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Love You Truly
Jeanne Shelton is fortunate—she has a wonderful family, a job she enjoys, and a caring fiancé. However, when a handsome, charming stranger comes into her small town, her world is shaken, and she discovers the one missing element—romance.
Dale Bliss is adjusting to civilian life. After his time with the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific, he misses the camaraderie of his brothers-in-arms but struggles with the memories of enemy fire, explosions, and death.
He meets Jeanne, a pretty, brown-haired girl with a ready smile, and he decides to do everything he can to keep that smile on her face.
Everything, that is, except talk about his past.
Meanwhile, Jeanne makes a drastic choice and has to deal with the aftermath—her ex-fiancé hates her, her mother thinks she’s a fool, and town gossips whisper her name. All the while, she wonders if she’s made the biggest mistake of her life, for she knows little of the man she has risked everything for.
Will Dale’s nightmares ever cease?
Will Jeanne learn the truth of his past?
A fast-paced romance, a life-changing decision, and a family who fights it at every turn—will Dale and Jeanne’s relationship stand the strain, or will they both be left heartbroken and alone?
Dale Bliss is adjusting to civilian life. After his time with the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific, he misses the camaraderie of his brothers-in-arms but struggles with the memories of enemy fire, explosions, and death.
He meets Jeanne, a pretty, brown-haired girl with a ready smile, and he decides to do everything he can to keep that smile on her face.
Everything, that is, except talk about his past.
Meanwhile, Jeanne makes a drastic choice and has to deal with the aftermath—her ex-fiancé hates her, her mother thinks she’s a fool, and town gossips whisper her name. All the while, she wonders if she’s made the biggest mistake of her life, for she knows little of the man she has risked everything for.
Will Dale’s nightmares ever cease?
Will Jeanne learn the truth of his past?
A fast-paced romance, a life-changing decision, and a family who fights it at every turn—will Dale and Jeanne’s relationship stand the strain, or will they both be left heartbroken and alone?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
5 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 27, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I read through this book SO fast! For starters, knowing that it’s based off the actual happenings of the author’s grandparents really brought the story to life. The family photos included at the beginning and the end will warm your heart. There was just something extra special about this book. While reading, you really feel as though you’re a part of the family and my heart connected with everyone involved.
Post WWII – Jeanne Shelton is engaged to be married to Harold, but he’s often out of town and something about their relationship is lacking. Dale Bliss fought in the war and is struggling to reacclimate himself to normal civilian life after having been in the army. He meets Jeanne and there is an INSTANT attraction for both. One innocent night out with friends leads to a marriage proposal and Jeanne is feeling led by her heart. They may have just met, but she firmly believes her “forever” belongs with Dale and not Harold. Now, how on earth do you navigate informing your friends and family of this bombshell news? How do you inform your fiancé that you’ve found someone else and plan to run off and marry him instead? How do you avoid becoming top of the town gossip?
This story was a whirlwind and as crazy and chaotic as it all sounds, when you know, you know. Jeanne and Dale’s hearts are going to win over yours – I can assure you that. I also loved the representation of Dale’s struggles with anxiety over memories of the war. There were several complex points to the story related to all of that. Like I said, there’s just something extra special about this sweet story and you will easily connect to the characters. I’m excited to see where Melissa’s authoring journey takes her. She definitely has a gift for words.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I read through this book SO fast! For starters, knowing that it’s based off the actual happenings of the author’s grandparents really brought the story to life. The family photos included at the beginning and the end will warm your heart. There was just something extra special about this book. While reading, you really feel as though you’re a part of the family and my heart connected with everyone involved.
Post WWII – Jeanne Shelton is engaged to be married to Harold, but he’s often out of town and something about their relationship is lacking. Dale Bliss fought in the war and is struggling to reacclimate himself to normal civilian life after having been in the army. He meets Jeanne and there is an INSTANT attraction for both. One innocent night out with friends leads to a marriage proposal and Jeanne is feeling led by her heart. They may have just met, but she firmly believes her “forever” belongs with Dale and not Harold. Now, how on earth do you navigate informing your friends and family of this bombshell news? How do you inform your fiancé that you’ve found someone else and plan to run off and marry him instead? How do you avoid becoming top of the town gossip?
This story was a whirlwind and as crazy and chaotic as it all sounds, when you know, you know. Jeanne and Dale’s hearts are going to win over yours – I can assure you that. I also loved the representation of Dale’s struggles with anxiety over memories of the war. There were several complex points to the story related to all of that. Like I said, there’s just something extra special about this sweet story and you will easily connect to the characters. I’m excited to see where Melissa’s authoring journey takes her. She definitely has a gift for words.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
February 10, 2025
From the moment I began reading Love You Truly until the last chapter and epilogue I was riveted by this story. The unexpected beginning to the rocky but realistic ending with true love, life lessons, heartbreak and the battles that came with War and its memories. Jeanne and Dale’s love story is one you don’t want to miss. The pure love between two people is what every couple wishes for. I didn’t want to put the book down…one more chapter, one more chapter!! This book is a must read for anyone that enjoys a story filled with clean and fun romance with all its ups and downs. Don’t hesitate to dive in.
November 15, 2025
This book tells the love story of the author’s grandparents at a pivotal point in American history. It’s a snapshot of what true love is, something you know in your heart, and embrace.
This is not a genre I’ve read before, and I enjoyed it. It’s written by a skilled author, who doesn’t shy away from tension, heartbreak, and honesty.
This is not a genre I’ve read before, and I enjoyed it. It’s written by a skilled author, who doesn’t shy away from tension, heartbreak, and honesty.
February 4, 2025
This book was beautifully written. Such a good love story!
May 2, 2025
Jeanne and Dale just won my heart! Loved this book & that it’s based off the authors family. I couldn’t put it down!
July 5, 2025
Loved this charming, small-town romance!! I'm a sucker for a "happy ending"! What a beautiful story!! 🥰
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews