Status
Available
Series
Description
In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture. For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of interational repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice. Sir Gabriel Courtenay offers her an opportunity she can't refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain manufacture, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the color blue... The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England's emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage. With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member SumisBooks
Outstanding!
"In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.
For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?"
Nancy Bilyeau's poised and polished writing style brings the 18th century to life! Her word usage and grammar structure really bring the characters to life and let you feel as if you are there in Genevieve's head. Stunningly descriptive and gorgeously written you can not only see the China patterns but smell the paint on the porcelain!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I thought that the story was well written and well-thought-out. I thought that the descriptive powers used by the author were just utterly amazing. It's been a long time since I've read a book by an author who can write in this manner.
Although I didn't read the other books in the series I did not feel as though I was lost. The story just jumps right in and carries you away! Brilliant!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone as I enjoyed it so much. I would especially recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction and strong female characters.
"In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.
For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of
Show More
Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice. When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?"
Nancy Bilyeau's poised and polished writing style brings the 18th century to life! Her word usage and grammar structure really bring the characters to life and let you feel as if you are there in Genevieve's head. Stunningly descriptive and gorgeously written you can not only see the China patterns but smell the paint on the porcelain!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I thought that the story was well written and well-thought-out. I thought that the descriptive powers used by the author were just utterly amazing. It's been a long time since I've read a book by an author who can write in this manner.
Although I didn't read the other books in the series I did not feel as though I was lost. The story just jumps right in and carries you away! Brilliant!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone as I enjoyed it so much. I would especially recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction and strong female characters.
Show Less
LibraryThing member celticlady53
As with any book by Nancy, I always learn something. I never knew that the color blue had such a significant place in history. Genevieve Planché is an English born woman but is actually a Huguenot and absolutely hates the French and all they stand for, including the King. She aspires to be an
She meets Sir Gabriel Courtenay who wants her to spy for him regarding the color blue, he wants the formula for the color. She is tasked with going to Derby and is expected to infiltrate the lab where the color is formulated. The main obsession of Sir Gabriel is with getting the information on a new shade of blue on porcelain that is a perfect shade.
She wants to be able to go to Venice as Sir Gabriel has promised to fulfill a lifelong dream of being able to study so she agrees. Things don't go as planned though and she finds herself in France, the very place she hates. She is concerned though that the task she has to undertake could cause problems for her grandfather. Spying is not something she has wanted to do but in order for her to fulfill her dreams, she must do this.
Like I said before, Nancy's novels always seem to teach and thrill at the same time. An exciting story that is character driven, and has a female protagonist that is strong and goes after what she wants and does not let society tell her what she can and can't do. The addition of a love story keeps the story fluid and easy to read. When I look at some of the porcelain figures I have, I just never realized nor cared how they were made or about the colors that they are painted with. Well, I will now..lol.
I always look forward to a new book by Nancy and this one did not disappoint! Go get your copy when it is released, you won't be disappointed!
Show More
artist, but of course, women in 1758 London are not taken seriously so she paints porcelain. She lives with her grandfather on Spitalfields, a questionable area to live in. She meets Sir Gabriel Courtenay who wants her to spy for him regarding the color blue, he wants the formula for the color. She is tasked with going to Derby and is expected to infiltrate the lab where the color is formulated. The main obsession of Sir Gabriel is with getting the information on a new shade of blue on porcelain that is a perfect shade.
She wants to be able to go to Venice as Sir Gabriel has promised to fulfill a lifelong dream of being able to study so she agrees. Things don't go as planned though and she finds herself in France, the very place she hates. She is concerned though that the task she has to undertake could cause problems for her grandfather. Spying is not something she has wanted to do but in order for her to fulfill her dreams, she must do this.
Like I said before, Nancy's novels always seem to teach and thrill at the same time. An exciting story that is character driven, and has a female protagonist that is strong and goes after what she wants and does not let society tell her what she can and can't do. The addition of a love story keeps the story fluid and easy to read. When I look at some of the porcelain figures I have, I just never realized nor cared how they were made or about the colors that they are painted with. Well, I will now..lol.
I always look forward to a new book by Nancy and this one did not disappoint! Go get your copy when it is released, you won't be disappointed!
