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Painted Memories
I’ve come to realize how much life can change with circumstance. One moment I was a happy sixteen year old girl with a great brother, Jesse, who I adored.
Then Jesse died.
No matter how much I wished it had been me in the accident, wishing will never change what happened. Five years later, my father’s eyes are still filled with hate and regret whenever he looks at me. I haven’t forgotten my mistake, but I’ve accepted it.
My father has not.
He may always see me as a failure, but I’m determined to make a fresh start in a new town where love promises to be more generous than the scorn I've left in my father's eyes. With any luck, maybe some distance will make him see me as his daughter again. Until then I’ll find my own way.
Painted Memories is an original, contemporary romance about love, loss, and recovering from tragedy. Its characters are real. Between humor and heartbreak, it’s funny, touching, and full of redemption.
Sexual situations - recommended for 17+
Then Jesse died.
No matter how much I wished it had been me in the accident, wishing will never change what happened. Five years later, my father’s eyes are still filled with hate and regret whenever he looks at me. I haven’t forgotten my mistake, but I’ve accepted it.
My father has not.
He may always see me as a failure, but I’m determined to make a fresh start in a new town where love promises to be more generous than the scorn I've left in my father's eyes. With any luck, maybe some distance will make him see me as his daughter again. Until then I’ll find my own way.
Painted Memories is an original, contemporary romance about love, loss, and recovering from tragedy. Its characters are real. Between humor and heartbreak, it’s funny, touching, and full of redemption.
Sexual situations - recommended for 17+
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2013
About the author
Loni Flowers
5 books127 followersI live in Eastern North Carolina. Besides my family, reading and writing are my passions. Contemporary romance is my writing genre of choice, but I'm not opposed to writing something different should an excellent idea strike.
Some of my favorite authors include: L.J. Kentowski, Stefne Miller, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, Karen Marie Moning, and Nicholas Sparks... just to name a few.
Published in 2012, Taking Chances was my debut novel.
Some of my favorite authors include: L.J. Kentowski, Stefne Miller, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, Karen Marie Moning, and Nicholas Sparks... just to name a few.
Published in 2012, Taking Chances was my debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 6, 2013
It is my understanding that this is the second novel for this young writer and I am pleased that I took the time to read it. This touching story tugged my heartstrings on one page and had me laughing the next. Contemporary Romance is not my usual genre of choice because I typically find it too predictable but this writer threw in a few twists that I never saw coming and left me with mouth agape and the phrase “OMG” on the brain. There are few things more that will ruin a story for me like neglecting the small stuff but Ms. Flowers did not disappoint. I really loved how she spent time showing her fascination and knowledge of painting…all the way down to using the correct term for the fall of the piano. The care she took to learn about the nuisances of the subjects in her story shows what a conscientious novelist she is. But what impresses me most about this young writer is the way she is able to write conversations with such ease. Dialogue between characters is one of the most difficult things to write on page and screen and her command of it in this early stage of her career leads me to believe that we will be reading much more from her in the future.
March 28, 2013
A very emotional, sweet, romantic, fun, satisfying and gripping read that I definitely will be reading again. A must read for any contemporary romance fans out there, or those readers just looking for an all-around great story.
Lilly has just started her life anew after years of suffering and torment due to the loss of her only brother. So much sorrow, pain, and not enough forgiveness, both from herself and her father. But Lilly picks herself up and leaves that life behind, well most of it. She starts a new job that she loves, gets her own place and stars dating and living again.
A bit of a love triangle for some part (among Lilly, a great looking personal trainer named Tyler and a handsome, caring and amazing artist named Drew) and many life altering choices, but Lilly is a smart and beautiful woman. One that went with her heart and what’s on the inside instead of what the eyes can see. I adored her character even more for it.
Loni created an amazing story for us all. A very emotional trip with realistic characters, settings and packed it full of emotion that will guarantee the need for a tissue (or two) both from laughter and of sadness. This is my second time reading her work and I was a happy reader each time :)
Lilly has just started her life anew after years of suffering and torment due to the loss of her only brother. So much sorrow, pain, and not enough forgiveness, both from herself and her father. But Lilly picks herself up and leaves that life behind, well most of it. She starts a new job that she loves, gets her own place and stars dating and living again.
