The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper

 

A young prodigy in need of family. A painting that shatters a woman’s peace. And a decades-old mystery demanding to be solved.

Australia, 1906

Orphan Jane Piper is nine years old when philanthropist siblings Michael and Elizabeth Quinn take her into their home to further her schooling. The Quinns are no strangers to hardship— having arrived in Australia as penniless immigrants, they now care for others as lost as they once were.

Despite Jane’s mysterious past, her remarkable aptitude for mathematics takes her far over the next seven years, and her relationship with Elizabeth and Michael flourishes as she plays an increasingly prominent part in their business.

But when Elizabeth reacts in terror to an exhibition at the local gallery, Jane realizes no one knows Elizabeth after all—not even Elizabeth herself. As the past and the present converge and Elizabeth’s grasp on reality loosens, Jane sets out to unravel Elizabeth’s story before it is too late.

From the gritty reality of the Australian goldfields to the grand institutions of Sydney, this compelling novel takes us on a mystery across continents and decades as both women finally discover a place to call home.

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About The Author

 

Tea Cooper writes Australian contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.

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My Review

This was such an enjoyable read, from beginning to end. I never expected the final outcome, yes, clues are left throughout, but there are a lot of surprises.

I never anticipated all that happens here, from the standing in line to boarding the ship, to the landing in 1860's Australia, and a few years later the taking of Jane to live with Elizabeth and Michael Quinn!

I enjoyed reading between the two time periods, 1863 and 1912, it helped answer questions, and made the story richer and then a page turner.

The title of this book becomes apparent at the end, but a loved the journey getting there.

The only problem I had, was the story had to end, I wanted to keep on with their lives.

I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review