The Paintress — Jane Anderson

Dual timeline around the life of a forgotten artistThe joys and traumas of love, ambition, and motherhoodInterwoven stories based on the life of a forgotten artist.Anna grew up hearing stories from her grandmother of an ancestor artist's adventures in St. Petersburg. Now, in the Hermitage Museum, adult Anna stands in front of Christina Robertson's gorgeous life-sized portraits of the Romanovs and she hopes the legend is true. Her research into the painter becomes a quest to honour her granny.In 1823 Christina Robertson realises her artistic ambitions exhibiting portraits at the National Gallery. Her happiness is secured in marrying her teenage sweetheart James and having a baby girl. But Christina is harbouring a secret from him. Anna buries herself in researching Christina Robertson, a distraction from the stress of not conceiving, which is causing growing problems in her marriage.Christina must cope with the burden of being the breadwinner through yearly pregnancies and many bereavements. Both Anna and Christina flee to St Petersburg after marriage crises. Can they find happiness there?'Two intriguing stories woven together bring to life the achievements of real-life 19th century superstar artist Christina Robertson, doyenne of the Russian royal court and her many times great granddaughter, determined that her story won't be forgotten. A thoroughly enjoyable read.'Sara Sheridan author of The Fair Botanists and The Secrets of Blythswood Square