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.

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,