each other.

Every romance has to have some tension and at one point I was afraid when Martin discovered what Roseanna did for a living their budding romance would come to a screeching halt. I was sure that would happen when some paintings are discovered to be forgeries and Martin arrests Roseanna for being part of the theft. Being a lover of romantic suspense I was completely taken in with how Roseanna helps catch the real thief.

I could tell the author has a love of art and had done a lot of research in preparation for this book. I really enjoyed this romance especially the suspenseful element in the latter part. Roseanna and Martin are a fun couple and I'd love to see stories about her sisters Lottie and Ella.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The premise of this book is delightful! I loved the way that Rosanna was prepared to make her mistakes right. Even when it truly wasn't her fault. I appreciated that Martin was so focused on becoming a better man then his father. My one draw back was that Martin forgave Rosanna WAY quickly and yes she didn't do anything wrong, but he had a pretty strong bias that he let go of too quickly for me. I knew they'd end up together it was just so quick and anticlimactic that I didn't love it, but I really did love the vast majority of this story!

This Victorian romance uses the Art Treasures Exhibition that was held in Manchester England in 1857 as the backdrop and the author does a masterful job in describing it so the reader feels like they are right there among the paintings. Rosanna Hawkins is an artist, but her work isn’t in the exhibit. Her talent is producing “parlor versions” of masterpieces, a copy that upper middle-class families can own and show off. She goes each day to fine-tune her reproductions and while there meets Inspector Martin Harrison who is the head of security over the exhibition. They form an unlikely friendship, bonding at first over different art pieces in the exhibit, then their hopes and dreams for the future.

Martin is hiding a secret from his past, however, one that colors his perspective on those around him. He has a very black and white view on human nature, with no room for any gray areas, and when Rosanna is accused of being a thief, he turns his back on her. Readers will find his growth arc satisfying when he finally starts to see that there can be light and warmth even in the darkest times. Rosanna is a superior artistic talent, but a childhood experience has made her uncertain that she can do anything original. She is very relatable in her lack of confidence and the steps she takes to finally trust herself. There is a cruel villain and suspenseful twist during the story to add a bit of adventure to the budding romance. Readers will be holding their breath to see how it all turns out!

Sweet romance, some peril, surprises.
Read this if you enjoy fun banter, a dramatic rescue scene, sweet romance, and surprises.
Rosanna Hawkins is a talented artist hired by Anton Greystone to make reproductions of famous paintings. She thinks she is doing a good thing because more people can own a copy and the paintings are preserved in case the original is destroyed. It doesn’t occur to her she is doing something illegal until it’s too late and her life is in danger if she doesn’t comply. She meets and falls in love with Inspector Martin Harrison. His father was a criminal with the same name, so he focuses his life on doing the opposite and overcoming the reputation of his dad. Rosanna tries to tell the authorities that the original paintings are disappearing and being replaced with her copies, but they arrest her thinking she is part of the scheme.

I hope this is the beginning of a series. Rosanna and her sisters are each talented in different areas - Rosanna with painting, Ella with music, and Lottie with words. Lottie writes the newspaper articles inserted between some of the chapters. Interesting note: Rebecca Anderson is the pen name of Becca Wilhite. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.