While the story was unique with some amazing characters, it just didn't grab my attention like I expected it to. Maybe it's because I'm not a historical fiction fan. I'm a big mystery lover and that is the reason I finished the book. The mystery aspect was so well written that I just wanted to know what happens at the end. The story is told over 2 time periods from the perspective of 2 female artists. I liked Diane's style of writing and storytelling. I'll definitely be checking out other books by this author. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain is such a unique novel. A woman in jail is given the opportunity to leave if she completes an art restoration. But she quickly uncovers a mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this writer's writing style and the way she unfolds details into the story. I found her narrative easy to read. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book I’ve read by Diane Chamberlain. I enjoy the characters she develops and also her details. This book had a dual story line in the past and the present. I liked that the characters in the present were trying to figure out the story behind the painting. This is a good, engrossing read..

I tried, just couldn't get into this one. There were a few twists but more repetitive comments that made me skim through. I can't figure it out but it's similar to another book that I read years ago. Kinda boring...

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain is a dual era mystery. This is not a favorite writing style for me as I tend to lose myself in one time and have difficulty switching myself back and forth.

That said, this was a good storyline with mysteries in both time periods. The book was well-written and the pace is steady. There are several twists that took me by surprise. The characters are believable and it’s easy to understand their motives and personality.

I recommend this book to readers of women’s literature, mysteries, and historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

1940: Anna Dale has won an art competition and will be completing a mural for the town of Edenton, NC. She temporarily moves to the town (unplanned) to learn more about it and be able to get an accurate depiction for the mural, which will hang in the town's Post Office. There is mystery surrounding Anna, who disappeared before the mural could be properly displayed. No one knows the true story of what happened to her.

2018: Morgan Christopher is currently serving time in jail for a drunken evening that went horribly wrong. Two women show up at the prison one day with an offer she really can't refuse. They hold for her a get out of jail card - she was hand-picked by a recently deceased artist to restore a mural in time for the opening of an art gallery. While Morgan was an art student, she's never done anything like this before. She has know idea why she was chosen to do this. What choice does she have but to accept the offer and figure out how to accomplish this task?

This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved the story. The two main characters - Anna and Morgan - were so very likable. I really enjoyed the alternating stories of the past and present. There were a few mysteries that were solved at the end and I didn't find the book to be predictable. I finished this book with a smile on my face. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author. Make sure to read the Acknowledgment section!

I have always enjoyed boks by the amazing Diane Chamberlain and this one didn't disappoint.
This novel is based on 2 women who are tied together by a painting that appears to hold many secrets.
It has mystery, determination and emotion.
The novel spans 1940 and 2018
Thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

Diane Chamberlain has done it again! Her stories are always riveting. What a fantastic book! This novel tells two compelling storylines that fit together perfectly. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for ARC. What a wonderful novel blending that of mystery and history in such a beautifully compelling way. Both Morgan and Anna were strong sassy characters who I found to be relatable and entertaining.

Wow! This story had twists and turns that I didn't expect. Definitely had me guessing on what was going to happen next. An intriguing weekend read!

Diane Chamberlain is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This is the third book of hers and again doesn’t fail. The characters are both likable and some are hated. Small town with secrets, set in a time of racial segregation, plot line keeps you guessing.

I enjoyed this from the first chapter - the story follows Morgan Christopher, a young woman offered early release from prison in exchange for restoring a mural created in 1940 and Anna Dale's story as the artist who originally created the mural. Both timelines are compelling and transition easily between the two. The characters are likeable and easily come to life.

Another Chamberlain novel captures my heart. I think it was even better because this was written in my home state, and was so true to the history. I loved the story line both in present day and past. Her novels always keep me so intrigued, the writing is beautiful. And the story keeps you captivated. Highly recommend!

Enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and interesting. The different times give this book a sense of authenticity.

I really enjoyed this story, it was original and the characters were very likeable. Definitely will recommend to friends for a great weekend away read!

Entertaining from the beginning. The characters are likeable and I could not put it down. Diane Chamberlain does it again!

Another masterpiece from DianeChamberlain, who is a master at writing complex books that explore social issues. In this dual timeline story., Morgan Christopher lives in the present. She has been convicted of a crime and is serving time in prison. She is offered the chance of early release but it has strange conditions. She must move to a tiny town in the south and restore an old mural. She is an artist, but she knows nothing about art restoration. What she uncovers through the mural about herself, the past, and the world os life changing. In the second timeline (past), Anna Dale is an artist working on the original piece of art. She experiences violence and hatred when she befriends another artist of a different race. The two timelines come together beautifully and the book is gorgeous, sad, illuminating, and hopeful,

I wasn't familiar with Diane Chamberlain's work when I agreed to review Big Lies in a Small Town, but I must say, I'm impressed. With not one, but two great story lines that are woven together seamlessly, Ms Chamberlain takes the reader on a voyage they will not soon forget. The characters are fully fleshed out, making you feel as if you've known them for some time, and wish to know them better. The scenes are described in great detail, enabling the reader to become fully immersed in the book and forget about the rest of the world for a while. Big Lies in a Small Town is compelling, charming, and thoughtful. A must read. Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for introducing me to this wonderful author. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

It's 2018 and in a North Carolina Woman's Correctional Facility, Morgan Christopher is visited by a stranger who offers her immediate release if she will renew an old mural at a Post Office in a small town.

Accepting the offer, Morgan does not realize what was behind the mural in both history and mystery. As she works to bring the mural back to life, she finds clues hidden within the mural that Anna Dale originally worked on in 1940.

This story weaves in and out of 1940 and 2018 with an intriguing mystery, history and lots of drama.

I always look forward to each new release by Diane Chamberlain and this book was no exception. If you are looking for a great read, pick up this book and immerse yourself in it.

5 stars

As I was reading this I kept saying how slow it seemed. The going back and forth from person/time to person/time made it seem to drag a little to me. However, once I got to around 70% it picked up the pace and ended great. There is a lot of backstory to this that is necessary, and makes the book what it is, so the lengthy back and forth is prudent. The ending made me cry and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Always love anything by this extremely talented author. Highly recommend this book and any other books you can find by Diane Chamberlain. You will not be disappointed!