The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers begins with the exciting danger of parkour across city rooftops as Roman Velasco crouches, rolls, and leaps to escape arrest by Los Angeles police for spraying graffiti on public buildings. A young man and world famous artist now, Roman reverts to the gang tagging of his troubled teens to express what he feels most deeply about. Back in his studio, he hires quiet, serious Grace Moore to keep the business of his art organized so that he can paint pieces to sell to eager art-world fans.
From their first meeting, sparks of both friction and attraction fly. Roman and Grace have very different temperaments, morals, and priorities. Further, his angry atheism constantly clashes with her humble Christian approach to life. Indeed, as Rivers reveals the backstories of Roman and Grace, the reader glimpses a very real spiritual battle.
I enjoyed this novel very much, mostly for the story of two love interests slowly getting to know each other within community. They each had friends who had their backs. The searing pain of Roman’s and Grace’s childhood losses was difficult to read, but the healing redemption of that pain was uplifting. Rivers courageously, realistically portrays sexual desire and temptation in a pure way. And she also shows challenges as well as benefits to following Jesus. The Masterpiece has some engaging subplots I have not mentioned here. Despite heartbreak, kindness is everywhere in this novel.
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