Tuesday, September 5, 2017

True to You

GIVEAWAY
WADE, BECKY
TRUE TO YOU

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.

John enlists Nora's help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?

My Review:

Oh merciful heavens, I'm in such a tizzy over this one! In fact -- and this is totally a FIRST for me -- I actually read this book twice -- back to back. Literally reached the end and flipped it back open to the first chapter and started all over again. It tickled my fancy that much.

Why you ask? I think because I totally connected with Nora. Maybe more than that -- she's kind of my clone in some ways. In fact I think the author has created the most relatable heroine in romantic comedy history. A bit nerdy, she spends her nights fangirling over a fictional character in a British drama. I was so convinced that Adolphus Brook and Northamptonshire were actually real that I spent quite a while googling both to see what all the fuss was about. :-) In short, Nora is just like us, ladies! Enjoying romance vicariously through the heroines in stories.

And the whole thing starts off so snappy and funny and easy to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments. In fact the first time Nora meets John is sweet (and toe-curling) perfection. In fact she is so impressed with him that she uses her Ninja librarian skills to research him and then starts majorly crushing on him.

For his part, John is oblivious. Nora is a means to an end and if he feels some unusual zings in the air when she's around, well, he's not going acknowledge it...much. He just finds her quirky and a little intense...and when there's a clash of opinions -- well, "redheaded librarians who use big words didn't scare him." (p.33) Ha! Dream on, oh clueless hero. There is such great dialogue and almost-dialogue between these two. Especially with Nora. John will ask her a question or make a comment and we are privy to her outrageous love-lorn inner comebacks before she manages to vocalize something benignly appropriate. Honestly, those bits just stuffed me full of giddy.

So there I am happily giggling my way through these pages when suddenly...shut the front door...what just happened? The author did not...she wouldn't...oh my goodness gracious, she did! Ms. Wade you have some explaining to do!!!!! And suddenly the romantic comedy has turned into something deep and desperate and achingly heart-wrenching and all I could do was silently (well, except for screaming insults at the author) watch helplessly on the sidelines.

Seriously. My heart hurts. But it's grown some too because I've learned some important lessons right along with John and Nora. Like: "...the past might be challenging and the future might be unsure. And that's okay. The present is all we're given anyway.When we get to the future, God will be there." (p 275)

And did I mention that this is only the first of the Bradford Sisters Romance series? The author has done an excellent job of setting up the future books which will feature Britt and Willow. I think I might just have to read True to You a couple of more times in anticipation.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of True to You, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email in a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 10 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

54 comments:

  1. Kav, when you make a review this long, I KNOW this is more then just a book...it's a BOOK! One to get lost in, rail at the author with, and side with the characters with (and maybe fall in love with the hero).

    I've not read any of Becky's books yet, so count me in the "you talked me into it" category...lol!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. LOL -- glad to sway your reading preferences, Trixi! And sorry about the length of the review. I actually edited it down some. :-) Good luck!

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  2. Since Nora is your clone, I can't wait to read this book to find out more of what you are like. With a great review like this, Kav, I feel like Becky's book is one not to be missed. Thank you for sharing!
    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Bwahahaha! It's definitely not to be missed! Good luck, Melanie.

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  3. Isn't she the most amazing author ever? Good luck, Kate.

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  4. I already have this one (and loved it!) so you don't have to put my name in, but did you know Becky Wade wrote a prequel novella called Then Came You? I know you don't do e-books, but believe it or not, this one is actually available in paperback, singly, not in a collection of other authors' works. And wow, it's worth it.

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    1. Gasp!!!!!!!! Thanks for that info, Rachael. I knew about the prequel but just assumed it was only in ebook format. Checking that out right away. Whhheeeeeee -- you've made me a happy reader!

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  5. Kav, your review has me smiling from ear to ear. I've read True to You, but I think I like your reaction to it better than the book itself, lol. I liked the prequel Then Came You better. It was written in an epistolary style and that Garner, whew, swoon-worthy.
    When I'm not reading books I like talking about books, and you Kav are one of the most fun people to talk books with!

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    1. Teehee -- thanks, Tracey. And another endorsement for the prequel and Chapters has free delivery this week. Bwahahahaha! I love talking books with you too, Tracey.

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    1. It's a stupendous book! Good luck, Michelle.

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  7. This book sounds great. I love funny books. Thank you, so much for the chance to win. This one has been on my wish list. 😂
    iamabho @ gmail dot com

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  8. Ooh, I have been drooling over this one. :) lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. It's certainly droolworthy, Susan. Good luck.

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  9. SQUEEEEE!!!! I've had my eye on this one for a while! KAV, thank you for the chance.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Wouldn't it be fun if we could all meet in a bookstore and squeal and jump up and down in literary glee to our hearts content? LOL Good luck, Caryl.

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  10. I grinned through your whole review! True To You is Becky Wade's best book yet, and that's saying a lot because I've loved all her books. True to You is just really a special book because of all the reasons you gave. The prequel novella is really fun because of the format in which it's written and because it gives the background of the girls' father.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I'll be getting the prequel soon for sure. I'm with you -- this is my favourite of Becky's books and I adore her others. Just something about these sisters....and grumpy grandma. Snicker. Good luck, Pam.

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  11. On my wish list. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. And it belongs right at the top! Good luck, Lucy.

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  12. Your review says it all, Kav. I just loved this book and can't wait for the next book in the series. So good! Pam is right -- you must read the fun prequel.

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    1. Everyone is urging me to read that prequel -- I guess you all must be right.

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  13. Oh my, I've never done that - read a book twice, must have been a good one. becci43atgmaildotcom

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    1. I don't read books twice either -- well except for Trixie Belden and Anne of Green Gables. :-) And Dee Henderson's O'Malley series...okay, so I do read some books more than once but years apart not back to back. Good luck, Becky.

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  14. What a fantastic review. I've wanted to read this one for awhile now and you've just amped up a notch my interest in this book.

    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. Always happy to amp up a fellow reader into a literary frenzy. :-) Good luck, Mindy.

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  15. Oh man! Now I'm wondering what the heck happens in the book!! I have always wanted to be a professional genealogist, so this book has such appeal to me! I can't wait to read it!

    Mylittlebirdiebooks (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I've often thought about being a genealogist too. Fits with my librarian background and it's kind of like solving mysteries all the time. Good luck, Karen.

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  16. I just recently read a book twice in a row because the story was beautifully written and I loved the characters so much I wanted to spend more time with them. This is one book I will read long before this series is complete. Thank you, Kav!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. Yes -- definitely don't wait until the whole series is out before starting this one. Good luck, Diane.

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  17. I read a digital copy of this one and loved it so much I've been trying to get my hands on a physical copy. Loved these sisters and this story. Nora was so quirky and unique! Can't wait for the other two stories (and the novella). nashpredsfan (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. And didn't the author do a fabulous job of setting up the next two books? I can't wait! Good luck, Suzie.

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  18. Well, I hadn't really considered this book before, but...you're review has me dying! What? What?! Why were you so mad at the author?! And you read it twice in a row?! Now I've gotta read it myself to see what all this fuss is about!
    I'm holding you personally responsible for this crave I've got to read this book now! Thanks a lot! 😡
    Elly -Indiana-

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    1. Bwahahaha -- my work here is done now that everyone simply has to read True to You. Good luck, Elly.

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  19. I would love to win this!
    mudj33p(at)gmail

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  20. I read my first ever Becky Wade book, Meant to Be Mine, about a year ago. Loved her style and characterizations, with a bit of subtle humor mixed in, when appropriate. Your review is wonderful! As a serious hobby genealogist, this adds an extra layer of interest to me. Thanks for the opportunity to participate. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. Yes, the genealogist angle is really unique and interesting. Right up your alley for sure. Good luck, CC.

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  21. I just finished the last book in her Porter family series recently. Can't wait to get my hands on this one.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. You'll be just as thrilled with it -- if not more. Good luck, Patty.

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  22. Love her books. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. What's not to love, right? Good luck, Kim.

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  23. I love Becky Wade's books and would be so happy to win a copy of this one. Thanks for the chance. 😉
    gobersATembarqmailDOTcom

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  24. Becky has such fun plotlines and I always enjoy seeing how she brings couples together. I am impressed you read it twice in a row!
    LLWALTZ [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. I can't believe I did that but I got such a kick out Nora, I couldn't resist. Good luck, Laura.

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  25. I love the cover!!! And the story sounds really good to. Count me in!

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  26. I've been really interested in trying another Becky Wade book... This looks like a good one!
    Thanks for the chance to win it! :)

    sleepy_bookworm_aery [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  27. I haven't read a Becky Wade book yet but have heard great things about them . This looks like it would be a great place to start.

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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  28. I've been wanting to read this for a long time!
    And the cover is just gorgeous.

    Count me in, please.
    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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