Big Lies in a Small Town
received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are two timelines, 1940 and the present time. Anna Dale, an artist from New Jersey wins a contest in 1940 to paint a mural for the Edmonton, NC post office. In present time Morgan Christopher is in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. While serving her sentence, she gets a visitor who offers her release from jail and her sentence with a condition. The condition is that she restores the mural Anna Dale painted so long ago. Although Morgan has no experience in art restoration, she accepts the offer in exchange for her freedom. The story goes back and forth in time between Anna’s and Morgan’s story. I found the constant back and forth in short chapters disjointed at times, always having to switch between the story lines. I felt, it took a long time to finally getting into the story, the first part of the book was too long for me. Events do pick up later in the story to keep the reader’s interest. I found the ending too contrived and some of it very predictable. Overall 3.5 stars for me.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy.

Big Lies in a Small Town was my first Diane Chamberlain book. A beloved author, I went in expecting a good read. Instead? This book was truly excellent! I was riveted by the expertly woven dual timelines, the unique story and by fascination with uncovering the secrets of Anna's mural right along with Morgan. Absolutely brilliant! I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Young New Jersey artist, Anna Dale is excited to win a contest and be picked to paint a mural for the small town of Edenton, North Carolina. However, some people in the town think a local artist named Martin Drapple should have won, and they don't like the honor going to an out-of-towner. In this town where racial prejudices still run high, Anna's mentorship of a young black artist doesn't help matters. Almost 80 years later, Morgan Christopher is in jail for a crime she didn't commit. A mysterious stranger helps her get out of jail in exchange for restoring Anna's mural. The more Morgan works on the mural, the more curious she becomes about Anna and her story and the more eager she becomes to learn the truth. This is a book that completely draws you in right from the beginning. Anna and Morgan are both strong likeable heroines that stand up for what they believe in and are easy to root for. The story is also enjoyably unpredictable. You will know something is coming but you probably will not know exactly what. The ending of the book is particularly surprising and satisfying.

‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Diane Chamberlain is a prolific writer who has been on my "want to read" list for years. When given the opportunity to review her latest book, Big Lies in a Small Town, I jumped at the chance. Having finished it, I am glad I did.

Morgan Christopher and Anna Dale are both strong, artistic women whose stories are told in alternating chapters. In 2018, Morgan is hired to restore a mural Anna painted in 1940. Beyond the mural, they both must deal with issues that are daunting and will test their character and resolve.

The story flowed well and the writing style made it hard to put it down. I ended up reading it in 2 sittings. There is one "surprise" that seems extremely obvious but the story is definitely worth reading.

It is marketed as women's fiction. To me, it seems to be a mystery too. Morgan makes it her mission to figure out secrets hidden in the mural. I do not want to say more than that and give anything away.

Many of her books are labeled as women's fiction. Some as mystery. I frequently skip books labeled women's fiction. After reading this, I probably will read more.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/15/20.

An engaging story with a dual timeline, present and 1940, that was very well written that kept me turning the pages. This story touches on many social topics in life, art, racism, abuse and mental health. With lots of secrets. lies and mystery you will not want to miss this book. Diane Chamberlain does not disappoint in her story telling. I highly recommend.

Anna Dale and Morgan Christopher both find themselves unexpectedly in the small town of Edenton, North Carolina. Each young lady is an artist in her early 20s. However, their stories take place 78 years apart. Anna is commisioned in 1940 to paint a mural for the local post office. Morgan is appointed in 2018 to restore the mural which had never been installed on the wall of the post office. As she peels away the layers of grime, she becomes puzzled by many odd details in the picture and is determined to figure out what happened to the original artist. The author captured both time periods as well as the feel of a small Southern community quite well. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

#BigLiesInASmallTown is a fascinating story, set in two timelines, in a small rural North Carolina town. It’s a cleverly woven story of the intertwined lives of Anna, the artist of a mural, painted decades ago, by a young unknown artist who disappears. The mural never hung in the town’s post office.
Years later, Morgan is released from prison, and given the specific task of restoring this badly damaged piece of art as a condition of early parole and to be the signature painting in a newly built Art Museum in that same rural town. She has has no knowledge or experience in art restoration and brings minimal artistic talent to the task.
#DianeChamberlin is a talented author that used her gifted research ability, to mesh their stories, as the rumors of tragedy surrounding the mural reveal the violence and the racism of the segregated South. But it’s also a story of resilience, strength and determination, as Morgan struggles to learn the art of restoration, and to do justice to this forgotten woman and her story.
As usual, this author has brought wonderful characters to this unique story and surprising conclusion.
My thanks to #NetGalley, #StMartin’sPress and #DianeChamberlin for the ARC.
All opinions are my own. I loved it and felt it was 5 star worthy.

