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readingwithmrleo's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
| THE STORY | Investigator Peter Driscoll is tasked with locating a sapphire which brings him to actress Lily Temple. As he tries to get information and solve this case, he discovers that there is so much more beneath all the costumes and acting that women put on and as mysteries unravel Peter cannot help falling under Lily's charm.
| MY REVIEW | This one was not my usual read and it was so fun for me to try something different. I was instantly intrigued by that story from the first chapter. It really pulls you in and you want to know how things got to this point. As you learn more about the characters, you find yourself falling for them more and more.
Peter is so clever, but also always so thoughtful and true to his belief, I really enjoyed that. He never pushed and he took his time to really learn more and make up his own mind about things, instead of just believing what would be easy to believe. Lily has quite a past and starting to learn more about it was really fascinating. The discussions between our characters were easy to enjoy and I love that we had some side stories with other investigations and even those really left a mark on us.
I did at times find the story confusing but then it kind of added to the mystery so it wasn't a big deal. I also found that the Christian side of this story was a little too pushed in our face sometimes but you have to know I am not big on that, I enjoy a more discreet approach to be honest and it turns me off when it's written in big letters, if it makes sense. This is clearly a "me" thing, though.
On a more personal note, I so enjoy the cinema vibes and setup for that story! I've watched many old movies, from A Trip to the Moon to Chaplin and so on, and I was happy to hear all about Cinema's history and get a look at how things were done, which brought me back to my studies in that field.
All in all, this was a really captivating story with heartwarming characters and lots of mystery that I recommend you pick up!
Thanks to the author and Austenprose PR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
| MY REVIEW | This one was not my usual read and it was so fun for me to try something different. I was instantly intrigued by that story from the first chapter. It really pulls you in and you want to know how things got to this point. As you learn more about the characters, you find yourself falling for them more and more.
Peter is so clever, but also always so thoughtful and true to his belief, I really enjoyed that. He never pushed and he took his time to really learn more and make up his own mind about things, instead of just believing what would be easy to believe. Lily has quite a past and starting to learn more about it was really fascinating. The discussions between our characters were easy to enjoy and I love that we had some side stories with other investigations and even those really left a mark on us.
I did at times find the story confusing but then it kind of added to the mystery so it wasn't a big deal. I also found that the Christian side of this story was a little too pushed in our face sometimes but you have to know I am not big on that, I enjoy a more discreet approach to be honest and it turns me off when it's written in big letters, if it makes sense. This is clearly a "me" thing, though.
On a more personal note, I so enjoy the cinema vibes and setup for that story! I've watched many old movies, from A Trip to the Moon to Chaplin and so on, and I was happy to hear all about Cinema's history and get a look at how things were done, which brought me back to my studies in that field.
All in all, this was a really captivating story with heartwarming characters and lots of mystery that I recommend you pick up!
Thanks to the author and Austenprose PR for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
aprilslibrary's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed the way this story was written like Lily was telling her story. It was filled with happiness, but also sadness. It left you feeling a lot of different emotions. I enjoyed Lily’s storyline and how it took the reader for a ride. You slowly learn more and more about her. She was an interesting personality and someone you wanted to get to know more about. She has a mysterious air about her. I enjoy JDP’s beautiful prose. She writes so descriptively and her words are so beautifully written. I recommend this one!
*I was sent this book by the publisher. All my opinions are my own.
*I was sent this book by the publisher. All my opinions are my own.
melissasbookshelf's review
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“I accept your challenge, my dear flower. Change your story, your clothing, your name . . . but you’re still you, and I’ll find you.” Whimsical, enchanting, romantic, mysterious, inspiring! I adored figuring out the mystery of Lily Temple. Actress, storyteller, thief? This beautiful homage to fairytales and great storytelling captivated my imagination and didn’t let go. It’s a lyrical, gorgeously written story of redemption, seeking faith, finding love, and facing the realities of life. I loved the story within the story and the way these utterly endearing characters drew me in. I found myself missing them and can’t wait to reread the story knowing the full truth.
Lily Temple’s an enigma as she weaves her spell over audiences in the silent films she stars in and the stories she tells. When she’s accused of stealing a valuable sapphire known as the Briarwood Teardrop, Peter Driscoll, the man sent to retrieve it, finds himself enchanted not only by the beautiful supposed thief, but with the stories she tells. As he involves her in his investigations, he vows to discover who she really is.
