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Truth Be Told
Wild West Romance and Mystery from Carol Cox
When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father's newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father's revealing articles about Great Western Investment
Company's business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements.
Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father's notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can't seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company.
The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia's father's claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it's probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn't about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they've discovered before Great Western silences them for good.
When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father's newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father's revealing articles about Great Western Investment
Company's business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements.
Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father's notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can't seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company.
The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia's father's claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it's probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn't about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they've discovered before Great Western silences them for good.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2014
22 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Carol Cox
61 books172 followersCarol Cox has an abiding love for history and romance, especially when it’s set in her native Southwest. As a third-generation Arizonan, she takes a keen interest in the Old West and hopes to make it live again in the hearts of her readers. A pastor’s wife, Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where the deer and the antelope really do play—within view of the family’s front porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 18, 2018
What's really up with the Great Western? Ben, the employee, doesn't think there's anything amiss with his employer's venture to begin hydraulic mining in a small town near Prescott, Arizona. But reporter Amelia's father was sure there's something more than meets the eye about the company.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced read as the two attempt to discover what's really going on in their community. It's sat on my shelf way too long and it was high time I blasted through such a delightful early 1900s Western tale.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced read as the two attempt to discover what's really going on in their community. It's sat on my shelf way too long and it was high time I blasted through such a delightful early 1900s Western tale.
January 17, 2022
This was an easy, quick read for me. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery, and I also liked how the romance wasn't the main focus to the story. It really was just a fun, historical mystery. My only reason for the three stars is because of the writing style. I sometimes felt like the story wasn't being propelled forward enough, or it became a little repetitive. Overall, though, I enjoyed my time with this book and really appreciated the faith themes presented throughout the story.
March 10, 2017
An intriguing mystery set in the fictional late 1800s town Granite Springs. I love stories involving the newspaper world and this one had me hooked from start to finish. I thought the main character, Amelia Wagner, was sometimes too impulsive, but she grows throughout the book and realizes her mistakes. An enjoyable and exciting story!
January 31, 2024
Carol Cox is such an underrated author! Why aren’t more people talking about her books??? They’re so good!!! This was my third book by her and I loved it just as much as Trouble in Store or Love in Disguise.
This author has such an easy, readable writing style too. I really like the way she writes.
Anyway, onto the review.
I really liked this one! This book follows Amelia, who has come to the small Arizona town where her father lives to help him run his newspaper. Her father has printed some stories hinting at some underhanded business practices by a local company and they want a retraction printed. Amelia wants to bring the truth to light (hence the title!).
What I love about this author’s books (at least the three I’ve read so far) is that her stories have a mystery element to them, as well as action and excitement.
The romance was cute and fun, especially since they are at odds a lot of the time. I also really liked the side characters like Homer and little Jimmy, and especially Martin (he was so sweet to Amelia).
Overall I had a great time with this one and I want to read more by this author!
This author has such an easy, readable writing style too. I really like the way she writes.
Anyway, onto the review.
I really liked this one! This book follows Amelia, who has come to the small Arizona town where her father lives to help him run his newspaper. Her father has printed some stories hinting at some underhanded business practices by a local company and they want a retraction printed. Amelia wants to bring the truth to light (hence the title!).
What I love about this author’s books (at least the three I’ve read so far) is that her stories have a mystery element to them, as well as action and excitement.
The romance was cute and fun, especially since they are at odds a lot of the time. I also really liked the side characters like Homer and little Jimmy, and especially Martin (he was so sweet to Amelia).
Overall I had a great time with this one and I want to read more by this author!
November 4, 2025
This was a fun story, and I enjoyed reading it. The author did a good job building up the mystery and revealing what was really going on.
July 30, 2014
Trying new authors always suggests there is some kind of “risk” involved. Either we’ll walk away with a beautiful new story to fill our minds for times to come and a new favorite pen to share about with friends or we come away disappointed. Whatever the case, sometimes the happy medium is just enjoying an easy story. This book, the third from Carol Cox’s Bethany House line of novels, introduces us to Amelia Wagner, a smart, opinionated daughter of a journalist father. Ever since her parent’s separation, Amelia has lived with her mother in the city, enjoying every advantage most society girls dream of. Only Amelia isn’t like most girls. She’d rather follow in her father’s footsteps and when she returns to Arizona to learn that her father is ill and soon after he dies, she decides to take up not just his mantle but also the story he was chasing about the Great Western company – a story that leads her straight into the path of Ben Stone, a “company man,” who has his own task to accomplish.
Considering I’d never read any of Carol’s books (I own her prior two), I thought it’d be fun to give one of her novels a shot. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get interested in this one. It has a nice message and some of the morals it explores are interesting, there just didn’t seem to be the same kind of depth that most of its peers do. For starters the characters didn’t shine. Amelia has a moment in the beginning when she puts a young flirt in his place – something that instantly had me liking her and expecting a spunky girl, so the further I read into the story, the more I expected I’d be fond of her character only she never really become “real” beyond that point. Same goes for Ben. Sure, I liked him and respected him for respecting Amelia, but again, he never really “came off the page,” which is something we should search for and not unrealistically expect of a good novel.
What is interesting is the embedded message in this novel about searching for and following our convictions of truth no matter where it leads. In this, there was no disconnect, however the plot overshadowed the ability for the reader to connect with its protagonists. Amelia’s journey led her to the right place, which is nothing to undermine and while I have no intention of doing that, in some ways, the greatest of her strengths was also the overall downfall of the idea. With little time left in the story, there is some breath-catching will-they-or-won’t-they in determining if a dire situation will be resolved with a happier conclusion. There are some cute bits of banter including a consistently interrupted kiss. If you like the western genre or the popular, Mary Connealy, check into Truth be Told. It just may be the summer read you are looking for.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing this book.
