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Secrets to Keep #1
The Vanished
Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back--until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn't live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision.
Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get--director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter's sister. But Carter's calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum's collection were stolen from her family during World War II. Carter enlists Janae's help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets.
When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed?
Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get--director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter's sister. But Carter's calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum's collection were stolen from her family during World War II. Carter enlists Janae's help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets.
When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed?
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2024
30 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Cara C. Putman
67 books1,904 followersCara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical associate professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.
Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 17, 2024
A nice blend of two topics I know little about...art and the legal process involved when a piece of art's history is in question.
Attorney Janae returns to her home town after she made a mistake at her big city law firm. Carter takes the position as a director of a small art museum to be closer to his parents. Their paths quickly cross and get intertwined. I loved that the novel presented not only legal questions, but ethical ones too. I found the smaller story line about Janae and her grandparents even more engaging that the main thread involving the museum, but both held my interest from beginning to end.
Writing this review is when I first noticed this is the start of a series. What?! This is great news.
My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Attorney Janae returns to her home town after she made a mistake at her big city law firm. Carter takes the position as a director of a small art museum to be closer to his parents. Their paths quickly cross and get intertwined. I loved that the novel presented not only legal questions, but ethical ones too. I found the smaller story line about Janae and her grandparents even more engaging that the main thread involving the museum, but both held my interest from beginning to end.
Writing this review is when I first noticed this is the start of a series. What?! This is great news.
My gratitude to the author and publisher for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 5, 2024
Vanished is a journey into th art world. Specifically what do you do with art that the Nazis may have stolen. It looks at two situations. In one an elderly lady makes claims against two paintings in a museum, one owned by the gallery and another on loan to them from a museum in Germany. This leads our hero Carter to our heroine, lawyer Janae, who has returned home after making a major mistake at her former firm. She is trying to establish a law firm and while doing so helping her grandma clean out a carriage house so she can live there. While they are cleaning they find two paintings that they have never seen, but appear to be originals in her grandfather’s things. He is no longer living so they can’t ask him about them.
Both Carter and Janae want to do the right thing. In the case of the museum not all agree on what that is and some have more to lose than others. The story follows their search for the provenance of the paintings. There is the added mystery of someone else having an interest in one of the paintings and being willing to do anything to get it.
Cara kept me guessing in especially in terms of the extra set of people and their reason for wanting the painting. I greatly enjoyed the way the relationship developed between Carter and Janae.
I don’t often finish books quickly, but I finished Vanished on three days.
I received a netgalley copy of the book from the author in exchange for promoting it, that said, I truly did like the book a lot.
Both Carter and Janae want to do the right thing. In the case of the museum not all agree on what that is and some have more to lose than others. The story follows their search for the provenance of the paintings. There is the added mystery of someone else having an interest in one of the paintings and being willing to do anything to get it.
Cara kept me guessing in especially in terms of the extra set of people and their reason for wanting the painting. I greatly enjoyed the way the relationship developed between Carter and Janae.
I don’t often finish books quickly, but I finished Vanished on three days.
I received a netgalley copy of the book from the author in exchange for promoting it, that said, I truly did like the book a lot.
April 1, 2024
I was drawn into the story from the beginning. The main characters of Janae & Carter are well-developed with lots of layers. Each character has their own set of challenges, but along the way, they find themselves together fighting for change. I found myself drawn to them from the beginning.
It's a tale of stolen and lost art from WWII combined with deceit, danger, and lots of twists that I didn't see coming. The historical details interwoven with the legal aspects were well-interspersed throughout the story. A budding romance completes the story with everything you would want. It is highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
It's a tale of stolen and lost art from WWII combined with deceit, danger, and lots of twists that I didn't see coming. The historical details interwoven with the legal aspects were well-interspersed throughout the story. A budding romance completes the story with everything you would want. It is highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2024
As someone who likes art history, I found this story enjoyable. I loved the suspense of the mystery and how the love story was in the background but was definitely a sweet addition to the book. The significance of family history in both main characters storylines was lovely. I appreciated her insertion of the legal and ethical issues concerning art provenance. There was good faith displayed throughout the book in forms of praying, seeking direction, and trusting. I had a hard time putting the book down between reading sessions!
April 10, 2024
The Vanished was a bit different from what I have expected.
I have discovered the author through the Hidden Justice series, which for me, was more of a faster pace legal suspense which I expected starting this story.
Though I found the pace a lot slower regarding the suspense, this was still an enjoyable legal mystery which tackled the intricate waves of ethical versus legal rights when it comes to stolen art and other valuable items from the WW2 era. A lot was stolen by the Germans and others during the war and this novel showcased how complicate it still almost 80 years after the war.
Throw in some Italian mafia, a possible murder and a suspicious board chair, and the intrigue picks up.
I enjoyed getting to know Carter and Janae and loved seeing Drew again.
I did find some threads in the plot to feel a bit rushed/patchy, but having read the novella, it made more sense to me than a reader who perhaps did not read the Novella – so, if you have not read the novella, get it directly from the author’s page.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I have discovered the author through the Hidden Justice series, which for me, was more of a faster pace legal suspense which I expected starting this story.
Though I found the pace a lot slower regarding the suspense, this was still an enjoyable legal mystery which tackled the intricate waves of ethical versus legal rights when it comes to stolen art and other valuable items from the WW2 era. A lot was stolen by the Germans and others during the war and this novel showcased how complicate it still almost 80 years after the war.
Throw in some Italian mafia, a possible murder and a suspicious board chair, and the intrigue picks up.
I enjoyed getting to know Carter and Janae and loved seeing Drew again.
