The sculptress

As a teenager, Emma Lewis had talent beyond her years in sketching, but it wasn't until she stepped onto the estate of noted sculptor Daniel Chester French that she understood what it took to render figures in three dimensions, turning marble into silk, hair, and flesh. After studying under the sculptor for two summers, Emma enrolls in a Boston art school, finding herself with new connections to high society. She later accepts a marriage proposal from Thomas Evan Swain, valuing his compassionate nature, steady companionship, and reliable earnings as a doctor. But when WWI breaks out, Emma reevaluates everything she knows about her future. When a mysterious man enters her life as the fighting intensifies in Europe, she must decide how much of her career, her reputation, and her heart she's willing to sacrifice. Alexander (The Traitor, 2020) immerses readers in the brutality and small mercies of warfare, turning Emma's artistic endeavors into a noble pursuit for injured soldiers. Fans of Alena Dillon, Lucinda Riley, and Alexander's previous work will appreciate the historical accuracy saturating every page of this moving, compassionate novel.

In 1917 Boston, Emma Swan's husband, Tom, a surgeon, leaves for France, to help with the war effort. Emma stays behind, pursuing her sculpting career. Through her work, she meets Linton Bower, a blind artist, with whom she develops a close bond. This friendship leads to scandal, prompting Emma to join Tom in France, where she uses her talents to sculpt face masks for disfigured soldiers. Meanwhile the horrors of war, guilt, and mutual secrets take a heavy toll on the Swans' marriage. Alexander (The Taster) is not afraid to tackle uncomfortable topics. He weaves realistic, gritty passages in with emotional human frailties and the complexities of love and passion. VERDICT The author's obvious fascination with--and homage to--Gustave Flaubert's melodramatic style falls a bit flat. Despite that, the novel is thoroughly researched, drawing readers fully into the saga with descriptive, often graphic details and strong characterizations. For fans of World War I historical fiction.--Julie Whiteley, Stephenville, TX