Elusive Truth of Lily Temple - by Joanna Davidson Politano (Hardcover)

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano is an artfully written Edwardian-era romance. I was immediately taken in by the romantic and fairy-tale-like setting of St. Anne’s Well Gardens combined with the awe of the magical motion pictures of George Smith. And I loved the contrast between the storyteller, Lily, and the detective, Peter. So different in perspective and personality, but they fit beautifully together. Truthfully, I loved everything in this story. The characters. The setting. The mystery. The stories! The story I loved most was of the faith-filled allegory of the Gardner, His fairy, and the looking glass. If only we could all see those petals! Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to any Christian historical romance reader! Be prepared for a book hangover as the fairy tale lingers in your thoughts. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I LOVE Joanna Davidson Politano's books!! Her newest release - The Elusive Lily Temple is magnificent! The story drew me in and intrigued me from the first chapter until the last page. The twists and turns kept me involved and eager to keep on reading! I highly recommend this incredible book and this amazing author! Reading anything by Joanna is a beautiful gift to unwrap and enjoy! :)

Joanna Davidson Politano. This name on the cover of a book always suggests a must-read experience and this engaging book lives up to these expectations! The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a captivating look at the magic of both books and movies, and I loved that it takes place during the time of silent films. Lily Temple is an expert in creating stories and she's also a talented actress who can easily act out the scenarios. Her fascinating character is equally matched by Peter Driscoll, who is the ultimate fictional hero! They share adventures and danger, but their greatest experience may be the discovery of each other and the Creator! I loved the 1903 English setting, the excerpts from beloved fairy tales at the beginning of each chapter, and the strong spiritual truths woven into the story. Politano is a master at combining history, mystery, and romance, and no one is more adept at keeping readers enthralled! I recommend The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple to all who enjoy historical romantic fiction! I received a copy of this book through Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review.

This novel takes place in 1903 in Brighton, England. Silent-film actress, Lily Temple is shrouded in mystery, and is always spinning tales. Peter Driscoll is searching for the famous Briarwood Teardrop which has most recently been seen in Lily’s possession. As Peter embarks on finding the gem and returning it to its rightful owner, he teams up with Lily to solve a few other cases while also investigating her. There are multiple mysteries being exposed in this narrative and the author weaves them together masterfully. There are smaller stories within the main story but all of them are fused together with a common theme. One of the themes is Lily’s desire to find her father, which has a deeper meaning than what is first portrayed. The author uses a lot of symbolism. Every detail is significant and used deliberately in this well thought out plot. For the careful reader, one finds many examples of foreshadowing. The author also uses language well to convey a point or create a feeling. For example, when describing a withdrawing room she said, “It did not brag outright but held a subtle air of opulence, lace dripping like icicles off every surface, crystal accents hanging here and there from lamps and curtains.” Another aspect of the book I liked was the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I would read the chapter looking for how the quote pertained to the chapter contents. I particularly liked the complexity of the book and how there were underlining and deeper meanings to what was most obvious. I found the main characters very likeable. Peter was insightful and as he told Lily, listening was his hidden talent. “It’s incredible, you know, the power it holds. Close your mouth long enough and people will confide in you what they wouldn’t reveal to their mother.” It was Lily’s character that evolved and changed most during the story. Overall, it was excellent, and I would highly recommend reading it.

“I was an actress, a professional storyteller, here at the holding cell of a condemned man, armed with naught but a story,” Lily admits in Joanna Davidson Politano’s novel, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. ~ What ~ At four hundred pages, this paperback targets those interested in a historical romance in England in the early-nineteenth century involving the life of a silent-film actress and fairy tales. With no profanity, the topics of lying, theft, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, an excerpt for another book by the writer, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this story, Lily Temple is an actress who manipulates others both on and off stage through her storytelling and slight-of-hand. The mesmerizing woman meets Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator, who is hired to find an exquisite gem which some say have healing properties. As the two try to protect those wrongfully punished, Lily seeks the real Truth that sets her free. ~ Why ~ Having read and enjoyed other books by this author, I was looking forward to this read about the cine-cinema. I found the chapters written in first person by the protagonist well described and engaging as she searched and unveiled the truth about her past. There are plenty of interesting, dynamic characters involved who help Lily find herself. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not believe in God may not appreciate this story that correlates to the Almighty being the Gardener who tends to our lives. Since I do not care for fairy tales, I felt the read bogged down and sometimes displaced, veering off topic at times. I struggled getting through the book because it jumped around too much. ~ Wish ~ While I like tales that interject the Creator into the storyline, even if they are fairy tales, I wish this somehow mentioned Jesus Christ being the only way to eternal salvation as any religion could reference their god into the book’s dialogue. I prefer all pronouns of Deity capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you like a story that involves a woman hiding from her true self as she animates fairy tales on film and in her life, this one comes full circle to completion. Although it didn’t hold my interest due to the many fables, those who appreciate them might enjoy it. Thanks to Revell, Interviews & Reviews, and the author for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

I don’t even know how to begin to describe The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. Lighthearted and Deep. Whimsical and grounded. Mysterious and familiar. Heartbreaking and joyful. This book was a romance, but it was also an allegory of the depth of Jesus’ love for us and the great lengths that He goes in his steady, persistent pursuit for the hearts of mankind. This book was impossible to put down, from the moment I began to read the first page. The author has a way with words that just thrilled my soul with every well-crafted sentence and, though I laughed and cried and deliriously smiled my way to an everything-I-could-hope-for-and-more sigh of satisfaction at the ending, I closed this book with a longing. A deep yearning for more. More poetic prose to peruse, more tangible truth to touch, more surprising stories to search out. This novel was top-notch! Author Joanna Davidson Politano is a masterful storyteller! This was my first book by her, but I’m addicted. I need more! A hundred stars, top recommendation!

The Elusive Truth by Joanna Davidson Politano is wildly creative and draws you in from the opening scene. I have wanted to read this book since I first saw the beautiful cover. It's a pity and a blessing that we cannot see the future until it is in the present. Read for: 🌹truth vs fairy tale 🌹private investigator 🌹elusive film star 🌹illusions 🌹masterful story telling 🌹nods to fairy tales 🌹blue sapphire 🌹unexpected plot twist 🌹 profound nuggets of wisdom 🌹 a flower by any other name I enjoyed the unfolding of Lily and Peter's story. Several things happened that I did not see coming. I was a bit disappointed that we don't see justice served, but I guess that is the reality at times too.

I truly appreciate Politano's mastery of storytelling, her skill in the artistry of using words to build ethereal mental images, and the way she uses language to create a melody. I admire the way she uses fiction to explain truth, the most important of truths. In The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple she has woven a sense of fairy tale into a work of historical fiction set in the silent film era. The story also includes a mystery involving a missing gem. While all I have said about Politano's writing is true, I must admit that I wasn't in the right headspace to truly appreciate the whimsical nature of this story at this time, although I still feel comfortable recommending this book because I can imagine myself having been enthralled with it at another time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Elusive? I’ll say. My mind has been roaming through this story trying to decipher this elusive truth of Lily Temple. Joanna Davidson Politano brilliantly gives us her thoughts in first person while the rest of the story is in third person. An amazing perspective combination that a lot of authors could not achieve. I have to say that I love this story! The character of Lily Temple is built on the very definition of elusive for around 10 chapters while placing the reader on the edge of magical realism, wrapped in an ethereal fairytale and, then, whisked up in the throws of several mysteries. I actually gasped at a twist I didn’t see coming! Brilliant! I must also add that Peter Driscoll is an endearing hero that you just want to hug throughout the book. Beyond the exceptional writing and skillful storylines, I can always count on Politano’s books being grounded in faith. This one explores the love of the Father…the true Gardner of our lives. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Lily Temple is a silent film actress with many secrets. Peter Driscoll is a private investigator determined to uncover them. His purposes, though, may not be entirely as they seem. It’s hard to say who is pulling whom, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is the adventure these two characters embark on together, with all of its joys, sorrows, and mysteries. This story of faith and mystery is a thrilling read. Highly recommend.

This was such an incredible story woven together and it reads like a tribute to the power of stories. As patient Peter listened, the storyteller Lily learned to be vulnerable as piece by piece she revealed her life to him. Together these compassionate characters took risks to help others discover truth. In doing so, they discovered truths about themselves, their faith in God and about each other. I absolutely loved all the little references to famous tales within this big story. The author not only talked about the impact of wrapping truth within fiction, she demonstrated it! This romantic adventure makes you want to believe that even when hearts are broken, it is worth the risk to love and be loved. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.