I did find some threads in the plot to feel a bit rushed/patchy, but having read the novella, it made more sense to me than a reader who perhaps did not read the Novella – so, if you have not read the novella, get it directly from the author’s page.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
August 25, 2025
Yup, this was bad.
It wanted to be everything at once and failed all of it. There were approximately 87 plot points going on at any given time and yet not a single one felt connected or fully developed except the understanding that neither main character knew what they were doing. To give you an idea, these were just some of the shenanigans being tossed about:
-moving back in with parents after career failure
-struggles of being a single parent
-dealing with guilt after a loved one commits suicide (unrelated to single parenthood plot)
-the Italian mafia? (related to single parenthood plot)
-WWII art stealing (Nazis AND Americans)
-romance (of course)
-MURDER
-learning how to start a law firm
-learning how to run an art museum
-dealing with schmucks in the workplace
-Witness protection?
I haven’t even touched on the fact that this is a classic example of something being tagged as Christian fiction when it’s just fiction with “Christians” in it. Yes, friends, there is a difference. There’s just enough reference to God to make it distasteful to a nonbeliever without enough substance to make it satisfying to someone that actually follows Jesus. It’s the surface kind of religion that might appeal to someone in a red hat (like the cat, you know?).
Listen, if you read this and you liked it, that’s your business. But I’m definitely not coming back to this author’s work any time soon.
It wanted to be everything at once and failed all of it. There were approximately 87 plot points going on at any given time and yet not a single one felt connected or fully developed except the understanding that neither main character knew what they were doing. To give you an idea, these were just some of the shenanigans being tossed about:
-moving back in with parents after career failure
-struggles of being a single parent
-dealing with guilt after a loved one commits suicide (unrelated to single parenthood plot)
-the Italian mafia? (related to single parenthood plot)
-WWII art stealing (Nazis AND Americans)
-romance (of course)
-MURDER
-learning how to start a law firm
-learning how to run an art museum
-dealing with schmucks in the workplace
-Witness protection?
I haven’t even touched on the fact that this is a classic example of something being tagged as Christian fiction when it’s just fiction with “Christians” in it. Yes, friends, there is a difference. There’s just enough reference to God to make it distasteful to a nonbeliever without enough substance to make it satisfying to someone that actually follows Jesus. It’s the surface kind of religion that might appeal to someone in a red hat (like the cat, you know?).
Listen, if you read this and you liked it, that’s your business. But I’m definitely not coming back to this author’s work any time soon.
April 13, 2024
Highly interesting and absorbing from page one. This is my kind of book.
Janae, a lawyer, and Carter, a museum director, tackle the problem when two paintings exhibited in the Elliot Museum could belong to a Jewish WWII survivor.
This was a fascinating story told from the perspective of a museum being on the defensive in a very complex situation. There was a lot of legalese, but it was efficiently and effectively explained, thanks to the expertise of the author, who is a lawyer. You could tell that a lot of research went into this book. I was looking up the paintings in question to see if they really existed.
There was an underlying faith thread that seemed to underscore the way the main characters behaved and how they made their decisions to do the correct thing. This contrasted with the convoluted thinking by the villain.
Along with the conundrum of the paintings, there is more mystery, some family issues and a budding romance. The premise kept me turning pages and and wanting to read more stories in subsequent books in this series.
A stunning offering from an accomplished author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Janae, a lawyer, and Carter, a museum director, tackle the problem when two paintings exhibited in the Elliot Museum could belong to a Jewish WWII survivor.
This was a fascinating story told from the perspective of a museum being on the defensive in a very complex situation. There was a lot of legalese, but it was efficiently and effectively explained, thanks to the expertise of the author, who is a lawyer. You could tell that a lot of research went into this book. I was looking up the paintings in question to see if they really existed.
There was an underlying faith thread that seemed to underscore the way the main characters behaved and how they made their decisions to do the correct thing. This contrasted with the convoluted thinking by the villain.
Along with the conundrum of the paintings, there is more mystery, some family issues and a budding romance. The premise kept me turning pages and and wanting to read more stories in subsequent books in this series.
A stunning offering from an accomplished author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
May 2, 2024
This book was quite the adventure!
I found the book not only to be interesting, but very informative about the art world and history from World War II including how a lot of artwork was lost or stolen during this time.
Janae Simmons was written in a relatable way, you felt for her as she journeyed through having to move back to her hometown after having moved to the city to become a lawyer.
I felt that she and the other MC Carter made a good team - it was cool seeing them grow on this journey together as they help each other.
It is kind of a three for one mystery, as during the course of the story there is a murder to solve, trying to figure out the case of the allegedly stolen art and a mystery involving Janae's Grandfather.
(No spoilers shared here!)
It felt very much like a clean, engaging Nancy Drew type book for grown-ups, with strong faith elements.
The ending was excellent and worth a re-read.
If you like clean, Christian mystery novels - check out the Vanished by Cara Putman!
***Thank you to the Author and Publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. A review was not required. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own honest thoughts.***
I found the book not only to be interesting, but very informative about the art world and history from World War II including how a lot of artwork was lost or stolen during this time.
Janae Simmons was written in a relatable way, you felt for her as she journeyed through having to move back to her hometown after having moved to the city to become a lawyer.
I felt that she and the other MC Carter made a good team - it was cool seeing them grow on this journey together as they help each other.
It is kind of a three for one mystery, as during the course of the story there is a murder to solve, trying to figure out the case of the allegedly stolen art and a mystery involving Janae's Grandfather.
(No spoilers shared here!)
It felt very much like a clean, engaging Nancy Drew type book for grown-ups, with strong faith elements.
The ending was excellent and worth a re-read.
If you like clean, Christian mystery novels - check out the Vanished by Cara Putman!
