The Painter's Girl

<p><strong>'I want to paint you' he whispers. In his high-ceilinged studio filled with golden light she takes in the canvases propped against every wall the paints like jewels. She thinks of the pictures<em> she</em> longs to paint of her lost little girl playing in sunlit gardens. Will she ever see her daughter again?</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Paris 1860s.</strong> For <strong>Mimi Bisset</strong> survival is everything on the cobbled streets of the Paris slums. She tries to forget the pain of losing her daughter <strong>Colette</strong>: born out of wedlock and forcibly given away to a rich family. But Mimi's world turns upside down after a chance encounter with handsome artist <strong>Édouard Manet</strong>. Boldly posing for portraits on Manet's chaise longue Mimi feels a wild freedom - and as Manet teaches her how to layer the vivid paints on canvas herself a passion grows between them that breaks all the rules...</p><p> </p><p>At Manet's side Mimi is caught up in his world. They dance all night at Paris's new can-can clubs and drink absinthe at masked balls. But one day strolling by the Seine on her lover's arm Mimi catches a glimpse of familiar green eyes... it's <strong>Colette with a family who Manet knew all along.</strong></p><p> </p><p>Although she's reeling that the man she loved kept such a secret from her Mimi is filled with hope she'll finally get her daughter back. But when a terrible rumour begins to circulate about Mimi <strong>the only place she has to go is back to the slums</strong>. Destitute hungry and alone can Mimi clear her name? Or will her<strong> heart shatter all over again when she loses her daughter for a second final time?</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>A completely gripping and heartbreaking read that will whisk you away to 19</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong>-century Paris. Perfect for anyone who loves Marie Benedict <em>Chocolat</em> and Dinah Jefferies.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Read what everyone's saying about Helen Fripp:</strong></p><p> </p><p>'<strong>Extraordinary. Outstanding</strong>... absolutely <strong>amazing</strong>... <strong>just wow!</strong>... this book is <strong>exquisite. Absolute perfection. A masterpiece</strong>. One of my <strong>favourite reads ever</strong>... one of the finest books out this year and one of <strong>the best historical fiction reads ever</strong>.' Renita D'Silva ?????</p><p> </p><p>'<strong>One of the best books I've read</strong>... <strong>stunning</strong>... it <strong>grabbed me and pulled me right in</strong>... <strong>unforgettable</strong>... <strong>addictive</strong>... you feel <strong>really caught up in the twists and turns</strong>... <strong>has to be experienced to truly realise how special it is</strong>... I was <strong>totally immersed</strong>.' <em>On the Shelf Reviews</em></p><p> </p><p>'A <strong>fascinating</strong> book... very <strong>heart-warming</strong>... I found this book <strong>very hard to put down</strong> and I <strong>thoroughly enjoyed every page</strong>.' Goodreads reviewer ?????</p><p> </p><p>'<strong>Beautifully written</strong> fascinating novel... <strong>comes alive on the pages</strong>... <strong>wonderful</strong>... extra special.' Angela Petch ?????</p><p> </p><p>'<strong>Instantly and completely immersed</strong> me in a <strong>beautiful</strong> romance <strong>heartbreak</strong> and the <strong>passion</strong> of Madame Clicquot.... The author's ability to <strong>whisk me away</strong>... is <strong>extraordinary</strong>.' Goodreads reviewer ?????</p>