Painting Over Cracks

by Lee Bukowski

Beth Collins lives her life shadowed by a secret, one she believes she can outrun by building a perfect family of her own with her attorney husband, Danny. And for a while, it seems she has—until a freak car accident kills Danny and shatters her world in an instant.

Desperate for a fresh start, Beth quits her job as a mortgage broker and buys a café. As she settles into the rhythm of her new life, she finds unexpected friendships, a sense of purpose, and eventually, even the spark of a new romance.

But when mysterious details about the crash emerge, leading to shocking secrets about her husband, Beth sets off on a search for answers. Every revelation pulls her deeper into a world she could not have imagined and forces her to confront the unthinkable—she’s mourning a man who never existed. When the illusion she’s relied on collapses, Beth must decide what future she wants and who the woman is she’s ready to become.

Genres: Mystery

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in a large family in eastern Pennsylvania, Lee Bukowski has always had an interest in reading, writing, and storytelling. She taught 7th grade English and writing for 18 years. When she’s not teaching or writing, she loves reading, traveling, and trying cocktails with creative names. She's also a Seinfeld nerd and a Billy Joel superfan. Lee lives in Reading, PA. A Week of Warm Weather is her debut novel. Her second novel, Painting Over Cracks, launches on May 12, 2026.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Over Cracks is a gripping novel that weaves together a story of grief and healing, a love story, and a haunting mystery with life-changing repercussions. In this sometimes heartbreaking story, we meet Beth following the sudden death of her beloved husband. As we watch Beth rebuild her life, the past keeps coming back to haunt her. My heart ached for her as she struggled with it all, but her resilience, courage, and determination gave me hope for her future. There were many twists and turns, along with painful and confusing revelations, that kept me riveted; I was completely immersed in Beth’s story, hoping that she’d be able to find peace and love and happiness. Many thanks to author Lee Bukowski, who provided me an advance review copy of the book.

[Barbara Stark-Nemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't do better in a description of what moved me about Painting Over Cracks than Lee Bukowski did in a blogpost about the book "Painting Over Cracks is not simply a story about deception. It is about self-protection, and the stories people tell themselves in order to stay comfortable. It is about the fragile bargains we make when we sense something is wrong but decide we would rather live with uncertainty than face the possibility of truth. It is about the way we convince ourselves that love alone can hold something together, even when the structure is already weakening."
That Bukowski creates story around this premise and then takes the protagonist and the reader on a journey to strength, honesty, and redemption is the gift of this wonderfully written book.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you’re looking for a story that captures the messy, beautiful, and often painful process of starting over, look no further than Lee Bukowski’s upcoming novel, Painting Over Cracks. This is more than just a story of grief; it is a gripping exploration of the facades we maintain and the courage it takes to tear them down. The novel introduces us to Beth, a woman who has reached what feels like the end of her rope. Having lost her husband, her sense of self, and her purpose in life, she is a raw and honest portrait of mourning. As Beth begins the slow process of carving out a new life, she discovers that her marriage wasn't quite as picture-perfect as she thought it was. The discovery of her late husband’s secrets adds a layer of high-stakes tension to her journey. It’s one thing to mourn a man; it’s another to realize you were mourning a ghost of a person you never truly knew. I loved Beth’s character because she is flawed and very human. I felt every one of her setbacks and victories ; Beth is a heroine you just can’t help but root for. Unexpected twists and turns kept me turning the pages—just when I thought I had it figured out, Bukowski sent me in a different direction. Painting Over Cracks is a moving, fast-paced, and ultimately hopeful read. Add this novel to your “must-read” list for 2026—you won’t be able to put it down! Thank you to the author for providing me with the ARC of the book.

[Claire Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winding journey through grief and healing which explores one woman's journey to the other side. Beth's story is one of resilience and courage, peppered with mystery and surprises. The title and theme remind me of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken objects are painted over with gold to celebrate their history instead of hiding it. Check it out!

