The Broken Canvas is a work of romantic and women’s fiction penned by author Tai Barnett. Dramatic and engaging for its soap opera styled narrative, we find ourselves entering the apparently perfect life of Natasha Bishop. Starting from humble beginnings to become a successful Hollywood screenwriter, Natasha seems to have it all, from her lovely home to her younger boyfriend Andrew. But the ideal life doesn’t sit well deep in her heart, and temptation looms around every corner. One such temptation is Brody Banister, a fiery Scottish actor who draws more than just passion from Natasha’s heart. As she learns to find balance and what she really wants from life, an even bigger disaster looms.

Filled with twists, turns and plenty of drama, this exciting and engaging novel will certainly please romance fans who want high stakes drama and action in their lives. Natasha is highly relatable in her feelings towards her so-called perfect life, unsettled and yearning for more excitement despite the privileges she’s earned. Brody, Andrew and the rest of the cast provide plenty of well-rounded development, creating characters that the reader can feel for and develop their own opinions on as the story progresses. In this way, author Tai Barnett draws her audience in and involves them in the opera of Natasha’s life, reacting powerfully to the decisions she makes and the consequences they have for her down the line. Overall, The Broken Canvas is a compelling women’s drama with every aspect of romance and relationships laid bare to enjoy.

The Broken Canvas by Tai Barnett portrays Natasha Bishop as a strong, independent Hollywood screenwriter, whose vocation brings her into contact with arrogant actors. Brody Banister is one of the worst. His system of dating allows him to keep his distance so his heart does not get involved in his relationships. Dating women who are just as detached is his modus operandi until Natasha spends time with him at his family’s Scottish home. Her nurturing spirit and genuine care for others surprise Brody and he finds himself drawn to her. Natasha refuses to be one of Brody’s flings and flees back to Atlanta until she has to face him three years later with accusations that her son is his child. All the while her best friend and boyfriend, Andrew, supports her decisions and lovingly cares for her children. With devoted friends and family, Natasha has everything she could desire, or does she?
 
I was intrigued by the cover of The Broken Canvas and the plot. The lead female character is intense, yet still reliant on close friends and family. The story alternates between characters and the time when Natasha met Brody, giving a full version of their relationship. I enjoyed the different cultures of the individuals and the mood changes of the distinctive environments. This novel centers on acceptance, forgiveness, soul-seeking, and secrets. The secondary characters within this book have problems of their own that the author cleverly works through while they help Natasha tackle her issues with motherhood and love. The completed canvas of her life was never painted as she thought, but it completed the two men in her life in the most unexpected way. Unique in delivery with a twist in the ending that is surprising.

The Broken Canvas by Tai Barnett chronicles the roller-coaster ride that is Natasha Bishop’s life. After escaping an abusive relationship, Natasha tries to move forward but the Hollywood scene does not provide much opportunity for that. When Andrew comes into her life, Natasha is unsure of his intentions as he is younger than she is. With time, his loyalty calms her suspicions. On the other hand, there is Brody with his Scottish charm and success. Natasha is more than enamored by him. Everything about him lures Natasha to him except that Brody is a womanizer and has no plans to settle down. Natasha is torn between charm and loyalty, lust and love. Will she be able to subdue her strong feelings for Brody and finally settle for what she has always wanted?

The Broken Canvas does not follow a strict chronological order. This makes the plot vibrant as flashbacks introduce interesting aspects from the past that explain current events in the story. The inclusion of Natasha’s family background and her past gives the story a foundation. The subplots heighten the suspense in the work such as when Vernon’s family history is explored. He is one of the supporting characters. The plot is unpredictable as it takes unexpected directions at different points. Natasha’s character is also contrasted with the Hollywood culture which further makes her stand out as the main character in the story. The Broken Canvas is a must-read for romance lovers. It is suspenseful and entertaining in many ways.

The Broken Canvas by Tai Barnett is a contemporary romance focused around a successful screenwriter and single mother of two, Natasha Bishop. Natasha, who recently received her first Oscar, reluctantly attends the award ceremony along with her much younger boyfriend, Andrew Kingston. However, Andrew is not the only man in her life. Brody Banister, a rather conceited actor, also figures highly since his fling with her a few years ago. The rugged Brody confronts Natasha at the Oscars, determined to find out if he really is the father of her toddler. Thereafter, life becomes far more complicated for Natasha as she is torn between the attraction she has for these two men. It remains to be seen whether she can give up Andrew for the rather unpredictable Brody!

Tai Barnett writes a frank and free-flowing narrative in this romantic tale. The novel opens with the traditional love triangle between Natasha, Andrew, and Brody, but develops into a rather more complex storyline. I enjoyed the eclectic mix of characters made up of Natasha's close friends and family including Vernon, the garrulous housekeeper, who is perfectly capable of stealing the show from the main protagonists. I particularly liked the otherworldly interlude where he takes an expected trip to New Orleans when his grandmama passes away. The often quirky dialogue leads the reader through the story of one woman's struggle to choose the right man and be happy. The Broken Canvas is a lively novel with a surprising twist to the ending.