This was my first novel by Diane Chamberlain and I enjoyed how the story weaved all together. It was a bit predictable, laid out as I'd expected it to go, however heartwarming in the end. I found all the main characters extremely likeable making it easy to root for them.

I saw a bit of myself in Morgan Christopher which made it easier to understand her decisions and actions. I did wonder a few times if it was truly accurate to the times, as the story line with Anna Dale took place in the 1940's and she at times seemed to be a modern woman thrown back in time. I wasn't around in the '40s though, so I could be wrong. I wish I could've learned a little more of Jesse, other than just through other's eyes.

It took me a while to get into the story, but once I finally did I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed Big Lies in a Small Town enough to check out more of Diane Chamberlain's work.

I received a free copy via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Some writers are so reliable! You just know that you will meet interesting characters and a storyline that will dominate your life – at least for a few days. Diane Chamberlain certainly is one of the top authors in that category. I began reading her latest novel, Big Lies in a Small Town, enthusiastically. As expected, Chamberlain did not disappoint!

Separated by almost 70 years, two young women are linked by a huge mural. In 1940, Anna Dale wins a contest to create the mural. In 2018, Morgan Christopher is hired to restore the mural. Against a background of small-town life and the social mores of two very different eras, Chamberlain masterfully weaves together the stories of the mural, the two women, and the famed artist, who knew both women. Every character is uniquely memorable, and several mysteries will keep readers turning pages far into the night. Thankfully, the author meticulously resolves the open questions. Nonetheless, I finished the book somewhat sad to say goodbye to compelling characters and a satisfying story.

I strongly recommend this book! Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure.

This book was a brilliant read and one that is perfect to escape for a few hours and loose yourself.
A great read.

My first Diane Chamberlain book and I loved it so much. It’s told in two timelines that weave together beautifully.

One storyline is Anna Dale’s story in 1940. She is an artist that has recently won a chance to create a mural for small town of Edenton, North Carolina. She moves there and gets pulled in by the hospitality and charm. She also sees the dark side of the town.

The second storyline is that of Morgan Christopher in 2018, just getting out of prison for a crime she didn’t commit. She is hired to clean and restore Anna’s old mural. She’s an inexperienced art student, and it’s daunting to her to say the least. She begins to research just what happened to Anna in 1940 to cause her to paint such seemingly crazy things into the mural. It’s suspenseful and completely engrossing.

Diane Chamberlain makes these characters come to life and intertwines them so perfectly. I loved the ease and flow of her writing style. I thought about this book even when I was away from it. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

This book is a masterpiece, not to be missed! A story told from two points of view from two different time eras! It's thought-provoking, well-written, and a definite page-turner! Bravo!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced read. Love this story. It was told by 2 main characters, going between 1940 and 2018 in Edenton, North Carolina. I do not know very much about art restoration, but enjoyed reading about the intricate details. First book by Diane Chamberlain, will continue to read her other books.

This book definitely had a lot of secrets!! But they were revealed gradually and went well with the story bring told. I couldn't put it down, I found the writing enthralling. This is my second book by this author, both given to me from Netgalley and I find myself wanting to read more of what the author has written. I have not been disappointed!

Diane Chamberlain does not disappoint in her latest book. The stories of Anna and Morgan had me at the edge of my seat the whole time!

Thank you to the publishing house for providing a review copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I will read anything that Diane Chamberlain writes so I was thrilled to be a recipient of her book and these gorgeous chocolates to celebrate her book launch. 

This dual narrative mystery is about a woman, named Morgan, who has been serving time for a drunk driving accident. 

She is surprised when she is offered the opportunity to not finish out her sentence, in exchange for restoring a post office mural for a gallery opening.

Morgan attended art school, but has no knowledge of art restoration. As she muddles her way through the piece, she begins uncovering a mural that has some very disturbing elements within it. 

The artist that made it has quite a story too and the reader discovers just why these elements are added. 

As the reader learns more about this story, Chamberlain expertly weaves these stories together in some really beautiful ways.

She's quite the master at pulling narratives together, in a way that only a seasoned writer could achieve. 

This was another beautiful read from one of my favorite writers.

Diane Chamberlain is one of my favourite authors - I am a big fan of her writing style. When I learned of the release of her latest book, Big Lies in a Small Town, I couldn’t wait to read it. The book certainly did not disappoint.

The story is told from a dual-narrative, one of the most interesting ways in my opinion to develop a plot. In this book, Morgan Christopher is the first protagonist and her story is told from 2018. She is restoring a mural originally painted by the second protagonist, Anna Dale, who is paints the original in 1940.

The book moved me the way a good book always does. The author deals with several sensitive issues including racism, sexual abuse and mental health and manages to make an impression of these issues without horrifying the reader. The book is engaging and kept me interested throughout.

