‘Nancy Bilyeau’s passion for history infuses her books’ – Alison Weir‘Definitely a winner!’ – Kate QuinnIn eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot … English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?
‘The Blue is a fast-paced and highly engaging historical thriller packed with period detail and peopled with characters that the reader really grows to care about.’ – NB Magazine
‘Bilyeau’s research is impeccable, taking what might have been a dreary industrial novel and making it into a living, breathing drama. Kudos and highly recommended!’ – Historical Novel Society, and Editor’s Choice
‘…transports the reader into the heart of the 18th century porcelain trade—where the price of beauty was death.’ – E.M. Powell, author of the Stanton & Barling medieval mystery series.
‘Bilyeau is an impressive talent who brings to life a heart-stopping story of adventure, art and espionage during the Seven Years War.’ – Stephanie Dray, bestselling author of My Dear Hamilton
‘Historical fans will be well satisfied.’ – Publishers Weekly
‘With rich writing, surprising twists, and a riveting sense of ‘you are there,’ The Blue is spine-tingling entertainment.’ – Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
Nancy Bilyeau has worked on the staffs of InStyle, DuJour, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Good Housekeeping. She is currently a regular contributor to Town & Country, Purist, and The Strand. Her screenplays have placed in several prominent industry competitions. Two scripts reached the semi-finalist round of the Nicholl Fellowships of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
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Sometimes the world turns on the strangest axis. In this case it is a unique blue glaze that pits France against England in a different sort of battle…… with some interesting combatants.
The plot was interesting
very interesting way to learn the history of the blue color and especially as used for porcelain.
This book will always remind me of my grandmother’s china cabinet. I delighted in the lovely colors and delicate patterns as a child. This book provides an understanding of the science and history that went into creating those magical pieces.
Liked the historical references.
Stumble across this book title in a women’s magazine. It had a great review and I loved the cover so I gave it a try. The story is different from what I usually read and I enjoyed it very much. Along the way, I learned several facts about porcelain and how it is made, etc. Don’t want to give too much away, a but it was fascinating along with the mix of characters. Definity worth the time to read.
Historical fiction
A very unusual subject, but a fascinating history wound around some interesting characters. Well researched and written, fun to read
Fascinating history regarding the discovery and use of cobalt blue.
A good historical read, shedding light on another period in European history when madness for an object or a fashion was consequential. Reminiscent of the tulip madness in the Netherlands, Japonisme in the 19th century. The story of porcelain, the Huguenot refugees settled in England, so fascinating.
Predictable with a silly ending but historically interesting.
Very different
Interesting information about development of porcelain in the 18th century. However Geniviere’s “voice” seems too modern for the period. There is a happily ever after ending that leaves unresolved loose ends from Geniviere’s life in London, noteably her grandfather.
Now if only we got to know the exact shade of blue ‘The Blue’ is…
Enjoyed the history and conflicts over the Fine China Wars and the focus on color as a way to achieve success in such a competitive international market. Admired the intrepid female lead, a porcelain artist, who holds the high ground through all the intrigue and threats.
One of my favorites this year. The author does a wonderful job of creating the 18th century environment and then creates surprising twists that complication the action.
I enjoyed Blue because I love the blue china, porcelain, etc. Just plain old blue glass. It was a little slow in the beginning, but once I got the characters settled in my mind……it raced along.
I sold art materials for many years so the idea of the intrigue around an artist pigment piqued my interest. I enjoyed the book’s historical aspect. I’m not much on romance novels so that part wasn’t as interesting for me.
I like historical fiction, but have not read much from the 1770’s. I sure wouldn’t have wanted to live in this period when women were so restricted. It was interesting to read about how important the porcelain industry and the pursuit of particular colors was at that time. Full of intrigue with a surprise ending.
It was interesting to learn the history behind the development of the shades of blue and the intrigue surrounding it but the story line seemed a bit contrived.