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Painter Place #1

Painter Place

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An island. An artist. A secret.

In June of 1985, Caroline Painter's uncle whisks her away from her island home at Painter Place to film an art video in the harbor village of Mevagissey. But the trip to help the young artist clear her heart and her head entangles her in adventure and intrigue on the English Channel, and the media she tries to avoid launches her into fame. The biggest challenge of the summer awaits Caroline when she returns home and discovers a shattering secret that tests her faith and makes her question everything in her life. Can she trust the only one who says he understands?

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2015

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About the author

Pamela Poole

18 books44 followers
Pamela Poole writes inspirational mystery and suspense that explore the intersection of faith, history, and the unseen spiritual realm. Her stories are grounded in a clear Christian worldview and shaped by a deep respect for both historical preservation and biblical truth.

With a love for unusual old houses and the stories embedded within them, Pamela creates compelling mysteries where the past presses into the present—and faith becomes essential to discernment and courage. Her characters are ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, learning to trust Jesus when darkness threatens and answers are not easily found.

Pamela is the author of the Strange Sands Suspense series and the Painter Place Saga, blending richly detailed settings with themes of calling, obedience, redemption, and spiritual warfare. Her fiction offers clean, thought-provoking suspense designed both to engage the imagination and to encourage the heart.

When she isn’t writing, Pamela enjoys research, painting in her art studio, travel, and time spent near the coast—places where history lingers and inspiration quietly waits to be uncovered.

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5 stars
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11 (34%)
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3 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Chautona Havig.
Author 275 books1,833 followers
July 1, 2019
Is this Book Worth it?
I’ve spent most of the day trying to figure out how to articulate (or write, I suppose) how I feel about this book. I wanted to love it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t.

Before I say much, I have to confess that I found myself skimming. A lot. I also only read to the 80% mark. I just. Couldn’t. Go. On.

This may have contributed to some of my issues, but the issues contributed to me beginning that skimming bit.

So, take it for what it’s worth.
Painter Place was a difficult and confusing book to follow. I found it hard to keep up with whose point of view it was and what was happening. The plot points were a bit convoluted, I think with an eye to slowly unveiling the underlying plots. Instead, I just didn’t know what was going on much of the time.

I also, unfortunately, didn’t connect with the characters, so I didn’t care much that I didn’t know. I just wanted to finish reading the review copy I was provided and move on. That feels horrible to say, and I don’t mean it to be unkind.

There’s just a disconnect with me and this book and I can’t explain it beyond that it didn’t capture or hold my attention. While I’m not sorry I requested and received a free review copy of Painter Place, I can’t say I recommend it without reservation. I think it would likely be most appreciated by people who read literary fiction and want “literary lite” and those who live in the Carolinas—particularly coastal.
7 reviews
September 1, 2017
This may be the worst book I've ever read. It is clearly self-published. The story was strange, unbelievable and I just couldn't find the point. I read this with book club friends. We found it to be a torturous read. One member skipped major sections. We were surprised to see that there are actually 2 more books here to create a series. I cannot even imagine... We live in Raleigh and wanted to try a local author, but were obviously disappointed. The author states that she "wrote a book she'd want to read", but she must not read much. Life is too short for bad books.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books705 followers
June 30, 2019
Painter Place is absolutely gorgeous in its detail rich descriptions. With her artistic eye, Pamela Poole knows her canvas and she describes it with vibrant colors. The 80s timeframe caught my attention and brought a little something different to the scene while allowing the book to remain relevant.

There are quite a few characters in Painter Place. It did take me a few chapters before I had a handle on who everyone was and their place in the story. But having so many characters wasn’t a detriment, it added additional layers to Caroline’s story and allowed for deeper reflection in the forgiveness storyline.

Bit by bit, Caroline’s story is revealed until we eventually have the whole picture. The author did a good job with not overloading the unveiling, she allowed it to happen with a natural flow that accentuated the story and ensures the reader will remain captive to the story.

I did find the writing as more omnipotent than true third-person, and that took some getting used to. Once I came to expect it though, the result wasn’t as jarring. There’s also a good deal of telling instead of showing throughout the reading, but again, once I came to expect it, I didn’t mind much.

By far, my favorite part of the writing was the strong Christian elements. Caroline Painter’s family have a strong faith and a solid Christian foundation. This is seen throughout the book without fail, and I applaud Pamela Poole’s ability to keep such a strong element going. Despite Caroline being faced with challenge after challenge, she keeps a strong faith and uses the knowledge she has gained through her Christianity to work through the trials and find a way to forgive those who she believes have betrayed her.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a richly detailed contemporary romance with a strong Christain theme. You’ll not be disappointed.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,081 reviews134 followers
June 28, 2019
I enjoyed the story and especially loved reading about painting. My husband airbrushes, so I am always amazed at how someone can turn a canvas into art. Caroline is a sweet young woman who is very gifted. Reading about her different paintings was easy to visualize. The time period was a breath of fresh air for me. I don't remember many books set during this time and it was fun to be reminded of what it was like. I loved the references to bands like Kansas. I remember listening to them and ot brought back some good memories for me.

