The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
A Novel
by Joanna Davidson Politano
Pub DateApr 09 2024
Revell
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance




A copy of The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple has been provided to me by Revell and Netgalley for review:

A silent film actress with a murky past, an unlikely romance, if thar interests you I highly recommend The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple!


The wealthy investigator Peter Driscoll has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The silent-film actress is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past buried beneath her costumes and stage makeup.



Lily wears beneath her gown an exquisite sapphire, the legendary Briarwood Teardrop. Peter is tasked with locating it. Peter employs Lily's help on a case to stay close to her and unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--leading to a useful partnership between the two of them. While they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. As he gets closer to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.The closer he gets to Lily, the more clear it becomes that he needs her even more than she needs him.


I give The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Lily Temple is a movie star in the very early days of cinematography. Her main genre is fairy tales, a theme carried throughout the book with quotes from various stories at the beginning of each chapter.

I was fascinated to read about the process of making movies then, the splicing and hand-coloring, and other manual processes required to create the film, especially special effects.

Lily is a complex character with a mysterious background. Peter is a private investigator who is trying to delve into that background. It is definitely an intriguing story with many fascinating elements. I appreciated the spiritual growth and healing that developed.

"Why must adults trivialize fiction so?
Because it's a story.
Children instinctively know its worth, but then they grow up and view stories as mere indulgence, relegated to those elusive 'spare moments' that rarely come, and it's a shame. A shame! The value of stories cannot be measured. "

I love fiction that presents a strong message or theme within its story. The best ones are stories that inspire, or deliver truth or hope to the reader.
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple fits this description perfectly. Who is Lily Temple, and what is her real story. At least two people are searching for this truth. One is Peter Driscoll. Peter and Lily partner to solve some mysteries as Peter slowly draws truth out of Lily and maybe provides her with some truth as well. Lily thinks she wants to be reunited with an old father-figure gardener from her past; however, it is the Father whom she really needs. As their search for truth and justice puts them in danger time and again, both Peter and Lilly discover truths that will change the course of their lives and the lives of those around them.

I loved this book. I loved the writing. I've highlighted a couple of great quotes from the book. I loved the characters and the adventure they took. I loved the heart and the theme of the story, and I feel like I'm going to have to go out a get a few more of Politano's books now!

"Yet it was strange, the more stories I told, the more life made sense. The more fiction wove through my hear, the clearer the truth became. Because there was a great deal of truth in fiction -- the sort too important to be just spoken outright."

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
By Joanna Davidson Politano

Lily Temple was warned that a man would come seeking her, she's always known this could happen. Little is known about her and that's just the way she wants it. She lives to tell stories and her skill as a silent-film actress is a perfect extension of her storytelling. But when she spins into Peter Driscoll's life, neither will be the same again.

Lily's life is hidden in half-truths and tales she's created. But to understand her Peter must listen to the story she isn't speaking. Using the skills he's developed as an investigator, he's seeking answers only she can tell him in her own unique way. But the truth he seeks doesn't come without danger, because someone wants the truth Lily knows to remain hidden.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a multilayered story that starts at the end before revealing what came before in snippets of incidents. We are not told what set Lily on the path she was on until much later in the story. The most important question we need to ask is who is Lily Temple. This same question drives the story as Lily seemingly flits through life. But as Peter soon discovers there is more to Lily than is on the surface. She hides as much as she reveals in the stories she tells.

This is one of those books that deserves a second reading. It is easy to miss moments of import to the story, and I've discovered with the author's previous works it is easy to miss important clues during the first reading.

The mysteries hidden within the book captured my imagination from the beginning. There is the Briarwood Teardrop, long presumed missing. Or is it? There is Lily herself. The mysterious man who seems to be seeking her out. And then there is Peter Driscoll, who invites Lily into his investigations to better understand her and the sapphire she keeps close. All combine into a historical romance you won't want to miss.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

My Favorite Politano Book!
I have read the majority of Joanna Davidson Politano's new releases. As I encountered a different style and plot in The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, I considered not finishing it but I was intrigued after continuing a little further. The characters were unique and well-devised. This enchanting, 1903 storyline held my attention while I tried to decipher the answers to the twists in the book. I highly recommend her book. It is my favorite of Politano's, now. I think you will find it fascinating.

I received a copy from Net Galley and Revell Publishers. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
#TheElusiveTruthofLilyTemple #NetGalley.

Review Contains Spoilers: No

The Elusive Truth if Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano
Is the story of Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, who has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.
Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story, and the sapphire, Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face.
I do enjoy stories in the time period and setting.  I could definitely see this book as a future movie. Lily uses A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens to tell her own story and I loved that. Very unique, and I happen to love that book. I overall really liked how storytelling was featured in this novel to advance the plot. Overall, this is a story of loss, love, and redemption.  Lily has lost her trust in God and through the course of the book, she finds her faith again.
I enjoyed the author’s note on historical research and the mystery was great. This is a Christian story. I gave this 4 stars.

A stunning tale that seamlessly blends fantasy with reality. Lily Temple isn't who she says she is, but she has all her own reasons for hiding her past. A woman on her own attempting to find her own version of happiness and follow the clues right laid out in front of her. Peter Driscoll is a self-employed investigator and his current client is looking for something that Lily has in her possession. Peter isn't so sure why Lily has this item, but he's intrigued by her and wants nothing more than to learn more about who she is as he continues his investigation.

The characters are drawn to one another in a unique way of synergies that lead them down their own version of Alice's rabbit hole. Nothing is as it appears and the continuance of these allegories permeate every page. Peter trying to figure out who Lily is, why everyone else seems to be hunting her, and what she's really hiding from.

I was enthralled with Lily's character from the very beginning and the bravery she shows as she's facing all forms of peril. She always looks on the bright side of life, trying to fill her days with happiness and laughing. But her past is quickly catching up with her and I was enthralled in the journey from beginning to end. Her story is one that must be told in layers, peeled away one at a time to truly understand who she is and what her experiences have meant to her.

Politano's writing transports you to a form of fairytale shrouded in the cities of reality where mysteries and surprises lurk around every corner. Peter and Lily are a force together that provide all the classical romance feels and energies. Every page felt like not enough and I struggled to stop thinking about their story when I put the book down for the day. Complex life experiences, stories untold, and a mystery woman that Peter is determined to know fully.

This was such a unique novel, in that it read like a mystery mixed with a fairytale. Lily Temple is a character that has many, many layers that needs to be pulled back. She is a silent film actress in 1903 and she herself is a mystery. The first meeting we have with her is her wanting to tell her story. And what a story it is. There is so much to unpack in this novel. We have her love interest, Peter Driscoll who is a solicitor that makes a living finding lost things and people. Besides helping Lily find out who she is and what her story is, there is the lost jewel he has been tasked to find along with a lost girl and a lost soldier.

Lily is looking for a storyteller that helped her when she was growing up. She has been running from her life for a very long time. Peter has a special gift in that he can get people to open up to him. He listens and asks the right questions. Through Peter, Lily might just begin to live her life again and maybe even connect her with the True Storyteller.

I enjoyed all the various book quotes at the beginning of the chapters. I also liked how the importance of story was a relevant theme throughout. How stories teach lessons, show empathy, and help some work through their problems because they can see the situation in a different light. This was a special, magical-like story that I was very caught up in.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This story had so much and it took me a bit to unlock the magic that this story truly had,

Meet Lily Temple, an actress on film who portrayed a fairy in a fairy tale. But as with all stories and acts of illusion, all is not what it seems with Lily. Enter Peter Driscoll who has been hired to find a gem that has been missing for years. Lily seemingly has access to this gem and it has appeared on film. What is the story of the gem and what is Lily's connection.

Also woven into this tale is a Gardner and a very clever use of the story of A Tale of Two Cities. Dicken's classic is used to craft and foreshadow.

I was completely enthralled as this story began to unfold. There was definitely more to Lily than there first seemed to be. The story that unfolded was one of a young girl searching for something, someone. She was searching for God whether she knew it or not and her growth was beautiful and very natural. Her emotions and feelings were portrayed in a way that could be empathized with and could draw the reader into her story. She was an exquisite storyteller within the story.

Peter had integrity and was a perfect guide to help Lily uncover what she sought. He was a safe place and their story was so cautiously and beautifully written.

As for the gem, you are going to have to read the book. I would highly recommend it.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Do you like silent movies? I didn’t really like them when I was a kid, but now as an adult I find them fascinating and inventive.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano is the story of silent film actress Lily Temple. It’s 1903 and famous sapphire, the Briarwood Teardrop has been missing for years, but Lily Temple is wearing this famous sapphire. Peter Driscoll is an underground investigator and asks for her help on the case of the missing sapphire. What is the truth and what is fiction when it comes to Lily Temple?

My thoughts on this book:
• I loved the time period and setting. I could definitely see this book as a future movie.

• I enjoyed the quotes that started each chapter and varied from such works as Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Grimm fairy tales, etc.

• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a favorite of mine, and I like how Lily uses it to tell her own story. I just overall loved how storytelling was featured in this novel to advance the plot.

• This was a story of loss, love, and redemption. Lily has lost her trust in God and through the course of the book, she finds her faith again.

• I greatly enjoyed the mystery in this novel, and it kept me guessing. I love well written historical mysteries.

• I enjoyed the author’s note on historical research. St. Anne’s Well Gardens is a real place and George Smith was a real editor.

• The sneak peak of the The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano looks fascinating.

• This book is a clean read.

Favorite Quote: “I, however, never let facts get in the way of a good story. Like water, innocuous and common, a good tale rushes forward, carving its own path through rock and hill and sod, sculpting the earth into a bold new landscape before anyone knows what is happening.”

Overall, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a beautifully told story of redemption. It’s a unique and wonderful story that uses the power of storytelling to push the plot forward. It is also an intriguing historical mystery.

Book Source: Review copy from Revell Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is a Historical Christian Romance Read, that is about a detective and actress whimsical Edwardian English Historical Romance. This takes place in 1903, England, Peter O'Driscoll is a private detective looking for long lost Sapphire and ends up finding it around the neck of an aspiring silent actress. Lily Temple is the actress that is wearing the jewel he is searching for. He decides to get closer to her and asks for her help, only he gets more than what he thought. What is the story behind this jewel? Will the mystery be solved? Is there more to Lily's past?

I would recommend this if you enjoy a slow paced book, a little mystery, and fairy tales. It is a good story that keeps you interested. If you are looking for intense drama, then this is not the book for you. If you want to read a story that flows and is so paced with a mystery.... try this book. I enjoyed reading the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

This is only my second book by the author, and I am quickly becoming a fan of her writing.

This story is one where when you aren’t sure about all of the layers and all of the people, you just have to keep reading. It does all come together and it will all make sense. All of the pieces form quite the picture.

I love how opposite the two main characters were. Lily Temple is mystics and not at all who she seems or even who she presents herself to be. Peter just wants to help people find answers and in the process create a better life for those he loves.

The result is an entertaining story with some great lines between Lily and Peter. Underneath the banter are two people learning to trust someone when trusting is so hard. Two people who have so much to teach each other and to learn themselves.

The mystery and intrigue in this novel are so well done and the reader can’t help but be completely absorbed in every aspect.

I love how their strengths complemented each other and what a big role fairytales play in the story. I really enjoyed getting to know Lily and Peter and truly loved the conclusion of the story.

Thank you to Revell via Austen Prose for mg copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

| THE STORY | Investigator Peter Driscoll is tasked with locating a sapphire which brings him to actress Lily Temple. As he tries to get information and solve this case, he discovers that there is so much more beneath all the costumes and acting that women put on and as mysteries unravel Peter cannot help falling under Lily's charm.

| MY REVIEW | This one was not my usual read and it was so fun for me to try something different. I was instantly intrigued by that story from the first chapter. It really pulls you in and you want to know how things got to this point. As you learn more about the characters, you find yourself falling for them more and more.

Peter is so clever, but also always so thoughtful and true to his belief, I really enjoyed that. He never pushed and he took his time to really learn more and make up his own mind about things, instead of just believing what would be easy to believe. Lily has quite a past and starting to learn more about it was really fascinating. The discussions between our characters were easy to enjoy and I love that we had some side stories with other investigations and even those really left a mark on us.

I did at times find the story confusing but then it kind of added to the mystery so it wasn't a big deal. I also found that the Christian side of this story was a little too pushed in our face sometimes but you have to know I am not big on that, I enjoy a more discreet approach to be honest and it turns me off when it's written in big letters, if it makes sense. This is clearly a "me" thing, though.

On a more personal note, I so enjoy the cinema vibes and setup for that story! I've watched many old movies, from A Trip to the Moon to Chaplin and so on, and I was happy to hear all about Cinema's history and get a look at how things were done, which brought me back to my studies in that field.

All in all, this was a really captivating story with heartwarming characters and lots of mystery that I recommend you pick up!

Thanks to the publisher, Austenprose PR and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

“If you really want the truth, you’ve got to start by letting go of what you know.”

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple grabbed my attention from the first line.

For story lovers, this book is filled with story upon story, with one true story hidden within all these stories.

Lily had so many layers to the stories she told, each story hiding a bit of her truth and who she is. I enjoyed seeing how she was able to get herself out of a lot of dangerous situations.

Peter was so dashing and intelligent and clever with the way he was able to get information with just the right reaction and the skill of listening.

It’s a pity and a blessing that we cannot see the future until it is the present.

The Mysteries and adventure kept me on my toes and had me wonder how everything will work out okay. I loved that there was more than one mystery with a few being solved during the story. The author kept me on the edge of my seat with a lot of twists and unexpected revelations and some nail-biting dangerous situations.

I loved the hidden story of the true Gardener.

