3 out of 4 stars
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The Girl Who Knew da Vinci by Belle Ami, centers around Angela Renatus, an art historian, who is being plagued by unexpected visions of past-lives. In one of her past-lives, Angela sees herself as Fioretta Gorini, a favorite model and friend of Leonardo da Vinci. Fioretta's supposed wedding portrait has been missing for centuries and Angela is hired by an art detective, Alex Caine, to help him find it. They work for a wealthy patron who has a personal connection to the missing artwork. As Angela and Alex search for the painting, they find themselves becoming increasingly attracted to each other, and more and more influenced by 'fate'. They aren't the only ones looking for the portrait of Fioretta and her betrothed, Giuliano Medici. A devious museum director is hoping to discover the painting for himself to satisfy his own greedy reasons for wanting it. The portrait is thought to have been taken by star-crossed lovers during WWII; they also have cosmic connections with the couple in the picture, as well as Angela and Alex.
Even though the storyline seems like it might be hard to follow, it actually flows quite smoothly throughout the book. The transitions between the present and the past are well-defined. Point of view is transferred between the characters with ease.
Most of the book is dedicated to romance and past-life visions. Mystery revolves around when Angela and Alex will officially become a couple, and also the location of the missing portrait.
There is some repetition in the book pertaining to destiny and reincarnation, but the themes of romance and mystery keep this story interesting. There is both humor and tragedy depicted in this novel.
Immortality is a strong focus of the book. The "lessons to be learned" from the past, and their influences on present events, are exhibited. The story shows that the past influences affecting current actions can be changed.
Belle Ami convincingly mingles historical facts with fiction, and her vivid imagination takes us from one scene to another effortlessly. There are some minor grammatical and quotation mark errors that don't detract much from the story. I would rank this book a 3 out of 4 stars, taking a point off for the editing mistakes, but not for the storylines, past and present.
I would strongly recommend this book to avid readers of romance and historical fiction. I wouldn't really recommend it to those looking mainly for a suspenseful novel; although the pace does pick up once the setting changes from California to Italy. Like Alex thinks to himself, "They were fish in a fishbowl and there was a shark circling the bowl". The romantic scenes are quite detailed, so I would suggest it for more mature audiences. Those interested in Renaissance Art and Leonardo da Vinci would also enjoy the premise of this story, as would those interested in the paranormal.
I would be amiss if I didn't mention the cover artwork. It is very appropriate to the theme of Renaissance painting. The beautiful girl depicted in the picture has the classical features that represent that era.
The characters in the book are well-developed and thoroughly described. The protagonists are very likable, and the intensity of their emotions is almost palpable. The antagonist is completely despicable. The ending doesn't leave any loose ends. All in all, an interesting romance and mystery that I really enjoyed reading.
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The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
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when I get a little money I buy books; and if I have any left l buy food and clothes