***Thank you to the Author and Publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. A review was not required. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own honest thoughts.***
April 16, 2024
The Vanished by Cara Putman is a delightful and intriguing mystery. Janae Simmons moves back to her small town and teams up with museum director Carter Montgomery. He’s her first client in her new law practice, and mystery surrounds several paintings over the original ownership. But what’s more intriguing is the artwork Janae finds stashed away in her late grandfather’s house. Priceless artwork that had become spoils of war. And whenever money is involved, the criminals come out to play.
This isn’t a fast-paced, run-for-your life novel, but I love how the story unfolds. Both Janae and Carter have to deal with their past issues, and I love their character arc. Both fight for justice and want to do the right things even if they are the hard things. I also find the art history interesting.
Check out The Vanishing for an intriguing read. I’m hoping it’s a series because I want more (and maybe Chloe or Margeaux’s story!)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This isn’t a fast-paced, run-for-your life novel, but I love how the story unfolds. Both Janae and Carter have to deal with their past issues, and I love their character arc. Both fight for justice and want to do the right things even if they are the hard things. I also find the art history interesting.
Check out The Vanishing for an intriguing read. I’m hoping it’s a series because I want more (and maybe Chloe or Margeaux’s story!)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 19, 2024
The Vanished, by Cara Putman, is the first book in Secrets to Keep series. This story is well written and easy to imagine. It contains suspense, mystery and touches of romance. I found this book to be an very enjoyable story with well developed characters. I especially enjoyed the parts of Janae, her mother and grandmother as they cleanout the carriage house and found items Janae’s father has tucked away and not spoken about. I found the topic of art stolen during WWII to be very interesting. I enjoyed the closeness of the three women and how they worked together.
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the surrounding the painting at the gallery that were under question. It gives a look into what it might be like for the families that lost items as well as to how the stolen items were dealt with. This is such an enjoyable story, I look for to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the surrounding the painting at the gallery that were under question. It gives a look into what it might be like for the families that lost items as well as to how the stolen items were dealt with. This is such an enjoyable story, I look for to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
July 1, 2024
Cara Putman's The Vanished blends legal drama with historical intrigue. The story follows Janae Simmons, a lawyer who returns to her hometown and uncovers her family's hidden secrets. The author’s legal expertise adds depth to the plot as Janae and Carter Montgomery navigate the complexities of art ownership and World War II history. A slow start soon gives way to engaging mysteries. The book's central theme of integrity resonates deeply, making it a must-read for fans of The Monuments Men and those who appreciate legal dramas.
April 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
This is my first Cara Putman book and it will not be my last! Excellent characters, a great thread running through the story of art, legalities, friendship, faith, and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
I know there are more stories coming, so I hope some of the threads that were left unspooling (and a bit suddenly for me) will be tied up satisfactorily. That small detail aside, I can’t recommend this book enough. Janae and Carter are delightfully real, and sometimes, hilariously awkward. Putman makes the legal arguments and lingo easy to understand and follow without making her audience feel dumb. If you’re looking for an art thriller with strong faith elements - pick up The Vanished!
This is my first Cara Putman book and it will not be my last! Excellent characters, a great thread running through the story of art, legalities, friendship, faith, and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
I know there are more stories coming, so I hope some of the threads that were left unspooling (and a bit suddenly for me) will be tied up satisfactorily. That small detail aside, I can’t recommend this book enough. Janae and Carter are delightfully real, and sometimes, hilariously awkward. Putman makes the legal arguments and lingo easy to understand and follow without making her audience feel dumb. If you’re looking for an art thriller with strong faith elements - pick up The Vanished!
March 19, 2024
Cara Putman’s The Vanished poses really important yet hard questions: what are the right ethical and legal ways to handle stolen items that are found years after the fact? This fascinating novel digs into the how to handle sketchy business deals, difficult employers, extreme stress, and relationship issues, but most of all, it’s about the proper way to handle items stolen from the Jews by the Nazis. When these items turn up decades later in other hands, how does one decide who the proper owner is? What is the right and legal way to handle that? Having just seen a local museum tackling this type of issue, I found this premise irresistible!
The Vanished turned out to be just as compelling as I’d hoped it would be. I couldn’t wait to find out how the stolen art would be handled, and as the issues kept mounting, it became even more intriguing. I especially appreciate the way that this story looked at this issue from multiple sides: from the perspective of the person from whom the art was taken, from the museum currently in possession, from a lawyer trying to sort it out, and from a person responsible for stealing art.
I enjoyed the action sequences, too, and as these kept happening in unexpected ways, this definitely upped the suspense factor.
There were a few threads in this story that I think should have been tugged harder, however. They were alluded to throughout the story, and it turned out that I guessed the overall situation, but it could have been fleshed out much more to add more, even if only in the resolution. I wanted to know more than what was shared; I think the author intended these threads to be either diversionary or interest-building in purpose, but I would have liked for them to have played a bigger part in the story. The resolution of the art plot didn’t finalize – or even answer nearly all of – my questions for these other threads. There was too much left unresolved and unanswered for me there.
All in all, if you like legal or art history stories, then The Vanished is definitely a book to put on your to-be-read list this spring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
The Vanished turned out to be just as compelling as I’d hoped it would be. I couldn’t wait to find out how the stolen art would be handled, and as the issues kept mounting, it became even more intriguing. I especially appreciate the way that this story looked at this issue from multiple sides: from the perspective of the person from whom the art was taken, from the museum currently in possession, from a lawyer trying to sort it out, and from a person responsible for stealing art.
I enjoyed the action sequences, too, and as these kept happening in unexpected ways, this definitely upped the suspense factor.
