I have read a few books by this author, and one of my favorite things that she possesses is the ability to create fully developed characters that you will be able to relate to. That doesn't mean you will always like them, but there are times an author feels rushed and that is not the case. This book alternates between two time periods with ease, and weaves together a tale that draws you in and keeps you turning the page. I really enjoyed it.

I have always loved Diane Chamberlain's novels and this was no exception. I loved the multi decade story and I was drawn in instantly. Thank you so much for the advanced copy of this.

Having recently finished “Big Lies in a Small Town” by Diane Chamberlain, I am happy to have had the chance for the e-book; thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press!

Diane Chamberlain tells another emotionally charged story that had me turning the pages at home, and listening to the audio while at work too! In this "mystery of the mural" I enjoyed both past (Anna) and present (Morgan) stories equally.
The art details were my favorite part of the story; whether they were of the original painting of the mural, or the restoration, I found all of that information very fascinating.

A superb piece of women's fiction combining art & history into an excellent, enthralling & utterly absorbing read. Told in alternating points of view, with chapters named for each narrator, this was well written (one wouldn't expect any less from this author) & a truly original story. I could not recommend it any more strongly.

Morgan Christopher is a young woman currently incarcerated for the DUI she was involved with which seriously injured another young woman. Her sentence isn't long, but she was drunk & even though she wasn't the driver, she is paying the price for him, her ex-boyfriend. She used to be an art student but with her career on hold, her sole focus is on surviving prison. Until, one day, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime & everything changes for her & the people she comes to know as a result.

Do not miss this outstanding story. Thank you to Netgalley, the author Diane Chamberlain & the publisher St. Martin's Press for the free copy I was given in return for an honest review.

I received an advance digital copy of this book from the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is my first Diane Chamberlain novel, and it certainly won't be my last. This story is a perfectly balanced tale of two timelines, two very different women and the challenges and prejudices they face in a small North Carolina town. That is actually all I can say about this book without spoiling anything and I hate spoilers.

I will say that my review for this book is so ridiculously behind schedule because I read this book twice before writing it. The story grabs you in the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. Amazing work.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended!

This was my first time reading Diane Chamberlain and it will not be my last book to read by her! What an excellent storyteller! This book is about two different artists whose lives become intertwined with the most fascinating narrative that I could not wait to see how it ended. The story is told in two different timelines and are two different narratives that intercept in the present. Anna Dale won a contest to paint a mural in the town of Edenton, NC in 1939. Jesse Jameson's daughter, Lisa arranges for Morgan to be released from prison in 2018 to restore the mural from 1939. Morgan has never restored a mural in her life and isn't really sure she is qualified to complete the job but really needs the money. Oliver works at the gallery and they become friends and he helps her restore the mural. Anna Dales story is the story behind the mural and how the mural came to be. Morgan's story is present day and the restoration and discovering the secrets that the mural holds. Morgan's story also tells why she was in prison and details about her life. This is one of my favorite new reads. When the lies of the past come full circle in present day and the truth is revealed in the end. What an enthralling and immaculately written book and I can't wait to read other books by Chamberlain. I'm also hoping there is a sequel to this book after reading the ending!

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic book!.

This was absolutely spectacular, just divine. My second read of Chamberlain’s so I really shouldn’t have expected anything less than this. This alternates from current day (2018) to the past (1940) and is set in North Carolina. Current day, we begin with Morgan, who is currently serving a 3 year sentence for a crime she did not commit and believes her art career is either over or put on hold indefinitely. But then she receives a visit from a stranger, and suddenly there is hope. She gets an offer to restore an old post office mural in a small NC town in exchange for her release. Obvi she accepts. And afterwards, she realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew. She has never restored anything before, for one thing.

Flip to the past, 1940, said small town. Anna Dale is the artist who won a national competition to paint the mural that Morgan is supposed to restore. She also bites off more than she can chew, as back in 1940, the townsfolk were not as accepting and she walks into a scenario that is not quite what she expected.

As the two timelines work together, we learn more about each of these two women, but less is known about Anna. No one will talk about what happened to her, or what happened to the mural, and the question of why Morgan was selected to restore it is just as much a mystery.

I had no expectations going into this one and it was a joy to read this way. This is storytelling at its finest, and I was as enthralled in the restoration of this painting and the stories that were unveiled with it as was Morgan, and at times it felt like I was right there with her. I highly recommend this one, and Chamberlain is quickly moving up my list as an auto-read author.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-galley to review.

Another great novel by Diane Chamberlain. I have only read a handful of Chamberlain's books but this is a must read. Written beautifully between two era's (past - 1940 & present), we follow two main characters throughout this novel - Morgan (present) & Anna (past). Once I picked up this book it was very hard to put down. I was drawn in from the very beginning. It was a book I wish could have went on a little longer, I wasn't ready to part with these two.

Morgan has been asked to restore a mural that was painted by a young artist in 1939. This is Morgan's get out of jail free card after a DUI. Morgan is an artist but has no idea how to restore paintings but she takes the other and learns so much about the original artist along the way. A retelling of history where a young women who competes with male artists wins a contest to paint a mural for a small town. Anna is a beautiful young lady trying to make a name for herself as an artist. Anna is strong willed and will not let people bully her or her students that she has helping her with the mural.

The history of this mural is one that will stay with the read long after you are finished reading this novel. Chamberlain combines mystery, racism, bullying, friendship and love to make this an unforgettable tale.

I give this book a 5 stars.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was well written and an interesting story line. Morgan is released from prison to restore a painting to be displayed in the gallery of one of her favorite artists who has recently died, despite not having any restoration experience. The book then flashes back to Anna Dale who is the artist commissioned to paint a mural for a North Carolina post office in 1940. This is the painting that Morgan has to restore in 2018. By switching back and forth between the women, the reader is slowly given their backgrounds and finds out how they are connected. A few twists keep the reader guessing right until the end.

There has never been a Diane Chamberlain book that I haven’t loved and this was another homerun for me! Fantastic story of a girl recently released from prison in order to restore a mural from an artist she has never even heard of. I was on the edge of my seat and would recommend to anyone!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I ended up not finishing it, as it wasn’t working for my current read mood. But I definitely have some patrons in mind to recommend this one to.

Morgan in serving time in prison for a crime she didn't commit - but she's about to get a second chance when she is offered to do a restoration on a mural at a post office that was painted in 1939 by a young woman, Anna Dale.
The story alternates between Morgan's story and Anna's story. During Anna's time in North Carolina in 1939, there was quite a bit of upheaval as the townspeople don't believe she deserves the chance to paint this mural nor do they trust her when she befriends a young black student. In the present, Morgan is determined to finish the restoration and find out what happened to Anna.
I really enjoyed the dual timelines and the strong female leads. Definitely a page turner!
Thanks to Diane Chamberlain, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. 3.5 stars!

Wonderful novel, great character building and full of many aspects of life.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for fair and honest opinion.

An interesting read, a bit of a struggle to get through but overall ok - I appreciate the opportunity to review it!

DNF. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this early copy! I decided to not keep reading this one, it was not for me. Thanks!

Two story lines that are woven together with great story telling. Diane hits out of the park again with her masterful writing. This book deals with lots of issues: race, gender equality, abuse and mental illness but tells the story of 2 very strong women from different times. Don't miss this book.

This book is beautifully thought-out, well-written, and lovely to read. Diane Chamberlain is one of my favorite story tellers, and this book is a great example of why!

Diane Chamberlain writes a compulsive and gripping novel that skillfully weaves the stories of two women alternating between 1940 and 2018. Perfect blend of mystery and history. Both Morgan and Anna were strong sassy characters who I found quite relatable. This book explores racism in a small, southern town setting, historical and current dueling timelines, and a slowly unraveling mystery. I have never had the pleasure of reading one of author Diane Chamberlain's books, but will look out for her offerings in the future. I can highly recommend this book. I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

Morgan is released from jail after one mandatory year served - thanks to a famous artist's daughter. Morgan is to restore a mural from 1940, to be hung in Jesse Jameson Williams' new art gallery. As part of his will, Jesse charges Morgan with the restoration of a government commissioned mural for the Edenton post office mural. Morgan struggles with acclimating to her freedom as well as her lack of restoration experience. If Morgan fails to finish by the opening date of August 5 - Jesse allowed for no extensions, not only will Morgan not get paid but Jesse's daughter, Lisa, will lose her family home. As Morgan cleans the mural, begins to build confidence, she leans on Oliver, the gallery curator. They learn together how to restore Anna Dale's mural - as well as question her sanity as her painting reveals several conflicting images.
Anna Dale was selected from hundreds of applicants, including Edenton's own artist, to paint the town's post office mural. Shortly after her mother's sudden death, Anna travels to Edenton for research. She meets the prominent men of the town - each sharing their opinion of not only what should be included in the mural but also the confusion of Anna's winning rather than Martin Drapple.
I enjoyed Anna's story immensely - the contrast of Northern segregation and racism vs. Virginia; the reality of a professional woman vs. the traditional housewife. Pauline, Karl, Miss Myrtle and Freda each illustrated the expectations of their station in life - wife, husband/police officer, boarding house owner, valued family help. I loved them all - even when they were given the racist voices of their time period.
Morgan's narrative was enjoyable - though I felt the storyline fairly obvious. The author clearly intended for Oliver and Morgan to become romantically interested in each other. Morgan's connection to Anna Dale also easy to guess. The mural was completed in time for the gallery opening - the mysterious artist attended.
Overall, I enjoyed this book though may not recommend to friends.