Today I am delighted to be joining the blog tour for a debut novel, The Girl Who Fled the Picture, by Jane Anderson. Published by Howe Street Publishing on 21 August, 2023, it is described as ‘a historical adventure across Europe in pursuit of forbidden love’.
Jane Anderson describes her debut as a work of fiction ‘but the history is accurate. Jean-Étienne Liotard fell in love with Constantinople and painted many spectacular Turkish style portraits, catch him in a gallery if you can – his fabrics are incredible. The Jacobite Rebellion is an astonishing story. Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) was brought up to believe his father was the rightful king. (He was in terms of legitimate succession.) He set off in secret to make his father proud. The rest is history…’
I am delighted to bring you all a short extract today as well as further information on the book, Jane Anderson and that all important purchase link!
[ About The Girl Who Fled the Picture ]
A girl who won’t conform. A journey across 18th Century Europe. A dangerous pursuit of forbidden love.
1742, Constantinople. Fifteen-year-old Isabella dons Turkish dress to pose for her portrait. The touch of the artist’s apprentice freeing her from corsets and draping her in sensuous silk unleashes a passion that changes her life forever.
Fleeing to Rome to avoid an arranged marriage, Isabella rebuilds her life creating beautiful silver jewellery but love for the apprentice takes her on another journey. She arrives in Scotland just in time for the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. In the midst of the dangerous intrigue of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s court, will the forbidden nature of her secret love see her lose everything?
[ Extract ]
Buda, Hungary, April 1742
Isabella feigned an innocent smile, as Uncle Richard quoted Mr Collins an exorbitant price for the gold necklace. Collins’ Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. He coughed and laid the heavy cascade of amethysts back on the table. ‘On reflection, I believe my fiancée has a similar piece.’Brazen liar, she thought.
‘Is your heart set on a necklace?’ Richard Godfrey asked. ‘I have several lovely brooches. Or would you consider a piece made of silver?’ Isabella had already warned Uncle Richard that this one wouldn’t go for gold. She’d endured his company touring the sights of Buda for two whole days. Her uncle had struck up a conversation with Collins and pretended that his gout left him unable to take Isabella sightseeing. Mr Collins fell for the trap and requested she join him on excursions with his tour guide. Unfortunately, Collins had talked over their knowledgeable guide, then failed to tip him.
PURCHASE LINK ~ THE GIRL WHO FLED THE PICTURE
[ Bio ]
Jane Anderson is an Edinburgh based writer of historical fiction. Born in Fife, Jane originally studied English Literature at Edinburgh University. She spent most of her working life living in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Azerbaijan and most recently, Egypt. She has travelled extensively, including frequent visits from Cairo to both Istanbul and Rome, immersing herself in their ancient cultures and histories. Retelling history from the point of view of women is where the fun begins.
X (Twitter) ~ @JaneSAnderson15
