Review: A Work of Art
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 1, 2014
The beauty of the past and the merging of the present is what you find when you read this delicious wonderfully written novel from this author. This is the first time for me to read this author and she has a style unique to her. I was introduced to Ryan and Natalie-young and in love but having to attend his grandfather's funeral brings memories and reveals gifts left behind to tell a story not known before. Natalie has the talent to restore art with her gift and among the things is a very neglected painting that was the grandfather's prize possession along with some journals they have found. Not having said much of his past while in the service dating during the time of WWII. Ryan himself is also in the Navy following in the footsteps of the men before him. He leaves a letter to his grandson explaining the painting and the discoveries that lay ahead for him to uncover. Little do they know things are not as they had always thought they seemed to be. This author does a wonderful job of then transporting you back in time to when Derrick (the grandfather) meets for the first time the love of his life Jianna. As she does that she also knows the right time to swing you back to the present to tell Ryan and Natalie's story of their unending love for each other while they unravel the mystery of why the painting is in the state it is and the secrets journals do tell the living. Rich in poetic writings they are also,that grandfather sure knew how to woo a lady he loved. Not a easy task it was back then either ideals and opinions being as they may and Jianna hiding from the family what she truly was doing. It takes alot of talent to be able to pull off a book such as this and keep the reader interested and able to follow what is going on teetering between the two times. I was not lost could follow along and as I mentioned before at the right time clues would be given and answered to the ones in the present time. When the painting is restored and it is hung she also has someone from side to reveal the one they thought was the grandmother actually is hers, so what really is going on with the woman in the painting, the answers can be found among the living and the dead echoing from beyond with the clues left behind. Wowzer also was this filled with romance from the past to the present, The kind you hope for and search all your life for and if lucky can be found as these characters do. It warms the soul as you read of the love revealed and would seem lost. Also excellent most excellent description of the time Derrick is prisoner of war. From the time of capture till release there will be times a tissue could be needed especially when the news is delivered he is dead. The day he knocks on her door is another tear jerker boo hoo I did. Regardless of all the trials and tribulations the best thing in all this is the fact love does triumph and love does something really special for Natilie and Ryan that is very joyous indeed. You almost think maybe history was going to repeat itself and the meaning of that is found in the reading but it is turned around to bring forth a ending a lover of romance will love. Received a arc for a honest review.