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Heirloom Secrets #2
Paint and Nectar
In 1929, a spark forms between talented watercolorist Eliza and William, a charming young man who has been hired to forge her popular paintings. Her aunt makes it clear Eliza should stay away from him because of a feud between their families over missing heirloom silver. But the source of the rivalry was long ago, and as the two get to know each other, they fall in love. William regrets the job that desperation led him to take and their families' ongoing bitterness, but setting things right comes at a cost.
In present-day Charleston, Lucy Legare has just inherited an old house from a mysterious benefactor, along with all the secrets it holds, including an old silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney is determined to buy the house for his family's development company. But as Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, garden, and silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history's sake but also for her own.
In present-day Charleston, Lucy Legare has just inherited an old house from a mysterious benefactor, along with all the secrets it holds, including an old silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney is determined to buy the house for his family's development company. But as Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, garden, and silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history's sake but also for her own.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2021
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984 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
October 31, 2021
Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark is a 2021 Bethany House publication.
No sophomore slump here!
Ashley Clark follows her stellar debut novel with a story of hope, preservation, and second chances. Utilizing the vivid hues of blended watercolors, art, and history, the story follows Eliza and William, a star -crossed couple, in the late twenties, kept apart by secrets and greed and a family feud over a piece of heirloom silver.
In present day, Lucy Lagare and Declan Pinkney developed a near instant chemistry between them, only to learn their families were at odds over some missing silver one has accused the other of stealing.
When Lucy mysteriously inherits an old Charleston home from a secret benefactor, the feud heats up when Declan announces his plans to expand in the exact same area.
With zero respect for preservation, Declan is only concerned with progression. Despite his tender feelings for Lucy, Declan seems to succumb to his father’s pressure to thwart Lucy’s plans to restore the home. But Lucy proves to be a worthy opponent, determined to fight for history and her own heritage….
I love history, southern fiction, and art- so this story was right up my alley. This is a lovely story, filled with lush gardens and beautiful watercolors, juxtaposing our days of despair with the hope and promise a better plan that lies ahead.
I enjoyed the setting, the ‘enemies’ falling love-putting to rest long held resentments, plus the sweetest way the mysteries were solved.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable, refreshing, and a solid addition to this series!!
4 stars
No sophomore slump here!
Ashley Clark follows her stellar debut novel with a story of hope, preservation, and second chances. Utilizing the vivid hues of blended watercolors, art, and history, the story follows Eliza and William, a star -crossed couple, in the late twenties, kept apart by secrets and greed and a family feud over a piece of heirloom silver.
In present day, Lucy Lagare and Declan Pinkney developed a near instant chemistry between them, only to learn their families were at odds over some missing silver one has accused the other of stealing.
When Lucy mysteriously inherits an old Charleston home from a secret benefactor, the feud heats up when Declan announces his plans to expand in the exact same area.
With zero respect for preservation, Declan is only concerned with progression. Despite his tender feelings for Lucy, Declan seems to succumb to his father’s pressure to thwart Lucy’s plans to restore the home. But Lucy proves to be a worthy opponent, determined to fight for history and her own heritage….
I love history, southern fiction, and art- so this story was right up my alley. This is a lovely story, filled with lush gardens and beautiful watercolors, juxtaposing our days of despair with the hope and promise a better plan that lies ahead.
I enjoyed the setting, the ‘enemies’ falling love-putting to rest long held resentments, plus the sweetest way the mysteries were solved.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable, refreshing, and a solid addition to this series!!
4 stars
May 11, 2021
1861-2007 & Current Day Charleston, South Carolina
Ashley Clark's sophomore novel beautifully weaves together with characters from her debut novel.
At the heart of Paint and Nectar is a feud between two families that spans more than a decade over buried silver during the Civil War. Both threads include an appreciation for art, history and flowers. And both threads feature a young man with a business minded father directly at odds with the love of his heart. Beautiful and at times painful romances blossom in the pages.
Fun fact...Girl Scout cookies have been around a really long time!
Lovely novel by a relatively new author. This series is highly recommended for fans of historical romance.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Ashley Clark's sophomore novel beautifully weaves together with characters from her debut novel.
At the heart of Paint and Nectar is a feud between two families that spans more than a decade over buried silver during the Civil War. Both threads include an appreciation for art, history and flowers. And both threads feature a young man with a business minded father directly at odds with the love of his heart. Beautiful and at times painful romances blossom in the pages.
Fun fact...Girl Scout cookies have been around a really long time!
Lovely novel by a relatively new author. This series is highly recommended for fans of historical romance.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 14, 2021
If only I could give this book 10 stars or more. This is my first read by this author . What a true joy it was to read this book. I've never read a book quite like this one before.
You know you have a great author whenever they are able to bring out the emotions in a reader like this book has done to me.
A time slip book taking place in 1929 and modern times mostly in Charleston and a bit in New Orleans .
The time periods mesh together effortlessly and more important beautifully.
I loved getting to know the characters Eliza and William.
This book brought out so many emotions in me including melancholy,awe and a deep sense of wanting to help the characters with their search.
I could vividly picture the story as it was unfolding , the amazing gardens ,the bluebirds,the mysterious search for the Paul Revere silver ,the emotions the characters are going through which become your emotions as you read this absolutely amazing book!
I swear I could almost hear a haunting melody as I read this!
Some surprise happenings in this book that I just can't recommend highly enough~!
Pub Date 11 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
You know you have a great author whenever they are able to bring out the emotions in a reader like this book has done to me.
A time slip book taking place in 1929 and modern times mostly in Charleston and a bit in New Orleans .
The time periods mesh together effortlessly and more important beautifully.
I loved getting to know the characters Eliza and William.
This book brought out so many emotions in me including melancholy,awe and a deep sense of wanting to help the characters with their search.
I could vividly picture the story as it was unfolding , the amazing gardens ,the bluebirds,the mysterious search for the Paul Revere silver ,the emotions the characters are going through which become your emotions as you read this absolutely amazing book!
I swear I could almost hear a haunting melody as I read this!
Some surprise happenings in this book that I just can't recommend highly enough~!
