In this surprising and chaotic modern romance novel, readers follow Minty and her twins as they return to Maida Vale to start their lives over. However, local law enforcement has their eyes on Minty given her past as an art forger arrested before the events of the novel. Having to prove that her fresh start is indeed fresh, Minty and her family’s life in Maida Vale is both utterly mundane and endlessly entertaining in this clever new release. Exploring themes of family care and single parenthood, readers will also love Minty’s dogs and their hijinks throughout the novel. Minty, her family, and the other characters in the novel are complex and relatable, and the ways in which their pasts haunt them only add to their complexity and their narrative arcs, and readers will love the character development among these pages. The setting further highlights the characters’ strengths and the juxtaposition among different plot points, and readers will love this take on a West London modern romance and second chance novel. Entertaining, enjoyable, and immersive, this new modern romance is a humorous and heartwarming new release novel that fans of romance novels -- especially ones with a twist -- are sure to enjoy.

Monty’s return to Maida Vale and raising her twins . Church attendance weighs up odds of the kids schooling . Go figure. Everyone has eyes on her following the forgery ring , convinced she knows where a legendary missing painting is at . She just wants a genuine start and to repaint her life’s canvas . A welcome stranger lurks in the shadows but is he friend or foe? Which way does she go? Life’s not a bed of roses but for this artist , life’s canvas just got clearer.. great writing, immersive and fun read. I read an advance of this book and I’m leaving my voluntary review

In the heart of Maida Vale, the vibrant setting of Holly Denham’s infectious comedy, "Love Painted in Lies," readers are introduced to Minty, a charmingly flawed protagonist whose return home spirals into a whirlwind of chaos and hilarity. This laugh-out-loud narrative is not merely a surface-level comedy; it intricately weaves themes of love, deception, and the quest for redemption amidst the backdrop of familial obligations and the often absurd realities of modern life. At its core, Minty's journey is about reclaiming her identity in a world that has long tethered her to a scandalous past. The whispers of her involvement in a family art forgery ring loom ominously over her, threatening to tarnish her new life as a mother and caretaker. Denham deftly explores the theme of reinvention, as Minty grapples with her desire for a fresh start while contending with the suspicions cast by those around her. The tension between her past and present adds depth to her character, illuminating a universal struggle—the need to move on from our past mistakes while facing the shadows they cast. The narrative takes an exciting turn with the introduction of a mysterious stranger, who complicates Minty's already tumultuous life. This character serves as a catalyst for both romance and intrigue, challenging Minty's resolve to remain detached from her former life. The tension between potential love and lingering doubts plays out beautifully, reflecting the unpredictable nature of relationships. Is he a new beginning or a haunting reminder of what she seeks to escape? This question propels the plot forward, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic figure. Furthermore, Denham's portrayal of the cutthroat world of London school admissions adds a comedic yet poignant layer to the story. The ‘church-attendance game’ becomes a metaphor for the lengths to which parents will go to secure a future for their children, highlighting societal pressures and the sometimes absurd nature of parental ambition. This satirical look at the education system invites readers to reflect on the importance of authenticity versus the façade many feel compelled to maintain. As Minty navigates the challenges of motherhood, societal expectations, and the possible resurgence of her criminal past, Denham masterfully blends humor with heartfelt moments. The juxtaposition of gangsters on her heels and the everyday chaos of raising twins contributes to a rich narrative tapestry that keeps readers laughing while also touching on deeper themes of loyalty, family, and self-acceptance. In conclusion, "Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale" is not just a feel-good comedy; it is a multifaceted exploration of life's complexities through Minty’s humorous lens. Holly Denham has crafted a story that resonates on multiple levels, inviting readers to laugh, ponder, and ultimately connect with a protagonist who is both relatable and engaging. As Minty attempts to repaint her life’s canvas amid the chaos, readers are left with the uplifting message that it is never too late to seek redemption and embrace new beginnings, even in the face of past mistakes.

A fairly cute cozy mystery that kept me turning pages because I just had to know how the mystery was going to end. I hope there's more in this series.

Really fun book to read. Really enjoyed how the author engaged the reader from the start and although the title doesn’t give much to the type of read, it is well worth your time. A great beach read or book to gift!

