Review ~ The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

Hardcover, 512 pages

Published February 6th 2018 by Tyndale House Publisher

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 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.

About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books were awarded or nominated for numerous awards and prizes. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. 

Read more about the author on her website: http://francinerivers.com/biography/
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers/

***Read the first chapter HERE.***

My Review

5 STARS!!!

Philippians 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

This Scripture reference probably seems an odd one to use in a book review, but to me, it isn’t. The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers is something true and honorable, lovely and commendable, excellent and worthy of praise—a canvas of words swirled with emotions and truths that burst forth from the page like a spray of paint, bringing color and depth to enrich the soul. 

Like any glorious piece of artwork, it begins with a single hue that builds with intensity, spreading across the human heart until it is enveloped with the truth of the image. The Masterpiece reveals both darkness and light; delving into the very depths of humanity. With deft strokes of the pen, Francine Rivers shows that what we see on the outside is not all that there is. People have back stories, and some of them are so filled with tragedy that even the most stalwart will weep with compassion.

I have read many good books, but only a handful touched my heart in the way that this one did. I found myself crying several times, not only for these fictional characters, but for myself and the countless others who have no doubt experienced what Roman and Grace experience. The scenes are vivid and realistic. The theme of redemption remains strong throughout this masterpiece and leaves the reader with no doubt about whom the ultimate Artist is. I highly recommend this book!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

 

  ~Happy Reading~