Wow! I really loved this book. Morgan Christopher has had some hard times. She finds herself in prison for a crime she did not commit. She is offered a deal... get out of prison in exchange for art restoration. She finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Who is the original artist who painted this mural, and why would she paint such a bizarre picture?!? Morgan's search for answers leads to personal growth. A great read!

This is an awesome book by an author at the top of her literary powers. I loved the back and forth between time periods and narrators as well as the topic of art. I loved the characters, both current-day and in the past. I loved the descriptions of the town, the people, and the ways of life. I loved how everything worked out in the end. Even though it was a little predictable, that was fine. A completely satisfying read.

I must say, this book captivated me. A small town with all of its charms certainly has a flip side to it, and discovering it in the dual strands of the past and present was masterfully done. Artists and their work, southern race relations of the early 20th century and relationships of every form are accounted for. The characters are varied, interesting and real. The plot takes you back and forth between lives that all seem irrelevant to one another until they no longer are. The art and lives of these people come to life on the pages, and I simply couldn’t stop thinking about them all, even after I put the book down.

"Big Lies in a Small Town" by Diane Chamberlain is the story of two different women, in two different times. In 1940, artist Anna Dale is chosen to paint a mural for the Edenton, North Carolina post office. In present times, Morgan Christopher is given the task of restoring the mural, which was never actually installed at the post office but instead found in storage. I was completely drawn into the book on the first page and the story kept me turning the pages because I couldn't wait to find out more about these two women. This book has everything I could want, strong, well-developed women characters, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, a realistic backdrop of race relations in the 1940s, a believable and compelling plot, and a happy ending. I always greatly enjoy Ms. Chamberlain's novels, and this one was no exception. Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review. Five stars out of five stars!

The writing of this story is excellent..setting and characterization...the story takes
place in North Carolina in two time
periods and goes back and forth quickly.
There is not one character the reader falls
In love with but is intrigued by many.
The story wraps up with everything coming together in a neat way...almost too much so...this is a pleasant read . Perhaps the vulgarity could have beem left out in one area of the book; the ending is too abrupt unless there is a sequel... and the title doesn’t seem
To fit. Other than those few things, it is a
Good read .

Thank you NetGalley & St Martin Press for the ARC of Big Lies in a Small Town.

Great book from the get go. Storyline is well written and it gets you involved immediately.
Characters are great and realistic.
Superb story.

Another great book by Diane Chamberlain! Loved the way the story went back and forth between the artist in the past and restorer in the present day. Did not expect the surprise near the ending. Highly recommend this book!!!

Four stars for Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain, which was a surprising character driven novel with some mystery, some romance, and characters you root for. Morgan Christopher is in prison for a drunk driving incident when she is unexpectedly paroled in exchange for her help in restoring a mysterious mural. As she strips away the grime and dirt on the art, she begins to unravel an 80 year old mystery. Who was the mysterious painter Anna Dale, and why did she disappear?

I was unexpectedly swept up in this book - I loved the strength of the women at the center of the stories, and I eagerly kept reading to piece together the mystery. This is my first Diane Chamberlain book, and I was blown away by her storytelling skill. An enjoyable read that I look forward to recommending to others.

The was the first novel I've read by Diane Chamberlain, but it will not be my last!

Thank you so much for the privilege of reading this ARC; I absolutely loved this novel. Told in alternating stories of present day Morgan tasked with restoring a mural and Depression era Alice creating this mural in rural North Carolina. Both of these women were so compelling and sympathetic. So many plot twists are revealed as the story unfolds for Morgan. I find myself wanting to look up the murals of the 48 state project funded by the Works Progress Administration. I didn't want this one to end and am having a hard time leaving Alice and Morgan behind. I cannot wait to recommend this one!

Thank you Netgalley for the Arc! I went into reading this book without even reading the synopsis. The writing was incredible and so was the storyline. I loved how the author connected the two characters throughout but then gave us a huge plot twist at the end. The whole time I read this I was wondering what made the artist go crazy and intentionally mess up her mural and I love how it slowly unfolded. I also loved the relationship between Anna and Jesse and how they both stood up for each other.

Fabulous book!! Loved the way the story unfolded! Brilliantly written!!! A must for Diane Chamberlain fans!!!

I had recently been introduced to this author through her book The Dream Daughter and this book also goes back in time but without the fantastical element of time travel that was in The Dream Daughter. Big Lies in a Small Town goes from the Depression era to present time and introduces the reader to the post office murals that were a part of a New Deal Art Project in the 1930’s and 40’s. She weaves an interesting story with racial overtones, murder and even love. The story held my attention but I wished to know more backstory on the characters to make me care about them more. A solid 3 star book that I will recommend to readers who like to read historical fiction.

I have always enjoyed Diane Chamberlain‘s books, and this one did not disappoint! The story goes back-and-forth, from the past to the present in alternating chapters, but that does not make it difficult to read. In fact I found myself looking for details in the present story that would give me clues to the older story and vice versa. There were times when it was obvious what was going to happen, but there were also times that the story presented unexpected twists. Also, I was impressed with the author’s accurate research, which made the story even more realistic. This is easily a five star rating for me, and I appreciate Netgalley providing me with an ARC!

I received an advanced copy of this book and I could not put it down. It’s one of those books you think about for days after reading. Set in two different time periods, you follow the lives of two ladies who’s stories are intertwined. Both working on the same Post Office mural for different reasons. The town I live in has a mural and it made me want to know all I can about the creator of it and his story! I can’t wait until this book comes out and I can recommend it to all my fellow readers.

While it took me a few chapters to get used to the alternating chapter by voice style, I was quickly hooked to the mysteries presented by the painting and artist. As all of the pieces were revealed, I found my predictions to be challenged. By chapter 25, I couldn't put down the book. Another great work by a fantastic author. Diane Chamberlain never disappoints!!

Enjoyed this book! It was written to keep you in suspense the whole way thru with new details unfolding. But I wouldn’t call it a suspense novel. It had history but was very much up to date with today’s events. I enjoyed this book a lot!

Loved everything about this intriguing novel! Plot twists, lovable relatable characters and life lessons!! Just a fun fantastic read that kept me guessing and surprised right to the end!

received a free loan of this novel from netgalley for my honest review!

Such a really good book, entwining story line with a hint of mystery, because you just need to know the why!!! I really enjoyed this great read

Another great novel from Diane Chamberlain. I couldn't put it down. I love the way she connected the lives of Morgan ( in the present) and Anna ( in the 1940's) . They were both strong women and believable characters. It kept me guessing until the last chapters. I highly recommend it !

Really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author went between the past and present in telling the story.