2004: In historic Charleston, recently divorced art conservator Gamble Vance throws herself into her career restoring centuries-old miniature portraits. But one portrait haunts her: a woman in a fox stole, with familiar hazel eyes. When Gamble meets a girl in an alley, she's convinced it's the same woman—and it's not the first time they've met. For help, Gamble turns to African American studies scholar Tolliver Jackson—a former foster kid with secrets of his own. But as Gambl's memories resurface, the pair discover a connection which may endanger more than one life . . . in more than one lifetime.
1804: Miniature portraitist and fallen-away Quaker Daniel Petigru paints for Charleston's high society. Daniel and his sister live with a free Black family, their connection long and complicated. When Gamble arrives from the future and her presence puts them all at risk, Daniel must decide if he loves her enough to let her go.
The Miniaturist's Assistant explores the mystery of time, how our choices ripple throughout history, and what it means to be a fully-realized woman—in any century.