[Amy Obritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartbreakingly Beautiful Masterpiece of Resilience
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Painting Over Cracks is one of those rare novels that manages to be gut-wrenchingly tragic while remaining profoundly hopeful. The story follows Beth, a young woman navigating trauma and trying to make sense of her new normal.
What makes this book truly stand out is how Lee Bukowski crafts characters who are rich and complex, yet still deeply relatable. The story keeps you engaged with plot twists you don’t see coming until the poignant conclusion on the very last page.
Bukowski proves that while we all have "cracks," it is precisely through those imperfections that the light—and a new beginning—can finally emerge.The kind of book that stays with you long after you finish.
If you want a story where the characters feel like real people you’ve known and loved, this is it.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully layered tale of loss, betrayal, and healing, with the perfect amount of mystery and a dash of romance.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so close to giving this 5 stars; however, the ending stopped me. Let me start by saying this story fills your heart and keeps you rooting for the main character, Beth. During the entire read I wished her well and I was eager to see her succeed. The mystery wrapped up in this love story was enjoyable and kept me guessing. Even though I pieced the mystery together before the end, I still was anxious to read how the story would unfold. However, the ending left me wanting more. Normally I would welcome some left to the imagination, but I felt the author left this story unfinished. I do believe there is more to say and I hope the author takes a chance to continue this one because I really did enjoy these characters.

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into this story from the first few sentences, and it never let go. This page-turner is a mix of romance, mystery, intrigue, shocking secrets and lies. You’ll keep thinking about Beth and Andre and all Bukowski’s well-drawn characters long after the last page is read.

[Jen Barr Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn't put it down!!! I finished it in 24 hours! And I slept for 8 of them!!!
I absolutely loved Beth and her story!

[Marianne Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bukowski‘s debut, A Week of Warm Weather, so I was really looking forward to this one. The plot and characters hooked me right from page one. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough until all the secrets were revealed!

[Michele Anne Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Painting Over Cracks” by Lee Bukowski is not only a heart-wrenching story about one woman’s journey toward healing and rediscovering herself, but it is also a unique novel that sheds light on the often misunderstood disease, Celiac Disease. Many people — and even businesses — mistakenly believe that “gluten-free” simply refers to a gluten intolerance. However, Celiac Disease is far more serious than an intolerance alone. In addition to severe abdominal complications, it can lead to immune deficiencies, increased cancer risks, and serious concerns surrounding cross-contamination.

Lee Bukowski thoughtfully brings attention to many of the real medical challenges faced by those living with Celiac Disease, making the story both informative and emotionally impactful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it contained all the elements I love in a novel: mystery, unexpected twists, deep emotion, and meaningful character development. “Painting Over Cracks” is a compelling and memorable read that I highly recommend.

“Thank you” to Lee Bukowski for providing me with an advanced readers copy.

[T.C. Slonaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing until the end! Beautiful writing.

[Jayme Raffauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Bukowski's second novel did not disappoint! After loving her first novel, I had high hopes for her second novel and it not only met my expectations, but it also exceeded them. I loved the storyline, the characters and all the interwoven pieces, including the mysterious parts along the way. Beth's journey of loss, grief, a fresh start (wink, wink), second chances in both life and love, uncovering secrets, and making new connections was relatable and it just felt so real. As the reader, I could sympathize with Beth, and I was cheering her on, but I also found myself sad and angry for her, too. Lee does a great job of really telling a story that the reader can truly immerse him or herself in. This is an excellent read and it is just an overall excellent book. I am so thrilled for this sophomore novel from Lee!

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decently written but longer winded than it needed to be. Easy to pick up and put down. I will grant that I've had some serious personal issues that slowed down my reading but this one did not compel me to reach out and pick it up. I did like the characters. I didn't believe the plot line but liked where it headed. This is a pleasant read but not a compelling one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars— PAINTING OVER CRACKS by Lee Bukowski is a contemporary adult stand alone story line focusing on thirty-four year old widow Beth Collins.


Told from omniscient third person perspective (Beth) PAINTING OVER CRACKS focuses on grief and recovery in the wake of the death of Beth Collins’ attorney / husband Danny. A traffic accident ended Danny’s life, leaving Beth in recovery with secrets of her own. As the days turn into weeks then months, Beth slowly emerges from the darkness to reconsiders her future. Struggling with Celiac’s disease, Beth looks into starting her own cafe ‘Fresh Start’, where she will meet a man named Andre, who will help her navigate the ups and downs that are about to spiral out of control. The police investigation had stalled but Beth would soon discover that her husband’s secrets were about to change the direction of her life.


The world building follows Beth as she struggles with the loss of her husband:the grief and guilt in the wake of her survival, and the shock as she slowly uncovers her husband’s secret life, a life that would become more unbelievable the deeper she goes, with another betrayal compounded on top of her husband’s deception and dishonesty.


There is a large ensemble cast of sympathetic, dynamic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters, many of whom will remain in Beth’s life.


PAINTING OVER CRACKS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and heart break, grief and loss, family and friendships, acceptance and moving forward. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and entertaining; the characters are determined and charismatic. I am hoping the author has plans for a second instalment in which we see how Beth continues to navigate the betrayals in her life.


copy supplied for review

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Over Cracks is one of those books that starts out feeling like women's fiction but gradually reveals itself to be so much more. What begins as a story about grief and starting over unfolds into a compelling mystery filled with secrets, betrayal, and unexpected twists.

Beth is an easy character to root for. After losing her husband in a tragic accident, she's forced to rebuild her life from the ground up. Watching her rediscover her strength and purpose made her journey feel authentic and relatable.

Finding a new life with the wonderful and seemingly perfect Andre adds another layer of mystery simmering just beneath the surface. As their relationship grows, so does the feeling that not everything is quite as it seems. Every answer uncovers another question, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist changed the direction of the story.

Lee Bukowski does a wonderful job exploring themes of healing, trust, and the hidden cracks people try to cover. The title couldn't be more fitting—it serves as a reminder that painting over the cracks doesn't make them disappear.

If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with emotional depth, family secrets, and plenty of twists that keep you guessing, Painting Over Cracks is well worth reading. It kept me turning the pages and delivered a satisfying ending that I didn't see coming. I'm very grateful to Ms. Bukowski for the honor of reading this book! All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

[Daco Auffenorde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Over Cracks, a womens fiction novel, is one of those novels that asks you to examine your own heart. Lee Bukowski has written more than a story about grief; she’s written about the difficult choices people make out of love, the burdens they carry to protect others—especially the innocent—and the emotional cost of those decisions.

As Beth Collins struggles to rebuild her life after devastating loss, the novel becomes less about uncovering answers and more about discovering the courage to face truth, extend forgiveness, and find peace within herself. The mystery kept me engaged, but it was the emotional depth and the hope woven through the story that stays with me long after I turned the final page. This is a thoughtful, compassionate novel that reminds us healing is rarely simple, but redemption is always possible.

An added bonus is that Lee Bukowski weaves some incredibly delicious-sounding food into the story. Her descriptions of homemade meals and pastries add a wonderful sense of atmosphere. I have to pause and wonder if Bukowski isn’t something of a chef herself!

Highly recommended!!

[Carole T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Over Cracks by Lee Bukowski is an emotionally engaging page-turner, made especially powerful by its unforgettable main character, Beth. She seems to have lost everything—her husband, her sense of stability, even parts of herself—yet she is written with such honesty and vulnerability that I came to genuinely love her. From the very first page, I was fully invested in her journey. After her husband’s untimely death, Beth is faced with a series of shocking revelations that unravel everything she thought she knew. What makes her story so compelling is not just these twists, but how she responds. With quiet strength and sincerity, she turns inward, questioning what truly matters and gradually rediscovering what sustains her. You ache for her in her most vulnerable moments, yet celebrate her as she begins to make brave, empowering choices. Even as she starts to rebuild, new surprises emerge, keeping the story gripping and emotionally charged. Through it all, Bukowski reminds us that our “cracks” don’t break us—they shape our strengths.