Pub Date 11 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 10, 2021
Charming, a treasure, all the good things to savor in this fabulous book. After reading The Dress Shop on King Street and falling in love with this author’s writing style, I am in love again! This book has that certain something that sparkles like a fine jewel. So heartfelt and realistic with warm characters that you cannot help but root for. We see the beauty of a garden through the eyes of the artist, Eliza. And the beauty of an old house in the heart of Lucy who wants to preserve a piece of old Charleston. The descriptions had me looking up places and wanting to visit the streets that Eliza and Lucy walked on. I love all things historical and am on the side of those who wish to preserve history. It was interesting to learn about the Preservationist movement in the late 1930s that was inspired by a band of artists.
A mystery of lost silver and a feud between families as old as the Civil War adds to the richness of the story. Will the clash carry on for another generation or will Lucy and Declan uncover the truth and put an end to the conflict?
This story is about beauty and what is lasting. As Eliza’s mother said: “We can allow beauty to point us toward the God who made it.” It was also a thing of beauty to see how both storylines converged absolutely perfectly.
This is a book I will treasure.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
A mystery of lost silver and a feud between families as old as the Civil War adds to the richness of the story. Will the clash carry on for another generation or will Lucy and Declan uncover the truth and put an end to the conflict?
This story is about beauty and what is lasting. As Eliza’s mother said: “We can allow beauty to point us toward the God who made it.” It was also a thing of beauty to see how both storylines converged absolutely perfectly.
This is a book I will treasure.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
May 11, 2021
Ashley Clark's debut novel last year was amazing and she has shown that she has incredible talent with this book, her sophomore effort. A time slip novel, Paint and Nectar is a powerfully told tale of old family feuds, love lost and found, and hearts that are full of hope.
'She would get through this. She would find a way. She was a Legare, after all.'
Lucy Legare loves old things and preserving them. And when she locks horns with Declan Pinkney, who wants to tear down old things, she has found a formidable foe. But things aren't always what they seem. Even though the Legares and Pinkneys have hated each other for decades and decades. Sometimes old feuds do well to be forgotten. But will they both agree?
'She was as close to hating him as Jesus would permit.'
Clark has proven that her talent will stand in this story! I was captivated. I loved all these characters and enjoyed seeing characters from the last book. She pulls the reader in with her rich prose and depth of feeling for her characters. I felt every emotion and every heartbreak. Masterfully told, this is one for the keeper shelf, destined to be read yet again. Well done!
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. I was not compensated and the opinion in this review is entirely my own.
'She would get through this. She would find a way. She was a Legare, after all.'
Lucy Legare loves old things and preserving them. And when she locks horns with Declan Pinkney, who wants to tear down old things, she has found a formidable foe. But things aren't always what they seem. Even though the Legares and Pinkneys have hated each other for decades and decades. Sometimes old feuds do well to be forgotten. But will they both agree?
'She was as close to hating him as Jesus would permit.'
Clark has proven that her talent will stand in this story! I was captivated. I loved all these characters and enjoyed seeing characters from the last book. She pulls the reader in with her rich prose and depth of feeling for her characters. I felt every emotion and every heartbreak. Masterfully told, this is one for the keeper shelf, destined to be read yet again. Well done!
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. I was not compensated and the opinion in this review is entirely my own.
February 25, 2022
This book contained beautiful contrast. There was forbidden love in the Roaring Twenties and enemies-to-romance in the 2020s. Each era was exquisitely written so that they came alive on the pages. The characters were three-dimensional and engaging.
It was a little too on the nose to have the male love interests in both the late 1930s and modern-day eras be manipulating and deceiving the leading ladies.
Why does every corset-wearing heroine have to be the one to break the trend of wearing a corset? Wasn’t it normal in some historical eras to wear such contraptions? Isn’t this the equivalent of no longer wearing the modern-day bra? Come on, authors, give me a different issue for the leading ladies to take with their historical era.
I don’t typically enjoy Deep South melodrama, but this book was written so well that I didn’t much mind that aspect. The way that the racial discrimination was presented felt realistic, though at times it felt like modern sensibilities toward the subject slipped into the mindset of a woman in the 1920s and 1930s.
It was absolutely charming how the characters from book one kept popping up throughout the happenings in this story. I definitely recommend reading this trilogy in order, because there are major spoilers in this book for the previous one. I’m sure it’ll be the same in book three, which I’ll be reading soon. The red cloche made an appearance!
The mysteries around the forged paintings and stolen silver kept me intrigued and curious and speculative throughout. I thought I had figured out the huge twist near the end only to find out that it was something completely different but just as amazing as I had imagined it would be.
I like how this book so well featured heartaches of lost loves, wartime sacrifices, and fractured families. Those themes had me on the verge of tears for two thirds of the story and holding my breath off and on throughout. There were times I wondered how one of the threads could possibly have a happy ending, but I was delighted to watch how everything unfolded. This story definitely touched my emotions, and that makes me incredibly happy.
Content: tobacco, replacement expletives, alcohol
It was a little too on the nose to have the male love interests in both the late 1930s and modern-day eras be manipulating and deceiving the leading ladies.
Why does every corset-wearing heroine have to be the one to break the trend of wearing a corset? Wasn’t it normal in some historical eras to wear such contraptions? Isn’t this the equivalent of no longer wearing the modern-day bra? Come on, authors, give me a different issue for the leading ladies to take with their historical era.
I don’t typically enjoy Deep South melodrama, but this book was written so well that I didn’t much mind that aspect. The way that the racial discrimination was presented felt realistic, though at times it felt like modern sensibilities toward the subject slipped into the mindset of a woman in the 1920s and 1930s.
It was absolutely charming how the characters from book one kept popping up throughout the happenings in this story. I definitely recommend reading this trilogy in order, because there are major spoilers in this book for the previous one. I’m sure it’ll be the same in book three, which I’ll be reading soon. The red cloche made an appearance!
The mysteries around the forged paintings and stolen silver kept me intrigued and curious and speculative throughout. I thought I had figured out the huge twist near the end only to find out that it was something completely different but just as amazing as I had imagined it would be.
I like how this book so well featured heartaches of lost loves, wartime sacrifices, and fractured families. Those themes had me on the verge of tears for two thirds of the story and holding my breath off and on throughout. There were times I wondered how one of the threads could possibly have a happy ending, but I was delighted to watch how everything unfolded. This story definitely touched my emotions, and that makes me incredibly happy.
Content: tobacco, replacement expletives, alcohol
April 15, 2021
I am a Midwest girl and in the last couple of years I have fallen in love with southern fiction. I attribute this to a handful of exceptional authors-one which is Ashley Clark. I loved her debut novel last year. This second novel has clinched her spot at the top of my TBR pile for future novels.
