True Home

by Janet Clare

★★★★★ “A propulsive powerhouse of empathy.” J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club

Swanee Burrows, the restless, razor-sharp fifteen-year-old daughter of a scandal-ridden congressman and a flawed yet magnetic socialite, struggles to find her footing as her parents’ bitter and very public divorce spirals out of control. In the rain-soaked landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Swanee's runaway attempts and the intricate web of deceptions surrounding her family bring her dangerously close to the edge of no return.

At its heart, True Home is a story about coming-of-age and coming to the truth—a tale of love, betrayal, and the dangerous risks we take to find where we truly belong. Janet Clare invites readers into a world where every relationship is a labyrinth and daring to love might just be the greatest danger of all.

True Home delivers the same piercing emotional clarity as the great domestic dramas of the late 20th century, inviting comparisons to Ordinary People and Endless Love. Yet, Clare forges her own path, presenting a story that feels at once timeless and thrillingly fresh.

294 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: TRUE HOME
AUTHOR: JANET CLARE
PUB DATE: 05.20.2025

True Home follows 15-year-old Swanee Burrows as she struggles to deal with her parents’ ugly, public divorce. With a scandal-ridden dad and a complicated mom, Swanee feels lost—and her attempts to escape only pull her deeper into family secrets.

It’s a powerful coming-of-age story about love, lies, and trying to figure out where you really belong. Emotional and real, this story hits hard but stays honest.

I couldn’t put this book down. Swanee’s journey felt so real to me—like I was right there with her, struggling to find my way in a world full of messiness and broken pieces. The family dynamics hit hard, and I really felt the weight of her choices. If you’re into stories that aren’t afraid to get real, True Home will definitely leave an impression.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a multi family drama where everyone has connections. Each family has its own set of complications and some of these are based on past relationships.

This book had me turning pages just to see what kind of emotional turmoil would happen to which person next.

The author makes sure there isn’t any downtime with so many people having stuff going on.
I also thought it was interesting that the range of the characters’ ages that are part of the plot go from high school through adulthood.

If you are in the mood for a book with relationship issues both past and present, this one is for you.

[Dee Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters so real you’d swear they lived down the street from you…. expressive dialogue that rings true, revealing flaws and fears…..situations so believable they evoke empathy on many levels. True Home is a brilliant coming-of-age novel that proves that rite of passage is not limited to the very young.

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading an empathetic and carefully paced novel about a man's breaking marriage, Clare's offering for infidelity fell a bit off for me.

With the flipping perspectives and the rapid-fire sequence of events, the ensemble cast in True Home felt like set pieces rather than fleshed out characters. They briskly float from one event to the next, sometimes at a rate that would be baffling to witness in real time. Much like a telenovela or a soap opera in book form, except with less camp and melodrama. What I liked was how character relationships were given piecemeal through multiple internal dialogues. Neat anticipation and hook for the eventual turns that take place.

The story starts superficial but, considering some of the characters in this novel, maybe that's fitting. I enjoyed the gradual reveals of how each character sees the world, but I unfortunately didn't feel much of an emotional core or depth for True Home. By the time projected events take place, I wasn't quite as invested in the turnout as I'd hope. There were many times where I felt like there could have been different commentary from the author through exposition, but the novel's presentation doesn't allow for that.

True Home is probably someone else's comfort read, and I'm okay with that. The story is fast and doesn't overstay its welcome. I respect Clare for finishing her story after experiencing so much loss in her personal life. She's a fighter.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tsze · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily - thanks Book Sirens.

This was a 2.5/5 stars for me.

Perhaps this isn’t the books for me but while this was easy to read, it was a little boring. There were several events happening throughout the story but nothing really got me hooked.

I was interested when I saw the introduction to the book but was a little confused as Swanee Burrows seems to be the main character but at the start she only appears in smaller snippets. The focus at the start was more centred around her mother and the drama she seems to love to create and Swanee’s story and POV only comes out more on the second half of the book.

That being said, fair warning to those who read that the story also centres a lot around the main character’s mother and someone from her past. Their characters may make you feel like slapping them in the head (it definitely did for me since they keep making the same mistakes). And there is also a small section at the start of the book (which to me was not entirely necessary) which I led me out big time and almost had me DNF the book because that was not something I expected or would enjoy reading about even if it never progressed further.

The book itself went at a decent pace, the writing was easy to understand without being overly simplistic which made it easy to read - if the plot was something I enjoyed, this would have definitely made it a pleasant read.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Home follows two families who have a connection from the past. Swanee Burrows is a teenager whose appearance is everything with her father being in politics and her mother the socialite wife, however her family is falling apart and her parents could possibly have a very messy and public divorce. Colin and Margot appear to have the perfect marriage with kids however when his wife gets offered a ballet opportunity she could have only dreamed of, Colin pushes her to take it even though he is uneasy about those she will be with. His life seems to slowly be going downhill besides all appearances. So when his wife admits to his worse fear, he really spirals back to his old ways of drinking and reaching out to an ex who had recently reached out to him. Swanee decides to run away from it all and her parents must decide to work together to find her or let the media have a field day of broadcasting what’s really going on in their household. Meanwhile Colin’s wife is now also aware of his transgressions and the two are on the brink of divorce as well. How did things go wrong so fast? Tragedy, infidelity, teenage angst and trying to find true home are strong theme’s through this novel. I enjoyed this storyline and thought the author did well with flushing out the teenage characters in this storyline. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a truly emotional story that centers around a broken family. The characters were perfectly written and I read this book in two days! It focuses on the shocking betrayal and the ultimate redemptions.
Synopsis-
Swanee Burrows, the restless, razor-sharp fifteen-year-old daughter of a scandal-ridden congressman and a flawed yet magnetic socialite, struggles to find her footing as her parents’ bitter and very public divorce spirals out of control. In the rain-soaked landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Swanee's runaway attempts and the intricate web of deceptions surrounding her family bring her dangerously close to the edge of no return.

At its heart, True Home is a story about coming-of-age and coming to the truth—a tale of love, betrayal, and the dangerous risks we take to find where we truly belong. Janet Clare invites readers into a world where every relationship is a labyrinth and daring to love might just be the greatest danger of all.

True Home delivers the same piercing emotional clarity as the great domestic dramas of the late 20th century, inviting comparisons to Ordinary People and Endless Love. Yet, Clare forges her own path, presenting a story that feels at once timeless and thrillingly fresh.

[Jody Hauber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“True Home” hooked me from page one. It has everything, beginning with a very appealing and convincing cast of multi-generational characters who grapple with love, loss, betrayal, attachment, and understanding. Even when they screw up, you root for them, in no small part because Clare’s straightforward yet luminous prose, while pulling no punches, brims with insight and compassion. She is pulling for them, so the reader pulls for them too. “True Home” is, above all, a novel about what it means to be human—fallible, confused, susceptible, seeking yet not finding, sometimes acting in ways contrary to the meaning and grace we so passionately (and sometimes promiscuously) seek, but, ultimately, recognizing truth when we finally find it. The tangled web of relationships, fraught with longing and ambivalence, may seem like the antithesis of true home, yet there are two sterling examples of familial devotion, one a young, parentless Black basketball star who cares for his younger sister, the other father-and-son farmers whose care and tending of their crops mirrors their allegiance to each other. However, in Clare’s sure and empathetic hands, indecision and missteps are not mortal flaws so much as the flesh, blood, and beating heart of the mortal condition.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Clare’s newest book sings of love amid human imperfections of a kind we all know too well, and that can pull us off our path to happiness with enough force that we lose all direction.

Christina is a 40-something beauty who’s planning to divorce her scandal-ensconced politician husband, all while somehow maintaining a relationship with her 15-year-old daughter, Swanee, who loves to flee when the going gets tough.