Considering I’d never read any of Carol’s books (I own her prior two), I thought it’d be fun to give one of her novels a shot. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get interested in this one. It has a nice message and some of the morals it explores are interesting, there just didn’t seem to be the same kind of depth that most of its peers do. For starters the characters didn’t shine. Amelia has a moment in the beginning when she puts a young flirt in his place – something that instantly had me liking her and expecting a spunky girl, so the further I read into the story, the more I expected I’d be fond of her character only she never really become “real” beyond that point. Same goes for Ben. Sure, I liked him and respected him for respecting Amelia, but again, he never really “came off the page,” which is something we should search for and not unrealistically expect of a good novel.
What is interesting is the embedded message in this novel about searching for and following our convictions of truth no matter where it leads. In this, there was no disconnect, however the plot overshadowed the ability for the reader to connect with its protagonists. Amelia’s journey led her to the right place, which is nothing to undermine and while I have no intention of doing that, in some ways, the greatest of her strengths was also the overall downfall of the idea. With little time left in the story, there is some breath-catching will-they-or-won’t-they in determining if a dire situation will be resolved with a happier conclusion. There are some cute bits of banter including a consistently interrupted kiss. If you like the western genre or the popular, Mary Connealy, check into Truth be Told. It just may be the summer read you are looking for.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing this book.
July 15, 2014
I loved Truth Be Told! Author Carol Cox has once again crafted a story filled with intrigue, mystery, and romance. Set in 1893 in the small town of Granite Springs, AZ, we meet Amelia Wagner when she comes to town to visit her father. Within a short time, her father passes away, and she inherits the Granite Springs Gazette, becoming the owner and editor of the small town’s newspaper. Her first order of business is to find out what’s going on behind the scenes at The Great Western Investment Company. Notes, files, and printed articles left behind by her father, the only clues that something is amiss within the land company. And while checking into the clues, Amelia must keep her eye on the handsome Ben Stone, an employee of Great Western who keeps trying to get into her good graces, hoping that she’ll print a retraction for the articles that her father had written about the company. But when Ben keeps hanging around, Amelia decides to ask for his help and the two of them join forces to find out what’s really going on. And the effort could prove deadly for both of them.
I totally enjoyed this book. I loved the sweet, growing romance between Amelia and Ben. Also, the way Carol added in the touch of mystery that she does so well in each of her stories. And the Gospel was expertly threaded through the storyline. Well done, Carol!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.)
I totally enjoyed this book. I loved the sweet, growing romance between Amelia and Ben. Also, the way Carol added in the touch of mystery that she does so well in each of her stories. And the Gospel was expertly threaded through the storyline. Well done, Carol!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.)
June 29, 2014
After tragically losing her father, Amelia Wagner stays on in the small town of Granite Springs to run his beloved paper.
It's 1893 and Amelia is expected, by her mother, to sell the press/newspaper and return to Denver, leaving the Arizona lifestyle behind her. But Amelia is not one to cowtail to peer pressure and the fact her mother wants the young woman to get married is also a good point not to move back. Instead she is determined to use her experience of working with her father, her journalistic skills and the aide of her father's good friend Homer to run the paper.
Perhaps in particular she would rather avoid being with her mother and her new husband. One Thaddeus Graystone - an utterly and disagreeable man.
Before he died, her father had written several articles about the Great Western Investment Company. The owner, one Owen Merrick, demands a retraction as he believes the articles put the GWIC in a bad light. Amelia reads the articles and knowing her father's ethos of only writing the truth, refuses. But her curiosity is wakened and she begins her own investigations. However, Benjamin Stone, employee of GWIC, is assigned a special task of befriending Miss. Wagner in the hopes that she will print a retraction.
As the friendship grows they bother uncover, not only their attraction for each other, but that there is something that Owen Merrick doesn't want revealed. Information that will have serious implications for Granite Springs. Can Amelia and Benjamin bring to light the truth without any harm coming to them? And how can she avoid seeing the lecherous Thaddeus who may be involved? But more importantly will this story cause the two young people to stray from God's intention.
Cox's love of history resonates loudly throughout the novel. Her brave, vibrant lead, Amelia, is a breath of fresh air in the small Arizona town. But she doesn't have airs or graces, the townsfolk like and respect her and firmly believe she will continue her father's good work. The romance is subtle and never detracts from the main storyline - finding out the truth.
With a gently, easy style of writing and imagery, the book is an easy read. The plot is absorbing and the references to the printing press fascinating. Overall a great book that gives some insight into how difficult it would have been for a woman standing up for what she believes in. A recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
It's 1893 and Amelia is expected, by her mother, to sell the press/newspaper and return to Denver, leaving the Arizona lifestyle behind her. But Amelia is not one to cowtail to peer pressure and the fact her mother wants the young woman to get married is also a good point not to move back. Instead she is determined to use her experience of working with her father, her journalistic skills and the aide of her father's good friend Homer to run the paper.
Perhaps in particular she would rather avoid being with her mother and her new husband. One Thaddeus Graystone - an utterly and disagreeable man.
Before he died, her father had written several articles about the Great Western Investment Company. The owner, one Owen Merrick, demands a retraction as he believes the articles put the GWIC in a bad light. Amelia reads the articles and knowing her father's ethos of only writing the truth, refuses. But her curiosity is wakened and she begins her own investigations. However, Benjamin Stone, employee of GWIC, is assigned a special task of befriending Miss. Wagner in the hopes that she will print a retraction.
As the friendship grows they bother uncover, not only their attraction for each other, but that there is something that Owen Merrick doesn't want revealed. Information that will have serious implications for Granite Springs. Can Amelia and Benjamin bring to light the truth without any harm coming to them? And how can she avoid seeing the lecherous Thaddeus who may be involved? But more importantly will this story cause the two young people to stray from God's intention.
Cox's love of history resonates loudly throughout the novel. Her brave, vibrant lead, Amelia, is a breath of fresh air in the small Arizona town. But she doesn't have airs or graces, the townsfolk like and respect her and firmly believe she will continue her father's good work. The romance is subtle and never detracts from the main storyline - finding out the truth.
With a gently, easy style of writing and imagery, the book is an easy read. The plot is absorbing and the references to the printing press fascinating. Overall a great book that gives some insight into how difficult it would have been for a woman standing up for what she believes in. A recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
June 23, 2014
Carol Cox in her new book “Truth Be Told” published by Bethany House Publishers takes us into the life of Amelia Wagner.
From the back cover: Sometimes the truth can be dangerous…
When Amelia Wagner takes over her father’s newspaper in 1893 Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper’s commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have serious consequences. Her father’s revealing articles about the Great Western Investment Company have caught the attention of the wrong people, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father’s statements.
Determined to find out the real story, Amelia begins her own investigation. She’s joined by Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who’s been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company, a man Amelia finds both perplexing and intriguing.
What they uncover stuns them both–and has far-reaching implications for not only Ben and Amelia but all of Granite Springs. Can they reveal the truth before the enemy finds a way to silence them for good?
Corporate corruption, greed, deceit and skillful manipulation are just some of the ingredients in “Truth Be Told”. Ms. Cox always delivers a high energy story and she is just a terrific author I look forward to each and every book of hers. A small town newspaper takes on the Great Western Investment Company. If the great Jimmy Stewart had been a woman then he would be playing Amelia. This is the kind of story that Hollywood used to turn out when they actually made good movies. Be nice if they made this into a movie with great actors. Murder, mystery, intrigue, peril in a page turning adventure. The small town of Granite Springs, Arizona and the people who live there become real and are brought to life by a gifted storyteller. On top of everything Ms. Cox has also given us a romance. I really liked “Truth Be Told” and I look forward to more stories from the very talented Ms. Cox.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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.”
From the back cover: Sometimes the truth can be dangerous…
When Amelia Wagner takes over her father’s newspaper in 1893 Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper’s commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have serious consequences. Her father’s revealing articles about the Great Western Investment Company have caught the attention of the wrong people, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father’s statements.
Determined to find out the real story, Amelia begins her own investigation. She’s joined by Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who’s been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company, a man Amelia finds both perplexing and intriguing.
What they uncover stuns them both–and has far-reaching implications for not only Ben and Amelia but all of Granite Springs. Can they reveal the truth before the enemy finds a way to silence them for good?
Corporate corruption, greed, deceit and skillful manipulation are just some of the ingredients in “Truth Be Told”. Ms. Cox always delivers a high energy story and she is just a terrific author I look forward to each and every book of hers. A small town newspaper takes on the Great Western Investment Company. If the great Jimmy Stewart had been a woman then he would be playing Amelia. This is the kind of story that Hollywood used to turn out when they actually made good movies. Be nice if they made this into a movie with great actors. Murder, mystery, intrigue, peril in a page turning adventure. The small town of Granite Springs, Arizona and the people who live there become real and are brought to life by a gifted storyteller. On top of everything Ms. Cox has also given us a romance. I really liked “Truth Be Told” and I look forward to more stories from the very talented Ms. Cox.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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.”
June 24, 2014
Truth Be Told
Carol Cox
Book Summary: Wild West Romance and Mystery. When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father's newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father's revealing articles about Great Western Investment. Company’s business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements. Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father's notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can't seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company. The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia's father's claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it's probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn't about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they've discovered before Great Western silences them for good.
Review: This is the first, but not last book by Carol Cox that I have read. I enjoyed getting to know Amelia and Ben. The sadness of Amelia loosing her father at the start was hard, but realistic. The Great Western thing was realistic for the most part, although Owen Merrick, in my opinion, could have been a little more slick. Since he had someone do all his dirty work it would have been more realistic. Clara, Martin, Jimmy, and Homer were good secondary characters that helped move the story along. The mystery was not so mysterious and that was disappointing. Overall I liked the writing style. Ms. Cox did well painting a picture of the town and the surrounding areas. The newspaper aspect was a great hook to draw me into the story. The newspaper office was realistic and interesting to think of all that went into printing a newspaper.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Carol Cox
Book Summary: Wild West Romance and Mystery. When Amelia Wagner takes over the running of her father's newspaper in Granite Springs, Arizona, she vows to carry on the paper's commitment to reporting only the truth. But Amelia soon learns that even the truth can have consequences. Her father's revealing articles about Great Western Investment. Company’s business methods have caught the notice of the wrong person, and pressure mounts for Amelia to retract her father's statements. Determined to find the truth, Amelia goes through her father's notes and begins to interview members of the community. She can't seem to shake Benjamin Stone, a Great Western employee who's been assigned to keep tabs on her for the good of the company. The more Ben and Amelia learn, the more Amelia's father's claims appear to be accurate. In fact, it's probably worse than he realized. Even Ben is beginning to wonder if he's become a pawn in the workings of a corrupt empire. But Great Western isn't about to stand for a female reporter and one of their own men bringing down their lucrative schemes. Working against time, and never knowing what danger lurks around the next corner, Ben and Amelia set out to reveal all they've discovered before Great Western silences them for good.
