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After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has 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 and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.… (more)
User reviews
John is a former Navy Seal and with the authors great description he must be easy on the eye. He is humble about what he accomplished as a Seal and I loved how the author portrayed him. It's not hard to fall in love with these characters as the author makes them so likeable. John is on a quest to find his birth mother and maybe with Nora's help he will succeed. I did enjoy the banter between them. Nora is quite funny trying to intimidate John but she is having no luck. I think she may be just a bit school girl crush over him. Will she let her guard down as they start to develop a relationship?
I loved the makeover Nora got thsnks to her sister. I can remember having my makeup done once. I walked out of the store feeling on top of the world. Nora has confidence she never had before and I think it made her character very relatable to readers. The author really knows how to keeps readers attention with details of the three sisters background. Oh my goodness it such good reading. I have to come back to John for a moment. The vivid details the author gives about Seals and his mission is so tension filled I was grasping the arm of the chair.
To say that I loved this book is not enough. There are so many details and intricate scenes throughout the book that I couldn't possibly do justice to. All I can say is well done Becky Wade. You have captured a story with poise, faith and compassion. I hope readers will run and grab a copy for themselves.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse and Bethany House. The review is my own opinion.
Nora Bradford is the bookish and quirky middle sister between two gorgeous and talented sisters. She has defined herself as the brainy one, and after a disastrous engagement and break-up, she is now the single one who relishes her self-imposed status. She thinks she is content watching period dramas on TV, immersing herself in fiction, and staging an historic village, that is, until she meets the very hunky ex-Navy Seal, John Lawson. While their relationship gets off to an awkward start, they begin a business arrangement that grows into a deep friendship. But ugly truths from their pasts may derail what could be a very beautiful love story.
Becky Wade has created a beautifully crafted story injected with wit and humor. The writing is exquisite, the plotting complex, and the characterization unique and masterful. I loved, loved, loved this book! While I had lots of grins, giggles and guffaws during the course of reading, True to You has a depth not often found in contemporary romance fiction. The characters have real struggles that make them incredibly relatable. The search for the truth behind John’s birth is the catalyst for the story which leads to the discovery of the ultimate truth for the main characters — their true identity in Christ. The story is mostly told in third person narrative, but glimpses of the motivations and emotions of the characters are displayed in various forms of communication — texts, FB messages, letters, and emails. One letter in particular that the main characters are not privy to, lets the reader in on the wonder of God’s working through trial and pain. True to You is also a romance, and there is plenty of heat between Nora and John presented in a realistic way. Physical desire is real. It’s the reining in of those passions with the help of God, that keeps the characters from regrets and heartache.
I fell in love with Nora and John’s story from the first chapter. If you are looking for an outstanding novel to kick off your Summer reading, then look no farther than True to You.
Very Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Author: Becky Wade
Pages: 384
Year: 2017
Publisher: Bethany
My rating 4 out of 5 stars.
Nora is the main female lead who is a genealogist whose love of fictional novels keeps her in another world. When she is asked to participate in a staged emergency situation
John seeks Nora out to help him locate his biological family because of a recent diagnosis and time is of the essence. At first, the book starts out in a way that didn’t really capture my attention at all. Plus, it is different from other books I have read written by the author. Now, that is not bad just different and took a little getting used to.
The strongest aspect of Becky’s storytelling is her threads of faith woven throughout the story. Those threads are highlighted as they are set against a lifelike situation that is heart-touching for Nora and John. There is a free novella titled, “Then Came You”, which helps set up the framework for this novel. Finding one’s biological parents was a moving part of the tale and though I can’t relate to how one feels about it, I can see why some are looking for their birth mother in situations as in the book.
I have no idea when the sequel will be out, so be on the watch for it after reading the prequel and then True to You!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I received a copy from the publisher, but the review is entirely my own.
True to You is the first full-length novel in Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters Romance Series. The prequel, Then Came You, complements the storyline, but is not essential to True to You. I thoroughly enjoyed Nora's character development. In the beginning, I didn't really like her and stuck with the story because the ancestry search was interesting. However, by the middle of the book, I was cheering for her and staying up much too late so I could finish “just one more chapter.” And then came the unveiling of past secrets. Wow. I absolutely adore how the author carried both John and Nora through that. I can't say more without giving a spoiler, but it was excellent.
I would rate True to You as a PG-13 book. There's some innuendo by one of Nora's co-workers that really wasn't necessary and I wouldn't want my young child absorbing. For older teens and adults, the story is entertaining and the message of redemption is lovely.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Set in the pacific northwest area of Washington, True to You introduces readers to the Bradford family. The story
John Lawson, a former Navy SEAL and adoptee, is on a different mission in life. Owner and operator of his own company, John strives for success. He has a great house on the water, a loving family, and a wonderful job. But his world begins to change when he is diagnosed with a hereditary condition. Because he is adopted, he must begin the process of discovering the identity of his birth parents. His genealogy will provide him with the answers he needs most.
He hires Nora to help him with his search for his birth mom. They work together for several weeks, finding clues and following leads. Along the way, John and Nora begin to wonder if maybe—just maybe—they would make a good match. But before they can find the answer to that question—on top of the hunt they already have going on—they each must overcome the boundaries keeping them apart. Can they really do it?
Having read all of Becky Wade’s books, I can safely say that I absolutely love her work. This novel was no different from the others as far as that goes. Full of mystery, history, and romance, I could hardly put it down.
Nora was a relatable character for me, being a history major and bookworm myself, and her sisters were no less interesting. While this novel appeared to be separate from her Porter Family Series, Becky Wade left a little surprise in the novel, which made the two series have a loose connection. I was super excited to see this nugget, and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
All in all, if you love romance, mysteries, and all-around good books, you will love True to You.
P.S:I would also recommend reading the novella Then Came You before reading the novel, as it helps to give a lot of background information. However, if you do not read the novella, you will not be lost at all. The novel just adds dimension to the three sisters’ parents.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.