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Captured in Paint #1
Captured in Paint
FROM EXCITING YA AUTHOR ANN M. MILLER
Paintings can stir emotions, but for Julia, emotions bring paintings to life…literally.
Ice Princess.
That’s what the kids at St Peter’s High call seventeen-year-old Julia Parsons, the girl who doesn’t show emotion. But that all changes when Julia loses the protection of her late mother’s charmed necklace, and the emotions that have been locked deep inside her are unleashed. Now, after years of priding herself on being calm, cool and collected, Julia is forced to accept two life-altering revelations—she can feel just as deeply as any other teen and her emotions can make paintings come alive.
As Julia struggles to control her ability, she discovers that her boyfriend, Nick, is trapped inside a mural that she herself created. She enters the wintry world to save him before it’s painted over but quickly realises that a mysterious force is keeping Nick tethered to the work of art.
Unless Julia can learn how to harness the power of her new and unfamiliar emotions, they won’t make it out of the painting alive.
Paintings can stir emotions, but for Julia, emotions bring paintings to life…literally.
Ice Princess.
That’s what the kids at St Peter’s High call seventeen-year-old Julia Parsons, the girl who doesn’t show emotion. But that all changes when Julia loses the protection of her late mother’s charmed necklace, and the emotions that have been locked deep inside her are unleashed. Now, after years of priding herself on being calm, cool and collected, Julia is forced to accept two life-altering revelations—she can feel just as deeply as any other teen and her emotions can make paintings come alive.
As Julia struggles to control her ability, she discovers that her boyfriend, Nick, is trapped inside a mural that she herself created. She enters the wintry world to save him before it’s painted over but quickly realises that a mysterious force is keeping Nick tethered to the work of art.
Unless Julia can learn how to harness the power of her new and unfamiliar emotions, they won’t make it out of the painting alive.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
20 people want to read
About the author
Ann M. Miller
3 books273 followersAnn M. Miller writes young adult fiction about first loves and complex family dynamics. She is the author of the magical realism duology Captured in Paint and Illusions in Paint, as well as the YA romance A Heartbeat Away from You, which Publishers Weekly called “a stirring summery read.”
The youngest of six children, Ann grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, where the local bookmobile fed her addiction to Nancy Drew mysteries, Sweet Valley High books, and Stephen King horror. After graduating from the University of King’s College, she moved to Newfoundland, an island that makes up for its unforgiving climate with beautiful coastlines and majestic icebergs.
When not reading and writing, Ann can be found spending time with her husband and son or binge-watching her favorite TV shows while curled up with the four-legged members of her family.
The youngest of six children, Ann grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, where the local bookmobile fed her addiction to Nancy Drew mysteries, Sweet Valley High books, and Stephen King horror. After graduating from the University of King’s College, she moved to Newfoundland, an island that makes up for its unforgiving climate with beautiful coastlines and majestic icebergs.
When not reading and writing, Ann can be found spending time with her husband and son or binge-watching her favorite TV shows while curled up with the four-legged members of her family.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 27, 2020
Full disclosure. I am the sister-in-law of the author and I asked to read this book. I am happy and relieved to report that Ann and I are destined to stay loving sisters-in-law, due to the fact that I enjoyed this book immensely (even though it is not my "go to" genre) and that I am able to give this book a five-star rating.
Give me a book with a character possessing "witch" or magical powers and I'm all in. Give me a book, as this author does, with a witch, a Vista Witch, who has the power to make paintings come alive and you've got me intrigued.
As much as I love paintings and like to imagine myself in particular ones, I have no desire to be trapped in one forever. This is the dilemma faced by Julia Parsons, a Vista Witch, as she struggles to free her trapped boyfriend from one of her own mural paintings. Like most teenagers, Julia faces the every day teenage angst we all experience to some degree. Compound her angst with never before known powers and emotions that have been held in check by a powerful spellbound necklace and you can imagine how hard it becomes for her to deal with the loss of her love, Nick.
The author's ability to weave together the worlds inside and outside the painting were seamless and utterly believable. Her cast of characters gave me ones to love and ones to hate. Of course, with those characters you love they often fall from their pedestals and the ones you hate very often show their most human traits, both good and bad. This is the case in this story.