Review: This is the first, but not last book by Carol Cox that I have read. I enjoyed getting to know Amelia and Ben. The sadness of Amelia loosing her father at the start was hard, but realistic. The Great Western thing was realistic for the most part, although Owen Merrick, in my opinion, could have been a little more slick. Since he had someone do all his dirty work it would have been more realistic. Clara, Martin, Jimmy, and Homer were good secondary characters that helped move the story along. The mystery was not so mysterious and that was disappointing. Overall I liked the writing style. Ms. Cox did well painting a picture of the town and the surrounding areas. The newspaper aspect was a great hook to draw me into the story. The newspaper office was realistic and interesting to think of all that went into printing a newspaper.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
June 21, 2014
This is the second novel that I've read from Carol Cox and I'm enamored with her writing style. In Truth Be Told, she paints a picture with her words to describe rich detail of the time period. It's as if you are walking the very streets she is writing about! Her characters of Amelia and Ben are rich with character and style and their ensuing relationship blossoms with grace.
Amelia arrives via train to Granite Springs to work with her father on their newspaper but soon finds herself on her own. She holds fast to her father's words to seek only the truth, including in journalism and writing. She soon encounters a sweet and wonderful man working for the Great Western Investment Company, the catalyst of this novel, which ends up being very company she ends up investigating! The twists and turns of the plot make this book as wonderful as it does page-turning. Their attraction to each other is evident from the beginning but they are not able to be together due to various events and individuals that keep them apart. This book is so refreshing in it's inclusion of cowboys and the great wild west, simplicity of life, murder, mystery, intrigue, friendships found and lost, and love finding a way through adversity and trial.
I adore the intertwined faith that fills these wonderful pages.
The inclusion of scriptures and prayers that the characters say is refreshing! This book is romance done right!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House, a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review.
Amelia arrives via train to Granite Springs to work with her father on their newspaper but soon finds herself on her own. She holds fast to her father's words to seek only the truth, including in journalism and writing. She soon encounters a sweet and wonderful man working for the Great Western Investment Company, the catalyst of this novel, which ends up being very company she ends up investigating! The twists and turns of the plot make this book as wonderful as it does page-turning. Their attraction to each other is evident from the beginning but they are not able to be together due to various events and individuals that keep them apart. This book is so refreshing in it's inclusion of cowboys and the great wild west, simplicity of life, murder, mystery, intrigue, friendships found and lost, and love finding a way through adversity and trial.
I adore the intertwined faith that fills these wonderful pages.
The inclusion of scriptures and prayers that the characters say is refreshing! This book is romance done right!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House, a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review.
April 16, 2015
I love the mysterious aspect to Carol Cox’s novels. Mysteries have always intrigued me but for some reason I don’t read a lot of them.
In Truth Be Told, Amelia is arrives in Arizona for what she thinks will be a nice visit with her father. But what she doesn’t expect is to arrive and find her father on his deathbed and the newspaper now left in her hands. Amelia is determined to fulfill the motto of the newspaper in only telling the truth. What Amelia soon finds out is that she’s been left with a big mess with the Great Western Investment Company. Her father wrote some articles that the company did not appreciate and now they want Amelia to print a reprieve. This sets Amelia off on the quest for the truth of what’s really going on with the Great Western Investment.
Benjamin Stone has been tasked by the Great Western Investment to keep tabs on Amelia. As Amelia uncovers revealing facts about the Great Western Investment, Benjamin questions whether he is really loyal to his company.
An intriguing novel that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages until you know what’s going to happen. The author did a great job of drawing you in. I have enjoyed Carol Cox’s novels and look forward to seeing what novels she writes in the future.
I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
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In Truth Be Told, Amelia is arrives in Arizona for what she thinks will be a nice visit with her father. But what she doesn’t expect is to arrive and find her father on his deathbed and the newspaper now left in her hands. Amelia is determined to fulfill the motto of the newspaper in only telling the truth. What Amelia soon finds out is that she’s been left with a big mess with the Great Western Investment Company. Her father wrote some articles that the company did not appreciate and now they want Amelia to print a reprieve. This sets Amelia off on the quest for the truth of what’s really going on with the Great Western Investment.
Benjamin Stone has been tasked by the Great Western Investment to keep tabs on Amelia. As Amelia uncovers revealing facts about the Great Western Investment, Benjamin questions whether he is really loyal to his company.
An intriguing novel that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages until you know what’s going to happen. The author did a great job of drawing you in. I have enjoyed Carol Cox’s novels and look forward to seeing what novels she writes in the future.
I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
June 17, 2014
“Sometimes the Truth Can Be Dangerous” reads the dust jacket of Truth Be Told, the first novel I have read by Carol Cox. I loved it. It was one of those stories that I wish I had all day to sit and read in one sitting.
Writing is one of my passions and Arizona was where I grew up so Amelia and Granite Springs intrigued me early on. I was pleasantly surprised that Cox quickly draws her readers into the drama surrounding Amelia’s arrival to Granite Springs for another summer.
Anticipating a routine summer working with her father to run his small town paper, Amelia faces tragedy and peril, finds true friends and stubbornly works through small and large setbacks to fulfill her dad’s wish that she find out the truth and let the good citizens of Granite Springs know it.
Cox creates believable, strong, human characters. The character of Thaddeus Gray is particularly loathsome. Clara is refreshing and strong. Jimmy is entertaining. Ben, well, you better read the story to find out more about him.
Amid her exciting plot, Cox poses the question of how far are you willing to go to find out and then defend truth. It is a quintessential quandary explored in an entertaining book, with plenty of adventure. I enthusiastically recommend Truth Be Told. Bethany House gave me a complimentary copy of Truth Be Told by Carol Cox to review.