I loved the journey this story took me on and the allusions to some of my absolute favorite stories of Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, A Tale of Two Cities, and fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson. I loved the way Lily is both Wendy and Peter Pan, the gifted storyteller who doesn’t want to grow up. I loved the lovely romance between Lily and Peter. Peter while firmly rooted in reality is besotted with Lily who’s his complete opposite. His desire to find the truth about her not only mends his broken heart, but helps her finally reconcile her past and find her connection back to the Master Gardener.
The setting is magical and I was thrilled to find that the gardens, legends, locations, and some of the people mentioned were real. The mystery definitely kept me guessing. I loved the way all the pieces came together leading to a stunning conclusion.
All the stars for this book! It’s easily one of my favorites by this author and I highly recommend it to inspirational, historical romance, fairytale, and classic literature fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
Lily Temple’s an enigma as she weaves her spell over audiences in the silent films she stars in and the stories she tells. When she’s accused of stealing a valuable sapphire known as the Briarwood Teardrop, Peter Driscoll, the man sent to retrieve it, finds himself enchanted not only by the beautiful supposed thief, but with the stories she tells. As he involves her in his investigations, he vows to discover who she really is.
I loved the journey this story took me on and the allusions to some of my absolute favorite stories of Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, A Tale of Two Cities, and fairytales by Hans Christian Anderson. I loved the way Lily is both Wendy and Peter Pan, the gifted storyteller who doesn’t want to grow up. I loved the lovely romance between Lily and Peter. Peter while firmly rooted in reality is besotted with Lily who’s his complete opposite. His desire to find the truth about her not only mends his broken heart, but helps her finally reconcile her past and find her connection back to the Master Gardener.
The setting is magical and I was thrilled to find that the gardens, legends, locations, and some of the people mentioned were real. The mystery definitely kept me guessing. I loved the way all the pieces came together leading to a stunning conclusion.
All the stars for this book! It’s easily one of my favorites by this author and I highly recommend it to inspirational, historical romance, fairytale, and classic literature fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
melmo2610's review
5.0
Oh mylanta, can Joanna Davidson Politano weave a story! This is at least the second book I have read of hers where I have had a literal jaw drop moment. I loved the different threads of mystery and how they wove together to complete this book. It's a FANTASTIC read and definitely my favorite of Joanna's novels as well as a top 2024 read. Well done!
crinolinelaphroaig's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a good story even though it rambles a bit. Would have been a great story if the God twaddle had been left out. Ambiguous ending didn’t help either. After all the discussion of 'justice must be done' it wasn’t clearly shown. Your supposed to have faith that it happened.
I don't mind books with characters being people of faith, But I find those marketed as Christian Fiction are too simplistic. The underlying message of 'just have faith in God and everything will workout', is easy out for an author.
When I originally requested ARC from Austenprose I thought this was Historical Fiction. When I received the ARC through Netgalley, I realized it's Christian Fiction. I then Googled the Author and found her website with the heading "Hey, I’m Joanna, and I love Jesus." in bold print. I almost immediately marked it DNF. But I read the first chapter, was intrigued and continued on. I did enjoy the mystery of the story. It had potential for more. Hence the 3 stars.
Glad I didn't spend money on this I would have been disappointed. I would read this author in the future if she wrote Historical Fiction without the proselytizing.
I don't mind books with characters being people of faith, But I find those marketed as Christian Fiction are too simplistic. The underlying message of 'just have faith in God and everything will workout', is easy out for an author.
When I originally requested ARC from Austenprose I thought this was Historical Fiction. When I received the ARC through Netgalley, I realized it's Christian Fiction. I then Googled the Author and found her website with the heading "Hey, I’m Joanna, and I love Jesus." in bold print. I almost immediately marked it DNF. But I read the first chapter, was intrigued and continued on. I did enjoy the mystery of the story. It had potential for more. Hence the 3 stars.
Glad I didn't spend money on this I would have been disappointed. I would read this author in the future if she wrote Historical Fiction without the proselytizing.
vibeke_hiatt's review
4.0
This book is Joanna Davidson Politano's best book yet. She departs somewhat from her usual Victorian period and gives us an Edwardian story with a glimpse of technology. Lily Temple is a silent film actress and Peter Driscoll is the private investigator who pulls her into his adventures.
