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“Love was never the problem.”
Alex and Courtney are drifting apart. Life has become more about the demands of their careers and growing family rather than living the life they dreamed together. When another man displays interest in Courtney, and isn't shy about his intentions, one relationship develops while another slowly unravels. Courtney is soon caught in a web of secrets and lies. Deep in her heart she knows Alex has always been her one true love but is it enough to resist temptation?
Through a roller-coaster of emotion and not so wise choices, Alex and Courtney must come to realize they want the same thing. Each other.
“Love was never the problem.”
Alex and Courtney are drifting apart. Life has become more about the demands of their careers and growing family rather than living the life they dreamed together. When another man displays interest in Courtney, and isn't shy about his intentions, one relationship develops while another slowly unravels. Courtney is soon caught in a web of secrets and lies. Deep in her heart she knows Alex has always been her one true love but is it enough to resist temptation?
Through a roller-coaster of emotion and not so wise choices, Alex and Courtney must come to realize they want the same thing. Each other.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
68 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Gwendolyn Grace
18 books203 followersI am mad about books! It all started when my sixth grade teacher Ms. Schwartz read Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls to our class, I looked forward to the time after recess when she would read a chapter or two to us. I've been hooked on books ever since. One day I stumbled upon Goodreads and discovered a world of crazy book junkies just like myself! Since then I've become a blogger, beta reader and promoter of romance fiction. I also found the courage and support I needed to try my hand at becoming an independent author. I can't wait to grow as a writer and share the characters who have been inhabiting my brain for years!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 16, 2014
MY RATING ☆☆☆☆.5 STARS: True by Gwendolyn Grace
You are my 4.5 True Stars
☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~
This book captures you from the very beginning, the emotional pull this couple puts you through the wringer is raw and extremely sad..Neither was at fault for the way things went, life just got in the way of the important things, and we're all guilty of this at some stage in our lives which made this book real in my opinion..Heartbreaking, captivating and thought provoking this book had it all..
REGRET
Alex and I are drifting apart
I just feel indifference towards my husband, the man I have loved for ten years ~ Court
SECRETS
I wasn't wearing my wedding rings anymore. I decided to leave them off to see how long it would take him to say something. That was five months ago
Things between them had been up and down for months, years, lack of communication, lack of time spent together as a family, lack of attention given, lack of trying
LYING
I liked the attention I was getting from Justine
So add to the equation that your marriage is crumbling around your ears, your husband is hardly ever there due to work commitments, niggling feelings that he is having an affair, then add Justine to the mix it's going to be a clusterfuck no matter what way it went..
TRUST
I am his and he is mine.. Forever.. My True
My heart was ripped out reading this, the emotions of this couple is what in my opinion made it so real..What made it sooo freaking frustrating though is you could feel the love Alex and Court had for each other, times it was hard reading because I just wanted to jump in the book and shake the both of them..
DECEPTION
I am a liar and a cheater
Is love enough
You are my 4.5 True Stars
☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~
This book captures you from the very beginning, the emotional pull this couple puts you through the wringer is raw and extremely sad..Neither was at fault for the way things went, life just got in the way of the important things, and we're all guilty of this at some stage in our lives which made this book real in my opinion..Heartbreaking, captivating and thought provoking this book had it all..
REGRET
Alex and I are drifting apart
I just feel indifference towards my husband, the man I have loved for ten years ~ Court
SECRETS
I wasn't wearing my wedding rings anymore. I decided to leave them off to see how long it would take him to say something. That was five months ago
Things between them had been up and down for months, years, lack of communication, lack of time spent together as a family, lack of attention given, lack of trying
LYING
I liked the attention I was getting from Justine
So add to the equation that your marriage is crumbling around your ears, your husband is hardly ever there due to work commitments, niggling feelings that he is having an affair, then add Justine to the mix it's going to be a clusterfuck no matter what way it went..
TRUST
I am his and he is mine.. Forever.. My True
My heart was ripped out reading this, the emotions of this couple is what in my opinion made it so real..What made it sooo freaking frustrating though is you could feel the love Alex and Court had for each other, times it was hard reading because I just wanted to jump in the book and shake the both of them..
DECEPTION
I am a liar and a cheater
Is love enough
October 3, 2017
One of my book buddies recommended this one to me - I had it sitting in my kindle freebie tbr for a couple of years - so I moved it to the top. Funny when 2 people who usually enjoy the same and/or similar books have a difference of opinion about one. I always say that we all like what we like and don't like what we don't like. The differences are good - at least once in awhile:)
So, while my friend liked this - I thought is was so-so. Why? I really did not like the H - Alex, the hubby - at all. If you want to know a few details - read my spoilers - if not, then my rating is barely 3 stars
Please note - these are excerpted opinions in back and forth emails with my friend:
So, while my friend liked this - I thought is was so-so. Why? I really did not like the H - Alex, the hubby - at all. If you want to know a few details - read my spoilers - if not, then my rating is barely 3 stars
Please note - these are excerpted opinions in back and forth emails with my friend:
September 28, 2014
5 "Loved it" stars!!
