Book Recommendation The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

By Keona J Tann

The Masterpiece

by 

Francine Rivers

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this unexpected and redemptive love story, a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.

A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist―an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.

Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship―and both their lives―forever.

Review

‘The Masterpiece’ - Francine Rivers
I simply love Francine’s books, so I was terribly excited when I saw her new book on the shelf when I was recently in Koorong. Of course I had to purchase it. I am so pleased to say that I wasn’t disappointed. I found ‘The Masterpiece’ to be a truly captivating read. From the first chapter I simply couldn’t put it down and found myself lost within the pages for 5 days, unfortunately life kept interrupting my ability to read it non-stop.

I love the fullness and complexity of the 2 main characters and how their stories gently unfold. Roman and Grace are adults who are still wrestling with and feeling the effects of their dysfunctional childhood.Their lives are ‘thrown’ together and their interactions bring to the surface the deepest hurts that they have been trying to hide for so long.

As Grace wrestles with finding the best future for her child she faces some really tough decisions. Her brave and bold choices are made easier by the wonderful support of her close friends.
I did however find myself cringing at a very confronting scene when Roman experiences hell. It reminded me of the fire and brimstone messages I heard in my younger years. These messages would leave me too scared to breathe in case I offended God and He decided to zap me with fire from heaven. As I wrestled with why Francine would put such a graphic scene in the book I was reminded that it’s a reality. It’s very common and accepted to talk about God being full of love, compassion and grace. Yes, He is all these things and so much more, but we cannot forget that there are consequences to the fall. The way that Francine uses Roman’s experience is wonderful. He doesn’t shy away from talking about his experience even though he knows it will alienate him and cause people to think he’s weird. Roman’s experience completely transforms his life and he makes some radical changes.

As I read I found myself crying alongside the characters. I rejoiced as they found redemption and healing. I felt myself burrowing deeper into Jesus and being surrounded by God’s presence. Through this beautifully written book I’ve encountered God in such a powerful way. Thank you so much Francine for writing such a truly captivating book!
I highly recommend this book.
Many blessings, Keona

About Keona:
I’ve lived most of my life in Tasmania, which is one of the beautiful Australian states. Deliriously happily married to my college sweetheart for over 20 years, we consider ourselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. Hubby and I have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion so we have overseas kids!
I struggled with illness and disease for most of my life. The biggest battles were: endometriosis for 28 years and adrenal/chronic fatigue which was severe for 28 months. In September 2016 healing was declared over my life, praise God, this set me on a path of deep inner healing, restoration and transformation. My passion to write was reignited and I wrote out a mission statement:
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NLT)
I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding.
In my new-found boldness I’ve started a weekly blog which you can find at: https://keonajtann.wordpress.com/