Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Reviews by Bookish Sarah 
 - - - 
 There was a complete love/hate situation for me with this book. It was good, but not great. 
 Our heroine is Natalie Stewart. Our setting is New York in the 1880's. Natalie has been mute ever since she lost her mother at a young age. Natalie has received a lot of help from therapists and the like, along with the help of her loving father - but all of it has been to no avail. The one time Natalie tried to find her voice, the sound that emerged from her mouth terrified her. So, as a way if coping and expressing herself, she keeps a diary. This book is her diary. 
 "Lives should never be down to mere words, but I suppose they always are. Whether declarations of war, law, or treaty... words ever determine lives." 
 It all begins with a painting. A portrait of the late Lord Denbury. A young lord said to have committed suicide in England. Wherever the painting goes, rumors follow. Some people say that it's haunted, or that Lord Denbury's spirit is attached to the portrait. Once Natalie lays an eye on the painting via a newspaper article, she's hooked. She immediately begins obsessing over the painting and the man depicted within it. Natalie enlists her father, who just so happens to be a museum curator for the Metropolitan Museum in NYC, to try and get closer to the painting. 
 This is when we meet Mrs. Northe, a wealthy widow from an upper class family - and a believer in the supernatural. It is with her help that Natalie's father is able to procure the portrait for the museum. Natalie knows right away that something about Mrs. Northe (and the painting) is going to change her life in a large way. 
 Natalie immediately begins having odd feelings and seeing odd things in an around the painting of Lord Denbury. When she begins to see things in the painting changing, she thinks she must be losing it. It seems as if Lord Denbury is trying to get her attention - and get her attention he certainly does! One day while taking a peek at the painting, Natalie decides to touch it. As she leans in to do so, she finds herself falling into the painting - with Lord Denbury there to catch her in his arms. 
 "It would take a very wise young woman to know that she shouldn't always trust a fairy tale." 
 Turns out, Jonathan Denbury has been locked inside the painting by an evil entity. Is Natalie the one who can save him after all these years? 
 I always feel that it's a nice idea to list my complaints first, so: 
 * I have nothing against epistolary novels. In fact, a few of my most favorite books are written in this format. I think in this case though, it completely took away from the story. There were parts where an action-packed or intense event would come to pass, and Natalie would say/write something like "Oh my gosh, the bad guy is coming! I will write more again later!" - Okay, really? No. This would not happen! If a young lady is out on some crazy mission (which she is): A) She undoubtedly would not bring her diary and peddle around writing in it in such a dangerous and/or important situation. B) If said "bad guy" is coming around the corner... do you not think most teenage girls would freak the heck out and, instead of writing a "goodbye, saa ya later" to their diary - would maybe throw the stupid thing down and hide? Or maybe shove it in their purse/pocket/bodice/wherever the heck she kept the darn thing and make a run for it? Yeah. 
 So, in conclusion, this was a bad move on the author's part. We were not able to get close to the action or intensity because of the epistolary writing style. 
 * As a result of the above issue, I felt disconnected from the entire plot. I felt that it wasn't engaging enough and lagged terribly in some places. It was very hard for me to keep reading, quite frankly. 
 * I did not enjoy the ending. (view spoiler)[Natalie leaves town in the end, and the story is wrapped up in the form of letters being sent back and forth between Natalie, her father, Mrs. Northe, and Jonathan - because, yes - Lord Denbury is also off gallivanting around somewhere. He has his reasons, at least - but I really don't feel as if Natalie did. (hide spoiler)] It was a terrible ending to me. 
 As usual, my complaining seems harsh, but I did like the novel overall. 
 * The setting was fantastic. I feel that the world-building was very well done. I could easily picture myself right there in New York during the 1880's. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and to me, a clear picture was given here. A+! 
 * Characters. While Lord Denbury was a bit of a bore, Natalie saved the show. I think her being mute made her extra special. She overcame so much as a child and while growing up. Regardless of her losses, she ended up as a caring and strong person. She may not be from an upper class family, but she has a heart of gold. Mrs. Northe was wonderful as well! I adore how she took Natalie under her wing and did so much for her. She was like a replacement mother to Natalie. I truly appreciated her character; her open mindedness, spiritualism, and her intelligence. 
 * The plot, while maybe not played out perfectly - was a creative and fantastic idea. I can honestly say I've never read a book quite like this one. A haunted painting! A man trapped inside? Only one woman can save him! It really was a pleasure to see the story unfold. I also think it was a fresh take on romance. Not only did Jonathan and Natalie need each other, but they had a connection that went deeper than just instant attraction. 
 I really did like this book, even with it's faults. I plan to read book 2. I am curious to see what the future has in store for these lovebirds. 
 - - - 
 ARC source: NetGalley.com, publisher Sourcebooks Fire.