True is realistic.
True is relatable.
True is unputdownable.
What happens after the HEA?
Well, True gives us a glimpse.
It is an engrossing story of a married couple who are very much in love, but years & a couple of kids later, they started to drift apart.
True is a slice of real life. Courtney & Alex could be any married couple.
Often in marriage, as children enter the picture, the role as spouses become eclipsed by the role as parents.
It's up to the couple to find their way back, and communication, as always, is key.
True was an emotional read from start to finish.
Ms. Gwendolyn Grace successfully gave us a lovely, heart wrenching story that had my heart hurting most of the time, had me laughing some of the time, and definitely had me thinking the whole time.
An excellent debut novel, and I'm looking forward to her future works.
Bravo, Gwen!
True is realistic.
True is relatable.
True is unputdownable.
What happens after the HEA?
Well, True gives us a glimpse.
It is an engrossing story of a married couple who are very much in love, but years & a couple of kids later, they started to drift apart.
True is a slice of real life. Courtney & Alex could be any married couple.
Often in marriage, as children enter the picture, the role as spouses become eclipsed by the role as parents.
It's up to the couple to find their way back, and communication, as always, is key.
True was an emotional read from start to finish.
Ms. Gwendolyn Grace successfully gave us a lovely, heart wrenching story that had my heart hurting most of the time, had me laughing some of the time, and definitely had me thinking the whole time.
An excellent debut novel, and I'm looking forward to her future works.
Bravo, Gwen!
October 2, 2017
***FIVE HEARTBREAKING STARS***
Whew! This story was brutal and gutting, and I actually felt the heartbreak in my own stomach reading this story.
Amazing writing, amazing story and amazing ending. I felt every turbulent emotion that I crave from this kind of story.
December 5, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
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I think Zero was very negligent towards the family and Zeroine was attracted by the attention that the other guy gave her. Zero traveled and did not call home or contact Zeroine or children. Zero went out to have fun with supposed co-workers and kept in touch with his ex for years, including working and traveling together, without telling Zeroíne anything.
Zero had very suspicious attitudes and was always angry with Zeroine. None of this justifies her cheating, but it was the driving force behind the whole mess.
Zeroine got to the hotel room with the other guy, but she regretted it and went no further. But Zero didn't believe it when she told him.
Zero quickly filed for divorce and then got a girlfriend and introduced her to the children's lives. It seemed to me that he moved on very quickly while Zeroine was drowning in guilt and sadness.
The weird thing is that he suddenly found time for the kids and even changed his workload when Zeroine repeatedly asked him for this and he never cared.
Aff!
I got tired of her feeling guilty and apologizing over and over and he getting angry. After all, he neglected and emotionally distanced himself from her and until the end he was reluctant to take his share of the blame. And the confusion with his ex and the other supposed friend that he appeared very cozy at dinners with photos posted on Facebook. I didn't buy this.
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S
P
O
I
L
E
R
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.
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I think Zero was very negligent towards the family and Zeroine was attracted by the attention that the other guy gave her. Zero traveled and did not call home or contact Zeroine or children. Zero went out to have fun with supposed co-workers and kept in touch with his ex for years, including working and traveling together, without telling Zeroíne anything.
Zero had very suspicious attitudes and was always angry with Zeroine. None of this justifies her cheating, but it was the driving force behind the whole mess.
Zeroine got to the hotel room with the other guy, but she regretted it and went no further. But Zero didn't believe it when she told him.
Zero quickly filed for divorce and then got a girlfriend and introduced her to the children's lives. It seemed to me that he moved on very quickly while Zeroine was drowning in guilt and sadness.
The weird thing is that he suddenly found time for the kids and even changed his workload when Zeroine repeatedly asked him for this and he never cared.
Aff!
I got tired of her feeling guilty and apologizing over and over and he getting angry. After all, he neglected and emotionally distanced himself from her and until the end he was reluctant to take his share of the blame. And the confusion with his ex and the other supposed friend that he appeared very cozy at dinners with photos posted on Facebook. I didn't buy this.
September 25, 2014
....Misunderstandings and letting things go because we think we should, we're all guilty of that, and this story as an exceptional example of exactly that. It flowed perfectly and always felt so real and raw, just how life always is.
A remarkable read of heartbreak and true love that had me openly crying and my heart aching so bad. It frustrated the heck outta me sometimes but, OMG loved this so, so much. Can't wait for her next book.
June 28, 2019
True and the accompanying novella Forever True is a marriage in trouble story about Court and her husband of ten years Alex. Together they have two girls. This was a great and entertaining story and I liked it for the most part.
Part 1 was a mix of present time and flashbacks to how they met whereas part 2 was all about the after. After the divorce and how they both were coping.
I definitely had some issues with this book mainly my investment with the characters. I didn’t have any and I needed a more emotional conflict between them. It was there but to me it lacked a punch that knocked me out or at least made me feel something.