There s is very descriptive language at work her. Ann has the keen ability to make you feel the lock of hair falling over a forehead, the rush of a powerful wind at the pull of a vortex and the depth of hurt caused by a figurative broken heart.
As a bookseller it would be an easy sell to young adult readers. There is magic and love and loss and angst perfectly mixed within the 249 pages of this book.
Give me a book with a character possessing "witch" or magical powers and I'm all in. Give me a book, as this author does, with a witch, a Vista Witch, who has the power to make paintings come alive and you've got me intrigued.
As much as I love paintings and like to imagine myself in particular ones, I have no desire to be trapped in one forever. This is the dilemma faced by Julia Parsons, a Vista Witch, as she struggles to free her trapped boyfriend from one of her own mural paintings. Like most teenagers, Julia faces the every day teenage angst we all experience to some degree. Compound her angst with never before known powers and emotions that have been held in check by a powerful spellbound necklace and you can imagine how hard it becomes for her to deal with the loss of her love, Nick.
The author's ability to weave together the worlds inside and outside the painting were seamless and utterly believable. Her cast of characters gave me ones to love and ones to hate. Of course, with those characters you love they often fall from their pedestals and the ones you hate very often show their most human traits, both good and bad. This is the case in this story.
There s is very descriptive language at work her. Ann has the keen ability to make you feel the lock of hair falling over a forehead, the rush of a powerful wind at the pull of a vortex and the depth of hurt caused by a figurative broken heart.
As a bookseller it would be an easy sell to young adult readers. There is magic and love and loss and angst perfectly mixed within the 249 pages of this book.
January 29, 2021
Typical romance books are becoming very stale lately. I think that’s why I’ve been gravitating toward YA romance. This is a great example of how a talented writer can get you hooked on a genre.
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January 13, 2021
This book. Oh my goodness, it was AMAZING. The details, the story, the characters. I fell in love. I wanted MORE.
Ann developed a YA plot unique from what I’ve read before. It was exciting, and I was flipping the pages to see what would come next. And the way she detailed the scenery was beautiful. This is a must read for YA readers, and for those who don’t normally read the genre!!!! Can I give it more than five stars?
Ann developed a YA plot unique from what I’ve read before. It was exciting, and I was flipping the pages to see what would come next. And the way she detailed the scenery was beautiful. This is a must read for YA readers, and for those who don’t normally read the genre!!!! Can I give it more than five stars?
December 23, 2022
This was the first 4 star book I’ve read in a while, and I really enjoyed it.
But one thing’s for sure.
Ugh, we hate Luke!!
On that note, this was a great book. It started off really well, and I was immediately drawn into the story. I loved the characters (Nick is bf goals lol), and the writing was super easy to read and follow. The plot was also pretty simple, and there weren’t really any shocking plot twists, but in a good way, you know? This was totally a perfect fantasy kind of book to read in bed over winter break.
All in all, I totally recommend this one! If you’re looking for a book with magical powers, great writing, and a happy ending, pick this one up!
~Full Review To Come~
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
But one thing’s for sure.
Ugh, we hate Luke!!
On that note, this was a great book. It started off really well, and I was immediately drawn into the story. I loved the characters (Nick is bf goals lol), and the writing was super easy to read and follow. The plot was also pretty simple, and there weren’t really any shocking plot twists, but in a good way, you know? This was totally a perfect fantasy kind of book to read in bed over winter break.
All in all, I totally recommend this one! If you’re looking for a book with magical powers, great writing, and a happy ending, pick this one up!
~Full Review To Come~
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
January 4, 2021
“Captured in Paint” by Ann M. Miller is a very pleasant YA story, that deals with teenager angst, coming-of-age tropes, grief, loss and redemption in a highly original, non-traumatic way.
Julia Parsons just lost both her mother and her boyfriend in a house fire barely two months previous, and despite her loss, she has not been able to grief appropriately, she just feels numb, behaving distant and collected to the point her schoolmate gave her the nickname “Ice Queen”, until a faithful day two event concur: the new boy at school insist to have known her as a child and moreover she is a witch, and her only keepsake (a silver locket) disappears and with it Julia’s control over her own emotions. As Julia digs deeper into the issue, she discovers her boyfriend is still much alive trapped inside a painting she alone has the power to reach into.
The story is compelling and uses Julia’s magical abilities as a catalyst to show her struggle coming to terms with her loss. The plot evolves organically and despite the magical realism element, remains credible at all times, with highly relatable characters. This is not your typical “good vs evil YA story”, this is a great tale, in which all characters have a role to play, led by their own emotions and desires and where the opponents to the MC, are in fact not evil, but tragic mislead characters with their own baggage. Miller’s descriptions both in the ‘real’ world and in the ‘painting landscape’ are rich, captivating and suit the story, the ‘painting landscape’ in particular adds a new layer of meaning to the action. And last but not least, and for full disclosure fact that the story takes place in a small city in East Canada is a plus point in book 😊
Julia Parsons just lost both her mother and her boyfriend in a house fire barely two months previous, and despite her loss, she has not been able to grief appropriately, she just feels numb, behaving distant and collected to the point her schoolmate gave her the nickname “Ice Queen”, until a faithful day two event concur: the new boy at school insist to have known her as a child and moreover she is a witch, and her only keepsake (a silver locket) disappears and with it Julia’s control over her own emotions. As Julia digs deeper into the issue, she discovers her boyfriend is still much alive trapped inside a painting she alone has the power to reach into.
The story is compelling and uses Julia’s magical abilities as a catalyst to show her struggle coming to terms with her loss. The plot evolves organically and despite the magical realism element, remains credible at all times, with highly relatable characters. This is not your typical “good vs evil YA story”, this is a great tale, in which all characters have a role to play, led by their own emotions and desires and where the opponents to the MC, are in fact not evil, but tragic mislead characters with their own baggage. Miller’s descriptions both in the ‘real’ world and in the ‘painting landscape’ are rich, captivating and suit the story, the ‘painting landscape’ in particular adds a new layer of meaning to the action. And last but not least, and for full disclosure fact that the story takes place in a small city in East Canada is a plus point in book 😊
January 7, 2021
Engaging and exciting, Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller kept me turning the pages! I love unique magic systems, and this one definitely qualifies. The world inside the painting was my favorite part of the story, with a vivid, interesting setting that Julia has to figure out how to escape. Rich emotions resonate throughout, especially as Julia learns to navigate the depths of her feelings. Well-written and full of heart, Captured in Paint is a delightful YA read! I'm looking forward to future works by Ann M. Miller!
April 9, 2022
Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller
“...you can create anything you want with a little imagination.” Pg 158
Ann M. Miller created a very unique plot in her debut coming-of-age novel Captured in Paint. The ability to travel inside a painting was an amazing and interesting concept that initially drew my interest in the book and the well-developed characters and storyline kept me engaged and reading the story until its conclusion.
I am looking forward to what comes out of Miller's imagination next!
“Bob Ross had encouraged artists to immerse themselves in their paintings, but this was taking it to a whole new level.” Page 202
“...you can create anything you want with a little imagination.” Pg 158
Ann M. Miller created a very unique plot in her debut coming-of-age novel Captured in Paint. The ability to travel inside a painting was an amazing and interesting concept that initially drew my interest in the book and the well-developed characters and storyline kept me engaged and reading the story until its conclusion.
I am looking forward to what comes out of Miller's imagination next!
“Bob Ross had encouraged artists to immerse themselves in their paintings, but this was taking it to a whole new level.” Page 202
March 1, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller is the perfect start for this author's career.
Can Julia get two people out of a painting?
Julia Parsons
Julia Parsons is our main character and point-of-view character. I loved reading the story from her point-of-view as it shows the wonderful progress that she took as coming out of her own without the locket. Julia is such a great character, and I loved how she realized what she could do while trying to learn to control it. If I were to meet this character in real life, I would like to say that we would definitely be friends. There is a lot to like about her, and her growth is superb.
The Story
Julia lost her mom, boyfriend, and all of her belongings when her house went up in flames in June. I felt so bad for her, and then the fact that all of a sudden she started actually to grieve that had me wondering about this locket. Julia is such a great character that goes through so many different emotions and scenarios that led her to go into her painting to retrieve her boyfriend and someone's father. All I have to say is that I do feel bad for Luke and his situation but not entirely that I would want to be his friend in real life.
Five Stars
I am giving Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller five stars and recommending it to everyone. I loved learning about Julia and her type of magic. Hopefully, the author will make a sequel for this book. Ms. Miller does a fantastic job, and I am so happy with this book; I wished I didn't wait so long to read this amazing book. However, the wait was definitely worth it.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Can Julia get two people out of a painting?
Julia Parsons
Julia Parsons is our main character and point-of-view character. I loved reading the story from her point-of-view as it shows the wonderful progress that she took as coming out of her own without the locket. Julia is such a great character, and I loved how she realized what she could do while trying to learn to control it. If I were to meet this character in real life, I would like to say that we would definitely be friends. There is a lot to like about her, and her growth is superb.
The Story
Julia lost her mom, boyfriend, and all of her belongings when her house went up in flames in June. I felt so bad for her, and then the fact that all of a sudden she started actually to grieve that had me wondering about this locket. Julia is such a great character that goes through so many different emotions and scenarios that led her to go into her painting to retrieve her boyfriend and someone's father. All I have to say is that I do feel bad for Luke and his situation but not entirely that I would want to be his friend in real life.Five Stars
I am giving Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller five stars and recommending it to everyone. I loved learning about Julia and her type of magic. Hopefully, the author will make a sequel for this book. Ms. Miller does a fantastic job, and I am so happy with this book; I wished I didn't wait so long to read this amazing book. However, the wait was definitely worth it.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Captured in Paint by Ann M. Miller.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
January 28, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive the ARC of CAPTURED IN PAINT from the author, and what a treat it was to read! I fell in love with the characters and was immediately pulled into Julia's grief and heartache about losing her mother and boyfriend. I love how the author doles out tiny morsels of information about what exactly happened to them, coaxing readers into always wanting more. I feel like every chapter of the book leaves you breathless and wanting to discover what happens next.
The writing is superb, and I find the dialogue so authentic. Conversations between characters are seamless and paint a dynamic picture of who they truly are.
My favorite aspect of the book is the immersive world the author creates within the painting itself. The descriptions and imagery used are magical, with no detail overlooked. As I read the characters' struggle with whether to stay in the painting or go back to the real world, I almost felt myself urging them to stay, just so I could inhabit the world a little longer.
As a teacher, this is the kind of book I know the students in my classroom would adore. It blends feelings of angst, first love, family drama, and emotional turmoil that many teenagers experience, with the imagination and belief in a make-believe world that still lingers in their developing minds.
This novel is a perfect example of magical realism in its finest. There are many unanswered questions at the end and I can only hope the author is already working on a sequel!
The writing is superb, and I find the dialogue so authentic. Conversations between characters are seamless and paint a dynamic picture of who they truly are.
My favorite aspect of the book is the immersive world the author creates within the painting itself. The descriptions and imagery used are magical, with no detail overlooked. As I read the characters' struggle with whether to stay in the painting or go back to the real world, I almost felt myself urging them to stay, just so I could inhabit the world a little longer.
As a teacher, this is the kind of book I know the students in my classroom would adore. It blends feelings of angst, first love, family drama, and emotional turmoil that many teenagers experience, with the imagination and belief in a make-believe world that still lingers in their developing minds.
This novel is a perfect example of magical realism in its finest. There are many unanswered questions at the end and I can only hope the author is already working on a sequel!
December 27, 2021
A fun different read
From the first page the story pulled me in as Jules finds herself in what you think is a normal high-school moment but quickly learn it runs deeper then the norm. Her mother and boyfriend passed in a house fire two months before the book starts and you can feel her discomfort around her student body but with one person in particular. The story behind the new kid Luke ties into Jules past but it's one she can't remember and something that Luke is furious about. Jules soon finds herself questioning everything. How did the fire start? Who is Luke and why is he calling me a witch? But the deepest secrets are yet to be revealed as Luke causes Jules to have more questions. He claims her mother threw his father into a painting and he demands Jules get him out. Confused and feeling alone Jules doesn't know which way is up or where to get her answers until she finds herself being transported into a painting herself and realizes maybe Luke isn't crazy at all. The real question is, is everything he's telling her the truth or is he lying about something that could change her life in every way for the better. Jules fights against the clock for answers to questions she never expected to have but can she get them and save herself and others before the clock runs out? Find out now and dive into this on the edge of your seat read.
From the first page the story pulled me in as Jules finds herself in what you think is a normal high-school moment but quickly learn it runs deeper then the norm. Her mother and boyfriend passed in a house fire two months before the book starts and you can feel her discomfort around her student body but with one person in particular. The story behind the new kid Luke ties into Jules past but it's one she can't remember and something that Luke is furious about. Jules soon finds herself questioning everything. How did the fire start? Who is Luke and why is he calling me a witch? But the deepest secrets are yet to be revealed as Luke causes Jules to have more questions. He claims her mother threw his father into a painting and he demands Jules get him out. Confused and feeling alone Jules doesn't know which way is up or where to get her answers until she finds herself being transported into a painting herself and realizes maybe Luke isn't crazy at all. The real question is, is everything he's telling her the truth or is he lying about something that could change her life in every way for the better. Jules fights against the clock for answers to questions she never expected to have but can she get them and save herself and others before the clock runs out? Find out now and dive into this on the edge of your seat read.
December 20, 2021
Part highly relatable teen romance, part magical fantasy, Captured in Paint draws the reader into the world of Julia Parsons, nicknamed ‘Ice Princess’ by her fellow high school students. Julia has a hard time getting in touch with her emotions, even after the death of her mother and boyfriend, Nick, in a house fire. Without giving away any spoilers, Julia finds she has a remarkable ability to make paintings come alive. As the story progresses, she must learn to come to terms with this power for the sake of her own emotional freedom – and the freedom of others.
The book perfectly balances page-turning action and adventure with beautiful descriptions and emotional depth. I was hooked from the first few pages, and cared deeply for Julia and the situations she finds herself in. The author handles the joy and angst of teenage love so well, and her descriptions of both the external snowy landscapes and the inner hearts of her characters are sublime. The ending is satisfying while leaving space for a next adventure (I pre-ordered the sequel the minute I finished the book!!). I highly recommend this novel to teens and adult readers looking for a well-written, original, and emotionally rich romantic adventure/magical fantasy.
The book perfectly balances page-turning action and adventure with beautiful descriptions and emotional depth. I was hooked from the first few pages, and cared deeply for Julia and the situations she finds herself in. The author handles the joy and angst of teenage love so well, and her descriptions of both the external snowy landscapes and the inner hearts of her characters are sublime. The ending is satisfying while leaving space for a next adventure (I pre-ordered the sequel the minute I finished the book!!). I highly recommend this novel to teens and adult readers looking for a well-written, original, and emotionally rich romantic adventure/magical fantasy.
November 20, 2021
I am not sure but I suspect that this is Ann M. Miller’s debut novel. I can’t believe what a gifted writer she is. She weaves a web that catches you in her very first scene and once captured you will not want to leave until the very last scene. She is articulate. Has a real gift with prose. Moreover, she knows how to tell a tale, which leaves to see far into the story wondering just what, will come next. She tells a story about a teen that is able to suppress all of her feelings due to a necklace that she wears that is charmed. Once she loses that necklace all the feelings that she has suppressed for years pour out. Yes, she is just like any other teen ager except that the emotions that explode also brings paintings to life. Those painting can trap people. Her boyfriend is trapped in one. Julia goes inside the painting to save him. But unless Julia can learn how to harness her emotions she may paint herself in the painting as well. Will they make the painting out alive? Or will they forever live inside the painting having lost their human selves to the force of her emotions?
June 29, 2023
How entertained I was by this captivating book. I am not a YA, alas, but I found Captured in Paint enchanting enough for any age to enjoy. What a clever, inventive idea the author had, and how Ann M. Miller can weave a story. I was taken by the novel's several threads of suspense, and completely fascinated by the surrealism of the setting in which the main characters found themselves. Thanks to the Dartmouth Book Exchange's monthly book club for giving me the chance to choose this book from the basket, and to Mark Shupe whose presentation to the group made me want to read this exciting tale.
July 3, 2022
Captured in Paint (Captured in Paint, #1), my first read from author Ann M. Miller. Well written & enjoyable fantasy romantic suspense. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and look forward to Illusions in Paint(Captured in Paint, #2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
April 5, 2021
Excellent debut novel. The author "jumps" into the crux of the story line right "out of the gate" and that was what kept me wanting to turn the page. I would certainly recommend it to any young readers out there or any who are young at heart.
