The concluding novel of a Renaissance trilogy, in which a woman master artist in Florence takes on a portrait that may decide her family's fragile future. Historical fiction of guild politics, a powerful rival's challenge and a mother fighting for the life she built.
"Fans of the Renaissance era will be carried away to a time of passion and art." -- InD'tale Magazine
When power demands a masterpiece, a mother fights for the future she's earned.
Florence, 1497. Master artist Celeste Gabriele is holding a hard-won life together as Savonarola's rule unravels. When Maestro Leonardo da Vinci urges her to complete an unfinished portrait, she understands that the fragile future of the House of Vicente may rest on her steady hand.
The canvas is not her only struggle. A powerful rival moves to challenge her family's claim, drawing Celeste into chancery petitions and guild politics. To protect what is hers, she must rally patrons and witnesses while overcoming the doubts that have stilled her hand. Bonfires fade, workshops hush, and a single painting may speak more persuasively than any oath.
If she falters, her children could lose the life she built. To prevail, Celeste must reclaim her courage, return to her craft, and risk letting hope back in.
The Last Masterpiece concludes The Master's Protégé Trilogy with immersive Renaissance Italy, court and guild intrigue, and a moving portrait of family, loyalty, and enduring love--perfect for readers of Deborah Swift, Philippa Gregory, and Diana Gabaldon. Don't miss the poignant conclusion to Celeste's journey.
Praise for The Master's Protégé Trilogy:
★★★★★ "Well-researched and strong heroine!"
★★★★★ "I truly felt like I was visiting the bygone eras of Venice, Lucca, and Florence."
★★★★★ "The plot and characters are wonderfully created, as is the inner passion of an artist."
★★★★★ "The characters are exceptional, and the descriptions given by the author are breathtaking."
★★★★★ "A luscious story of women's acceptance into the historical world of men only."
★★★★★ "Reads like a really good Masterpiece Theater series on PBS."
★★★★★ "A modernized Renaissance love story."
★★★★★ "Amazing attention to detail for the times and historical aspects."
★★★★★ "A welcome relief in finding worthy, appropriate, clean historical romances."
★★★★★ "Equal to The Agony and the Ecstasy with a good grasp of how women were viewed at that time."