The Miramonde Series

"An exquisite novel." Martha Conway, author of Thieving Forest A Renaissance-era woman artist and an American scholar. Linked by a 500-year-old mystery... The secrets of the past are irresistible--and dangerous. 1500: Born during a time wracked by war and plague, Renaissance-era artist Mira grows up in a Pyrenees convent believing she is an orphan. When tragedy strikes, Mira learns the devastating truth about her own origins. But does she have the strength to face those who would destroy her? 2015: Centuries later, art scholar Zari unearths traces of a mysterious young woman named Mira in two 16th-century portraits. Obsessed, Zari tracks Mira through the great cities of Europe to the pilgrim's route of Camino de Santiago--and is stunned by what she finds. Will her discovery be enough to bring Mira's story to life? A powerful story and an intriguing mystery, The Girl from Oto is an unforgettable novel of obsession, passion, and human resilience. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and Anthony Doerr.   Praise for The Girl from Oto: "I loved the lush descriptions and the hard-nosed female characters who find a way to get what they want in a man's world. An exquisite novel."  --Martha Conway, author of Thieving Forest   "An absorbing debut novel. I couldn't put it down."  --Deborah Swift, author of The Poison Keeper "From the opening sentence, I was utterly enchanted. Maroney has painted a dazzling portrait of two very different times in history -- the 15th Century and modern day. The Girl from Oto is not only luxuriantly detailed, but the story itself is addictive to the extreme."  -- 2019 Honorable Mention Book of the Year, Coffee Pot Book Club "A powerful story and an intriguing mystery. A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended." --The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, U.K.   "From the very beginning I was enthralled with Mira, Zari, and their entwined journeys through history and the world of art. As a curator and art historian, it's a rare treat for me to find a novel that so lovingly reflects our joys and challenges. The Girl from Oto delivers--and I can't wait to spend more time with Mira." --Jennifer Dasal, host of the ArtCurious podcast   "With The Girl from Oto, Amy Maroney beautifully interweaves the story of Mira, a sixteenth-century painter raised in a convent, with that of Zari, a young woman art historian of the present day. Both tales are gripping, replete with complex and intriguing personalities. Fictional characters though they may be, Mira and Zari bring us to realize a fundamental truth: throughout history, women have contributed on many levels, and in significant ways, to the world of art." --Erika Gaffney, senior acquisitions editor at Amsterdam University Press and founder of Artherstory

History brims with silenced stories. Will Mira's be one of them?  Mira's Way, Book 2 of The Miramonde Series, continues the mesmerizing tale of a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day art scholar who risks everything to learn her secret. 1504: Young artist Mira wants nothing more than a peaceful life by the sea, painting portraits of wealthy merchants. But when she and her new husband try to help a friend, they are catapulted into a series of dangerous adventures that leave them scrambling to survive. 2015: Art scholar Zari races through France, working feverishly to connect Mira with a series of masterful unsigned portraits. Meanwhile, an academic rival peddles his theory that the works were made by a famous male artist. Will Mira be lost to history forever? If you enjoy history, adventure, and intrigue, you'll love this captivating story! Praise for Mira's Way: "Mira's Way takes you on a breathless journey through Spain and France, in the company of two determined women, separated by five centuries. A brilliant read." --Deborah Swift, author of The Lady's Slipper "Mira's Way, though one of a series, is a stand-alone story that grips from start to finish. Amy Maroney has a gift of making the past come to life in a way that is relatable and engaging. Her characters are convincing, her stories are about the art world and painting, and she paints her own portrait with delicate words and visual imagery." --Historical Novel Society "Maroney has presented her readers with a book that is not only meticulously researched and exquisitely hewn, but also one that is compulsively readable and next to impossible to put down. A true gem." --Myths, Legends, Books, and Coffee Pots historical fiction blog "A gripping historical novel populated with mesmerizing characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended."                                    --The 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards

The secrets of the past are treacherous…and irresistible. A Renaissance-era female artist and an American scholar. Linked by a centuries-old mystery… 2016: Scholar Zari seizes the chance to return to Europe as a consultant for an art dealer. Overwhelmed by her job, she has little time to hunt for clues about Mira. But when art experts embrace a theory that Mira's paintings are the work of a famous man, Zari must act. Racing against time, she travels to a windswept corner of Spain. What she discovers there solves the puzzle of Mira forever—and unlocks the secrets of Zari's own past.  1505: Pregnant and reunited with the love of her life, artist Mira survives a harrowing journey to the city of her dreams. But Bayonne is nothing like she imagined. Navigating a dangerous world ruled by merchants and bishops, she struggles to reignite her painting career. When an old enemy rises from the shadows, Mira's life is thrown into chaos all over again—and she is faced with a shattering decision. A thrilling tale of obsession, mystery, and intrigue, this mesmerizing saga will stay with you long after you read the last page. "Luxuriantly detailed...addictive to the extreme." — The Coffee Pot Book Club "I thoroughly enjoyed A Place in the World. The plot keeps the reader turning pages anxious to learn what happens next. The settings are beautifully drawn. I highly recommend all three books in the series for art and history lovers and anyone who wants a well-written, thoughtfully-crafted book." — Deborah Swift, author of The Poison Keeper "In this last book, Maroney brings Mira and Zari's adventure to a satisfying close. Like the first two books, A Girl from Oto and Mira's Way, A Place in the World is fast-paced and the writing seems effortless. Maroney's Miramonde series is storytelling at its best." — Rose City Reader Reviews