The Earth Painter (The Painter Series) [Kindle Edition]

Melissa Turner Lee (Author), Teresa Bagwell Beaudry (Photographer)

Book Description

When a self-conscious young woman discovers the boy in drama class is actually the immortal who painted the world into being, she becomes the target of another painter who hates humanity. The Earth Painter is a Young Adult Supernatural Romance set in the small mill town of Chesnee, SC. It revolves around Holly Scruggs, who's family has just moved back to Chesnee after her dad lost his job along with pretty much everything they owned. Her image conscious parents correct her to the point of brokenness until she meets Theo. He is the artist responsible for all the beauty of the land and he thinks Holly is beautiful too. Together they will fight against Fritz, the water painter who hates humans and is hiding a secret under the high school.

“WARNING: Reading this book leads to compulsive reading.
Melissa Turner Lee is a master storyteller. The book blends modern culture with Lee’s fantasy world… The Earth Painter is an intriguing tale of romance, heartache, and friendship. Lee hits the nail on the head with many issues young ladies face through school today. These are timeless issues that, I believe, will be relevant no matter what age.”
___Contessa Wright, MommyReviews

Product Details

• File Size: 398 KB
• Print Length: 256 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005JU5FPQ
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #425,306 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! A Different Kind of Book March 2, 2013

By Sheila Hollinghead

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wow! What a great book! This book is different than any I have ever read--and I'm a voracious reader. It's fantasy and, yet, is firmly rooted in reality. Such a realness to these characters, even the nonhuman ones! I loved that the fantasy world was never allowed to overshadow the story and the characters.

This is a different type of fantasy than I've ever read! A different kind of book, one that will live with me forever. The characters are that real.

The main character, Holly Scruggs, who has been beaten down by her mother, is such an inspiration! She never allows herself to fall into self pity.

With the mysterious Theo's help, she discovers her true calling in life and the confidence she needs.

Without a doubt this book just made my top 10 list of favorite books ever. What an amazing gift Melissa Turner Lee has!

I tried to think of a book to compare this to and failed. However, the way The Earth Painter made me feel reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. It evoked feelings of satisfaction, joy, and, yes, love.

You will not want to put it down when you begin to read. When you finish the Kindle version, you'll want to buy the paperback, for the simple reason that when you glance at it on your bookshelf, you'll remember the great pleasure of reading it. And with that glance will come a happy sigh.

And, although all the loose ends are not tied up, happily for the readers, there is a sequel, The Man Painter.

(I received a free e-book copy for my review. I reviewed the newly published version by Altwit Press.)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!! October 28, 2012

By The Mystical World of Book Reviews

Format:Kindle Edition

I was given a e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book in The Painter Series. It is a YA Supernatural Romance, but let me just say, it different than any I have read. I am still in amazement. I couldn't put the book down. I was drawn in from the very beginning.

The story revolves around Holly. She and her parents have just moved back to the town her parents grew up, Chesnee, SC. Her father had lost his job, and they had sold everything they could to make ends meet. Holly's mother has always been one that believe that image was everything, one of the reason why they went broke. No one is to know this of course, that would just ruin everything. Now, Holly has to start a new school in her senior year, make new friends, and if that wasn't hard enough, make sure she doesn't slip and let people know the real reason they moved back. Thanks to a mix up in her schedule, Holly ends up meeting Theo, which pretty much tells her how everything began. And when I say how it all began, that is just what I mean. How the Earth and everything on it was created. Now that Holly knows these secrets, her life, and maybe even her heart, is put in danger.

The author puts a wonderful spin on how the Earth became what and how it is. The author was very descriptive, it was like she was painting every scene. The book is different from all other books I have read in its genre. Even the ending surprised me. It is no fairytale ending in any case. I couldn't put this book down. My guy even stated "That must be some book?" Every spare second, I was reading it. All I can say is WOW! This is a must read. I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.

Originally posted on The Mystical World of Book Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece !!! November 24, 2011

By Fathima

Format:Kindle Edition

SPEECHLESS !!! That was the first reaction i had or rather the state i was in after i finished reading this book . Words cannot describe the feeling stirring up in me . If a painter could paint using words instead of colours , then this book would be called a " Masterpiece" and Melissa Turner Lee could be considered the exquisite painter of this fine work of art .

