Kerry Chaput returns to the Spotlight this week to discuss her latest historical novel
Author Name: Kerry Chaput
Book Title: The Secret Courtesan
Book Genre: Dual timeline historical fiction
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Publisher: She Writes Press
Welcome back, Kerry! How would you describe The Secret Courtesan?
Modern historian Dr. Mia Harding must prove the sculptor of an unearthed erotic statue is not the famous male artist the world believes, but his courtesan erased by history—a theory that would rock the art world and risk Mia’s entire future.
What drew you to writing historical women’s fiction?
Growing up, my father held his honors US history lectures in our living room. From the time I was a toddler, teenagers would gather every Thursday for snacks and historical debates. I would hide behind the couch and listen, noting very early on that no one was talking about women. History seemed to only discuss war and conquering and politics—all about men. It planted a seed that never stopped growing. I’ve devoted my adult life to researching badass women in history who deserve recognition.
What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?
My favorite thing is that I’m never done learning. Every manuscript takes me deeper into the craft and my exploration of the world. I love to take classes, read craft books, and attend conferences and retreats. The lifelong commitment to learning and community has changed my life. I love the challenge of crafting stories, pushing myself to find new ways to spin a tale.
The creative life is fascinating and heartbreaking—one that requires you to keep your focus on the things that matter. It can be challenging to let go of external validation, as we live in such a material society that values sales and profits and status. Returning to the quiet moments of hard work that build the story is challenging at times, but that practice keeps me grounded. We have no control over how a book lands in the market, a lesson we are continually reminded of!
Fans of which authors or books might gravitate toward your book?
I’m very inspired by Kate Quinn, Kristin Hannah, and Ruta Sepetys.
The Secret Courtesan has the dual timeline adventure of Fiona Davis’s The Stolen Queen and the hidden history of Jodi Picoult’s By Any Other Name.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
I want readers to feel empowered. Specifically, I want women to stop holding themselves back and reach for the thing they want. We walk with a legacy of bold, incredible women behind us. History may have taken the truth from us, but we can always find some of their power when we embrace their stories. The Secret Courtesan is inspired by real women. Artists like Artemisia Gentileschi and artistic courtesans like Veronica Franco, who left work of female power that’s still relevant today. I believe we have a sisterhood of historical women cheering us on from the shadows.
With this empowerment, readers will also get a side of wild adventure and a steamy romance!
Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.
I’m in revisions on a story of a Gilded Age heiress who risks her future by taking up tattooing. High society women during the Victorian and Gilded Age were very fond of tattoos. They often had ink hiding under their petticoats and corsets! I fell in love with the story of several women tattoo artists who are inspired this story. Midnight Ink will release in 2027.
Where can readers find you?
I’m very active on my Instagram account @kerrywrites where you’ll find women’s history stories and feminist memes. I post weekly articles on women’s history to my Substack, kerrychaput@substack.com. You can find all my books on my website kerrywrites.com, and my monthly newsletter includes women’s history, author updates, and giveaways.
Thank you, Kerry! The Secret Courtesan releases on February 10.
The Secret Courtesan
Art historian Mia has very little time to prove her theory that an erotic statue that was found was sculpted by a courtesan who has since been erased from history. As she rushes around Venice to find clues about Sofia, the artist, she finds she is being followed and even her boss might be in on the lie.
In 1609, Sofia is breaking laws against illicit art that risk her future. But when her patron’s wife steals her work and threatens her lover, her dreams of becoming a great artist are crushed.
As Mia scrambles to uncover the truth, she will also discover a world of art theft that could have her caught in Italy’s most powerful crime family’s sights. Mia is Sofia’s last hope of being recognized – or erased forever.
“It is a page-turner that will set readers hearts racing with two fierce heroines, a mystery, a love story, and a city depicted in all its gritty and splendid glory . . . The Secret Courtesan will leave readers breathless in the best possible way!”—Sharon Kurtzman, author of The Lost Baker of Vienna
Author Bio:
Kerry Chaput is an award-winning historical fiction author who writes about daring women with loads of adventure and a splash of magic. Kerry’s writing has been an Historical Novel Society editor’s choice, with Midwest Book Review calling her a “Master of the genre.” She’s also been a finalist for Sarton Women’s Book Award and the Chaucer Book Award for early historical fiction. Born in California, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home. Kerry frequents hiking trails, coffee shops, and independent bookstores near her home in Bend, Oregon.