What a perfect day to sit and listen to this audiobook. The office was quiet and I had plenty of desk work to do, so I just let it play and I was instantly drawn into this story.
I’ve not read a Diane Chamberlain that I haven’t enjoyed, and this one was no different. I know some people don’t like stories that alternate between past and present but I love seeing the two time periods and plot lines dovetail together. A great read.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. Big Lies In A Small Town is a story of two women......Anna's in the past and Morgan's in the present. The dual timeline and dual points of view work well in this story full of mystery, unanswered questions, secrets, lies, heartbreak, and healing. I was totally captivated by Anna and Morgan's stories and loved the way they unfolded and we learn how everything ties together. A beautifully written story that kept me turning the pages.

BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN, Diane Chamberlain’s newest is set in Edenton, NC and told in a dual timeline: present day and 1940. Morgan Christopher is in jail for a crime she didn’t commit, but she feels just as guilty. When two women come to visit her and offer her a chance to get out of jail, she is hesitant, but willing. Especially when she finds that the offer is part of the will of her favorite artist and Edenton native, Jesse Jameson Williams. His bequest is “simple:” Morgan, a former art student, gets out of jail and restores a 70-year-old mural to be displayed in the lobby of the art museum that was his dream. If she does this by the opening date, she will get paid for it and have a chance to put her life back on track. Unsure of how she is going to accomplish this, she agrees. The mural, part of a government program and contest to promote jobs, was supposed to hang in Edenton’s Post Office upon completion, but never made it there. It’s not in great shape, and Morgan has an uphill battle to restore it with no experience. As she works, she uncovers more questions about the mural and the artist behind it. Morgan is determined to find out more about the artist and untangle the mystery behind why she never hung the mural or got her final pay. Did she really go crazy as the story went?
Twenty-two-year-old Anna Dale is just out of art school when she enters the government contest to create a mural for one of the local Pennsylvania Post Offices. While she isn’t chosen for that one, she impressed them enough to be chosen for one in Edenton, NC, but has to start over with an idea and design. With no job options on the horizon, and alone in the world, she accepts. Planning to drive down and stay for a couple days to get a feel for the town and an idea for a mural, the townspeople convince her to stay until it’s done, despite the disappointment that the hometown artist was passed over. Anna makes friends and welcomes the town into her process, including hoping to mentor local high school students who help her. When she also agrees to take on a African American student with talent, and gets to know his family, she starts to find out just how different life is in the South in 1940.
This was a wonderful novel. It pulled me in and dropped me into Edenton, NC in two different time periods, with two different women that were trying to get their lives on track. Chamberlain did an excellent job of creating characters that were interesting, three-dimensional, and flawed, but had you rooting for both of them. The story line was well-written and engrossing, and it kept me turning pages as all of my questions were answered at the perfect time, with an extremely satisfying ending. This was only my second experience with Chamberlain’s work, and, so far, she’s a can’t miss author. I can’t wait to free up some time to explore her backlist.
I really enjoyed BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN! This is a perfect read to cozy up with on a winter’s day or on a beach with a cold drink. It is one that shouldn’t be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#BigLiesinaSmallTown #StMartinsPress #DianeChamberlain

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain was a captivating tale that moved the reader between the present and the past in this addictive mystery. One part mystery, one part historical, a dab of art and a dose of southern charm.

I love slipping into one of Chamberlain’s books. I never really know what interesting tidbits I will discover, nor the characters I will meet. I was concerned when I first met Morgan Christopher. I have this habit of not reading the blurb. Had I done so, I would have realized immediately she was in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. However, I came to like this shy artist and I quickly became caught up in her and the work she was doing.

The second character we meet is Anna Dale and the year is 1940. Anna, from New Jersey has just lost her mother, but also won a prestigious art contest to paint a mural for the post office in Edenton, North Carolina. Wanting to do the job right, she drives to the small town and ends up staying there while she paints.

The tale that unfolds weaves back and forth as Morgan restores a painting and Anna paints one. It was captivating, atmospheric and rich in details. Chamberlain not only paints a vivid picture of the south both past and present, she shines light on social ladders, rape, racism, mental illness, and more while giving readers mystery to chew on.

The writing has a wonderful flow and the transition from past and present was seamless. Although admittedly I found myself compelled by both storylined, it was Anna’s that was gripping and had me on edge. In the end the timelines come together and the reader is awarded with lingering questions and a fitting ending.

Fans of historical fiction, southern fiction, character driven novels and mystery will delight in discovering Big Lies in a Small Town. Review will publish @ Caffeinated Reviewer on Janaury 23, 2020

Count me a lucky girl! I just finished Diane Chamberlain’s “Big Lies in a Small Town”.

