Paint and Nectar

While this is considered a "time slip" book, I consider it a contemporary fiction with historical components.  To me, time slip connotes characters slipping in and out of various time periods, where these characters stay in their own time periods, but are connected through history.  That being said, this is one of those books that will stay with the reader long after the last page has been turned.  Ashley Clark has included a genealogical element that brings the story to life. 

Eliza is a watercolorist who is prominent during the Charleston Renaissance of the early nineteen hundreds. William is an art forger who hates what he does, but feels he has to continue to pay a debt.  What is unforeseen is that William and Eliza fall in love, but because of a generations old feud between their families,  they end up marrying other people to fulfill family obligations. 

Lucy is an art historian and curator working at the museum in Charleston.  Because she spots a forgery of one of Eliza's paintings, she is given the opportunity to set up an exhibit of Eliza's works at the museum. During this time, Lucy is given a house that is on the historic register and once actually belonged to Eliza.  

Declan's father wants Lucy's house to find the silver that was hidden on the property during the War Between the States.  The silver dates back to Paul Revere and could be worth millions.  Declan is not as adamant about finding the silver, but must do as his father expects to keep his job.  That they don't see eye to eye is almost a given, considering the atmosphere between them.  

There are so many reasons to recommend this book:

• unexpected love
• following dreams
• finding truth
• finding faith
• intertwining stories
• settings that read like rich tapestries
• characters who resonate with the reader
• a bit of intrigue and mystery-solving
• a family feud resolved

This is a five star book with two thumbs up and a priceless silver ring.  

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.