A bit of a love triangle for some part (among Lilly, a great looking personal trainer named Tyler and a handsome, caring and amazing artist named Drew) and many life altering choices, but Lilly is a smart and beautiful woman. One that went with her heart and what’s on the inside instead of what the eyes can see. I adored her character even more for it.
Loni created an amazing story for us all. A very emotional trip with realistic characters, settings and packed it full of emotion that will guarantee the need for a tissue (or two) both from laughter and of sadness. This is my second time reading her work and I was a happy reader each time :)
November 11, 2013
4.5/5.0
Bravo Ms. Flowers!! Drew and Lilly’s courtship, the settings.. in fact, the whole enchilada is wonderful!
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Bravo Ms. Flowers!! Drew and Lilly’s courtship, the settings.. in fact, the whole enchilada is wonderful!
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 30, 2013
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance filled with all the trappings that make your heart flutter, Painted Memories by Loni Flowers deserves to be at the top of your MUST Read list! Lily Morgan’s life has been a nightmare after the death of her brother, between her own guilt and grief and the brutal blame placed on her by her overachieving, over-controlling father. To start fresh and with the hopes of healing, she moves far from home to start life over with a clean slate. While not looking for love, she finds herself falling for two amazingly hot guys who are as different as night and day. Tyler is a personal trainer who initially lights a flame of excitement in Lily with his self-confidence and flash. Drew, well Lily literally fell for Drew, right into a muddy pond! He is more the strong and silent type, who also has a painful past he has turned from. Drew is able to create beauty on canvas as an artist with an amazing talent to bring his art to life and a desire to make a name for himself and gain his own father’s approval. When Lily’s choice becomes apparent and romance slowly blooms, her guilt returns, because her brother will never know the joy of love, so she erects obstacles around her heart that are almost insurmountable. Can Lily learn to forgive herself and accept that she deserves the kind of love with a happy ending? Can she even recognize when someone is offering her real love with no strings attached? Will her family dynamics chase her back into her own private Hell or will she find the strength to finally face down the demons and reunite a family divided for too long? It’s just too much turmoil for one person to handle alone.
I know, it all sounds so serious, and this character-driven plot IS full of drama, but Loni Flowers has brought her characters to life with moments of humor and lightness that make you smile, moments of tenderness that make you sigh and moments of personal strength that make you cheer! I even shook my head a couple of times in disbelief and had to keep reminding myself, this is just a story, you are not really a fly on the wall! The dialogue is amazing, real enough to hear each word and how it was spoken, as well as how it was taken! Ms. Flowers has created her own work of art through her words that will touch your heart in the best way!
I know, it all sounds so serious, and this character-driven plot IS full of drama, but Loni Flowers has brought her characters to life with moments of humor and lightness that make you smile, moments of tenderness that make you sigh and moments of personal strength that make you cheer! I even shook my head a couple of times in disbelief and had to keep reminding myself, this is just a story, you are not really a fly on the wall! The dialogue is amazing, real enough to hear each word and how it was spoken, as well as how it was taken! Ms. Flowers has created her own work of art through her words that will touch your heart in the best way!
February 9, 2013
PAINTED MEMORIES is a story of forgiveness and redemption, told with plenty of romance. Like Ms. Flowers previous novel, TAKING CHANCES, it’s a character-driven tale that packs an emotional wallop. Lily Morgan is starting over again in a new town with a new job, trying to forget a horrific accident that claimed her brother’s life and drove a wedge between her and her father.
Enter Drew McGregor the first of two suitors to take an interest in Lily. Drew is also estranged from his father, but the roadblocks in their relationship are due to his persistence and desire in pursuing a career as an artist. I warmed up to both characters immediately, especially Drew, who is the type of beta hero I find myself falling more and more in love with these days—concerned, compassionate, tender and attentive, but tough as nails when he has to be. There is another romantic interest to muddy the waters for a while, but Ms. Flowers resolves things fairly quickly as to who Lily will ultimately end up with. That’s when the romance really takes off and the complexities of family relationships kick into high gear.
It was hard for me to book this book down. The descriptions are lush but not overdone, the dialogue effortless and believable. The romantic and family dynamics sucked me in emotionally from page one, took me on a rollercoaster ride of heartache, discovery, and triumph and left me with a warm sated glow at the end. Loved it!!
Enter Drew McGregor the first of two suitors to take an interest in Lily. Drew is also estranged from his father, but the roadblocks in their relationship are due to his persistence and desire in pursuing a career as an artist. I warmed up to both characters immediately, especially Drew, who is the type of beta hero I find myself falling more and more in love with these days—concerned, compassionate, tender and attentive, but tough as nails when he has to be. There is another romantic interest to muddy the waters for a while, but Ms. Flowers resolves things fairly quickly as to who Lily will ultimately end up with. That’s when the romance really takes off and the complexities of family relationships kick into high gear.
It was hard for me to book this book down. The descriptions are lush but not overdone, the dialogue effortless and believable. The romantic and family dynamics sucked me in emotionally from page one, took me on a rollercoaster ride of heartache, discovery, and triumph and left me with a warm sated glow at the end. Loved it!!
January 23, 2014
Great Young Adult Romance. Lots of emotion. Characters are easy to relate to. Will be back for more detailed review.
March 21, 2013
Loni Flowers is one of the reasons I keep coming back to contemporary books. I really enjoyed her debut, Taking Chances. This new novel is no different. I adored it just as much. There are bad thing that happen in this novel, but overall, it's very much a feel good book.
Lilly moved to a new town to start over. It takes her a bit to find her groove. Lilly likes to keep things simple. She's not looking for love, or any kind of relationship. She just needs space from her father, and his views.
Lilly spends most of the book trying to free herself of the guilt over her brother's death. She doesn't feel like she deserves the things she has when he's gone. I've never been in this position, but I'm sure it's incredibly hard to get through. She's a great character that you can empathize with. You feel her pain, and at some moments, complete joy. She's completely confused about who she is and should be.
She finally finds some balance when she meets a friend, and runs into a guy. Most of the book is focused around her feelings for Drew, and if she's confident in herself and their relationship. There are a few big arguments that take place, and it makes everything seem more realistic.
Painted Memories is a quick read, and with the turmoil Lilly puts herself through you really feel for her situation. You hope she can find her happy place with herself, her relationship, and her family.
Lilly moved to a new town to start over. It takes her a bit to find her groove. Lilly likes to keep things simple. She's not looking for love, or any kind of relationship. She just needs space from her father, and his views.
Lilly spends most of the book trying to free herself of the guilt over her brother's death. She doesn't feel like she deserves the things she has when he's gone. I've never been in this position, but I'm sure it's incredibly hard to get through. She's a great character that you can empathize with. You feel her pain, and at some moments, complete joy. She's completely confused about who she is and should be.
She finally finds some balance when she meets a friend, and runs into a guy. Most of the book is focused around her feelings for Drew, and if she's confident in herself and their relationship. There are a few big arguments that take place, and it makes everything seem more realistic.
Painted Memories is a quick read, and with the turmoil Lilly puts herself through you really feel for her situation. You hope she can find her happy place with herself, her relationship, and her family.
January 18, 2015
Painted memories is a story about letting go of the past. Moving on, living your life. Sometimes we hold on to things that we shouldn't bear the blame for, or carry pain we shouldn't.
I think this book is just a great feel good romance. Lilly doesn't want a relationship. She doesn't think she can handle it, need it. But along come Drew and Tyler. Two men at once, who should she choose?
Can she face her past in time to not lose the one she really wants?
I enjoyed the characters in this book. They were so well developed. It was such an in depth back story being told that you get a genuine feeling that you know each character. You can feel their emotions. You can emphasize.
I really think this is just a great, make you feel good, romance. I enjoyed it.
I think this book is just a great feel good romance. Lilly doesn't want a relationship. She doesn't think she can handle it, need it. But along come Drew and Tyler. Two men at once, who should she choose?
Can she face her past in time to not lose the one she really wants?
I enjoyed the characters in this book. They were so well developed. It was such an in depth back story being told that you get a genuine feeling that you know each character. You can feel their emotions. You can emphasize.
I really think this is just a great, make you feel good, romance. I enjoyed it.
May 23, 2015
Loni Flowers never stops amazing me with her stories. This book was amazing. Sometimes heartache can lead you to the one you are meant for. Lilly was heartbroken over losing her brother but she holds a big secret. Her parents are no support. She mets Drew & they work through their pasts together.
You will not be disappointed with this book. I LOVED it.
You will not be disappointed with this book. I LOVED it.
May 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this story and felt it was well written. It provided me with a quick read when I needed one. I hope to share my copy with others and look forward to more from this author.
April 4, 2016
A story of grief and forgiveness and love along the way.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews