The following version of this novel was used in the creation of this study guide: Cross-Smith, Leesa. Half-Blown Rose. General Central Publishing. 2022. First Edition. Hard Cover.

Part One: Vincent & Cillian begins in Paris as the main character, Vincent, meets a younger man named Loup. It is revealed that Vincent’s husband, Cillian, released a fictionalized autobiography titled Half-Blown Rose which revealed a girlfriend and potential child that he never told Vincent about. Cillian tries to apologize and tells her that his parents hid the child from him as well, but Vincent is heartbroken by his secrecy and is spending time in Paris to rethink their relationship. Over time, however, she falls in love with Loup and the two begin an affair just before Christmas.

In Part Two: Vincent Et Loup, Vincent’s daughter Olive and her best friend Ramona visit for Christmas. Afterward, Vincent decides to take an impromptu, month-long trip across Europe, ending at her brother Theo’s home in Amsterdam. Loup joins her, and the two spend the night in numerous inns and hotels while visiting places such as Bath, Leeds, and the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout this time, Vincent begins emailing Cillian’s son, Tully, and the two bond over his music and her art classes. However, Vincent becomes torn on whether or not she wants to stay with Loup in Paris, or reconcile with Cillian.

In Amsterdam, Vincent is surprised to see her parents and her sister waiting for her. They all approve of Loup, and Vincent’s parents say that they know she will make the right decision. Vincent, who has been pushing herself to follow her heart, realizes that she is not ready to stop traveling and wishes she did not have to go back to Kentucky. Loup takes her to Van Gogh’s burial place and encourages her to let her emotions flow regardless of where they take her.

Part Three: A Woman Named Vincent, begins as Vincent returns to Paris just as her jewelry business booms due to a pop star wearing her earrings. However, she accidentally neglects her relationship with Loup because she is so busy, but makes it up to him with a date to the opera and another night of intimacy.

Then, Vincent goes to Colm’s wedding in New York City where she sees Cillian in person for the first time in over a year. She realizes that she still loves Cillian and has many reasons to forgive him, especially as she sees that her family is recovering. However, she still wishes to keep her Paris life separated from her family, even as she knows she wants to keep her marriage and family happiness for as long as possible.

This all changes when Vincent learns that she is pregnant with Loup’s child. They decide to keep it as she meets Cillian in Tuscany at a villa he purchased just for her. The novel ends as Vincent tells Loup to come to Tuscany and promises to tell Cillian the truth so their lives can all continue together.