The Painter’s Girl

Paris, 1860s. She could still see her little girl’s tiny hands; feel the smooth skin of her cheeks. She wanted to howl at the moon in rage and pain, but her throat was so tight she could hardly breathe. She would never see her daughter again.

For Mimi Bisset, survival is everything on the cobbled streets of the Paris slums. Every day she feels the secret pain of losing her daughter Colette: born out of wedlock and forcibly given away to a rich family. But Mimi’s world turns upside down after a chance encounter with handsome artist Édouard Manet. Boldly posing for portraits on Édouard’s chaise longue, Mimi feels a wild freedom – and soon a passion grows between them that breaks all the rules…

Desperate to forget her loss, Mimi throws herself into Édouard’s world. They dance all night at Paris’s new can-can clubs and drink absinthe at masked balls. But one day, strolling by the Seine on her lover’s arm, Mimi catches a glimpse of familiar green eyes… it’s Colette, with a family who Manet knew all along.

With the knowledge she kept her own child a secret tearing Mimi apart, she begs the man she loves to help win Colette back. With his money and connections, surely this is her chance.

But when Édouard betrays her trust, the only place she can go is back to the slums. Destitute and alone, can Mimi clear her name? Or will she have her heart shattered all over again by losing her daughter for a second, final time?

Fans of Marie Benedict, Chocolat and anyone who dreams of escaping to Paris will adore this utterly captivating read. Inspired by true stories of a group of radical painters who changed the art world forever – and the forgotten women who were their muses.

Read what everyone’s saying about The Painter’s Girl:

‘Completely gripping and heart-breaking… easily read in one sitting… an absolute triumph… truly an unstoppable read!… I loved every minute of it!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Totally gripping… I was captivated right from the start.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘This story was completely unexpected… A wonderful story… a wonderful escape to Paris… recommend it.’ Page Turners

‘Helen Fripp has done an excellent job… twists and turns that will surprise and keep you hooked… loved.’ Beachesbooksandcoffee

‘Nineteenth century Paris comes alive… vibrant… Fascinating… Beautifully written historical fiction.” Jaffa Reads Too

‘Thrilling… fascinating… Great to be swept away to Paris… Emotional, endearing and impactful.’ Bobs and Books

‘Fascinating… I was enthralled… I was glued from beginning to end.’ Eatherbookreview