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Whatever is True
Claire Oxton has built a steady, fulfilling life as an audiobook narrator, homeschooling mother, and devoted wife. But when a chance encounter on a mountainside with British actor Ed Accrington leads to an unexpected collaboration, her carefully crafted story takes a plot twist she never could have imagined. She finds herself navigating a world of glitz, glamour, and unexpected friendships as she works on an award-winning project with Ed, and begins co-hosting a podcast with Hollywood star Liam McTear. Along the way, she uncovers parts of herself she has left buried for far too long.
As her career grows and her circle widens, Claire must learn to balance her new adventurous life with the comfort of her old one. Her journey carries her from the Canadian Rockies to London, New York, and Los Angeles, opening up the possibility of a daring new project in Africa.
Whatever Is True is a warm, hopeful, and sometimes humorous story about friendships, faith, and the courage to push past self-imposed boundaries to embrace the possibility of something extraordinary. Perfect for readers who love contemporary fiction that celebrates resilience and the quiet power of connection.
As her career grows and her circle widens, Claire must learn to balance her new adventurous life with the comfort of her old one. Her journey carries her from the Canadian Rockies to London, New York, and Los Angeles, opening up the possibility of a daring new project in Africa.
Whatever Is True is a warm, hopeful, and sometimes humorous story about friendships, faith, and the courage to push past self-imposed boundaries to embrace the possibility of something extraordinary. Perfect for readers who love contemporary fiction that celebrates resilience and the quiet power of connection.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
6 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 21, 2026
Whatever Is True by Claire Oxton is one of those books that feels quietly special while you’re reading it but lingers long after you close it. I deeply appreciated the writing style from the very beginning. The formatting alone deserves recognition. The way the font shifts to reflect handwritten notes passed back and forth between characters, along with the text message conversations threaded throughout the story, adds such an intimate and immersive layer. It never feels gimmicky. Instead, it makes the relationships feel lived-in and real, like you’re peeking into something personal rather than simply observing it.
The personal details scattered throughout the book are beautifully done. They’re not dumped or overstated. They’re woven in with care, showing up exactly where they need to, making moments land harder and emotions feel earned. Claire, the main character, is such a beautiful soul. It could have been easy to think that her being thrust into the orbit of celebrities was exaggerated or unbelievable, but her reactions feel natural and grounded the entire time. She’s incredibly relatable. There were so many moments when I saw pieces of myself reflected in her. Honestly, I lost track. Even in the parts where I couldn’t fully relate, she captivated me completely. There’s something about her emotional honesty that keeps you tethered. Every woman could read this book and find a parallel of herself in Claire.
The layers of the male characters are remarkable, especially Liam. As more of his character unfolds, the story becomes impossible to put down. Each new revelation adds depth rather than explanation, and that slow uncovering makes him so interesting. And finally, the author’s passion shines through the pages. Whether it’s homeschooling, audiobook narration, or the quieter beliefs that shape Claire’s world, you can feel how much these topics matter. That passion gives the story its heartbeat.
This book is thoughtful, tender, and deeply human. This is the type of book you suggest to other readers with ease or without worry about whether they would enjoy it. Please pick up a copy of Whatever is True—actually, please buy a copy for all the women in your life.
The personal details scattered throughout the book are beautifully done. They’re not dumped or overstated. They’re woven in with care, showing up exactly where they need to, making moments land harder and emotions feel earned. Claire, the main character, is such a beautiful soul. It could have been easy to think that her being thrust into the orbit of celebrities was exaggerated or unbelievable, but her reactions feel natural and grounded the entire time. She’s incredibly relatable. There were so many moments when I saw pieces of myself reflected in her. Honestly, I lost track. Even in the parts where I couldn’t fully relate, she captivated me completely. There’s something about her emotional honesty that keeps you tethered. Every woman could read this book and find a parallel of herself in Claire.
The layers of the male characters are remarkable, especially Liam. As more of his character unfolds, the story becomes impossible to put down. Each new revelation adds depth rather than explanation, and that slow uncovering makes him so interesting. And finally, the author’s passion shines through the pages. Whether it’s homeschooling, audiobook narration, or the quieter beliefs that shape Claire’s world, you can feel how much these topics matter. That passion gives the story its heartbeat.
This book is thoughtful, tender, and deeply human. This is the type of book you suggest to other readers with ease or without worry about whether they would enjoy it. Please pick up a copy of Whatever is True—actually, please buy a copy for all the women in your life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
Whatever Is True is a heartfelt, character-driven novel that blends humor, faith, creativity, and emotional honesty in a way that feels deeply personal and refreshingly genuine. Claire Oxton writes with an inviting warmth that makes the reader feel like they are listening to a close friend tell a meaningful story. A story filled with curiosity, compassion, and reflection on whatever is true.
The book shines in its portrayal of connection: between people, across cultures, through art, and through shared moments of vulnerability. Its love of poetry, storytelling, and voice adds a unique texture, celebrating the power of words to heal, inspire, and connect. The narrative balances lighthearted charm with thoughtful insight, offering moments of laughter, introspection, and quiet emotional resonance.
What makes this novel especially touching is its sincerity. It does not strive to be cynical or sensational. It strives to be noble in spirit, echoing its thematic foundation. Readers who appreciate reflective fiction, friendship, meaningful conversations, and stories rooted in real human connections will find much to treasure here.
A comforting and uplifting read that feels both intimate and expansive—Whatever Is True invites readers to slow down, notice beauty, and reflect on whatever is admirable, praiseworthy, and real.
The book shines in its portrayal of connection: between people, across cultures, through art, and through shared moments of vulnerability. Its love of poetry, storytelling, and voice adds a unique texture, celebrating the power of words to heal, inspire, and connect. The narrative balances lighthearted charm with thoughtful insight, offering moments of laughter, introspection, and quiet emotional resonance.
What makes this novel especially touching is its sincerity. It does not strive to be cynical or sensational. It strives to be noble in spirit, echoing its thematic foundation. Readers who appreciate reflective fiction, friendship, meaningful conversations, and stories rooted in real human connections will find much to treasure here.
A comforting and uplifting read that feels both intimate and expansive—Whatever Is True invites readers to slow down, notice beauty, and reflect on whatever is admirable, praiseworthy, and real.
January 31, 2026
A really good, well-written novel that is witty, clever, funny, quirky, and thoroughly entertaining. It reads very much like a Lauren Weisberger–style book, with that sharp, observational humour that makes you both laugh and wince in recognition. I found myself constantly trying to work out which real-life celebrities might have inspired certain characters… and I think I’ve sussed most of them out.
I related strongly to the way the author thinks and makes connections, especially the delightfully unhinged mental leap from the name Paul, to Paul Bettany, to Chaucer, and then… well, imagining him naked. That kind of internal logic felt very real and very human.
This was absolutely a “just one more chapter” book. I kept telling myself I’d stop, only to read another chapter, and then another. Halfway through, it already felt like a five-star read.
I’ll admit one small personal caveat: I didn’t warm to Liam. There’s something about him that gave me the ick, which is likely shaped by my own personal experiences. That said, I was still emotionally invested in his character and his friendship with Claire, which says a lot about the strength of the writing.
Having finished the book, it’s still a five-star read for me. Engaging, smart, and compulsively readable, with characters that provoke strong reactions, which is never a bad thing.
I related strongly to the way the author thinks and makes connections, especially the delightfully unhinged mental leap from the name Paul, to Paul Bettany, to Chaucer, and then… well, imagining him naked. That kind of internal logic felt very real and very human.
This was absolutely a “just one more chapter” book. I kept telling myself I’d stop, only to read another chapter, and then another. Halfway through, it already felt like a five-star read.
I’ll admit one small personal caveat: I didn’t warm to Liam. There’s something about him that gave me the ick, which is likely shaped by my own personal experiences. That said, I was still emotionally invested in his character and his friendship with Claire, which says a lot about the strength of the writing.
Having finished the book, it’s still a five-star read for me. Engaging, smart, and compulsively readable, with characters that provoke strong reactions, which is never a bad thing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
STOLE THE BREATH FROM MY MORTAL LUNGS!
Enchanting. Vibrant.
An absolute joy!
Our main gal, Claire, is that lovely soul that we all admire. And like glitter that gets everywhere, she spreads her sparkle. We get upset when other characters dull her shine and we love the ones that help brighten it. Two such positive characters are Ed Accrington and Liam McTear. Though they are celebrated actors, they act the part of black velvet to Claire's shiny diamond clarity.
Whatever is True (The whole of The Heart of Africa series, actually) really lingers in your heart and mind ~ In the very best way ~ like warm, fond memories dipped in a pleasant nostalgia and drizzled with inspirational icing. Completely lovable, utterly fun, remarkably touching, and totally re-readable.
Here’s what’s really true… THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
This is not your typical contemporary genre. It's special and unique. It's like a fictional memoire that pulls readers along on Claire's enduring life-adventure that shoves her out of her comfortably mundane yet contented existence and into one of glamour. We are dragged through multiple dream-like experiences that are enriching and delightful.
I had the extreme pleasure of reading the entire pre-released series of The Heart of Africa in 2025 and have to let future readers know that there is a spectacular number of mini happily-ever-afters leading up to the finale. Please hang in there for this wild ride! Even if it takes more than 80 days to get around to the end.
I know you’ll enjoy this solid example of joie-de-vivre!
*Beta Reader
Enchanting. Vibrant.
An absolute joy!
Our main gal, Claire, is that lovely soul that we all admire. And like glitter that gets everywhere, she spreads her sparkle. We get upset when other characters dull her shine and we love the ones that help brighten it. Two such positive characters are Ed Accrington and Liam McTear. Though they are celebrated actors, they act the part of black velvet to Claire's shiny diamond clarity.
