Beneath the Canvas by Vera Zegarac follows Olivia Summers, who seeks change after feeling unsatisfied in her personal and professional life. She leaves her partner Brett and moves to Sydney for a job as a research assistant, where she works for Alex Harrington on a project about Arthur Waldron. Olivia becomes involved in Alex's complicated family dynamics, including his engagement to the manipulative Hedda, his unresolved feelings toward his late wife and child, and secrets Olivia uncovers related to Alex's past. Despite her growing attraction to Alex, Olivia remains conflicted, especially as she tries to reconcile the deceit she is exposed to in her own failed relationship. Olivia discovers a painting in Alex's attic that piques her curiosity; however, everyone's life becomes infinitely more painful when a catastrophic loss abruptly shifts the focus.

Beneath the Canvas by Vera Zegarac is a heartfelt novel that packs an impressive amount of emotion into a story of its size. Zegarac’s writing is comfortably engaging and she does well in allowing the humanity of her characters to evolve organically. I especially liked that Olivia has to process her own issues beyond the obvious growing pain between herself and Alex’s family. Still, Jackie is, hands down, my favorite character. I absolutely loved that we spent good chunks of time in a Victorian mansion steeped in family history. The house and its treasures operate in a solid subplot that I did not see coming at all. This is a genuine slow-burn romance that unfurls itself at a deliberately unhurried pace, and the result is a novel of emotional quality and believable hurdles. Overall, Beneath the Canvas is a thoughtful story of love, loss, and self-discovery. Very highly recommended.

Vera Zegarac’s Beneath the Canvas is a spellbinding romance that explores loss, love, and a woman’s quest for a genuine connection. The story follows Olivia Summers, a disillusioned young woman from Adelaide, who leaves her troubled relationship and uninspiring job at Comfort Publishing to assist a wealthy university lecturer, Alex Harrington, in Sydney. Soon, Olivia meets a charming doctor, but their connection is superficial rather than true love. As Olivia immerses herself in her new life, she uncovers Alex's tragic past, including a scandalous affair, a tumultuous marriage, and the heartbreaking loss of his wife and child in a car accident. This history, compounded by the emergence of the gold-digging Swedish model Hedda, offers a backdrop for Olivia and Alex's evolving relationship. Will Alex discover Hedda's real intentions and build a future with Olivia?

Beneath the Canvas is a beautiful, character-driven story by Vera Zegarac. It explores the complex relationships between the characters. Olivia's journey of self-discovery, fueled by longing and self-doubt, is brilliantly executed. The interactions between Olivia, Alex, and the intimidatingly alluring Hedda are compelling, highlighting the varying definitions of love and loyalty. The personal tragedies that haunt Alex create a unique connection with Olivia, grounding their relationship in shared pain and the possibility of healing. Zegarac skillfully builds tension by revealing secrets and regrets, ultimately leading to a satisfying and emotionally charged climax. The introduction of Aunt Jackie and her hidden agenda increases the intrigue. This novel is enjoyable, a captivating read with relatable characters that are richly drawn.