Praise for Kathryn Kay
and The Gilder

“Told mostly in flashbacks, this is an interesting, very readable story of a woman’s struggle with understanding herself, her own sexuality and the value of truth, especially when it involves those you love. Readers who liked Enchanted April will enjoy The Gilder.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Kay has created a fascinating tale, featuring a protagonist like so many wide-eyed expatriates before her, quickly seduced by Florence and the quintessential bohemian couple... Kay twists her tale in refreshing ways, creating a story about deep female relationships, portrayed in all their complexity and nuance.”

—Publishers Weekly

“After reading Kathryn Kay's lovely debut, I had the best kind of cry. What a beautiful,emotional novel. I loved the way she writes about love, necessary secrets, and the dark unknowability of another person, no matter how close. She writes so well about the vulnerability of strong women, the complexity of long friendship, the ways mothers and daughters protect each other, and sweet, tender forgiveness.”

—Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author

“The Gilder engages the reader from the very first line. Amid sensuous details of life and art in Florence, Kathryn Kay tells a compelling story of seduction and betrayal which ultimately transforms into a story of love and redemption.”

—Holly Chamberlin, author of Summer Friends

“The Gilder, beautifully set in the romantic city of Florence, reminds us that love, like great art, is always complex. Kay leads her talented artist and loving mother Marina through a courageous quest as labyrinthine as an ancient Italian street. With persistence and passion, Marina discovers that relationships can be repaired, making what is truly golden shine forth.”

—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author

“In my book on the writing life I talk about taking risks and digging deep to find your voice. I tell my students if they dig for gold they will find gold. I have just finished Kathryn Kay’s debut novel, The Gilder, and, boy, has she hit the mother lode. Her riveting story of friendship, love, betrayal and forgiveness kept me up way

beyond my bedtime. Kathryn writes beautifully about difficult things, the things that tear people apart, and she does it with such honesty and tenderness that, clearly, her words come straight from the heart.”

—Nancy Aronie, author of Writing From The Heart