The author does an excellent job of describing places and making readers feel like they are there. Caroline is offered a chance of a lifetime to go with her uncle to England to film an art series. I would be jumping up and down if given that chance to visit England. I loved the romance in the book and how easy it was for Caroline to share her faith with others. There is a particular person she leads to Jesus that was so well written, I cried. It reminded me to not pass up a chance to share Jesus with others.


I loved how the author explored trust with the characters. Caroline is definitely struggling with this issue when someone from her past shows up. I liked Chad and felt he was a gentleman trying to find forgiveness. Will Caroline give him a second chance? It was so nice to read how important it was to stay pure until marriage. I think that is what makes me like Chad so much. He has strong morals and is trying to win Caroline back.



The story is a look at what happens when secrets are exposed and learning how to forgive. We all have trust issues and can be stubborn when it comes to forgiving. I loved how Chad and Caroline slowly started to open up to each other and share their feelings. The story is a great example of putting God first in your life and allowing Him to be part of your marriage.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for MaryAnn Bell.
321 reviews
June 3, 2019
In June of 1985, Caroline Painter's uncle whisks her away from her island home at Painter Place to film an art video in the harbor village of Mevagissey. But instead of clearing her head, the young artist becomes entangled in adventure on the English Channel when she influences a rock star's contract and the media launches her into fame. When she returns home, she discovers a shattering secret that makes her question everything in her life. Can she trust the only one who says he understands?

My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of a close-knit family. Living in an idyllic southern island setting. This is a story that is about trust, honesty, and purity. It's about our Christian character.

Caroline Painter is a talented young woman whose family has lived on the island since her relatives left England in the early 1600's. In the author's debut novel, she has given the reader an excellent reading experience. The story-line is full of wonderful characters that the reader will love, she brings the readers into the story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. This is certainly a fairy tale story; with fast expensive cars and gifts, but one that the readers will love.

I appreciated when Caroline gave her testimony for Christ in the story which led others to Christ. The painter family has strong beliefs that they stand for, and value the rich family character.

I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading the next books in the series!
Profile Image for Donna C.
492 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2019
What I think you should know:
Painter Place is set mostly in the South Carolina Coast in 1985. Caroline Painter is faced with the return of her first love Chad Gregory after four years of no contact from him and he moves quickly to make up for the time that he has lost. Carolina and Chad do not believe in traditional dating, instead they believe of courting, I think that this makes for a very sweet story

What I wish I would have known:
I wish knew if Painter Place was even loosely based on real Coastal island or if it is fiction only.

What I could have done without:
The 80’s soundtrack that got stuck in my head after I looked up a song from the book. Seriously loved this book and geeked out when Caroline went to the theater to see Back to the Future.

Who will love this book( Just to name a few):
Fans of Christian Fiction
80s fanatics
Anyone who wants a clean romance novel.

Full Disclaimer: I am a South Carolina girl and I love all things South Carolina ( Other than the Gamecocks, GO Tigers !!! ) This book delights my Carolina heart as I can envision the places in Charleston that Caroline visits. I have spent time on an Island that could easily be Painter Place in my imagination. However even if you have never had the joy of visiting my beautiful state you will enjoy this wonderful book.

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,108 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2019
My Thoughts:
Charming and sweet book. This is definitely a fun new author to me. Her writing is super squeaky clean. Great romance. The first kiss is reserved for the wedding so no issues with letting teenagers read this book.

There are a lot of characters in this book. Once I got them sorted it was easy to keep them apart. I really enjoyed getting to know them. They are complex. Caroline is sweet and super talented.

I know nothing about art. Just going to throw that out there. But I didn’t really feel lost reading the book. You do not have to be an art lover or know all the art terminology to love the book.

Chad was a surprise character and I really enjoyed meeting him. He kept stuff interesting.

This is a squeaky clean romance with a mystery thrown in too. So even if you’re not normally a romance reader I think you should give this book a read. You’re going to love it.

So to summarize, great characters, great values, romance, mystery, and so much more. Set in the 80’s which is a new era for me to read about. I was born in 1985 so I don’t remember a ton about the time period besides the crazy fashions!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. 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.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,559 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2019
I know this story is a love and a second chance at love but my favorite part of the story is where Caroline explains to the children how God making clothes out of animals's skins was a picture of what God did when He sent Jesus. I know you are thinking, Why is that your favorite scene, it is because it is a reminder of something that we all forget to often, that Jesus's blood has covered all our sins like a pure what robe.This scene was in the book because Caroline is an artist and a young boy tells her that his mother told him not to hang around authors because they painted people with nothing on them but their skins.

I really enjoyed "Painter Place". I am really looking forward to reading the other two books in this series. I love how Caroline's faith changes a rock band's focus and how forgiveness is also part of this story.

This was such a great story from the beginning to the end.