Cover-speak : Honestly , the cover says it all .. No questions asked , it clearly and descriptively gives us an idea as to what a reader can expect from this book . But the surprise bit lies in the intensity of the contents of the book . Totally not cliche , totally unexpected .

The Earth Painter is the story of Holly Scruggs , a girl who constantly lives under the shadows of her parents . What does that mean you ask ? Well , she basically lives her life the way her mother wants her to live giving little or no importance to what she wants or how she wants to live her life . Her likes and dislikes dont matter as long as it suits the lifestyle her parents choose to live . Until the day she meets Theo . Something changes inside Holly the day her life crosses paths with this mysterious yet intriguing stranger in the school's auditorium . What follows is a rollercoaster ride filled with secrets , twists and turns . Theo is'nt just an ordinary guy . He's a painter . And not just any painter , he is the painter of the earth . The guy responsible for painting life on earth .

Things i loved about this book :

1) Not your average fairytale romance : This book is sooo much more than just a guy and a girl meeting and then falling in love . There were so many elements in this book that took me by surprise . Things that i could never think of in the ways its been potrayed in this book .... And
mind you , these ar'nt unknown elements . They are very well known and probably stuff's we study in schools and colleges !! * That's a major spoiler , if you can guess what i mean * ..

2) Emphasis on reality : Even though this book is a supernaturally based romance , it had a lot of elements that reflect the different kinds of 'truths' prevalent in the modern society . Abusive relationships , Peer Pressure etc were a major part of the storyline . Also sometimes we look at certain things or objects and wonder , why is it that this has been made this way or what was the purpose of making something the way it is found to be . Well i can definitely say that some of those questions were answered in this book .

3) Originality to the core : This book just beams with originality .Pure and creative imagination takes this book to an entirely new level . As far as my view goes , taking into consideration books that i have read i could safely say that this story is just so full of life and exciting
and completely unheard of . Never ever have i read a book that speaks of earth painters , sculptors and sciences . Hats off to the author and her creativity .

4) Holly and Theo : Holly was definitely a surprise filled character for me . Oflate i've read a lot of books where the main female lead start to get on your nerves with her stupidity and impatience . But not Holly . I really loved reading about her . Never a single moment of
disappointment . The way she is potryaed in the beginning of the story and how she transforms to what she becomes by the end was such a joy to read . And Theo .... I just get all tongue tied when it comes down to him . I soooooo wish i find someone like him someday .Just saying ....
And their romance , that was kinda new too . nNot the hate-love kind of stuff . I loved how their relationship starts off and grows as time and story progresses . An absolute treat :)

5) The beginning of a new story : The way the book ended just left me wanting for more . I really wanted to know what had happened or what had triggered those changes . The author cleverly manages to hold the interest of the reader by throwing in a startling revelation in the end . Thereby creating an enticing stroryline for the sequel . I just cant wait to read it .

Parting thoughts : I was left speechless in the end . Absolutely dumbfound , i was trying to find words to describe the awesomeness that this book was . Something new and fresh , readers will not be disappointed . Recommended for those who love originality and newness , this book is sure to make you wanting more by the end !!! Melissa you are simply superb . Read more ›

More About the Author

I'm a stay-at-home mom of three of the CRAZIEST boys ever. And I love them to bits. I'm also a wife to a wonderful man I met when I was 17. He went to a different High School than I did but we both worked at McDonald's. It was before texting and cell phones so we'd write notes at school and exchange them at work. We'd also talk to each other over the drive-thru headsets. Then he told me he had a picture he had drawn for art class long before he knew me that his cousin pointed out looked just like me. The picture went missing when we got married and moved into our first home together. This was kind of the inspiration for The Earth Painter.

I have a degree in Journalism and Marketing which I have never used because I've been home with my boys. Then one day my man sent me to the local book store for a day to myself. I picked up Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and my life changed. I remembered being 17. I remembered falling in love. But most of all I remembered ME. I'd become "Mommy" and forgotten all about Melissa, the girl who dreamed of being a writer, but suddenly I remembered and the writing started. And It hasn't stopped.