There were a few threads in this story that I think should have been tugged harder, however. They were alluded to throughout the story, and it turned out that I guessed the overall situation, but it could have been fleshed out much more to add more, even if only in the resolution. I wanted to know more than what was shared; I think the author intended these threads to be either diversionary or interest-building in purpose, but I would have liked for them to have played a bigger part in the story. The resolution of the art plot didn’t finalize – or even answer nearly all of – my questions for these other threads. There was too much left unresolved and unanswered for me there.
All in all, if you like legal or art history stories, then The Vanished is definitely a book to put on your to-be-read list this spring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
April 7, 2024
This was such a good read! The story centers around the art world and art theft, which admittedly isn't something that I am super familiar with. I found this topic to be very intriguing though. It was a nice blend of the historical aspects with art theft being prominent during WWII mixed with the legal aspects of that. It's a pretty complex topic and you could certainly tell the author put in the research, making the story all that much better. There were some twists I didn't see coming. While it might not have been a super fast paced story or filled with non-stop action as some suspense reads, I didn't miss that at all. It still kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to figure it all out and see how everything would play out. Of course, there was some romance too, which I loved... though I definitely felt it took a backseat to the legal aspects in this one for me.
If you're looking for a great Christian romantic suspense, this is certainly one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a great Christian romantic suspense, this is certainly one to check out.
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2024
This is the very first book that I have read by this author, and won't be the last. I'm already looking at getting the prequel to this book. I will admit to knowing nothing about art galleries, except that they exist. Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down. This book takes you through so many twists and turns, you don't know who to trust and who might not live to see another day. You have two people who are trying to break free from past mistakes and they accidently get thrown together into a deadly cat and mouse game. Throw in another twist in the middle of the book, and you have an amazing storyline that is hard to predict what is coming and how it all will end. I'm happy that I was able to read an early copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I was not required to leave a review and this is my thoughts on the book. If you love suspense and trying to guess who done it, then this is the book for you.
December 1, 2025
A slow build on this story about stolen art work that was lost in WWII .The history alone was subpurb.
I liked the way Putman pulls the characters together and intertwined the story with mystery and little romance. There are twists & turns along the way.
Well done !
I liked the way Putman pulls the characters together and intertwined the story with mystery and little romance. There are twists & turns along the way.
Well done !
August 17, 2024
Janae Simmon has come home to Kedgewick Virginia to start over as a lawyer after working in Philadelphia and running into problems at work as well as realizing she was homesick for her family especially her elderly grandmother. Carter Montgomery is the new director of the local art museum. When an elderly visitor spots a painting that she is sure had been stolen from her family home in Germany during World War II and sends her lawyer to Carter, he becomes Janae's first law client. Digging into the case together not only brings questions about some paintings that Janae discovers while helping her grandmother clean out her old home, but also has Janae and Carter digging deep into stolen German paintings along with the activity of the Monument Men.
This was a fascinating who-done-it combining art, history and legalities regarding stolen paintings from World War II. I definitely learned a lot about the procedures for this type of case. My only complaint is that the culmination leaves some things hanging.
This was a fascinating who-done-it combining art, history and legalities regarding stolen paintings from World War II. I definitely learned a lot about the procedures for this type of case. My only complaint is that the culmination leaves some things hanging.
September 8, 2024
Putman has crafted an engaging masterpiece. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
April 20, 2024
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately there were a few things that bothered me.
I loved the plot and most of the story. Janae has come back to the town where she grew up because she made a huge mistake in her previous job, so she ends up wanting to start her own law agency, but will she be able to get clients? Carter is the director of the museum in town, a museum that is displaying two paintings that an elderly lady claims are her family's and she is demanding their return. Carter hasn't been director for long, and he is quite new to the area. And to make things even trickier, he finds he isn't getting support from the board in figuring out what to do about these paintings.
This of course brings the two together (which isn't a spoiler as it is in the blurb). I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve as Janae helped Carter, and Carter ended up helping Janae with things I won't mention. I felt the relationship grew at a believable pace, as the books takes place over the course of a few months.
I loved learning more about what happened to pieces of art during WWII. I didn't realize the complexities that were involved in museums acquiring works of art, so that was eye opening and educational. Unfortunately, I felt there was too much legal jargon that I had to focus on to fully immerse myself in the story. I had to keep rereading sections to make sure I was understanding what was going on. And this bogged me down, causing me to take a lot longer to finish the book than I thought it would.
I think this wouldn't have been as much of a hindrance if the suspense had been more intense and fast paced. When I read suspense books I do prefer it that way. I love being on the edge of my seat and NEEDING to know what was going to happen next. Though there were scenes that had suspense, they were not as present as I was expecting. However, this was the first book I had read by Cara Putman, and I think I've seen some other reviews that made it sound like she has other books that may be more fast paced and suspenseful, so I defintely want to read more of her books. And I did enjoy this book enough that I really want to read the prequel and continue with the series.
All in all, this was an enjoyable book, and I definitely fell in love with the characters and am hoping we will see more of them in the remainder of the series.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
I loved the plot and most of the story. Janae has come back to the town where she grew up because she made a huge mistake in her previous job, so she ends up wanting to start her own law agency, but will she be able to get clients? Carter is the director of the museum in town, a museum that is displaying two paintings that an elderly lady claims are her family's and she is demanding their return. Carter hasn't been director for long, and he is quite new to the area. And to make things even trickier, he finds he isn't getting support from the board in figuring out what to do about these paintings.
This of course brings the two together (which isn't a spoiler as it is in the blurb). I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve as Janae helped Carter, and Carter ended up helping Janae with things I won't mention. I felt the relationship grew at a believable pace, as the books takes place over the course of a few months.
I loved learning more about what happened to pieces of art during WWII. I didn't realize the complexities that were involved in museums acquiring works of art, so that was eye opening and educational. Unfortunately, I felt there was too much legal jargon that I had to focus on to fully immerse myself in the story. I had to keep rereading sections to make sure I was understanding what was going on. And this bogged me down, causing me to take a lot longer to finish the book than I thought it would.
I think this wouldn't have been as much of a hindrance if the suspense had been more intense and fast paced. When I read suspense books I do prefer it that way. I love being on the edge of my seat and NEEDING to know what was going to happen next. Though there were scenes that had suspense, they were not as present as I was expecting. However, this was the first book I had read by Cara Putman, and I think I've seen some other reviews that made it sound like she has other books that may be more fast paced and suspenseful, so I defintely want to read more of her books. And I did enjoy this book enough that I really want to read the prequel and continue with the series.
All in all, this was an enjoyable book, and I definitely fell in love with the characters and am hoping we will see more of them in the remainder of the series.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
April 23, 2024
What a wonderful book! It read super quickly. The characters were intense and wonderful. They each had their own issues to work through. They each have their own shortcomings and failings. In fact, they’re all human.
There is a prequel to this book that you’re going to want to read. It explains what happens to Carter’s sister and how he has custody of his nephew. It was also amazing. You don’t want to skip reading that one. Though yes this book will still make sense if you haven’t read it.
Carter is our wonderful male lead. He’s in between a rock and a hard place in his role at the museum though when an elderly woman claims that they have two paintings in the museum that rightfully belong to her. And then a lawyer contacts him. Can he keep his museum going? Will they lose the paintings? Why can’t he find records of where they bought the paintings?
Janae is our female lead and she’s back in the small town after losing her job in the big city. She’s doubting herself and her abilities. But she’s home. As she works to clean out her grandma’s house and carriage house she finds two paintings that have her questioning who her grandfather was and what his role in WWII was.
When she and Carter are thrown together will they find out the mystery of not only Janae’s paintings but the ones at the museum? Add in lots of twists and tons of suspense and this story runs. I could not put it down. It’s amazing. You’ll love it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
There is a prequel to this book that you’re going to want to read. It explains what happens to Carter’s sister and how he has custody of his nephew. It was also amazing. You don’t want to skip reading that one. Though yes this book will still make sense if you haven’t read it.
Carter is our wonderful male lead. He’s in between a rock and a hard place in his role at the museum though when an elderly woman claims that they have two paintings in the museum that rightfully belong to her. And then a lawyer contacts him. Can he keep his museum going? Will they lose the paintings? Why can’t he find records of where they bought the paintings?
Janae is our female lead and she’s back in the small town after losing her job in the big city. She’s doubting herself and her abilities. But she’s home. As she works to clean out her grandma’s house and carriage house she finds two paintings that have her questioning who her grandfather was and what his role in WWII was.
When she and Carter are thrown together will they find out the mystery of not only Janae’s paintings but the ones at the museum? Add in lots of twists and tons of suspense and this story runs. I could not put it down. It’s amazing. You’ll love it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
April 16, 2024
This book was a little different from the normal legal thrillers that Cara Putnam ordinarily writes, but it was very interesting. I learned a lot about the art world and provenance for paintings. History buffs will really enjoy the history lessons from World War II and how art was either stolen or misplaced during this time in our history.
Janae Simmons is an attorney who left her home in Kedgewick, Virginia for the big city life. She wanted to work for a big law firm. Now she has come back home after a professional mistake.
Carter Montgomery is the director of the Elliott Museum of Art. He is hoping to make his own mark in the art world and get away from a past that he feels has hurt his career. He is also raising his nephew while also grieving the loss of his sister.
When a woman claims that 2 paintings in the museum were stolen from her family many years ago, Carter knows he will need legal assistance. Janae is not an expert in the art world, but she will soon become an expert.
I was not really certain where this plot was headed, but I was pleasantly surprised with the turn it took. There is a murder mystery to solve, the mystery of supposed stolen art and then another mystery involving Janae's grandfather. I thought at first that I would not understand the verbiage regarding the art world, but the author does a fantastic job of explaining the meaning of how the history is uncovered for a piece of art. Both main characters were very likable and easy to get to know as you read about their adventures together. The ending was beyond phenomenal. This is another one in the winner's column.
Thank you to the author and Kregel Publications for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Janae Simmons is an attorney who left her home in Kedgewick, Virginia for the big city life. She wanted to work for a big law firm. Now she has come back home after a professional mistake.
Carter Montgomery is the director of the Elliott Museum of Art. He is hoping to make his own mark in the art world and get away from a past that he feels has hurt his career. He is also raising his nephew while also grieving the loss of his sister.
When a woman claims that 2 paintings in the museum were stolen from her family many years ago, Carter knows he will need legal assistance. Janae is not an expert in the art world, but she will soon become an expert.
I was not really certain where this plot was headed, but I was pleasantly surprised with the turn it took. There is a murder mystery to solve, the mystery of supposed stolen art and then another mystery involving Janae's grandfather. I thought at first that I would not understand the verbiage regarding the art world, but the author does a fantastic job of explaining the meaning of how the history is uncovered for a piece of art. Both main characters were very likable and easy to get to know as you read about their adventures together. The ending was beyond phenomenal. This is another one in the winner's column.
Thank you to the author and Kregel Publications for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2024
3.5 stars
"There was an easy elegance to her style, yet she didn't seem quite comfortable standing in his museum."
