Review by Sharon Adetoro


This book is the last of a of the 4 part NightHawk series, which I am really sad to say. However (and I have everything crossed) I am hoping  that there will further installments in Gideon and Abi’s story – hint, hint Ms Richey!
This story in the series focused more on Abi and her daughter, and their quest to uncover the truth about a mysterious painting and the more mysterious life of Abi’s mother.  With a large chunk of the book being set in Paris, and what is there not to love about Paris. Especially as we are drawn back into the stunning era of the 1920’s which Richey has captured  beautifully, with her vivid descriptions. I could almost smell the croissants! .
I love how the author transports us from present to past through out the series and how it all cleverly ties in,revealing little snippets, not only in advancing the plot but also into the characters motivations and feelings.
And not to be disappointed Gideon’s and Abi’s relationship is tested yet again. Gideon’s  life as a rock star seems to attract all the wrong attention. Whilst he’s away promoting his album in America gossip stirs in the press about a woman by his side. A woman who isn’t his wife Abi.
Is there an innocent explanation?  Or as the old adage goes.. there’s no smoke without fire! – You’ll just have to read to find out!
Although this can be read as a standalone book, I personally think you have to read the series from beginning to end.  What is more delicious than getting your hands on  a series? Especially now as all 4 books are written. So if you have a holiday approaching or a few lazy days I highly recommend you get stuck in – from start to finish ,and this book will be all the more sweeter for having done so
What I ultimately love about this series is the unfurling of the love and romance between Gideon and Abby from their teens to present day. The real life struggles that mar their world and how they somehow find the strength, particularly Abi, to push through against the odds.
This intertwined with the mystery and suspense tha runs through Ms Richey’s books is a delight.
I couldn’t recommend the book enough, but more so the whole series.
*****

Review from Bytheletterbookreviews

The Girl In The Painting is the fourth book in the NightHawk series. I do think readers will need to read the full series to get the most out of this book as a lot has happened to Abi and Gideon and even though a lot of what has gone on is now all in the past I do think readers would have a better understanding of the characters and what they’ve been through if reading the others first.
The books seem to all have the same theme of going back and forth between present day and the past, I have to admit I didn’t really think it worked in the last book but in this one it certainly does. I enjoyed being transported into another era and finding out more about the woman behind the painting.
Unfortunately for Abi and Gideon, yet again some one is out to spoil their happiness. They certainly don’t have an easy life but I like how they remain strong and even though Abi can weaken at times, they all remain a strong family unit.
The story does focus more on Abi and her daughter and their search for answers. I loved being in Paris with the characters and getting caught up in the whole way of life there. I was as eager as both of them to find out the whole story behind the painting and the secrets that were revealed, it certainly makes for a gripping read.
This is a really good series that is a great read for young adults and adults. If you enjoy stories full of mystery and suspense you will love these books.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads rating 4/5 stars.

Review from Kraftireader


I am so thrilled to be involved in the blogtour promoting and celebrating the release of book 4 in The NightHawk series.  To fully engage and appreciate the series I highly recommend reading the books in chronological order as follows:

1. Storm Rising
2. Rhythm of Deceit
3. Cobwebs in the Dark
4. The Girl in the Painting

You can find my reviews here for all previous books 1, 2, and 3.
Since starting this book series I have been gripped by Abi and Gideon’s story.  It’s difficult to say which book I have enjoyed the most as I have loved them all but I must say this fourth book totally captivated me.
I do feel that The Girl in the Painting isn’t quite as gripping as the other three novels as the drama wasn’t intense but what this story has is a wonderful love story dating back to the late 1930’s.  I was captivated by the heady first love, the era, the beautiful setting in Paris … it was all just perfect for me.  I couldn’t take my eyes away from the pages.  I loved being transported back in time and overseas to Paris within the pages.  This was a tale of two stories: the here and now discovering a secret past that will change the outlook for all.  The love that was expressed so long ago was an illicit love; a love that was so wrong but was so right … the strength of this love carried through keeping the hearts together for many, many years.  This was a beautiful story that was equally heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time.  5/5*

Review by Whispering Stories


‘The Girl in the Painting’ is the fourth book in the Nighthawk series, a series that I have had the pleasure of reading over the last few months.
If you’re not familiar with the series, then you can read my reviews of the other books, and an interview with the Author, Here.
In the fourth book, Abi, a talented painter, decides to pick up her paint brushes again, leading to her having an art exhibition in London. On the same night her father suddenly passes away, and it is left to her and daughter Natasha to sort out his possessions. Whilst clearing the attic, they come across a number of paintings, but they are most intrigued by one of a young naked lady with red hair, who looks just like Abi, painted by the famous artist Andrew Devereaux.
The mystery of this woman intrigues the pair of them, and they set out on a mission to discover who she is, and why the painting was in the attic of Abi’s parents’ home. The search takes them to Paris to meet a woman who can help them find the answers, but the pair are in for a big shock.
Whilst Abi and Natasha are searching for answers, Gideon is busy promoting his new album in America, but when he makes a judgement call, against Abi’s advice, he finds himself, once more, in deep water and all over the papers. With the distance between him and Abi, can he make his wife believe that the truth is nothing like what has been printed?
Rachael Richey’s books have gone from strength to strength, since her debut book, ‘Storm Rising’ was released in February 2015.
Abi and Gideon have matured throughout the series, and it’s nice to watch the two of them grow into find young adults, alongside their children Natasha and Ollie.
Ollie being only three doesn’t have much of a part in the book, but Natasha really does make the books more intriguing, with her bold, no nonsense, loud self – a typical teenager.
From the moment the painting was discovered, I myself was curious to find out who the girl was, and I wasn’t disappointed. The book had chapters dedicated to the model, and how she came to be painted naked, back in 1928. The 1920’s certainly seemed interesting, and Paris, although still the city of romance, was so much more sophisticated and artistic than it seems today. Ms Richey also introduces us to some very famous people, from that era.
Whilst the other books in the series have been more about Gideon and his career, this book was Abi’s book. She stepped out from her husband’s shadow and showed us what wonderful woman, mother and artist she is. I loved getting to know more about her, and especially about her ancestry.
Rachael Richey has a wonderful, refreshing writing style. She has a way of intriguing, and hooking her readers, and keeping us there until the very last page. Her vivid descriptions have you wandering the streets of Paris in a dreamy state, and wishing you were there.
This is one series not to be missed. Whether this is the last book in the series, I don’t know, the story doesn’t end on a ‘finale’, so if Ms Richey does decide to write more, I for one will be making sure that I’m first in line to read it.



Reviewed by Stacey


My rating:  *****