Writing is one of my passions and Arizona was where I grew up so Amelia and Granite Springs intrigued me early on. I was pleasantly surprised that Cox quickly draws her readers into the drama surrounding Amelia’s arrival to Granite Springs for another summer.
Anticipating a routine summer working with her father to run his small town paper, Amelia faces tragedy and peril, finds true friends and stubbornly works through small and large setbacks to fulfill her dad’s wish that she find out the truth and let the good citizens of Granite Springs know it.
Cox creates believable, strong, human characters. The character of Thaddeus Gray is particularly loathsome. Clara is refreshing and strong. Jimmy is entertaining. Ben, well, you better read the story to find out more about him.
Amid her exciting plot, Cox poses the question of how far are you willing to go to find out and then defend truth. It is a quintessential quandary explored in an entertaining book, with plenty of adventure. I enthusiastically recommend Truth Be Told. Bethany House gave me a complimentary copy of Truth Be Told by Carol Cox to review.
June 18, 2014
Truth Be Told was a fast-paced story full of life lessons and the promotion of truth.
The plot in this story is very intricate and mysterious- drawing you into the adventure alongside the characters and keeping you on the edge of your seat, climaxing with a highly suspenseful "nick of time" ending.
There were many lovable characters as well as some nasty villains. An entire town is drawn together by the faithfulness of one young lady's burden to uncover the truth and carry on her fathers legacy of honesty.
I highly enjoyed my first Carol Cox adventure, and am looking forward to reading more!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for my review.
The plot in this story is very intricate and mysterious- drawing you into the adventure alongside the characters and keeping you on the edge of your seat, climaxing with a highly suspenseful "nick of time" ending.
There were many lovable characters as well as some nasty villains. An entire town is drawn together by the faithfulness of one young lady's burden to uncover the truth and carry on her fathers legacy of honesty.
I highly enjoyed my first Carol Cox adventure, and am looking forward to reading more!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for my review.
December 20, 2015
Truth Be Told was a wonderful story told with such passion and excitement. Arizona is not a typical setting that one reads in a book, but I was drawn to the book by the girl who takes over her father’s newspaper.
Amelia is a girl with a strong, steadfast character. She is determined to tell the truth, just as her father, at all costs. She will do anything to make sure that she is able to print the truth.
I also love Amelia and Ben’s relationship. Though it may have started on rough soil, I loved though how that it turned into something true—even though by then it was too late. I hurt for Amelia in her heartbreak though I wanted her to see past the problem and accept Ben again.
Amelia is a girl with a strong, steadfast character. She is determined to tell the truth, just as her father, at all costs. She will do anything to make sure that she is able to print the truth.
I also love Amelia and Ben’s relationship. Though it may have started on rough soil, I loved though how that it turned into something true—even though by then it was too late. I hurt for Amelia in her heartbreak though I wanted her to see past the problem and accept Ben again.
August 9, 2014
This was my first Carol Cox novel and it will not be my last!
This novel was mystery meets romance meets western.
This novel was mystery meets romance meets western.
November 28, 2014
A great historical mystery/drama. The story takes some surprising twists and turns, and was really engaging.
November 11, 2021
I have a group of three books that I want to read close together. All of them have women protagonist, are set in either Arizona or Texas in about the same time period of 1878 to 1893. This one by Carol Cox is a mystery romance. The author is married to a pastor, so her books have a Christian viewpoint, but she is never preachy and inserts a lot of humor into her books.
Set in the fictional town of Granite Springs, Arizona in 1893. Amelia Wagner is excited to make the trip to Granite Springs to visit and work for her father in the Granite Springs Gazette, the town's newspaper. Her mother and father have been separated for years, while Amelia lived with her mother and got her education. But her mother was determined to marry her off quickly, and Amelia hated the social gathering that her mother had continuously.
When she arrives, she finds that her father has been stricken with cancer and will not be able to recover. Amelia loved the newspaper and her father's determination to seek the truth. Her father had a loyal older worker, Homer, who nursed her father until she arrived and was a great at keeping the Peerless Jobbing Press in working order. (If you search for it, you can find videos of it being run.
Her father was in the midst of uncovering a story, with very bad overtones, of the Great Western Investment Company. After the burial of her beloved father, Amelia starts back on uncovering the story. Benjamin Stone, a new hire at the company, reluctantly take the assignment of keeping tabs on Amelia.
I loved the writing style, the historical tidbits, humor and the way that the story took off at the beginning and I did not want to stop reading it.
Set in the fictional town of Granite Springs, Arizona in 1893. Amelia Wagner is excited to make the trip to Granite Springs to visit and work for her father in the Granite Springs Gazette, the town's newspaper. Her mother and father have been separated for years, while Amelia lived with her mother and got her education. But her mother was determined to marry her off quickly, and Amelia hated the social gathering that her mother had continuously.
When she arrives, she finds that her father has been stricken with cancer and will not be able to recover. Amelia loved the newspaper and her father's determination to seek the truth. Her father had a loyal older worker, Homer, who nursed her father until she arrived and was a great at keeping the Peerless Jobbing Press in working order. (If you search for it, you can find videos of it being run.
Her father was in the midst of uncovering a story, with very bad overtones, of the Great Western Investment Company. After the burial of her beloved father, Amelia starts back on uncovering the story. Benjamin Stone, a new hire at the company, reluctantly take the assignment of keeping tabs on Amelia.
I loved the writing style, the historical tidbits, humor and the way that the story took off at the beginning and I did not want to stop reading it.
October 10, 2017
I like this book, but I was pretty sure I would. I really enjoy Christian romance. It takes place in the late 1800's or early 1900's. Amelie Wagner comes to Granit Springs, AZ for her annual summer visit to her father to find he isn't simply not feeling well as he said in his letters, but dying of cancer. About a month after she arrives he dies leaving his newspaper to her and asking her to keep looking into a story he was researching about Great Western Investments. Ben Stone, a young man who works for Great Western, is assigned the task of keeping company with Amelia in an attempt by his employer to get her to print a retraction of her father's articles about the company and to keep them both occupied so they don't find out what's really going on. It was a fun romance novel filled with Christian characters. They mention following God, reading their Bibles, and praying, but you aren't hit over the head with it and it's not very preachy (although someone who wasn't religious at all, may find it preachy).
The only problem I had with it was the character of Amelia's new stepfather, Thaddeus Grayson. He is a dishonorable man so I can understand him hitting on Amelia when she was in Denver living with her mother. But he continues doing it after he is married to her mother when he is trying to convince her to come back to Denver with him. It seems a foolish move for someone who is supposed to be so clever and really seems like the author is just contriving a situation so Ben can come to Amelia's rescue and further the romance between them.
The only problem I had with it was the character of Amelia's new stepfather, Thaddeus Grayson. He is a dishonorable man so I can understand him hitting on Amelia when she was in Denver living with her mother. But he continues doing it after he is married to her mother when he is trying to convince her to come back to Denver with him. It seems a foolish move for someone who is supposed to be so clever and really seems like the author is just contriving a situation so Ben can come to Amelia's rescue and further the romance between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2019
Amelia soon learn the difference of performing several tasks at the newspaper, and now being at the helm. Decisions and writing articles her father would of been proud of, and to keep the help employed. Homer had shouldered so much tending to her father, and keeping the newspaper going. Should she have listed if for sell, he had too much and even she
was frazzled.
To keep it going she needed stories, not just the gossip in town. Her father was writing articles about The Great Western Investment Company. It agitated him, saying something was not right. The articles catch the wrong person and want her to write a retraction, but were they wrong. Ben is to follow Amelia and what she is doing. Together will they find the answers they are looking for, and what her father wrote about was true.
was frazzled.
To keep it going she needed stories, not just the gossip in town. Her father was writing articles about The Great Western Investment Company. It agitated him, saying something was not right. The articles catch the wrong person and want her to write a retraction, but were they wrong. Ben is to follow Amelia and what she is doing. Together will they find the answers they are looking for, and what her father wrote about was true.
September 3, 2019
Fun read
This is a clean, easy to read, Christian romance/mystery novel set in the late 1800’s in Arizona. The author paints a picture of the Wild West in the early days of settlement that gives the reader a fair picture of what it would have been like to live during that time. The characters are fairly well developed and plot was believable. It was a good read.
This is a clean, easy to read, Christian romance/mystery novel set in the late 1800’s in Arizona. The author paints a picture of the Wild West in the early days of settlement that gives the reader a fair picture of what it would have been like to live during that time. The characters are fairly well developed and plot was believable. It was a good read.
October 16, 2020
This was a wonderful story! I read it in a day. Its fast paced, well-thought out, and the romance almost gets lost because the mystery is so intriguing. But the romance is very sweet. The villains constantly made me turn up my nose and sometimes shiver, quite despicable. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
August 4, 2020
Historical Christian novel
This book was so good I felt like I was there. Interesting cowboy story. I enjoyed it a lot Christ glorified and no sexual contact or cussing thank you. I recommend the book and author and the book
This book was so good I felt like I was there. Interesting cowboy story. I enjoyed it a lot Christ glorified and no sexual contact or cussing thank you. I recommend the book and author and the book
January 12, 2015
After arriving to visit her father in the town of Granite Springs, Arizona, Amelia Wagner is shocked to learn how ill he has become and his rapid passing leaves her in charge of the Granite Springs Gazette. As she adjusts to life as the editor and publisher of her father’s newspaper, Amelia attempts to solve the mystery her father was working on when he became ill: that surrounding Great Western Investment Company’s plans for the Granite Springs community. Ben Stone, an employee at the company, agrees to help her find the truth, desiring to show her the benefits Great Western will bring to the residents of the area. Their quest to bring the truth to light draws them closer to each other, but it also puts them in danger from those who would like to keep their dealings hidden.
Amelia is not a typical “damsel in distress” despite the danger she experiences and the vulnerable position she finds herself in after her father’s death. She is an intelligent, strong, and independent heroine, though she does depend on the community around her for support and learns the value in doing so as the novel progresses. She is largely a no-nonsense woman, but does have the tendency to ignore unpleasant details when she is not ready to deal with an issue. When that trait leads her to make a mistake, she is willing to ask forgiveness and she also extends it to those who have wronged her.
In contrast, our hero Ben is somewhat naïve and entirely too trusting at the beginning of the novel, but that is not surprising given the family history between Ben’s father and his boss, Owen Merrick. For much of the tale, he wages a battle within himself over his obligations to his employer and the feelings he is developing for Amelia. I loved that his solution to this dilemma was to search for the truth rather than trying to manipulate the situation to his liking—he is truly a man of honor and integrity.
The secondary characters are a delight, from Amelia’s assistant Homer, who quotes poetry at odd moments, to her closest female friend Clara who is unafraid to speak her mind; despite their smaller roles within the story, they are nicely fleshed out and add to the storyline with their presence, providing a good deal of the novel’s humor. Despite their wit, they are never reduced to caricatures of people but remain well-rounded individuals with personalities of their own. I cannot say quite the same for the villains of this novel; while not unrealistic, the story might have benefited from some additional moments of doubt about the acts they commit. Only one had any real qualms about his deeds and he rapidly overcame those concerns—there was no genuine struggle.
Individual perspective is highlighted throughout the story, in personal matters and journalism, and it was very interesting to see how two different people viewing the same situation can come to two dissimilar conclusions. I liked Amelia’s integrity and commitment to printing only the truth without slinging unnecessary mud. This carries over to her personal life as well; her father had trained her to ask questions and look at things objectively and this largely works to her advantage. But that same drive for the truth sometimes leads to uncomfortable discoveries. These instances provided opportunity for discussing God’s grace and added depth to both the characters and the storyline.
The spiritual content was largely located toward the latter third of the novel, but that is not to say it was placed in a haphazard manner or thrown in merely so the novel could be classified as Christian fiction; the threads were subtly woven throughout the story and brought together at the end. This actually made it more realistic as the characters realized individual things in their own lives, even though the larger picture of what was happening in the community was difficult to discern at times. As the observers, we are able to witness a greater truth when everything is resolved: we all must come to faith and trust God to lead us where He wills, in His timing, and those plans may not always be according to our own desires.
There was a nice twist midway through; though it did not actually change anything, it was unexpected and I liked that the book was able to surprise me somewhat, especially since the villains were never in question throughout the novel. We know from almost their first appearances that these are the novel’s antiheroes, and while that was a bit of a turn-off at first, it actually worked well because we still don’t know what their plans are until everything is revealed further on, keeping my interest despite knowing who was responsible from the outset.
I enjoyed Truth Be Told; it was a light read that was not afraid to incorporate some shadows of deeper topics without allowing the book as a whole to be weighed down. There is a lot of fascinating history about the newspaper business contained within its pages and the sweet romance put a smile on my face. It was a very nice way to spend some time.
This review originally appeared at The Christian Manifesto: http://thechristianmanifesto.com/arch...
Amelia is not a typical “damsel in distress” despite the danger she experiences and the vulnerable position she finds herself in after her father’s death. She is an intelligent, strong, and independent heroine, though she does depend on the community around her for support and learns the value in doing so as the novel progresses. She is largely a no-nonsense woman, but does have the tendency to ignore unpleasant details when she is not ready to deal with an issue. When that trait leads her to make a mistake, she is willing to ask forgiveness and she also extends it to those who have wronged her.
In contrast, our hero Ben is somewhat naïve and entirely too trusting at the beginning of the novel, but that is not surprising given the family history between Ben’s father and his boss, Owen Merrick. For much of the tale, he wages a battle within himself over his obligations to his employer and the feelings he is developing for Amelia. I loved that his solution to this dilemma was to search for the truth rather than trying to manipulate the situation to his liking—he is truly a man of honor and integrity.
The secondary characters are a delight, from Amelia’s assistant Homer, who quotes poetry at odd moments, to her closest female friend Clara who is unafraid to speak her mind; despite their smaller roles within the story, they are nicely fleshed out and add to the storyline with their presence, providing a good deal of the novel’s humor. Despite their wit, they are never reduced to caricatures of people but remain well-rounded individuals with personalities of their own. I cannot say quite the same for the villains of this novel; while not unrealistic, the story might have benefited from some additional moments of doubt about the acts they commit. Only one had any real qualms about his deeds and he rapidly overcame those concerns—there was no genuine struggle.
Individual perspective is highlighted throughout the story, in personal matters and journalism, and it was very interesting to see how two different people viewing the same situation can come to two dissimilar conclusions. I liked Amelia’s integrity and commitment to printing only the truth without slinging unnecessary mud. This carries over to her personal life as well; her father had trained her to ask questions and look at things objectively and this largely works to her advantage. But that same drive for the truth sometimes leads to uncomfortable discoveries. These instances provided opportunity for discussing God’s grace and added depth to both the characters and the storyline.
The spiritual content was largely located toward the latter third of the novel, but that is not to say it was placed in a haphazard manner or thrown in merely so the novel could be classified as Christian fiction; the threads were subtly woven throughout the story and brought together at the end. This actually made it more realistic as the characters realized individual things in their own lives, even though the larger picture of what was happening in the community was difficult to discern at times. As the observers, we are able to witness a greater truth when everything is resolved: we all must come to faith and trust God to lead us where He wills, in His timing, and those plans may not always be according to our own desires.
There was a nice twist midway through; though it did not actually change anything, it was unexpected and I liked that the book was able to surprise me somewhat, especially since the villains were never in question throughout the novel. We know from almost their first appearances that these are the novel’s antiheroes, and while that was a bit of a turn-off at first, it actually worked well because we still don’t know what their plans are until everything is revealed further on, keeping my interest despite knowing who was responsible from the outset.
I enjoyed Truth Be Told; it was a light read that was not afraid to incorporate some shadows of deeper topics without allowing the book as a whole to be weighed down. There is a lot of fascinating history about the newspaper business contained within its pages and the sweet romance put a smile on my face. It was a very nice way to spend some time.
This review originally appeared at The Christian Manifesto: http://thechristianmanifesto.com/arch...
January 26, 2018
Romance novel with Christian themes set in the old West. Escape fiction.
August 26, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
February 24, 2020
Een vermakelijk verhaal. Een romance, een complot, het Wilde Westen. Aan het einde gaat het bijna mis.. en komt het allemaal goed. Zoals dat hoort in een roman.
August 1, 2023
Fun and easy read. I appreciated the authors use of words that were so appropriate for the newspapers back then.
August 22, 2015
When I received the book in the mail, I was excited as a newsgirl with a new printing press, but at the same time I was a nervous about whether I’d actually be able to understand the wording used in the novel. Both the cover and the synopsis led me to believe that only persons fluent in business & newspaper lingo could comprehend what was happening; luckily, I’d assumed wrong. Turns out the writing style is similar to every other Christian Romance out there based in the West, and I zipped through the book easily.
