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Artifact
Historian Lara has fled New Zealand in terror after stealing from her employer. She has come to hide out in the little English town of Market Harborough, broken and damaged by something that went badly wrong in the land of her forefathers.
Struggling to deal with the spectre of guilt which haunts her, Lara tries to begin again, finding work at the local museum and friendship with her new neighbours. But life has some lessons for Lara, bringing her secret full circle and with it, love from unexpected sources.
Struggling to deal with the spectre of guilt which haunts her, Lara tries to begin again, finding work at the local museum and friendship with her new neighbours. But life has some lessons for Lara, bringing her secret full circle and with it, love from unexpected sources.
- GenresRomance
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2014
8 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Bowes
39 books66 followersMarried and bringing up four children during her twenties and thirties, K T Bowes reserved her storytelling for them.
She emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 with her family on a one way ticket. They arrived with just one suitcase each. The international bestselling Hana Du Rose Mysteries began shortly afterwards, hammered out on an old laptop used for Skyping family back home.
Since then, she has published more than twenty five books ranging from women's literature through teen series, to a fantasy trilogy.
The author has given interviews to That's Life Magazine and the BBC during her writing career. Each of her first in series novels are free to readers on all digital platforms.
K T Bowes has a passion for folk art and renovating wooden furniture. Her work as an archivist often appears within story lines. After two significant falls, she gave up horse riding but often has a guest horse or two in the paddock. She lives above the city of Hamilton, close to the Waikato River and the Hakarimata Ranges. Many of her novels are based in New Zealand, but some transport the reader back to England and the Midlands where she grew up.
She emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 with her family on a one way ticket. They arrived with just one suitcase each. The international bestselling Hana Du Rose Mysteries began shortly afterwards, hammered out on an old laptop used for Skyping family back home.
Since then, she has published more than twenty five books ranging from women's literature through teen series, to a fantasy trilogy.
The author has given interviews to That's Life Magazine and the BBC during her writing career. Each of her first in series novels are free to readers on all digital platforms.
K T Bowes has a passion for folk art and renovating wooden furniture. Her work as an archivist often appears within story lines. After two significant falls, she gave up horse riding but often has a guest horse or two in the paddock. She lives above the city of Hamilton, close to the Waikato River and the Hakarimata Ranges. Many of her novels are based in New Zealand, but some transport the reader back to England and the Midlands where she grew up.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 20, 2014
I loved this book. It tells the story of how little things can bring you together - some chocolates, a family heirloom or a little girl with a mop of red hair.
Lara is a historian that just spent two years in New Zealand helping Hone, an elderly Maori, catalogue family artifacts. He intends on leaving them, and his land to the last remaining member of his family. Unfortunately, he is unable to find that relative and because of it, Lara, who becomes close to him and because of it she does something unthinkable. Escaping to Market Harborough in England where to her safety net, Aunt Catherine, Lara tries to push that behind her and move forward. House-sitting for her aunt, Lara tries to come to grips with her past and what her future will be. But the quiet hideaway she imagined is constantly interrupted by her strange and quirky neighbors. She's drawn into helping with children at the local school, which leads to a job restoring and translating six-hundred year old manuscripts and to love.
This book is only about 100 pages long but Bowes, a gifted storyteller, has managed to stuff it with intrigue, mystery, love and a story of redemption. The characters are believable, and the plot makes you want to keep turning the page. The story is well-written and leaves you wishing there was more of Lara's story. Highly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Lara is a historian that just spent two years in New Zealand helping Hone, an elderly Maori, catalogue family artifacts. He intends on leaving them, and his land to the last remaining member of his family. Unfortunately, he is unable to find that relative and because of it, Lara, who becomes close to him and because of it she does something unthinkable. Escaping to Market Harborough in England where to her safety net, Aunt Catherine, Lara tries to push that behind her and move forward. House-sitting for her aunt, Lara tries to come to grips with her past and what her future will be. But the quiet hideaway she imagined is constantly interrupted by her strange and quirky neighbors. She's drawn into helping with children at the local school, which leads to a job restoring and translating six-hundred year old manuscripts and to love.
