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Two Truths
Winner of the Firebird Book Award in two Women's Fiction and Magical Realism The truth lies at the heart of every great love. Alexis Chandler Leneghan is an author, wife, best friend, and self-described student of human nature who prides herself on maintaining the perfect home while also engaged in a whirlwind of writing and book promotions. While waiting for a friend to join her at lunch before a book signing, she has a chance encounter with a couple seated at a nearby table that tears her idyllic world apart. As Alexis attempts to make sense of what happened and move on with her life, she must first question everything she thought she knew about her marriage. With a lot of luck, a little magic, and her best friend by her side, Lexi is up to the task, but it won't be easy. To find the answer she seeks, Lexi must first retrace her husband's steps in two cities, open her heart to a total stranger, and ultimately suspend disbelief when she discovers the messy, mystical truth.
220 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 11, 2024
This isn't my usual sort of book, but I'm really glad I gave it a go! I found the premise to be intriguing, and Alexis' character didn't disappoint. This is a story that reminds us that while our point of view might always seem like the full story, it never truly is. It's also a book about complicated emotions and how perspective can blind us to what is really going on. This was a clever little novel, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story that will keep you on your toes and explore unique plot points!
March 4, 2024
I went in blind and didn’t know what to expect with this book.
But it caught me and held me. It made me cry.
And that ending. Oh that ending.
Like Lexi, I felt all the pain of betrayal and doubt and yet I wanted prove her husband innocent.
So many twists and turns and revelations and yet the pacing is just right.
Looking back now the cover makes so much sense.
Readers will find this book a clean read the revolves around best friend and family relationships in everyday situations. And yet, it manages to be so much more.
Highly recommend!
But it caught me and held me. It made me cry.
And that ending. Oh that ending.
Like Lexi, I felt all the pain of betrayal and doubt and yet I wanted prove her husband innocent.
So many twists and turns and revelations and yet the pacing is just right.
Looking back now the cover makes so much sense.
Readers will find this book a clean read the revolves around best friend and family relationships in everyday situations. And yet, it manages to be so much more.
Highly recommend!
February 23, 2024
An enjoyable read!
I found the plot of this book to be quite interesting and thought-provoking. From the very first chapter, I was intrigued and curious to see where the story would lead. As the plot unfolded, it surprised me in a good way. It was a beautiful, twisted, sad, yet heartwarming story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something like this.
I found the plot of this book to be quite interesting and thought-provoking. From the very first chapter, I was intrigued and curious to see where the story would lead. As the plot unfolded, it surprised me in a good way. It was a beautiful, twisted, sad, yet heartwarming story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something like this.
February 4, 2024
This book is part of Indie Visible Book Tours, therefore thank you to @hayley_a_writes and @emlynnmcdermott for giving me a free copy in exchange for a review.
Another heart warming and heart breaking book. It was so well written and powerful, one that will play on your mind for a while afterwards. I don't want to spoiler the premise of this book as a lot of things that happened were quite shocking and gave me goosebumps, I think other readers deserve to feel that too.
Lexi has pretty much everything going for her but her life takes a huge turn and she goes on a quest to get her answers. This storyline and everything that happens within it leaves you constantly questioning: what would I do if this happened to me? Do I understand this characters conflicted feelings and what she is doing? Would I do that?
Lexi is a very flawed character, there are many times you question her choices and her thought processes. I wouldn't say she was always that likeable. But this book does show her constantly developing and trying her best to change and do better. I also really liked Cammie, she was an excellent supportive friend, but she never held back from challenging her friend's thought processes and ideas. She was brutally honest in the way you'd need someone to be in this situation.
This has such a thoughtful and interesting premise and I very much recommend it. It is very sad, but heart warming too. It raises a lot of questions about society and how you can impact it for the better / or the worse. It also looks into moving forward with life and managing painful situations which we, at first, don't see ourselves coming back from. This book would make a fantastic book club discussion!
Another heart warming and heart breaking book. It was so well written and powerful, one that will play on your mind for a while afterwards. I don't want to spoiler the premise of this book as a lot of things that happened were quite shocking and gave me goosebumps, I think other readers deserve to feel that too.
Lexi has pretty much everything going for her but her life takes a huge turn and she goes on a quest to get her answers. This storyline and everything that happens within it leaves you constantly questioning: what would I do if this happened to me? Do I understand this characters conflicted feelings and what she is doing? Would I do that?
Lexi is a very flawed character, there are many times you question her choices and her thought processes. I wouldn't say she was always that likeable. But this book does show her constantly developing and trying her best to change and do better. I also really liked Cammie, she was an excellent supportive friend, but she never held back from challenging her friend's thought processes and ideas. She was brutally honest in the way you'd need someone to be in this situation.
This has such a thoughtful and interesting premise and I very much recommend it. It is very sad, but heart warming too. It raises a lot of questions about society and how you can impact it for the better / or the worse. It also looks into moving forward with life and managing painful situations which we, at first, don't see ourselves coming back from. This book would make a fantastic book club discussion!
January 31, 2025
Two Truths by Emlynn McDermott
The blurb of this book intrigued me and I wasn’t disappointed by the story. At its heart is Lexi’s search for the truth. While she is waiting for her best female friend in a restaurant, she hears her husband’s voice and sees him with another woman.
Lexi’s world turns upside down. She is determined to find the truth of the situation, but she discovers that the truth is subjective. There is always another truth.
I loved how the story developed. Weighed down by grief, loss, anger and despair, Lexi finds hope and a new life.
This is a wonderful story, something different. I would highly recommend it!
The blurb of this book intrigued me and I wasn’t disappointed by the story. At its heart is Lexi’s search for the truth. While she is waiting for her best female friend in a restaurant, she hears her husband’s voice and sees him with another woman.
Lexi’s world turns upside down. She is determined to find the truth of the situation, but she discovers that the truth is subjective. There is always another truth.
I loved how the story developed. Weighed down by grief, loss, anger and despair, Lexi finds hope and a new life.
This is a wonderful story, something different. I would highly recommend it!
February 7, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The author had me hooked on the first page! I became emotionally attached from the beginning, and that doesn't usually happen to me when I read a book. I felt like I was right there with the main character, Lexi, experiencing what she was going through. I felt all of the emotions: fear, anger, frustration, despair, sadness, loss, love, hope, and happiness. This is a wonderful story of love, loss, and finding the truth with a touch a magical realism that is the icing on the cake. Definitely recommend!
February 6, 2024
Two Truths by Emlynn Mcdermott is a wonderful story about a woman's pursuit of the truth. I loved the flawed female characters that truly grew along the story.
The pacing was contemplative and insightful through the journey. I was invested in Lexi's story, and while she started pretentious, circumstances made her face those preconceived notions. If you love women's fiction with strong friendship between women and a bit of mystery and fantastical elements, then this is for you!
The pacing was contemplative and insightful through the journey. I was invested in Lexi's story, and while she started pretentious, circumstances made her face those preconceived notions. If you love women's fiction with strong friendship between women and a bit of mystery and fantastical elements, then this is for you!
January 9, 2024
I admit I’m biased. The author and I are walking buddies. We have spent countless hours discussing the issues of the world while we get in our steps. She’s truly an intelligent human being with a gentle heart.
I enjoy crafts, so I don’t really read fiction. My friend gifted me a copy of her book Two Truths; mine is autographed and has two stickers. As I read about Lexi and her marriage, I thought about my friend’s devotion to her husband. Early in the plot Lexi is confronted with a mystery and a tragedy. Emlynn does a great job of helping Lexi find her answers.
I enjoy crafts, so I don’t really read fiction. My friend gifted me a copy of her book Two Truths; mine is autographed and has two stickers. As I read about Lexi and her marriage, I thought about my friend’s devotion to her husband. Early in the plot Lexi is confronted with a mystery and a tragedy. Emlynn does a great job of helping Lexi find her answers.
January 2, 2024
Two Truths by Emlynn McDermott is a beautiful blend of women's fiction, approachable literary fiction, with a subtle and carefully curated slice of magical realism.
It was the perfect novel to begin a brand new year, as it's very much about missed connections, perspective, love, friendship and trust.
We have have all been in those moments in life where something devastates us so swiftly that it feels near impossible to breathe and then comes the heartbreaking discovery where we retrace our steps and try our best to pick up the pieces.
In short, this novel filled the well and made me care deeply about a realistic love story between Lexie and Jon that began with betrayal, then tragedy and ended in hope for the future. If you enjoy novels that reflect the immense challenges of life, love, and loss, this one will hit home for you. Well done!
It was the perfect novel to begin a brand new year, as it's very much about missed connections, perspective, love, friendship and trust.