Ms. Clark's beautiful prose will immerse the reader in the Charleston setting in both the early 1900's and modern day in this split time novel. I love how both stories weaved together until the very end. This novel checked all the boxes for me. Great historical detail, characters I would love to meet again in future novels, a centuries-old family feud, missing treasure and romance. I like the fact that Ms. Clark can pen a sweet romance, but she also spins a story of family or should I say families whose individual stories entwine together in unexpected ways. The story reverberated with a faith thread of forgiveness and the hope that comes when one follows their dreams.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Clark's beautiful prose will immerse the reader in the Charleston setting in both the early 1900's and modern day in this split time novel. I love how both stories weaved together until the very end. This novel checked all the boxes for me. Great historical detail, characters I would love to meet again in future novels, a centuries-old family feud, missing treasure and romance. I like the fact that Ms. Clark can pen a sweet romance, but she also spins a story of family or should I say families whose individual stories entwine together in unexpected ways. The story reverberated with a faith thread of forgiveness and the hope that comes when one follows their dreams.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 11, 2021
3.5 stars!
Characters: Eliza and Lucy were both entertaining characters. William, even though he had a rough stage as a thief, turned out to be a decent guy by the end. I never connected with Declan though. He was too arrogant for me.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This book included themes of memories, preservation, beauty, and heaven. I struggled to understand some of these themes because they were quite poetic, and my simple mind does better with clear things. :)
Plot: This one dragged a bit for me, but that could be because I'm not a huge fan of split-time novels in general (and because I read it over too many days). But readers who enjoy this genre will love the family secrets, missing treasure, and romances.
Romance: Clean. Just a few kisses.
Writing: Ashley Clark has a poetic, detailed writing style that fit this novel well. While this isn't my favorite style to read, I know many people who love this kind of writing.
Overall: Paint and Nectar was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to readers of Christian fiction, split-time novels, historical romance, and contemporary romance.
Characters: Eliza and Lucy were both entertaining characters. William, even though he had a rough stage as a thief, turned out to be a decent guy by the end. I never connected with Declan though. He was too arrogant for me.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This book included themes of memories, preservation, beauty, and heaven. I struggled to understand some of these themes because they were quite poetic, and my simple mind does better with clear things. :)
Plot: This one dragged a bit for me, but that could be because I'm not a huge fan of split-time novels in general (and because I read it over too many days). But readers who enjoy this genre will love the family secrets, missing treasure, and romances.
Romance: Clean. Just a few kisses.
Writing: Ashley Clark has a poetic, detailed writing style that fit this novel well. While this isn't my favorite style to read, I know many people who love this kind of writing.
Overall: Paint and Nectar was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to readers of Christian fiction, split-time novels, historical romance, and contemporary romance.
January 2, 2023
“If we don’t tend our ground, something else will grow there. The choice is up to us.”
What a beautiful thought to consider at the beginning of a new year. I’d better get busy ‘weeding’!
Right from the first page, Ashley Clark kept me spellbound. I didn’t expect that the sequel would be as good as or better than the series debut, but it is! I was instantly hooked as I read about two young women who risked everything to hide a precious heirloom so that it wouldn’t get into the wrong hands. I felt compelled to read to discover if the heirloom would be uncovered and placed into the hands of the rightful owner. This mystery and the resulting tension echoed throughout the story and I absolutely loved how the author tied it all up for me. Clark pens a tightly woven story and every once in a while reminds us that we are all interconnected
Things I loved:
✔️The phrase ‘Emily Gilmore-ing’ !!!
✔️Tension created when one had to choose between family obligations and love
✔️References to broken things/places/people being restored
✔️Reminder of the importance of history
✔️Reminder of the hope that beauty offers us
✔️Encouragement to find the ‘bluebirds’ in our lives
✔️Watching the relationship develop between paint and nectar
✔️Reminder that beauty fundamentally changes people
✔���References to redemption; especially the metaphors
✔️Waiting for a bluebird to pop up in the narrative!
✔️Charleston setting and Renaissance artists
Shout out to the cover designer! Stunning.
I’m loving my ‘holiday’ in Charleston. Next up is the Christmas novella to accompany this series.
What a beautiful thought to consider at the beginning of a new year. I’d better get busy ‘weeding’!
Right from the first page, Ashley Clark kept me spellbound. I didn’t expect that the sequel would be as good as or better than the series debut, but it is! I was instantly hooked as I read about two young women who risked everything to hide a precious heirloom so that it wouldn’t get into the wrong hands. I felt compelled to read to discover if the heirloom would be uncovered and placed into the hands of the rightful owner. This mystery and the resulting tension echoed throughout the story and I absolutely loved how the author tied it all up for me. Clark pens a tightly woven story and every once in a while reminds us that we are all interconnected
Things I loved:
✔️The phrase ‘Emily Gilmore-ing’ !!!
✔️Tension created when one had to choose between family obligations and love
✔️References to broken things/places/people being restored
✔️Reminder of the importance of history
✔️Reminder of the hope that beauty offers us
✔️Encouragement to find the ‘bluebirds’ in our lives
✔️Watching the relationship develop between paint and nectar
✔️Reminder that beauty fundamentally changes people
✔���References to redemption; especially the metaphors
✔️Waiting for a bluebird to pop up in the narrative!
✔️Charleston setting and Renaissance artists
Shout out to the cover designer! Stunning.
I’m loving my ‘holiday’ in Charleston. Next up is the Christmas novella to accompany this series.
May 9, 2021
What a beautiful story! The skill of Ashley Clark in her sophomore novel is as sophisticated and enchanting as in her debut novel, The Dress Shop on King Street.
This extraordinary story of remembering and preserving the past, appreciating the cycles of nature, the beauty of art, old structures, and homes from earlier eras, as well as the importance of stories of those who have gone before us, is very compelling. What does making the world a better place look like to you? "William, frankly, was inspired by such a tenacious pursuit of betterment in all its forms."
"And her heart felt full, though not for any reasons except the simplest that she and her paint and this nectar were, for a few moments, all perfectly in tune."
"Roots are fragile before they're strong. It's as true for plants as it is for life."
"Because, my sweet daughter, much as we try, we cannot make the bluebirds stay forever. And though that fact may grieve us, and we may be tempted to despair, we must always remember this power that in accepting the comings and goings of the beautiful from our lives, we cannot change their temporality, but we can be changed by them. We can allow beauty to appoint us toward the God who made it."