This book is only about 100 pages long but Bowes, a gifted storyteller, has managed to stuff it with intrigue, mystery, love and a story of redemption. The characters are believable, and the plot makes you want to keep turning the page. The story is well-written and leaves you wishing there was more of Lara's story. Highly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2016
This book made me laugh, it made me cry...and it made me want to go to New Zealand, despite most of the story taking place in the UK.
Why New Zealand? Ah, because that's where the artifact in the title is originally from - and that's no spoiler, for you find that out very early on, as that's where the story starts. Even when she's in the UK, that's where Lara's thoughts constantly seem to stray to, too - even when she's working in a classroom that reminds me of Kindergarten Cop, or restoring English artifacts from pre-Elizabethan times.
Most of the ending was unexpected - including the bottle of red wine that had me wanting to open one of my own - but the bits that were expected...well, I admit I was hoping would happen anyway.
Oh...and for anyone considering a career in teaching, it was lovely to be reminded that a liking for children or art is definitely not necessary!
Five stars for a wonderful read.
Why New Zealand? Ah, because that's where the artifact in the title is originally from - and that's no spoiler, for you find that out very early on, as that's where the story starts. Even when she's in the UK, that's where Lara's thoughts constantly seem to stray to, too - even when she's working in a classroom that reminds me of Kindergarten Cop, or restoring English artifacts from pre-Elizabethan times.
Most of the ending was unexpected - including the bottle of red wine that had me wanting to open one of my own - but the bits that were expected...well, I admit I was hoping would happen anyway.
Oh...and for anyone considering a career in teaching, it was lovely to be reminded that a liking for children or art is definitely not necessary!
Five stars for a wonderful read.
March 2, 2018
Wow! K.T. Bowes, you made this crazy old Irishman cry! Not from sadness, but from emotion. I am an old man who reads action and adventure stories, but I like your writing so much that I have taken to reading your romantic-mysteries. I love your characters and their locales. Imagine, an Irishman loving England. To anyone reading this review get hooked on K.T. Bowes’ Books. This book starts slowly and builds to the climax.
March 19, 2017
Well done
I don't normally read romantic novels but this was suggested by a friend so I decided to read it. Much better than I expected. I usually read mysteries and history and I was surprised to find both in this novel. I plan to read another by this author.
I don't normally read romantic novels but this was suggested by a friend so I decided to read it. Much better than I expected. I usually read mysteries and history and I was surprised to find both in this novel. I plan to read another by this author.
March 1, 2014
Oh how to tell the loft of the spirit that flies as you read this story. This tale is a love story that touches your soul, and grabs your heart spinning your world.
Kate knows how to not only spin the narrative to great emotional depths, but inscribe the scene with pitch perfect points of interest laying bare all that's necessary for the reader to live the scenes; feel the emotions, hear the wind and even feel it flow over their skin. It's a trait all authors strive to reach and Kate has it right.
Lara, the main character, has an interesting job. She loves it and relishes what she learns from it. You can sense the intensity of her regard for it as she uncovers and preserves history, bent on keeping it alive and intact, feeling the emotions its secrets may hold. But being in such a profession doesn't keep her heart from feeling the hurts or loneliness that can happen in her real life. As you learn her story, you feel her struggles, pain and hope. You hear her sobs, her laughter and silence. And you get to know and care for her, wanting all that hurts to be turned into love and joy.
Then you meet Arama. His first impression is cutthroat, rude and yet exuding virile handsomeness. How could anyone resist that or should I say forgive that and not resist the other? But judging by appearance only usually has some unexpected surprises underneath, and Arama is no exception. What Lara wants to believe and thinks she sees are not what lurks beneath the surface. Thank goodness for heartfelt women or we would all be a lonely lot.
As the story unfolds and you feel the waves of emotional turns and twists, you realize how you want things to turn out, and hoping that's how it ends. And even though the other characters weren't as pivotal to the story, you learned enough about them to want to know more too. You were allowed glimpses into their lives and yet left with a few questions, which kept you glued to the story from beginning to end, searching for more. Hoping for more.