There were moments too which I liked. Especially the scenes where Court and Alex met and were dating. Getting to know one another. Also Alex and his possessiveness of Court when he found out the truth. That was hot! Them being with their kids.
The novella Forever True showed how far they had come as a couple and was a terrific ending to their story. Overall a great book despite its flaws.
Part 1 was a mix of present time and flashbacks to how they met whereas part 2 was all about the after. After the divorce and how they both were coping.
I definitely had some issues with this book mainly my investment with the characters. I didn’t have any and I needed a more emotional conflict between them. It was there but to me it lacked a punch that knocked me out or at least made me feel something.
There were moments too which I liked. Especially the scenes where Court and Alex met and were dating. Getting to know one another. Also Alex and his possessiveness of Court when he found out the truth. That was hot! Them being with their kids.
The novella Forever True showed how far they had come as a couple and was a terrific ending to their story. Overall a great book despite its flaws.
July 7, 2022
Meh.
There's a marriage in crisis, usual husband who's neglecting his wife and leaving very often for business.
She's always alone and has to take care of their two girls, and he's always tired and angry with her.
She starts thinking he's cheating because he sees his picture wit ows in some social and he doesn't give any explanation about it.
He doesn't even call her when he's away and doesn't anwer her calls.
So the heroine starts to realize he's not the only a***ole ehem I mean the only man in the world.
And she starts seeing a colleague who's very admiring and very nice to her.
I can't say I didn't understand her in the beginning but sadly she let the thing go a lil too far and the hero, who understands something is going on, basically catch her cheating on him with om.
She didn't cheat but she was going to.
He's furious and he asks for divorce.
Ok, it's all right but what I didn't understand afterwards was why the heroine wanted him back at any cost?
She was cheating on him, she felt something for om and this was all the hero's fault, because he's been neglecting her and their marriage was a mess, so why did she want him back when he divorced her?
I think this was inconsistent.
They get divorced and he also starts dating ow, he brings her to their daughter's birthday and the heroine has to see him coddling her.
I still don't understand why she want this man back.
Oh, if I were the heroine the book would have never been written. Do you want to know why?
When the hero started dating the heroine, they were very young and she found him making out with his ex gf.
He told her he wanted to be sure he didn't feel anything for her, and he didn't.
The heroine took him back.
I wouldn't have taken his sorry ass back had I had a gun aimed at my head.
Never. Never ever.
This man is a cheater and a liar.
The excuse he gave for his behavior is pathetic and she should have broken with him thn and there forever.
There are so many fish in the pound.
But she didn't, bully for her.
So, the hero dated ow and the heroine decides to move on, and she does it in style, choosing a younger and sexier man.
Thank god for small mercies.
But seems the hero is now jealous that someone else wants the wife he neglected and rejected, so he's pissed now.
And eventually the heroine gives in and decides he's her true love.
The idiot woman.
The book has a long epilogue where the hero is once again idiot and cheater, because he didn't tell his wife he's been working with his ex for , well 2 years, and she's trying to win him back.
I think that after this stunt the heroine should have kicked his sorry a** forever but she doesn't.
He's sorry, he apologizes for not telling her, and he tells her he loves her and only her, he never cheated on her, he never had sex with anyone since he met her and yada yada yada.
The poor fool heroine believes his bullshit. They also have another brat that very likely the heroine will raise by herself as she did her daughters while her husband will go around the world making out with ows.
Pity she didn't cheat on him and she didn't have sex with sexier om.
What a waste.
Seems they were both celibate even when dating other people. Uh? Do I believe them?
I don't know, and I honestly don't care.
He's not worth my sympathy and since I'm a feminist and a man hater I think she was right when she wanted to cheat on him the first time. He treated her shitty and admitted he didn't call her because he resented her (why?) so she should have cheated on him, divorced him and enjoy her sex life with younger and sexier model.
There's a marriage in crisis, usual husband who's neglecting his wife and leaving very often for business.
She's always alone and has to take care of their two girls, and he's always tired and angry with her.
She starts thinking he's cheating because he sees his picture wit ows in some social and he doesn't give any explanation about it.
He doesn't even call her when he's away and doesn't anwer her calls.
So the heroine starts to realize he's not the only a***ole ehem I mean the only man in the world.
And she starts seeing a colleague who's very admiring and very nice to her.
I can't say I didn't understand her in the beginning but sadly she let the thing go a lil too far and the hero, who understands something is going on, basically catch her cheating on him with om.
She didn't cheat but she was going to.
He's furious and he asks for divorce.
Ok, it's all right but what I didn't understand afterwards was why the heroine wanted him back at any cost?
She was cheating on him, she felt something for om and this was all the hero's fault, because he's been neglecting her and their marriage was a mess, so why did she want him back when he divorced her?
I think this was inconsistent.
They get divorced and he also starts dating ow, he brings her to their daughter's birthday and the heroine has to see him coddling her.
I still don't understand why she want this man back.
Oh, if I were the heroine the book would have never been written. Do you want to know why?
When the hero started dating the heroine, they were very young and she found him making out with his ex gf.
He told her he wanted to be sure he didn't feel anything for her, and he didn't.
The heroine took him back.
I wouldn't have taken his sorry ass back had I had a gun aimed at my head.
Never. Never ever.
This man is a cheater and a liar.
The excuse he gave for his behavior is pathetic and she should have broken with him thn and there forever.
There are so many fish in the pound.
But she didn't, bully for her.
So, the hero dated ow and the heroine decides to move on, and she does it in style, choosing a younger and sexier man.
Thank god for small mercies.
But seems the hero is now jealous that someone else wants the wife he neglected and rejected, so he's pissed now.
And eventually the heroine gives in and decides he's her true love.
The idiot woman.
The book has a long epilogue where the hero is once again idiot and cheater, because he didn't tell his wife he's been working with his ex for , well 2 years, and she's trying to win him back.
I think that after this stunt the heroine should have kicked his sorry a** forever but she doesn't.
He's sorry, he apologizes for not telling her, and he tells her he loves her and only her, he never cheated on her, he never had sex with anyone since he met her and yada yada yada.
The poor fool heroine believes his bullshit. They also have another brat that very likely the heroine will raise by herself as she did her daughters while her husband will go around the world making out with ows.
Pity she didn't cheat on him and she didn't have sex with sexier om.
What a waste.
Seems they were both celibate even when dating other people. Uh? Do I believe them?
I don't know, and I honestly don't care.
He's not worth my sympathy and since I'm a feminist and a man hater I think she was right when she wanted to cheat on him the first time. He treated her shitty and admitted he didn't call her because he resented her (why?) so she should have cheated on him, divorced him and enjoy her sex life with younger and sexier model.
December 3, 2014
Brilliant !
May 21, 2021
"This is the sound of my soul."
Lyrics from True--Spandau Ballet
The moment I started reading, I was instantly swept away. It was fast paced... or maybe I was just so hooked that for the life of me I could not stop reading. I didn't even feel like I was the reader, like I was on the outside looking in. No, I felt I was Courtney and Alex was the love of my life. Regardless if I agreed with these characters' decisions or not, I still related. I empathized. Their story became my story. It felt real and raw and all-consuming and everything a book should be.
This is about a married couple. Of two people who lost their way. Courtney (aka Court) and her husband, Alex, made mistakes. HUGE mistakes. Stupid mistakes. Sure, they had acted selfish. But I felt their wants, their needs and their regrets and rooted for them to find a way back to each other. There were moments that knocked the breath out of me. My heart constricted and I felt emotionally devastated. But it was achingly beautiful too. It's true; sometimes people get in the way of their own happiness. We are flawed that way, aren't we? I love when a book shows me that. That imperfect people also deserve a HEA. Do Alex and Court overcome the consequences of their mistakes? Do they learn from said mistakes? Do they find a way back to each other at the end? After reading about Court & Alex's beginning; how they met; how they fell in love; how they became such a beautiful family...They were soulmates! I felt their connection deep in my heart and I wanted them together so badly it hurt.
Note: Story told from Court's PoV.
SPOILERS AHEAD
*
*
*
>>HEA? YES!!! and it was truly beautiful. No cliffy.
The book includes bonus material: Forever True, The Story of Us Novella (Court and Alex's story continues). God, this novella added the PERFECT to this already amazing story. It also provides Alex's PoV.
>>And as if that wasn't enough, readers get an epilogue! I'm gonna cry. I loved this all so much. Oh and it also includes a fabulous music playlist (on Spotify).
Dedication:
"For those who know firsthand that love isn’t always magic and rainbows, and yet your heart always finds a way back to your true."
MORE SPOILERS. ONLY IF YOU MUST!
*
*
*
>>Cheating: There is cheating but the main characters don't have sex with anyone else, if that makes a difference to anyone. For me, it was such a relief. PHEW.
>>Other Woman /Other Man Drama? Yes and Yes.
>>Angst: It's a killer ;)
>>Separation: Yes. They were divorced for almost a year but maintained a good relationship for the sake of their two young daughters.
Lyrics from True--Spandau Ballet
The moment I started reading, I was instantly swept away. It was fast paced... or maybe I was just so hooked that for the life of me I could not stop reading. I didn't even feel like I was the reader, like I was on the outside looking in. No, I felt I was Courtney and Alex was the love of my life. Regardless if I agreed with these characters' decisions or not, I still related. I empathized. Their story became my story. It felt real and raw and all-consuming and everything a book should be.
This is about a married couple. Of two people who lost their way. Courtney (aka Court) and her husband, Alex, made mistakes. HUGE mistakes. Stupid mistakes. Sure, they had acted selfish. But I felt their wants, their needs and their regrets and rooted for them to find a way back to each other. There were moments that knocked the breath out of me. My heart constricted and I felt emotionally devastated. But it was achingly beautiful too. It's true; sometimes people get in the way of their own happiness. We are flawed that way, aren't we? I love when a book shows me that. That imperfect people also deserve a HEA. Do Alex and Court overcome the consequences of their mistakes? Do they learn from said mistakes? Do they find a way back to each other at the end? After reading about Court & Alex's beginning; how they met; how they fell in love; how they became such a beautiful family...They were soulmates! I felt their connection deep in my heart and I wanted them together so badly it hurt.