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December 8, 2021I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I fell in love with the characters, especially Julia and Luke, and I was so sad when I finished the book. Ann M. Miller created a fantasy world that you could really get lost in. The story was well-thought out and very satisfying. I can't wait for the sequel!
March 2, 2022
Julia Parsons has had her life turned on its ear. A few months ago, she lost her mother and her boyfriend to a horrific fire. A loss she shouldered with a steadfastness that others found to be particularly freakish. With the loss of a family heirloom, she begins to unravel, unearthing emotions she had assumed she was incapable of feeling. Even worse, new family secrets come to haunt her in the form of a new, terrifying talent — and an equally terrifying new enemy, Luke. She learns that her boyfriend, Nick, is trapped in a painting. An impossibility that seems to grow even more impossible when she realizes that not only does magic exist, but she has it. She’s a Vista Witch.
First, I have to give compliments where compliments are due, Ann M. Miller writes beautifully. It was clean, free-flowing, effortless. I could sing her praises all day. There was special attention paid to the characters and their development, and it felt authentic and organic. Not once did I find myself squinting at the characters, wondering how much they limbered up for the Olympian reaches (which, might I add, happens quite a bit).
At a glance, the story seems to be rather straightforward, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how the story twisted and turned. It breathed, it sighed, and it gasped in equal measure. And I did, too!
I will say, from my own perspective, the chapters were a bit on the longer side. As an overworked, chronically overstressed mung-bean, I find it hard to sit down and immerse myself in longer chapters. I prefer to be able to sneak in a chapter here or a chapter there. With longer chapters, I find myself wondering more about how long I’ve been reading than spending time engaging with the story.
The pacing of the book, overall, was quite wonderful, so I know my critique of “it felt slow in the beginning” is likely due to how I consume content. If you’re similar to me, though, it would be worth noting before diving into this book.
I am greatly looking forward to its sequel, Illusions in Paint. I’m invested in Julia’s journey, and desperately want to see what happens next.
If you liked this review, and you'd like to see more like it, follow my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
First, I have to give compliments where compliments are due, Ann M. Miller writes beautifully. It was clean, free-flowing, effortless. I could sing her praises all day. There was special attention paid to the characters and their development, and it felt authentic and organic. Not once did I find myself squinting at the characters, wondering how much they limbered up for the Olympian reaches (which, might I add, happens quite a bit).
At a glance, the story seems to be rather straightforward, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how the story twisted and turned. It breathed, it sighed, and it gasped in equal measure. And I did, too!
I will say, from my own perspective, the chapters were a bit on the longer side. As an overworked, chronically overstressed mung-bean, I find it hard to sit down and immerse myself in longer chapters. I prefer to be able to sneak in a chapter here or a chapter there. With longer chapters, I find myself wondering more about how long I’ve been reading than spending time engaging with the story.
The pacing of the book, overall, was quite wonderful, so I know my critique of “it felt slow in the beginning” is likely due to how I consume content. If you’re similar to me, though, it would be worth noting before diving into this book.
I am greatly looking forward to its sequel, Illusions in Paint. I’m invested in Julia’s journey, and desperately want to see what happens next.
If you liked this review, and you'd like to see more like it, follow my blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog/
January 22, 2021
You know those books you put on your TBR list and think you’ll read them sooner or later? This book isn’t one of those. Fling this one to the top of the Read It ASAP pile.
I would give this book six stars if I could! It read like a dream. To say this author has a way with words would be the understatement of the year. She not only ushers you into the story from the very first scene, but by the time she immerses you in her wintry mural on the town wall, your eyes won’t be able to drink the story in fast enough. Her descriptions are so vivid, you feel you’re part of the living, breathing fabric of the mural’s village and its inhabitants.
Julia’s still in high school, but she’s seen more than her share of tragedy. Her mother and boyfriend perished in a fire, and now the locket her mother gave her is missing as well. When forgotten childhood friend Luke tells her tales that are hard to swallow but vaguely familiar, she struggles with overwhelming emotions: how is a necklace, a family curse, and her childhood entwined? And more importantly, how did she just fling herself into a Van Gogh painting? With her aunt’s help, she begins to unravel her secret past, and learns she’s a witch who can open portals into art. Then she learns her boyfriend might not be dead, but trapped inside her own mural, where her mother sent him – along with Luke's father.