So this is how the author keeps you entertained in her works, looking for the next venture she pens to the page. Enjoying the creative thoughts she spins out in a tale that wraps around you as you turn one page to the next, you relish the moments you get to spend in another place, another life and another time. Kate wrote a love story that was much more than that. If you like love stories, you will love this. It's a short story that I could have read for days.
Kate knows how to not only spin the narrative to great emotional depths, but inscribe the scene with pitch perfect points of interest laying bare all that's necessary for the reader to live the scenes; feel the emotions, hear the wind and even feel it flow over their skin. It's a trait all authors strive to reach and Kate has it right.
Lara, the main character, has an interesting job. She loves it and relishes what she learns from it. You can sense the intensity of her regard for it as she uncovers and preserves history, bent on keeping it alive and intact, feeling the emotions its secrets may hold. But being in such a profession doesn't keep her heart from feeling the hurts or loneliness that can happen in her real life. As you learn her story, you feel her struggles, pain and hope. You hear her sobs, her laughter and silence. And you get to know and care for her, wanting all that hurts to be turned into love and joy.
Then you meet Arama. His first impression is cutthroat, rude and yet exuding virile handsomeness. How could anyone resist that or should I say forgive that and not resist the other? But judging by appearance only usually has some unexpected surprises underneath, and Arama is no exception. What Lara wants to believe and thinks she sees are not what lurks beneath the surface. Thank goodness for heartfelt women or we would all be a lonely lot.
As the story unfolds and you feel the waves of emotional turns and twists, you realize how you want things to turn out, and hoping that's how it ends. And even though the other characters weren't as pivotal to the story, you learned enough about them to want to know more too. You were allowed glimpses into their lives and yet left with a few questions, which kept you glued to the story from beginning to end, searching for more. Hoping for more.
So this is how the author keeps you entertained in her works, looking for the next venture she pens to the page. Enjoying the creative thoughts she spins out in a tale that wraps around you as you turn one page to the next, you relish the moments you get to spend in another place, another life and another time. Kate wrote a love story that was much more than that. If you like love stories, you will love this. It's a short story that I could have read for days.
April 9, 2014
Brief Synopsis: Lara is an archivist and kicks off the book as a naughty girl - a thief. She managed to steal two precious items from her beloved boss, Hone. It's okay, he died. She flies to her aunt's in Market Harborough to house sit and start a fresh life. She has virtually no family or friends, other than Aunt Catharine, who leaves as soon as she gets there. She spends the next couple of months making friends with the neighbors - a friendly teacher named Kerry and an odd cat named Arama, who she discovers is much closer to her than she could have imagined.
The story unfolds and poor Lara is miserable being forced to teach young children art class and trying to avoid the grouchy Arama, who declared her an alcoholic before he even introduced himself. She's about to leave when things start to improve. She gets a job at a local museum assisting with a restoration project that dates back to Bloody Mary, King Henry VIII's daughter...oh and of course, Arama become not so awful.
I have to be honest, contemporary fiction isn't my normal genre of choice, I am much more an action packed kind of reader. There were places that moved a little slow for me, but to be fair, this genre always does. I do read it though because I enjoy the character depth that is often not fully developed in the action-adventure reads. There were a couple things I thought were being foreshadowed that never surfaced. I don't want to give any spoilers so not going to elude to what they are.
Characters: The characters were well developed with complex histories which we discover as the story unfolds. Their dialogue was fun and the author does a great job of sprinkling humor throughout the story. She made me feel sorry for both Lara and Arama because of their situations growing up, but also allowed me to laugh with them running the gamut of emotions as a contemporary fiction should.
Recommendation: This story goes well with hot Earl Grey tea and a rainy day due to the setting in England. The author did a great job with her description of Market Barborough, enabling the reader to transport with Lara. It was well polished with virtually no mistakes. I would recommend Artifact to readers who love contemporary fiction and romance genres with a twist.
