Overview
Escape into this rags-to-riches tale of splendor, intrigue, and passion with Celeste Gabriele, an impoverished nanny who is unwittingly drawn into the Renaissance art world where her life is transformed.
2023 B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE
"Reading Shades of Brilliance was a joy, and I cannot wait for the next novel in the series. Rich in detail and brilliantly executed!" - Readers' Favorites 5 Star Review.
Celeste's life has gone from wealth and privilege in the highest echelons of Venetian aristocracy to dismal poverty in the slums. With her drunk of a father missing and her mother dead, it falls upon Celeste to protect her younger brothers and sisters from starvation.
When the burden becomes overwhelming and Celeste makes plans to escape her wretched life, her wealthy aunt appears and whisks her off to work as a nanny to young Federigo Benetto.
One day, as Celeste escorts Federigo to his art lesson, his maestro, Duke Luciano Vicente, stumbles upon a sketch drawn by Celeste. The maestro immediately recognizes her raw artistic talent and begs her to become his secret protégé. Celeste consents and soon becomes obsessed as she hones her abilities under the watchful eye of Luciano, whom she secretly loves.
She blissfully carries on until their arrangement is discovered and she is thrown out onto the street with nothing. Will she survive in a world working against her to achieve her dreams and win the heart of the nobleman she loves?
Fans of Philippa Gregory, Deborah Swift, and Alison Weir will find much to love in this poignant and thrilling trilogy by award-winning author Eleanor Chance. Pick up your copy of this heartwarming love story today!
"A 'rags-to-riches' story meets the Renaissance! The story is broken up into three different parts, slowly showing the progression of Celeste's journey as an artist...the detail is absolutely splendid. One of the best parts is seeing actual historical characters come to life, like Lorenzo de' Medici...Her (Celeste's) passion for painting is inspiring! Fans of the Renaissance era will be carried away to a time of passion and art." -Ind'Tale Magazine
"The fascinating story of a woman who is an enormously talented artist in the 15th Century, and her struggle to become a recognized artist." - Reedsy Discovery Review
"Like the art of this era, the novel is a work of art that matches the style and drama of the work of Irving Stone, Tracy Chevalier, Susan Vreeland, and many others...As an artist, art enthusiast, and historian, I was fascinated by this story and loved the author's attention to detail that rivals my other favorite art historical fiction novelists...I can't wait for book 2 of the trilogy!" - Readers' Favorites 5 Star Review
2023 B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE
"Reading Shades of Brilliance was a joy, and I cannot wait for the next novel in the series. Rich in detail and brilliantly executed!" - Readers' Favorites 5 Star Review.
Celeste's life has gone from wealth and privilege in the highest echelons of Venetian aristocracy to dismal poverty in the slums. With her drunk of a father missing and her mother dead, it falls upon Celeste to protect her younger brothers and sisters from starvation.
When the burden becomes overwhelming and Celeste makes plans to escape her wretched life, her wealthy aunt appears and whisks her off to work as a nanny to young Federigo Benetto.
One day, as Celeste escorts Federigo to his art lesson, his maestro, Duke Luciano Vicente, stumbles upon a sketch drawn by Celeste. The maestro immediately recognizes her raw artistic talent and begs her to become his secret protégé. Celeste consents and soon becomes obsessed as she hones her abilities under the watchful eye of Luciano, whom she secretly loves.
She blissfully carries on until their arrangement is discovered and she is thrown out onto the street with nothing. Will she survive in a world working against her to achieve her dreams and win the heart of the nobleman she loves?
Fans of Philippa Gregory, Deborah Swift, and Alison Weir will find much to love in this poignant and thrilling trilogy by award-winning author Eleanor Chance. Pick up your copy of this heartwarming love story today!
"A 'rags-to-riches' story meets the Renaissance! The story is broken up into three different parts, slowly showing the progression of Celeste's journey as an artist...the detail is absolutely splendid. One of the best parts is seeing actual historical characters come to life, like Lorenzo de' Medici...Her (Celeste's) passion for painting is inspiring! Fans of the Renaissance era will be carried away to a time of passion and art." -Ind'Tale Magazine
"The fascinating story of a woman who is an enormously talented artist in the 15th Century, and her struggle to become a recognized artist." - Reedsy Discovery Review
"Like the art of this era, the novel is a work of art that matches the style and drama of the work of Irving Stone, Tracy Chevalier, Susan Vreeland, and many others...As an artist, art enthusiast, and historian, I was fascinated by this story and loved the author's attention to detail that rivals my other favorite art historical fiction novelists...I can't wait for book 2 of the trilogy!" - Readers' Favorites 5 Star Review
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Shades of Brilliance, we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Shades of Brilliance.