$12.00 sale price when purchased online
$17.99 list price
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About this item
Highlights
- 2025 Michigan Notable Book"Bartels perfectly meshes the stories of twowomen, both artists, living half a world and nearly a century-and-a-half apart.
- About the Author: Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, and Everything Is Just Beginning.
- 352 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
Esther's family has always believed they were descended from a great, though scandalously underappreciated Impressionist-era artist. But when questions arise about her ancestor's greatest work--The Lady with the Dark Hair--her once-solid family history rests on shaky ground as a search for the truth begins.Book Synopsis
2025 Michigan Notable Book"Bartels perfectly meshes the stories of two
women, both artists, living half a world and nearly a century-and-a-half apart. Bartels' settings and historical details are unusual and compelling; the dual time lines work perfectly, and this well-researched historical tale has the pacing of a thriller."--Booklist starred review
***
Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella's greatest work--a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.
In 1879, Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists' pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compellefd to pose as Vella's sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.
This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes readers from the sleepy Midwest to the sultry Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one's dreams.
***
"In the alluring novel The Lady with the Dark Hair, questions about a portrait's origins inspire a search for personal meaning."--Foreword Reviews
"A fascinating time-split written by an author who consistently writes unique stories with layers upon layers of starts and stops, her characters merging and diverging upon the page, much like the brushstrokes on the incredible portrait."--Interviews & Reviews
"I was thoroughly captivated by this story. . . .Bartels' writing is impeccable, her characters are full of life, and her mastery of both timelines is seamless."--Reading Is My Superpower
"Carefully crafted with lots of historical detail, elegant language, and interesting twists. . . . The book educates readers about the art world while absorbing them in a great story."--The Historical Novels Review
"Bartels' latest addition to her excellent novels for adults . . . adeptly gives voice to the longing women in different historical periods have felt to know themselves, to express themselves through creative pursuits, and to find fulfillment by choosing their own paths."--The Banner
From the Back Cover
A charismatic man with a legacy that long outlives himA forgotten woman whose fate is forever tied to his
And the family whose history is still being written
***
Toulouse, France--1879
Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists' pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella's sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.
East Lansing, Michigan--Present Day
Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella's greatest work--a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.
This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes you on a captivating journey across time and continents, where past and present converge in a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one's dreams.
About the Author
Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, and Everything Is Just Beginning. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards as well as three Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for over twenty years. An artist from a young age, Erin paints in watercolor and oil and spent much of 2022 painting one self-portrait a month (among other things). After eighteen years in Lansing, Michigan, Erin and her family are busy enjoying the simple blessings of a less urban life in a small town outside the capital city. Find her online at ErinBartels.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.43 Inches (H) x 5.43 Inches (W) x .94 Inches (D)
Weight: .65 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Theme: Contemporary
Format: Paperback
Author: Erin Bartels
Language: English
Street Date: March 26, 2024
TCIN: 89609208
UPC: 9780800741662
Item Number (DPCI): 247-34-5444
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.94 inches length x 5.43 inches width x 8.43 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.65 pounds
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Related Categories
5.0 out of 5 stars with 4 reviews
100% would recommend
4 recommendations
Great Historical Fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Sue - 1 year ago
The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels is a dual timeline fiction story set in 1879 and present day. It shares the tale of two believed to be family members, one discovering art, and one preserving art from the past. Viviana has lived a difficult life in the late 1800s. She desperately wants to know how to survive as a female in a male dominated world. She wants to express herself despite the difficult past she has been through. Esther, who lives in present day, has struggled through preserving the heritage of art in her family. She also must take care of her mother, who has a mental illness. When their worlds collide and the truth is revealed, Esther realizes her life is not all she thought it was. This dual timeline story was a bit difficult to follow, but I did enjoy it for the most part. Erin Bartels is in a accomplished author who does share excellent stories. Her style is intriguing and I did enjoy the story. This is a great read, especially for those who enjoy art history.
Excellent Storytelling!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
BlessednBookish - 1 year ago
The Lady with the Dark Hair is an addicting dual-timeline story by Erin Bartels. This is my first book by this author, and I was blown away by the emotional and historical depth of this story! I LOVED it. She will be an author on my “to-read” list from now on! I love dual timelines because I love being a detective and finding all the ways the stories are intertwined from past to present. The Lady with the Dark Hair is such a unique story that I was drawn immediately to both timelines and fully invested in knowing the truth. I was captivated by the striving of Vivienne and Esther to make their way in the world as women with a passion for art. Over one hundred years stood between them, and yet they had so much in common. It is impossible to read this story without being inspired to reach for that impossible thing in your life. The Lady with the Dark Hair deals with heavy, emotional topics and yet never extinguishes hope. It’s a beautiful read. An inspiring read. One that will open your eyes to the moments all around you. I highly recommend putting The Lady with the Dark Hair at the top of your TBR if you’re looking for a more serious, yet inspiring read. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Intriguing Plot and Fascinating Characters
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
VickleaW - 1 year ago
This book is a brilliantly written dual-timeline novel with captivating characters and fascinating research intertwined seamlessly into the story. The present day protagonist is Esther, an art history major who is the head of the family’s museum that promotes a family ancestor, artist Francisco Vella. She is also the caretaker of her mentally ill mother Lorena, quite a quirky and demanding woman. The other part of the story is told in the late 1800’s and is about Viviana, a woman in hiding from justice in Spain while pursuing her interest in art with Vella, a man who is a merchant of art supplies. I was captured by the unselfishness of Esther caring tirelessly for her mother, even though she would like to have her own life. Equally compelling was the story of Viviana as she travels with Vella and finds out that it is not always easy or advisable to travel using an alias. The novel includes a cleverly written mystery about a painting and its origins as well as its artist. “The Lady with the Dark Hair” is a story within a story, cleverly written to reveal details methodically and keeping me glued to the page as I sought answers to the identity of the artist and the outcome of Esther’s life of selflessness. I really enjoyed the pace of the plot because it was perfect to keep me interested. The characters were dynamic and also believable and relatable. The story was complex, but the author’s way of revealing the layers like peeling an onion was exceptionally unique and delightful. I loved the story, learned from the research and identified with the characters. This novel is thought-provoking, intriguing and remarkably written to entertain as well as educate. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Captivating and inspiring!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Jeanette - 1 year ago
Wow! This book is captivating and inspiring! I knew I would love it, and I do! The dual times lines are expertly interwoven. I enjoyed learning about artists and their passion! Viviana's character stirred my heart. She has endured so much in her life. She bravely overcomes the obstacles and forges on to a new path. Esther is also an overcomer. Her life is far from easy. On her quest to find an artist, she finds out more about herself. The imagery in the book is picturesque. I especially enjoyed "seeing" Gibraltar! The sandy beach with its blue sky, the streets filled with shops and restaurants. Viviana and Esther both lead lonely lives. Viviana chooses to leave grief, pain, and confusion behind and embrace new possibilities. Esther meets new people who are generous and want to be involved in her life. This is a book that will stay with me for a while. Erin's books are so thought-provoking. I'm definitely adding her to my favorite authors list! I was provided a copy of the book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.