The story unfolds and poor Lara is miserable being forced to teach young children art class and trying to avoid the grouchy Arama, who declared her an alcoholic before he even introduced himself. She's about to leave when things start to improve. She gets a job at a local museum assisting with a restoration project that dates back to Bloody Mary, King Henry VIII's daughter...oh and of course, Arama become not so awful.
I have to be honest, contemporary fiction isn't my normal genre of choice, I am much more an action packed kind of reader. There were places that moved a little slow for me, but to be fair, this genre always does. I do read it though because I enjoy the character depth that is often not fully developed in the action-adventure reads. There were a couple things I thought were being foreshadowed that never surfaced. I don't want to give any spoilers so not going to elude to what they are.
Characters: The characters were well developed with complex histories which we discover as the story unfolds. Their dialogue was fun and the author does a great job of sprinkling humor throughout the story. She made me feel sorry for both Lara and Arama because of their situations growing up, but also allowed me to laugh with them running the gamut of emotions as a contemporary fiction should.
Recommendation: This story goes well with hot Earl Grey tea and a rainy day due to the setting in England. The author did a great job with her description of Market Barborough, enabling the reader to transport with Lara. It was well polished with virtually no mistakes. I would recommend Artifact to readers who love contemporary fiction and romance genres with a twist.
October 4, 2016
Some time back, I read my first book by KT Bowes. I enjoyed the read, so when I had a blank spot on my TBR list, I thought I’d try another of her books. Read on for my review of Artifact!
Synopsis (from the author): The ancient church in a sleepy English town releases its secrets to historian, Lara, whispering tales of depraved humanity and the murder of innocent men.
But Lara has troubles of her own, arriving in the town emotionally bruised from a devastating experience in New Zealand and two precious Maori artifacts stolen from her employer.
Struggling to deal with the spectre of guilt which haunts her, Lara tries to begin again, finding work at the local museum and friendship with her new neighbours; Kerry, an eccentric primary school teacher and Arama, a handsome but hostile businessman. Lara’s painstaking work restoring treasures recently discovered in the town's iconic church cause her to reflect on her own life and seek redemption and hope.
But life has hard lessons for Lara as she seeks to honour the past. Not everyone wants their history laid bare for all to see and some have good reason to wish it kept hidden. As Lara finally faces the owner of her stolen artifacts her secret is brought full circle and with his presence comes unexpected love.
What I liked: KT Bowes created characters easy to like and dislike. Lara engenders sympathy for her decision to take the artifacts, but comes across as a bit of a whiner at times. Arama’s arrogance put me off, but his vulnerability made me like him. Kerry was much the same. These fluctuations lent an air of authenticity to the story and Lara’s budding romance with Arama added a nice background. Lara’s job restoring the manuscripts was a great side story. All told a good story!
What I didn’t like: As mentioned above, Lara’s whining was on the annoying side and I could have used more on the manuscripts. Other than those minor points, not much to dislike.
Overall impression: Artifact is a good solid story. I liked the characters, enjoyed the story, and appreciated the interweaving of history as the common thread. I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy romance and a bit of history!
My rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): The ancient church in a sleepy English town releases its secrets to historian, Lara, whispering tales of depraved humanity and the murder of innocent men.
But Lara has troubles of her own, arriving in the town emotionally bruised from a devastating experience in New Zealand and two precious Maori artifacts stolen from her employer.
Struggling to deal with the spectre of guilt which haunts her, Lara tries to begin again, finding work at the local museum and friendship with her new neighbours; Kerry, an eccentric primary school teacher and Arama, a handsome but hostile businessman. Lara’s painstaking work restoring treasures recently discovered in the town's iconic church cause her to reflect on her own life and seek redemption and hope.
But life has hard lessons for Lara as she seeks to honour the past. Not everyone wants their history laid bare for all to see and some have good reason to wish it kept hidden. As Lara finally faces the owner of her stolen artifacts her secret is brought full circle and with his presence comes unexpected love.