"And it'd been a long time since she'd saved anything, and doing the work felt good as well. Keeping items from being thrown out always made her feel as though she was saving someone's story. And every story had value."
The beauty of motherhood: "Simple as they may be, tasks like being the best hair brusher were like badges of honor, sweet acknowledgments of all the day in, day out things mothers do when no one else is looking."
"It may be the truth, but what they're after isn't the truth at all. Sometimes, imitation drives our hearts into a deception that is far more persuasive than the truth that would set us free."
"If we don't tend our ground, something else will grow there. The choice is up to us."
On a personal level, I am reading this beautiful book in the aftermath of my sweet mom's passing. Her name was Lucy too. It has been a joy to read such a meaningful story about living life fully and appreciating beauty and history and the stories of the lives of those who have gone before us. I am writing this review on mother's day and love the quote about the day in, and day out things mothers do. As a side note Restoration Hardware is mentioned in the story. My husband drove me 30 miles on a snowy February evening to celebrate our 30th anniversary at the RH Rooftop Restaurant in Minneapolis.
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Paint and Nectar (as well as The Dress on King Street) and any future stories by Ashley Clark. She is definitely an author to follow. I will always read whatever she writes! Thank you to the author and the publisher Bethany House for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
This extraordinary story of remembering and preserving the past, appreciating the cycles of nature, the beauty of art, old structures, and homes from earlier eras, as well as the importance of stories of those who have gone before us, is very compelling. What does making the world a better place look like to you? "William, frankly, was inspired by such a tenacious pursuit of betterment in all its forms."
"And her heart felt full, though not for any reasons except the simplest that she and her paint and this nectar were, for a few moments, all perfectly in tune."
"Roots are fragile before they're strong. It's as true for plants as it is for life."
"Because, my sweet daughter, much as we try, we cannot make the bluebirds stay forever. And though that fact may grieve us, and we may be tempted to despair, we must always remember this power that in accepting the comings and goings of the beautiful from our lives, we cannot change their temporality, but we can be changed by them. We can allow beauty to appoint us toward the God who made it."
"And it'd been a long time since she'd saved anything, and doing the work felt good as well. Keeping items from being thrown out always made her feel as though she was saving someone's story. And every story had value."
The beauty of motherhood: "Simple as they may be, tasks like being the best hair brusher were like badges of honor, sweet acknowledgments of all the day in, day out things mothers do when no one else is looking."
"It may be the truth, but what they're after isn't the truth at all. Sometimes, imitation drives our hearts into a deception that is far more persuasive than the truth that would set us free."
"If we don't tend our ground, something else will grow there. The choice is up to us."
On a personal level, I am reading this beautiful book in the aftermath of my sweet mom's passing. Her name was Lucy too. It has been a joy to read such a meaningful story about living life fully and appreciating beauty and history and the stories of the lives of those who have gone before us. I am writing this review on mother's day and love the quote about the day in, and day out things mothers do. As a side note Restoration Hardware is mentioned in the story. My husband drove me 30 miles on a snowy February evening to celebrate our 30th anniversary at the RH Rooftop Restaurant in Minneapolis.
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Paint and Nectar (as well as The Dress on King Street) and any future stories by Ashley Clark. She is definitely an author to follow. I will always read whatever she writes! Thank you to the author and the publisher Bethany House for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2021
This book is so good! I loved the references to the last book too! It was nice seeing some favorite characters from the last book and seeing how their lives and stories intertwined with the main characters of this one. I absolutely love Ashley Clark’s writing!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
July 2, 2021
Having enjoyed this author’s debut novel, I just couldn’t wait for this book! And man, how I loved it! I have to admit I’m a bit partial to stories that are set in the ‘Roaring 20s’ and this one was just so special. I loved how the author linked the two timelines, and I really got immersed in the richness of the Charleston setting. There was just so much to love about this book, and I’m super excited for the next book in this series. Highly recommended.
**I received a NetGalley copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
**I received a NetGalley copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2021
This was an absolutely lovely story I didn't want to put down at all either..... I probably should have read the first as it's sort of a series it seems, but if a character's name turns me off ( these unisex but to me sort of "manly" names) I can't bring myself to read sometimes ( or even if those names that are sort of "out to lunch"/over the top" ones)... Yeah, I know odd quirks but I figure it's my reading time, my money, and my preference ;) Anyway, sweet story indeed as I will now read more by this author having enjoyed the first and try out one!
July 22, 2021
Paint and Nectar is a lovely follow-up to book one in the Heirloom Secrets series. A vibrant setting, endearing characters, and timeless themes make this story a pleasure to read. Flowing effortlessly between 1929 and the present day, this story connects to the characters of the first book, woven into the fabric of the tale that began a few years before the Civil War. I did enjoy book one just a bit more - honestly because I thought the romance was sweeter to me. Here it's more of an enemies to lovers thing, and that isn't really my favorite romance trope, but all of the components I liked about the first book are there in spades. Past and present Charleston are both lovely, and I particularly enjoyed the lush descriptions of the gardens. Do yourself a favor and look up images of Charleston's gardens and homes - it's truly a place I'm interested in visiting because of this novel.
It's also a book about art and heirlooms and a feud between families with repercussions in the present day. It's about how fleeting things can be, but how beautiful they make our lives while they're here. Just because something is fleeting doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. Sometimes by being appreciated, the beauty becomes a part of us, and we pass on its echo to others. And sometimes beautiful things need to be protected, not because they're beautiful, but because of the memories and legacy they preserve.
Lucy Lagare knows this all too well, as the new owner of a historic Charleston home that needs some tender care. Lucy herself needs some tender care herself, and her own success becomes tied up in how well she can preserve her home. But Declan Pinckney is determined to have the property for his family's development, despite any personal qualms he may have. Personal convictions and family expectations collide as these two navigate new discoveries about the history between their two families.
I also just have to gush over these covers. Like the stories inside, they're evocative and fresh. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series, which releases in February of 2022. Fans of dual-time fiction will not want to miss these books!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest opinions.
It's also a book about art and heirlooms and a feud between families with repercussions in the present day. It's about how fleeting things can be, but how beautiful they make our lives while they're here. Just because something is fleeting doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. Sometimes by being appreciated, the beauty becomes a part of us, and we pass on its echo to others. And sometimes beautiful things need to be protected, not because they're beautiful, but because of the memories and legacy they preserve.
