Provenance is a page turner. Simple as that. Carla Laureano has a strong command of how to weave character and plot together to make readers keep going long after practicality suggests setting the book down. High end interior designer Kendall Green has built a successful life in Los Angeles after being abandoned by her family. Then a strange phone call and a surprising legacy pulls her halfway across the country to a Colorado town, quietly dwindling away.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Brandt just wants to breathe new life into Jasper Lake. However, there’s a developer throwing money around to buy the last parcel of land he needs to build a resort. The plan will bring a huge influx of visitors in, but Gabe doesn’t want to turn the town into tourist-central. The decision lies with Kendall who needs the money the sale will bring, but despises the developer on site.

As the two work together to come up with a way for them both to win, can the emotionally distant Kendall find the faith she’ll need to take a chance on love? And if she does, how could two hearts so far apart every truly be together?

I loved the premise, the wealth of research deftly applied in light touches and the deep emotional twists and turns that keep the aforementioned pages moving along. I’ve only read one other book by Carla Laureano and after that, I had high hopes for Provenance – I wasn’t disappointed. Highly recommended.