The Gilder by Kathryn Kay

This week I am reviewing The Gilder by Kathryn Kay. Here is what goodreads.com had to say about it:

Set against the exquisite backdrop of Florence, Italy, The Gilder is a compelling and beautifully wrought novel of secrets, friendship, betrayal, and the simple choices that change us forever. . .
In Marina Nesmith's skilled hands, even the most tarnished picture frame or objet d'art can be made perfect once again. Her life, too, seems flawless, at least on the surface. But more and more, Marina is conscious of what she lacks--someone to share her joys and sorrows with, confidence in the decisions she's made, and the courage to tell her teenage daughter, Zoe, the truth about her father.

Then Marina is invited to return to Florence, where she lived years before while learning her trade as a gilder. In those heady days, she wandered the city's picturesque streets, marveling at the masterpieces in the Duomo and the Pitti Palace. In the church of Santa Croce, she met Thomas, an American photographer who, along with his wife Sarah, introduced Marina to a thrilling, bohemian world of art and beauty. Through them, she also learned about love, lies, and the way one mistake can multiply into many. Now, as her past and present collide, Marina will finally have to move beyond the intricate veneer she's crafted around herself, and find the life that she--and Zoe--have been looking for.

Here is a little bit about the author:

Following college, Kathryn Kay spent five years living in Florence, Italy, where she studied restoration and gilding. Kathryn is the founder of the Nantucket Writers Studio, which offers writing workshops for women. She has three adult children, and lives on Nantucket Island with her husband, Robert.

My review:

I would give this book 5 stars or diamonds! I loved reading this book because it made you feel like you were right there especially when the main character, Marina was in Florence, Italy. I love novels set in foreign countries, I love art and creativity and I love to read about how someones life can take twists, turns, up and downs. This book has it all! The descriptions of Marina gilding items and reconstructing them to be gilded were incredible to me. The relationship between Marina and her daughter, Zoe was interesting also. The mix of emotions that Marina felt when Zoe wanted to Florence with her really brought back a flood of memories both good and bad for her. I don't want to give too much of the story away, so you will just have to read the rest to find out what happens! ENJOY!!!