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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I am a huge fan of Francine Rivers and I have read every one of her books. I think I liked her first books better but she is still a great writer. Her characters are wonderful and her plots are original. Start with “Redeeming Love” and you will read all the rest of hers. She is wonderful!
I’ve been looking for an inspirational author who blends just the right amount of faith with a page-turning story. Based on The Masterpiece, I believe I’ve found that in Francine Rivers. She doesn’t shirk from presenting the whole truth, and the transformation her characters experience can happen for her readers too!
I thought this book was interesting and it kept my attention. I did not want to put it down as I wanted to know what was going to happen next and how it would all work out. I learned about the graffiti that we see on buildings etc. and what it means to the artist who has done it. I was also interested in her story and how she felt about herself, etc. and how God can redeem any situation.
It was a comfort read. I read it in just a few sittings.
I’ve never read Francine Rivers until this week. I am pleasantly surprised……An inspiring read full of faith, hope and overcoming the obstacles we put onto ourselves and some that are given to us. The characters are real, raw and meaningful, struggling with true to life issues. Both the main characters Roman and Grace are reeling from devastating childhood memories that effect their moving forward as adults and if/when coming to terms with it all, can it mold them as stronger individuals? These pages are full of challenges, romance and mystery. It’s a twist you, slam you down, raise you to your feet story. I found to be very enjoyable, personal and sincere as well as significant. No matter the depths of your beliefs, I feel it’s a must-read……
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So good to read stories that offer offer hope and have characters that exhibit moral integrity.
Francine Rivers is my favorite author. I love all of her books. I can’t wait for each one to come out . They are all completely different and original. I read this book in two days, I couldn’t put it down.
Well written rivaling Rivers other book, Redeeming Love.
This is a wonderful book!
I liked this book. It was realistic, not overdramatic.
There is no such thing as coincidence or “fate.” Those are convenient excuses for the truth. I’m a big believer that there is a larger purpose for every encounter and acquaintance in life even if we may never get to see the full reason here on earth. This book spoke to that belief, as well as many other truths. I loved reading this detailed journey of two broken people who find love together, but first have to learn to trust in God’s healing, timing, and providence.
Loved This book. It was realistic and kept my interest.
Superb Christisn fiction.
This was an unusual story because of the way the characters were developed.
Francine is a master storyteller!
Another story of redemption
** spoiler alert ** One day I was praising the author on Twitter for so clearly explaining the depravity of man and Christ’s propitiation for our sin. The next day, I had to withdraw my comment due to the shaky theology I was encountering.
1. These characters are constantly speaking to God and hearing definitive answers. Wouldn’t that be nice?
If it had only happened a time or two, I could have written it off as the “still small voice”, but the rate of occurrence was unsettling. It’s also interesting to note, these instructions from God never come while the character’s are reading Scripture.
2. One character receives multiple visits from an angel. I do not deny the existence of angels. However, this visit is like nothing we read in Scripture. Do we ever read of anyone getting a personal friendly angel who comforts them nightly?
3. THE ABSOLUTE DEAL BREAKER — When Roman drops DEAD on the sidewalk, he is ushered into hell by two demons. Once IN hell, he cries out to Jesus who appears as a bright light and takes his hand. Miraculously, Roman is revived and taken to a hospital both for his heart and a demon inflicted wound to his leg (which handicaps him for the remainder of the book).
Perhaps at this point, you are questioning whether Roman was really dead. In a later chapter he tells a reporter, “I had a heart attack, died on the sidewalk, and went to hell. Jesus got me out.” Chapter 37
My thoughts: We are given the opportunity to repent and believe today—while we are living. When we die, it’s game over! Jesus does not do special operation rescue missions into the pit of hell.
Why I believe this:
In the parable of the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) we read, “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
And…
I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. (John 3:3)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. (John 3:36)
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27)
They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. (Matt 25:44-46)
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. (Rev 20:11-12)
As a new believer, this author’s Mark of the Lion Series won me to Christian fiction. She is an exquisite storyteller and I admire her skill. I’m not saying this book is poorly written. However, I do not feel like I can recommend a story in which the plot hinges on Christ descending into hell to save a sinner. To me, if you are a Christian fiction author your purpose should be to glorify God—that can only be accomplished when He and His Word are represented correctly. Theology does matter!
I have loved everything that Francine Rivers has written. She is a great story teller. Her stories are moving and keep you wanting more.
Another great book by Francine Rivers. I love how this book shows how God showers us with his grace even when we mess up.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was riveting. It’s been a long time since a book so absorbed me.
Loved the way Christian truths were weaved into the plot and experience of the characters
I’m never disappointed with anything Francine Rivers writes.