Such a good story of historical fiction. Present day granddaughter settling her grandmother’s affairs alternating with Johanna Bonger’s story of advocating for Vincent Van Gogh’s (his sister-in-law) art. I couldn’t out this one down. ( )

A story within a story based on Van Gogh’s sister in law who inherited his paintings and a contemporary Hollywood auctioneer. Well researched and written, I enjoyed learning the story of how Van Gogh’s paintings were discovered. The present day story did not grab my attention as much but I think there would be much for discussion. Paperback.404 pp. Luba

This book had me until the last quarter. Yes, the story of Johanna Van Gogh and her determination to champion Vincent’s works was inspiring and informative. However, the modern day tale was a bit far fetched and the number of coincidences was not believable. Perhaps had that story line been more realistic, I too could have given this book 5 stars. ( )

I have to really be "taken in" to give a novel 5 stars. I truly loved this story. The determination of the two women in different time periods was uplifting. I too, live in gratitude my face pointed toward the light." ( )

People around the world know about Vincent Van Gogh and unless you are lucky enough to have seen his art in person there are images of his paintings on all sorts of things. We would never have seen his Sunflowers or Starry Night if it hadn’t been for Johanna Bonger, his sister in law who after his death, and the death of her husband Theo, made sure his art was shown. The author recreates her life along side the life of a fictional current day Los Angeles auctioneer named Emsley Wilson whose auction house is on the brink of failure. Emsley is the granddaughter of a famous/infamous New York artist Violet Velar, who is in declining health. Violet is getting her affairs in order and gives Emsley a little turquoise box, a diary and some letters in Dutch which may or may not have something to do with Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh is the thread that connects Emsley and Johanna’s story, but it is the troubled hopeless predicaments they are in that kept me rooting for them. This is a story of perseverance. It encouraged me because right now I am like Johanna bringing my husband John Barrett’s artwork to the public after his unexpected death in 2021. It’s not all dark, there are some sweet, funny moments that had me laughing out loud. 5 stars ( )