The story follows two women in two different time periods.

The chapters rotate between the two women. I have always had a problem with this type of book because I always feel like I am shifting gears. I understand why the author chose this format and I have to say it didn’t hamper this novel in my opinion. It was brilliant!

I learned the difference between an artist and an art restorer. They both take a lot of talent, use different skills and different perspectives.

It was longer in pages than I expected but, I flew through it and did not want it to end. I felt like it ended rather abruptly but, when I thought about it, I decided it was a perfect ending. I had all the information that I needed and indeed it was the perfect ending.

This is my first book by Diane Chamberlain and it won’t be my last. I like how she built the stories of both women and how I came to care for them both.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The last book by Diane Chamberlain I read (listened to) was The Dream Daughter narrated by the fantastic Susan Bennett (more about her later), and it was so wonderful and magical that I was a little afraid that Big Lies in a Small Town couldn’t live up to my expectations. I needn’t have worried. Big Lies in a Small Town is another amazing book. When you look up “Diane Chamberlain” you should be pointed to “wonderful and magical.”

The story opens with twenty-two year old wannabe artist Morgan Christopher, serving a three-year prison sentence for a crime she didn’t commit, receiving visitors and being unexpectedly released from prison. The famous artist Jesse Jameson Williams has just died, and his will has some unusual stipulations: if Morgan can restore an old WWII post office mural in the little southern town of Edenton, North Carolina she can stay out of prison, and Jesse’s daughter Lisa can keep the family home. The deadline is short – only two months. Morgan knows who Jesse Jameson Williams was, but she has no idea of who Anna Dale, the original artist who created the mural was, and she is by no means an art restorer. But what she does know is that she can’t survive the last two years of her prison sentence. So of course she says, “Yep, I can do it,” and hopes for a miracle to help her figure it out in time. Lisa desperately wants the house she grew up in, with all its memories, and she pushes Morgan hard and with little compassion or understanding.

The action switches between 1940 and 2018 in Edenton. In 1940, twenty-two year old artist Anna Dale didn’t win the WWII WPA post office mural contest for the design she submitted for her local post office in New Jersey, but instead has been offered the chance to paint a mural in rural Edenton. Anna has just lost her mother, desperately needs a job, and has no direction for her life ahead, so she accepts the challenge. And what a challenge it turns out to be. Nothing has prepared her for how different 1940 North Carolina and 1940 New Jersey are, and those people that are different in 1940 North Carolina: different looks, different ideas, different perceived morals, different thoughts about what rules need to be followed, are not always welcome – or safe.

In 2018 Morgan has her own set of problems: an unsympathetic parole office who doesn’t really believe she didn’t commit the crime she was imprisoned for, a most unfriendly, unwelcoming host in Lisa Williams, who just wants the mural finished on time and keeps hanging the threat of a return to prison over Morgan’s head, and a job she has no idea how to do.

But as we learn more about these women and their experiences with this mural – the link between them – we start to care deeply about each of them. Both young, struggling to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings and demands they are not sure they can meet. Also, both strong and dedicated to doing the very best work they can do.

There are enough twists, turns, surprises and unknowns to keep you riveted to this irresistible novel. Anna makes some good friends, receives interest and admiration of her work from many of the townsfolk, meets a young man with incredible artistic promise and becomes totally dedicated to the completion of the mural as a work of art she can be proud of. She also experiences deceit, lies, resentment and violence from those who don’t think she fits in, don’t trust this Northerner, and resent the fact that the local artist with a young family to support didn’t win the contest. Morgan is all alone, too. Estranged from her family, not willing to return to the life that caused her troubles in the first place, terrified she won’t be able to complete this job. But she also makes some good friends, especially the curator of the soon-to-be-opened Jesse Jameson Williams museum, and as she uncovers layer after layer of debris from the mural becomes as dedicated as Anna Dale was to making it the best it can be.

As always in a novel by author Chamberlain, the story is full of brave characters. Brave in both large and small ways, set against sometimes unimaginable obstacles. The prose is beautiful and the words flow, the storyline pulls you in and makes you feel you are living in the time, with the people.

The history of the murals is an added bonus, adding authenticity and realism There are murals in what was once a post office in San Francisco. I first viewed them several years ago and thought they were beautiful and an interesting slice of history, but after finishing Big Lies in a Small Town I did some research and discovered controversy surrounded them as well, with people seeing what they perceived as hidden or unacceptable symbolism in the drawings, and demanding changes. Fascinating.

