True to Me by Kay Bratt, book one in her By the Sea series, is the first book I’ve devoured this quickly since the pandemic. I realize, after trial and error, that I’m no longer an avid reader of print or digital books. Listening to True to Me in audible was an exceptional experience. It was the perfect book to get me out of my reading/listening funk.
Why was this book in my TBR? I had stacked up numerous audible credits over the last year, struggling to find something I wanted to read/listen to. This book came across my audible suggestions feed. After realizing it was the start of a series, and by a favorite author, I hit the ‘buy with credits’ button very quickly in January 2023. It had been on my wish list since it published in December 2019. It suited our Getaway topic perfectly for the 2023 TBR (to be read) Challenge, taking place in Maui where I’ve always wanted to explore.
A complicated story of grief and deception in its rawest form, True to Me wasn’t as sad as it might sound. Joy, self-discovery, personal-growth, and healing for a wide range of characters made this book a mostly joyful experience. Great character developments make them so real that you just have to release some emotion during their journey.
The main character, Quinn, starts off as a woman lacking confidence due to a controlling relationship. Her growth as she learns the truth about herself, her family, and her fiancé is very well done. As someone who experienced growth after mental abuse, I can say I felt very well-connected to Quinn’s journey.
That said, I admit frustration with her lack of self worth at times, as well as being a bit whimpy, but I was pleased with her growth by the end. Quinn becomes someone I admire, not only by her sense of self-worth, but her good sense on how she paces her future.
I loved all the twists and turns. There were some great surprises and that’s why I classify this as a mystery as well as contemporary fiction with romance elements. Anyone who loves the chase of genealogy should particularly enjoy this story.
True to Me is very much a rich love story, but not a romance in the traditional sense. It is an engaging happy-for-now, with room for happy-ever-after predictions. And, there were several examples of love in all its different forms, so this becomes a feel-good book in the midst of all its emotion. For those who like a clean romance, this one should satisfy.
I cried several times due to the raw emotion of several characters, including tears of joy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a getaway from the norm, in a paradise immersed in the traditions of Maui. True to Me is high on my list of favorite books. Kay Bratt remains one of my favorite authors for a great getaway. Sarah Mollo-Christensen is a believable narrator who is easy to listen to and I enjoyed her acting. Put this one on your pile, or any of Kay Bratt’s novels. I’ve enjoyed several.
Note: Anyone can join our monthly challenge hosted by @SuperWendy. Just head to her site and sign up so we can follow you. Or, use the hashtag #TBRChallenge on social media to seek out and contribute to the conversations.
A note for TBR Challenge members – yes, I’m trying to get back at it this year. Last year I read a book a month for the challenge, but never posted a review. I hope to make old habits a new reality this year. Feels good to be back. 🙂
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. An Audible copy was purchased. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media. #TBRChallenge #RomBkBlog
True to Me: A By the Sea Novel, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Kay Bratt (Author), Sarah Mollo-Christensen (Narrator), Brilliance Audio (Publisher)
Category: Contemporary Fiction with Romance Elements, Mystery
AISN: B07ZS4KG7Q
Rated 5 out of 5, Recommended
