The Masterpiece

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What drew you most to Roman’s character transformation throughout The Masterpiece? Rivers is also known for her novel Redeeming Love, which similarly features a male protagonist finding redemption through faith and love. How did Roman’s journey compare to your expectations for this type of character arc?

2. The novel alternates between present-day scenes and extensive flashbacks revealing the characters’ traumatic pasts. How effectively did this structure work for you as a reader, and did you find yourself more engaged with the present timeline or with the backstory revelations?

3. Rivers combines Christian fiction with romance genre conventions in The Masterpiece. How did you feel about the balance between the spiritual themes and the romantic storyline, and which elements felt most authentic or compelling to you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Roman maintains three separate identities—Bobby Ray Dean, Roman Velasco, and “the Bird”—as a way of compartmentalizing his pain. Have you ever found yourself presenting different versions of yourself in different contexts? What drives that kind of self-protection?

2. Grace relies heavily on her faith to navigate difficult decisions and provide stability during uncertain times. Think about the sources of strength you turn to during challenging periods. What parallels do you see between your coping strategies and Grace’s approach to adversity?

3. Throughout the story, both Roman and Grace benefit from mentor figures like Jasper Hawley and Brian Henley, who offer guidance without judgment. Who has played a similar role in your life, and how did their influence shape your personal growth or decision-making?

4. Despite their mutual attraction, Grace maintains her boundaries with Roman, particularly around physical intimacy, because of her values and past experiences. How do you navigate situations where your personal boundaries conflict with immediate desires or social expectations?

5. The novel explores how childhood trauma continues to influence adult relationships and choices. Without sharing specific details, how has your own upbringing shaped your approach to trust, love, or vulnerability in relationships?

6. Roman’s search for “more life” reflects his deep dissatisfaction, despite his outward success. Have you experienced periods where external achievements felt empty? What helped you discover more meaningful sources of fulfillment?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel portrays Roman’s experiences in foster care and group homes, highlighting both positive influences like Masterson Ranch and the systemic challenges facing vulnerable youth. What does Roman’s story reveal about society’s responsibility toward children aging out of care systems?

2. Roman’s dual life as a legitimate artist and illegal graffiti artist raises questions about art, public space, and creative expression. How does the novel’s treatment of street art reflect broader cultural debates about vandalism versus artistic freedom?

3. Grace faces the economic and social challenges of single motherhood while pursuing stable employment and housing. What aspects of her struggle feel most relevant to contemporary discussions about work-life balance, childcare, and women’s economic independence?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Rivers structures the narrative with flashbacks that don’t follow a chronological order but reveal backstory information as it becomes relevant to the present plot. How does this technique affect your understanding of the characters, and what might have been different if the story had been told linearly?

2. What significance do the landscapes hold throughout the novel? How does Roman’s initial inability to appreciate or paint natural beauty transform as his spiritual journey unfolds, and what does this suggest about his relationship with divine artistry?

3. The motif of hidden designs in Roman’s paintings serves multiple narrative purposes. How do these concealed elements reflect his emotional state and personal growth, and why is Grace uniquely able to spot what others miss?

4. Roman’s various names carry symbolic weight in the story. How do these different identities represent his internal struggles? What does his eventual integration of these personas suggest about healing and authenticity?

5. Roman’s near-death experience catalyzes his spiritual transformation, rather than having him experience a gradual conversion through Grace’s influence. Why might Rivers have chosen this dramatic supernatural intervention, and how does it affect the novel’s exploration of faith and free will?

6. The romance plot deliberately separates the lovers for an extended period before their reunion. How does this structural choice serve the novel’s themes about personal growth versus romantic fulfillment, and what does it suggest about the relationship between individual healing and healthy partnerships?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Picture yourself curating an art exhibition featuring Roman’s work from different periods of his life. Which pieces would you include to tell the story of his transformation, and how would you help visitors understand the progression from his angry early work to his faith-inspired final paintings?

2. Roman’s journey from street artist to “legitimate” painter reflects changing perspectives on art and identity. What contemporary artist or musician do you think captures a similar evolution in their work, and how would you compare their transformation to Roman’s artistic development?

3. The novel ends with Roman and Grace building a life together in Merced, but what challenges do you anticipate they might face in the future, given their different backgrounds and Samuel’s unique parentage situation? How do you envision their relationship continuing to evolve five years later?