Berkley Books

ISBN: 0-425-21419-2
February 6, 2007

Read an Excerpt (PDF)

Buy The Book

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Booksense

Reader's Guide (PDF)

Photo Gallery

Translations

The Seventh Unicorn | The Lost Madonna

The Lost Madonna

The Story

When an old friend, now the Dean of an American university program in Florence, Italy, calls with an invitation to teach art history for a semester, Suzanne Cunningham is both hesitant and excited. In the sixties, as a young woman backpacking in Europe with a girlfriend, she had arrived in Florence and the following day found herself caught up in a devastating flood as it swept through the city. She stayed to help with the rescue and restoration of priceless Renaissance art, and also became involved with a young Italian restorer. The affair did not end well, and she has not returned to Florence in over thirty years.

Suzanne decides to accept the position. While preparing for a class she comes across an article featuring a fifteenth-century painting claimed to have been lost in the flood. She knows the painting was saved, because she had assisted in the restoration. She returns to Italy and begins a search for the lost painting as well as the man she has never forgotten.

The Story behind the Story

On November 4, 1966, the Arno River in Florence exploded, crashing over its banks, devastating the city, destroying ancient manuscripts, ravaging priceless paintings and frescoes. Financial aid arrived from all over the world, and art conservators and historians flocked to the city to help with the rescue and restoration. Students, some studying in Florence, many traveling from other locations, pitched in with youthful energy and determination to help the flood victims and assist in saving the art. They were known as the mud angels.

Two years later, Kelly Jones arrived in Florence to study at an American university. Much had been accomplished in the restoration of the city and its art, but traces of the flood remained everywhere-in the dark water lines still visible on the ochre-colored buildings, in the empty spaces in the museums replaced with signs declaring "in corso di restauro."

Kelly spent a memorable year in Florence, exploring and studying the art. She has returned several times since and it still ranks as one of her favorite cities.

Reviews for THE LOST MADONNA

"This book is beautiful and thought-provoking, and when I was finished reading, I was immensely happy with how things played out. Kelly Jones has a new fan in me. THE LOST MADONNA has a little something for everyone, so do yourself a favor and go out and grab your copy!"
Kristal Gorman, Romance Reader at Heart, April 2007

"The sense of adventure and the mystery surrounding the painting are a true gift to the reader. Suzanne and her story will warm the reader's heart."
Lorraine Gelly, reviewingtheevidence.com, April 2007

"THE LOST MADONNA is truly a hidden treasure, written with dedication and intricacy that readers will surely appreciate."
Tracy Zappala, Contemporary Romance Writers, April 2007

"This is a spectacular novel! With lyrical writing and lush descriptions of Italy, its art work, and European culture, the novel is filled with symbolism and passion."
Jeri Neal, The Romance Reader's Connection, February 2007

"Jones' vivid descriptions of Florence, and the involving story, will captivate art and fiction lovers."
Kristine Huntley, Booklist, 2007

"Written with sensitivity and a lyrical style..."
Geraldine S. Pearson, Ph.D, Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, July 2007