Memories Of The Lost: A Novel by Barbara O'Neal

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

An unsuspecting artist uncovers her late mother’s secrets and unravels her own hidden past in a beguiling novel by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

Months after her mother passes away, artist Tillie Morrisey sees a painting in a gallery that leaves her inexplicably lightheaded and unsteady. When a handsome stranger comes to her aid, their connection is so immediate it seems fated, though Liam is only visiting for a few days.

Working on her own art has always been a refuge, but after discovering a document among her mother’s belongings that suggests Tillie’s life has been a lie, she begins to suffer from a series of fugue states, with memories surfacing that she isn’t even sure are her own. As her confusion and grief mount, and prompted by a lead on the painting that started it all, Tillie heads to a seaside village in England. There, she hopes to discover the source of her uncanny inspirations, sort out her feelings about Liam, and unravel truths that her mother kept hidden for decades.

The fluidity of memory, empowering strength of character, beauty of nature, and love of family braid together in this artful tapestry of a novel.

About the Author

Barbara O’Neal is the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels of women’s fiction, including the #1 Amazon Charts bestseller When We Believed in Mermaids, This Place of Wonder, and The Starfish Sisters. Her award-winning books have been published in more than two dozen countries. She lives on the coast of Oregon with her husband, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent. To learn more about Barbara and her works, visit www.barbaraoneal.com.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful story! Memories Of The Lost:A Novel by Barbara O'Neal is a magical and modern fairy tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the very last page. I know that I fell in deep with this romance/mystery novel - it was just too good to put down! I found myself reading late into the night to find out what would happen next, because I couldn't stop thinking about Tillie and Liam. 

Chock full of family secrets, lost memories, unknown connections, and art - this story will captivate you right from the start. Tillie has recently lost her mother and while going through her belongings comes across a death certificate which leads to so many unanswered questions.  Memories that she has no clue about being to surface. And her instant connection to Liam leaves her wondering about him and their relationship. So many questions and so few answers lead Tillie to England. And, the answers she finds are shocking and eye-opening. Whoa! What a story! 

I just loved getting to know Tillie and Liam - their instant attraction was palpable. And I loved getting to know more about their families and their connection to one another. Plus, I love any story that takes place in England, especially Devon. I lived in Exeter for years, so I love reading about Devon. And the magic within the story was whimsical and fascinating. Memories Of The Lost was such a treat to read. I really enjoyed every second I spent with it. Barbara O'Neal has written a truly special story that I will happily recommend to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Art of Inheriting Secrets: A Novel by Barbara O'Neal

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

When Olivia Shaw’s mother dies, the sophisticated food editor is astonished to learn she’s inherited a centuries-old English estate—and a title to go with it. Raw with grief and reeling from the knowledge that her reserved mother hid something so momentous, Olivia leaves San Francisco and crosses the pond to unravel the mystery of a lifetime.

One glance at the breathtaking Rosemere Priory and Olivia understands why the manor, magnificent even in disrepair, was the subject of her mother’s exquisite paintings. What she doesn’t understand is why her mother never mentioned it to her. As Olivia begins digging into her mother’s past, she discovers that the peeling wallpaper, debris-laden halls, and ceiling-high Elizabethan windows covered in lush green vines hide unimaginable secrets.

Although personal problems and her life back home beckon, Olivia finds herself falling for the charming English village and its residents. But before she can decide what Rosemere’s and her own future hold, Olivia must first untangle the secrets of her past.

“Settle in with tea and biscuits for a charming adventure about inheriting an English manor and the means to restore it. Vivid descriptions and characters that read like best friends will stay with you long after this delightful story has ended.” —Cynthia Ellingsen, bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper

“The Art of Inheriting Secrets is the story of one woman’s journey to uncovering her family’s hidden past. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling English manor, this book is ripe with mystery. It will have you guessing until the end!” —Nicole Meier, author of The House of Bradbury and The Girl Made of Clay

my thoughts:

What a beautiful and compelling story! I absolutely LOVED Barbara O'Neal's novel, The Art of Inheriting Secrets.  It was such a fun and engaging read - I enjoyed every minute I spent with it.

Olivia's mother has died and left her an English estate, along with the title of Countess.  Curious about this inheritance, she heads to England and finds herself staring at the manor that has always played a role in her mother's paintings.  A place that she never knew existed.  Now, she wonders what ties her mother had to this huge estate and why she was never told about any of it. As her curiosity deepens, so do her ties with the quaint English village and its residents.  And the more she digs for information about her family, the more secrets and mysteries are revealed. 

Talk about a delightful summer read filled with intrigue, romance, and the English countryside.  I just loved getting to know Olivia and following her on this adventure of family secrets and self-discovery - it was such a treat!  The writing was top notch and the characters were unforgettable. Such a great story!!

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Barbara O'Neal and anyone looking for their next great summer read - you will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Art of Inheriting Secrets

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!