Portraits in Blue – Book 1: The Sun Rose in Paris
Sometimes, one opportunity can change the course of a lifetime. For Jack Tomlinson, that journey begins in Paris.
Celebrated for his extraordinary artistic talent, Jack has spent his life with a sketchpad in hand. Yet, in 1930s Melbourne, art is seen as a hobby, not a profession. A man is expected to follow a path of security and success—a path Jack has never questioned until a chance encounter changes everything.
While traveling to London, Jack's drawings catch the eye of Margaret, a spirited artist who introduces him to the avant-garde Bloomsbury set. Immersed in their world of unconventional passion and creativity, Jack's perspective is transformed, and he dares to dream of a different future.
When he is offered a place at Paris's prestigious Académie Julian, Jack seizes the opportunity and steps into the vibrant heart of Montparnasse. There, he forms an unbreakable bond with fellow student Andrés and is captivated by Andrés' sister, Sofia, whose dark eyes and quiet strength awaken feelings he cannot deny. Guided by luminaries like Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso, Jack flourishes in a city pulsing with artistic energy, embracing the richness and freedom of a life dedicated to art and love.
But as Jack's heart soars, the weight of duty pulls him home. When tragedy strikes, he faces an agonizing choice: return to the security of a well-laid future or risk everything for the uncertain life of an artist and the woman who has captured his heart.
Spanning bohemian art worlds from the Bloomsburys' Sussex to Hemingway's Paris, Picasso's Málaga, and the Montsalvat artists' colony in Australia, The Portraits in Blue series is a sweeping tale of romance, ambition, and the sacrifices we make for love and art. The first book, The Sun Rose in Paris will captivate readers with its vivid historical setting and unforgettable characters.