Note: Story told from Court's PoV.
SPOILERS AHEAD
*
*
*
>>HEA? YES!!! and it was truly beautiful. No cliffy.
The book includes bonus material: Forever True, The Story of Us Novella (Court and Alex's story continues). God, this novella added the PERFECT to this already amazing story. It also provides Alex's PoV.
>>And as if that wasn't enough, readers get an epilogue! I'm gonna cry. I loved this all so much. Oh and it also includes a fabulous music playlist (on Spotify).
Dedication:
"For those who know firsthand that love isn’t always magic and rainbows, and yet your heart always finds a way back to your true."
MORE SPOILERS. ONLY IF YOU MUST!
*
*
*
>>Cheating: There is cheating but the main characters don't have sex with anyone else, if that makes a difference to anyone. For me, it was such a relief. PHEW.
>>Other Woman /Other Man Drama? Yes and Yes.
>>Angst: It's a killer ;)
>>Separation: Yes. They were divorced for almost a year but maintained a good relationship for the sake of their two young daughters.
October 3, 2014
Of course I'm a bit partial but...
May 12, 2019
People hurting each other is sad not romantic
I have no words for this book. I really didn't like either of them. Their marriage got boring so she decided to have an affair. Just wrong. I do think the husband is deceptive and I just don't believe he didn't sleep with Kimmie. They were divorced so it wasn't cheating but I never trusted him. He was shady. I didn't like Will and her doing things with him either. They both were wrong. They said neither of them slept with anyone else and I really want to believe that. I do think he loved her and she him but it was such an awful journey getting there. Lots of tears and angst for this book. I don't know why I read it except I was intrigued by some of the reviews and needed to know myself what really happened. And it was heartbreaking. I wish I could unread it but I can't. It's free in KU and it's not really safe. It was written very well and I will read this author again if there is no cheating. I read the novella too and he had kept a major secret from her for three years and that confirmed in my opinion that he was shady as heck. Just an all around depressing read. I did like the epilogue. At least it was happy. I hate bummer stories.
I have no words for this book. I really didn't like either of them. Their marriage got boring so she decided to have an affair. Just wrong. I do think the husband is deceptive and I just don't believe he didn't sleep with Kimmie. They were divorced so it wasn't cheating but I never trusted him. He was shady. I didn't like Will and her doing things with him either. They both were wrong. They said neither of them slept with anyone else and I really want to believe that. I do think he loved her and she him but it was such an awful journey getting there. Lots of tears and angst for this book. I don't know why I read it except I was intrigued by some of the reviews and needed to know myself what really happened. And it was heartbreaking. I wish I could unread it but I can't. It's free in KU and it's not really safe. It was written very well and I will read this author again if there is no cheating. I read the novella too and he had kept a major secret from her for three years and that confirmed in my opinion that he was shady as heck. Just an all around depressing read. I did like the epilogue. At least it was happy. I hate bummer stories.
September 9, 2014
True is one of those books that literally makes you stop and think about all the things in your life that you take for granted and how what you think is "no big deal" can be huge!!! My emotions ran so high and so low reading this book I had to step away before I threw something. I identified with these characters on a almost personal level and could relate. I applaud this author for not only pulling these emotions from me but having the astuteness to let me like these characters too.
September 4, 2014
4.5 Stars for budding novelist. A story about TRUE life and TRUE love
TRUE by Gwendolyn Grace
Release Date: Sept. 24th
10 years ago Courtney and Alex met. They dated, fell in love, married, and had two beautiful children. They called each other their one TRUE. This story is not your basic romance novel where two people meet, date, fall in love and ride off into the sunset together. Yes, all of these events happened between the main characters, but that is not the only thing this story is about. This is about what happens after the end of most romance novels. This story is about TRUE life and TRUE love.
Courtney and Alex have built a life together and we get to experience that life through Courtney's eyes. Like all marriages, there is an ebb and flow of the good and not-so-good times. As the story unfolds, we learn about their current struggles in their marriage. During this time where they have grown apart, it is clear that they have been taking each other for granted. Their communication has broken down to the point that they start making reactionary decisions.
I would like to talk about how this novel made me feel. The title, TRUE, encompasses so much in one word. This could be anyone's TRUE story and not just about TRUE love between a couple, but with their children, their home, friends, co-workers, extended family - TRUE love in all of its forms. Courtney and Alex may have all of this, but life is never perfect and neither are they. Even though I cannot relate to every single aspect of their lives, I did find oh so many parts of their life to which I could personally relate. TRUE life and TRUE love is not about two people living in a bubble. TRUE life is about all aspects of living and loving. I cannot share the ending, as the journey is the story and the story is the journey.