How, and why, the two are trapped in the painting is a twisted tale that had me feverishly flipping pages. But Julia’s running out of time to retrieve the two, because along with convincing them the painting in which they live is not real, she must get them out before it’s painted over to make room for a new one, leaving whoever is trapped inside lost… forever.
To realize this is this author’s debut novel is mind-boggling. I simply can’t wait to see what she writes next!
I would give this book six stars if I could! It read like a dream. To say this author has a way with words would be the understatement of the year. She not only ushers you into the story from the very first scene, but by the time she immerses you in her wintry mural on the town wall, your eyes won’t be able to drink the story in fast enough. Her descriptions are so vivid, you feel you’re part of the living, breathing fabric of the mural’s village and its inhabitants.
Julia’s still in high school, but she’s seen more than her share of tragedy. Her mother and boyfriend perished in a fire, and now the locket her mother gave her is missing as well. When forgotten childhood friend Luke tells her tales that are hard to swallow but vaguely familiar, she struggles with overwhelming emotions: how is a necklace, a family curse, and her childhood entwined? And more importantly, how did she just fling herself into a Van Gogh painting? With her aunt’s help, she begins to unravel her secret past, and learns she’s a witch who can open portals into art. Then she learns her boyfriend might not be dead, but trapped inside her own mural, where her mother sent him – along with Luke's father.
How, and why, the two are trapped in the painting is a twisted tale that had me feverishly flipping pages. But Julia’s running out of time to retrieve the two, because along with convincing them the painting in which they live is not real, she must get them out before it’s painted over to make room for a new one, leaving whoever is trapped inside lost… forever.
To realize this is this author’s debut novel is mind-boggling. I simply can’t wait to see what she writes next!
May 4, 2022
A very imaginative and well written story. A unique perspective on witchcraft.
April 15, 2022
I picked this up because the blurb sounded intriguing, and I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Julia seems to have lost everything and she’s struggling to cope with it all. I loved the ability, what it meant, the pitfalls of it, and the way the story was woven through magical worlds. I adored the relationship between Julia and Nick and the brashness of Lucas and all that meant for him. There were parts of it that felt so real, it was if you were in the story yourself, I ended up reading the book in one sitting and plan to dive into the next book straight away. Very much recommended and enjoyed!
January 9, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first reason I picked this book is because of the title, as I am an artist myself and like to read books about people who paint. Second favorite is that it is combined with magic, imagine you can create paintings that can come alive.
When Julia loses her mother and boyfriend in a house fire, she is grieving so much that she cannot show emotions. Everyone in school dubs her the Ice Princess. Two months later she loses the necklace that her mom gave her. The moment she realizes this, she feels these overwhelming emotions, what is happening to her? Then Luke Mercer shows up remembering her quite well, why can’t she remember him?
She finds out that she has powers she never knew existed and to only find out her boyfriend is stuck in the mural she painted. But time is running out as her painting is to be scheduled to be painted over by the city. The problem is, she doesn’t know how her magic abilities work, can she safe him on time?
The characters are wonderful, and the tension between Julia and Luke is palpable and makes for a good dynamic through the whole story. The story also shows that love can overcome anything. It was fitting that the mural was a winter scene, as the book situates this in Canada. It’s a mix of adventure, action, magic, friendships, love and family.
The first reason I picked this book is because of the title, as I am an artist myself and like to read books about people who paint. Second favorite is that it is combined with magic, imagine you can create paintings that can come alive.
When Julia loses her mother and boyfriend in a house fire, she is grieving so much that she cannot show emotions. Everyone in school dubs her the Ice Princess. Two months later she loses the necklace that her mom gave her. The moment she realizes this, she feels these overwhelming emotions, what is happening to her? Then Luke Mercer shows up remembering her quite well, why can’t she remember him?
She finds out that she has powers she never knew existed and to only find out her boyfriend is stuck in the mural she painted. But time is running out as her painting is to be scheduled to be painted over by the city. The problem is, she doesn’t know how her magic abilities work, can she safe him on time?
The characters are wonderful, and the tension between Julia and Luke is palpable and makes for a good dynamic through the whole story. The story also shows that love can overcome anything. It was fitting that the mural was a winter scene, as the book situates this in Canada. It’s a mix of adventure, action, magic, friendships, love and family.
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