The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple ~ Review

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.

                                                                                       

About the Book:

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.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.