We have have all been in those moments in life where something devastates us so swiftly that it feels near impossible to breathe and then comes the heartbreaking discovery where we retrace our steps and try our best to pick up the pieces.
In short, this novel filled the well and made me care deeply about a realistic love story between Lexie and Jon that began with betrayal, then tragedy and ended in hope for the future. If you enjoy novels that reflect the immense challenges of life, love, and loss, this one will hit home for you. Well done!
March 12, 2024
a work about the meaning of charity
Two Truths is a wonderfully convoluted story where the narrator herself is unclear on which parts of her life are true and which false. As the story unwinds, the reader finds themself believing in first one version, then another, and another of what really happened (keeping it vague to avoid spoilers!) — until the author masterfully wraps everything up into an ending that was almost impossible to predict.
Yet that isn’t the end of this book’s charms. With its hints of magical realism and Egyptian mythology, atop depictions of privilege and poverty and a sort of American genealogical pride, delves into what it means to really live. What it really means to build a life that matters, that makes a difference, that leaves a mark upon the world. I myself was left with some deep questions to ponder.
And, to top it off, this entire story is told from the witty and analytical perspective of a woman who is an author herself. Her narration was a delight.
I’m going to need to check out more books from this author!
Two Truths is a wonderfully convoluted story where the narrator herself is unclear on which parts of her life are true and which false. As the story unwinds, the reader finds themself believing in first one version, then another, and another of what really happened (keeping it vague to avoid spoilers!) — until the author masterfully wraps everything up into an ending that was almost impossible to predict.
Yet that isn’t the end of this book’s charms. With its hints of magical realism and Egyptian mythology, atop depictions of privilege and poverty and a sort of American genealogical pride, delves into what it means to really live. What it really means to build a life that matters, that makes a difference, that leaves a mark upon the world. I myself was left with some deep questions to ponder.
And, to top it off, this entire story is told from the witty and analytical perspective of a woman who is an author herself. Her narration was a delight.
I’m going to need to check out more books from this author!
May 19, 2024
I personally felt this book was very much the perception of, "Don't know what you have until it's gone."
Lexi loses her husband in a tragic accident before she has had time to ask him about a certain "moment" she witnessed. The story follows Lexi as she tries to unravel the mystery. Throughout, I wanted to help her prove her husband's innocence.
The book is thought provoking in the essence that what you see is not always what you perceive.
It's a woman's fiction book about mystery, class divide, relationships, and personal growth. And the ending was wonderful.
Lexi loses her husband in a tragic accident before she has had time to ask him about a certain "moment" she witnessed. The story follows Lexi as she tries to unravel the mystery. Throughout, I wanted to help her prove her husband's innocence.
The book is thought provoking in the essence that what you see is not always what you perceive.
It's a woman's fiction book about mystery, class divide, relationships, and personal growth. And the ending was wonderful.
August 23, 2024
a little slow, but good otherwise
I found this on indie boomtown on Instagram and it had its slow moments, but it was interesting to see the journey of a woman in the upper echelon who looks down on people coming to terms with her snobbery and learning not to judge others. I recommend it.
I found this on indie boomtown on Instagram and it had its slow moments, but it was interesting to see the journey of a woman in the upper echelon who looks down on people coming to terms with her snobbery and learning not to judge others. I recommend it.
February 22, 2024
This has a touching storyline and realistic, believable characters (you understand why they reacted as such). This isn't a genre I tend to read, but I enjoyed how everything came together and made sense by the end.
February 8, 2024
I found this story entertaining due to the interesting main character, Lexie who comes from a wealthy family and is totally in love with her husband, Jon.
One day, she sits in a restaurant while waiting to have lunch with her best friend, Cammie when she hears Jon’s voice. She spots him sitting at another table across from a young woman whose face is hidden. The woman leans forward to kiss her husband, telling him she wished they’d met sooner. Shocked and devastated, believing her husband is having an affair, Lexie rushes off to her book signing event and decides to put it behind her while she attends her author event.
Tragedy and circumstances beyond her control lead her to a fact-finding mission as she searches high and low to discover the truth about her husband and his myriad of secrets.
I love the humour between Lexie and Cammie who seem to get annoyed with each other often, but they have each other’s backs and eventually resolve their differences.
Whilst travelling, she finds out new things about her husband and keeps thinking about how he never truly loved her the way he had claimed. Her world no longer makes sense, believing that the love of her life had deceived her.