I am impressed with the writing of this new author. The novel flowed so well, that I realized it wasn't until I started writing this review, that I had to think about the actual writing itself. Gwendolyn Grace's novel is very well-crafted and the glimpses into the past are skillfully woven into the story. For some reason, I had the sense this was somehow very personal to the author. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a look into someone else's life and see what is TRUE, what is real, and what we should never take for granted.
TRUE by Gwendolyn Grace
Release Date: Sept. 24th
10 years ago Courtney and Alex met. They dated, fell in love, married, and had two beautiful children. They called each other their one TRUE. This story is not your basic romance novel where two people meet, date, fall in love and ride off into the sunset together. Yes, all of these events happened between the main characters, but that is not the only thing this story is about. This is about what happens after the end of most romance novels. This story is about TRUE life and TRUE love.
Courtney and Alex have built a life together and we get to experience that life through Courtney's eyes. Like all marriages, there is an ebb and flow of the good and not-so-good times. As the story unfolds, we learn about their current struggles in their marriage. During this time where they have grown apart, it is clear that they have been taking each other for granted. Their communication has broken down to the point that they start making reactionary decisions.
I would like to talk about how this novel made me feel. The title, TRUE, encompasses so much in one word. This could be anyone's TRUE story and not just about TRUE love between a couple, but with their children, their home, friends, co-workers, extended family - TRUE love in all of its forms. Courtney and Alex may have all of this, but life is never perfect and neither are they. Even though I cannot relate to every single aspect of their lives, I did find oh so many parts of their life to which I could personally relate. TRUE life and TRUE love is not about two people living in a bubble. TRUE life is about all aspects of living and loving. I cannot share the ending, as the journey is the story and the story is the journey.
I am impressed with the writing of this new author. The novel flowed so well, that I realized it wasn't until I started writing this review, that I had to think about the actual writing itself. Gwendolyn Grace's novel is very well-crafted and the glimpses into the past are skillfully woven into the story. For some reason, I had the sense this was somehow very personal to the author. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a look into someone else's life and see what is TRUE, what is real, and what we should never take for granted.
September 28, 2014
Definite 4.8 stars ~ What a debut novel!
TRUE is a story that far surpasses romantic fiction. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the lives of Alex and Court. Gwen wonderfully presented the real challenges couples and young families face on a daily basis. On multiple occasions throughout, I could have been reading a daily account of my own life and marital issues. Two young lovers struggling to stay true to themselves and each other while facing the world head on can be difficult without sacrifice, communication and balance.
This story perfectly showcased how the smallest, insignificant gestures or miscommunication can plant seeds of doubt, fuel insecurities and assumptions can be detrimental. I felt the relationship between Court and Justin was very realistically portrayed, with no emotions left unturned. The emotional turmoil experienced by Alex, Court and even Justin was evident and heart felt through every part of the story. For me personally it opened some raw wounds, for what they were experiencing was so very real.
True is no fairy tale romance of a prince and princess who inevitably find their way back to each other, it was an exceptionally honest account of life. Amidst their loss, pain and multiple regrets, Alex and Court had to redefine themselves and who they were to each other. A very true representation of, 'you don't know what you have until it's gone'. I loved that despite their flaws and challenges, their love for one another was never questioned and their passion was explosive from the beginning.
True was a well written, incredibly insightful story and Gwen's ability to switch between past and present so fluently really added depth to the characters and made for a heart wrenching, highly recommendable read.
TRUE is a story that far surpasses romantic fiction. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the lives of Alex and Court. Gwen wonderfully presented the real challenges couples and young families face on a daily basis. On multiple occasions throughout, I could have been reading a daily account of my own life and marital issues. Two young lovers struggling to stay true to themselves and each other while facing the world head on can be difficult without sacrifice, communication and balance.
This story perfectly showcased how the smallest, insignificant gestures or miscommunication can plant seeds of doubt, fuel insecurities and assumptions can be detrimental. I felt the relationship between Court and Justin was very realistically portrayed, with no emotions left unturned. The emotional turmoil experienced by Alex, Court and even Justin was evident and heart felt through every part of the story. For me personally it opened some raw wounds, for what they were experiencing was so very real.
True is no fairy tale romance of a prince and princess who inevitably find their way back to each other, it was an exceptionally honest account of life. Amidst their loss, pain and multiple regrets, Alex and Court had to redefine themselves and who they were to each other. A very true representation of, 'you don't know what you have until it's gone'. I loved that despite their flaws and challenges, their love for one another was never questioned and their passion was explosive from the beginning.
True was a well written, incredibly insightful story and Gwen's ability to switch between past and present so fluently really added depth to the characters and made for a heart wrenching, highly recommendable read.
September 29, 2014
True is a very realistic story and I could not put it down! Although a fictional couple Alex & Courtney are like many real couples with real problems. Nothing over the top and everything was relate-able. There were moments in the story were I knew exactly what Court was feeling. I have to say that usually I do not like reading books that go from the current to past and back and forth because I usually just want to know what happens NOW and I don't care for the past but in this case, it just worked! The pacing was perfect, we were never in the past for too long and every scene was pivotal. I loved the ending, I could see it play out in my head just like a movie.
Overall, I loved True and can't wait for more from Gwendolyn Grace! : )
Overall, I loved True and can't wait for more from Gwendolyn Grace! : )
December 13, 2020
What a surprisingly emotional book this turned out to be.
First off, if you hate books with any kind of cheating or believe cheaters should be boiled alive, then this book is not going to change your mind. So please don’t read it and leave an awful review because it has cheating.
I really felt the pain of the heroine and it was heartbreaking seeing her deal with the result of her actions. Both main characters were realistic and flawed. In all honesty, the H was a bit of a prick in the beginning and the h is annoying. I almost DNF’d after the second chapter. But I’m so glad I didn’t. The story was beautifully executed and it was the little details that added to the overall angst level of this book.
If you are looking for a bit of a cheating/ marriage in trouble tearjerker (but not one that depresses you and you refuse to read again), then this book is definitely for you.
Small spoilers- for those who don’t want full story spoiled:
Marriage in trouble/ cheating trope.
h is cheater- but no sex, cheating stops at foreplay.
H and h divorce
H and h get HEA and get remarried
Warning: In depth spoilers:
H and h have been married / in a relationship for about 10 years and have 2 young children together. Throughout the book we get flashbacks of their past and how they met and fell in love. And it’s sweet but also a little sad when compared to where they are now.
They have stopped communicating on the important things. H is constantly travelling for work and away for days at a time (and a bit of a grump when he is home) and h feels like a single mother most of the time.
There’s a man at work who has started paying attention to the h, and the h enjoys feeling desired again. At the same time, she notices her husband is tagged on a FB post showing pics of him at a works dinner with a gorgeous other woman. And then a few minutes later the H untags himself from the pics so she can no longer see them. Hmmm... suspicious
The h begins to think maybe the H is cheating on her.
She does confront him but he denies cheating but his reaction is a bit guilty and not very convincing.
The h invites the OM to her daughter’s ballet recital (H wasn’t able to make due to work) and she begins to feel something for him. H manages to get there and sees OM and isn’t happy.
Soon after this, h learns from mother in law that H is thinking seriously about moving them all back to his hometown and has even contacted real estate agents. H and h argue over this as well and he leaves on another work trip. In his absence she notices a house ‘For Sale’ sign in the garage. She gets angry, packs the H’s things up and leaves him a voicemail telling him it’s over.
In a fit of anger, she makes plans to meet OM for a day out and even books a hotel room, but not sure if she will use it.
She has an enjoyable day with OM and even kisses him. They go to the hotel and are in the middle of foreplay. But h realises that she loves the H and stops before things get too far.
As OM is leaving, the H arrives. Turns out that the credit card company contacted him due to the room bill being above a certain price.
After beating up OM , he leaves. We don’t see much of this OM after this, as h has decided it was stupid mistake and whereas he loved her, she doesn’t feel the same.
They separate, H refuses to listen to h’s explanations. Turns out the girl in the FB pic was a jewellery designer, and the H was having a special necklace custom designed especially for the h for Xmas as a surprise.
After a night of angry sex , the H files for divorce and in the next chapter H and h are divorced. h is shattered as she thought maybe they were on their way to reconciling.
A couple of months go by and after another bout of sex, h and H start to be in a place where they can at least make small talk with each other.
One day, H invites h out to dinner, she’s excited. But it’s only for the H to tell her gently that he’s found someone else and wants to seriously start dating her (code for sex and to introduce OW to kids).
h meets the OW at her daughter’s bday party, and OW is genuinely a nice person. h catches H and OW in her kitchen sharing a tender moment, and she finally realises that H has moved on.
h’s friends convince her to also start dating. She becomes involved with a guy called Will, who is 10 years younger. They don’t have sex, but H catches them in a bit of a moment, and we can tell it’s affected him- he’s angry she’s with another man, even though his girlfriend is waiting for him outside in his car.
It’s h’s bday, her friends have thrown her a surprise bday party and she’s enjoying herself. H unexpectedly arrives to wish her (it’s coincidentally also his bday) and they share a very tender moment, dancing to ‘their song’. h realises that she loves H and that H loves her but she finally decides to let go of her guilt and make peace with herself.
Later that night she sends a text message to who we assume is either Will or even the first OM asking him to come over if he wants her. He comes over and they have sex and he tells her he loves her. In the morning, we find out it was the H. They forgive each other (him for neglecting his family due to work) and decide to get remarried straight away (ie flying out to Vegas that very day).
Neither the H nor the h had had sex with anyone else at any point during the book.
There is a novella which shows what happened straight after their HEA, and that was really nice as well as we see them happy finally, but still see that they have issues of trust and communication to overcome.
This is great book, and I would definitely read more by this author.
First off, if you hate books with any kind of cheating or believe cheaters should be boiled alive, then this book is not going to change your mind. So please don’t read it and leave an awful review because it has cheating.