Lucy Lagare knows this all too well, as the new owner of a historic Charleston home that needs some tender care. Lucy herself needs some tender care herself, and her own success becomes tied up in how well she can preserve her home. But Declan Pinckney is determined to have the property for his family's development, despite any personal qualms he may have. Personal convictions and family expectations collide as these two navigate new discoveries about the history between their two families.
I also just have to gush over these covers. Like the stories inside, they're evocative and fresh. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series, which releases in February of 2022. Fans of dual-time fiction will not want to miss these books!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest opinions.
May 4, 2021
Mere words simply cannot describe how I feel about this amazing story by new-to-me author, Ashley Clark. Speaking of words, Ms. Clark's lovely, poetic prose assailed my senses with the delicate fragrance of diverse flowers, the chirping of colorful bluebirds, the distinct smell of new paint on a canvas, and the sweet aroma of newfound love permeating the air.
Paint and Nectar is an intense time-slip novel connecting two young couples in a web of deceit, secrets, forbidden romance, and a mystery that divides two families. My emotions were all over the page (literally!) as my heart was shattered into tiny little pieces and put back together again. The beauty and bustle of past and present day Charleston, South Carolina, comes alive in this intriguing tale I highly recommend!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own & I received no monetary compensation.*
Paint and Nectar is an intense time-slip novel connecting two young couples in a web of deceit, secrets, forbidden romance, and a mystery that divides two families. My emotions were all over the page (literally!) as my heart was shattered into tiny little pieces and put back together again. The beauty and bustle of past and present day Charleston, South Carolina, comes alive in this intriguing tale I highly recommend!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own & I received no monetary compensation.*
December 28, 2021
I had so many things battling me to read this book, but it was the one that no matter what, I kept being pulled back into the story. I loved again, the modern and historical story, finding that the war between evil and greed against goodness is still very much a part of our modern society as much as in the past. I loved it!
July 8, 2021
Ashley Clark’s debut novel, The Dress Shop on King Street, was a powerful dual-timeline story that highlighted and humanised the tragedy and inhumanity of racism. The writing was brilliant, the research was excellent, the setting was fascinating, and the both stories were compelling—especially the horrible choice one mother had to make to ensure the best possible future for her daughters.
Paint and Nectar has the same brilliant writing, the same excellent research, and the same fascinating setting: the city of Charleston. But I didn’t find the story nearly so compelling. It was a variation of the Romeo and Juliet story. Two families each blame the other for stealing and hiding valuable Paul Revere silver (yes, apparently Paul Revere was famous for more than a certain night-time ride).
In the past timeline, Eliza and William Pinckney meet and fall in love, but are driven apart by their feuding families and the lust for silver.
In the present, Lucy Legare falls for Declan Pinckney before she finds that not only is he the Pinckney heir, but his father is trying to force her out of her house … partly because he wants to find the missing silver, which he believes is buried in her garden.
One reason was that the underlying intergenerational conflict wasn’t believable. Even in the past timeline, an hour with a metal detector would have provided the answer to the mystery of the buried silver. The other thing that annoyed me was this line, which is Declan thinking about Lucy:
"She wasn’t like the other women he knew."
It’s an overused trope that places one woman on an unachievable pedestal while dismissing all other women. (It’s even more annoying in reference to faith: she wasn’t like the other Christians he knew). Instead of telling us Lucy is different, show us … and show us without using tired and inaccurate stereotypes.
Having said that, I liked Eliza and William and their story. While William was doing the wrong thing (forging Eliza’s paintings), he was at least acting out of a noble reason (providing for his sister). I was less keen on Lucy and Declan and their story. This was mostly because of Declan’s father: he was clearly the evildoer, but his motives weren’t clear. That made him feel like a caricature rather than a realistic character. That affected my view of Declan.
There were also several nuggets of wisdom in the story, and they kept me engaged. Overall, this was a solid story but it didn’t have the impact of The Dress Shop on King Street, which was excellent.
Half of me says you should read Paint and Nectar before reading The Dress Shop on King Street, because that way you won’t be disappointed by the plot. The other half of me knows that’s impossible: while both are standalone novels, there is enough crossover between the two that reading Paint and Nectar first would spoil a few of the plot points in The Dress Shop on King Street.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Paint and Nectar has the same brilliant writing, the same excellent research, and the same fascinating setting: the city of Charleston. But I didn’t find the story nearly so compelling. It was a variation of the Romeo and Juliet story. Two families each blame the other for stealing and hiding valuable Paul Revere silver (yes, apparently Paul Revere was famous for more than a certain night-time ride).
In the past timeline, Eliza and William Pinckney meet and fall in love, but are driven apart by their feuding families and the lust for silver.
In the present, Lucy Legare falls for Declan Pinckney before she finds that not only is he the Pinckney heir, but his father is trying to force her out of her house … partly because he wants to find the missing silver, which he believes is buried in her garden.
One reason was that the underlying intergenerational conflict wasn’t believable. Even in the past timeline, an hour with a metal detector would have provided the answer to the mystery of the buried silver. The other thing that annoyed me was this line, which is Declan thinking about Lucy:
"She wasn’t like the other women he knew."
It’s an overused trope that places one woman on an unachievable pedestal while dismissing all other women. (It’s even more annoying in reference to faith: she wasn’t like the other Christians he knew). Instead of telling us Lucy is different, show us … and show us without using tired and inaccurate stereotypes.
Having said that, I liked Eliza and William and their story. While William was doing the wrong thing (forging Eliza’s paintings), he was at least acting out of a noble reason (providing for his sister). I was less keen on Lucy and Declan and their story. This was mostly because of Declan’s father: he was clearly the evildoer, but his motives weren’t clear. That made him feel like a caricature rather than a realistic character. That affected my view of Declan.
There were also several nuggets of wisdom in the story, and they kept me engaged. Overall, this was a solid story but it didn’t have the impact of The Dress Shop on King Street, which was excellent.
