Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale by Holly Denham is a hilarious, feel-good comedy that expertly blends mystery, romance, and everyday chaos. The story follows Minty, who returns to Maida Vale with the challenges of raising twins, managing her quirky Old English Sheepdog, and dealing with the demands of caring for her parents. However, her seemingly ordinary life is far from it. Minty is shadowed by the dark whispers of her past involvement in a notorious family art forgery ring, which once deceived London's elite.

As Minty navigates the tangled web of her new life, the law remains suspicious of her return, convinced she's out to uncover a missing treasure of priceless art. Minty must work to prove that her intentions are honest and that she's truly seeking a fresh start. But is she hiding something? Could her return be more than a simple attempt to repaint her life, or is she hiding the secrets of her past?

The comedic brilliance of the novel shines through as Minty balances school runs, the absurdity of London’s cutthroat school admissions process, and the appearance of a mysterious stranger who brings both intrigue and a dash of romance into her life. With gangsters on her tail and love on the horizon, Love Painted in Lies is a witty and engaging read that will keep readers laughing and guessing until the very end. Denham crafts a charming tale where art, lies, and love collide, offering a delightful escape into a world full of humor and heart.

Holly Denham’s Love Painted in Lies is a delightful blend of mystery, humour, and heart that draws you into the chaotic, colourful life of Minty - a woman returning to Maida Vale to piece together her life under the lingering shadow of her family’s scandalous past.

Whispers of a family-run art forgery ring and a legendary missing painting swirl around Minty, and the watchful eyes of the law are convinced she’s back to unearth long-buried secrets.

But Minty has more immediate chaos to juggle: raising twins, caring for her aging parents, managing sibling dynamics, and navigating the possibility of romance amidst all the madness.

Minty is such a relatable, engaging protagonist.

Her struggle to juggle and balance her many roles while facing the weight of her family’s notorious history makes her both sympathetic and utterly human.

When love begins to enter her life, it adds another layer of complexity, as Minty must decide how much of her chaotic world to reveal without scaring him off.

The gradual revelation of Minty’s family’s con artist history through flashbacks adds a compelling layer of suspense to the plot.

Denham masterfully weaves these elements into the story, creating twists and turns that rival some of the best suspense thrillers.

Yet the book never loses its humour or its heart, making it as entertaining as it is intriguing.

The true charm of Love Painted in Lies lies in its exploration of family and the everyday mayhem of life at home.

Minty’s relationships with her parents, children, and siblings are filled with warmth, humour, and the kind of chaos that’s instantly relatable.

These moments not only create laugh-out-loud situations but also ground the story in genuine emotion, making you care deeply for the characters and their struggles.

Packed with drama, desire, and disaster, Love Painted in Lies is perfect as a holiday read, a pick-me-up, or a companion for a lazy weekend.

Once you dive in, you won’t want to put it down.

Holly Denham has created a story that’s as compelling as it is entertaining, leaving readers eager for more.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a rollicking caper of a read!

We meet Minty, a single mother of twins who is a talented artist, She lives with her aging parents to support them as her mum has developed Alzheimer's, and she has a couple of big old English sheepdogs too. So it's a bit of a chaotic household to say the least!

In her younger days, Minty used her artistic talents for forgery to some degree of success - landing her a stint in jail. Now she's out and going straight, but faces from the past have re-appeared asking questions and making demands she's unable to keep.

Minty is a scattered character to put it politely, putting a new spin on an unreliable narrator. We are never entirely sure what she is thinking or how the makes the decisions she does, along with her kids, family and basically everyone else who has any contact with her.

I did enjoy the book, it's a nice easy ready and plenty going on to keep it interesting. I did start to lose track of who 's who and what's what at some points as there was so much going on. Would be a good read for holidays when you have noting else you need to focus on for a few hours.

Love Painted in Lies by Holly Denham is a delightful and humorous romp filled with chaos, charm, and heart. Minty returns to Maida Vale to manage the everyday challenges of family life, but her past—tied to a notorious art forgery ring—casts a long shadow. As she tries to start fresh, she’s pulled into a whirlwind of mystery, with a missing painting, suspicious strangers, and the high-stakes world of school admissions. Witty, fast-paced, and full of laugh-out-loud moments, this feel-good comedy mixes romance, family drama, and a dash of intrigue for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I loved everything about this book! The characters, the plot, the cover!!! Everything. I would absolutely recommend this to my friends

This is my first time reading something by this author. It's a delightful British romantic comedy, filled with quirky characters, hilarious mishaps, and just the right amount of suspense.
Minty returns to Maida Vale, where she juggles raising twins, managing a mischievous Old English Sheepdog, and dealing with the demands of caring for her parents. Minty’s life may seem mundane, but there are whispers of a past tangled in art forgery and a missing painting that once duped the London elite. The mystery surrounding her past adds a layer of intrigue to the story as she is forced to confront old secrets while trying to prove she’s genuinely reinvented herself.
The story combines the perfect balance of lighthearted humor with subtle tension. The romantic element adds a lovely layer of intrigue to the plot. When a mysterious stranger enters Minty’s life, it’s unclear whether he has a true romantic interest or is a lingering figure from her past.
Filled with witty banter, charming characters, and laugh-out-loud humor, this is the perfect cozy read—ideal for curling up with a cup of tea and settling in for a fun, feel-good adventure.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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.