Painting Blue Water

by Leigh Fossan

[Lynn]

When Michael Kristoff told his wife, Katharine he was leaving her for someone else, it was a shock but not unexpected. With divorce papers following soon after her husband's departure, Katharine, a successful businesswoman decides it's time to re-evaluate her life in Manhattan after visiting her favourite place in New York; The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Shocking her friend and business partner, she moves to Bluewater Lake, Colorado; a place she visited as a child. On arrival, she instantly feels at home, surrounded by warm, friendly town-folk. Her new surroundings inspire her to begin painting again and along with it brings a resounding new release of life...

Mesmerizing. The narrative comes alive when the author describes Bluewater Lake. It is no surprise to learn Ms Fossan is an accomplished artist too. Capturing her love of art in the words she uses to describe Katharine's new surroundings and the landscape which ignites her passion for painting. I enjoyed visualising the dramatic scenery as Katharine makes peace with her past and meets someone as creative as herself. The vibrancy of natures colours shining through to create a warm, loving atmosphere for anyone who lives in this beautiful haven or just passing through.

While the plot is predictable, the strength of the writing comes from the protagonists and the secondary characters the author created along with a wonderful small town cosiness where you can relate to the people who live there. The ensemble of residents in this breathtakingly pretty town compliment the tentative relationship between Katharine and Will.

The words within this novel mirror the beautiful cover and as a début novel, Painting Blue Water is a captivating and heartfelt story about the power of friendships and taking control over your destiny to live life by your own rules.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***