At times when your story pounds a rhythm in your ears, overtaking your senses, spinning out of control, the only cure for it is to fill your head with another story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review "The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple" by Joanna Davidson Politano. As I began reading this wonderful book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I am so glad I kept going. The author brings to life the early 1900's in England. She shares great details with a flair for make believe and mystery. Lily is an actress working in silent films. Peter is looking for a necklace that Lily wears. Their connection is one of realizing how much we need each other and how much we can depend on God. Are they willing to face danger so they can see where their relationship leads? At the end of each chapter, I wanted to keep reading to see how it would all turn out. A great book for those who enjoy a little mystery, romance, mingled with make-believe.

Revell eARC
I am having a hard time writing this review because I just didn't quite love it like I have her other books. I think that the writing was beautiful as always. I appreciated how the book built to the tease of the ending we got in the beginning. But I did have a hard time reorienting myself in the beginning of the novel. I also am curious about why the author did first and third person narration. I think this took me out of the story a bit. But the mystery was well plotted, there's a bit of romance here, and the story ended nicely with a not so predictable ending. While this wasn't my favorite, I still look forward to what this author does next.

“The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple” by Joanna Davidson Politano, features the silent-film actress, a smart, witty woman with a shadowy past. In the world of Edwardian England in 1903, a whimsical, multi-layered tale lies delicately sandwiched somewhere between the true world of reality and the imaginary world of make-believe. This exquisitely crafted work of Christian literary fiction explores the extraordinary relationship between the human nature and the eternal spirit as the reader patiently navigates through all the mysterious highways and byways of life, trying to discover its true meaning. As in all her inspiring books, Joanna captures the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and highlights them in her own unique, inimitable style. Her inspired writing catches the reader’s attention from start to finish. It compels us to want to read every single book of hers. You will want to get your own copy. Happy reading!

Title: The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

This started out a bit slow—maybe leisurely is a better word for it. Lily was a fascinating character to me, and I completely forgot, for most of the book, that she was telling a story for the group of officials. Parts of this felt like a fairy tale, or like one of Lily’s short films, all hazy and out-of-focus.

Peter was, basically, my dream guy: honorable, funny, strong, smart, and a believer. I really loved ho Lily’s opinion of him changed as she got to know him, and he was so reliable and trustworthy for her. Really enjoyed this historical fiction read!

Joanna Davidson Politano lives near Lake Michigan. The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Revell in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 5/3).

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano is a great book full of intrigue, mystery and so many twists. I loved the wonderful details that bring the story to life. Who exactly was Lily Temple, and how were we to be sure she was telling the truth. There were so many layers to Lily Temple and other aspects of this story which were revealed slowly as the story progressed. I also loved all the historical details I discovered.

The story was mainly told from two points of view, that of silent-film actress Lily Temple and also that of the inquiry agent, Peter Driscoll. Lily’s chapters are told in first person, while Peter’s are told in third person. So, while this is their story, it is mainly hers. She is the one telling it to the authorities that we meet in the first chapter, when we discover that Lily is supposed to be dead and Peter is being held as a prisoner.

Lily starts her tale on the day she and Peter meet.

I loved that the story had an ethereal quality to it, magical without any magic. The magic of manipulating film to make people see what you want them to see. Wondering what Lily was really all about. Misdirection and fairy tales. I loved that each chapter began with a quote from a classic, such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and more.

And of course there was the relationship between Lily and Peter that evolved throughout the story as Peter was searching for the Briarwood Teardrop, but also finds himself asking for Lily’s aid in helping with another case. Is he just using her to get close to her to find out about the gemstone, or is there more?

And I loved the spiritual truths that were told through the story. Love the way the author worked in the story of the garden and that God is equated with the gardener. It is a story of redemption, and of finding the truth of God and His wanting a relationship with us.

I just loved this book and highly recommend it.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

It’s hard to find the words to describe how much I loved this story. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that was this soul stirring and touching.

Elegantly written, and with the feel of a whimsical fairytale, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is full of beautiful truths and wisdom. As the story progresses, the depth, profundity, and symbolism got richer and more meaningful.

Politano has penned a love letter to the way fiction shapes our hearts and expresses truth like nothing else. This book is a gorgeous testament to that.

For me, this was an absolutely beautiful, unique, and powerful story. I highlighted so many passages—ones I look forward to rereading and reflecting on.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy inspirational fiction with a magical feel, fairytales, romance, adventure, mystery, heroes and villains.

Many thanks to Austenprose PR, Joanna Davidson Politano, Baker Publishing Group, Revell, and NetGalley for the opportunity to be part of this book tour and for providing me with a physical and digital copy to read and share an honest review.