Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale

Yes, this is a really funny book in which disaster after disaster sends the reader hurtling towards a very satisfying wrap-up. The characters and the situations they find themselves in are often hysterical and the author creates a real sense of life through the dialogue. But this book also captures an incredibly important message about inclusion - how different we all are and how labelling and judging can get in the way of living. I found parts of this book incredibly sad as the experiences of someone “different” struggled to get along within the rails of “normal” expectations. So, yes, people can read it for a genuine laugh but I also hope people will take a moment to reflect on inclusion, difference and judgement,

This book was so good. The plot was very well written and it had some great plot twists. I would highly recommend this book.

Unusual and thought provoking novel. Three siblings trying to gain their father’s approval. This books had me laughing and gasping in shock with the shenanigans of Minty, she goes into her own world but always trying to get her dads approval she works hard for it unlike her older sister who has it in abundance.
Minty is an art forger and has been in prison for it she took the blame for the whole operation letting her sister and brother lead their lives. Then her mother is diagnosed with dementia and she’s has to move back home to look after her. Then comes the police and a Glasgow gangster looking for a painting she stole long time ago.
Hilarious in parts but also deep in others
Fantastic read

Honestly, this book was an unexpected reading and a difficult voluntary review to write, but not because the book wasn’t hilarious or interesting, is that the family dynamic of the main character reflects a little my own and that was difficult to deal with.

Minty is this talented artist who is afraid to express through her art her uniqueness. She thinks is easier to copy someone else’s art instead expressing herself and maybe being judged wrongly or rejected by her own father and the rest of the world. Due to this wrongly misconceptions and fears, she gets entangled with the mafia, police and even imprisoned for fraud. Her life becomes a chain of chaos, mixed with a strong feeling of family loyalty, and life resignation.
This chaos brings stressful, humiliating and sometimes laughable situations that will make you root for Minty so she could find peace, happiness, love and personal success as herself.
The story was well written, the characters well defined and the plot crazy and hilarious which reminded me of the Chavy Chase’s movies a bit.

I just reviewed Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale by Holly Denham. #lovepaintedinlies #NetGalley

This was a cute and fun book. Very amusing characters who were also somehow true to life. The book has some twists and turns and I would definitely recommend it as a light quick beach read. Enjoy!

The family dynamics of this hit close to home for me, which made for an enjoyable read (to a point). I flat out adored Minty and was rooting for her every step of the way! The book was funny and the plot was one that is easy to connect with.

Lovely book! While I typically read and review books that are purely romance or romantic comedies, Love Painted in Lies was refreshingly different in that romance felt like a subplot. I enjoyed that the story involved more than just a romantic thrill of the chase but an actual chase too! There was comedy, mystery, action, and romance which made for a talented work by Holly Denham.

I lived in Maida Vale for six months, so the setting of this book holds a special place in my heart. It was nostaglic to read this story knowing all too well what it is to live in the area. Though my experience there did enhance my experience reading this book, I can say the picture Denham paints of Maida Vale and Little Venice is one that can allow any reader to put themselves there in their mind. What a great location to set a story revolving around art!

Overall, I really loved reading this book. For a book of this size, I would often read it in one sitting, but I read it in three because I did not want it to be over so soon. I could say more but I dare not say anything that would cause any reader not to go into this book with an open mind and a readiness to be engaged in a all-around good story. Excited to tell my former Maida Vale flatmates about this one!

It completely captivated me with its intricate plot and vivid characterization. This book is not just a romance; it's a deep dive into relationships tangled with secrets and deception. The author crafts a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally engaging, making it hard to put down.

"Love Painted in Lies" is a delightful British comedy romp, skillfully blending humor, mystery, and heartwarming moments. Minty's return to Maida Vale brims with chaos, juggling the demands of raising twins, managing an Old English Sheepdog, and navigating the labyrinthine complexities of London school admissions. Yet, amidst the uproar, a tantalizing mystery unfurls, injecting an extra layer of excitement into the narrative.

The characters are expertly crafted, and Minty's journey is both relatable and thoroughly entertaining. The introduction of a mysterious stranger adds an alluring touch of intrigue and romance, ensuring readers remain captivated until the very end. Minty's struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, offering a connection that many will share.

In sum, "Love Painted in Lies" is a hilarious adventure that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in. With its sharp wit, unexpected plot twists, and endearing characters, this book is a true pleasure to read. I highly recommend it!

What a lovely book, I enjoyed reading about the antics of all the characters and I loved the way the story came together. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

"Love Painted in Lies" is a charming British comedy that goes beyond the typical love story. Minty's return to Maida Vale isn't just about raising twins and managing her parents—it's shadowed by her past involvement in a family art forgery ring. Suspected by the law of returning to uncover secrets about a missing painting, Minty must prove she's starting anew. Amidst this, a mysterious stranger brings intrigue and potential romance. With gangsters on her trail and love at her door, Minty's journey is a hilarious adventure blending comedy, mystery, and unexpected twists in Maida Vale.
This is a really fun book; it's perfect for relaxing and having a good laugh. There are many little subplots that add a lot to the story. I really liked Minty's character because you can easily relate to her, especially her train of thought. The book is very vivid, so while reading, you have a little movie playing in your head.
Of course, I liked that Minty is "different," adapting to how we all function now. It also addresses stress, bullying, embarrassing situations, and various topics that are humorously portrayed. I definitely recommend reading this book; it's great for a laugh, relaxing, and easy to read. It's easy to follow Minty's thoughts and the story, which alternates between events that happened about ten years ago and the present.

This was a great book. I connected with the characters. I felt engrossed with the plot. I would read another book by this author.

I've been waiting years for a new book from Holly Denham! Love Painted in Lies in so much fun. I love Denham's writing style and while this book was quite different from Holly's Inbox, it was fantastic. There's some mystery and some laughs and, of course, some romance. The perfect mix. Loved it!

Minty is a gifted artist, but instead of painting original work, she began a forgery ring with her brother and sister. That was all years ago and now she’s back home with her parents, her twin children, and her twin dogs. Her past catches up to her and it seems everyone in the neighborhood is watching her. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue.

I have no idea what this book is. I don’t understand who Minty is or what she’s about, but man, I loved this book. It was like Cold Comfort Farm had a baby with a Guy Ritchie film. I absolutely adore the ensemble cast - her parents are the absolute best - and the entire world-building surrounding her and everyone is glorious. This book was so surprising because it had so many different elements, and like the main character Minty, everything is a bit jumbled: it is an art heist, a mystery, a comedy, a romance, a family-centered slice-of-life, all laced with a lot of dry British wit. I loved it! Please - more books with these characters!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I’ve been waiting forever to read something new from Holly Denham and this didn’t disappoint. Although very different from the Holly’s Inbox books it’s equally as brilliant. I laughed my way through this book and read it in one as I just couldn’t put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for my honest and unbiased opinion. And thanks to Holly for coming back and the opportunity of a great read.

Wow, what a great book! It was so engaging and kept me turning pages until the very end! I highly recommend it to fellow readers!

5* Not to be missed

After finishing a gruesome thriller, I was in need of some light reading. According to the synopsis, Love Painted in Lies would be just this. And it was!

A genuine comedy, at times a non-PC dark comedy, containing a complicated plot keeping my complete attention. Very clever writing, there's not a dull page from beginning to end.

There's so much in this book, I intend reading it again in the future to see what I missed first time.

I won't give anything away about the plot as you've probably already read other reviews, but I strongly recommend Holly Denham's book. It's great.

eARC generously supplied by Front Recruitment Publishing and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

I’ve not read any books by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Minty has a strange lifestyle and the reason why becomes apparent as you read on! The characters are very well developed and you can’t help but become involved with the family and cheer them on through all the trials and tribulations. A must read!

Absolutely loved this book. Not good when you read at lunchtime in the office and you burst out laughing
It made me smile. Will be looking for more books by Holly Denham. If you want a book to uplift you, full of eccentric characters that you would like to be friends with this is the book for you.

I really enjoyed this book. The author kept my attention all the way through and I could not put it down. I read it in one go because I was so taken in with the plot and characters.
Minty is such a lovely person and has had a few bad runs along her life and the way that she has recovered to become an amazing Mum, sister and daughter is tenement to us all. A real inspiring book that also made me laugh out loud!
The relationship with her father is caring and loving and I really get where he is coming from when encouraging and motivating his daughter to make the right choices.
Harriet and Harry are sweet, innocent children that the author brought out the best in them even though they had been through some challenging life situations for such young children
I strongly recommend this book.

A light-hearted read with quirky characters and an unusual plot, this was an enjoyable book to read on a warm summer evening.

What I loved about love painted in lies is it was light hearted and laughed a few times why reading it, it was fun loving mystery about art kids and a bit rom-com would recommend to read 4 stars thank you Holly Denham and net gallery allowed me to read

Love painted in lies follows Minty, a quirky artist and widow with two children, who is trying to juggle her past , a new romance, and school gate politics. It’s a good mix of humour and mystery.

Minty’s eccentric fashion, artistic talent and chaotic life make her a charming character. The dual timelines reveal both her past and present adventures, keeping the plot engaging and full of surprises.
This book is great for fans of light-hearted romcoms with a touch of mystery. I found it to be a fun, light hearted read

This is a romantic comedy and it was funny and sweet and had some great plot twists. Its perfect for an afternoons reading.

Crime with humour and wit. Who would have thought you would get that in one book!
This book can be read as a stand alone even though its part of a series. I have read a couple of these books and this one was a lot of fun. I am getting the others that I haven't read now and will start the series from the beginning!

A very different romcom with the emphasis on the comedy. Minty is chaotic in her life being a talented artist who would rather make copies than original paintings. This leads her into some rare and interesting situations . There is a mixture of well sketched out characters all aiding and abetting the central figure and bringing many laugh out loud moments in this light hearted tale

A mad romp of a book that keeps the fun coming even in dire circumstances.

Minty is an outsider and shows it with her odd clothes and hair ornaments, She's a talented artist who has never produced anything original, to her father's dismay. She is a young widow with two children and two dogs, that keep her on her toes. When she meets Devon in the park gym things seem to be looking up.

The past, however, is all ready to catch up with her.

Can Minty avoid the reckonings of her dark deeds years ago, find romance, and put the snooty mothers at the school gate in their place? Well, read on and you'll have a lot of fun finding out.

I was drawn to this book because it's set in Maida Vale, London, where I lived many years ago. So, for me, it was also a trip down memory lane. And a very enjoyable one at that.

Brilliant, laugh out loud moments from beginning to end. Convicted art forger and widow, Minty returns to Maida Vale to care for her parents with her twins, Harry and Harriet. Avoiding the police, Glaswegian gangsters, MI5 and the FBI, all looking for a missing painting the story unfolds. .Enthralling, the best book of the year for me.

Minty is a misfit and doesn’t fit in with others’ expectations. Seeking approval from her father, and caring for her mother who has Alzheimers, along with her two children and dogs, she happily goes from one mix up to another.

The main story is about her involvement in past forgeries, and her past catching up with her. Also, a mysterious stranger enters the scene, but who is he?

Full of fun, laughter, and crazy mix ups, this is an intriguing story about Minty and her family, full of laugh out loud humour, although sad in places.

This is chaotically funny, but also very sad in places as Minty juggles raising twins alone, looking after her aged parents with health issues, family and trying to earn a living whilst simultaneously trying to outrun her forgery past. Is the newcomer in her life friend or foe? Will her family survive the dramas and will her dad ever give her true praise? A really entertaining story.

Minty is an artist but doesn't like creating her own work she would rather copy other artist's work, which has led her into trouble in the past. Following the sudden death of her husband she and her twins, Harry & Harriet, move in with her parents. Her mum has dementia and her father a bad hip. She also has a menagerie of animals.
Will she find love again? A hilarious tale of family life and love.

This is the first Holly Denham I’ve read, but am absolutely sure it won’t be the last, excellent read. Some laugh out loud moments , totally loved Minty and the Harries! Great storytelling, and fabulous cast of characters! Highly recommended

Suffering badly with hayfever just now this book really cheered me up. What a fab book. I found it really amusing. I loved Minty’s mom and dad particularly. Minty herself is a case in a great way. Minty is an artist but struggles to come up with compositions of her own even though her dad thinks her talent is superior to what she thinks. Minty’s brother and sister persuade her to paint famous paintings and then they can sell them as originals. This runs smoothly until forgeries are uncovered and she lands up in prison. Never again will Minty forge paintings again, she has to be responsible. She decides to take up sculpting instead with scrap metal which she is good at. Life continues, Minty marries, has twins, husband passes away and then the trouble begins. Minty goes from one drama to another. She returns to her childhood home to look after her parents whilst raising the twins and her menagerie of pets. Due to her past the police get involved with her as there is a famous missing canvas and they think she has it or knows where it is. This is where the story becomes fun and interesting. A blast from her past arrives on the scene and is not a welcome sight. Quinn is a menacing man and is prepared to do anything to retrieve the painting. Luckily for Minty she has police etc following her every move as they feel she knows where it is and keeps her safe (ish). The story continues in a bizarre and fun way and enjoyed every minute of this book. The ending is fun and, of course, there is a love interest – great she deserves it

This was a fairground of a book, a whooshing, entertaining, frenetic page turning book to read! It was exhausting I a good way to have the different time periods, the mad children, errant parents and siblings all mashed together and plot lines merging. Even the romance isn’t straight forward although a bit of family scrutiny went down well. From letters written in prison, to speed welding competitions, there is something for everyone in the bright firework display of a book.

I haven't laughed this much reading a book in a long time. Such a brilliant read. Full of twist and turns, laughter and emotion. An absolute must read. Can't think of a better way to make yourself feel good. Perfect as a holiday read or something to cheer you up on a rainy day. Can't wait to read more by Holly Denham.

Minty has moved from the country to look after her parents, a slightly eccentric father and a mother with Alzheimer’s, and with her she brings 2 Old English sheepdogs, Muffin and Paddington aka The Krays due to their behaviour, several cats and the Harries (daughter Harriet, and son Harry). The house and her life is in continual chaos and when Devon, the rather attractive, unmarried 40 year old enters her life she thinks things are getting better. There follows the trials and tribulations of managing the expectations of gangland villain Quinn who wants a picture, children at a new school, a father who wants her to express her true artistry rather than copy, a police inspector, MI5, CIA and her family.This is a fast paced and at times hilarious cosy crime, which I read in one sitting and loved it. A great, feel good summer read

I honestly loved this novel. It was funny and real in equal doses. The characters were well rounded and I found myself sympathising with Minty as she struggled with her odd family members. A well written catalogue of disasters which you had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I would warmly recommend this one.

There were some genuinely laugh out loud funny moments in this book about the eccentric Minty returning to Maida Vale to look after her equally dysfunctional parents, the Harries and a veritable menagerie.
A character from her past involvement in an art forgery business threatens to put all of their lives in danger.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Minty has moved to her parents flat in Maida Vale with her twins, and dogs due to her Mother's dementia.
Her father is increasing frustrated with her as she doesn't seem to produce anything original, always copies of other people's work. He just wishes she would do something totally Minty and original.
When her past starts creeping up to cause her trouble she has to find a way to get out of the situation without anyone getting hurt or her going back to jail.
Juggling the twins at a new school with resident bully and alpha Mothers, her Mother's erraticness and family's growing menagerie she has to steer a path to safety.
An enjoyable quick read.

This was a busy plot with some great wholesome characters, who really made the story come alive.
Of course Minty, our main character was a young widow with twins. She lived with her mum and dad after discovering that her mum had early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her dad needed lots of help. As if that wasn’t chaotic enough of a life, she had two old English sheepdogs, and cats too!! Her husband had died the year before and that was a hard time for her.
We travel back and forth in time to hear about what happened to her, along with her brother and sister when she was younger. It involves her painting amazing dupes of famous ones. and selling them on. It’s a lot of stress for everyone !! There is also a menacing man who has come back into her life making demands and dropping threats here and there.
I liked the story and read it quickly.
Many thanks to HR Publishing for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #HR Publishing, #HollyDenhamBooks.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This book had me laughing out loud, although did find some of the story line a little far fetched, overall an enjoyable easy read

Well written, an entertaining read, and a totally original storyline, that kept me interested. I enjoyed Devon, and his unlikely relationship with Minty.

Everything about this was enjoyable, but for some reason I found myself not enjoying it, but I think I know why. I'm one of those annoyingly organised people; I have a bullet journal for work, and one for home. I make lists for everything. My calendar app is my bible, and I need to know what's happening from one day to the next, or I get a bit anxious.

Minty's life is pure chaos! Just the thought of living like that terrifies me, and I think made it an uncomfortable read. I just need my routines too much!

Fun and entertaining a good feel good read. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

This book is absolutely bonkers!! So very different to my usual macabre reads. It was a refreshing change to settle into this very entertaining and madcap read. Had me giggling and chuckling throughout.

Not my usual type of book, I usually go for crime stories. I found this book funny and entertaining, made me laugh several times.

This was such an enjoyable book. A romance but not just a romance, full of complex relationships and family dynamics it made me laugh but also made me pause for thought. Set in a part of London that I know well, it tells the story of Minty a young widow with twins and a mother with Alzheimer’s but the focus is on Minty’s shady past as an art forger. Minty’s mishaps are a joy to read about and I was rooting for her from the start. All in all a very enjoyable book that I can highly recommend.

This is a delightful book that made me laugh out loud at places.
It paints the picture of a dysfunctional family trying their best to cope with the dramas of life.

I loved the main character in this book who didn’t care about opinions of other, worrying about what others think of you or jerking up with the Jones’.

This books had a great plot and was enriched by all the characters in it.
It kept you guessing what was going to happen and made me roar with laughter throughout.

An easy summer read!

I really liked Minty as a character, and her family was fascinating too. The relationships between them all felt so real, the loss of her husband, the children’s reactions to having to move to live with their grandparents, Mintys guilt about her past indiscretions and just their generally chaotic way of life. . I did find the pace of the story a bit slow to start with, and at times found felt a bit confused about what was going on, but it’s a heart warming, if improbable tale, that is such a nice read you can forgive the odd stereotype (Quinn) for the subtle ( and not so subtle at times) humour that runs through the whole book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Love Painted in Lies: A Maida Vale Tale tells the story of a determined and compassionate woman in her mid-thirties who engaged in art forgery in her youth and now faces the consequences of her past actions.

It took me a while to get into the story, to be honest, as the character of protagonist Minty, and the narrative here, is quite quirky and focuses more on Minty’s current day-to-day which only really becomes interesting once the full picture is set. Ms. Denham chooses to slowly reveal the mystery of what’s gone on before as the pages progress in the opening 1/3 of the novel. Stick with it, as once I was into the story, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and Minty became, in fact, highly relatable as she navigates life, family, gangsters, police, and a potential new relationship.

The humor sprinkled throughout the book was largely hits, and I found myself chuckling along as I read. Minty’s ability to juggle family and personal relationships amidst a dangerous criminal underworld and police scrutiny is both amusing and endearing. Her quirky character is most evident in her interactions with family members, particularly her children and elderly parents, who are all nuts! Yet, Holly Denham doesn't shy away here from exploring heavier themes like self-acceptance, loss, and overcoming bullying.

Once the story takes off, you’ll likely find yourself immersed into Minty's chaotic world, find moments of genuine laughter that are skillfully balanced with touching portrayals of everyday family life. If you, at first, find the extravagance of painting, gangsters, and Minty’s past a little exaggerated, don’t worry—just go with it, I suggest. It’s all undeniably enjoyable, with a style that is simple and whimsical, creating a delightful and all-too-quick read.

Gosh, Minty is absolutely bonkers and this book is very funny. It made me cringe often, laugh out loud and also be genuinely happy for her that she somehow finds a way to solve the muddle she’s in. It’s gloriously far fetched and full of hilarious cliches and it had me guessing about the end right up until I reached it. Would absolutely recommend

Really enjoyed reading this book, especially with the laugh out bits too! Loved meeting all the characters and their stories too! A perfect an easy summer read.