What I liked: KT Bowes created characters easy to like and dislike. Lara engenders sympathy for her decision to take the artifacts, but comes across as a bit of a whiner at times. Arama’s arrogance put me off, but his vulnerability made me like him. Kerry was much the same. These fluctuations lent an air of authenticity to the story and Lara’s budding romance with Arama added a nice background. Lara’s job restoring the manuscripts was a great side story. All told a good story!
What I didn’t like: As mentioned above, Lara’s whining was on the annoying side and I could have used more on the manuscripts. Other than those minor points, not much to dislike.
Overall impression: Artifact is a good solid story. I liked the characters, enjoyed the story, and appreciated the interweaving of history as the common thread. I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy romance and a bit of history!
My rating: 5 Stars
May 6, 2014
I really loved this book. I loved the whole tone and pace of it, and the characters were amazing (I don't want to say to much, but her "neighbor" was probably my favorite). The mystery woven through about the artifact and what it means to the main character, how she ends up living next door to someone closely tied to her past in New Zealand, her job at the church and what it reveals about the monk who had been living there at the time...I just loved the whole premise and the interlocking stories and how they all weave into one another without it feeling contrived in any way. Throughout all of the character development, the reader is taken through the twists and turns that lead to the reveal at the end, as well, in a way that gives you that "ah-ha" moment at the end that makes all of the earlier questions fall seamlessly into place.
I'm partial to stories that have a lot of heart anyway, and there's a really beautiful flavor of genuineness to the emotion portrayed in the characters of this book, one that sticks with you and makes them feel real in a way most writers don't manage to convey.
I'll definitely be looking for more from this writer!
I'm partial to stories that have a lot of heart anyway, and there's a really beautiful flavor of genuineness to the emotion portrayed in the characters of this book, one that sticks with you and makes them feel real in a way most writers don't manage to convey.
I'll definitely be looking for more from this writer!
December 16, 2014
This was a very enjoyable read!
This was a very enjoyable read with lots of character insights and a delightful touch of humor. This was much needed as poor Lara does suffer through some dark moments, struggling with her conscience at times and questioning the fates at others. The reader is pulled into the story, with just enough mystery and suspense to make one wonder how it might all play out. Lara is a very likable person and you can’t help but root for her as the story unfolds at a leisurely pace. Can she really find romance and happiness or is she doomed to experience yet further disappointments? There are some interesting bits of history which add to the story and illustrate how dark and frustrating life sometimes can be, with man’s inhumanity to man often at work. The conclusion is very satisfying once all is revealed and the reader is not disappointed for having invested both their time and their emotions in reading this book.
This was a very enjoyable read with lots of character insights and a delightful touch of humor. This was much needed as poor Lara does suffer through some dark moments, struggling with her conscience at times and questioning the fates at others. The reader is pulled into the story, with just enough mystery and suspense to make one wonder how it might all play out. Lara is a very likable person and you can’t help but root for her as the story unfolds at a leisurely pace. Can she really find romance and happiness or is she doomed to experience yet further disappointments? There are some interesting bits of history which add to the story and illustrate how dark and frustrating life sometimes can be, with man’s inhumanity to man often at work. The conclusion is very satisfying once all is revealed and the reader is not disappointed for having invested both their time and their emotions in reading this book.
August 12, 2016
From England to New Zealand
Lara is a law-abiding, English historian until she yields to temptation. Appalled at her own behavior, Lara steals a priceless brooch and a centuries-old manuscript. Combining her daring theft with the opportunity to house-sit in New Zealand, Lara flees with her booty.
Weighed down by her guilt, Lara tries to make a fresh start in New Zealand. She obtains employment as an archivist at the local museum. She makes friends, all the while keeping her explosive secrets.
Arama is Lara's handsome and mysterious neighbor. He's rude, insufferable, and grumpy. He's also compassionate and tender.
Lara studies the stolen manuscript. She learns secrets, which reach from the past to the present.
K. T. Bowes' Artifact is a heartwarming novel. The characters are real, with their own wonderful strengths and weaknesses.
