This novel is based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent Van Gogh's sister-in-law. Emsley is given a diary by her dying grandmother, even as Emsley's art business is threatened. The diary turns out to belong to Johana Bonger. Thus both women's stories are woven around Impressionism, museums, and the art world. Vincent Van Gogh and his brother are talented, but succumb to mental health crises. Johanna is left widowed with a baby. However, Johanna assumes the cause of promoting Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. As Emsley oversees her grandmother's estate in New York City, she is inspired by Johanna's life and fights for her art business and love. Both women follow the light like sunflowers.