The Artist's Wife

A gripping and unputdownable story of love, sacrifice and torn family loyalties during the turmoil of WW1. 

July, 1914: In their sunlit Hampshire workshop, Alice Dalton mixes paints for the stained-glass artwork she and Edmund are working on, pausing only to joyfully cradle the soft swell of her stomach. But the looming war threatens her hard-won happiness. 

A knock at the door announces the arrival of Victor, her estranged brother, returning after six long years in America. But her elation at being reunited is short-lived as she realizes he still hasn’t forgiven her for her part in the heartbreak that sent him abroad. When Victor enlists, their tentative reconnection is shattered. Will Alice ever see her brother again?

While her brother risks his life at Gallipoli, Alice begins to notice the cracks appearing for Edmund, as he tries to protect the world they’ve made for themselves and the happy family life they long for. Every day he’s torn between duty to his country, his moral compass and the desperate need to protect Alice from his powerful father, who could destroy their lives in an instant. 

As the war gathers pace and threatens everything she holds dear, can Alice fight to hold onto love in a world torn apart by violence?

From the gilded world of high society London to the perilous battlefields of Gallipoli, The Artist’s Wife is an utterly gripping and richly evocative story of an Edwardian family torn apart by war, betrayal and heartbreak. Perfect for fans of The Venice Sketchbook and The Nightingale.

What readers say about Clare Flynn’s historical novels:

“Truly inspirational… kept me totally captivated from beginning to end.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“EXCELLENT. I so enjoyed this novel, one of the best I’ve read this year. An emotional rollercoaster.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I couldn’t stop reading and devoured it in one go. 5 stars from me!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Absolutely loved it… My heart was in my mouth!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Beautifully written… Exciting, soulful and steeped in history.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A story of adventure, tragedy, love, betrayal, hope, redemption and new beginnings… Kept me engrossed right from the start, with plenty of twists and turns.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A fabulous read that will keep you captivated from the first page.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Enthralled… a story of love and loss, courage and compliance. Excellent and amazing.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Beautiful… a great read.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A love story that spans class and continents… One of those books that calls you back if put down for a moment.Enthralled from page one.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Move over Ms. Heyer, Ms. Cookson… there's a new kid on the block. Clare Flynn rocks.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Stunning. What a fantastic book! I really loved this story and was gripped from the first to the last page.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