I had failed to realize just how early silent films came into existence. The cover photo of this book would suggest it takes place in the 1920s, but it actually takes place in 1903--two years after the death of Queen Victoria. We see carriages and motorcars, film sets and stage shows. Two worlds are intersecting, much like the two contrasting, yet complementary, worlds of Lily and Peter. Yet again, Politano manages to bring out a part of history I have never given much thought to.
Lily is different from Politano's other heroines, which could be what makes her a little more relatable. Feeling as though God has forgotten her, Lily has given up on God. She spends much of the story trying to decide whether or not she wants to even try to find a relationship with Him, and often resisting the idea. She is also spunky, fearless (mostly), and independent. Politano weaves the faith elements of the story with masterful subtlety, using a light touch that hits just right, never coming across as forced. Peter acts as a great foil to Lily, lighting up the page with irrepressible optimism.
I recommend this title if you are ready for an unexpected adventure you can't put down.
*Thank you to Revell Books for the advanced copy.*
I had failed to realize just how early silent films came into existence. The cover photo of this book would suggest it takes place in the 1920s, but it actually takes place in 1903--two years after the death of Queen Victoria. We see carriages and motorcars, film sets and stage shows. Two worlds are intersecting, much like the two contrasting, yet complementary, worlds of Lily and Peter. Yet again, Politano manages to bring out a part of history I have never given much thought to.
Lily is different from Politano's other heroines, which could be what makes her a little more relatable. Feeling as though God has forgotten her, Lily has given up on God. She spends much of the story trying to decide whether or not she wants to even try to find a relationship with Him, and often resisting the idea. She is also spunky, fearless (mostly), and independent. Politano weaves the faith elements of the story with masterful subtlety, using a light touch that hits just right, never coming across as forced. Peter acts as a great foil to Lily, lighting up the page with irrepressible optimism.
I recommend this title if you are ready for an unexpected adventure you can't put down.
*Thank you to Revell Books for the advanced copy.*
chelz286's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lily Temple is the little girl in all of us. Raised on fairy tales and the wonder of the big wide world, Lily gets herself involved in the theft of a jewel, murder and the telling of her own fairy tale. A silent film actress, Lily gets to live out these fairy tale stories daily in filming but when an investigator works his way into her life, she gets tangled up in her own stories. Trying to sift the truth from fiction, Peter also finds that Lily is more than just a story teller and while using her acting to his benefit, the two work to uncover the truth on another of his cases, meanwhile they are both trying to figure the other out. But this may just be one of Peter's hardest cases yet and he is used to succeeding but getting too close to Lily just may cost him everything. She may also be the only one who knows the true story, but can she get past all of the fairy tales she has wound herself in to find someone who will believe her? I really enjoyed the fairy tales that were wound within this story line and the lines at the beginning of each chapter. I enjoyed Lily's character of innocence and wanting to remain that little girl with her fairy tale stories. Thank you to the publisher and author for the complementary novel, and for allowing me to be a part of the launch team. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
emmasbookdiary's review
5.0
I had a feeling I was going to love this book and I am so happy to say that was the case! I’m not surprised because Joanna Davidson Politano is one of my absolute favorite authors and I always love her books. This one was no exception. It was beautifully whimsical and original, filled with themes of restoration and hope. I was swept away to 1903 England to a world of fairytales, secrets, and romance by Joanna’s poetic writing. I loved every minute reading it!
I absolutely loved how Lily’s story slowly unfolds. At first her story is a complete mystery that is only hinted at, but chapter by chapter, it’s slowly revealed in all its complexity. And so is her character. At first, Lily is as elusive to you as the reader as she is to investigator Peter Driscoll. She is full of secrets and mystery but as the story progresses, she reveals her story a little at the time. The way the story is told made the book that much more suspenseful and compelling. I loved that Lily’s POV is written in first person! It made me feel really connected to her character.
Peter Driscoll was such a lovable hero with his steadiness, integrity, and intelligence. I loved his desire to help restore broken stories and bring truth to light. He’s the calm-to-the-storm kind of hero and I truly love those type of heroes! He was the perfect match for Lily!
The romance was beautiful! It made me feel the way the romance in a good classic movie does and I loved it. I loved their banter, their adventures, their friendship-to-more. They were such a fun couple to read about!
This book had the kind of dreamy setting that made me want to spend a day in a beautiful garden or cozy cottage with a cup of tea. It was wonderful!
It was also so neat to learn a little about silent films, something I’ve never read about.
The highlight of this novel for me was without a doubt the faith content. It was woven into this story so beautifully! The message touched my soul. It left me feeling so hopeful and inspired as I was reminded of a beautiful truth. For me, that is the best feeling I can have after finishing a book.
In conclusion, I absolutely loved this book! It did more than entertain me— it made me think about why I love stories so much and left me inspired.
If you love books that include elements of fairytales, faith, and secret identities, I think you’ll love this book!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved how Lily’s story slowly unfolds. At first her story is a complete mystery that is only hinted at, but chapter by chapter, it’s slowly revealed in all its complexity. And so is her character. At first, Lily is as elusive to you as the reader as she is to investigator Peter Driscoll. She is full of secrets and mystery but as the story progresses, she reveals her story a little at the time. The way the story is told made the book that much more suspenseful and compelling. I loved that Lily’s POV is written in first person! It made me feel really connected to her character.
Peter Driscoll was such a lovable hero with his steadiness, integrity, and intelligence. I loved his desire to help restore broken stories and bring truth to light. He’s the calm-to-the-storm kind of hero and I truly love those type of heroes! He was the perfect match for Lily!
The romance was beautiful! It made me feel the way the romance in a good classic movie does and I loved it. I loved their banter, their adventures, their friendship-to-more. They were such a fun couple to read about!
This book had the kind of dreamy setting that made me want to spend a day in a beautiful garden or cozy cottage with a cup of tea. It was wonderful!
It was also so neat to learn a little about silent films, something I’ve never read about.
The highlight of this novel for me was without a doubt the faith content. It was woven into this story so beautifully! The message touched my soul. It left me feeling so hopeful and inspired as I was reminded of a beautiful truth. For me, that is the best feeling I can have after finishing a book.
In conclusion, I absolutely loved this book! It did more than entertain me— it made me think about why I love stories so much and left me inspired.
If you love books that include elements of fairytales, faith, and secret identities, I think you’ll love this book!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.
reading_historical_romance's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Ah, the deception of it all. That was life, though – the stories you tell yourself, and the stories you present to onlookers. Rarely did the two match. We’re all of us a combination of romance novels, humorous tales, and tragedies, depending on what angle we show the world.
Me, I preferred adventure stories. Tolerated a romance now and then.”
Inquiry agent Peter Driscoll has earned a reputation for his uncanny ability to find anyone and anything. When he’s hired to locate a long-lost sapphire with reputed mystical properties, he is only temporarily taken aback when he finds the jewel strung from a necklace worn by a mysterious film actress, Lily Temple. Peter decides that the most efficient way to learn how Lily came to be in possession of the gem is to request her assistance in a missing person case. Peter soon learns that Lily’s true identity is only a small piece of a much larger puzzle as he uncovers a series of criminal indictments against innocent people.
This genre-bending novel is set in 1903 in the English seaside resort town of Hove. Part historical mystery, gothic romance, and spy adventure, this beautifully crafted work of Christian literary fiction explores the relationship between our mortal human nature and our eternal spirit as we navigate through life’s journey.
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a story about a story. The narrative is whimsical, and has an almost dreamlike quality. The tone and mood of the story is reinforced by the chapter headings which feature quotes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the fairy tales of Charles Perrault and Hans Christian Andersen. Lily Temple is a first person narrator, and she tells Peter Driscoll’s story in third person. However, the reader is frequently reminded that Lily is not to be trusted to disclose the entire truth.
This is not a fast-paced read. It requires the reader’s patience (perhaps the better word would be faith) that Lily’s and Peter’s individual stories will weave together in the way that all great fairy tales deserve. I found both Lily and Peter to be fabulous characters, and their intense chemistry makes for a truly satisfying slow burn. I also loved how the story gradually unfolded, so that I was often left with more questions than answers, and that Lily layered each element of the story over the other until the entire picture was revealed.
The author's prose has a delicate, earnest quality which was perfectly suited to the themes of the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the author’s writing style so much that I intend to read more of her work.
Thank you Austenprose, Netgalley, and Revell for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.
Me, I preferred adventure stories. Tolerated a romance now and then.”