Half of me says you should read Paint and Nectar before reading The Dress Shop on King Street, because that way you won’t be disappointed by the plot. The other half of me knows that’s impossible: while both are standalone novels, there is enough crossover between the two that reading Paint and Nectar first would spoil a few of the plot points in The Dress Shop on King Street.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
May 27, 2021
Mercy! What a breathtaking pair of stories! The way the dual timeline is woven together, the parallels in Eliza's and Lucy's lives, the heart break, the triumphs, the surprises, the way everything crests to multiple 'aha' moments at the end!!!! All punctuated with startling snippets of widsom like this:
"If you want to sprout roots, my dear, then tend them carefully. Roots are fragile before they are strong. It's true of plants as it is for life."
I'm pretty much gobsmacked except....
Sqqquuueeaaaallll --- multiple fangirling moments if you have read The Dress Shop on King Street. Won't say any more but I was "Wait, whhhaat??? I remember..." all the way through. So. Much. Fun. (But it's okay, if you haven't read King Street first. You'll still enjoy this one just as much.)
Clark has a way of conjuring up images with her words and phrasing that makes it feel like I've lived each moment with these characters. Truly, breathtaking pretty much sums it all up. Paint and Nectar is a strong compliment to her debut sister.
"If you want to sprout roots, my dear, then tend them carefully. Roots are fragile before they are strong. It's true of plants as it is for life."
I'm pretty much gobsmacked except....
Sqqquuueeaaaallll --- multiple fangirling moments if you have read The Dress Shop on King Street. Won't say any more but I was "Wait, whhhaat??? I remember..." all the way through. So. Much. Fun. (But it's okay, if you haven't read King Street first. You'll still enjoy this one just as much.)
Clark has a way of conjuring up images with her words and phrasing that makes it feel like I've lived each moment with these characters. Truly, breathtaking pretty much sums it all up. Paint and Nectar is a strong compliment to her debut sister.
August 7, 2021
I have become a huge fan of time-slip novels and was thrilled to read the author's second book in her series. I liked the set up of the book so we had an idea of what we were going into. Not only in the past, but also the present. The author gives us a great idea of each of the characters before the story gets rolling.
William is such a nice guy and to see the choice he makes early on will cause the reader to cringe. Not only for his sake, but for Eliza's. It's easy to see why a romance blooms as you get to know the characters better. Even in the midst of everything going on around them, they have an air of innocence to them.
Then there's Declan and Lucy. HA! These two go at it like rival tom cats. You can see how great they would be together if their lives weren't on a collision course. Honestly, I think without Delcan's father in the way, I think they could've made a go for it from the start. What is it with overbearing fathers?
The mystery of the silver crosses over both time periods and is what keeps you turning the pages until the end. That and the possible romances. It is a little confusing at times to remember who is connected to who and how the silver is wanted by both families. I need a family tree or a couple of them in book three so I can keep everyone straight. I think that was especially true when William is connected with someone in as an uncle.
I really enjoyed getting to see Millie and her parents from book one in this story. I wasn't expecting that. Harper and Peter make a couple of appearances, but not much more than that. I love when older characters show up in consecutive books!
I'm looking forward to book three next year!
*I received this book from the author. This is my personal opinion.
William is such a nice guy and to see the choice he makes early on will cause the reader to cringe. Not only for his sake, but for Eliza's. It's easy to see why a romance blooms as you get to know the characters better. Even in the midst of everything going on around them, they have an air of innocence to them.
Then there's Declan and Lucy. HA! These two go at it like rival tom cats. You can see how great they would be together if their lives weren't on a collision course. Honestly, I think without Delcan's father in the way, I think they could've made a go for it from the start. What is it with overbearing fathers?
The mystery of the silver crosses over both time periods and is what keeps you turning the pages until the end. That and the possible romances. It is a little confusing at times to remember who is connected to who and how the silver is wanted by both families. I need a family tree or a couple of them in book three so I can keep everyone straight. I think that was especially true when William is connected with someone in as an uncle.
I really enjoyed getting to see Millie and her parents from book one in this story. I wasn't expecting that. Harper and Peter make a couple of appearances, but not much more than that. I love when older characters show up in consecutive books!
I'm looking forward to book three next year!
*I received this book from the author. This is my personal opinion.
May 26, 2021
Going into this book I didn't know how it could possibly live up to the high expectations I had built up for it after reading The Dress Shop on King Street, but that was before reading Paint and Nectar.
Paint and Nectar is a gorgeously written split-time novel that follows watercolorist Eliza, and William the man hired to forge her art as they grow close.
In the present day, Lucy is gifted her dream home on Charleston's historic Rainbow Row, while Declan is tasked with the mission of buying her home at all costs. As old family secrets are unearthed and an ancient rivalry is revealed, will they be able to let go of the past in order to embrace the future?
This book is nothing short of stunning, with beautiful flowing prose that blends past and present in this gently powerful and poignant story. A stunning sequel that melds entrancingly with the story of the previous novel, while still being a strong standalone. But I promise if you read The Dress Shop on King Street, there is major reader payoff!
Ms. Clark has crafted a cast of wonderful complex characters, it's not often that I find myself invested so equally in each of the characters that a book follows, but this time I was. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the previous book woven so beautifully into the fabric of the story.
Overall, a captivating read that digs into Charleston's rich history, brought to life in vivid color through this story of love, loss, betrayal, and second chances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Paint and Nectar is a gorgeously written split-time novel that follows watercolorist Eliza, and William the man hired to forge her art as they grow close.
In the present day, Lucy is gifted her dream home on Charleston's historic Rainbow Row, while Declan is tasked with the mission of buying her home at all costs. As old family secrets are unearthed and an ancient rivalry is revealed, will they be able to let go of the past in order to embrace the future?
This book is nothing short of stunning, with beautiful flowing prose that blends past and present in this gently powerful and poignant story. A stunning sequel that melds entrancingly with the story of the previous novel, while still being a strong standalone. But I promise if you read The Dress Shop on King Street, there is major reader payoff!
Ms. Clark has crafted a cast of wonderful complex characters, it's not often that I find myself invested so equally in each of the characters that a book follows, but this time I was. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the previous book woven so beautifully into the fabric of the story.
Overall, a captivating read that digs into Charleston's rich history, brought to life in vivid color through this story of love, loss, betrayal, and second chances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 2, 2023
Two questions: how was Lucy's last name Legare if it was her grandma's maiden name, not married name?
And how come no one realized she's related to her aunt? I wasn't given any explanation for why she would have grown up not knowing her aunt, not to mention that no one put two and two together now?
The writing style is more poetic than my personal tastes, so I was unable to get everything the author was trying to convey. The weaving together of so many people's stories was very clever but also an awful lot to untangle and keep up with. It was all quite complicated. I don't understand fighting over a teaspoon's worth of silver for generations or having such a strong adherence to a physical location in this fleeting life. But just because I don't understand it doesn't mean I don't recognize that other people do.
And how come no one realized she's related to her aunt? I wasn't given any explanation for why she would have grown up not knowing her aunt, not to mention that no one put two and two together now?
The writing style is more poetic than my personal tastes, so I was unable to get everything the author was trying to convey. The weaving together of so many people's stories was very clever but also an awful lot to untangle and keep up with. It was all quite complicated. I don't understand fighting over a teaspoon's worth of silver for generations or having such a strong adherence to a physical location in this fleeting life. But just because I don't understand it doesn't mean I don't recognize that other people do.
June 4, 2021
My interest was first piqued by the striking book cover. It made me want to look inside. I loved how this author took readers for a stroll through beautiful Charleston, South Caroline in this time slip story as the authors’ passion for Charleston shines through and makes me want to visit this historical city. I was swept up in the enchanting moments with Eliza and William as their love story was sweet and at the same time tragic. William and Eliza’s parents had been fighting for decades about an expensive missing artifact, each claims the other knows it’s whereabouts but neither of them do.
I felt as if I were walking in the gardens with Eliza as she takes in all the surrounding beauty. I adored how Eliza captured that beauty when she painted. Furthermore, I could imagine what it looked like. It sounded lovely in contrast to the evil that lurked around her house waiting for the right moment to snatch the treasure burred in the ground. The family feud continued into the present-time, and it seemed as if the whole love triangle was being played out in much the same way in that timeline, except Lucy was not part of the blood relative’s fight. She worked at a museum and discovered William and Eliza’s love story. I liked how the author shared their love notes with readers. I adored Eliza and her passion for art and preservation in the city she loved. I also enjoyed being swept into the 1920s and how the author sprinkled wisdom nuggets throughout the story like this one, “Roots are fragile before they’re strong. It’s as true for plants as it is for life.” And this one, “If we don’t tend our ground, something else will grow there. The choice is up to us.”
I loved every minute I spent with these characters and in Charleston with them. This is a wonderful summer read and one that would work great for your next book club meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
I felt as if I were walking in the gardens with Eliza as she takes in all the surrounding beauty. I adored how Eliza captured that beauty when she painted. Furthermore, I could imagine what it looked like. It sounded lovely in contrast to the evil that lurked around her house waiting for the right moment to snatch the treasure burred in the ground. The family feud continued into the present-time, and it seemed as if the whole love triangle was being played out in much the same way in that timeline, except Lucy was not part of the blood relative’s fight. She worked at a museum and discovered William and Eliza’s love story. I liked how the author shared their love notes with readers. I adored Eliza and her passion for art and preservation in the city she loved. I also enjoyed being swept into the 1920s and how the author sprinkled wisdom nuggets throughout the story like this one, “Roots are fragile before they’re strong. It’s as true for plants as it is for life.” And this one, “If we don’t tend our ground, something else will grow there. The choice is up to us.”
I loved every minute I spent with these characters and in Charleston with them. This is a wonderful summer read and one that would work great for your next book club meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
May 16, 2021
" . . . redemption, like sunlight, always reaches through the gates, and that we, like flowers, bend toward what grows us. So that the imitations and likenesses we have accepted as originals are exposed as deception, and we are left with the hope of a truer inheritance, a truer promise; a second garden, where all the dead things come alive . . . . "
An imitator, that's what he was about to become. In all reality it was thievery. But William was up to his eye balls in it, he just never expected to fall in love with the watercolorist whose originals he was tasked with duplicating. Eliza Jane had a remarkable talent, her paintings came to life on the page in spite of the unpredictable nature of her color blends. Unfortunately, trouble was brewing around both painters, an undercurrent of desperation, born out of greed between two feuding families; where was the famed Revolutionary War silver?
Years later, Lucy Legare loved everything about Charleston, South Carolina. She loved the history, the art, the architecture, the eateries . . . . . she would just love it a lot more if she could find full time employment and a place to call her own. When an opportunity that appeared too good to be true presented itself, she capitalized on it, and with it came dreams of restoring the beautiful old home back to its former glory; until the man she once thought could be more, stepped in with an offer that she would refuse. . . . and in the stepping, Lucy Legare and Declan Pickney become hopelessly mired in the marsh of ancestral disagreement. What is truly worth preserving? And could the answer to a generations old mystery be hidden in plain sight?
What a beautiful story! Utilizing lush metaphorical imagery, the author deftly paints her own landscape through the lives of her characters, who come to realize that, "maybe beauty's greatest achievement isn't in the staying . . . but that in its return, again and again, it paints the eternal - all the beautiful things that will never fade".
An imitator, that's what he was about to become. In all reality it was thievery. But William was up to his eye balls in it, he just never expected to fall in love with the watercolorist whose originals he was tasked with duplicating. Eliza Jane had a remarkable talent, her paintings came to life on the page in spite of the unpredictable nature of her color blends. Unfortunately, trouble was brewing around both painters, an undercurrent of desperation, born out of greed between two feuding families; where was the famed Revolutionary War silver?
Years later, Lucy Legare loved everything about Charleston, South Carolina. She loved the history, the art, the architecture, the eateries . . . . . she would just love it a lot more if she could find full time employment and a place to call her own. When an opportunity that appeared too good to be true presented itself, she capitalized on it, and with it came dreams of restoring the beautiful old home back to its former glory; until the man she once thought could be more, stepped in with an offer that she would refuse. . . . and in the stepping, Lucy Legare and Declan Pickney become hopelessly mired in the marsh of ancestral disagreement. What is truly worth preserving? And could the answer to a generations old mystery be hidden in plain sight?
What a beautiful story! Utilizing lush metaphorical imagery, the author deftly paints her own landscape through the lives of her characters, who come to realize that, "maybe beauty's greatest achievement isn't in the staying . . . but that in its return, again and again, it paints the eternal - all the beautiful things that will never fade".
May 10, 2021
What an enchanting story. I loved revisiting Charleston and these lovely people...
I am such a huge fan of Ashley Clark and her Heirloom Secrets series. You will definitely want to read the other one first, although I do think this could be a stand-alone novel...but it all ties in so nicely, and makes everything seem a lot more clear.
This is Lucy's story. She is determined to preserve old, historical things. After all, she is a museum curator. She is, however, attracted to Declan Pinckney, and he is on the side of tearing down the old to make room for the new. Because of this, their relationship seems bound for disaster right from the beginning.
Lucy mysteriously inherits an old house, and has so much fun trying to figure out all the old secrets hidden there.
This story also goes back to 1929 and gives us Eliza and William's story, Theirs is revealed to us slowly, bit by bit.
I was very intrigued from the first chapter. Charleston and its sights and sounds are brought to life in vivid colors and textures, from the delicately described watercolor paintings , to the old house and it's beautiful garden...Ashley Clark has so much talent in bringing story to life.
I'm really counting on the fact that there absolutely needs to be AT LEAST one more book in this series, and I cannot wait for it!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I am such a huge fan of Ashley Clark and her Heirloom Secrets series. You will definitely want to read the other one first, although I do think this could be a stand-alone novel...but it all ties in so nicely, and makes everything seem a lot more clear.
This is Lucy's story. She is determined to preserve old, historical things. After all, she is a museum curator. She is, however, attracted to Declan Pinckney, and he is on the side of tearing down the old to make room for the new. Because of this, their relationship seems bound for disaster right from the beginning.
Lucy mysteriously inherits an old house, and has so much fun trying to figure out all the old secrets hidden there.
This story also goes back to 1929 and gives us Eliza and William's story, Theirs is revealed to us slowly, bit by bit.
I was very intrigued from the first chapter. Charleston and its sights and sounds are brought to life in vivid colors and textures, from the delicately described watercolor paintings , to the old house and it's beautiful garden...Ashley Clark has so much talent in bringing story to life.
I'm really counting on the fact that there absolutely needs to be AT LEAST one more book in this series, and I cannot wait for it!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
October 21, 2021
A wonderful Southern story of redemption and grace! This novel was so beautifully and richly written, the prose painted so delicately on a canvas not unlike the historical heroine, Eliza, painted. The imagery had me in Charleston in both the present and the past and wrapped up in all the characters.
I absolutely loved the intersecting of characters from her debut novel. It was so delightful to see them again. And the connecting of history in more ways than one was a welcome twist to the story. I really loved the contemporary storyline too with the love-hate romantic beginning for Lucy & Declan. I can’t wait for the third book!
I absolutely loved the intersecting of characters from her debut novel. It was so delightful to see them again. And the connecting of history in more ways than one was a welcome twist to the story. I really loved the contemporary storyline too with the love-hate romantic beginning for Lucy & Declan. I can’t wait for the third book!
May 19, 2021
I honestly can't love this book enough. I can't even say which timeline or which characters I love more. Paint and Nectar is perfect. My only regret is that I haven't read The Dress Shop on King Street yet only because I could have fallen in love with the beauty of Ashley Clark's storytelling that much sooner.
July 27, 2021
Such a startingly beautiful look into history. I am loving this series! Ashley Clark is one to watch.
May 2, 2023
Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark
Topic or themes I saw: Dashed dreams. Fear of stepping into the longings of your heart. Perseverance even in pain and dissapointments. Finding beauty in any circumstance. Moving forward instead of staying stuck.
Read it if you love:
✔️Stories with art
✔️Stories that hold preserving the past in high esteem
✔️ Stories with secrets
✔️Forbidden romance
✔️Friends to lovers
✔️Duel-time novels
✔️Stories that show how generations are intertwined.
Story: The men in the story find themselves in tough situations. Fighting against their feelings toward the ladies because of circumstances. The tension of the story and motives of the characters are crafted beautifully. In this story was contention around missing silver. The uncovering of that mystery is just stunning😍. The tie in with Millie from The Dress Shop on Kingstreet was perfection.
The Heirloom Secrets series showcases the passing on of beauty, life, and stories through the generations. A handing of the torch so to speak. The books are tied together brilliantly!
Isn’t this such a beautiful quote? “Though time had bruised them as it’s prone to doing, it had also made them strong.”
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
Topic or themes I saw: Dashed dreams. Fear of stepping into the longings of your heart. Perseverance even in pain and dissapointments. Finding beauty in any circumstance. Moving forward instead of staying stuck.
Read it if you love:
✔️Stories with art
✔️Stories that hold preserving the past in high esteem
✔️ Stories with secrets
✔️Forbidden romance
✔️Friends to lovers
✔️Duel-time novels
✔️Stories that show how generations are intertwined.
Story: The men in the story find themselves in tough situations. Fighting against their feelings toward the ladies because of circumstances. The tension of the story and motives of the characters are crafted beautifully. In this story was contention around missing silver. The uncovering of that mystery is just stunning😍. The tie in with Millie from The Dress Shop on Kingstreet was perfection.
The Heirloom Secrets series showcases the passing on of beauty, life, and stories through the generations. A handing of the torch so to speak. The books are tied together brilliantly!
Isn’t this such a beautiful quote? “Though time had bruised them as it’s prone to doing, it had also made them strong.”
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
July 19, 2023
"What imitations have you accepted as originals in your own life?"
For most of the book, I thought this was a 3.5 star read, but that ending really moved it up to 4 for me.
This is my second Ashley Clark book, and I really enjoy her writing. Her prose is enchanting, and her stories are lovely. I can't wait to read more from her.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as The Dress Shop on King Street, it was really good. Lucy and Declan were such likeable characters I couldn't help but root for. I felt the same way about Eliza and William. I love a good dual timeline book!
Lucy's journey was one I could really relate to, and I appreciated Ashley's lessons on finding beauty in the ordinary and not settling for less so much.
If you love historical Christian fiction like I do, this series is for you!
For most of the book, I thought this was a 3.5 star read, but that ending really moved it up to 4 for me.
This is my second Ashley Clark book, and I really enjoy her writing. Her prose is enchanting, and her stories are lovely. I can't wait to read more from her.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as The Dress Shop on King Street, it was really good. Lucy and Declan were such likeable characters I couldn't help but root for. I felt the same way about Eliza and William. I love a good dual timeline book!
Lucy's journey was one I could really relate to, and I appreciated Ashley's lessons on finding beauty in the ordinary and not settling for less so much.
If you love historical Christian fiction like I do, this series is for you!
June 5, 2022
Did not finish - while the writing was good, the back and forth between the generations became confusing, so much so that it was not a pleasurable read but more of a frustrating read.
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