I recommend this book to everyone that loves clean romance with a twist. The scenes were written so well that I felt like I was seeing the places described.

I received a complementary copy by the Celebrate Lit and the author. These opinions are my own.
1,887 reviews
July 1, 2019
Imagine being in love and believing a proposal is imminent, but instead, the person chooses God and the mission-field over you. This scenario is precisely what happens to Caroline Painter. But then imagine a high school friend returns and wants to court her. In the meantime, Caroline’s family arrange for her to go on a trip with her uncle to film a painting documentary series.

Add in the paparazzi, a famous musician and some additional family members and an unforgettable story begin. I have to say I enjoyed reading every page of this story. Caroline and Chad face challenges from the paparazzi and figuring out what happened during the time they were apart.

The book illustrates that sometimes dreams do come true and there is such a thing as “happily ever after”. The love and devotion of Caroline’s parents, siblings, and other family members add dimensions to this story. Also, the importance of faith and believing in God shins through the pages of this story.

So if you want to read a book centered in the Carolinas with forays into the world, check out this story for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 7 books35 followers
October 8, 2018
For a debut novel? Fair.
For a Christian novel? Decent.
Premise was good. Characters were well-done, juuuust teetering on the edge of “Much Too Impossibly Good Looking”, as some writers are wont to do. When one takes into consideration that the author herself is a painter, the constant “composing a scene”, the emphasis on color schemes, textures, clothing, and sight lines makes sense, although it’s markedly different than the way a wordsmith might describe scenes.
I found the dialogue to be a bit heavy in the “exposition”, the characters seemed too much “leading” one another through conversations. As for the conflicts, it’s your garden-variety Christian chick-lit, so once the inevitable comes as promised on the cover, Pamela Poole somehow manages to extend our stay at Painter’s Place with the Painters and the Gregory’s even further than that, without introducing very many new twists, beyond what the reader should already figure out by that point.

Overall a quintessential, “squeaky-clean Christian romance” you can feel good about reading.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books141 followers
August 15, 2018
Painter Place has such in-depth characters, that it took me a while to get into the storyline but was well worth it. The characters were well written with deep intense emotions. I did feel myself connecting on many different levels. Being an artist myself, I connected with Caroline right away.

This is a book loaded with many themes and underlying life lessons. It's a story of family, relationships, adventure and religious values. Painter Place has it all. Sweet romance, humor, and mystery. I loved the descriptions of the old south.

I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,648 reviews15 followers
June 30, 2019
Painter place

The book starts out with Caroline being upset with Chris leaving. Next thing we know she is dating Chad. He is trying to learn her trust. Will he be able to get her to trust him?

I did have trouble relating to the characters and the book. It doesn’t mean someone else will not. I almost didn’t finish the book but kept reading to see how it ended.

I did really like Chad. He definitely knew what he wanted. Determined to get Caroline to marry him.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive. This review is my own opinion.
73 reviews
August 25, 2021
This novel tells of two families – the Painters and the Gregorys and the beautiful island where they live. The lives of these families have been intertwined for over 200 years.
This is an excellent story of love, money, trust, art, and the love of Christ followers for their Maker. Yes – even now we can and should live by important moral principles ordained by God!
This book was given to me by the author, and I am freely giving my view of its contents. I love it. It is actually the second book I have read about these families – wish I had read this one first. The characters are amazing. Thanks, Pamela, for all your work on this book!
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,783 reviews47 followers
June 26, 2019
Pamela Poole is a "New to Me" author, first time reading one of her books. I struggled getting into the story as at first there was a lot going on in the book. I continued reading and I began to understand the book a bit more.

Caroline is the main character of the book and though she thought she was going away for some rest and relaxation, she ends up in a bit of a mess. The other characters in the book make the story line interesting and a good read.

I was able to finish the book, although it took a few times to reread some parts to understand it. Decent read!
395 reviews9 followers
October 3, 2019
This was a delightful story with a beautiful setting and a good helping of traditional values. The Painter family prides itself on its reputation for not indulging in alcohol and overall clean living. In trying to protect their reputation they have made a decision that effects the next generation. How the next generation handles that decision is a very good story with a lot to think about. I definitely recommend this book and author.
Profile Image for Lori.
46 reviews29 followers
April 9, 2023
I was drawn into the story from the start. And before I knew it, I had read several chapters. It is a breath of fresh air not having to worry about surprise foul language & the like. Real life. Christian perspective. Beautifully written. Can't wait to continue the series.
Profile Image for Meagan | The Chapter House.
2,041 reviews49 followers
November 1, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed Painter Place. I'd like to visit the island and surrounding areas -- and Wales! (And revisit England. Again.) Poole does a good job at creating a sense of place, and describing settings and emotions.

I did find it a tad long - and there were a LOT of characters, many of whom I had trouble keeping track of and remembering their back stories. I also felt like Caroline rebounded a bit, even though she'd known Chris her entire life.

Still, it's a good story and ultimately worthwhile. It just took me a while to get through!

I received a free copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
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