I simply loved this book and look forward to reading more of the author’s work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's press for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

This extremely tardy review is for Diane Chamberlain’s latest, Big Lies in a Small Town. It goes without saying that it was fabulous. Chamberlain is an amazing writer and her books continue to wow me. Told in dual timelines, the book switches back and forth between 2018 and 1940. Morgan, in prison, is released on the agreement she restores a mural by a specific date. In the 40’s, Anna is chosen to paint a mural for small southern town. Diane takes her time weaving this one, telling each story, drawing you in. She only gives little snippets throughout the book on how the two may be connected. It is perfectly paced, not giving you anything more than what you need for the story at that particular time.

The ending comes together masterfully. Your questions are answered and you are left feeling a little struck and deeply satisfied. DIane Chamberlain has done it again.

Trigger Warning for those of sexual assault.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Diane Chamberlain is a favorite and this book was no different. I really enjoyed the storylines of both Anna and Morgan

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!

Not my typical read but I decided to try it out due to the author. If you like her other works, it’s a good fit.

Morgan is being released from prison. No one is more surprised than her. But there is a condition to her release. She must restore a mural that was painted by a women named Anna back in the late 1930's. Morgan has no idea who Anna is or why she was selected for this project. Unless she wants to stay in prison, she has no option but to accept the challenge.

This story is told in alternating chapters - current day Morgan and 1930's Anna. Slowly but surely the author brings the two women together is ways I could not imagine. From the very first chapter, I was intrigued by both women. I had a sense of urgency to find out what happened to Anna and to read how the project changes Morgan's life. There is a mix of heart warming tenderness and immense sadness in this story. My only regret is that it had to end.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first time reading a book penned from this author, however, I would consider reading more of her work. Ms. Chamberlain has a subtle nuance and almost hypnotic quality to her tale that holds you, even though I'd pretty much figured out the twist of the mystery rather early on...I was still intrigued enough by the plot and talented way that she weaved the story back and forth between past and present times. Big stories for both timelines, strong character arcs, and a unique historical romance. 3.5 stars.

Ms Chamberlain does it again. Delightful characters with real struggles, a hint of mystery and drama, a touch of romance, a few gasps - all bound together within a beautifully written story that kept me reading long after I should've been asleep. Once the story really started to amp up, I found it tough to put down. I won't rehash the story as I think the blurb does that well enough on it's own, suffice to say I wasn't disappointed.

If you enjoy a story that's rich in character development, an original plot and a past/present timeline shift, this is definitely worth your time.

4.5 stars

I don’t think that there is a book out there by Diane Chamberlain that I haven’t liked. This woman knows how to tell a story and hooks you in, even if you think that the premise doesn’t sound like it’s up your alley. In typical Chamberlain fashion, Big Lies in a Small Town is told in dual time lines, alternating between past and present.

The story of Morgan and Anna is so perfectly woven together, that I am not sure which story I enjoyed more. Both story lines have such strong character development that I came to love both of these strong women, but Anna was my favorite. A leader before her time, it was women like her who paved the way for me and future generations.

I don’t want to delve into any plot details, there are plenty of reviews out there that do, and there is always the blurb. I would highly recommend this book. It is a solid plot told through fantastic story telling with both main and secondary characters that you wish were real people.

Another winner for Diane Chamberlain.

Morgan Christopher is an art student, serving three years in prison for a crime she didn't commit. She is offered early release to restore a mural that is to be hung at the art gallery of famous artist Jesse Williams, who recently passed away. In his will he specified Morgan do the restoration, and it must be done by a certain date.
Though she has no training in reconditioning paintings, Morgan is grateful to be out of prison, and willing to learn.
But the seemingly arbitrary deadline is going to be almost impossible to make. And there is the puzzle of why she was chosen to do the project.
As she begins cleaning the work, she starts to unfold an even deeper mystery, what happened to Anna, the original artist of the mural, and what is behind her disappearance?
Anna Dale is a young artist in 1940, living in New Jersey. She wins a contest to paint a mural for the post office in Edenton, North Carolina.
When she gets to town and prepares to paint, she finds a place filled with sexist and racial bigotry, and secrets that lead to murder.
The timeline alternates between Anna in 1940 and Morgan in 2018 and their respective points of view.
This mixture of historical fiction and mystery enthralled me! What beautiful, engaging and intriguing story. My first book by this author and I cannot wait to read more.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC via NetGalley.

LOVED this book. A lyrical, stunning look at race, feminism, murder, and connection in an unforgettable small town setting. The dual timelines kept me engaged and the characters will stick with me for a long time. 5 stars-Diane Chamberlain at her finest.

Solid Tale Solidly Told. This is a solid story of two women and two timelines. In 2018, a young lady is released from prison on parole on the condition that she restore a mural from the 1940s. In the 1940s, another young woman is painting this mural. The present day timeline is told in first person and the past timeline is told in third, which makes it easy to pick up and know which period you're in. I personally suffered some family tragedy and what felt like a pretty significant reading slump while reading this book, but I managed to get through it and finish the book within the month. And let me be clear, I do not feel that this book itself had anything to do with the slump, it really is a solid tale with an interesting curve at the end. Very much recommended.