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Memories of the Lost
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.
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.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2024
About the author
Barbara O'Neal
24 books4,097 followersBarbara O'Neal is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling writer of women's fiction. She lives in Colorado with her partner, a British endurance athlete.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 459 reviews
August 6, 2024
EXCERPT: Sage braced herself for bad news. Clare's eyes were the pale watery blue of a clairvoyant's, and they flickered now. 'They found some bones at a construction site. Child bones.'
Sage found a protective hand falling over her belly, felt her baby move, a tiny foot, a shoulder maybe. 'Where?'
'Just outside the Roman villa, where the new development is going.'
Bones. Sage looked toward the window, stirred the ginger, let the words rest in the air, and wondered if they had any meaning for her. A memory rose, struggling to bring itself into the forefront of her mind, but she shook her head. Not today. She pushed it back into its special box where it couldn't rake up the neat ground of her calm, ordinary life. 'I don't want to talk about it.'
ABOUT 'MEMORIES OF THE LOST': 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.
MY THOUGHTS: Memories of the Lost is good. It is sweet, enchanting and intriguing. It is rich in both plot and characterisation. It is a gentle story that arises from a time of trauma and loss. I fell in and out of love with Memories of the Lost as I read, more in than out, but there were parts of the book that just didn't seem to sit well with the rest of the storyline. The prologue confused me at first, and I didn't come to understand the meaning of it until the mystery of Tillie is resolved. I also don't know that all the information and conflict about Liam's business was really relevant. It kind of felt like filler and interrupted the flow of the main threads.
For most of the book, until Tillie began going through her mother's papers, I didn't realise that there was a mystery to be solved and even then, I wasn't absolutely sure. It creeps in so insidiously, like a light ground mist, until it suddenly has substance.
The story has two main threads - that of Sage and her mother Clare, which takes place in Devon, England; and Tillie and Liam, which takes place largely in New York City. I'm not going to say any more about the plot of the book as I really don't want to give anything away.
I enjoyed the focus on the magic of art, cats and food, all of which are artfully woven into the narrative.
If I am to take anything away from my reading of this book, it is that chocolate heals - but then, I already knew that.
This is the first book I have read by Barbara O'Neal, although I actually have several more on my shelves. I look forward to them in the near future. But for now, I'm off to find that block of chili infused dark chocolate that I know is in my pantry.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#MemoriesoftheLost #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Barbara is an avid traveler and passionate cook, and discovered the Oregon coast on a pandemic-era trip with her husband. She now lives on that rocky, moody coast in a quirky beach house and writes her books from a room overlooking the sea. She lives with her British husband, who has promised to never lose his accent, and their cats and dogs.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Memories of the Lost by Barbara O'Neal for review. All opinions expressed in this revie are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Sage found a protective hand falling over her belly, felt her baby move, a tiny foot, a shoulder maybe. 'Where?'
'Just outside the Roman villa, where the new development is going.'
Bones. Sage looked toward the window, stirred the ginger, let the words rest in the air, and wondered if they had any meaning for her. A memory rose, struggling to bring itself into the forefront of her mind, but she shook her head. Not today. She pushed it back into its special box where it couldn't rake up the neat ground of her calm, ordinary life. 'I don't want to talk about it.'
ABOUT 'MEMORIES OF THE LOST': 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.
MY THOUGHTS: Memories of the Lost is good. It is sweet, enchanting and intriguing. It is rich in both plot and characterisation. It is a gentle story that arises from a time of trauma and loss. I fell in and out of love with Memories of the Lost as I read, more in than out, but there were parts of the book that just didn't seem to sit well with the rest of the storyline. The prologue confused me at first, and I didn't come to understand the meaning of it until the mystery of Tillie is resolved. I also don't know that all the information and conflict about Liam's business was really relevant. It kind of felt like filler and interrupted the flow of the main threads.
For most of the book, until Tillie began going through her mother's papers, I didn't realise that there was a mystery to be solved and even then, I wasn't absolutely sure. It creeps in so insidiously, like a light ground mist, until it suddenly has substance.
The story has two main threads - that of Sage and her mother Clare, which takes place in Devon, England; and Tillie and Liam, which takes place largely in New York City. I'm not going to say any more about the plot of the book as I really don't want to give anything away.
I enjoyed the focus on the magic of art, cats and food, all of which are artfully woven into the narrative.
If I am to take anything away from my reading of this book, it is that chocolate heals - but then, I already knew that.
This is the first book I have read by Barbara O'Neal, although I actually have several more on my shelves. I look forward to them in the near future. But for now, I'm off to find that block of chili infused dark chocolate that I know is in my pantry.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#MemoriesoftheLost #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Barbara is an avid traveler and passionate cook, and discovered the Oregon coast on a pandemic-era trip with her husband. She now lives on that rocky, moody coast in a quirky beach house and writes her books from a room overlooking the sea. She lives with her British husband, who has promised to never lose his accent, and their cats and dogs.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Memories of the Lost by Barbara O'Neal for review. All opinions expressed in this revie are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 4, 2024
I will always read whatever Barbara O’Neal writes. Her stories are vibrant, emotional and uplifting.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work as well for me. The insta love and the story surrounding the MMC prevented me from fully connecting with these characters or the storyline apart from the romance. At times I needed to suspend disbelief altogether. While the overall premise is really unique and interesting, something fell flat in its execution.
That said, this has rave reviews so I’d suggest giving it a try if it’s been on your radar. What didn’t work for me may work well for others.
Thank you Lake Union for the gifted copy.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work as well for me. The insta love and the story surrounding the MMC prevented me from fully connecting with these characters or the storyline apart from the romance. At times I needed to suspend disbelief altogether. While the overall premise is really unique and interesting, something fell flat in its execution.
That said, this has rave reviews so I’d suggest giving it a try if it’s been on your radar. What didn’t work for me may work well for others.
Thank you Lake Union for the gifted copy.
April 18, 2024
Memories of the Lost is a fairy tale, a love story and a mystery all rolled into one. It's a very clever tale of loss and memories and how sometimes, those memories are just waiting in a box for you to let them out.
Tillie, an artist in New York, has recently lost her mother and is feeling adrift in the world. Attending an art show for a friend of hers, she sees a painting that sends her spinning - it's of a place she's never been and yet she knows it in her bones. At the same time, she meets Liam, a visiting meditation teacher, and they feel a connection that seems fated.
Tillie finds herself more and more confused by dreams she's having, triggered by the painting, and then discovers conflicting paperwork while cleaning out her mother's house. She is drawn to finding out what secrets her mother hid from her and, at the same time, figure out her connection to Liam.
I've never read any of Barbara O'Neal's work before and it's quite magical. I loved the fairy tale aspects and how the prologue tied the story up so well. It's beautifully written and I will definitely seek out more of her work.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Tillie, an artist in New York, has recently lost her mother and is feeling adrift in the world. Attending an art show for a friend of hers, she sees a painting that sends her spinning - it's of a place she's never been and yet she knows it in her bones. At the same time, she meets Liam, a visiting meditation teacher, and they feel a connection that seems fated.
Tillie finds herself more and more confused by dreams she's having, triggered by the painting, and then discovers conflicting paperwork while cleaning out her mother's house. She is drawn to finding out what secrets her mother hid from her and, at the same time, figure out her connection to Liam.
I've never read any of Barbara O'Neal's work before and it's quite magical. I loved the fairy tale aspects and how the prologue tied the story up so well. It's beautifully written and I will definitely seek out more of her work.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2024
4.5 Stars
A story shared by Tillie, who is the main character, this is a story of lies and betrayals that Tillie only begins to question as an adult. Unfortunately, she has recently lost her mother, and will need to deal with handling everything that her mother had left behind, and what she neglected to share before that time came.
Tillie is an artist, who is struggling even more now, having to keep deadlines for art shows, as well as dealing with the loss of her mother. She seems to still be able to immerse herself in her art, infusing her art with an essence of magic, it is her means of escape, her means to finding answers which haunt her. In her paintings she can see beyond the everyday answers, but everything is not exactly clear.
A magical and lovely read of family, loss, and love.
Published: 30 Jul 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Lake Union Publishing
A story shared by Tillie, who is the main character, this is a story of lies and betrayals that Tillie only begins to question as an adult. Unfortunately, she has recently lost her mother, and will need to deal with handling everything that her mother had left behind, and what she neglected to share before that time came.
Tillie is an artist, who is struggling even more now, having to keep deadlines for art shows, as well as dealing with the loss of her mother. She seems to still be able to immerse herself in her art, infusing her art with an essence of magic, it is her means of escape, her means to finding answers which haunt her. In her paintings she can see beyond the everyday answers, but everything is not exactly clear.
A magical and lovely read of family, loss, and love.
Published: 30 Jul 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Lake Union Publishing
August 12, 2024
As is always the case when I read one of O'Neal's novels, I was completely swept away by Memories of the Lost. With elements of mystery, romance, and drama, it's the kind of book you can curl up with and get lost in, which is exactly what I did this weekend. O'Neal's writing is rich and evocative, inviting the reader into the pages of this magical, soul-stirring novel. Definitely recommend!
📌 Available now
📌Also available on KU in ebook and audiobook
📌 Available now
📌Also available on KU in ebook and audiobook
July 21, 2024
Another beautifully written novel by Barbara O’Neal. This book kind of just sucks you in and makes you feel magic in everyday situations. And sometimes that magic presents itself in unusual ways that lead to the unexpected.
In Memories of the Lost, Tillie’s world is turned upside down when she is going through her deceased mother’s things. This sends her on a whirlwind mission of self-discovery as she uncovers family secrets. But is it fate when the handsome and charming Liam is thrown into the mix?
This is the fourth book that I have read by this author, and I have never been disappointed! She consistently delivers on quality stories and makes you feel as if you’re there watching it play out! Overall, I would rate this a very solid 4 stars.
I did listen to this book on audio, and thought the narrator (Sarah Zimmerman) did a very good job. She had great pacing and diction, and there were no issues following along..
🧚🏻A huge thank you goes to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and author Barbara O’Neal for providing me with a free audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In Memories of the Lost, Tillie’s world is turned upside down when she is going through her deceased mother’s things. This sends her on a whirlwind mission of self-discovery as she uncovers family secrets. But is it fate when the handsome and charming Liam is thrown into the mix?
This is the fourth book that I have read by this author, and I have never been disappointed! She consistently delivers on quality stories and makes you feel as if you’re there watching it play out! Overall, I would rate this a very solid 4 stars.
I did listen to this book on audio, and thought the narrator (Sarah Zimmerman) did a very good job. She had great pacing and diction, and there were no issues following along..
🧚🏻A huge thank you goes to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and author Barbara O’Neal for providing me with a free audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 6, 2024
“Memories of the Lost” by Barbara O’Neal is my first book by this author and it will not be the last! The story is about Tillie who suffers from amnesia and has no memory of her early life. She is a talented artist who recently lost her beloved mother. While attending her best friend’s art show, she sees a painting that triggers memories of a place she’s never been that sets her life spinning. At the same time, while packing up her mother’s belongings she discovers a birth certificate of a child with her name who was killed in a fire. She is suddenly drawn into the web of secrets her mother kept hidden. Ms. O’Neal’s writing is absolutely magical and mysterious at the same time. The beautiful prose kept me emotionally connected to all of the characters and I loved experiencing the joy and pain of Tilly’s journey. This book is a fairytale mystery for adults that was a delight to read. I highly recommend this book to everyone and look forward to reading many more of Ms. O’Neals novels.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2024
I'm a little surprised to say that this was the first time I've read a Barbara O'Neal novel, though I've heard many good things. The hype did not disappoint! "Memories of the Lost" was engrossing and easy to sink into. Tillie is an ordinary woman, navigating through her grief over her mother's death, when she sees a painting in an art gallery that sends her reeling. There's something about the painting that is as familiar to her, and vaguely unsettling. At the same time, she feels an instant connection with a man who was attending the art showing as well. Together, they begin to unlock secrets in Tillie's past that lead her to a truth she could never have imagined.
I loved O'Neal's writing style, and how vividly she brought the characters to life. It was easy to cheer for Tillie, and easy to fall for Liam. I did get myself just a little bit confused on family connections at the end, but other than that small hiccup, my enjoyment of the book was near flawless.
The. narration and audiobook production was excellent. Thank you, Netgalley, Briliance Publishing, and Barbara O'Neal for an advance copy for review. This was my first O'Neal book but it won't be my last!
I loved O'Neal's writing style, and how vividly she brought the characters to life. It was easy to cheer for Tillie, and easy to fall for Liam. I did get myself just a little bit confused on family connections at the end, but other than that small hiccup, my enjoyment of the book was near flawless.
The. narration and audiobook production was excellent. Thank you, Netgalley, Briliance Publishing, and Barbara O'Neal for an advance copy for review. This was my first O'Neal book but it won't be my last!
August 7, 2024
Whimsical. A different type of story that Barbara O'Neal usually tells, but still filled with her lush writing. At times almost hauntingly fairy tale like.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 30, 2024
This story reads like a modern-day fairy tale with the luscious addition of chocolate and bread. Instead of a princess, there’s Tillie, a talented artist who recently lost her mother. Tillie has been having some odd experiences since her mother died: odd dreams and visions and blackouts when she can’t remember what she was doing.
Tillie feels an instant connection with Liam, a meditation guru who thinks he might have lost his way. Together they need to figure out the mystery of Tillie’s past before they can move forward into the future.
There are quite a few other characters, all richly described, including Sage, the chocolatier; Clare and Arlene, the wise women (maybe); Levi, the vet; and an abundance of animals, which always makes a story even better.
I love the descriptions of Tillie’s paintings, melding people and animals in a darker fairy tale style that foreshadows what’s coming. I can’t say that the resolution was particularly a surprise, and any more details would definitely be a spoiler. But the author has the ability to make me taste - and even enjoy - food I’ve never tried, even in combinations I would likely never touch. I could almost smell the chocolate from the descriptions, and to be honest, I’m still a little disappointed that the book didn’t have a recipe for sunflower honey bread.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book; my opinions are my own.
Tillie feels an instant connection with Liam, a meditation guru who thinks he might have lost his way. Together they need to figure out the mystery of Tillie’s past before they can move forward into the future.
There are quite a few other characters, all richly described, including Sage, the chocolatier; Clare and Arlene, the wise women (maybe); Levi, the vet; and an abundance of animals, which always makes a story even better.
I love the descriptions of Tillie’s paintings, melding people and animals in a darker fairy tale style that foreshadows what’s coming. I can’t say that the resolution was particularly a surprise, and any more details would definitely be a spoiler. But the author has the ability to make me taste - and even enjoy - food I’ve never tried, even in combinations I would likely never touch. I could almost smell the chocolate from the descriptions, and to be honest, I’m still a little disappointed that the book didn’t have a recipe for sunflower honey bread.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book; my opinions are my own.
July 29, 2024
3.5 stars. Another strong woman-centered novel from reliable and prolific author Barbara O'Neal. This one features a touch of New Age woo-woo, repressed childhood memories, insta-love, the power of art, a pile of recently unearthed bones and the awesomeness of cats. As with her 2018 book, The Art of Inheriting Secrets, O'Neal devotes a lot of real estate to the love story, to the detriment of the rest of the crowded plot. And I can't say I was a big fan of the MMC, who travels around the world teaching people how to meditate (he makes bank but feels guilty about it). But I've been following O'Neal for more than 30 years (and three pseudonyms), so I'll continue to greet her future releases with pleasure.
ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for objective review.
ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for objective review.
June 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
DNF'd at 37% (under 100 pages). The description of the book really captivated me and I was really looking forward to reading this book.
The book itself was well written. I can tell the author put a lot of effort and time into writing it. The beginning was very intriguing and I had very high hopes especially for Tillie.
Unfortunately, the characters themselves were very bland and forgettable. The story was so slow moving. It felt like there was no plot and nothing was really driving the story forward even though there were plenty of reasons to do so: "They found bones." I'm pretty sure I got to the event that would kickstart everything (the photo), but I just don't care enough or want to continue.
I realize others may love a slow burn (and I do, too), but this was too slow to keep my attention. I really hope it finds the readers it was written for.
DNF'd at 37% (under 100 pages). The description of the book really captivated me and I was really looking forward to reading this book.
The book itself was well written. I can tell the author put a lot of effort and time into writing it. The beginning was very intriguing and I had very high hopes especially for Tillie.
Unfortunately, the characters themselves were very bland and forgettable. The story was so slow moving. It felt like there was no plot and nothing was really driving the story forward even though there were plenty of reasons to do so: "They found bones." I'm pretty sure I got to the event that would kickstart everything (the photo), but I just don't care enough or want to continue.
I realize others may love a slow burn (and I do, too), but this was too slow to keep my attention. I really hope it finds the readers it was written for.
August 29, 2024
Loved everything about this story!
July 31, 2024
✨ “Memories Of The Lost” has found its way to shatter my very sensitive heart. This has been an emotional and tear-jerking journey as I delved deeper into the story of Tillie. Tillie’s character was somewhat relatable, and I felt her emotions deep within my bones.
✨ As a first-time reader of Barbara O’Neal’s books, I appreciate how I can easily immerse myself in Tillie’s story. Tillie is an artist in New York who suffers from intermittent memory loss, constant migraines, dizziness, and occasional fainting episodes. With the entrance of Liam into her life, everything just falls into place. Liam fell first and harder, but she also fell harder. Normally, I am not a fan of fast-paced romance as I prefer slow-burn romance and best-friend type of romance, but this is definitely an exception. I am so, so in love with Liam and Tillie. I really felt the magic between them.
✨ I also love the other side characters like Jon, Clare, Sage, and Levi. These supporting characters are an amazing addition to the story, and how they change and support Liam and Tillie is just heartwarming.
✨ “Memories Of The Lost” is a mix of romance, mystery, healing, found family, and life lessons. Overall, this has been an amazing and tear-jerking read for me. I am just so excited to share with you all this hidden gem that was released yesterday.
✨ I’d like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me the opportunity to read this amazing story of Tillie and Liam, in exchange for my honest and unfiltered reviews.
👩💻 INSTAGRAM REVIEW: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GxzKmyu...
💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.wordpress.co...
✨ As a first-time reader of Barbara O’Neal’s books, I appreciate how I can easily immerse myself in Tillie’s story. Tillie is an artist in New York who suffers from intermittent memory loss, constant migraines, dizziness, and occasional fainting episodes. With the entrance of Liam into her life, everything just falls into place. Liam fell first and harder, but she also fell harder. Normally, I am not a fan of fast-paced romance as I prefer slow-burn romance and best-friend type of romance, but this is definitely an exception. I am so, so in love with Liam and Tillie. I really felt the magic between them.
✨ I also love the other side characters like Jon, Clare, Sage, and Levi. These supporting characters are an amazing addition to the story, and how they change and support Liam and Tillie is just heartwarming.
✨ “Memories Of The Lost” is a mix of romance, mystery, healing, found family, and life lessons. Overall, this has been an amazing and tear-jerking read for me. I am just so excited to share with you all this hidden gem that was released yesterday.
✨ I’d like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me the opportunity to read this amazing story of Tillie and Liam, in exchange for my honest and unfiltered reviews.
👩💻 INSTAGRAM REVIEW: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GxzKmyu...
💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.wordpress.co...
August 4, 2024
Imagine going through your late mother’s belongings and discovering a death certificate with your own name on it! This combined with Tillie’s amnesia, strong visions of animals, migraines, and fugue states, create a life that is confusing and frustrating to Tillie. She is drawn to a specific painting and this curiosity leads her on a physical and mental journey that uncovers more than she could have expected. This is a magical, mystical, and enchanting book that is quite unique and different.
#memoriesofthelost #netgalley #bookreview
#memoriesofthelost #netgalley #bookreview
August 3, 2024
So beautiful
This is a love story for everyone and especially the sensitives who meditate, dream, create art and music, adore nature and animals, and believe in the mystery that underlies the goodness in life. Such a beautiful read. I would love to spend more time with these characters.
This is a love story for everyone and especially the sensitives who meditate, dream, create art and music, adore nature and animals, and believe in the mystery that underlies the goodness in life. Such a beautiful read. I would love to spend more time with these characters.
January 30, 2025
A mother's death leads to a discovery of a lifetime lie that she kept from her daughter Tillie, and the shocking truth finally brings peace and happiness to Tillie. A beautiful and magical story that had me hooked from the start, and the narration was very well done. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
November 2, 2024
2.5. Took forever to get to the explanation and then when it did, not enough happened. Too much description of foods and not enough story line.
November 8, 2024
2.5/5
Well thank you to the synopsis for spoiling a large, late-in-the-game plot development.
This was a cute book. Not the best written, but not mind-numbingly horrible. I enjoyed Tillie’s story even though she was spinning her wheels for at least 50 percent of this book. It was a nice quick read for sure.
However, there were some big issues. The first is that the chapters taking place in the UK without Tillie honestly were just boring to me. The second is I didn’t understand why the character of Jared ever appeared (maybe it’s because I don’t get some of the romance genre cliches, but he just seemed pointless). The biggest issue was Liam in general. White man who found himself spiritually in India and then made money off of it. Boring! Him falling head over heels in love in literally a second. Unrealistic! Maybe I just don’t like romance, but his story made me have to suspend my belief too much and I would’ve enjoyed it more if he simply wasn’t in it, I didn’t care at all about his internal struggle of being rich and not wanting to work as much anymore, sorry!
Well thank you to the synopsis for spoiling a large, late-in-the-game plot development.
This was a cute book. Not the best written, but not mind-numbingly horrible. I enjoyed Tillie’s story even though she was spinning her wheels for at least 50 percent of this book. It was a nice quick read for sure.
However, there were some big issues. The first is that the chapters taking place in the UK without Tillie honestly were just boring to me. The second is I didn’t understand why the character of Jared ever appeared (maybe it’s because I don’t get some of the romance genre cliches, but he just seemed pointless). The biggest issue was Liam in general. White man who found himself spiritually in India and then made money off of it. Boring! Him falling head over heels in love in literally a second. Unrealistic! Maybe I just don’t like romance, but his story made me have to suspend my belief too much and I would’ve enjoyed it more if he simply wasn’t in it, I didn’t care at all about his internal struggle of being rich and not wanting to work as much anymore, sorry!
January 20, 2025
An intriguing read, part mystery, part romance, even part fantasy in a way. Tillie is an artist who is still feeling somewhat lost due to her mother’s recent passing. An unusual painting she sees affects her mentally, at the same time she meets Liam, with whom she feels an instant connection. Then she discovers her mother had been keeping a secret, or was it an out-and-out lie she was covering up? Long story short, Tillie’s world sends her reeling in an unexpected twist at the end. Great writing, good character development, and an unusual plot combine to make a fun book!
August 27, 2024
Rounding up from 4.5⭐
A remembered whisper and magical animals, especially a cat, appear in Tillie's paintings. It's only been half a year since her mother passed away. When Tillie finds a scrap of paper in her mother's belongings, it upends all that she knows. Going into fugue states, painting and going places she doesn't remember. What seems real, but confusing, is her encounter with Liam. Is it real? An intriguing story that enveloped me. Shocked that I have not heardore about this book as it's a beautifully told story. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A remembered whisper and magical animals, especially a cat, appear in Tillie's paintings. It's only been half a year since her mother passed away. When Tillie finds a scrap of paper in her mother's belongings, it upends all that she knows. Going into fugue states, painting and going places she doesn't remember. What seems real, but confusing, is her encounter with Liam. Is it real? An intriguing story that enveloped me. Shocked that I have not heardore about this book as it's a beautifully told story. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2024
My Least Favorite Book from an Author I Typically Enjoy
I was 76 pages in when I decided to give it up. I just couldn’t get into the story. It was dull, the characters so, so. I have enjoyed all of this authors previous books, so I hated to give up on it, but I needed to move on to something more enjoyable to read.
I was 76 pages in when I decided to give it up. I just couldn’t get into the story. It was dull, the characters so, so. I have enjoyed all of this authors previous books, so I hated to give up on it, but I needed to move on to something more enjoyable to read.
September 8, 2024
This book surprised me. For some reason, based on the way it was progressing, I had almost expected it to take on a fantasy path. But it really came together as a modern story. The characters were really unique and likable. I definitely want to read more from this author
September 18, 2024
Finished this last night. I thought I was going to like it but it was just ok. Not a book that I would recommend to a friend. It intrigued me in the beginning but then I wasn't really looking forward to continue.
October 12, 2024
Went in 4 chapters and stopped.
Did not in the least captivate my interest. Slow and boring to me.
I have only not finished 1 or 2 books in my Many years of reading. I quit this one after 4 chapters and deleted it from my library.
Did not in the least captivate my interest. Slow and boring to me.
I have only not finished 1 or 2 books in my Many years of reading. I quit this one after 4 chapters and deleted it from my library.
August 26, 2024
Amazing! Such an easy read and lovely story.
September 7, 2024
Ms. O'Neal apparently couldn't decide if she was writing fantasy, mystery, romance, or straight fiction, so she mixed 'em all up and threw 'em into a cover. Voila! A book!
None of the characters were fully developed, especially Liam, a master of meditation, who insists on calling everybody "bro." Including the MFC. Everyone else is nearly transparent for the lack of substance. The story itself is improbable and malnourished, based mainly on convenient circumstances.
This writer used to be an automatic buy for me. No Place Called Home, A Piece of Heaven, and In The Midnight Rain (Barbara Samuel) are on my permanent keeper shelf. Even her "starter" books - romances written under the pen name Ruth Wind - have more substance and content. Her writing was lyrical and unpretentious. Not any more.
Not recommended.
None of the characters were fully developed, especially Liam, a master of meditation, who insists on calling everybody "bro." Including the MFC. Everyone else is nearly transparent for the lack of substance. The story itself is improbable and malnourished, based mainly on convenient circumstances.
This writer used to be an automatic buy for me. No Place Called Home, A Piece of Heaven, and In The Midnight Rain (Barbara Samuel) are on my permanent keeper shelf. Even her "starter" books - romances written under the pen name Ruth Wind - have more substance and content. Her writing was lyrical and unpretentious. Not any more.
Not recommended.
September 7, 2024
Rounded up from 2.5 stars - Overly dramatic at times and not an original story. But it did keep my interest long enough to finish it :)
September 17, 2024
While I really liked this book and these characters, I didn’t love the magical realism vibe. It’s just not my thing, but I still enjoyed the read.
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