Lexi’s adventures result in character change as she realises she wants to be a more giving person, similar to Cammie who helps out those less fortunate than herself.
What Lexie comes across makes her realise new things about herself and her life as she grows through her discoveries, and considers herself to be less of a snob, by volunteering at a shelter and opening herself up to a stranger.
Generally, this story is entertaining and mysterious, featuring themes of friendship, grief and loss, love, helping those in need, survival, wealth, and general poverty.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages, eager to find out the truth. I highly recommend this story.
One day, she sits in a restaurant while waiting to have lunch with her best friend, Cammie when she hears Jon’s voice. She spots him sitting at another table across from a young woman whose face is hidden. The woman leans forward to kiss her husband, telling him she wished they’d met sooner. Shocked and devastated, believing her husband is having an affair, Lexie rushes off to her book signing event and decides to put it behind her while she attends her author event.
Tragedy and circumstances beyond her control lead her to a fact-finding mission as she searches high and low to discover the truth about her husband and his myriad of secrets.
I love the humour between Lexie and Cammie who seem to get annoyed with each other often, but they have each other’s backs and eventually resolve their differences.
Whilst travelling, she finds out new things about her husband and keeps thinking about how he never truly loved her the way he had claimed. Her world no longer makes sense, believing that the love of her life had deceived her.
Lexi’s adventures result in character change as she realises she wants to be a more giving person, similar to Cammie who helps out those less fortunate than herself.
What Lexie comes across makes her realise new things about herself and her life as she grows through her discoveries, and considers herself to be less of a snob, by volunteering at a shelter and opening herself up to a stranger.
Generally, this story is entertaining and mysterious, featuring themes of friendship, grief and loss, love, helping those in need, survival, wealth, and general poverty.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages, eager to find out the truth. I highly recommend this story.
May 23, 2025
Lexi has it all. She’s a bestselling author living in a big house. Her handsome husband, a successful dental surgeon, loves her. Life is perfect. Or is it? Everything changes for Lexi within 24 hours when her husband suddenly dies shortly after she sees him with another woman. Her world is shattered. Lexi’s best friend Cammie helps her investigate what was really going on in her husband’s life. Who is the woman? What other secrets did he keep from her? They travel to Pittsburg, where her husband volunteered his services for dental patients in need. But Lexi finds more questions than answers. Cammie tries to draw Lexi out of her fixation over her husband’s secrets, but Lexi must find out. "Two Truths" by Emlynn McDermott is an emotional novel that brings up issues of trust, friendship, and family. I could feel the heartbreak and pain Lexi was going to as she struggles to make sense of her new reality. I also enjoyed how the author wove a travelogue into the story as the characters visited different sites in Pittsburg. This well-written novel was a fast read, but at the same time, it made me pause to reflect on the characters and their lives.
July 18, 2024
Two Truths is a well written novel that pulled me in right from the start. The characters are multi-layered, and the pacing is fantastic! Two Truths is a well written novel that pulled me in right from the start. The characters are multi-layered, and the pacing is fantastic! This book held my interest to the very end.
I really enjoyed the balance between the mystery and relationship aspects of the story. The two halves were brilliantly intertwined. That can be a tough balance and it seems some authors sacrifice one in favor of the other. Not so here. They complement each other and both move the plot along.
I felt that the way the protagonist, Lexi, dealt with her emotions was very realistic and relatable.
There’s an examination of relationships within this story: heart and soul, what truly matters when all is said and done. So, this works as women's fiction too.
This is definitely in one of my top five mystery reads as I like lots of characterization, relationships, and not just solving a mystery or crime.
I would absolutely read more from this talented author!
I really enjoyed the balance between the mystery and relationship aspects of the story. The two halves were brilliantly intertwined. That can be a tough balance and it seems some authors sacrifice one in favor of the other. Not so here. They complement each other and both move the plot along.
I felt that the way the protagonist, Lexi, dealt with her emotions was very realistic and relatable.
There’s an examination of relationships within this story: heart and soul, what truly matters when all is said and done. So, this works as women's fiction too.
This is definitely in one of my top five mystery reads as I like lots of characterization, relationships, and not just solving a mystery or crime.
I would absolutely read more from this talented author!
April 20, 2024
Just when you think your life is going great, it makes a surprising turn. Make that two surprising turns for our FMC, Lexi. She is hit with two unexpected and unfortunate plot twists that leave her feeling contradicted about her love for her husband.
