Water Lily Dance

An imaginative stunning historical novel wrapped in a second-chance romance by the bestselling author of Essies Roses Michelle Muriel. Three brave women centuries apart risk everything for love in this healing magical story of self-discovery artistic freedom and the friendships that pull us through the darkest times back into the light.. . . [a] warm passionate and life-changing story. Imagination is at the heart of this superb novel imagination that builds rends and immortalizes. Muriel offers a story beyond words - exquisitely sad loving and healing historical fiction. - Historical Novel SocietyA brilliantly penned and original novel showcasing the extraordinary talent and genuine flair of a distinctive narrative storytelling style . . . [a] riveting read from beginning to end . . . - Midwest Book ReviewChance is not a word to toss in the air. Its a word to take in a word to give yourself.Missouri 2014. Sophie Noel an emerging artist and daughter of renowned artist Josephine de Lue holds an extraordinary imagination but a year after the unexpected deaths of her father and husband she cannot imagine a way to move on from loss-or the buried childhood memory trying to resurface that may hold the key to her second chance at life? To cope with grief and the temptation to leave it all behind Sophie escapes into a painted world of color and light venting her anxiety to an old childhood friend-an imaginary one: French Impressionist artist Claude Monet.Paris 1989. Celebrated French artist Josephine de Lue has always believed in the magic of Claude Monets garden in Giverny France. So when her daughters estranged American father takes ten-year-old Sophie for a visit Josephine never imagined this garden of light would cast a shadow that would follow Sophie into adulthood. A mother leaves a legacy and one last portrait for her daughter. A confession that may bring Sophie the peace and purpose she searches for or one that may push her closer to the edge.Paris 1865. A daring shopgirl Camille Doncieux is captivated by the rebirth of Paris and the rebellious artists who wage war against tradition and the governments censorship at the annual art exhibition at the Paris Salon. Behind the windows of her fathers luxurious dress shop Camille plots a rebellion of her own after meeting three bold artists determined to change her life forever: Claude Monet Auguste Renoir and Frédéric Bazille.From an eclectic town in Missouri to the stunning backdrop of 19th-century Paris at the height of the Impressionist art movement Water Lily Dance is an inspiring tribute to the unrelenting creative spirit and the lengths we travel to lose and find ourselves across the generations. A moving portrait of loss love and second chances....See More