Dual timeline around the life of a forgotten artist The joys and traumas of love, ambition, and motherhood. Anna grew up hearing stories from her grandmother of an ancestor artist's adventures in St. Petersburg. Now, in the Hermitage Museum, adult Anna stands in front of Christina Robertson’s gorgeous life-sized portraits of the Romanovs and she hopes the legend is true. Her research into the painter becomes a quest to honour her granny. In 1823 Christina Robertson realises her artistic ambitions exhibiting portraits at the Royal Academy. Her happiness is secured in marrying her teenage sweetheart James and having a baby girl. But Christina is harbouring a secret from him. Anna buries herself in researching Christina Robertson, a distraction from the stress of not conceiving, which is causing growing problems in her marriage. Christina must cope with the burden of being the breadwinner through yearly pregnancies and many bereavements. Both Anna and Christina flee to St Petersburg after marriage crises. Can they find happiness there? ‘Two intriguing stories woven together bring to life the achievements of real-life 19th century superstar artist Christina Robertson, doyenne of the Russian royal court and her many times great granddaughter, determined that her story won’t be forgotten. A thoroughly enjoyable read.’ Sara Sheridan author of The Fair Botanists and The Secrets of Blythswood Square 'Two intriguing stories woven together bring to life the achievements of real-life 19th century superstar artist Christina Robertson, doyenne of the Russian royal court and her many times great granddaughter, determined that her story won't be forgotten. A thoroughly enjoyable read.' Sara Sheridan, author of The Fair Botanists and The Secrets of Blythswood Square Jane Anderson is an Edinburgh based writer of historical fiction. She was born in Fife and originally studied English Literature at Edinburgh University. She spent most of her life living overseas in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Azerbaijan and most recently, Egypt. She travelled extensively, including frequent visiting St Petersburg where she discovered Christina Robertson and decided to write about this remarkable woman. For HF authors retelling history from the point of view of women is where the fun begins.