The Lady with the Dark Hair is a dual timeline novel with strong female main characters. Readers travel the world with Viviana Torrens in the late 1800s, learning about some of her own personal struggles and the struggles of females in the art world at that time. Meanwhile in current time, Esther Markstrom is facing her own struggles, caring for a mother with mental health issues and attempting to keep her family's art museum afloat. The story of Viviana creating her art and finding herself intertwines with the narrative of Esther finding that same art and also rediscovering her own identity. Both women initially relied on others to define who they were. Both women went on a journey and eventually determined who they were on their own right.

I really enjoyed this book. I actually would have liked a little more self-discovery from Esther. She struggles with loss of identity at one point in the book, and I would have liked to see more of how she embraced herself. I think, if it were up to me, books that I enjoy would be much longer!! I loved the structure of this book. As the narrative alternated between Viviana's and Esther's lives, the paths crossed closer and closer, with Esther walking the same spaces that Viviana walked and gazing at the paintings Viviana had created while learning more about her own ancestors.

Great Book. Great Author. Highly recommend this one and more. Two others that I have read and enjoyed are We Hope for Better Things and The Words Between Us! Go check out one (or more), you won't regret it!

While I didn't love The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels. I did enjoy reading the dual time story. I'm a sucker for a good dual time novel. Normally I find myself loving one time period more than the other. And that held true for this one. I loved the 1879 story a little more than the present day one. Though the present-day story with Esther kept me turning pages, because I do indeed love a good family secret story. I love reading and seeing the character growth that comes with learning that their family might not be as perfect as they think. As well as seeing their emotions and thoughts run the gambit till, they get to the point they solve the mystery and expect it. And end up better for it.



This book gave me three things I love in a novel. Good historical fiction, romance and a mystery. I think that's one of the reasons that I love dual-time novels, it gives me both a contemporary story and a historical fiction. As well as the chance for a mystery and romance. I look forward to more by the author.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This author has a way with words, of drawing a reader in with beautiful prose and descriptions yet she manages to keep the story flowing and moving at a steady pace. The tale volleys between a present day woman feeling stuck in her life due to choices outside of her control and a woman of history who must try to buck the traditional limitations placed on her gender. Both seek freedom while their similarities and differences add rich layers to the plot. The author uses such detail with her characters and with her art knowledge that the reader can’t help but to be entranced.

In the present day, Esther learns to open her heart again to options she may have declared lost to her while Viviana remains focused on her own journey. This story does not have violent scenes nor heavy Biblical themes. It is a clean read of an astounding story based on familial love, self love, discovery, and of taking a step from the ordinary.

“The human body was meant for movement, as was the human life.” Two women connected through time by one amazing painting. The Lady with the Dark Hair was such a unique, well written, intriguing read! I loved the dual time period mystery with a hint of romance. I was swept away by the vivid, beautiful descriptions and the heartfelt stories.

Present day art history graduate Esther Markstrom runs her family museum dedicated to her mother’s ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. His most prized work, a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair comes into question when Esther’s former professor visits. As Esther discovers more about her ancestor’s past, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.

In 1879, Vivianna Torrens is a Catalonian orphan on the run. She’s found a place as a servant in the home of a painter in Southern France from whom she learns much. When she’s asked to pose for a painting, she meets Francisco Vella, a merchant who sells art pigments. The instant attraction between them is palpable, but Vivianna is skeptical. When her past resurfaces, she’s forced to go on the run with him posing as his sister. Her travels will take her across the Mediterranean from Morocco to Gibraltar as she uses her new found skills to create captivating masterpieces.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the gorgeous settings I could easily picture in my mind. I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of art and painting. Both Esther and Vivianna are compelling characters who are easy to connect with. Esther struggles to keep the family museum going while also trying to care for a mother suffering from mental illness. I appreciated her struggle as she tries to keep her mother alive while her mother strives to find her own voice and control over her life. Vivianna’s life was filled with pain and difficulty and bares both physical and mental scars from what she experienced from a young age. I loved how she found a new voice through painting.

The mysterious way these two women’s lives intersect was so fun to discover throughout the story. I found myself eagerly turning the pages and loved how each event that happened in the past was discovered in the present day. The ending was completely satisfying and paid tribute to all the women in the story. It’s a story I’ll be thinking about for a long while after reading and look forward to what this author writes next. I received an advanced complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4 1/2 stars!

4.5 stars

Richly drawn characters, vibrant settings, and thoughtful explorations of timeless themes… No, I’m not talking about the artwork that graces The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels but about the book itself. Bartels immediately immersed me in both timelines with her vivid descriptions and exquisite writing voice, and there were times when I could have sworn I smelled wet paint and sea air as I read.

Esther (present day) and Viviana (past) are connected by more than just their ties to the enigmatic Francisco Vella. They both have bittersweet stories of – on the one hand – overcoming the odds stacked against them to survive but, on the other hand, still struggling to thrive. I especially found Viviana’s story compelling, made all the more so by what she has already overcome before we even meet her on the pages, though the layers to Esther’s story are perhaps more empathetic and definitely more relatable to modern readers. And yet, whether or not we have experienced what either of these characters have lived through, we can certainly identify with the empty places of the heart & soul they are both seeking to fill. Along with befriending these two heroines during our reading time together, I also loved meeting the supporting characters (who add further depth to both timelines) and vicariously visiting intriguing places such as France, Tunisia, and Gibraltar.

Bottom Line: There is so much I want to gush about when it comes to The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels… the treatment of mental health, the real-life historical artists we encounter, the family/art history mystery that connects the timelines. the vibrant settings, the timeless theme of finding one’s place & purpose in the world. Suffice it to say that I was thoroughly captivated by this story, as much a work of art as the pieces hanging in Esther’s museum and her house. Bartels’ writing is impeccable, her characters are full of life, and her mastery of both timelines is seamless. I was completely satisfied with the ending but I also want to know the ‘rest’ of the story – what happens after we leave Viviana and Esther for the final time on these pages – and I would gobble up a sequel! Perfect for fans of Melanie Dobson and Kate Morton!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Present day. Esther Markstrom and her artist mother Lorena have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They run a small museum and gallery dedicated to his work in Lansing, Michigan. Esther bumps into her history professor Ian Perez from college, questions arise about Vella's greatest work a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.

The story has a dual timeline told from the two main characters points of view, Esther and Viviana and it's easy to follow.

In 1879. Viviana Torrens is in hiding, and she’s has found a job working as a maid in Southern France. Monsieur Renaud is a painter, she becomes his muse and he introduces her to merchant Francisco Vella, he’s from Gibraltar and sells artists pigments. Viviana is running from her past in Spain, to escape France and she poses as Vella’s sister.

I received a copy of The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels from Revell and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author writes about art, artists and in an easy to understand manner and kept my interest for the entire book and sometimes novels about this subject can be rather complicated and I struggle to stay focused.

The narrative brings up some very relevant topics, such as women’s roles in the 1880’s and how they couldn't travel without a chaperone, and Esther having to look after her mother who suffers from a mental illness and this is done honestly and tactfully. Both women deal with adversity and conquer obstacles, are strong and I really admired their tenacity.

A story about family history, identity, slowly putting all the clues together, with lots of twists and turns, uncovering long buried secrets and the truth. I really found the parts set in the Mediterranean and Gibraltar fascinating and I was so happy when Esther got a break from looking after her mum and experienced it for herself and met Adam de la Paz. Five stars from me, this is the first book I have read by Erin Bartels, stunning cover and novel, I’m impressed and it won’t be my last.

This is a beautiful book to go with its beautiful cover. 😍

The Lady with the Dark Hair is a dual POV/dual timeline historical fiction novel set in present day Michigan and 1879-1881 Gibraltar.

This book was so unique and fascinating. The depth of detail was fantastic, and I actually learned quite a bit of art history. Both FMCs were brilliant and their stories, so different from each other, came together in such a beautiful way.

I would so love to read a prequel of Viviana’s story and almost wished that the story had picked up a bit sooner in her timeline! Viviana was such a special character.

This story had so much—a mystery, rich history, family ties, a mental illness rep, travel, heartbreak, hope. If you’re looking for a clean and engaging historical fiction with dual POV and strong FMCs, I would definitely recommend this book to you.

This is a Christian fiction, but it didn’t feel to me that there was a clear Christian message. I still really enjoyed this wonderful story and the lack of a Christian message didn’t bother me, but I do want to be transparent about that. 🤗

Highly recommend!