Recently hired art museum director Carter Montgomery met "Janae Simmons, attorney-at-law" gazing at a painting during the celebrated opening of their "Women in Art" gallery. Learning that the lovely young lawyer had just arrived back in Kedgewick, Virginia, he seeks her advice regarding a disturbing situation; the museum had been accused of exhibiting stolen art. Two pieces; one on loan from a German gallery, the other owned by the Elliott Museum of Art.
Janae Simmons had been in Kedgewick less than a week and she was already second guessing her decision to return home. An embarrassing litigation error had cost one of her previous clients a considerable sum of money, and the pressures of a large law firm in a big city had combined to convince Janae that she needed a change. . . . . but this? Reluctantly accepting Carter's request to represent the museum in the event of a lawsuit, the case actually encourages Janae to take her career in a totally different direction. Surprisingly, her research not only unearths some unsettling discoveries about the two paintings in question, but also makes her question parts of her own family history.
This story boasts tentacles of secrets and intrigue, along with its interesting art history, that indiscriminately spread out in multiple directions prompting the reader to wonder whether they are destined to converge . . . or diverge. Enjoy discovering which path they take . . . including the one that leads straight towards a merging of hearts.
"There was an easy elegance to her style, yet she didn't seem quite comfortable standing in his museum."
Recently hired art museum director Carter Montgomery met "Janae Simmons, attorney-at-law" gazing at a painting during the celebrated opening of their "Women in Art" gallery. Learning that the lovely young lawyer had just arrived back in Kedgewick, Virginia, he seeks her advice regarding a disturbing situation; the museum had been accused of exhibiting stolen art. Two pieces; one on loan from a German gallery, the other owned by the Elliott Museum of Art.
Janae Simmons had been in Kedgewick less than a week and she was already second guessing her decision to return home. An embarrassing litigation error had cost one of her previous clients a considerable sum of money, and the pressures of a large law firm in a big city had combined to convince Janae that she needed a change. . . . . but this? Reluctantly accepting Carter's request to represent the museum in the event of a lawsuit, the case actually encourages Janae to take her career in a totally different direction. Surprisingly, her research not only unearths some unsettling discoveries about the two paintings in question, but also makes her question parts of her own family history.
This story boasts tentacles of secrets and intrigue, along with its interesting art history, that indiscriminately spread out in multiple directions prompting the reader to wonder whether they are destined to converge . . . or diverge. Enjoy discovering which path they take . . . including the one that leads straight towards a merging of hearts.
April 29, 2024
After a professional mistake at a big-city law firm, Janae Simmons has come back home. Kedgewick, Virginia, is a place that she hopes to quietly lick her wounds and build up a new legal business. But what she finds is not quiet! At the local art museum's gala, the new director Carter Montgomery meets an elderly woman who tells him that a painting on the museum's wall belongs to her family. Naturally, Carter is blindsided. But Janae offers her legal services on behalf of the museum. She's not an art expert, but perhaps together they'll learn something.
But who does own the painting? A search for its provenance begins, while Carter finds unexpected opposition from the museum's board of directors. He never expected his new job to begin with such turbulence; one reason he'd relocated to Kedgewick was to care for his deceased sister's young son. Suddenly, Janae's legal career takes another twist, when the firm that promised to hire her disengages itself. And then, there's the matter of the treasure that turns up in her grandmother's carriage house...
Art, provenance, mystery. The Vanished draws readers into a marvelous story, peopled by winning characters (all of whom have their own mysteries going on), and a clean budding romance. But Carter and Janae have to survive this mystery in order to learn whether they'll be able to pursue it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
But who does own the painting? A search for its provenance begins, while Carter finds unexpected opposition from the museum's board of directors. He never expected his new job to begin with such turbulence; one reason he'd relocated to Kedgewick was to care for his deceased sister's young son. Suddenly, Janae's legal career takes another twist, when the firm that promised to hire her disengages itself. And then, there's the matter of the treasure that turns up in her grandmother's carriage house...
Art, provenance, mystery. The Vanished draws readers into a marvelous story, peopled by winning characters (all of whom have their own mysteries going on), and a clean budding romance. But Carter and Janae have to survive this mystery in order to learn whether they'll be able to pursue it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
May 2, 2024
The Vanished is book one in the Secrets to Keep series that is written by Cara Putman. I’m a huge fan of this author and was really excited to read this story. The book will draw you in within the first few pages. You will not want to put it down once you start reading.
In the story, we meet Janae Simmons. She left her small town over 10 years ago because she wanted to pursue a legal career. However, all roads lead to home and she’s back at her grandmother’s home. Her grandparents are well known in the community and her grandfather has a sterling reputation. Janae has secrets that she wants to keep hidden from everyone. She does find a job at a local law firm, but it is definitely not what she expected.
Enter Montgomery. He has started his art per career as the Director at the Elliott Museum of art. He wants to make his own way in the art world and he also has secrets from his past that he is worried is going to affect his future. He is raising his nephew after his sister passed away.
Their paths meet when women claim that paintings that are being displayed in the museum were stolen from their family along time ago. Carter knows that he need
legal advice to do the right thing. Janae is not an expert in art. I do loved how she was determined to be.
Stolen art leads to a murder mystery that you have to solve. The author has done a great job with throwing in some twist and turns and making the story as realistic as possible. The book is well written the characters are engaging. I cannot wait until the next story.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and JustRead Publicty tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts on my own.
In the story, we meet Janae Simmons. She left her small town over 10 years ago because she wanted to pursue a legal career. However, all roads lead to home and she’s back at her grandmother’s home. Her grandparents are well known in the community and her grandfather has a sterling reputation. Janae has secrets that she wants to keep hidden from everyone. She does find a job at a local law firm, but it is definitely not what she expected.
Enter Montgomery. He has started his art per career as the Director at the Elliott Museum of art. He wants to make his own way in the art world and he also has secrets from his past that he is worried is going to affect his future. He is raising his nephew after his sister passed away.
Their paths meet when women claim that paintings that are being displayed in the museum were stolen from their family along time ago. Carter knows that he need
legal advice to do the right thing. Janae is not an expert in art. I do loved how she was determined to be.
Stolen art leads to a murder mystery that you have to solve. The author has done a great job with throwing in some twist and turns and making the story as realistic as possible. The book is well written the characters are engaging. I cannot wait until the next story.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and JustRead Publicty tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts on my own.
April 17, 2024
Regular viewers of the popular PBS Antiques Roadshow series should be familiar with the importance of provenance. In The Vanished, the latest legal suspense novel by Cara Putman, provenance plays a vital role.
Attorney Janae Simmons, haunted by a costly mistake in a previous case, finds herself back in her hometown, at a crossroads in her career. When the newly appointed director of the local art museum desperately seeks Janae’s expertise in resolving a dispute over two invaluable paintings, she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand. It quickly becomes evident that there is more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye and Carter and Janae find themselves in the midst of what could be a dangerous situation to both them and their families. Additional discoveries at Janae’s grandmother's home reveals more secrets that make her begin to question everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandfather.
The author has skillfully woven her own masterpiece filled with authentic characters, mystery, danger, and a touch of romance. The unwavering faith that directed the actions and decisions made by Carter and Janae as they wrestled with legalities versus the right thing to do was truly inspiring. Although I am deliberately keeping my details brief in order to avoid spoilers, I encourage readers to pick up a copy for themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Attorney Janae Simmons, haunted by a costly mistake in a previous case, finds herself back in her hometown, at a crossroads in her career. When the newly appointed director of the local art museum desperately seeks Janae’s expertise in resolving a dispute over two invaluable paintings, she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand. It quickly becomes evident that there is more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye and Carter and Janae find themselves in the midst of what could be a dangerous situation to both them and their families. Additional discoveries at Janae’s grandmother's home reveals more secrets that make her begin to question everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandfather.
The author has skillfully woven her own masterpiece filled with authentic characters, mystery, danger, and a touch of romance. The unwavering faith that directed the actions and decisions made by Carter and Janae as they wrestled with legalities versus the right thing to do was truly inspiring. Although I am deliberately keeping my details brief in order to avoid spoilers, I encourage readers to pick up a copy for themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
April 20, 2024
I found this legal thriller to be very interesting as its main topic was about art. Especially the subject of when art has been questionably brought into a museum collection as it may have been stolen from the original owners during WWII. This is a subject I don't know a lot about, but I did find the legality of it all interesting and the author did a good job of explaining the making the complexities of the case understandable.
Janae Simmons has come back to her small-town home due to a mistake she made at her previous law firm. She is not sure of her life's direction anymore. She takes a position at the small town's law firm, but due to strange circumstances, things only go from bad to worse for Janae.
Carter Montgomery is the art museum director, and his museum is being accused of having a woman's stolen art, art that was stolen during WWII. She wants it back in her family's possession. He seeks legal help from Janae, a woman who needs the work and one he is attracted to.
I did not really know what to expect in this story, but stolen art is a big thing. Enough that other characters were acting peculiar. Throw in a possible murder, questionable characters, and bumps in the night and plenty of looking over your shoulder, and you have a well thought out suspense with a thread of romance.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Janae Simmons has come back to her small-town home due to a mistake she made at her previous law firm. She is not sure of her life's direction anymore. She takes a position at the small town's law firm, but due to strange circumstances, things only go from bad to worse for Janae.
Carter Montgomery is the art museum director, and his museum is being accused of having a woman's stolen art, art that was stolen during WWII. She wants it back in her family's possession. He seeks legal help from Janae, a woman who needs the work and one he is attracted to.
I did not really know what to expect in this story, but stolen art is a big thing. Enough that other characters were acting peculiar. Throw in a possible murder, questionable characters, and bumps in the night and plenty of looking over your shoulder, and you have a well thought out suspense with a thread of romance.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
May 30, 2024
LEGAL VS. ETHICAL
The Vanished is a remarkably well-written and well-researched novel. Author Cara Putman takes on the task of creating a story that reminds readers of the vicious looting of priceless art during WWII. With that as a background, she manages to use four main characters to tell her story. Each of these characters has faced something difficult in the past, and one of them is trying to restart her career. Another is also working on restarting his career and discovers his main nemesis is at his new place, another faces discovering a long-lost treasure belonging to her family, and the last sees his life for what it is — a life of destruction. While on loan to an American museum, a woman recognizes not only a painting but also the people in the painting! This discovery brings the provenance of the painting into question. While this search is pending, family members discover other paintings they had no idea their beloved and well-respected family member brought home after the war. Two characters are responsible for the legal vs. ethical dilemma of attempting to find the original owner's descendants to reunite them with their paintings or offer them remuneration. As they work together to solve this problem, will they also solve the problem of their past broken hearts? This is a superb novel and I highly recommend it!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Kregal Publications and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
The Vanished is a remarkably well-written and well-researched novel. Author Cara Putman takes on the task of creating a story that reminds readers of the vicious looting of priceless art during WWII. With that as a background, she manages to use four main characters to tell her story. Each of these characters has faced something difficult in the past, and one of them is trying to restart her career. Another is also working on restarting his career and discovers his main nemesis is at his new place, another faces discovering a long-lost treasure belonging to her family, and the last sees his life for what it is — a life of destruction. While on loan to an American museum, a woman recognizes not only a painting but also the people in the painting! This discovery brings the provenance of the painting into question. While this search is pending, family members discover other paintings they had no idea their beloved and well-respected family member brought home after the war. Two characters are responsible for the legal vs. ethical dilemma of attempting to find the original owner's descendants to reunite them with their paintings or offer them remuneration. As they work together to solve this problem, will they also solve the problem of their past broken hearts? This is a superb novel and I highly recommend it!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Kregal Publications and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
April 18, 2024
I’ve never been super interested in art per se, but I do have quite the appreciation for it, even if I don’t understand that world too well. I have never given much thought to just how crazy the art world could be, or how dangerous in certain situations, like what we see in The Vanished. Who knew that the art world could be so dangerous?
