"PAINTING KISSES," by Melanie Jacobson, Covenant Communications, $15.99, 194 pages (f)
Author Melanie Jacobson merges wit with romance in her highly entertaining novel “Painting Kisses.” Her quirky humor and vivacious writing make this a delightful book for those who enjoy lighthearted romance novels with happy endings.
Lia left her fame and fortune in New York City several years ago. After changing her name, so her ex-husband can’t find her, she’s settled down in Utah's Wasatch Front. Although once a sought-after painter who was able to demand high dollar amounts for her work, Lia now waits tables in a local diner. When she isn’t waitressing, Lia helps her sister, a single mother struggling to provide, by baby-sitting her young niece. Although she isn’t happy, Lia is content with living as a mere shadow of her former self.
One day, all her passion for art that she thought had died long ago is resurrected. Suddenly, Lia is buying painting supplies. With her love and talent for art reawakened, the rest of her soul comes alive as well. Formerly a reserved introvert, Lia finds herself flirting with her next-door neighbor and asking a favor from a mere acquaintance. No longer living the quiet life, Lia is faced with financial decisions that hinge on completing a painting for a mystery buyer. And she finds herself falling for a guy who, unfortunately, reminds her of someone she has been trying to forget.
Lia’s relationship fears are easy to sympathize with, and the other characters in the book are very relatable. Hopefully the brash construction worker will put aside his bravado and the harried sister will catch a break. But all is dependent on how Lia manages her artistic and relationship abilities, both things she is hesitant about.
“Painting Kisses” is a sparkling romance novel. It has clean language and romance that doesn’t go beyond kissing.
Jacobson lives in Southern California with her family. A former eighth-grade language arts teacher, she is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elizabeth Reid has bachelor's degrees in economics and history. She has worked in retail, medical billing, catering, education and business fields. Her favorite occupation is that of wife and mother. She blogs at www.agoodreid.blogspot.com.