Whatever is True (The whole of The Heart of Africa series, actually) really lingers in your heart and mind ~ In the very best way ~ like warm, fond memories dipped in a pleasant nostalgia and drizzled with inspirational icing. Completely lovable, utterly fun, remarkably touching, and totally re-readable.
Here’s what’s really true… THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
This is not your typical contemporary genre. It's special and unique. It's like a fictional memoire that pulls readers along on Claire's enduring life-adventure that shoves her out of her comfortably mundane yet contented existence and into one of glamour. We are dragged through multiple dream-like experiences that are enriching and delightful.
I had the extreme pleasure of reading the entire pre-released series of The Heart of Africa in 2025 and have to let future readers know that there is a spectacular number of mini happily-ever-afters leading up to the finale. Please hang in there for this wild ride! Even if it takes more than 80 days to get around to the end.
I know you’ll enjoy this solid example of joie-de-vivre!
*Beta Reader
January 19, 2026
Whatever is True by Claire Oxton is a lovely story of a seemingly average mother, wife, and audiobook narrator who, by way of a chance encounter, finds herself rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. But what the story becomes is not just Claire's journey—it's how her faith, kindness, and empathy become the quiet gravity that alters the orbit of everyone around her. Debonair actors, distinguished movie stars—all of them are moved by Claire being unapologetically genuine.
She never pretends, just shares a small, honest part of herself: a memory, a story, the unusual origin of a word. With everyone she meets, you fall in love with her right along with the characters.
The other characters, most of whom are famous stars, slowly begin to unfold and reveal parts of themselves they forgot they were hiding. And this entire journey feels grounded and intimate despite the fancy cars and expensive dresses.
Claire Oxton has written a compelling, heartfelt book that feels less like a fish-out-of-water story and more like a sincere confession that will have you eager for the next adventure that awaits her.
She never pretends, just shares a small, honest part of herself: a memory, a story, the unusual origin of a word. With everyone she meets, you fall in love with her right along with the characters.
The other characters, most of whom are famous stars, slowly begin to unfold and reveal parts of themselves they forgot they were hiding. And this entire journey feels grounded and intimate despite the fancy cars and expensive dresses.
Claire Oxton has written a compelling, heartfelt book that feels less like a fish-out-of-water story and more like a sincere confession that will have you eager for the next adventure that awaits her.
January 23, 2026
I found the story quite different than the current mix of 'women's fiction'. The main character also named Claire is both someone to be envious of and afraid for. She has a tidy life, a mature woman with teenage boys, a nice home, family, and a career on the move. A hardworking and supportive husband. There is very little tension in the story in book one. A smidgeon of jealousy, understandably from her husband as her career puts her into a close working relationship with two different men. Men who bring thoughts of what if to her heretofore stable life. When we marry young, it's not uncommon to think we may have missed out on a true soul-mate. Claire is a deeply moral woman and I suspect that the next book will challenge that. At any rate, I fully intend to read it too, when available. No doubt each woman who reads this will identify with some small but different direction of the story.
January 21, 2026
This was everything I didn't know I needed. Beautifully written with characters that you love instantly. Claire is a brilliant woman that has met new friends that are exactly what she and her career need. Whatever is True is written so elegantly with a prose that flows with endless facts and charm. This is a series that I can't wait to read the rest of and I will probably re read over and over. The chemistry with the characters is one that you can only hope to have in real life. Absolutely amazing story, characters, facts and all around perfection of a story.
Claire is relatable and it was wonderful to have a main character that is real and has real life experience and circumstances. She probably resonated a little to much with me but it was refreshing and beautiful.
Claire is relatable and it was wonderful to have a main character that is real and has real life experience and circumstances. She probably resonated a little to much with me but it was refreshing and beautiful.
January 28, 2026
A charming Cinderella-esqe tale with a lot of heart. The contrast of the audio book/podcast world and the Hollywoods stars is as striking as Ed Accrington's eyes.
All the allusions to pop culture were clever and fun. I'll admit that I rarely read the Author's notes at the end but not only did I read up until the last page of notes but I really enjoyed them too.
All the allusions to pop culture were clever and fun. I'll admit that I rarely read the Author's notes at the end but not only did I read up until the last page of notes but I really enjoyed them too.
February 21, 2026
So... I've just finished listening to this story... I will admit that parts mentally for me were not as intended, specifically at the start. It is something that you must allow the story to grow... Not to desimilar to euthanasia of parents in a childs story...
This is a must read/ listen for narrators young and old.
This is a must read/ listen for narrators young and old.
January 16, 2026
Literary, charming, and overtly optimistic. 4+ stars rounding to 5, I think.
February 23, 2026
I thought it was a delightful read with so much witty banter.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews