New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this unexpected and redemptive love story, a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want–money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly … his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist–an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.
Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship–and both their lives–forever.
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My daughter recommended this book to me, and within fifty pages, I could see why! A unique storyline, wonderful characters, and inspiration for life.
Beautifully crafted Christian fiction.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating than 5 stars. It’s amazing. My heart was broken and stirred so many times throughout my reading. I was reminded again and again of the ways God has moved in my life. I read as fast as possible to reach the end, and now I am already missing Roman and Grace. Thanks, Francine, for such a beautiful story of love and God’s amazing grace.
Francine Rivers books are always awaited with eager anticipation by her readers. We know they will have depth of characters and story line. This one will not disappoint! I will admit that the first couple of chapters in, I thought I wouldn’t finish The Masterpiece. It’s just so different than her other books I didn’t think I liked it. But I stuck with it, and after a few chapters it grabbed me. I knew I would be finishing this book. In fact I couldn’t put it down.
The story is deep in that we see humanity sometimes at its worst; nothing is sugar coated. The characters are flawed humans who need God. Rivers does not mince words. There is no doubt that Billy Ray, aka Roman, and Grace need something only God can give. But at no time is the book preachy. It’s raw and honest. In fact, the author has done a lot of research into the seedier side of life, and that’s very evident.
Full of mercy, grace, and forgiveness, I loved where this book went. From people who have hit bottom, to those who have found their Savior, the theme of repentance and forgiveness resounds throughout.
For those of you who enjoy romance, there is definitely a boy meets girl thread. It is not all fluff and happiness, but is real to what many experience in this life. I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it. You won’t be sorry!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
As usual, Francine Rivers writes a beautiful story about God’s love and forgiveness. Two wounded people have made mistakes but learn of God’s forgiveness and his plans.
I loved this new one by Francine Rivers. The characters are so well developed.
If Francine Rivers writes it, I will read it. The Masterpiece held me captive and didn’t let go until the last page!
One of my favorites of Francine Rivers.
Roman Velasco is a rich young artist who’s hiding secrets. His messed-up past. His dissatisfaction with his work. The fact he’s also a graffiti artist, decorating (or defacing) prominent Los Angeles buildings. It’s his way of dealing with his past. Roman is a character with issues stemming back decades.
Grace Moore is a divorced single mother who’s broke but needs a job so she can justify keeping the son she almost gave up for adoption. Working for Roman might be her way out. Or not … The Masterpiece doesn’t shy away from the hard issues of modern life. Drink. Drugs. Promiscuity. Temptation. Godlessness … but also godliness. I’m sure Grace’s name is no coincidence.
The writing is excellent, as I expected. The characters are layered and complex—just like with real people, it takes a long time to truly know them. I was especially impressed by the way the story switched between the present and past, taking us back to show us the events that turned Roman and Grace into the adults they’ve become. It could have been confusing, but it wasn’t.
Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
such great characters and story flows wonderfully.
Philippians 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
This Scripture reference probably seems an odd one to use in a book review, but to me, it isn’t. The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers is something true and honorable, lovely and commendable, excellent and worthy of praise—a canvas of words swirled with emotions and truths that burst forth from the page like a spray of paint, bringing color and depth to enrich the soul.
Like any glorious piece of artwork, it begins with a single hue that builds with intensity, spreading across the human heart until it is enveloped with the truth of the image. The Masterpiece reveals both darkness and light; delving into the very depths of humanity. With deft strokes of the pen, Francine Rivers shows that what we see on the outside is not all that there is. People have back stories, and some of them are so filled with tragedy that even the most stalwart will weep with compassion.
I have read many good books, but only a handful touched my heart in the way that this one did. I found myself crying several times, not only for these fictional characters, but for myself and the countless others who have no doubt experienced what Roman and Grace experience. The scenes are vivid and realistic. The theme of redemption remains strong throughout this masterpiece and leaves the reader with no doubt about whom the ultimate Artist is. I highly recommend this book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers — This book is well named. I inhaled this one! Francine Rivers is always a joy to read, but this novel may even rival my love for Redeeming Love! The characters in this novel were refreshingly real, and you couldn’t help but root for them. I may have bought this one, so I can reread it over and over! Happy Reading!
Francine won my heart with her real characters and their fire-and-ice interactions. What a terrific protagonist duo and a never-old message of grace!
I have read nearly every book written by Francine Rivers as a Christian author. Previously she was a secular romance author unknown to me. The first book she wrote as a Christian author is Redeeming Love based on the book of Hosea. It is one of the best books I have every read. I highly recommend her works.
Great book!
Francine Rivers never disappoints with her faith-filled stories. This one is wonderful.
I loved the way Francine Rivers took the pain of traumatic pasts and wove faith, romance and God’s forgiving power so beautifully into the characters healing. This story gives inspiration and hope to all of us who have suffered trauma in our childhood years. God is a God of healing and new beginnings and this book sings out that message the way a symphony gifts the world with elaborate musical composition. A must read.
Walked through a story that brought hope, at a time when loss was most evident. Life changing. Proof that God plans to keep his promises.
I enjoyed The Masterpiece. The two main characters both suffered with childhood issues as well as adult issues. They were drawn together even though there were issues that drew them apart. They both needed to let go of their past to find wholeness together. A very character driven story and I was engrossed as each of their layers were exposed. Brightly written and thought provoking.
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (April 23, 2020)
April 2020 Book Club pick
Inspirational book with unexpected twists.