The Blue

Nancy Bilyeau, a former magazine editor, has written seven historical novels. After working at newsstand magazines ranging from ROLLING STONE to GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, she pursued her love of historical fiction by plunging into writing. In 2012, Nancy published her debut novel, THE CROWN, which was selected as a 'Page-Turner You'll Tear Through' by OPRAH magazine. She followed it with Tudor thrillers THE CHALICE and THE TAPESTRY before writing THE BLUE, an 18th century-set novel revolving around the porcelain and art world, and its sequel, THE FUGITIVE COLOURS. In 2020, Nancy published DREAMLAND, set in early 20th century New York City. Her latest novel, THE ORCHID HOUR, continues her novels set in the Big Apple. Born in Chicago and raised in Michigan, Nancy has lived in New York, and reveled in learning its history, since the 1990s.

'Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books' - ALISON WEIR'Fascinating' - IAN RANKINIn eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities. Fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can't refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain manufacture, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue...The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England's emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.She also learns much about love.With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the color blue?