by Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800742973
For the record, if Joanna Davidson Politano writes a book, I'm reading it! No questions asked. I don't even need to know what the book is about. All I need to know is that she wrote it! I'm on her launch team and she sent me her book for review.
Summary:
In the search for the truth, the line between fact and fiction is beginning to fall out of focus
It is 1903, and Lily Temple is a beautiful silent-film actress who spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera. But beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit, a murky past, and a tantalizing secret.
Underground investigator to the wealthy, Peter Driscoll has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire that has been missing for years--and which Lily happens to be wearing beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and unravel the mystery, Peter employs the enchanting actress's help on a case.
But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it becomes that he needs her even more than she needs him.
It is 1903, and Lily Temple is a beautiful silent-film actress who spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera. But beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit, a murky past, and a tantalizing secret.
Underground investigator to the wealthy, Peter Driscoll has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire that has been missing for years--and which Lily happens to be wearing beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and unravel the mystery, Peter employs the enchanting actress's help on a case.
But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it becomes that he needs her even more than she needs him.
My Review:
As soon as I finished the first chapter I was enraptured by the story. WHAT was Lily going to say or do next?
We meet Lily Temple, an... actress. Yes, an actress. She has secrets, which are peeled back layer by layer thanks for Peter Driscoll. Plain Peter Driscoll or so Lily initially thinks. Lily is fascinating. She's also a mystery. Where did she come from? How is she connected to the missing gem? Peter intends to find out.
What he doesn't expect is for Lily to be so all-encompassing. He has no choice but to figure out who she is - who she REALLY is. What he doesn't realize is how dangerous that will become. To keep her close, he invites her to join him on some investigations where she can employ her acting skills. Meanwhile, he spends his time listening to her, chipping away at her resolve to stay distant to everyone.
I felt a bit like I was reading a story that should be a classic along the lines of Dickens. Yes, I said that! I became a cheerleader in heart for Lily and Peter, Roddy and his opinions be hanged! You get to know gruff Roddy through the story, and it's hard not to appreciate his protection of Peter. Peter is kind and thoughtful. His biggest skill is listening and he uses it to his advantage in so many ways. Lily, she's like a kaleidoscope.
There are a number of daring cases Peter takes Lily on, and Roddy is always present in one way or another with each one. With each case, Peter demonstrates to Lily how well he's getting to know her, which she likes and dislikes at the same time! Don't we all long to be truly known?
This story reads like a parable directing the reader to the One who truly knows and seeks after each of us. Peter can see the Savior availing Himself to Lily, pursuing her. It comes to light brighter and brighter as the story continues. I found it absolutely beautiful!
We meet Lily Temple, an... actress. Yes, an actress. She has secrets, which are peeled back layer by layer thanks for Peter Driscoll. Plain Peter Driscoll or so Lily initially thinks. Lily is fascinating. She's also a mystery. Where did she come from? How is she connected to the missing gem? Peter intends to find out.
What he doesn't expect is for Lily to be so all-encompassing. He has no choice but to figure out who she is - who she REALLY is. What he doesn't realize is how dangerous that will become. To keep her close, he invites her to join him on some investigations where she can employ her acting skills. Meanwhile, he spends his time listening to her, chipping away at her resolve to stay distant to everyone.
I felt a bit like I was reading a story that should be a classic along the lines of Dickens. Yes, I said that! I became a cheerleader in heart for Lily and Peter, Roddy and his opinions be hanged! You get to know gruff Roddy through the story, and it's hard not to appreciate his protection of Peter. Peter is kind and thoughtful. His biggest skill is listening and he uses it to his advantage in so many ways. Lily, she's like a kaleidoscope.
There are a number of daring cases Peter takes Lily on, and Roddy is always present in one way or another with each one. With each case, Peter demonstrates to Lily how well he's getting to know her, which she likes and dislikes at the same time! Don't we all long to be truly known?
This story reads like a parable directing the reader to the One who truly knows and seeks after each of us. Peter can see the Savior availing Himself to Lily, pursuing her. It comes to light brighter and brighter as the story continues. I found it absolutely beautiful!
About the Author:
Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance, and The Lost Melody. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone's story. She lives with her husband and their children in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan. You can find her online at JDPStories.com.
