Van Gogh Gone by Robin M. King

Van Gogh Gone

Author: Robin M. King

Publisher: Walnut Springs

Published: November 15th, 2015

ISBN13: 978159992982

Paperback: 242 pages

FTC FYI: Received an ebook copy and paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

“Espionage isn’t just her job, it’s a work of art.”

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Stewart finally has a life worth remembering - a Spanish tutor who gives perfecto a new name, a roommate that could double as her sister, and a special role in a secret spy organization that exists in the basement of Brown University.

But when her colleague, Daly, returns from a recent trip to Moscow accompanied by a man she never thought she'd see again, Alex is ripped away from her life in Providence and sent across the globe in search of a stolen piece of art. In desperate need to find the Van Gogh painting, she will do anything to find it. Anything.

From Barcelona to Paris with only Daly at her side, the bonds of friendship are stretched as the duo uncover a truth neither one of them saw coming. Finding the painting could mean discovering a part of Alex she is ashamed could even exist, but without it, she could lose everything. The world around Alex threatens to corrupt the memories she holds most dear and the person she loves the most is at stake. 

My Review

Van Gogh Gone starts right where Remembrant leaves off, and the action and suspense does not let up until the end.  I love Alex.  She is a fantastic and fascinating character.  As I read, I was thinking how cool it would be to have her memory, but as I got further in the book, I thought of what a burden it would be.  I loved how Robin showed the conflict and struggle Alex was experiencing.  I loved the realization she has about it at the end of the book though.  Alex has some hard decisions to make and I really enjoyed the end result.  Truth always wins.  I appreciated how the author used flashbacks, it didn't interfere with the pacing at all, and it was needed background information.  A character returns that has a secret, well secrets, and that part really added to the story too, but it also brings more trouble for Alex.  Alex also needed to make decisions about the men in her life, and I must say, I was happy with how that turned out as well.  I'm excited for the next book!

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book 

Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Painting Kisses

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: October 2nd, 2014

ISBN13: 9781621088516

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Lia Carswell is good at what she does, even if it isn't as glamorous as her old artist life in Manhattan. The popular waitress works hard in a small Salt Lake City diner, with the goal of easing her sister's financial strain. And with her witty personality and good looks, she's something of an enigma to the male customers who vie for her attention. Ever the professional, Lia keeps her distance, with one exception. Aidan is a breakfast regular, and his gentle, clever teasing draws Lia's attention and builds an easy rapport between them, though Lia would never let their relationship get serious, especially since he's not the only one trying to catch her eye. Her handsome neighbor Griff has been hinting that he wants more than a neighborly relationship.

Then her old New York artist life comes knocking, and an offer is made for a series of commissioned paintings. Lia knows it would ensure financial security for her family, but she doesn't know if she wants that life anymore. When she undertakes one final project, she reawakens her heart and soul. And as she finds herself falling in love and needing an outlet more and more, she realizes her paintings might be her saving grace.

My Review

This book is darling.  I instantly liked Lia.  Her spunk and attitude were my favorite things about her.  I loved how the author gradually introduced us to her life, not spilling all her secrets out in the first chapter.  I appreciated Lia even more, getting to know her and those around her, and what she especially has gone through.  I also loved the men in her life.  As much as she didn't want them around at first, they came anyway.  Aidan and Griff kept me guessing, I suspected something early about one of them.  I turned out to be right, but I loved how it all came about.  I also liked the turn the book took when Lia made her decision on who she liked and what to do with the news he shares.  What I really enjoyed were Lia's painting scenes.  Also a particular trip up to the mountains with a certain character.  Lia came alive when she started painting again and it made a difference for those around her too.  Her story is a sad one, but again, I loved how Melanie revealed it all.  Melanie did a great job with these characters and as always, her writing is creative and fun.  The relationships with Lia and her sister and especially Chloe were my favorite.  I had a clear favorite guy for her, but don't want to spoil anything for ya, it will give it away.  The romance and humor in Painting Kisses, as with Mel's other books, is spot on.

4 out of 5 stars.  Another enjoyable book from Melanie Jacobson.  Can't wait for more.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book 

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