Lara is a law-abiding, English historian until she yields to temptation. Appalled at her own behavior, Lara steals a priceless brooch and a centuries-old manuscript. Combining her daring theft with the opportunity to house-sit in New Zealand, Lara flees with her booty.
Weighed down by her guilt, Lara tries to make a fresh start in New Zealand. She obtains employment as an archivist at the local museum. She makes friends, all the while keeping her explosive secrets.
Arama is Lara's handsome and mysterious neighbor. He's rude, insufferable, and grumpy. He's also compassionate and tender.
Lara studies the stolen manuscript. She learns secrets, which reach from the past to the present.
K. T. Bowes' Artifact is a heartwarming novel. The characters are real, with their own wonderful strengths and weaknesses.
December 20, 2014
Artifact by K T Bowes is a modern romance about Lara, an archivist who steals priceless historical artifacts from an Auckland estate, who finds herself romantically entangled with the rightful heir in London.
Artifact is a story about an empathetic young woman and her struggle with guilt. Hats off to K T Bowes for the laugh-out-loud parts about children’s innocent absurdities. The story also showed Lara’s passion for her work and the emotive stories about persons long gone. Her right-back-at-you relationship with a gruff young man puts the frosting on this delectable cake of a love story.
Romance fans who love meeting some heartbreaking souls behind history, and a moralistic woman who is not a thief at all, would be delighted with Artifact.
Artifact is a story about an empathetic young woman and her struggle with guilt. Hats off to K T Bowes for the laugh-out-loud parts about children’s innocent absurdities. The story also showed Lara’s passion for her work and the emotive stories about persons long gone. Her right-back-at-you relationship with a gruff young man puts the frosting on this delectable cake of a love story.
Romance fans who love meeting some heartbreaking souls behind history, and a moralistic woman who is not a thief at all, would be delighted with Artifact.
January 18, 2015
Lara is a delicate woman who has returned to England from New Zealand carrying a secret in the form of an ancient brooch and a manuscript. She is racked with grief at losing a wonderful old Maori friend, and she has no one in England, except her aunt. She quickly makes friends with her neighbors, a school teacher and a Maori man who lives next door. She suffers through a host of physical problems, and the man, Arana, shows himself to be a caring man. As their attraction grows, Lara learns some things about him that nearly shatters her world. The story is enjoyable and well written. The only complaint, if any, was Lara's emotional and physical weakness, which made her look less feisty than she could have been. Just my opinion.
February 10, 2015
In a modern day adventure, KT Bowes wakens the past with a present adventure. The novel begins as Lara ventures back to England to live in her aunt's house. Tired from her journey and work overseas, she claims she needs a little rest. The truth is quite surprising, though, as Lara contemplates a deed she'd done before leaving. Lara meets her aunt's neighbors and shares some adventures with them. Notably, she assists at a local museum. The story takes the reader through Lara's days, both good and bad, as she reacquaints herself to society.
The novel is interesting and has a lot of great facts and details that keep the keep the reader turning the pages. This is a great novel for readers with a love of the past and a sense of adventure.
The novel is interesting and has a lot of great facts and details that keep the keep the reader turning the pages. This is a great novel for readers with a love of the past and a sense of adventure.
May 1, 2014
The story started with a bang and then the pace slowed down. It slowed down enough that I contemplated abandoning it midway. It is comical how the characters were conveniently placed at their various locations.
The scene in the hospital was incomplete. Made no sense. Don't even know why Lara was in the hospital. She was in there and then a charade ensued with her visitors and the story took another direction.
The romance left a lot to be desired as it seemed to come out of nowhere and bam--they are engaged, married, baby and all.
i could not relate to the names and artifacts.
The author tried a storyline and succeed in some way to make the ending interesting.
The scene in the hospital was incomplete. Made no sense. Don't even know why Lara was in the hospital. She was in there and then a charade ensued with her visitors and the story took another direction.
The romance left a lot to be desired as it seemed to come out of nowhere and bam--they are engaged, married, baby and all.
i could not relate to the names and artifacts.
The author tried a storyline and succeed in some way to make the ending interesting.
