The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O'Neal

This title is the perfect representation of this novel. Since this book defiantly keep a lot of secrets from the reader, from the beginning to the end. We never really got full closure for most of the book, and the character didn't really seem to care so I guess we aren't entitled to either. Thats honestly, exactly how the book was toned and read. Kinda funny looking back at it because it is a very lazy way of writing. I truly think that Olivia's dad was the biggest piece to all of her questions, but she never even tried to seek him out or ask for any answers anywhere. I guess that would be wayyy too easy. I liked the way this book was realistic, it didn't read like a corny romance or YA novel that was trying too hard. Barabra has a really good habit of staying on track and keeping the story moving along. It was a fun read overall, and I would defiantly read some of her other works. It was a bit mature in the writing, which is honestly very refreshing from the brain rotting, corny romances that I have been reading lately. Barbara has a refreshing twist in romance novels that I really appreciate. They are cozy and new all at once. She focuses on the main character and the plot while braiding together a beautiful love story. She focuses on the love and passion of the two characters and not the "sexiness" of the MMC or focusing on ten different tropes at one time. She lets the writing flow and drift like seafoam forming on a warm bed of sand. The love literally shines through the book. I also enjoyed the character descriptions. Olivea, the FMC, is described as partially disabled, with a little more to love around her hips and belly. I think MC's that aren't your conventionally skinny, petite and 22 years old, are becoming more popular. It was refreshing to imagine a new character with actual defining features.
Wow, long intro. Let's meet our characters a little bit and get into the story. Olivia Shaw, a woman who is in her late 30s and a sophisticated food editor, is trying to navigate the world without her late mother. Olivia and her mother were very close. She spent weeks in her mother's house after a major car accident that left her partially disabled and without work. They painted together, wrote stories together and even went for short little walks around the neighborhood. Her mother was a renounced artist, who often painted landscape. Her paintings were known for hiding something dark in the landscape, something that was always out of reach. Olivia always knew there was something sinister about her mother's work but never got a clean answer as to what it was. When her mother passed, Olivia was dealing with her estates and was astonished to learn she inherited a centuries-old English estate- and a title to go with it. However, she was very confused as to why her mother never talked to her about it before. She had no idea this property was in the family, as her mother never once, spoke of it. The next day, she packed her bags and set off for England.
Would I recommend this book to friends and family? I think so, yea I would. It is more mature writing and plot, so maybe an aunt or mother. I don't think this would captivate the YA audience. The romance is definitely a slow burn but overall, I really enjoyed the chemistry and passion between the two lovers. The secondary characters were interesting. Some were added for shock value in the end, and others were added to give the village some personality and quirkiness. The memories that Olivia shared of her mother's artwork with the other villagers was really nice to see. I think the artistic legacy and mother-daughter echoes from the afterlife was very cool to read as well. There were times where Olivia didn't know what to do in a situation and she felt her mother's voice or presence giving her guidance. It serves as a sweet reminder that our loved ones are still with us. Overall, I rated this book four stars. It would've been a five-star read if the plot holes mentioned in the beginning were cleared up. Other than that, this novel was beautiful written for the most part. I would suggest curling up in a window seat with tea and rain tapping on the glass. Manifest the English countryside and have fun!

Barbara O'Neal is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling writer of women's fiction. She lives in Colorado with her partner, a British endurance athlete.