There is something that drew me into this story instantly. Mystery after mystery wraps this novel in a cloak of darkness layer by layer, leaving you wondering which way is up. I love stories like this so much!! The multi-facets keep it interesting and keeps you guessing the entire time you’re reading.
This novel has some great characters, but Janae’s grandmother is wonderful and one of my favorites. I loved the wisdom and support that she bestows on Janae during one of the most difficult times of her life. How I wish we all could have someone there to support us during our dark times.
I would’ve liked to have seen the ending not be tied up so quickly. Maybe an epilogue would’ve suited better, but the author could be leaving that open-ended with this being the first novel in a new series, so I can’t fault her too much.
Overall, this is an endearing story with quite the web of mystery, characters to root for, and all for the love of art.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
There is something that drew me into this story instantly. Mystery after mystery wraps this novel in a cloak of darkness layer by layer, leaving you wondering which way is up. I love stories like this so much!! The multi-facets keep it interesting and keeps you guessing the entire time you’re reading.
This novel has some great characters, but Janae’s grandmother is wonderful and one of my favorites. I loved the wisdom and support that she bestows on Janae during one of the most difficult times of her life. How I wish we all could have someone there to support us during our dark times.
I would’ve liked to have seen the ending not be tied up so quickly. Maybe an epilogue would’ve suited better, but the author could be leaving that open-ended with this being the first novel in a new series, so I can’t fault her too much.
Overall, this is an endearing story with quite the web of mystery, characters to root for, and all for the love of art.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
March 24, 2024
Genre: Romantic suspense.
Series: Secrets to Keep, book one.
I received a gifted copy.
This was my first introduction to this author. I really enjoyed her writing style as well as the storyline.
This tale would appeal to those readers who enjoy learning something new … this something new involves the world of museums, works of art, and determining provenance. It was intriguing to me just how much work goes into determining the provenance of a piece of art. I guess I’ve always been a bit curious … it’s one of those behind-the-scenes things. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but there seemed to be a ring of truth in that determination through these pages.
I enjoyed the storyline between the main characters Janae, an attorney who has a story of her own, and Carter who also has his own story. I liked the back-and-forth between the two of them, their attraction but not really sure if they should act on it. Janae from the standpoint of Carter being her first big client in her new law firm, and Carter simply because he was afraid to take a chance with his heart. There is also a backstory involving Charlotte, Carter’s sister, along with her son, Andrew.
And, we can’t forget the Ashby and Ashley Law Firm, along with Janae’s parents … not to be ousted by the story of Janae’s grandparents. And the Elliott Museum itself and all that happened there.
Series: Secrets to Keep, book one.
I received a gifted copy.
This was my first introduction to this author. I really enjoyed her writing style as well as the storyline.
This tale would appeal to those readers who enjoy learning something new … this something new involves the world of museums, works of art, and determining provenance. It was intriguing to me just how much work goes into determining the provenance of a piece of art. I guess I’ve always been a bit curious … it’s one of those behind-the-scenes things. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but there seemed to be a ring of truth in that determination through these pages.
I enjoyed the storyline between the main characters Janae, an attorney who has a story of her own, and Carter who also has his own story. I liked the back-and-forth between the two of them, their attraction but not really sure if they should act on it. Janae from the standpoint of Carter being her first big client in her new law firm, and Carter simply because he was afraid to take a chance with his heart. There is also a backstory involving Charlotte, Carter’s sister, along with her son, Andrew.
And, we can’t forget the Ashby and Ashley Law Firm, along with Janae’s parents … not to be ousted by the story of Janae’s grandparents. And the Elliott Museum itself and all that happened there.
May 4, 2024
No one writes better legal thrillers than Cara Putman! She's always able to weave her strong knowledge as a lawyer into a tale that keeps me turning the pages and this book is the latest proof! I was completely engrossed in the circumstances surrounding two paintings that may have been stolen during World War II and are now hanging in a small museum in Virginia. Were they once the property of a Jewish family who were forced to leave them behind when they fled Vienna in 1938? Do the family survivors have legal rights to these paintings?
Fans of mystery/suspense, this book's for you because the art mystery is just one of three in The Vanished! Janae Simmon's return to her hometown leads to a startling family secret and the death of Carter Montgomery's sister may not be as it seemed. I loved the work partnership between Janae and Carter, I admired that they both had strong moral convictions to guide them, and I was hoping that there might be a romance waiting to happen!
If you're looking for an intriguing suspense novel with a surprise ending and an enlightening look at the Lost Art of World War II, grab a copy of this book! I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Kregel via NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Fans of mystery/suspense, this book's for you because the art mystery is just one of three in The Vanished! Janae Simmon's return to her hometown leads to a startling family secret and the death of Carter Montgomery's sister may not be as it seemed. I loved the work partnership between Janae and Carter, I admired that they both had strong moral convictions to guide them, and I was hoping that there might be a romance waiting to happen!
If you're looking for an intriguing suspense novel with a surprise ending and an enlightening look at the Lost Art of World War II, grab a copy of this book! I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Kregel via NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.
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