December 5, 2014
“Artifact” by K T Bowes is a beautiful story. In a great tense opening we follow Lara on her way to England, having with her some stolen goods. Settling into the English town of Market Harborough however proves more difficult for her, part of it being the guilt she suffers. Once she is over her jetlag things are still tough for her but the neat little town has plenty in store for her.
The book has great character development, fascinating backgrounds for its characters and a beautiful message and story arc. Maybe living in the English countryside makes me appreciate the book especially but I just love the charming narrative and setting.
Really enjoyable.
The book has great character development, fascinating backgrounds for its characters and a beautiful message and story arc. Maybe living in the English countryside makes me appreciate the book especially but I just love the charming narrative and setting.
Really enjoyable.
December 30, 2014
KT Bowes has an amazing way of drawing you into a story from page one. I instantly felt empathetic for Lara and her desire to protect the legacy of a dear friend. The location descriptions are so realistic. I almost felt like I was walking along the streets with Lara. The smattering of humor throughout made this a very enjoyable novel to read. I particularly liked the scenes in the classroom of her friend, Kerry, and the time spent in the A&E. Miss Bowes certainly does not disappoint. I loved this book so much I could not put it down. Poignant, romantic, meaningful, and just a bit sad, Artifact is well-worth a read!
December 16, 2014
Artifact has a great hook for a beginning as Lara, the main character, leaves New Zealand for the UK with two articles belonging to Hone, someone very dear to her. Why she took the artifacts and the mystery and history behind them is the crux of the story. The settings of both countries are lush in description and the Maori of New Zealand left me wanting to learn more of this indigenous population.
Artifact is a fast read with interesting plot twists and believable characters, although sometimes mysterious, which only adds to the delight of the story. Good job K T Bowes!
Artifact is a fast read with interesting plot twists and believable characters, although sometimes mysterious, which only adds to the delight of the story. Good job K T Bowes!
January 27, 2015
A well written and solid story. I loved the New Zealand and England connection, and the cross culture. Her characters are well developed, likeable and more improtantly believeable. I expected a big chase to retrieve an Artifact, the book didn't give me that. It gave me a good story line, humour, and romance, on the downside, I found it was too short! K T Bowes does so much in Artifact, she definitely doesn't leave the reader feeling cheated, her story is complete, I just didn't want Lara's story to end.
April 17, 2014
I have read other books by this author and as usual her story does not fail to give satisfaction.
Following the tale of Lara, returning from New Zealand to the UK with a stolen artefact, the reader quickly becomes drawn into her story as she meets new characters in her new setting. They are all very believable and the 'will they, won't they' with the elusive neighbour helps to make this an enjoyable read from cover to cover.
Following the tale of Lara, returning from New Zealand to the UK with a stolen artefact, the reader quickly becomes drawn into her story as she meets new characters in her new setting. They are all very believable and the 'will they, won't they' with the elusive neighbour helps to make this an enjoyable read from cover to cover.
December 31, 2014
A bit of fact and fiction. Not only does this wonderful story give insight to actual bits of history, it also provides a storyline that's humorous and suspenseful. The conscience plays a wild ride on Lara as she struggles with some decisions she's made. I was immediately drawn into the characters and their lives. The light romance was a delight and portrayed perfectly in this story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 31, 2014
I enjoyed this book - a welcome lesson in second chances and understanding. The blend between cultural history and current relevance was refreshing and not overly done as most books of such a premise often are. The main character was relateable and hooks you right from the start.
This one is staying on my Kindle!
This one is staying on my Kindle!
June 5, 2015
Thoroughly Enjoyed It
Initially I was drawn to this book because of the Maori and New Zealand, artifact reference and wasn't disappointed by any aspect of the book. The ending was predictable but it wasn't any less enjoyable.
Initially I was drawn to this book because of the Maori and New Zealand, artifact reference and wasn't disappointed by any aspect of the book. The ending was predictable but it wasn't any less enjoyable.
March 9, 2016
Full review can be found HERE --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~Lisa
~Lisa
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews