The Glassblower's Orphan

Artistic Women: Book 1

Advance Reader Copy

Genres

Based on a True Story, Suspense, Alpha Female, Women's Adventure, Revenge, Historical, and Novels

Trigger Warnings

None

Type of Ending

AI Usage^Beta

Series

Artistic Women — Book 1

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Number of days to read

Publication Date

Nov 2, 2026

Page Length

340 pages

Available Formats

ePub and PDF

The Glassblower's Orphan

Artistic Women: Book 1

Advance Reader Copy

Blurb

She crossed an ocean to make art. Someone will do anything to destroy her.

She can survive the furnace. But can she survive the lies?

San Francisco, 1868. Rosa Ballarin has crossed an ocean from Venice carrying a forbidden ambition: to practice the ancient art of Murano glassmaking in a world where women are expected to admire beautiful things—not create them.

At the San Francisco Glassworks, Rosa’s extraordinary talent earns her a place at the furnace and a chance to exhibit her work before the city. But success brings enemies.

When Rosa’s private diary disappears, scandalous entries she never wrote begin circulating—whispers of affairs, betrayal, and deceit that threaten to destroy her reputation and everything she has fought to build. Even Josh, the glassblower who believes in her talent and dreams, may not be able to save her.

As suspicion closes in, Rosa must uncover who is behind the deception before she loses not only her future, but her freedom.

Inspired by true events, The Glassblower’s Orphan is a sweeping historical novel of art, ambition, romance, and betrayal set against the fire and danger of 1868 San Francisco. Perfect for readers who love fiercely determined women, atmospheric historical fiction, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Details

Genres

Based on a True Story, Suspense, Alpha Female, Women's Adventure, Revenge, Historical, and Novels

Trigger Warnings

None

Type of Ending

AI Usage^Beta

Series

Artistic Women — Book 1

Author Prefers A Review On

Goodreads, Amazon, or BookBub

Reader Spots Remaining

Number of days to read

Publication Date

Nov 2, 2026

Page Length

340 pages

Available Formats

ePub and PDF

Author

Gini Grossenbacher, M. Ed., is an award-winning independent historical fiction novelist, certified by UC San Diego as a professional editor. Based in San Rafael, California, she leads the San Rafael Writers & Artists workshops and serves as membership chair of the California Writers Club’s Marin Branch. With postgraduate studies in European history and Italian literature, and decades of teaching experience, she blends academic rigor with vibrant storytelling in her historical novels, Madam of My Heart, Madam in Silk, Madam in Lace, and her latest, The Glassblower’s Orphan. Fluent in English, Italian, and French, she’s known for illuminating women’s hidden narratives across continents and centuries.