The Painted Rose

Fate has delivered two tortured souls to each other, only if they can overcome their illusions, will they unlock the gates to paradise.

Donna Birdsell’s debut novel The Painted Rose is a must-read for readers of Historical novels. This beautiful yet poignant romance very quickly transforms into a deep undying love, as two incomplete souls learn to draw strength and courage from one another. Readers will quickly realise that they are in for a real treat when the author’s shocking analogy in the opening pages brings the agony and loss of the artist alive in tangible emotions. Much of the language in this novel is so poetic and well composed that it is very easy for a reader to become immersed and unable to stop turning pages.

Lucien Delacourte is an empty, devastated shell of a man. He is racked by feelings of guilt because he was not at home when his young wife and daughter lost their lives in a house fire. He no longer notices worldly cares because his soul is lost. Lucian accepts the position of an art tutor to the sister of the Earl of Darby only because he is destitute. Frightening rumours that Lucian hears of the goings on in Elmstone Manor do not deter him; he has nothing left to lose and nowhere else to go. Lady Sarah has come to terms with her very limited lifestyle. She has not left the grounds of the estate since a carriage accident disfigured her beautiful face in her youth. Her fiancé, Duncan Lavery had quickly abandoned Sarah, leaving her to live life as a spinster. Lord Darby, James Essington commissioned the art tutor because his sister, Sarah, wishes to capture her picturesque gardens on canvas. He will do anything to bring her happiness.

Sarah is the first to sense that Lucien is suffering, although he is very good at hiding his pain. Unguarded expressions and some odd comments lead Sarah to believe that the man needs compassion and friendship. She is prepared as he confesses his great shame and inner turmoil, but blind to her owns needs of unconditional acceptance. Sarah hides her face beneath thick veils, believing that the disfigurement is the cause of her solitude, not her own misguided sense that she is hideous and repulsive. At a time in society when women were valued only for their youth, fertility and attractiveness, Lady Sarah’s self-imposed limitations are completely understandable. As a kindred spirit in suffering, Lucian realises that Sarah has much to give. She is trapped in an illusion of her own making and he will do all he can to draw Sarah back into the world. He feels compelled to help her reach her full potential. Lucian also realises that as a landless artist he can offer her nothing substantial, and as a man of honour he must step away from the woman he is growing to love dearly…but it may already be impossible. Just as Sarah has come to understand and unearth the passionate artist, she has begun to heal his wounds with her tender unfailing spirit. Her love and awareness of the man develop daily, but she would never endanger his position by revealing herself. Her brother has dismissed suitors with a much higher social standing than her Lucien. Yet Lucien is the man she loves…

You could not ask for more in a romantic tale. Beautiful words and scenery will draw readers into this tale as quickly as the gripping love story. As the storyline unravels, it becomes quite fast paced and explores some unexpected secrets. The sex scenes which are essential to the plot and character development, are dreamy, not graphic, fitting in smoothly with the tone of this book. The Painted Rose is both heart wrenching and compelling; it is novel that will long be remembered by this reader. An outstanding debut from Donna Birdsell! Definitely a 5 Angels Keeper!

Reviewed by: Naomi