“Tremendously entertaining and ‘unapologetic’ in its artistic license, Oil and Marble will remind an older generation of the pleasures of Irving Stone’s art historical fiction… Storey’s affection for the period is clear. Her narrative instincts are strong and her dialogue sharp; throughout, her exposition is adroit and informative.”

*Editor’s Choice. “…another brilliant novel of art in Renaissance Italy… Storey makes the world of Renaissance Rome come alive and draws the reader into its constant intrigues, as cardinals compete with each other to become the pope’s next favorite… Above all, she has excellent insight into the Renaissance art world and the genius of these two great artists, Raphael and Michelangelo.”

West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel reviews Oil and Marble for WBAA, an NPR station in Indiana. He says it has a “raucous storyline” and says anyone with an interest in art or the time period will enjoy it! Listen to this 10 minute review

“As the plot thickens, intrigue and political machinations simmer, and the result is a rich and delicious portrayal of art and its creators and the forces that drive and often work against them. More than 25 years of research in Italian Renaissance art deepens the story and renders it full of fascinating detail about people and process, while Storey’s painterly prose is also sure to delight art lovers and fans of historical fiction.”

“Before I got to the bottom of the first page, I was completely engrossed in Oil and Marble. I especially liked the way Ms. Storey involved all the great names of the early 16th century in the art of politics and the politics of art. This is an eminently readable tale, with the two giants of art giving the story its heart and soul. A fabulous and fun read. Recommended.”

“The story was a truly compelling one, especially for someone who loves this period in history and these artists. But beyond the art it’s just a good tale. It was a real page turner for me and I knew exactly how it was going to turn out! Ms. Storey brought the greats of the Renaissance to life from Pope Julius II, Pope Leo X (he of the “…God has seen fit to grant us the Papacy, let us enjoy it.”) to the great artists of the time.”

“Stephanie Storey’s Oil and Marble, which was released this spring, is not only a page-turner but an eye-opener… Or as Storey writes from the perspective of her two main characters in a would-be final exchange, deftly putting masterly touches on her own masterpiece: “Emotion without intellect is chaos,” Leonardo sneered. Staring into Leonardo’s golden-colored eyes, Michelangelo countered, “Chaos erupting into beauty. That’s art.”

A beautiful review and interview from my fellow Raphael novelist, Gina Buonaguro. “This is a first-rate novel that will interest any aficionados of Raphael, the Renaissance, art history, and Italy, as well as those who prefer to see the world not as it should be but how it was.”

“It has been at least 45 years since I was in Florence, but Oil and Marble really made me want to return. I loved the city. Storey has made the city of Florence in the early 1500s one of the characters in the book. The book is perfect for lovers of history and historical fiction, art, and excellent character development.”

“Raphael’s voice is witty, youthful, clever, a little bit smarmy—he comes across as every bit the courtier he’s known to be. He is inherently honest, a rare trait for a man in Rome, but learns to lie when necessary. He’s ambitious, but doesn’t let ambition ruin him, choosing to do the right thing even when it means thwarting his own aims… It’s Rafael’s personal journey, independent of Michelangelo, that makes this a beautiful novel.”

“Stephanie Storey paints a fresco for readers: blending a fiery piazza in Florence with the eyebrow-raising shenanigans of the Vatican halls in Rome; highlighting Raphael’s insecurities and obsessions while illuminating Michelangelo’s gifts in sculpture and his unpredictable inadequacies in oil! Told in first person, which makes this novel an absolute delight, readers will gush at being taken into Raphael’s confidence, as he recounts the competition for becoming the best painter on the peninsula or even the world!”

“Oil and Marble is an entertaining and intriguing look into the creativity and work of two artistic legends.”

“The book has romance, ambition, and consistent action. It's a great way to study history or to just get lost in a good story.”

Raphael included on One Kings Lane’s list of What We Loved This Week. Included a short but glowing review including the line: “if the real-life maestro was anywhere near as charming and witty as his fictional counterpart, it’s easy to see why he was so popular with popes, his fellow artists, and more than a few of the ladies.”