[Leslie Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this author’s first book, so when I heard she had written a second, I couldn’t wait to read it. Painting Over The Cracks begins as an emotional story about loss, but gradually becomes more complex and unexpected. The twists and turns from the start kept me turning pages to see how it would conclude.
Beth is a character everyone can relate to. You’ll empathize with her as she works to rebuild her life after losing her husband. After a year of mourning, she pulls herself together, leaves her job, and opens a café. I loved all the characters in this novel, and the love story was very sweet. Each character is well developed, so I felt like I knew them all personally. As the book progresses, a mystery about her husband unfolds, keeping you deeply engaged.
Painting Over The Cracks blends heart and suspense, leaving you missing Beth and her friends. I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy women’s fiction with a little twist.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following her husband’s death from a car accident, Beth’s world is turned upside down, revealing a reality far different from what she thought she knew. It would be hard enough if grieving were all she had to endure, but when the nefarious activities of her deceased husband spring up through unknown bank accounts, unexplained money transfers, and the enigmatic name Reilly, things get a lot harder. From that point on, Beth stops simply trying to move forward as a young widow and becomes a woman in pursuit of the truth and in reinventing herself. Painting Over Cracks isn’t just about covering up lies. It’s about all the ways well-intentioned people try to get out of tough situations, the strange traps they fall into, the baffling choices they make, and the inevitable price of consequences. I was so swept up in the mystery's unfolding and Beth's journey from disillusionment to clarity that I had to read at top speed just to keep up!

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of PAINTING OVER CRACKS from the author.

Lee Bukowski has written a heartfelt, hopeful, layered story about grief, marital secrets, Celiac disease (not something I've seen before in fiction), and the complexities of family.

Surviving the car crash that killed her husband might be the easiest part of Beth’s journey through loss. As she begins to heal from physical and emotional injuries, she rebuilds her life in a different direction and pours her heart into opening a cafe. Her family rallies and she even discovers the possibilities of a second chance at love. But the past refuses to stay buried.

Questions about the fatal accident remain unanswered. As more questions arise, Beth gradually uncovers devastating secrets that lead her to doubt everything she accepted as truth.

Because the greatest injury of all is the one she doesn’t see coming: betrayal.

Perfect for book club discussion.

[Jan Crossen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader - find yourself a comfortable space where you can be undisturbed then immerse yourself and follow this gluten-free recipe. I guarantee the finished product is delicious!

Start with two people madly in love, then slice their lives apart with a devastating loss; a debilitating heartbreak. Add in several cups of mystery, some secrets, and a generous portion of betrayal. This deception is inconceivable, as it was created by people whom you love and thought you knew well; people you believed you could trust.

Fold in a heaping dose of strength, a dash of hope; pure optimism. Allow time for a fresh start; a different career, a new romance and perhaps even a found family. Gently stir in a generous amount of healing.

Sit back and enjoy. Yes, you’ll be scrutinizing every word and attempting to read between the lines, but when it’s all done, I’m betting you’ll be asking your server for seconds!

[Emma Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Lee Bukowski's first novel, A Week of Warm Weather, so couldn't wait to read this one - and it definitely didn't disappoint. The story follows Beth Collins, whose life is suddenly shattered after her husband dies in a tragic car accident. Grief-stricken but determined to rebuild and start again, she opens a café, and finds comfort in her supportive, warm, friendly staff, her close-knit family, and a mysterious (and handsome!) stranger. As Beth finds her footing once more, she slowly begins to uncover that her marriage wasn’t quite what she thought it was. The more she learns, the more it feels like she’s been “painting over cracks” all along.

Heartbreaking, suspenseful, and ultimately hopeful, this novel had hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommend. Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC of the book. Loved it!