Thank you to @revellfiction for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

the Lady with the Dark Hair is an engaging sweeping tale of artists in the late 1800s and present day. As Esther in present day is learning about her ancestor artist Francisco Vella things are not all as they seem. We are introduced to Viviana in the past time line as follow on her journey to freedom and her connection to Francisco Vella.
If you love art, painting and creating I think you'll like this book. I was here for the historical time line but then began to enjoy the current timeline and became invested in the characters. I would have liked a little more faith content. But it was an enjoyable read, 4 stars

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I truly enjoyed this book. I think it is my favorite one by Erin Bartels. She has a unique style of writing and I have enjoyed most of her books. With that being said, I would NOT consider this a Christian book. It is unoffensive, but as far as Christian, not in my opinion. God and prayer are mentioned in a superficial, religious sort of way.

The story flows well and the main characters are well developed. The book goes from past to present every other chapter. It is not a time travel book, only some characters are present day and some are from the past. It also deals, in a minor way, with mental disease.

I recommend this book if you want a clean, well-written story. If you are looking for a Christian book, keep looking. I'm not sure why Baker Publishing publishes non-Christian books.

The editing was very well done. I think I noticed 2 minor errors. I give this a 4 out of 5-star rating.

I requested and received an ARC copy of this book through the Revell Reads program. This review is freely given and my own opinions.

This was a last minute addition to my March TBR and it was a winner. Erin Bartels once again provides us with compelling characters in a dual timeline. Esther Markstrom runs her family gallery to honor her artist ancestor Francisco Vella. In the 1880's Francisco Vella was a colorman. He provided paints and pigments to artists on a travelling circuit. His visit to am artist in Toulouse gives him the opportunity to meet Viviana Torrens, a new servant in the household with secrets in her past. As the two timelines proceed, we will find long held assumptions being challenged and two women finding a way forward in their own generation. If you are a fan of books about art and giving credit where credit is due, this book is for you. I love how my books are connecting today. Earlier I finished a Hercule Poirot book with a dark Spanish beauty named Pilar and here in this book we have the lovely dark-haired Viviana.

A big thank you to Revell for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Another winner from one of my favorite Michigan authors. This dual-timeline novel was entertaining as well as educational (I learned more about painting!) and I enjoyed it!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

The art, color and landscape were beautifully described. The story was also well written to be introspective and thought provoking. I enjoyed both of women’s journeys, both feeling stuck and unfulfilled in their own ways and circumstances.

They both contrasted well - Vivana did what was necessary no matter the obstacle, and Esther who felt and responded in defeat most often. Both chose very different paths and responses to being beaten down by life, but I loved how art drew both of them out and they found solace and fulfillment in it.

I also appreciated the look at mental illness with Esther’s mom and how taxing that is in so many ways.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

If you are one who has an appreciation of art and loves to investigate the history of the artists, then this is a book for you. Erin Bartels has brought us into the lives of two art loving women from different centuries. European art of the 1880s was well researched and presented in a way that a non-art person can make sense of it. For the modern-day side of art loving, we were shown what it is like to be a part of a family operated museum. For the art history lover in all of us, the parallels drawn between Gibraltar and the portrait of the Woman with the Dark Hair were amazing!

This women’s fiction story is written with cliffhanger type chapters alternating between the time periods. In one suspenseful plot twist I jumped ahead for the outcome, then, I settled down and trusted the author’s flow and was not disappointed. I found getting to know both main characters very enjoyable. The story was well written and kept my attention. Dialogue between the characters flowed well.

Life issues of limitations of women’s roles and accomplishments was a strong theme in both timelines. Both Vivianna and Esther were strong women whose life circumstances imposed certain limitations on them. We get to follow them both while they navigated their way to a new understanding about their options. The author also brought to light family dynamics in relation to mental illness. I feel she shared many issues of the heart related to Schizophrenia thoughtfully and respectfully.

This is my first book by this author as well as my first dual timeline read. I will be looking forward to more work from Erin Bartels.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Publisher through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

An intriguing story in dual time.
I especially connected with the present when Esther goes to a flea market and antique shops . It reminds me of attending shows, flea markets and auctions with my mother who was an antique dealer.
The past timeline was rich in descriptions of an artist, his muse and the techniques of painting.
The connector was a painting titled The Lady With the Dark Hair by Francisco Vella. Family tradition says that Vella was an ancestor of Esther Markstrom through her mother who is also an artist. Esther has built her career around the painter by opening a gallery under the Vella-Markstrom names. She has a degree in art and has researched her subject well but still has things to discover as another painting surfaces.
The 1879 period recounts Viviana Torrens, her unique background and how she happened to accompany Vella on a world trip to acquire pigments which he sold to artists. This takes place during the Impressionist movement ( one of my favorite artists is Monet ) and Mary Cassatt makes an appearance .
This was an utterly fascinating story told in a winsome way.
*I won complimentary copy of this book from Library Thing through Revell and I also acquired a digital copy from NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I enjoyed this dual timeline story. The POV alternates between the late 1800s Viviana Torrens, an aspiring artist with a dark past, and the present day, Esther Markstrom who runs an art museum for the artist Francisco Vella, someone Viviana Torrens travelled with. As with most dual timeline stories, it's always fun to see how the two timelines will come together in the end.

