The Masterpiece

Bestseller Rivers (Redeeming Love) brings unexpected faith to a fictionalized Banksy character in this ambitious novel. Roman Velasco is an artist who has his own studio, rising prestige, and large commissions—yet he keeps secret his life as the Bird, a renowned and elusive graffiti artist. Roman has searched for meaning in women, drink, and art but finds himself empty and angry. Enter Grace Moore, an emotionally wounded single mother who finds her meaning in God. She signs on as Roman’s personal assistant, eager for the job but not so sure about the temperamental artist. Rivers pits the brokenness of these two—Roman’s abandonment and trust issues and Grace’s guilt and pain—against each other and the power of Jesus. Although Rivers too often uses phrases such as “he muttered a four-letter word” in place of cruder words, and frequently reverts to what feels like Christian jargon (“Two people saved by grace. That makes you my brother in Christ.”), the tale will have her long-standing fans hooked. And the fully formed Roman will likely garner her new ones. Agent: Danielle Egan-Miller, Browne & Miller Literary Associates. (Feb.)