[Sandra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

With layers of smart, unexpected twists, Painting Over Cracks kept me rooting for Beth as she transitioned through a veil of grief to discover her own strengths and resilience. The loss of her husband in an accident is, of course, devastating, but she pulls herself together to pursue a new life. Unfortunately, she also discovers eye-opening revelations about his many secrets as she achieves success through opening a gluten-free bakery.

I especially enjoyed learning about the gluten-free lifestyle amid the warm camaraderie Beth builds with her new co-workers. Layer on a hunky new love interest and poignant, emotional situations, and Painting Over Cracks balances women’s fiction, mystery, and romance in a nuanced novel sure to grab the hearts of readers who love second chance stories.

[Anna Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Over Cracks is a fabulous blend of emotional depth and suspense, exploring the fragile stories we build about the people we love, and ourselves. Lee Bukowski has crafted a novel that begins with loss but unfolds into something much larger: an examination of grief, resilience, identity, and the difficult work of starting over. What makes this novel especially satisfying is the way Bukowski balances mystery with heart. The twists grow naturally from character rather than shock value, and the emotional stakes remain at the center of every discovery. With graceful prose and an authentic understanding of how people conceal both their wounds and their hopes, Painting Over Cracks reminds us that healing rarely comes from covering over life's fractures, but from having the courage to face them. Completely absorbing, thoughtful novel. Highly recommend.

[Josie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

In PAINTING OVER CRACKS, Lee Bukowski leaves no holds barred in this family drama about the double tragedy that sends her heroine, Beth, into an emotional tailspin. When Beth is finally determined to reinvent her life after the death of her beloved husband, Danny, her solace is hard-fought: more so when she discovers Danny’s darkest secret. But Beth has one of her own that makes his even more poignant. Bukowski times her characters’ revelations naturally. Best yet, they’ll make her readers gasp. If you enjoy novels helmed by an empathetic heroine, a lifelike supporting cast, realistic emotions, and a satisfying ending, this is it.”

—Josie Brown, author, The Housewife Assassin's Handbook series

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Bukowski's PAINTING OVER CRACKS takes you inside a story of love, deceit, despair, and redemption. She does this by layering her characters so you keep turning the pages. You will not want to put the book down. When Beth Collins loses her husband in a tragic accident, her family helps her regain a sense of worth in order to move forward. She begins by opening a cafe with careful attention to her menu. She wants to please but she also wants to educate her customers on dietary needs. Although I wondered about the new man in her life who mysteriously enters the story, I kept reading. What follows details intrigue laced with family love and what holds us together when the worst keeps happening.

[Betty Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

As many brides hope for the perfect life, Beth finds there is no perfect life. Grieving the death of her husband, she finds the strength and resilience to keep going.
Secrets and lies kept - most people are not the open book they pretend to be - often come back to haunt us. Beth has some shocking revelations along her journey. You will cry for her but find yourself turning pages while cheering her on. Haven’t we all painted over a crack or two in our lives?
Lee Bukowski has done a stellar job telling Beth’s story - make sure to put this on your summer reading list - you will not regret it.
I am just honored to have been asked by the author to read an ARC. Thanks Lee, you have another hit!

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Beth, the protagonist has had her life disrupted in extremely disturbing ways, starting with the car accident that kills her husband and fetus that she hadn’t even told her husband about yet. As she struggles to get her life back on a path that feels right to her, she keeps running into things she couldn’t have anticipated and has to figure out the situation and how to deal with it. You’ve got a few mysteries and a whole lot of suspense through all of these threads, but are pulling for Beth all the way as you wonder what life’s going to throw at her next.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Connie Ziesemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painting Over Cracks is the second novel I’ve read by Lee Bukowski, and is now my favorite. Bukowski hooks the reader with mystery and suspense in the early pages, then trickles in clues that up the tension as we get to know the characters, the choices they’ve made, and the consequences of them. These story elements create a “page-turner” novel. This story will give the reader hope that “fresh starts” are possible. I don’t want to spoil the story, so I will just say that aspect of the storyline touched me personally, reaching back to my days as a child and family counselor and a foster mother. This is a wonderful book club fiction novel that should spark lively discussion.