Interesting plot and idea…

While reading was enjoyable and fun, I had a hard time finishing the novel. It most likely is because this novel was different from my usual books that made it hard to connect.

Definitely for someone who would enjoy reading about a painter’s genuine attempt at a new, hardworking life, but is it easy to let go of the family’s past involving an art forgery ring.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A witty romp about a frazzled mother and a mystery related to art forgeries. Not too deep but quite amusing.

This was the first book that I have read by this author. Minty is a talented artist but doesn’t make her own work. There is so much that I want to say about this but I’ll just leave it at this was a fantastic banter romance with twists and lies that will keep you glued.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

This was a gorgeous, quirky & heartwarming read. Great characters and a light-hearted, funny plot line, it’s the perfect escapism read.

The book was okay , I personally did not like the writing style so it took a while for me to get into it

"Rom-Com meets Mystery Caper - A compulsive page-turner!"


Minty has recently been widowed, leaving her to raise two primary school aged twins (Harry and Harriet), whilst caring for two new additions to the family, Old English Sheepdog puppies, who are totally out of control and a menace both in and out of the home they all now share with Minty's aging parents, who are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with reality and the proprieties of day to day living.

Minty's sister Tamsin tries to keep a wary eye on all of her extended family, as she only lives a short distance from her old family home, despite being married to Thomas, having a family of her own, and now living a completely different lifestyle to the chaos which fills Minty's world. Minty and Tamsin also have a brother Rupert, who plays a much smaller part in the overall storyline, although he definitely isn't as innocent as one might think.

Minty has served time at Her Majesty's pleasure for forgery, one of the lesser crimes, when all is said and done, but with both she and her siblings still being 'persons of interest' to the authorities. In fact, the entire family has a dubious past and now, after whatever crimes the police suspect the family might have perpetrated which remain unproven and with which they were never charged, at least once a year Inspector Michael T. James from the Arts & Antiquities unit of the Met, makes an appearance just to remind Minty that he hasn't forgotten the family, or closed the investigation.

As you might have guessed, the family are not as innocuous as they might at first seem, although the true extent of their nefarious activities isn't revealed until near the end of the book. Meanwhile, two particularly vicious gang members from Minty's past reappear on the scene, wanting to close some unfinished business which dates back to those early days before she was incarcerated. It remains to be seen who will come off better in their exchanges and whether Minty has lost her touch.

...

I am not generally 'into' romantic comedy as a genre and something has to really 'tickle my fancy' before I find it funny and it makes me smile. Perhaps it was that this story was comedy British style, a bit sassy and spicy, very tongue-in-cheek and often necessary to suspend belief quite a bit, but I found myself smiling an awful lot and there were even some chuckle out loud moments. I would have said that the art forgery elements of the storyline also make this book something of a mystery caper, easily on a par with others I have read in the genre. However, there were also some aspects of the messaging within the story which were much more serious, almost sobering and were interesting to evaluate as Minty dealt with them in her own inimitable style.

A dual timeline story, with each chapter containing a 'Then and Now' section, although both the time lines or chapter breaks were not too clearly delineated when I read this on my Kindle, but perhaps they are clearer in other formats, so not a criticism, as I don't know that.

Fast-paced and easy to read, once I had worked out who everyone was in this ultra-busy and quite convoluted plotline, the pages virtually turned themselves and I was almost sad when the saga played out to its conclusion and I closed the final page.

As a confirmed 'armchair traveller' I generally look for place names I recognise, with descriptions and details enough to transport me there on my reading journey. However, I actually never noticed what was going on around Minty and her friends and family, as I was so caught up in their chaotic and manic lives, busy concentrating on the characters and twisty storyline, so well done! to author Holly Denham for some fantastic diversionary tactics!

The storyline and journey the author takes me on, may be a bit fanciful, but I'm a sucker for anything to do with art and art crime, so that was fine by me. These were three very entrepreneurial siblings, each with their own set of unique talents, who managed to pull the wool over the eyes of many experienced art dealers and collectors. Tamsin is organised and meticulous with detail and Rupert is the smooth-talker, who can divert attention from what is going on right under someone's nose. But it is Minty who is the class act with her natural knack for recreating works of art in the style of the original artist - and so well that even the most fastidious collectors are fooled. Okay, you can call it out for what it was - forgery - if you must, but for Minty this was her only way of truly expressing herself.

Minty also has another bite at the romance cherry, with someone she believes to be a gym coach called Devon. It takes a lot to con a conman, however Devon manages it so well, until he actually begins to have genuine romantic feelings towards Minty and her quirky family. It is a shock for them all when Devon reveals his true identity and it was left to my imagination to work out whether there was still a possibility of a romance between the two of them after the dust had settled, as clearly by now Devon is more than aware of what he is letting himself in for if he takes Minty, the disaster that is always waiting to happen around her, and her eclectic extended family.

The family characters were really well drawn and developed, at times I wasn't sure who was caring for whom, so muddled and distracted was Minty's thinking, reason and logic, yet somehow they seemed to all get by, although the young twins got relegated to the margins of the storyline and I would have liked to see them included a bit more. Minty's late husband Dustin had been the guiding and stable force in Minty's life, who as you might by now have worked out, is definitely on the spectrum and has an attention and concentration disorder, although, typical of the condition, she has a particular and unique talent at which she excels. Hiding behind this skill gives her the chance to lead a different life, because she thinks her real self isn't good enough and she still believes that she is a failure and disappointment to her father, who has always tried to encourage her to create something original and let her true self shine through. Even though it is already far too late for Minty to share that moment with her mother, she aims to make her father proud before he too, loses his grip on reality. Add to the mix, a giant of a man called Quinn and a very disgruntled Russian and you can see just how manic and complicated Minty's life has become. None of the characters are perfect, but they are all 'real' in the very loose sense of the word and against all the odds I quickly found myself able to relate to them.

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers, and author for an ARC of Love Painted in Lies.

This book is a 3.5 star read.
It starts in chaos and doesn't sit down from there. There are several laugh out loud moments and overall it was a good story, but I found it all a bit too much at times. The central character (Minty) has a lot going on, with extra thrown on top. Likable characters thrown in with love to hate characters brings the book full circle, but as I've stated, just a little too much chaos for my brain at times.

I've tried a few times now to get into this book but I just can't and I think I need to just give up. The first chapter throws you right into Minty's life as a mum of two who has to not only look after her kids but her parents as well. However, I really couldn't get into this first chapter no matter how much I tried because it all felt really chaotic and like it was jumping around too much, and I just felt detached from everything.

Thank you to NetGalley and Front Recruitment Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I raced through it in about 2 days! Good fun plot.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

this was very cute! i love reading a book about london as someone who lives here and this was no exception! i'm not going to lie, it took me a bit to get into it, but once i did it was very enjoyable.

thank you netgalley and front recruitment publishing for the arc.

Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale by Holly Denham was a bit of a slow moving read but I did enjoy it. Minty is a single mom raising twins and now back in her parents house to help them as her parents are having so issues being on their own now. Working as an artist at home, she's able to create her weird sculptures, much to the neighbors dismay. She's reluctant however to do some of her art due to her past.

The story jumps from the past to the present quite often. It does have quite a few funny moments but it just didn't hold me like some other stories did. I do recommend it if you like this type of story.

Thank you Netgalley and Front Recruitment Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The authors previous works are pride of place on my bookshelf, they have survived several previous culls for space and remain a go to for a re read. When I saw a new book by this fabulous author I was over joyed! This book is fantastic and does not disappoint. Quintessentially English and an absolutely joy to read. The plot is wickedly twisty supplemented by a cast of characters bringing comedy, romance and jeopardy into the story. Paddington and Muffin are just the cherry on top of a delicious book bun. Loved it! More please.

Thank you Netgalley

Quite a different read, it was funny in places and also rather confusing in others. The main character was very different from your run of the mill heroines, but that really only added to the appeal. I found her descriptions of Minty’s mum with dementia very touching.

Very good story, very well written, the plot was excellent, I really enjoyed reading it.
I didn't know the author, but it was a great first approach.