Erin Bartels takes us to Michigan again in her latest women lit, The Lady with the Dark Hair. This time, she takes us to her hometown of Lansing with the story of art gallery owner Esther along with telling the story of Viviana, an artist model in France in the 1800's.
As I often do, I did prefer the contemporary of storyline of the dual stories. I felt for Esther as she tried to keep a failing art gallery open for her ancestor painter Vella while dealing with a mentally ill mother. Viviana is running from her past in war and becomes a muse for her employer instead of just his servant. Villa is a merchant who visits the house, and she runs off with him after learning how to be an artist herself. The two stories combine as Esther travels to Europe to find out the truth behind the artist whose work she houses in her gallery.
All artists will especially enjoy these two storylines and it’s a great novel for book clubs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Revell through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Erin Bartels is a master storyteller. I love everything about her writing style and the amazing characters she writes about. The bonus for me is that she is from Michigan and I love all the references to the places I know.

The Lady With The Dark Hair enters the world of art. One time line takes place in 1879 in southern France. It follows the life of Vivienne, a servant to a famous painter. The second timeline takes place in present time and follows the life of Esther, a woman who owns an art gallery.

Vivienne was an unwanted child, an orphan, a soldier, a murderer, a deserter, a scullery maid, a model and a student. You will absolutely love her. Esther is the daughter of a mentally ill mother who has given up her life for her. She owns an art gallery with her mother and has devoted her life to her mother the paintings she shows at the gallery. Both women hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you NetGalley and Revell for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m sad this one is over and look forward to the next book by Erin Bartels. If you like this book you must read The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water and We Hope For Better Things.

"The Lady with the Dark Hair" by Erin Bartels is a wonderful dual time line Women's Fiction book. This is a book that draws you right in at the beginning and keeps you wanting to know more as the story goes progresses. The reader meets Viviana Torrens in 1879. She is a young Catalan woman living and traveling throughout the Mediterranean with paint salesman Francisco Vella after her past catches up with her while living in the home of a French painter and she has to flee. In the modern day timeline, Esther Markstrom, a museum curator/artist trying to find out more about the painter in her family, Francisco Vella.

The novel has such rich historical detail and also includes Viviana meeting famous American artist Mary Cassatt while visiting Paris in the book. There Viviana learns a lot about the impressionist art movement, and the reader is given a glimpse into the life of female painters in Paris. Later Viviana travels to Gibraltar with Vella and stays with his family for some time. The present day time frame takes place mostly in Michigan and touches on the loss of historical detail along the way and how the main character has dealt with her mother's schizophrenia diagnosis. Esther also travels to Gibraltar to learn more about her ancestor after more paintings are found there.

I like how this book focuses on the lives of these women, not on romance though there are references to potential romances. It truly is a well written, enjoyable women's fiction book. The book is appropriate for high school audiences through adult and is a clean read. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to several groups and would be a good book for a book club.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell publishing for the ability to read this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Simply put, this was a beautifully intriguing story!

This is a dual timeline story, alternating between Viviana's story in 1879 Europe and Esther's story in present-day US. Both women have had difficult pasts, overcoming tremendous obstacles. Oftentimes with dual-timeline novels, I find myself preferring one time over the other... but I found that this is one where I felt equally invested in both. Both stories were quite complex and I find myself wanting to learn more about both.

For the historical timeline, the author did a great job of taking us back and giving us a feel for what women (and particularly women artists) had to deal with at this time. The amount of research that went into bring the story to life was clear, down to the techniques and mediums that were used in the time. I don't know much about art history, but I found that really interesting. I have always love Mary Cassatt's paintings- though I didn't know anything of her history- so I really thought the inclusion of her and other artists through history was wonderful too. In the current-day, I love that it took on mental illness... and did so quite well, I thought.

If you enjoy dual-timeline women's fiction and art history, this is definitely one you'll want to check out for yourself.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

I thought Erin Bartels' The Lady with the Dark Hair to be an interesting tale. I enjoyed reading it. I am going to give it five stars.