Vermeer, Rembrandt and Amsterdam live in this strenously researched novel from the point of view of a woman (!) fine arts apprentice. Read it in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum's The Art of Rembrandt (and friends): Dutch Paintings in the Met. By Rosalind Laker. Written before Girl with the Pearl Earring and a better read. Enjoy.

I loved this book. My favorite part about this novel was the way the characters were written. I truly felt for the characters. I would be excited when good things happened and very upset when horrible things happened.
However, there was not a strong beginning to this novel, and I would advice readers to stick with it through the first few chapters as it does get much better.
Enjoyed the background of Holland and the paintings.

It is a fascinating story. The characters are totally fleshed out and the storyline is intriguing. New situations continue to present themselves in the story, which make the reader wonder, "How will this be resolved?" I found myself often thinking about the characters and 17th century Holland when I was away from the book. The book seemed to have it all; mystery, intrigue, and romance. I liked it very much.