Portrait, The

The Portrait is a poignant story of two successful people who have built walls around themselves and the rocky path to true courage and connection, from billion-copy bestselling author Danielle Steel. As a highly sought-after portrait artist, Devon Darcy seems to have the ability to peer into the souls of her subjects and capture them on canvas. But the world doesn't know about the devastating losses she has endured, first as an orphan, then as a far-too-young widow. Entrepreneur Charles Mackenzie Taylor has given up on love, resigning himself to a loveless marriage to avoid the inconvenience of divorce. But, when Charlie meets Devon at a New York gallery event, he is haunted by her beauty and her talent. He approaches her to paint his portrait and she in turn is intrigued by Charlie, the electricity between them palpable. As they encounter each other over the course of a summer in the Hamptons, their connection deepens as they each release years of pent-up emotions and unfulfilled longing. But the ghosts of their pasts are not easily put to rest. Charlie wrestles with his fear of real intimacy, while Devon struggles with her fear of abandonment. And, after an accident endangers Devon's career, they must decide together what their future will hold . . . Author Biography: Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's most popular authors, with a billion copies of her novels sold to date. Her international bestsellers include Joy, Resurrection and Only the Brave. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood. Danielle divides her time between Paris and her home in northern California.