Thanks to author Diane Chamberlain for writing yet another fabulous book, and Macmillan Publishers/St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for providing an advance copy of Big Lies in a Small Town for my reading pleasure and honest review. I thoroughly recommend it! And Susan Bennett? I listened to an excerpt of the audio version of Big Lies in a Small Town with Susan Bennett as the reader. When she narrates one of Chamberlain’s books you can add “incredible” to “wonderful and magical.” I will be getting the audiobook as soon as it is available.

What a great read!

It did start off a bit slow for me but when it picked up momentum I couldn't put it down!

June 8 2018 - Carolina Correctional Facility for Woman........Morgan Christopher, who has served a year of her jail sentence, gets a get out of jail free card (excuse the pun!) She is asked by the daughter of her idol, Jesse James Williams, to restore an old 1940's mural. It is stipulated that the gallery can't open until the mural has been restored and the deadline is August the 5th. She has nothing to lose and her freedom to gain.

December 4 1939......Anna Dale receive a letter to inform her she is the winner in the 48-State Mural Competition and is asked to create a mural for the post office in Edenton, North Carolina. The project is to be completed by June 3 1940.

So what happened to Anna and why didn't she complete the mural? Will Morgan figure this all out, and why was she picked to perform this task?

Very good characterization and I liked the alternating timelines. I thought it was very well written and I will definitely look out for more books by this author.

Thank you to #netgalley and St Martin's press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Morgan Christopher finds her life in ruins. She is prison for a crime she did not commit, then suddenly she is released and asked to restore a Depression-era mural. Through a dual storyline Diane Chamberlain tells the story of the mural’s creation and the talented artist who painted it and Morgan’s determination to restore it and find out what happened to the artist. A wonderful story.

Morgan Christopher is sitting in a jail cell while her handsome, brilliant boyfriend is attending law school at Georgetown - as if nothing ever happened. Smart, pretty and a wonderful artist, Morgan was once a typical college student excited about her future. Now serving a three-year sentence in North Carolina after a night she prays to forget, Morgan finds herself alone in the world with nothing to look forward to. One day two women show up to speak with her. Stern and not exactly friendly Morgan is shocked when they offer her a way out. All she has to do is successfully restore a famous mural in an unheard of little town. The mural was originally painted by Anna Dale, an artist who mysteriously disappeared in 1940. A well known benefactor is paying her way if she can accomplish this monumental challenge. Filled with art, intrigue and even a little romance, I absolutely loved unraveling the secrets in this latest novel by fabulous author Diane Chamberlain!

Wow. Just wow. This was an intriguing and definitely emotion read that took me on a journey of pain and suffering, loneliness and growth and finally acceptance of a past you can't change and the healing that comes with it. Well written with characters full of life that leap off the pages and a storyline I could not put down. It sucked me in and would not let go, even after the last page. I want to know more! Five star read for me!

This book starts off in 2018 with Morgan Christopher. She is in prison with a minimum 1 year sentence for driving under the influence and paralyzing a girl. One day in prison, she is faced with an attorney and this other woman. A famous artist, Jesse Williams, had passed away and in his will, he named Morgan to restore a mural that will be featured in a gallery opening. With this opportunity, Morgan gets early release and only has to check in with her parole officer as long as she meets the end of her deal, restoring this mural. Morgan has never restored a painting and cannot fathom why Jesse chose her when they have never met.
The mural to be restored is from the 1940s and was painted by Anna Dale. The painting needs a lot of work and there is only about two months before the gallery opens.
As Morgan begins the restoration process, the story flips back to Anna Dale in 1940.
Anna Dale won a contest through the US Treasury to come up with a mural for a post office wall in Edenton, NC. Anna travels from NJ and starts to learn the culture of the town and how she can best represent them. As she embarks on the mural, she faces many challenges.

This book was amazing. I loved how the story switches back and forth from Morgan and Anna. As Morgan unfolds a piece of the mural, the story flashes back to Anna and you can see more into the madness of this mural. This is my first book by Diane Chamberlanin but I really enjoyed the writing and cannot wait to dive into more.
Thank you netgalley for this ARC for an honest review.

Diane Chamberlain has written another emotional powerhouse with Big Lies in a Small Town. An underdog main heroine who has also been dealt a bad hand along with a mystery from the almost 80 years ago makes this a page turner.

The Southern North Carolina setting is well known to me so I can say it felt exactly like being home for this story. Parts of the story are sad, so believable so when looking at the 1940’s in the South. The parallel stories with this book serve as a reminder that women have always needed to be strong, diligent, vigilant and fearless, no matter the times or the places.

What happened to Anna Dale? Is Morgan Christopher job to restore or to solve the mystery? A story worthy of the time to read so not giving away any of the plot, except for what is already given in the description.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved this book!! Once I started I couldn’t put this book down and being from North Carolina myself I always love books that mention places I have been. Can’t wait to read Diane’s next book!