The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is everything that I love about historical fiction.

A funky strong female character and a love interest who is worthy of her and much more than just handsome, rich and unavailable.

Peter meets Lily when searching whilst searching for the legendary sapphire the Briarwood Teardrop. Lily is a mercurial actress who appears to be all things to everything. There are other side stories including an introduction to early film making which provide an interesting side note.

I loved this novel and am grateful for the slow unfolding of the central mystery of who is Lily Temple, and the other mysteries that unfold and come back to the beginning. As all stories do.

This is going to be one of the big novels of 2024 so do yourself a favour and read it as soon as possible.

Joanna Davidson Politano is an artist. A magician with words. Her stories are rich, layered, and enchanting. The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is just the latest gem in her story crown.

Reading a JDP story is a lot like walking through fog. You will see glimpses of things here and there, but it's not until you get out that you see what you've caught glimmers of this whole time. Even then, at least for me, I have to read her stories a second or third time to really grasp what she has created. Which is fine, in my opinion, because it means I get to enjoy the story in a new way over and over again.

One of the things at which Joanna excels is the rich truths that are woven throughout her stories. I was enthralled with the garden and the breadcrumbs and what they meant for Lily. I always learn more about God and my relationship with Him when I read a JDP story.

There is a character created by Jennifer A. Nielson named Jaron. He is one of my favorite literary characters of all time and Lily is one of only a few others who is like him. Her brilliantly clever ideas and spunk made me grin. She's also very mysterious. It was fun to get to know her through Peter's excellent questioning and listening skills.

I did end this story with some unanswered questions but maybe they will become clear the next time I read it, because there will be a next time. I think this might be my third-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano story!!!! (First place to A Rumored Fortune and second to The Love Note)

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for this gifted copy!*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: “Would that this could be my story, instead of the one I had to live. For once, I wished someone could truly save.” Lily Temple is a beautiful actress weaving seamless stories in silent films, but she is also a woman of great secrets including the necklace she often wears. When a stranger begins to follow Lily, her instincts tell her to flee, landing her right in the path of private investigator Peter Driscoll. As Lily helps Peter discover the truth of an unsolved romance, he is determined to learn the truth about her and the necklace she wears. Lily’s mysterious identity has many layers from a troubled past, but even her master storytelling ability can’t save her from what she’s really running from and searching for.

Analysis: If ever a book were to have layers, I would say it is this one, but Joanna Davidson Politano weaves them together beautifully. There are stories of mystery, fairytale, and romance just to name a few. I wasn’t fully prepared for all the details, but I absolutely loved how it all came together. This book kept me turning the pages for more! I had to know who Lily really was and how all of the storylines connected. Lily’s guarded heart left me hoping for her to discover the beauty of true love. And steady, insightful Peter was the perfect one for her. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is just the spiritual depth that it brings to storytelling. Lily Temple may be a good storyteller, but ultimately she points us to the greatest Storyteller of all.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

WARNING: this book will keep you reading way too late into the night!

This story isn't your typical historical fiction/mystery plot line. Politano pulls you in and keeps you guessing throughout as she twists and twirls and weaves, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Writing a review of this book proves hard because it feels nearly impossible to summarize the intricacies of the stories told here. Lily seeks to right what was wrong while putting on masks to protect her body and heart. Just as you begin to think you know where the author is taking the story and with it, Lily, a quick spin and it dawns on you why the title is "the elusive truth". Well conceived, developed and written-you won't want to put it down.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"They're puzzle pieces. Symbols. I'm just not certain yet what she means to say."

4.5 stars for The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, one of the most unique and fantastical books I've read recently. The story opens en medias res, immediately hooking me and getting me interested. There are two narrators, and one of them, Lily Temple herself, is quite mysterious. If a reader is willing to trust Politano with a narrator who is unreliable or at least withholds some details, he or she will be well rewarded with an engaging and unusual tale. The story seems part fairy tale, but acknowledges the all-too-real brokenness of the world, and how only God can heal and redeem.

The book has interesting and likable characters. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Peter and Roddy, although of course Lily is the dazzling star of the show. In addition to the powerful introduction, the whole book is fascinating and whimsical; it was difficult to put down. There is something to please just about everyone in this book, from fans of movies, mysteries, and history.

For conservative Christian readers who are surprised by the inclusion of a fortune teller in a book that is overtly religious elsewhere, the fortune teller is later said to just be observant. My only other quibble is that Lily's spiritual arc was too rushed.

This is a wonderful read for anyone who is patient and willing to see the story to its conclusion.

I received access to a free digital review copy thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I post this review voluntarily with my honest opinions. I will post this review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram closer to the book's publication date.

A story I couldn't put down until Lily Temple revealed her true self.
I just finished reading this one and Politano has done a fabulous job once again.
I always look forward to what shebwrites next and it's never disappointing. I love her charismatic characters and plots.
This one was no exception.

I was hooked from the cover, it added to the mystery of the book. I enjoyed the concept and how well it worked in this universe. The characters were what I was expecting in Edwardian England. I was invested in what was going on and enjoyed the case in the book. Joanna Davidson Politano does a great job in getting you invested and wanting to read more.

The Exclusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano is a story about fairy tales and searching for the gardener in the middle of the garden. At first, readers may be confused as the story presents a number of storylines that had me scratching my head. What was reality? What is going on? As the story moves along, the fuzzy lines become clearer, and the story starts to move forward. The character of Lily Temple is diverse, creative, and sees the world through rose-colored glasses. Stories are her guiding light to help her see the world. Peter Driscoll, the hero, is straight forward, but something draws him to Lilly. The plot features a little bit of mystery that is sprinkled and woven through the pages as the story skips along. I love the ending and how Politano ties everything together, but I want to see justice done. Oh, well. Overall, The Exclusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano is a unique, yet different way of showing how important the gardener is in our life and orchestrating our lives.

I received a complimentary copy of The Exclusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a well written historical mystery.. I throughly enjoyed the plot and character dynamics. My thank to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple gave me major Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany vibes and I loved every second of it! Beautiful story telling, and Lily is truly a master story-teller.

This fascinating story that takes place in the early 1900s in England is both a bit serious, eccentric, humorous and heartwarming.
Lily Temple is an actress on stage and in film, with many facets to her engaging personality. She often wears a necklace tucked in her clothing with the Briarwood Teardrop. It is a valuable, sparkling sapphire, that has been missing for over twenty years. Enter Peter Driscoll an investigator hired to find the valuable necklace. Peter and Lily become friends of sort and he approaches her to help him solve another case he is working on so he can get to know her better. One important thing to know about Lily is she is a master storyteller who tells the most magnificent stories. Peter often wonders if he can trust her but then the still quiet voice in his head reminds him “I didn’t ask you to trust her. I asked you to trust me.”
This is a gripping story with many moving parts and engrossing characters. Sometimes it feels like a fairytale and other times it’s a serious suspense that keeps the pages quickly turning. Lily admits she has been a missing person case for years, leaving home when underage. Scotland Yard has been working unsuccessfully on the case for years, hoping to find the elusive daughter of a high-profile magistrate.
There are many unexpected twists and turns in this captivating story, including a daring rescue, a bit of humor and romance. Lily spends much of her time in a beautiful garden, however she also faces many pitfalls.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

Perhaps a little twisty or complicated for some (read: me often!), but the writing is spry and the heart of the story kept me deeply engaged from start to finish. Lovely!

An intense and complicated story that had moments when I didn't understand or follow the plot. I was glad I perservered reading as the truths about God and his love for me were intense and compassionate, even if hidden well in storytelling. A reminder God is the great storyteller.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a beautiful story woven of gardens, fairies and mystery. Is Lilly Temple really who she says she is? I was shocked by the revelation! Joana wrote a beautiful story of love and redemption.

