The Sidewalk Artist

I loved the book as soon as I opened it. The authors have their e-mail address in the book, and you can also download beautiful pictures of areas where the story took place. The book is based on real historical figures and is set in beautiful European settings, past and present. The book is engrossing, emotional and beautiful. I highly recommend it.

If you happen to be in a romantic mood, this book will have you walking around in a rosy haze. Wonderful dual love story that had me smiling for days after I finished. Highly recommend. Going to have a hard time returning this one to the library--guess that means I need to buy it.

When I heard the description of this book, I instantly knew this was a book for me. The premise is a lady with writer's block going to vacation in Europe. While in Paris, she sees a sidewalk artist having drawn Raphael's angels in incredible detail. His first words to her are 'I almost thought you weren't coming'...Raphael and Tulia see their friendship grow into romance. The similarities between this modern day Raphael and the Italian Renaissance Raphael are uncanny. The stories past, present, and the beginnings of Tulia's book on Raphael, are intertwined, and all seem to blend into a love story that transcends time. This is an incredible book that will touch your heart. It brings history to life and is as vibrant as a Raphael painting. The beauty of the written word, the timeless romance will sweep you away. You will love this one.

The story is simple and beautiful. I love the romantic tensions expressed through the 16th century Italian mail system as well as 21st century email, the rich visual descriptions of Renaissance-era Florence, Rome, and Urbino as well as modern New York, Paris, and Venice, and most of all I love the hopeful feeling I get from reading the book (the story begins with the rain, but doesn't end there). If you feel like taking a feel-good vacation to recharge your soul, pick this book up at the airport on your way.

It's the beginning of an extended European vacation, and Tulia Rose is in Paris. Alone. Her boyfriend has given her this vacation as a gift, but he didn't come with her. With all the research she has planned for her new book, surely that's not so bad. She believes he's at least trying to patch up their relationship. While wandering through Paris, Tulia discovers a sidewalk artist of amazing talent. He wields chalk the way old masters wielded the brush. Known to Tulia only as Rafael, the artist captures her heart through simple reassurances and his brand of magic. Inspired by Raphael's story of a love lost, Tulia begins writing her new novel. The hero is Raffaello Sanzio--the legendary Italian painter--and the heroine is an unnamed poet of gentle nature. Romance blossoms for Tulia even as it develops in the story she writes. Raphael introduces her to secret corners of Florence and Venice, where her appreciation for his namesake grows. Dark, mysterious, and infinitely gentle, Tulia's Raphael shows her the meanings of love and loss. Her life will never be the same. The question will be where she goes from here. This debut novel is phenomenal. It is written with a voice so eloquent and beautiful that it will take the reader on the kind of emotional journey only elicited by true masters of the word. Buonaguro and Kirk are to be highly commended. The Sidewalk Artist is destined to become a romantic classic that will appeal to anyone who has tasted the power of love. Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer 8/2/2006