Amelia Wagner is a wonderful heroine: she is a strong, beautiful woman who believes in the Lord, knows right from wrong, and isn’t afraid to take on the job of her heart, despite the fact that not many would believe that a woman could successfully run a newspaper. However, what I loved most about her is that instead of giving into her mother’s pleas to come back to Denver like many girls of the time period, Amelia was smart enough to realize the real reason she was wanted back, and to put herself and her safety before running blindly back to her society-craving parent. However, even dear Amelia wasn’t perfect. The main thing I didn’t appreciate about her character was how she dealt with Homer, her and her father’s longtime friend, and the man who worked on the newspaper with her. After her father died, I feel that Amelia spent too much time staring at her father’s notes on the Great Western Investment Company instead of helping Homer get out each week’s newspaper and dig around for some news. She sounded apologetic all the time, but she barely ever did anything to help him. Then, when the pressure of doing all that work – combined with the death of Amelia’s father – led him to turn to drink, Amelia kept pushing off asking him about it, instead trying to solve her mystery. It bugged me that she wasn’t as thoughtful a person as her father, and that she was too focused on proving to herself that her father was right to take notice of those around her. Nonetheless, I believe these faults of hers were essential to the plot, especially since it was during several of these times that she needed the Lord’s help most.
One of the things that interested me most about the novel was that the plot didn’t center around only Ben and Amelia’s relationship, but also around the evils surrounding the Great Western Investment Company, in fact, maybe even more so the latter. I think this is one of the few times I’ve actually enjoyed a book that wasn’t centered around love O_O Still, I have to wonder how a man whose job was basically to follow around Amelia and gain her trust and admiration (by which I mean love) could appear in the novel so little. He WAS actually a large part of a novel, but you’d expect him to be with the girl he’s assigned to 24/7, you know what I mean? Besides in the beginning when he accepted the underhanded assignment in the first place, Ben is a great guy. I loved getting in his head since he was just such a good person. I’m sure he could be my role model :)
I liked that the mystery was intriguing and business-y, without going overboard and confusing the heck out of me, like I’d originally feared. Indeed, it was actually quite cool seeing the bad guys of the “olden days” and watching them go about their underhanded ways. The side villain in the story was actually the worst in my opinion: I shudder every time I think of him. My favorite part of the story was definitely the ending though, with the “damsel in distress” scene. It was also hilarious how the three times Ben and Amelia tried to kiss each other, they were always interrupted. And of course, there’s the argument between the two that gets everything out in the open; I thought I’d enjoy the scene like I do in many other romances, but this one broke my heart. Definitely not something I’d expected.
Overall, the plot and romance in the book were well done, and I believe Carol Cox is an author I will be trying out more. Honestly though, why are Christian Fiction novels based in the Wild West always the best? (The world may never know…)
Amelia Wagner is a wonderful heroine: she is a strong, beautiful woman who believes in the Lord, knows right from wrong, and isn’t afraid to take on the job of her heart, despite the fact that not many would believe that a woman could successfully run a newspaper. However, what I loved most about her is that instead of giving into her mother’s pleas to come back to Denver like many girls of the time period, Amelia was smart enough to realize the real reason she was wanted back, and to put herself and her safety before running blindly back to her society-craving parent. However, even dear Amelia wasn’t perfect. The main thing I didn’t appreciate about her character was how she dealt with Homer, her and her father’s longtime friend, and the man who worked on the newspaper with her. After her father died, I feel that Amelia spent too much time staring at her father’s notes on the Great Western Investment Company instead of helping Homer get out each week’s newspaper and dig around for some news. She sounded apologetic all the time, but she barely ever did anything to help him. Then, when the pressure of doing all that work – combined with the death of Amelia’s father – led him to turn to drink, Amelia kept pushing off asking him about it, instead trying to solve her mystery. It bugged me that she wasn’t as thoughtful a person as her father, and that she was too focused on proving to herself that her father was right to take notice of those around her. Nonetheless, I believe these faults of hers were essential to the plot, especially since it was during several of these times that she needed the Lord’s help most.
One of the things that interested me most about the novel was that the plot didn’t center around only Ben and Amelia’s relationship, but also around the evils surrounding the Great Western Investment Company, in fact, maybe even more so the latter. I think this is one of the few times I’ve actually enjoyed a book that wasn’t centered around love O_O Still, I have to wonder how a man whose job was basically to follow around Amelia and gain her trust and admiration (by which I mean love) could appear in the novel so little. He WAS actually a large part of a novel, but you’d expect him to be with the girl he’s assigned to 24/7, you know what I mean? Besides in the beginning when he accepted the underhanded assignment in the first place, Ben is a great guy. I loved getting in his head since he was just such a good person. I’m sure he could be my role model :)
I liked that the mystery was intriguing and business-y, without going overboard and confusing the heck out of me, like I’d originally feared. Indeed, it was actually quite cool seeing the bad guys of the “olden days” and watching them go about their underhanded ways. The side villain in the story was actually the worst in my opinion: I shudder every time I think of him. My favorite part of the story was definitely the ending though, with the “damsel in distress” scene. It was also hilarious how the three times Ben and Amelia tried to kiss each other, they were always interrupted. And of course, there’s the argument between the two that gets everything out in the open; I thought I’d enjoy the scene like I do in many other romances, but this one broke my heart. Definitely not something I’d expected.
Overall, the plot and romance in the book were well done, and I believe Carol Cox is an author I will be trying out more. Honestly though, why are Christian Fiction novels based in the Wild West always the best? (The world may never know…)
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