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elisebrewer's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good, fairly quick read. I loved both women's stories and their connection to the mural. I enjoyed this a lot!
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
3.0
Morgan is released from jail after one mandatory year served - thanks to a famous artist's daughter. Morgan is to restore a mural from 1940, to be hung in Jesse Jameson Williams' new art gallery. As part of his will, Jesse charges Morgan with the restoration of a government commissioned mural for the Edenton post office mural. Morgan struggles with acclimating to her freedom as well as her lack of restoration experience. If Morgan fails to finish by the opening date of August 5 - Jesse allowed for no extensions, not only will Morgan not get paid but Jesse's daughter, Lisa, will lose her family home. As Morgan cleans the mural, begins to build confidence, she leans on Oliver, the gallery curator. They learn together how to restore Anna Dale's mural - as well as question her sanity as her painting reveals several conflicting images.
Anna Dale was selected from hundreds of applicants, including Edenton's own artist, to paint the town's post office mural. Shortly after her mother's sudden death, Anna travels to Edenton for research. She meets the prominent men of the town - each sharing their opinion of not only what should be included in the mural but also the confusion of Anna's winning rather than Martin Drapple.
I enjoyed Anna's story immensely - the contrast of Northern segregation and racism vs. Virginia; the reality of a professional woman vs. the traditional housewife. Pauline, Karl, Miss Myrtle and Freda each illustrated the expectations of their station in life - wife, husband/police officer, boarding house owner, valued family help. I loved them all - even when they were given the racist voices of their time period.
Morgan's narrative was enjoyable - though I felt the storyline fairly obvious. The author clearly intended for Oliver and Morgan to become romantically interested in each other. Morgan's connection to Anna Dale also easy to guess. The mural was completed in time for the gallery opening - the mysterious artist attended.
Overall, I enjoyed this book though may not recommend to friends.
Anna Dale was selected from hundreds of applicants, including Edenton's own artist, to paint the town's post office mural. Shortly after her mother's sudden death, Anna travels to Edenton for research. She meets the prominent men of the town - each sharing their opinion of not only what should be included in the mural but also the confusion of Anna's winning rather than Martin Drapple.
I enjoyed Anna's story immensely - the contrast of Northern segregation and racism vs. Virginia; the reality of a professional woman vs. the traditional housewife. Pauline, Karl, Miss Myrtle and Freda each illustrated the expectations of their station in life - wife, husband/police officer, boarding house owner, valued family help. I loved them all - even when they were given the racist voices of their time period.
Morgan's narrative was enjoyable - though I felt the storyline fairly obvious. The author clearly intended for Oliver and Morgan to become romantically interested in each other. Morgan's connection to Anna Dale also easy to guess. The mural was completed in time for the gallery opening - the mysterious artist attended.
Overall, I enjoyed this book though may not recommend to friends.
rhatcher15's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
suek's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
karenmcconaughey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
aliwhitley's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this one. Beautiful. Descriptive. I loved the dual perspectives.
jgrif21's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cmrobe06's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely started slow, but then got to a point where I couldn’t put it down. I loved the alternating perspectives across history and completely loved the characters. Beautiful story and really loved the art tie in.
chels4956's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25