Paint Me Althena

by Naomi Dawn Musch

Three years ago, Ava Day lost her way. She buried love and walked away, persuaded she had failed as a wife to Ethan and mother to their two young daughters. She's since become Althena Bell, searching for her identity in painting fantasy art. She's also moved in with Dan, a man whose idea of artistic expression is the ink on his arms and a purring street bike dressed in chrome.

Since his wife's disappearance, Ethan Day has found refuge in a new faith, encouraged to grow by lovely widow Jackie Meyer. His star has risen in the art world, even though his personal life remains fractured. Now he wonders if it's time to stop praying for Ava's return and move on. If only he knew where she was and had answers to the questions that haunt him.

When Ava's crooked path leads her into crisis with nowhere to turn, a chance encounter lands her unexpectedly in the haven of Ethan's home again. Her children don't seem to remember her, but her unleashed heart recalls everything she lost and aches to recapture. Nevertheless, conflict between her search for identity and Ethan's new faith, along with interference from others, might break the safety net he offers.

Genres: Contemporary

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2013

About the author

Naomi loves stories rich in American history, but occasionally writes in other genres as well. She pens stories from the pristine north woods, where she and her husband live as epically as God allows near their five adult children and passel of grandchildren. She has worked as an editor for a small press, a staff writer for an EPA award-winning newspaper, a ghost writer, and has published dozens of magazine and internet articles for the encouragement of homeschooling families and young writers. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Lake Superior Writers, and the Wisconsin Writers' Association. She loves engaging with others and always discovering kernels of a new story. She is available for speaking and book groups. Her newest novel is Mist O'er the Voyageur, and she anticipates re-releasing several of her back-list novels in 2019.
Connect with her through her website: http://www.naomimusch.com
FB: Naomi Musch - Author
Twitter: NMusch

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven’t we all felt like we wanted a “do-over” once in a while? Maybe more than once in a while? Read Naomi Musch’s Paint Me Althena for the smack upside the head.

Ava falls in love at sixteen, marries Ethan Day at eighteen, has two beautiful children, a handsome husband on his way to becoming a successful artist…and a toxic mother-in-law. That deadly combination is enough to overwhelm anyone, and when Ava reaches the end of her rope, she lets go.

With no career skills, no plans other than her own need to paint pictures, starting fresh isn’t something she can handle on her own. A new name that matches her chosen persona, Althena, some new friends, a job in a bakery still doesn’t add up to independence so she allows herself to drift into someone else’s life. Dan, the polar opposite of her husband, allows her to paint, though he doesn’t understand it, and when they both realize the relationship can never be more than roommates with benefits, Dan erupts.

A strange twist thrusts Ava back into Ethan’s life. This time she has a choice whether to be strong enough to be the wife, mother, and artist she can be.

I’ll add Ethan to my list of 2Good 2Be True heroes, gladly. He certainly isn’t a monster, he has his own angst to deal with, and he’s saint enough to make me drool – just what a romance that isn’t a romance needs. If you’re tired of the boy meets girl, they have a problem, then there’s a happily ever after ending story, Paint Me Althena is for you. Musch’s characters are genuine, heart-weary, and her line of faith that begins subtly and grows, but never takes over, helps us understand that independence is nothing to be proud of.

[Tracy Krauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paint Me Althena is a story about second chances. Ava abandoned her family three years ago in a quest to find herself – or so she claimed. But fulfillment continues to sidestep her at every turn. Then, unlikely circumstances throw her and her estranged husband Ethan back into each others’ lives. Learning to trust again isn’t easy for either of them, especially with meddlesome in-laws, complicated new relationships, and a mountain of guilt.
At times I was frustrated with the heroine’s choices and didn’t fully understand her motivation. However, this isn’t a fairy tale romance. Author Naomi Musch manages to craft a moving story about human imperfection that can only be reconstructed through God’s abundant grace.

[Patti Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Paint Me Althena, Naomi Musch does a great job of revealing to the reader real life characters. As I read it, I felt like I truly knew the community of characters Naomi introduced. Athene (Ava) made some poor decisions in her youth. There were things I struggled to like about this character, but that changed about halfway through the story. As Ava works through her past, the reader finds out there’s more to Ava than a selfish young woman.

The story also reminded me of what happens when you interferes with other people’s problems. Our choices can cause catastrophic outcomes for others. This book is for anyone who wants to start over again, but thinks they’re just not worth the trouble to others.

[Amy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such a great book!

I loved this story so much! I love the whimsical settings, especially the emporium. I enjoyed Ava’s adorable daughters and her steadfast, swoony estranged husband. Most of all, I loved seeing Ava gradually come to understand that she was truly loved by God — and by her husband.
Very well-written!

[Mary Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paint me Althena

I loved this book from beginning to end. As the story unfolds I kept wondering if things would be spoiled for Ava again. But no it all turned out happy ever after and I shed a few years on the way.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped by bad choices, Ava has lost three years of life with her husband and daughters. It's complicated, but circumstances and delightful characters lead Ava to the blessings of second choices. A delightful story.

[Michelle Kaderly Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Naomi Musch's Paint Me Althena. She nailed it. Usually she writes historical fiction, but this is a contemporary story about a wife and mom who makes a big mistake and wrestles with making it right. It's a great love story that feels very real. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and engaging story

Such a captivating story. So unique in its heartbreak and restoration. Musch as always delivers a story that tugs at the heart and makes the characters come alive.