The Portrait

<p><b><i>The Portrait</i> 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.</b><br><br>As a highly sought-after portrait artist, Devon Darcy seems to have the ability to peer into the souls of her subjects and then capture them on canvas. The world doesn't know about the devastating losses she has endured, first as an orphan, then as a far-too-young widow.<br><br>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.<br><br>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 . . .</p>