The story unfolds at a nonabrasive pace giving time to the readers to soak in every scene. Author Emlynn's writing style is wholesome and even if one doesn't read mystery books, they will enjoy this one. It has reminiscing, mourning, and investigating. Lexi vacillates between extreme feelings as her quest to get to the bottom of a scene she witnesses at the start of the story continues. The end is satisfying, and I was happy to an extent one can be considering the circumstances! (You have to read it to see what I am talking about).
This book has a mature undertone with sensible characters that drive the plotline in a seasoned manner. It was refreshing for sure. If you are in search of some levelheaded piece of literary work, pick this one up. You will not be disappointed!
The story unfolds at a nonabrasive pace giving time to the readers to soak in every scene. Author Emlynn's writing style is wholesome and even if one doesn't read mystery books, they will enjoy this one. It has reminiscing, mourning, and investigating. Lexi vacillates between extreme feelings as her quest to get to the bottom of a scene she witnesses at the start of the story continues. The end is satisfying, and I was happy to an extent one can be considering the circumstances! (You have to read it to see what I am talking about).
This book has a mature undertone with sensible characters that drive the plotline in a seasoned manner. It was refreshing for sure. If you are in search of some levelheaded piece of literary work, pick this one up. You will not be disappointed!
November 28, 2024
Two Truths by EmLynn McDermott is a heartwarming contemporary mystery about love, loss, friendship, service, and self-discovery. Meet Lexie and Cammie, two contrasting female characters, one -- a bit of a highbrow and the other -- down-to-earth. They bring the best out in each other and when a search for a mystery woman reveals the unexpected, Lexie learns with a little help from her friend, that things aren’t always as they seem.
The book sheds light on the idea that action speaks louder than words, or as a supporting character in Chapter 14 likes to call it, “doing does the most good.” Some of my favorite things about this novel are the symbolism, character arc, detailed descriptions of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the satisfying ending that had me teary-eyed. Two Truths is an easy fast paced read and highly recommended for mystery lovers of all ages.
The book sheds light on the idea that action speaks louder than words, or as a supporting character in Chapter 14 likes to call it, “doing does the most good.” Some of my favorite things about this novel are the symbolism, character arc, detailed descriptions of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the satisfying ending that had me teary-eyed. Two Truths is an easy fast paced read and highly recommended for mystery lovers of all ages.
May 20, 2024
What a lovely read. There is a very sad and emotional element to the story but its written so well you just get caught up in what's going on. There are also uplifting parts of the story about friendship and resilience and a few twists along the way. I don't want to say too much about it because I felt like I was on the journey with Lexi throughout the book while she discovered things about her husband, her life and herself and don't want to ruin that for anyone else. I really enjoyed this one and would definitely read more from emlynn Mcdermott
May 16, 2024
Rarely does a mystery novel come along that keeps me guessing until the very end like Emlynn McDermot's "Two Truths." This novel is an absolute gem in the mystery genre. From the very first page, I found myself completely immersed in Lexi's world, feeling every bit of her pain and determination.
McDermot's writing is so vivid and emotionally resilient that I couldn't help but stay up late into the night, anxious to uncover the truth alongside Lexi.
What sets this book apart is its depth; it's not just a whodunit, but a journey of self-discovery and understanding.
The characters feel incredibly real. They are flawed yet relatable, and their growth throughout the story is both moving and authentic. And that ending – it's nothing short of perfection, tying up loose ends while still leaving room for contemplation. It made me cry and has stayed with me.
"Two Truths" is a masterpiece that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. I highly recommend this book and would give it a 10-star rating if possible.
My new favorite quote, "The truth lies at the heart of every great love."
McDermot's writing is so vivid and emotionally resilient that I couldn't help but stay up late into the night, anxious to uncover the truth alongside Lexi.
What sets this book apart is its depth; it's not just a whodunit, but a journey of self-discovery and understanding.
The characters feel incredibly real. They are flawed yet relatable, and their growth throughout the story is both moving and authentic. And that ending – it's nothing short of perfection, tying up loose ends while still leaving room for contemplation. It made me cry and has stayed with me.
"Two Truths" is a masterpiece that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. I highly recommend this book and would give it a 10-star rating if possible.
My new favorite quote, "The truth lies at the heart of every great love."
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews