Saving Vincent

2025 Grand Prize Second Place IAN Winner in Fiction Book of the Year
2025 Independent Author Network Winner in First Novel Over 90,000 Words
2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in Historical Personage
2024 American Writing Awards Winner in Art

“A climate of progressive change backdrops a determined widow’s efforts in the male-dominated art world in the lovely historical novel, Saving Vincent.”—Foreword Reviews

“Fernandez does an excellent job in her portrayal of Jo as a strong, determined woman ahead of her time in the male-dominated art world . . . Saving Vincent . . . forces readers to become deeply invested in Jo as a woman, creating an unforgettable portrait of resilience and passion. Very highly recommended.”—Readers' Favorite

"This book is a well-done introduction to a woman who deserves more recognition for preserving van Gogh's magnificent body of work."—Historical Novels Review

“Fernandez is a remarkable author; her latest book is an invitation to delve into the captivating story of Jo van Gogh . . . In this delightful read, Fernandez not only uncovers Jo's significance but also enlightens us about the crucial role she played, weaving a rich tapestry of storytelling that underscores the profound importance of art in our lives.”—Midwest Book Review

“An intriguing art- and history-filled tribute to an oft-overlooked dynamic woman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The writing here is solid, clear and effective. The book is well-researched . . . it feels like a fresh take on the history of a well-known artist. The way Van Gogh pieces are included is a nice conceit.”—The BookLife Prize

"The author unfolds the narrative at a great pace, with historical accuracy, and we are gripped!”—Daily Art Magazine

“You’ve probably never heard of Jo van Gogh, but were it not for her, none of us would have ever known there was a Vincent van Gogh. In this skillfully researched and propulsive story, Joan Fernandez shares the untold history of a true unsung heroine who saved her brother-in-law’s artwork and legacy. You will root for Jo van Gogh from beginning to end.”—Renee Rosen, USA Today best-selling author of Let’s Call Her Barbie

“[This is] . . . a great story. . . and timely application of advocacy principles for women, especially. Jo’s experience demonstrates agency in a man’s world and holistic fulfillment. Each chapter exemplifies a bend in the road, a triumph and pitfall, in the process of creating a successful marketing campaign.” —Penelope Schmidt, gallery owner
 

“Joan Fernandez has brought to vivid life a truly remarkable person in tooth, claw and sinew that perhaps the world in general knows too little of. The writer has made her own and not inconsiderable contribution to a necessary and fuller understanding of the contribution of a truly steadfast and courageous individual.”—The Historical Fiction Company

“Fernandez brings Jo's untold story to life with brilliant historical acuity. . . [her] portrayal of Jo as a strong, smart, and indomitable woman is both inspiring and empowering. . . Lovers of Van Gogh’s work will find this story intense, vibrant, and deeply moving.” —BookLife Reviews

“Art history buffs—like me—who never learned how van Gogh’s paintings survived will welcome Saving Vincent. Drawing on voluminous research, Fernandez brings to life the unexpected story of Jo van Gogh Bonger. I found it tremendously gratifying to discover the vital role she played at a time when women were virtually excluded from the art world.”—Jude Berman, author of The Vow

“We all know van Gogh’s work—and now Joan Fernandez’s debut introduces us to Jo van Gogh, who helped create the artist's legacy. Saving Vincent is a luminous, captivating novel about a woman who was truly ahead of her time.” —Camille Pagán, best-selling author of Good for You

“Saving Vincent, Fernandez’s immersive rendering of Jo van Gogh Bonger’s real-life efforts to rescue Vincent van Gogh’s art from obscurity, is a story of such substance readers won’t want to miss a single word.”—NJ Mastro, author of Solitary Walker: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft