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.

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

I was immediately intrigued by the premise. I absolutely love the art world but know fairly little about it, so the thought of exploring the vastness of it's underbelly via a somewhat light-hearted and comedic medium sounded brilliant.

Unfortunately, I just found the main character to be too all over the place for me (and this too was reflected very well in the writing style). The confusion of her life, the chaos inside her head, and the jumps between past and present did not do enough to salvage the story which hadn't even really kicked off at the 30% mark.

If you like vivacious characters and slowly uncovered mysteries, Love Painted in Lies is just the novel for you!

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.

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.

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.

I loved the sound of Love Painted in Lies but this read was not for me. It was one of those books that just didn’t grab my attention and I struggled to get into the story so much that I kept putting down my kindle for a while and going back to it hoping the story would get more gripping. The writing felt a little disjointed as the story jumped from Minty in the present day to episodes from her past and I couldn’t see the connection or relevance and at times I felt myself getting confused. I did finish the book but overall, I was just left feeling disappointed that it didn’t grab me as much as I hoped it would. Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

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 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.

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

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

I really wanted to love this more as the blurb enticed me in. I read this whilst on holidays and I struggled to get into it. It felt disjointed at times and I had to reread sections to see if I missed something. The humour bypassed me, but that is very subjective from person to person so others I am sure will love it. Overall and the reason for the lower rating was I just didn't believe any of it was plausible, I am ok with suspending belief to a point for a good story but this was all just to much for me.

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

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.

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.

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