Art Lovers - Fiona McIntosh

A sweeping story of art, courage and forbidden love, set against the beauty and brutality of wartime Malta – the unforgettable new historical novel from the million-copy bestselling author of The Soldier's Daughter.

As war rains down on Valletta, barkeeper's daughter Valentina Camilleri is on the cusp of womanhood when Flight Lieutenant Peter Fox falls out of the sky – shot down in his Spitfire and straight into her world. In that single fateful moment, he captures her imagination, her dreams and her young heart.

As he convalesces, Peter – an art historian – becomes spellbound by Malta's magnificent cathedral and its greatest treasure: the masterworks of Caravaggio. His passion awakens Valentina's own ambition and ignites a dream of a life far beyond the destiny she dreads.

Over a decade later, Peter returns to the island as an art expert preparing for newly crowned Queen Elizabeth's visit. When he finds Valentina again – a woman now – he is horrified by what has become of her.

Facing a war of her own, this time within her heart, Valentina must summon the courage to fight for her son, her freedom and her future. But will freedom come at a cost she can bear to pay?

Rich with history, romance and the power of art to bring light to the darkest of times, The Art Lovers is a moving and unforgettable story about love, sacrifice, and the beauty worth risking everything for.

Perfect for readers who love:
- Sweeping World War II historical fiction
- Sun-drenched Mediterranean and island settings
- A forbidden, slow-burning love that endures across the years
- Art, history and cultural heritage woven through the story
- A courageous heroine fighting for her son and her future
- An immersive, emotional escape you won't want to put down
For readers of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley and Dinah Jefferies.