The Seaside Painting Caper

Trina Santo’s well-ordered life is spinning out of control, and a longing to escape becomes all-consuming.

A rude client, an unfaithful boyfriend, and a thankless boss—Trina is unable to cope. Her confidence topples under life’s pressures. Frustrated with her boss’ unfair treatment of her at the art museum where she works, she flees to a small beach town along California’s coast. While her aunt and uncle vacation for the summer, Trina manages their Hidden Treasure Gift Shop.

Her life turns upside down when unexpected challenges bring Daniel Taylor into the picture. A building inspector threatens to shut down operations, and family friend Daniel shows up and offers the help of his construction business. Trina is intrigued by the high-handed but helpful Daniel. He may be bossy, but his actions help Trina when she needs it most. Careful to guard her heart after her recent break-up, Trina first takes the time to get to know Daniel as a friend. He may seem friendly and good-natured, but experience makes her wary.

Daniel is drawn to Trina when he sees her changing her outlook on life for the better. He spends time with her and realizes she is becoming more than a friend to him. While keeping tabs on his grandmother who runs the Catamara Art Gallery, he’s also busy with renovations at the historical church. When Trina uncovers suspicious activities in town, he finds himself offering his help and protection.

Trina is drawn into the local surf and beach activities where artists, musicians, and craft folk flourish among the beautiful beaches and sunny weather. Despite the fun of barbecues on the beach, surfing the waves, and festivals celebrating the summer, her escape to the shores of Catamara land her in the midst of a plot of secrecy.

Talk of an artist’s lost painting becomes part of a treasure hunt sponsored by the local KPOD radio station. Trina is fascinated by a missing painting of darkness and night, painted over one hundred years ago by Pierre Dupre. The lost painting’s twin of goodness and light hangs in the historic cathedral under renovation by Daniel’s company. The two mystical works are the artist’s crowning achievement—one painting represents heaven’s goodness and light and one depicts evil’s darkness and night. Rumor says the evil painting is hidden in the old church. Trina must find her way through its maze of rooms to discover who’s at the heart of the deception surrounding the priceless family paintings.

As Trina spends time with Daniel, she is caught up in the mystique that envelops the theft and forgery of a famous artist’s works. Could a Dupre descendent be forging copies of the ancestor’s famous paintings? The unexpected appearance of her boss triggers a suspicion that something more than what she can handle is about to happen. Is he conducting museum business with the Catamara Art Gallery? Who’s buying and selling forged paintings?

Trina and Daniel work together to unravel the mystery around the lost painting and the strange goings-on in town. Clues to the forgeries, the thief, and the lost painting lead Trina to the old church and the truth. She finds new confidence as her heart heals from the past. In its place is Daniel’s patience—teasing and challenging her to pray, forgive, and heal with God’s help.