Colin is a sportswriter with a wonderful wife and three little kids. Unaware his career slump signals an oncoming midlife crisis, his life changes the day Christina, his ex-wife, calls him, looking for emotional support after Swanee runs away from her boarding school.

Lies, infidelity, old addictions and new realities emerge as these characters come face-to-face with the inner demons that lead them astray. Only through self-confrontation do they learn the meaning of true home.

Fast-paced and brutally honest!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Clare, the Author of “True Home” writes a powerful, and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this novel are Marriage and Divorce Fiction, Coming of Age, and Women’s Literary Fiction. . In this intense, complex and well-written novel, the author vividly describes the scenery and the dramatic, complicated, and dysfunctional characters. Some characters are greedy, manipulative, and toxic. There are betrayals, lies, secrets, jealousy, risks, dangers and twists and turns. The author describes the differences in class, wealth and homes. Some questions that come to my mind after reading this story is what makes a home? What are the different types of love? Where do we belong? I appreciate how the author describes the importance of honesty, communication, reasonable goals, searching for growth and self, the importance of family, friends, love and hope. I highly recommend this memorable novel.

[Steve Zettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to say that one theme that saturates Janet Clare’s “True Home” is infidelity, but more accurately it’s unfaithfulness. She weaves a powerful story of two couples, whose lives are closely linked, emotionally and physically. After years of marriage these couples are adrift, each clinging onto fifteen-year relationships that are crumbling before their eyes. The only glue that keeps them together is the fear of the future, and that picture is beyond murky for all four. The lack of guarantees is frightening, a life alone even more so. Clare does a wonderful job adding their children to the mix. The fears of the young mirror the fears of the adults – Exactly where are we heading? The metaphor for life in America is strong indeed; are we all just lemmings following one another off the proverbial cliff? A thoroughly thought-provoking read.

[Deborah Geffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two sittings. The second night I stayed up past two in the morning to finish it. I didn't find a single false note in it. I believed in these people, and what happened to them, and what they did about it. And I wanted desperately for them to be alright. There's a deep vein of goodness and decency running through this book, and the characters have a sort of longing for it - reaching for it through all their mistakes and very human stumbles and tragedies. Some of the plot twists and turns are devastating, but there's a feeling that the people will come through

On another note, I marveled at the author's wide range of knowledge of places and things and how the world works. It grounded the book in a sense of place and reality.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love family dramas, and 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 digs deep into the dynamics and relationships of splintered and broken families. It explores what makes a true home.

A taut blend of marriages riddled with unfaithfulness, yet a desire to cling to what they know, with a coming-of-age tale as the children try to navigate the truth of their parents' indiscretions and the resulting turmoil it brings.

The characters in 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 were not always likable, but they are undeniably real. Their flaws, brokenness, and addictions made them feel vulnerable, and the raw, honest writing brought this story to life. It made it impossible to look away, drawing me in to see how their stories would unfold.


Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @janetclare1 for the gifted book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters in this are very flawed but very real! Relationships are explored and tested and poor decisions are made.

Swanee is a 15 year old grappling with her parents public divorce and the fact that she might not even know her father at all. Her mother Christina seemingly can't let go of her ex, Colin, even though she left the marriage. I felt that she struggled with her choices but never struggled in her love for her daughter who she just wants to protect.

There is a shock that I didn't see coming at the end of this book and I felt it just made Swanee struggle even more with having to deal with the aftermath of it.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the mix of family drama with the coming-of-age of Swanee. I can’t say I found any of the adults very likeable based on their decisions, but it did make for some good tension and upheaval in their lives. The characters were messy but real and had good emotion. The different perspectives helped keep the pace moving and keep it unpredictable. I really enjoyed Swanee’s journey and her growth. A lot of her problems and emotions stemmed from her parents and their broken relationship. The decisions Swanee made because of that changed the path of the people around her. The ending felt complete but also left me with a lot of emotions.

Thank you @janetclare1 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, I’m one that prefers liking the main characters of a story.

I really appreciated the workout this book gave. I liked some. Hated others. Flip-flopped on a few.

I mainly wanted them all to go to family therapy or at least read a Brene Brown or two.

CLARITY IS KINDNESS, SWANEE.

Though, I suppose I’m expecting too much from a character whose brain is neither fully formed, nor who has parental role models.

One of the best parts of this book was its economy.

As a neurospicy reader, I often feel bogged down by extras (Anne Rice, for the love) and this book had none.

It was tight – svelt, even.

I cannot wait for more from this author.

[Stan Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two young men prove to be the wisest of adults in this masterfully rendered entanglement of families. Janet Clare so beautifully expresses the lengths to which the desperate damaged will go looking for affirmation and how much and whom they’ll hurt in the process. Spoiler: Each of her characters is eventually redeemed through a rough reckoning, a dark night rite of passage. I warmed in empathy and wept in shock as I speedily read it on two planes and a train. I highly recommend you join this journey to and through “True Home.”

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

TRUE HOME was an emotional story of a broken family. I was very engrossed in this story and had a hard time putting it down. The characters are fully developed and seemed completely believable to me. The writing is excellent and the author’s skills are apparent!

Many thanks to Janet Clare for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Home by Janet Clare is an emotional novel that I enjoyed.

This is a character driven story that centers around a disheveled and torn up family.
There are secrets and betrayals that were quite surprising.

Swanee Burrows is 15 and the daughter of a disgraced congressman going through a nasty divorce.
Swanee runs away and we see what she goes through.

This is a really well written coming of age story.

[Tammy Snead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished True Home by Janet Clare, and wow—what a story! This book was so good from the start. It’s about finding out who you really are and where you truly belong. The characters were great and completely believable. I loved how the story showed how home isn’t always a place—it’s about the people you love. If you like stories about family, friendship, and figuring things out, give this one a try!

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me right out of the gate. While Swanee was at the heart of the story, I became equally invested in many of the other characters and their compelling stories as well. Their lives felt real to me - - messy and complicated sometimes and the rainy Pacific Northwest added to the angst in the story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how it all turned out but then I was sad that it was over.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This coming of age novel is such a relatable emotional rollercoaster ride. It follows several storylines connected in one or another and explores many tough topics in a sensitive manner. I didn’t agree with all of the character's choices, but in the end it's about forgiveness and healing from the trauma and pain that led to those poor decisions and trying to do better.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Reader]

TRUE HOME feels like a novel for our times, a gripping story that moves across class lines, of marriages in peril and children at risk, of shocking betrayal and ultimate redemption. Written in crisp--and at times witty--prose, the novel kept me kept me hooked from the beginning to the unexpected end.

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a relatively easy ready for me and I really enjoyed the plot and character development. I felt like I knew Swanee personally and I really enjoyed her character. I enjoy coming of age stories and this one did a great job of mixing in the emotions of betrayal. Definitely will read more from this author!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional story.
True Home is raw, messy, and emotionally honest; the kind of coming-of-age story that makes you think. The characters are well-developed: sharp, vulnerable, and so real.
It’s beautifully written, heartbreaking, and filled with emotion.

[Tony Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She loved her mother, but she didn’t want to be like her, and she wondered if there was a way to pick out the parts she admired—her mother’s capacity for joy, her generosity, grace, and deep-down loyalty to her daughter.” The novel, True Home, by Janet Clare, explores the nature, impact, and ongoing complexity of relationships, centrally focused on the mother/daughter relationship between Christina and Swanee Burrows. The novel delves into the fallout of scandal from their respective husband/father’s actions, and their hectic albeit understandable reactions to the collapse of their family. As Christina attempts to find comfort with her first husband, Colin, ignoring the prior hurt of her sudden departure, Swanee seeks any escape from the parents she cannot seem to rely upon. True Home skillfully explores the extent we may go to leave our pain behind, and the resolve we discover when we confront these burdens.

I received an advanced complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.