Member Reviews
Thankyou to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and the author, Diane Chamberlain, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Big Lies In A Small Town in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
This book provided an incredible read. From the opening chapters, I was sucked in.
The storyline was well thought out and written with characters that are well defined and very realistic.
The change in timelines was seemless. The scenery was highly descriptive. I was lost in the Deep South of the 1940's ; The warmth of the sun, the feel of the breeze.. Beautiful.
Well worth a read.
When I received an email from #Netgalley letting me know I had 48 hours to read #BigLiesInASmallTown by #DianeChamberlain I knew I was NOT going to say no. I am a HUGE fan of her work. From the start this book just pulls you in. You want to know the story of #annadale and #morganchristopher. You are intrigued and shocked as you explore their stories together. You flip through time in the 1940s and present but it ebbs and flows so wonderfully that you have no issues keeping up with the who, what, where, and why. You will laugh and cry. Forewarning you will be #upallnight devouring this book with an ending that is so #unexpected you will clap delightedly that the #author was able to pull one over on you. This is a must read. #arc #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #books📚 #booknerd #thisisfortyone
Another great Diane Chamberlain book! I really enjoyed this story, and art is not something I would typically read about. She has a way of weaving together characters that you feel like you almost know them yourself.
If you love Diane Chamberlain then this one won't disappoint!
A most excellent read! I was engrossed from the first page on. I’ve read a few of this author’s books and I just really enjoy her way with words. This book takes us back and forth between the late 30s/early 40s and today, intertwining art, culture, and every day life in the small, bayside town of Edenton, NC.
Depth of characters, superbly plotted twists and turns, and easily imagined descriptions make this another good read by Diane Chamberlain.
That was a good book. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the early read!
Oh my goodness! This book was so very good! It was told in two time lines both very interesting! Loved the characters and the story. I wasn’t quite ready for it to end! Definitely recommend this book and author! I love her books! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
I personally met Diane two years ago when she spoke at a luncheon I hosted for 500 women. She was a major success! I have read almost all her books and I think this is the best ever. The novel alternates chapters from 1940 and 2018 as she masterfully links the eras with wonderfully drawn characters in a truly original plot. So many books today explore the same rehashed story lines with no originality. I finished the book is less than two days. I adored it ! If anything, this is an understatement of my love fir this book. I think it will be a best seller. She brought the characters to life and her descriptions of the process of restoring fine art were riveting. Sometimes a novel can not sustain itself and the ending can feel contrived and tacked on. This one succeeded brilliantly. Kudos to Diane. Thank you for sharing this story. BRAVO
Wonderful story. I love the back and forth between old and new. I learned a great deal about the art world too. The writing drew me in initially but then the story and characters grabbed me. Another winner for Diane Chamberlain!
Diane Chamberlain is a masterful storyteller. Big Lies in a Small Town is a story that links the past and present. It is a story of trauma and survival, of friendship and family, of love and art and second chances. With a fast paced plot and well developed characters, Diane Chamberlain has done it again!
Another quick, exciting read from Diane Chamberlain. She does an excellent job on character development and always has a great story. This one, with the art and New Deal murals mixed with current day issues, was a winner. If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable read- Chamberlain delivers. Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the preview copy.
Excellent novel based in the small, idyllic town of Edenton, North Carolina. The author did a wonderful job bringing this generations long story to life, and creating characters you’ll love and hate.
Alright, I going to start this off with my love for Diane Chamberlain is unwavering.
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She speaks to me as a North Carolinian and it is always, always lovely.
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Big Lies in a Small Town came the year after my favorite title of Diane's....The Dream Daughter.
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I say all this to say. This was not my favorite (insert gasp here). The writing was well done and I am always a huge fan of well done dual timelines. This one for me was a little predictable and a smidge cliche. I know, I know.
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Overall. It was a fantastic story...but I will not recommend this one quite as much as some of her others.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This was my second Diane Chamberlain novel that I have read and I was not disappointed. The story shifts between 1939/1940 and 2018. Once you get used to the switching of time periods it is very easy to follow. There is some romance, suspense and mystery. A very appealing story and I give it four stars.
OMG!! This book pulls you in and doesn't let go. A mystery, a secret, hope, and second chances that spans several generations. Loved it!!!
I received a free copy of this book from Net Gallery in exchange for an honest review.
Morgan has been serving time in jail for a crime he did not do.
She sees a mysterious visitor in prison who offers to get her released if she restores an art mural.
In doing this, she discovers a small town that is filled with loads of secrets.
She is trying to discover what happened to Anna Dale. Does the secret lie in the mural
A very thrilling book.
This book has come to be one of my favorite reads this year. The story is told between two voices and two time periods, Anna the artist in the 1940’s and Morgan who is restoring Anna’s mural in the modern day. It takes place in a small southern town of Edenton North Carolina. The author really made the town and it’s people come to life in the book. The book keep me engrossed in wanting to know the story of the mural. I loved the ending and how it brought everything together. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc copy.
I've read several books by Diane Chamberlain, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I only planned to read a couple of chapters and then go do some housework, but this was so good that I had to read it all in one sitting. The characters were appealing and realistic. The story captivated my attention.
Thank you Net Galley for this lovely ARC. Amazing story of two women, from two different eras and how their lives intertwine through art. All of the characters were really interesting and a job well done connecting them throughout the novel. Absolutely loved this page turner.
Loved it!
I was so happy when I received an ARC of this book, since I've read and re-read the Outlander series. I was also apprehensive that my hopes were too high.
This book was better than I expected! I read it in one day, and ignored just about everything so that I could read "just one more chapter" .
This alternated between Morgan's story in the present, and Anna's story in the past. I loved both stories! When it switched I would have a moment of disappointment that I was leaving one story. Then I would be so happy to be in the other story. Back and forth, back and forth, which really brought out more emotions than if it had been told any other way.
Thank you so much to the publisher and net galley for the advance copy, which did not effect my review.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The details are amazing. The link between past and present was smooth less. The characters pull you in from page one. It is one of those books I will read again. I’m in love with every character in the book. The horrors of of living in the south divided by what color of skin you have. The difficult times standing up for togetherness. It is a book at its best. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE.
#netgalley #dianechamberlain #bigliesinasmalltown
Diane Chamberlain is now officially a favorite author of mine after reading this incredible book.
I felt so many emotions while reading this story. The jump from past to present was so well done and I truly cared about both characters in this story.
We are introduced to Morgan Christopher who is serving time in prison for a DUI. She is propositioned by a lawyer and a daughter of a famous artist to be released on parole under the condition that she help restore a mural for an art gallery opening. Morgan has no idea why she was selected for this job, but she soon finds herself deeply invested in restoring this mural and the artist behind it.
This story immediately pulled me in and my I felt so much joy, heartache and suspense throughout. Chamberlain does a spectacular job of tackling sensitive subjects and bringing history to life. I can’t wait to read more from her.