Show Less
LibraryThing member VanessaCW
This is a brilliantly vivid and vibrant story all about the colour blue set in the 18th century. Genevieve Planché, a Huguenot, is living in London and desperately wants to be an artist, a career not thought seemly for young ladies during this era. After meeting up with Sir Gabriel Courtney, a man
This is such a fabulous read and so evocatively and beautifully written! There are some colourful characters, excuse the pun, by name and by nature. It’s a really interesting story and I was fascinated by the history of the colour ‘blue’. A great amount of research has gone into this gripping tale of espionage. It’s definitely a page turner! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a captivating and exciting historical thriller combined with some romance and a little bit of fact. The only niggle I have is that the ending seemed a tad flat, for want of a better word, so I’m hoping there will be a sequel!
Show More
of dubious reputation, and at her grandfather’s behest, she finds herself travelling to Derby to take up a position as a porcelain painter. She becomes involved in spying to discover the secret of a certain colour blue. And what an adventure this takes her on!This is such a fabulous read and so evocatively and beautifully written! There are some colourful characters, excuse the pun, by name and by nature. It’s a really interesting story and I was fascinated by the history of the colour ‘blue’. A great amount of research has gone into this gripping tale of espionage. It’s definitely a page turner! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a captivating and exciting historical thriller combined with some romance and a little bit of fact. The only niggle I have is that the ending seemed a tad flat, for want of a better word, so I’m hoping there will be a sequel!
Show Less
LibraryThing member ladyharris
Wow! What a page turner! This historical fiction story by Nancy Bilyeau kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book which I received via an unique online book club called The Pigeonhole which gives you the book in staves. The Blue was definitely well suited to receive in staves as each
Nancy’s sensational picturesque writing made me feel as if I was part of the story. Her characters where all well defined with exceptional personalities, some you love, some you hate, but none are forgettable. The blending of real and fictional characters was flawless. This was definitely the best historical thriller I read this year. I was truly mesmerized throughout and was immeasurably gratified when it ended.
I received a complimentary copy (ARC) of this book from the author/publisher via Pigeonhole. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all options expressed in this review are completely my own.
Show More
stave ended with a cliffhanger. Reading the book this way made it so that I could not wait for the next stave to be made available, and when the next stave arrived I stopped everything until I finished reading it. Nancy’s sensational picturesque writing made me feel as if I was part of the story. Her characters where all well defined with exceptional personalities, some you love, some you hate, but none are forgettable. The blending of real and fictional characters was flawless. This was definitely the best historical thriller I read this year. I was truly mesmerized throughout and was immeasurably gratified when it ended.
I received a complimentary copy (ARC) of this book from the author/publisher via Pigeonhole. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all options expressed in this review are completely my own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Mishker
Genevieve Planché is a French refugee in England. Her family are Huguenots, unwanted by the French King Louis XV. Genevieve's grandfather is an artist and she strives to be an artist as well, however the closest she can come in France is painting flowers on silk dresses. Opportunity arises after a
An exciting historical spy thriller that combines art, science and romance for a captivating adventure into the color blue. Genevieve's spirit immediately captured me as she was willing to fight for a position among the male artists. Through rich and detailed historical writing I was able to learn about the Huguenots plight in France and their successes in England as well as the growth of the porcelain industry through King Louis XV mistress, Madame Pompadour. The fight for the development of colors was riveting to me. There were many reasons why Courtenay seemed to want the specific blue, but I could never imagine the danger that a color would bring as Genevieve's life was turned upside down. The spy elements and romance between Genevieve and Thomas kept me intrigued, but it was truly the color blue that drove the story.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Show More
chance meeting with the mesmerizing Sir Gabriel Courtenay. Courtenay promises Geneiveve a placement as an artist in Venice if she will use her talents in order to spy for him at the porcelain factory. Courtenay is specifically interested in a new color blue that a hidden chemist is working on perfecting at the factory. Genevieve takes the risk, but soon learns the cost as she meets the infamous chemist and learns who she is truly spying for.An exciting historical spy thriller that combines art, science and romance for a captivating adventure into the color blue. Genevieve's spirit immediately captured me as she was willing to fight for a position among the male artists. Through rich and detailed historical writing I was able to learn about the Huguenots plight in France and their successes in England as well as the growth of the porcelain industry through King Louis XV mistress, Madame Pompadour. The fight for the development of colors was riveting to me. There were many reasons why Courtenay seemed to want the specific blue, but I could never imagine the danger that a color would bring as Genevieve's life was turned upside down. The spy elements and romance between Genevieve and Thomas kept me intrigued, but it was truly the color blue that drove the story.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member beckyhaase
THE BLUE, A Novel by Nancy Bilyeau
Using actual people and events as the basis, Bilyeau has written an engrossing tale of spying, treachery, art, porcelain making, kings and kingdoms. Blue is a difficult color to create for artists and porcelain makers. It was on of the last colors to be made for
Genevieve, an English Huguenot who desired to be an historical artist, is the well-developed main character. She is surrounded by chemists seeking the color blue, spies seeking the color blue, kings and pottery makers seeking the color blue and those willing to kill to help or hinder them. The intricate plot is thick with chicanery and populated with such personages as Madame de Pompadour, King Louis XV, and the founders of Sèvres and Derby porcelain. Of course romance blooms as well.
