Artfully Yours

November 28, 2022
An art forger falls for the very critic who’s determined to expose her in this seductive Victorian romance from Lowell (The Runaway Duchess). Nina Finch never wanted to live a life of crime. Though she spends her days forging paintings with her brother, Jack, and selling them to esteemed (but gullible) lords and ladies, she secretly dreams of owning her own bakery. After Lord Alan De’Ath, a discerning art critic who’s built his career on sniffing out forgeries, declares one of Jack’s Rembrandts a fake and sets out to uncover whoever forged it, Jack and Nina are on the brink of being found out—until Alan offers Nina a job as his scribe. Nina accepts, hoping to use the position to throw Alan off their scent. Unaware Alan, meanwhile, is enchanted by his new hire’s looks and wit, and the pair grow closer as they work together. But can their relationship last when secrets are exposed and loyalties questioned? After a slow start, the cat-and-mouse tension between Nina and Alan keeps the pages turning while Lowell’s playful period language creates a strong sense of place. This cute, quippy romp is sure to win romance fans. Agent: Tara Gelsomino, One Track Literary.

June 10, 2024

When it comes to art, Alan De'Ath--art critic, finder of forgeries, and the brother of a duke--doesn't hold back with his opinions. Much to his brother's chagrin, he gives honest reviews, no matter how prominent the artist may be, which in turn causes the duke to withhold funds from him. Nina Finch is an extremely talented artist, using her skill to paint forgeries of famous artists' works for her brother to sell. Hoping to use her savings to purchase a village bakery, her path instead crosses with Alan's, and this turns her plans sideways. Mary Jane Wells, who previously narrated the author's "Duke Undone" series, provides an exuberant performance. Her talents in portraying characters and giving them voices that befit their unique personalities elevate the listening experience. With the ability to believably perform a variety of accents, Wells continues to showcase her skills. Lively tones and quick pacing will keep listeners invested in Alan and Nina's tale, though a handful of odd phrasings and emphasis choices might keep some from fully enjoying the narration. VERDICT Overall, an enjoyable production, recommended to fans of Victorian-era historical fiction with a slow burn or for collections where the author's previous works are popular.--Amanda L. S. Murphy

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