This was the second book I've read by Joanna Davidson Politano and it was delightful! The author sucks you in right from the first page and keeps you on the journey in all the twists and turns throughout the book. The first chapter begins...well at the end in a way. With a chapter of setting up a "let me tell you a story"...and then the next chapter goes back in time.

Lily's narrative is first person, while Peter's is second person. It will go back and forth between them and it worked very well done in this fashion. Lily's character is really revealed to us in onion layers a little at a time. Along the way you get breadcrumbs into the mystery of "the truth about Lily Temple".

I love how it debates the idea of fairy tales and stories being useless in reality. I loved the passage from Lily that says:
***
When did people come to see stories as mere fancy? As indulgence? All our flaws and questions dressed up in other people's clothing, strolling about in front of us so we may more clearly see what's true about our own selves. Truths deeper and more meaningful than mere facts, told in a way that our minds can uniquely understand. Yet we relegate stories to the fringes of our lives, those elusive 'spare hours' where we permit ourselves to indulge in the frivolous which we believe has no real practical value.
***
100% yes! I have had some DEEP truths revealed to me through the narrative of a book. Some inner part of me that is touched and I have to pause and reflect.

Lily's character experiences a BRILLIANT arc of faith through the book guided by Peter's influence. It was so satisfying when she had her AHA "now I see" moment. Definitely some excellent spiritual truths in here. About chasing after the wind to fill the spots God wants for Himself.

Highly recommend.
4.5 stars. But I'm giving it 4 stars because it isn't better than some of the other 5 stars I have. I didn't actually get moved to tears.

*I received this as a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts are 100% my own!

Joanna Davidson Politano is such a creative writer guaranteed to grab your attention and pull you through an adventure of a story. I haven't read anything about silent films before, and Lily is delightful. Joanna will immerse you in the world of silent film and the powerful people of England during the fascinating Edwardian era. I enjoyed the mystery of Peter searching for the infamous sapphire--that Lily happens to possess. If you're a fan of Joanna you'll love her newest release, and if you're new to her, hang on for the ride. Fans of Sarah Sundin and Laura Frantz will want to add this author to their must-read list.

I read a book by Politano years ago and it made enough of an impression that I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

I enjoyed the slow unraveling of Lily Temple, the actress’s, quite complex character contrasted with Peter, the inquiry agent’s steady dependability. The two go on a number of adventures in which their characters learn quite a bit from the other and kindle a unique friendship throughout. This book was enough of a mystery to keep me interested and the plot progressed at a steady pace.

I was wishing for just a little more at the end, but that’s not to stop me from giving The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple a solid 4 stars.

This was a good book about old Hollywood that I felt was not overtly Christian and would appeal to a large audience.
I felt it was well researched with an excellent plot and characters
Thanks to the publisher for letting me review this books

I love this author. Every book is fascinating and unique. This one was a bit confusing a the beginning but I knew that if I just stuck with it, it would all come together and of course, it did! Great book!

4.5⭐I must say that Politano is a skilled writer who knows how to create a captivating novel. The setting of the story is so well-described that it made me feel as if I were right there. The writing style is engaging and keeps me interested throughout the book.

Peter has been given the task of finding a rare sapphire called the Briarwood Teardrop, which is worn by Lily underneath her gown. To stay close to her and uncover the mystery of the sapphire and her story, Peter involves Lily in a case, However, while working together, Peter also investigates Lily. As he gets closer to the truth, they face more danger. The closer he gets to Lily, the more he realizes that he needs her more than she needs him.

The mystery element of the story was particularly intriguing, which added to the overall enjoyment of the novel. The characters were authentic and not just stereotypical or conformist. This book had a beautiful faith arc and often filled me with gratitude through its simple yet profound words...Mystery? Fairytale? Romance? Delightfully entertaining! with a fantastic ending. This historical fiction is perfect for those who want to lose themselves in a book. It's a must-read for sure.

Posting Reviews on GoodReads and Bookbub immediately and on Amazon and Barnes & Noble upon publication on April 4.

I received a complimentary eARC from the publisher.