The Art of Love and Lies

A talented artist and a very proper police inspector team up in the appealing latest Victorian romance from Anderson (Isabelle and Alexander). In 1857 Manchester, England, artist Rosanna Hawkins, a young woman ahead of her time, earns a decent living painting reproductions of fine art for Manchester’s elite. Her latest project is reproducing The Manchester Madonna, an unfinished painting by Michelangelo, the original of which graces the walls of the city’s Art Treasures Exhibition. Inspector Martin Harrison, who’s in charge of the exhibit’s security, quickly becomes enthralled with Rosanna and asks her to attend the exhibition with him on the day of Queen Victoria’s visit. Problems arise, however, when that morning Martin discovers that someone has broken into the exhibition hall and replaced many priceless artworks with Rosanna’s replicas. Though Martin initially believes her to be involved in the thefts—and even has her arrested—Rosanna’s able to convince him of her innocence, offering to work with him to apprehend the true thief. The ensuing romantic escapades of this unlikely duo will keep readers eagerly turning pages. It’s a chaste yet undeniably alluring romance. (Aug.)