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martyomenko's review
3.0
In this love triangle story, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome, which I will not tell you. But in the end, I found the well written story engaging.
estherfilbrun's review
5.0
This story drew me in, showed me a time I knew little about, and kept me in suspense the entire way through. It’s not only a sweet story; it’s also a little sad, but that’s redeemed beautifully in here. I loved the tension between grief and hope; the longing for a fresh start and future, but the fear that that would never eventuate. I loved the love between the characters—the gentle care they showed for each other, even when they themselves were hurting. And though I thought I hated the grieving process shown in here, it was perfect.
A beautiful book. Highly recommended!
I was given a complementary review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
A beautiful book. Highly recommended!
I was given a complementary review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
morgangiesbrecht's review
4.0
Wow…! This book was an emotional rollercoaster: sweet and heart-breaking and amazing. I can’t imagine placing myself in Olivia’s shoes or even Grady’s for that matter. The theme of surrendering our plans to trust that God’s ways are best even when we can’t see the whole picture is beautifully woven into the story. Also I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book set in this time period before, but I loved it!
Usually I dislike the love triangle trope, but in this case, I actually didn’t mind it *too much*. Olivia was overly emotional at times, and as a nonemotional person, that was a little grating, but given the circumstances, I suppose I can’t blame her. And Kenneth…be still my heart, that man is an utter gem! He is one of my new favourite book heroes. His patience, tenderness, and not being afraid to call Olivia out when needed were a beautiful picture of true love.
I’m very glad the ending worked out the way it did; it was as I had hoped. :)
Content: engaged couples kiss
Usually I dislike the love triangle trope, but in this case, I actually didn’t mind it *too much*. Olivia was overly emotional at times, and as a nonemotional person, that was a little grating, but given the circumstances, I suppose I can’t blame her. And Kenneth…be still my heart, that man is an utter gem! He is one of my new favourite book heroes. His patience, tenderness, and not being afraid to call Olivia out when needed were a beautiful picture of true love.
I’m very glad the ending worked out the way it did; it was as I had hoped. :)
Content: engaged couples kiss
randikaye's review
4.0
Painted Memories is the second book in A.M. Heath's Art of Love series. Though a series, these stories are completely unrelated and as such are great to read as standalones. Still, I must admit after reading this one I'm looking forward to going back and reading more from this new to me author. What a sweet story this was!
In Painted Memories we meet Olivia as she is preparing for her wedding after healing from the loss of her fiancé Grady in the Korean War three years earlier. When she receives a painting as a wedding gift that she knows to be the work of her first love, she sets out to find him and discover why he never came home. With no memories of his past, aside from glimpses of a mysterious woman... what will Grady do when she shows up? And what will it all mean for the new loves in their life?
What a unique story this was. Oftentimes I think that when we are dealing with the topic of memory loss, stories can go to daytime soap opera cheesy easily and I must admit I was a little apprehensive about this story before I began reading. I quickly discovered that wasn't the case at all. The topic was handled beautifully and not in any way cheesy or overly dramatic. Instead it was a story of love, loss, moving on and so much more. Most importantly, I loved the message of faith and how God uses all things for His good. This was definitely one story in which faith was definitely in the forefront of the story!
Overall, this was a sweet read and one that I really enjoyed. Fans of historical fiction and inspirational romances are sure to enjoy it.
**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
In Painted Memories we meet Olivia as she is preparing for her wedding after healing from the loss of her fiancé Grady in the Korean War three years earlier. When she receives a painting as a wedding gift that she knows to be the work of her first love, she sets out to find him and discover why he never came home. With no memories of his past, aside from glimpses of a mysterious woman... what will Grady do when she shows up? And what will it all mean for the new loves in their life?
What a unique story this was. Oftentimes I think that when we are dealing with the topic of memory loss, stories can go to daytime soap opera cheesy easily and I must admit I was a little apprehensive about this story before I began reading. I quickly discovered that wasn't the case at all. The topic was handled beautifully and not in any way cheesy or overly dramatic. Instead it was a story of love, loss, moving on and so much more. Most importantly, I loved the message of faith and how God uses all things for His good. This was definitely one story in which faith was definitely in the forefront of the story!
Overall, this was a sweet read and one that I really enjoyed. Fans of historical fiction and inspirational romances are sure to enjoy it.
**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
abigailkayharris's review
5.0
This darling story is not the romance most would expect.
A.M. Heath managed to do something of a love triangle that I ended up loving to the very end.
The heartbreak, the young love, the war, and the healing in "Painted Memories" make for a Christian romance that I highly recommend for romance lovers.
Content: kissing.
A.M. Heath managed to do something of a love triangle that I ended up loving to the very end.
The heartbreak, the young love, the war, and the healing in "Painted Memories" make for a Christian romance that I highly recommend for romance lovers.
Content: kissing.
travelerswife4life's review
4.0
Just a memory? How can you paint just a memory?
Painted Memories was my first book by A.M. Heath, and I really enjoyed this look into an era that does not often find its way into the realm of fiction (at least to my knowledge). A.M. Heath has a very conversational way of writing that was easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the heart touching memories she recounted through her characters. Olivia, Grady, and the other characters were nicely done, and they were fun to read about. I thought their struggles were realistic (it's so hard not to give away the story here!), and that all the characters showed a great reliance on faith to see them through.
Overall, this story was like a reminisce of your favorite flashbacks to growing up combined with some shocking revelations that were handled well. A.M. Heath wove in some wonderful scriptures and I truly loved the memories she invented for her characters. I give Painted Memories 4 out of 5 stars. The only thing I had trouble with was the back and forth between past and present, it got pretty confusing at points when combined with switching between points of view (POV) I had to flip back and remember who, what, when, and where this scene was supposed to fit! But the overall story was very sweet.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Painted Memories was my first book by A.M. Heath, and I really enjoyed this look into an era that does not often find its way into the realm of fiction (at least to my knowledge). A.M. Heath has a very conversational way of writing that was easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the heart touching memories she recounted through her characters. Olivia, Grady, and the other characters were nicely done, and they were fun to read about. I thought their struggles were realistic (it's so hard not to give away the story here!), and that all the characters showed a great reliance on faith to see them through.
Overall, this story was like a reminisce of your favorite flashbacks to growing up combined with some shocking revelations that were handled well. A.M. Heath wove in some wonderful scriptures and I truly loved the memories she invented for her characters. I give Painted Memories 4 out of 5 stars. The only thing I had trouble with was the back and forth between past and present, it got pretty confusing at points when combined with switching between points of view (POV) I had to flip back and remember who, what, when, and where this scene was supposed to fit! But the overall story was very sweet.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
sassybookishmama's review
4.0
This is the second book in the "Art of Love Series" but they are definitely not tied together and are read as stand alones. This is my first book my A.M. Heath and I absolutely enjoyed it. It was so well written and I loved how biblical truths were interwoven throughout the story. I must admit the story threw me for a loop as I didn't quite expect the outcome of the storyline to be like it was. I had to stop at times and kind of put myself in the character's shoes and decide what i would have done in their place. But alas the ending completely make ssense and although it was somewhat bittersweet it was beautiful. Love is definitely something that changes and blossoms we time and God definitely knows exactly what He is doing.
Overall I thought it was a great read. If you enjoy dual timelines and elements of mystery and romance I recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Overall I thought it was a great read. If you enjoy dual timelines and elements of mystery and romance I recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.