This work of historical fiction is based on the real life of Belle Marion Greener, a Black American woman who passed for white as Belle de Costa Green. An educated intellectual, she turned her back on her heritage (pressed by her mother) in order to achieve professional success.

Due to her experience as a campus librarian, a contact recommended her to financier J.P. Morgan to be his personal librarian. Belle quickly becomes indispensable to Morgan, as he seeks to build a premier collection of classic works and early publications, as well as art. Belle has a rare talent for finding and procuring elusive gems of the printed word.

Hiding her true identity (not being nearly as light skinned as two of her siblings) behind a Portuguese façade, is a dangerous proposition. Her tumble from society’s upper echelons, if she’s discovered, would not only ruin her ambitions, but leave her entire family destitute. Her income provides for their home and schooling.

The most daring and difficult aspects of her life are the prospects of romance: with a fellow deceiver, or with the womanizing Morgan himself. Will she choose love or career?

Benedict has strong credentials as a successful historical fiction writer. It’s telling of the current publishing atmosphere that she felt compelled to enlist a Black co-author—one with no history cred. Murray admits that she would have had early 20^th-century characters speaking in modern lingo: “Yo, dude. ‘Sup?”

Despite the odd collaboration, the overall story flows well and has elements of awe and suspense, triumph and heartbreak. As Morgan nears the end of his life, Belle has one overriding goal—convince him to make his unparalleled collection open to the public.