Book groups who are interested in history, art, or romance will find this tale engrossing and will lead to good discussions.
5 of 5 stars
Using actual people and events as the basis, Bilyeau has written an engrossing tale of spying, treachery, art, porcelain making, kings and kingdoms. Blue is a difficult color to create for artists and porcelain makers. It was on of the last colors to be made for
Show More
artists (late 28th century) and was greatly prized.Genevieve, an English Huguenot who desired to be an historical artist, is the well-developed main character. She is surrounded by chemists seeking the color blue, spies seeking the color blue, kings and pottery makers seeking the color blue and those willing to kill to help or hinder them. The intricate plot is thick with chicanery and populated with such personages as Madame de Pompadour, King Louis XV, and the founders of Sèvres and Derby porcelain. Of course romance blooms as well.
Book groups who are interested in history, art, or romance will find this tale engrossing and will lead to good discussions.
5 of 5 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member Cariola
Genevieve Planché is a young Huguenot employed to paint flowers on silk intended for ladies dresses, but she longs to become a real artist, painting in oil under the guidance of a great master. Alas, the cards are stacked against her as a woman of French heritage (England is at war with France).
What follows is more of a mystery than I expected, and the story is full of adventures, twists, and strange characters. Thankfully, the romance element is rather downplayed (although it does get a bit heavier towards the end). Who knew that the international porcelain market in the 18th century was as crazy and full of intrigue as the Tulip Wars of the previous century? Or that Madame de Pompadour was one of the chief investors? Bilyeau gives her readers a full and captivating picture of life in London, Derby, and Versailles through the eyes of her Huguenot heroine. This novel should appeal to lovers of mystery as well as of historical fiction.
Show More
She longs to paint the lives of the common people. After a disappointing meeting with William Hogarth, Genevieve is almost resigned to take the position her grandfather has secured for her as a porcelain painter in Derby. A mysterious nobleman appears, offering her the life she dreams of in Venice, where women artists are fully accepted--if she will agree to go to Derby as his spy. What he wants is the secret formula for a new shade of blue.What follows is more of a mystery than I expected, and the story is full of adventures, twists, and strange characters. Thankfully, the romance element is rather downplayed (although it does get a bit heavier towards the end). Who knew that the international porcelain market in the 18th century was as crazy and full of intrigue as the Tulip Wars of the previous century? Or that Madame de Pompadour was one of the chief investors? Bilyeau gives her readers a full and captivating picture of life in London, Derby, and Versailles through the eyes of her Huguenot heroine. This novel should appeal to lovers of mystery as well as of historical fiction.
Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau is a 2018 Endeavour Quill publication.
Original and interesting-
In eighteenth century London the war with France is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but another war is brewing which is centered around the porcelain trade. The search for a particular shade of blue,
Genevieve is an artist who longs to be recognized as such. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she is not allowed that accreditation. This desire, coupled with her personal situation, which has marred her reputation, leaves Genevieve vulnerable to a proposition. If she chooses to accept the offer, and is successful in her quest, it will open the door to all her dreams. What’s the catch?
Genevieve, as loath as she is to work in the porcelain factory, as a painter, finds the prospect much more appealing, when she accepts the role of spy. If she can discover who is behind the creation of a brilliant hue of blue and report back to her benefactor, she will be able to leave England and become the artist she’s always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, her plans immediately go awry, making her job very difficult indeed, and putting her under intense scrutiny.
Yet, once she makes headway, learning more about the source behind ‘the blue’, she is faced with an unforeseen complication which involves not only her conscience, but her heart, as well.
The premise of the story is truly interesting. Finding colors which are not a part of an original palette is evidently much harder than I ever could have imagined. The intrigue is very suspenseful, with some surprise revelations along the way.
Occasionally, Genevieve said or did things I questioned, and she had a certain gullibility that the modern reader might scoff at. However, putting oneself in this era of time, and noting that our heroine had limited training as a spy, she thought quickly on her feet, and made adjustments with each new curve ball thrown her way. She was vulnerable and in constant danger of discovery. So, maybe at times, I can be too hard on the ladies in historical fiction, expecting them to think, speak, and respond the way we would today. So, upon reflection, Genevieve was probably much more daring and unconventional than most women of her time, so I relaxed my judgments and gave her the benefit of the doubt.
The romantic elements were suited to my taste, as I love to see a couple endure real adversity and still persevere, stronger than ever, and of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
The only other minor grievance I had, was with the length of the book. The plot could have been tightened up with a few nips and tucks, giving the story a more consistent flow.
Other than that, this book came along at a time when I was on the lookout for anything in the historical fiction category that was NOT set in world war two, for a change. The story took me away to another time and I learned a few interesting things in the process.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and if you are like me, looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times over, I think you might find this book of interest. It’s a fascinating, suspenseful story, full of intrigue and adventure.
Original and interesting-
In eighteenth century London the war with France is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but another war is brewing which is centered around the porcelain trade. The search for a particular shade of blue,
Show More
which stands out brilliantly when applied to porcelain is sought after by those in high places.Genevieve is an artist who longs to be recognized as such. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she is not allowed that accreditation. This desire, coupled with her personal situation, which has marred her reputation, leaves Genevieve vulnerable to a proposition. If she chooses to accept the offer, and is successful in her quest, it will open the door to all her dreams. What’s the catch?
Genevieve, as loath as she is to work in the porcelain factory, as a painter, finds the prospect much more appealing, when she accepts the role of spy. If she can discover who is behind the creation of a brilliant hue of blue and report back to her benefactor, she will be able to leave England and become the artist she’s always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, her plans immediately go awry, making her job very difficult indeed, and putting her under intense scrutiny.
Yet, once she makes headway, learning more about the source behind ‘the blue’, she is faced with an unforeseen complication which involves not only her conscience, but her heart, as well.
The premise of the story is truly interesting. Finding colors which are not a part of an original palette is evidently much harder than I ever could have imagined. The intrigue is very suspenseful, with some surprise revelations along the way.
Occasionally, Genevieve said or did things I questioned, and she had a certain gullibility that the modern reader might scoff at. However, putting oneself in this era of time, and noting that our heroine had limited training as a spy, she thought quickly on her feet, and made adjustments with each new curve ball thrown her way. She was vulnerable and in constant danger of discovery. So, maybe at times, I can be too hard on the ladies in historical fiction, expecting them to think, speak, and respond the way we would today. So, upon reflection, Genevieve was probably much more daring and unconventional than most women of her time, so I relaxed my judgments and gave her the benefit of the doubt.
The romantic elements were suited to my taste, as I love to see a couple endure real adversity and still persevere, stronger than ever, and of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
The only other minor grievance I had, was with the length of the book. The plot could have been tightened up with a few nips and tucks, giving the story a more consistent flow.
Other than that, this book came along at a time when I was on the lookout for anything in the historical fiction category that was NOT set in world war two, for a change. The story took me away to another time and I learned a few interesting things in the process.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and if you are like me, looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times over, I think you might find this book of interest. It’s a fascinating, suspenseful story, full of intrigue and adventure.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BookBuddies
Historical romance focused on the 18th Century ceramic industry in England and the search for a new shade of blue color for it. The story has a beautiful heroine, a scientist, danger, intrigue, scoundrels, and an improbable meeting with the king of France and his mistress -- a rather satisfying
Show More
adventure story. Show Less
LibraryThing member japaul22
This is a fun historical mystery set in the 1700s. The main character, Genevieve La Planché is a second generation Huegenot refugee living in London. She would like to be an artist, but finds most paths closed to women. Her grandfather is able to get her a job painting porcelain in Derby, but
While Genevieve finds out more about the porcelain industry she, of course, falls in love and has many adventures. Yes, it gets a bit unbelievable. But I was happy to go along for the ride. This is the kind of mystery I enjoy, with a fun setting, a little romance, light on the mystery elements, and a strong female lead character.
Perfect light and engaging reading for over the holidays, just don't read it expecting perfection. It's for fun!
Show More
before she leaves a mysterious nobleman recruits her to spy for him. Her mission is to figure out the formula for a new blue paint color that Derby is working on. While Genevieve finds out more about the porcelain industry she, of course, falls in love and has many adventures. Yes, it gets a bit unbelievable. But I was happy to go along for the ride. This is the kind of mystery I enjoy, with a fun setting, a little romance, light on the mystery elements, and a strong female lead character.
Perfect light and engaging reading for over the holidays, just don't read it expecting perfection. It's for fun!
Show Less