Book Review - Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

 

In 2018, Morgan Christopher's life has taken a turn for the worst. She takes the fall for a crime her boyfriend has committed and in the process her dream of finding a career in art has been put on hold. She feels that her world is closing in around her until a mysterious visitor makes her an offer she couldn't refuse. They can get her released from prison immediately if she can restore an old post office mural. Morgan knows nothing about art restoration but, she is desperate to be free. As she begins to work on restoring the mural she discovers that the painting has a few secrets buried.

In 1940, Anna Dale is an artist from New Jersey, who wins a national contest to paint murals for a post office in Edenton, North Carolina. Anna is desperate for a change of scenery after her beloved mother has passed away. She is hesitant at first to work in a town where prejudices run deep but, she finds herself entwined with the townfolk. As she works on the mural, she realizes everyone has secrets that they will stop at nothing to keep hidden.

This was my second novel by the author and I thought this novel was enjoyable as my first. The book followed the same basic format as the other novel with the dual timelines.  I thought this was an interesting read but, I was still confused on how someone can be so nice in front of you but, then take any chance to harm you when given the opportunity. The novel reminds me that you can never know someone's true nature. Overall, the book had a few twists and I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

Book Review - The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain

 

In 1965, Ellie Hockley was raised in a well-to-down of Round Hill, North Carolina, to be a certain type of proper Southern lady. She is enrolled in college and is in a committed relationship with a bank manager. However, Ellie wants more out of life. She decides to spend her summer break helping to register black voters. As Ellie fights for her ideals and the civil rights of the marginalized, her parents are scandalized by her behavior and her own neighbors turn against her. Things become worse when Ellie falls in love with a fellow volunteer and realizes the frightening true nature of the people she once knew.

In 2010, architect Kayla Carter and her husband designed and bought a beautiful house for themselves in Round Hill's new development, Shadow Ridge Estates. It was supposed to be the perfect place for them to grow old and raise a family together. However, after an accident Kayla's husband died and leaves her and their three-year-old daughter behind. A mysterious woman who knew about his death has warn Kayla against moving in. People have claimed that the woods and lake behind the property is haunted and her house has been targeted by vandals. When Kayla meets her neighbor, Ellie Hockley, Kayla realizes that Ellie knows some of the long buried secrets and the dark history of the land.

I have a few books by the author but, this was my first book by the author. At first, the book moved a bit slowly and I did find some parts of the book to be predictable but, I found that the story stayed with me long after I finished the book. I like reading about Ellie and reading about her experiences with SCOPE and how she bonded with families she was helping. Overall, it's a heartfelt book and I look forward to reading more books by the author.