“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.”

“Oil and Marble is a magnificent story brimming with an all-star cast of world famous artists conducted by the talent of author Stephanie Storey… [She] has succeeded at weaving these two legends together as well as creating an intriguing unforgettable classic piece of historical fiction.”

“Raphael” made Art in Fiction’s list of best art-inspired novels published in 2020

“While the story is fiction, Storey’s depiction of a middle-aged Leonardo is plausible, and in line with the surviving accounts of the man left behind by contemporaries.”

Raphael, Painter in Rome, as read by narrator PJ Ochlan, won an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine for “Truly exceptional titles that excel in narrative voice and style, characterizations, suitability to audio, and enhancement of the text.”

Popular independent bookstore in Little Rock, Arkansas, recommends Oil and Marble on their segment on the local ABC affiliate.

“Historical fiction at its best, this novel lays out the rivalry between the two great artists and brings them to life in Florence in the 16th century. Their feud runs deep as Leonardo is at the peak of his career (but has lost the commission for The David) and Michaelangelo is desperately trying to establish himself as a great artist while struggling to sculpt The David.”

Raphael is on Paperback Paris’ most anticipated historical fiction books of spring 2020!

“…Their rivalry, and mutual dislike, is the basis for this smart historical novel.”

Top 5 Novels set in Italy

Stephanie Storey is listed as one of the new voices to watch by Historical Novel Society

Oil and Marble on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list shortly after publication in 2016

Four years after Oil and Marble was published, it’s still making bestseller lists. This one in Oklahoma!

Raphael included on a Summer Reading List from Bedside Reading and the Fairfield County Look

Stephanie featured in a Newsy news piece about how authors had pivot to virtual book tours during the 2020 Covid-19 global pandemic.

May 2016 interview on KARK noon news for Oil and Marble

Stephanie Storey joins THV11 to discuss a book signing of Oil and Marble

Oil and Marble book signing interview on KARK, Little Rock’s NBC affiliate

TV Producer-Turned-Novelist: “I Was Tired of Producing Other People’s Dreams…” Listen to my interview with fellow-TV producer Dan Bova. My favorite interview of me ever!

“Obsessed with Everything:” Roundtable Radio discussion about what it means to be a Renaissance man or woman today.

Zibby and Stephanie were supposed to talk about the art world and the history behind some of history’s greatest artists, but instead they spoke about the stroke that unexpectedly hit Stephanie’s husband one evening and changed their lives. Hear what Stephanie has never shared before about her private life -- and why she is so captivated by superstars like Raphael.

Radio interview by host Ken Jones for “Between the Covers”

Author Stephanie Storey (Raphael, Painter in Rome) took a rather circuitous route from Hot Springs, Arkansas to Hollywood. After studying Art History at Vanderbilt, she made her way to Los Angeles where she began working in television. There, she learned the craft of storytelling and interviewing while working her way up as a producer on various television programs. Then, she wrote her first book—Oil and Marble—which became a best seller. So what comes next besides the existential dread that comes with success? Her second book, Raphael, Painter in Rome, which is out now.

Stephanie joins fellow art historical novelist Carol Cram for a deep dive into their mutual love of art and history.

Discussing Oil and Marble and the rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo

Entrepreneur.com’s Dan Bova interviews Stephanie Storey about the 10 things she did to write and sell a bestseller

Host Brian Vakulskas interviewed Stephanie about her latest novel, Raphael, Painter in Rome

Stephanie Storey and her husband, actor and comedy writer Mike Gandolfi, sit down together to discuss life, traveling, and all kinds of random things

Longing for Italy, La Bella Paese: A Conversation Between Authors Crystal King and Stephanie Storey, who both write historical fiction set in Italy. Crystal’s books focus on the food, while Stephanie’s stories focus on the art. Here, Storey and King corresponded about the art and food of the Renaissance, Rome and Florence, luxury and excess, rich patrons and poor artists.

“Sitting in her parent's kitchen overlooking Lake Hamilton, 7-year-old Stephanie Storey put pencil to paper and coined her first story titled "Horty the Hog Goes to School." The rest is history, as the Lakeside alumna has gone on to produce in California over the years debuting her first novel "Oil and Marble" in 2016, featured on Hudson Booksellers Best Books of 2016, and her second, "Raphael, Painter in Rome" hit the shelves last month.” Story by Felisha Butler

A deep dive into my circuitous journey to author hood and my — possibly insane — revision process

Local paper in Williamsburg, VA wrote up a piece about the Williamsburg Book Festival, which included an interview with Stephanie about both of her novels

Stephanie and other writers talk about their inspiration and success as part of the virtual Books in Bloom festival (for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette)

Interview with Dead Darlings Editorial staff about Raphael and my writing process.

500 years after Leonardo Da Vinci's death, here's looking at his feud with Michelangelo: Both Michelangelo and Da Vinci had strong personalities with two polar opposite attitudes towards art. Da Vinci was around twenty years senior to Michelangelo and their difference in views led to clashes between the two. This piece talks about their re-imagined rivalry in Oil and Marble

Novelist, Stephanie Storey, is in Oxford this week promoting her already blockbuster new book “Oil and Marble.” This Tuesday at 5 p.m., Stephanie will be signing at Square Books along with presenting this art historical masterpiece. HottyToddy.com met with the rising author at The Graduate.

An interview of author Stephanie Storey by Lily Schultz

See pages 5-9 in this digital edition of HER Magazine for an interview and feature about me and Raphael.

Guest Post featuring “The Creative Life,” “Burn it Down” and “The Armor of Light”

Here are my favorite lessons from television that I hope will help you produce your own success.

Article about how the tools you learn as an art history major could be key to your success in business

A list of my five favorite books to help you get in touch with your inner artist

Why — as a woman — I feel it’s my responsibility to write about the famous men in history.

I am thankful for art because…

Ten facts you may not know about Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling

My internal debate about whether to publish under a masculine pen name, and why I decided to publish under my own, very female-sounding name

Advice for how to transition an in-person book tour to digital — especially during the 2020 Covid-19 global pandemic

My recommendation of a great Chicago bookstore is included in this “Hidden Gems” Chicago piece on Redfin