Inquiry agent Peter Driscoll has earned a reputation for his uncanny ability to find anyone and anything. When he’s hired to locate a long-lost sapphire with reputed mystical properties, he is only temporarily taken aback when he finds the jewel strung from a necklace worn by a mysterious film actress, Lily Temple. Peter decides that the most efficient way to learn how Lily came to be in possession of the gem is to request her assistance in a missing person case. Peter soon learns that Lily’s true identity is only a small piece of a much larger puzzle as he uncovers a series of criminal indictments against innocent people.
This genre-bending novel is set in 1903 in the English seaside resort town of Hove. Part historical mystery, gothic romance, and spy adventure, this beautifully crafted work of Christian literary fiction explores the relationship between our mortal human nature and our eternal spirit as we navigate through life’s journey.
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a story about a story. The narrative is whimsical, and has an almost dreamlike quality. The tone and mood of the story is reinforced by the chapter headings which feature quotes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the fairy tales of Charles Perrault and Hans Christian Andersen. Lily Temple is a first person narrator, and she tells Peter Driscoll’s story in third person. However, the reader is frequently reminded that Lily is not to be trusted to disclose the entire truth.
This is not a fast-paced read. It requires the reader’s patience (perhaps the better word would be faith) that Lily’s and Peter’s individual stories will weave together in the way that all great fairy tales deserve. I found both Lily and Peter to be fabulous characters, and their intense chemistry makes for a truly satisfying slow burn. I also loved how the story gradually unfolded, so that I was often left with more questions than answers, and that Lily layered each element of the story over the other until the entire picture was revealed.
The author's prose has a delicate, earnest quality which was perfectly suited to the themes of the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the author’s writing style so much that I intend to read more of her work.
Thank you Austenprose, Netgalley, and Revell for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.
farmfreshlisa's review
4.0
This was the second book I've read by [a:Joanna Davidson Politano|16355029|Joanna Davidson Politano|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1504840833p2/16355029.jpg] and it was delightful! The author sucks you in right from the first page and keeps you on the journey in all the twists and turns throughout the book. The first chapter begins...well at the end in a way. With a chapter of setting up a "let me tell you a story"...and then the next chapter goes back in time.
Lily's narrative is first person, while Peter's is second person. It will go back and forth between them and it worked very well done in this fashion. Lily's character is really revealed to us in onion layers a little at a time. Along the way you get breadcrumbs into the mystery of "the truth about Lily Temple".
I love how it debates the idea of fairy tales and stories being useless in reality. I loved the passage from Lily that says:
100% yes! I have had some DEEP truths revealed to me through the narrative of a book. Some inner part of me that is touched and I have to pause and reflect.
Lily's character experiences a BRILLIANT arc of faith through the book guided by Peter's influence. It was so satisfying when she had her AHA "now I see" moment. Definitely some excellent spiritual truths in here. About chasing after the wind to fill the spots God wants for Himself.
Highly recommend.
4.5 stars. But I'm giving it 4 stars because it isn't better than some of the other 5 stars I have. I didn't actually get moved to tears.
*I received this as a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts are 100% my own!
Lily's narrative is first person, while Peter's is second person. It will go back and forth between them and it worked very well done in this fashion. Lily's character is really revealed to us in onion layers a little at a time. Along the way you get breadcrumbs into the mystery of "the truth about Lily Temple".
I love how it debates the idea of fairy tales and stories being useless in reality. I loved the passage from Lily that says:
When did people come to see stories as mere fancy? As indulgence? All our flaws and questions dressed up in other people's clothing, strolling about in front of us so we may more clearly see what's true about our own selves. Truths deeper and more meaningful than mere facts, told in a way that our minds can uniquely understand. Yet we relegate stories to the fringes of our lives, those elusive 'spare hours' where we permit ourselves to indulge in the frivolous which we believe has no real practical value.
100% yes! I have had some DEEP truths revealed to me through the narrative of a book. Some inner part of me that is touched and I have to pause and reflect.
Lily's character experiences a BRILLIANT arc of faith through the book guided by Peter's influence. It was so satisfying when she had her AHA "now I see" moment. Definitely some excellent spiritual truths in here. About chasing after the wind to fill the spots God wants for Himself.
Highly recommend.
4.5 stars. But I'm giving it 4 stars because it isn't better than some of the other 5 stars I have. I didn't actually get moved to tears.
*I received this as a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts are 100% my own!
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