The Masterpiece combines elements from both Christian fiction and romance; each of these genres has its own characteristic features of content and style. Christian fiction typically features stories of personal transformation that stem from encounters with faith, either in the form of conversion to the Christian faith or featuring characters who use their faith to overcome challenges. Both of these aspects of transformation are evident in The Masterpiece, which includes Roman’s conversion story and Grace’s continued reliance on the strength of her faith to navigate the difficulties in her life.

Romance novels rely on the drama and passion of a central relationship, and here, too, The Masterpiece employs the conventions of the genre, putting Roman and Grace’s budding relationship at the center of the narrative. When combined into the sub-genre of Christian romance, the romantic elements of the story tend to focus less on physical desire and sexual encounters than is typical of the romance genre. Instead, Christian romances draw attention to the dynamics of interpersonal growth and the place of faith in the relationship, even while sexual attraction is acknowledged as a driving element of the characters’

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