I really felt the pain of the heroine and it was heartbreaking seeing her deal with the result of her actions. Both main characters were realistic and flawed. In all honesty, the H was a bit of a prick in the beginning and the h is annoying. I almost DNF’d after the second chapter. But I’m so glad I didn’t. The story was beautifully executed and it was the little details that added to the overall angst level of this book.
If you are looking for a bit of a cheating/ marriage in trouble tearjerker (but not one that depresses you and you refuse to read again), then this book is definitely for you.
Small spoilers- for those who don’t want full story spoiled:
Marriage in trouble/ cheating trope.
h is cheater- but no sex, cheating stops at foreplay.
H and h divorce
H and h get HEA and get remarried
Warning: In depth spoilers:
H and h have been married / in a relationship for about 10 years and have 2 young children together. Throughout the book we get flashbacks of their past and how they met and fell in love. And it’s sweet but also a little sad when compared to where they are now.
They have stopped communicating on the important things. H is constantly travelling for work and away for days at a time (and a bit of a grump when he is home) and h feels like a single mother most of the time.
There’s a man at work who has started paying attention to the h, and the h enjoys feeling desired again. At the same time, she notices her husband is tagged on a FB post showing pics of him at a works dinner with a gorgeous other woman. And then a few minutes later the H untags himself from the pics so she can no longer see them. Hmmm... suspicious
The h begins to think maybe the H is cheating on her.
She does confront him but he denies cheating but his reaction is a bit guilty and not very convincing.
The h invites the OM to her daughter’s ballet recital (H wasn’t able to make due to work) and she begins to feel something for him. H manages to get there and sees OM and isn’t happy.
Soon after this, h learns from mother in law that H is thinking seriously about moving them all back to his hometown and has even contacted real estate agents. H and h argue over this as well and he leaves on another work trip. In his absence she notices a house ‘For Sale’ sign in the garage. She gets angry, packs the H’s things up and leaves him a voicemail telling him it’s over.
In a fit of anger, she makes plans to meet OM for a day out and even books a hotel room, but not sure if she will use it.
She has an enjoyable day with OM and even kisses him. They go to the hotel and are in the middle of foreplay. But h realises that she loves the H and stops before things get too far.
As OM is leaving, the H arrives. Turns out that the credit card company contacted him due to the room bill being above a certain price.
After beating up OM , he leaves. We don’t see much of this OM after this, as h has decided it was stupid mistake and whereas he loved her, she doesn’t feel the same.
They separate, H refuses to listen to h’s explanations. Turns out the girl in the FB pic was a jewellery designer, and the H was having a special necklace custom designed especially for the h for Xmas as a surprise.
After a night of angry sex , the H files for divorce and in the next chapter H and h are divorced. h is shattered as she thought maybe they were on their way to reconciling.
A couple of months go by and after another bout of sex, h and H start to be in a place where they can at least make small talk with each other.
One day, H invites h out to dinner, she’s excited. But it’s only for the H to tell her gently that he’s found someone else and wants to seriously start dating her (code for sex and to introduce OW to kids).
h meets the OW at her daughter’s bday party, and OW is genuinely a nice person. h catches H and OW in her kitchen sharing a tender moment, and she finally realises that H has moved on.
h’s friends convince her to also start dating. She becomes involved with a guy called Will, who is 10 years younger. They don’t have sex, but H catches them in a bit of a moment, and we can tell it’s affected him- he’s angry she’s with another man, even though his girlfriend is waiting for him outside in his car.
It’s h’s bday, her friends have thrown her a surprise bday party and she’s enjoying herself. H unexpectedly arrives to wish her (it’s coincidentally also his bday) and they share a very tender moment, dancing to ‘their song’. h realises that she loves H and that H loves her but she finally decides to let go of her guilt and make peace with herself.
Later that night she sends a text message to who we assume is either Will or even the first OM asking him to come over if he wants her. He comes over and they have sex and he tells her he loves her. In the morning, we find out it was the H. They forgive each other (him for neglecting his family due to work) and decide to get remarried straight away (ie flying out to Vegas that very day).
Neither the H nor the h had had sex with anyone else at any point during the book.
There is a novella which shows what happened straight after their HEA, and that was really nice as well as we see them happy finally, but still see that they have issues of trust and communication to overcome.
This is great book, and I would definitely read more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2014
4.5 stars
*includes hot sexual situations and the topic of infidelity*
Usually the word infidelity would make me walk away from a book, it's one subject I don't do well with, but after reading the synopsis I figured I'd give True a shot and I'm so glad I did.
True, as you would expect, is a very emotional read, one that takes you through the full range of emotion, love-lust-anger-hate-disgust-remorse-forgiveness, it has a bit of everything, an for an emotion whore like me, I was in heaven!!
If you can make me cry, and I mean ugly cry, or make me yell curse words at my kindle and or the author as I read I truly adore you!
Courtney & Alex, together 10 years with two children, they had the life they always dreamed of, a home, a steady job, happy healthy kids and each other.
Except they really don't.
Alex's job keeps him away as much as he's home, leaving Courtney home to handle everything on her own,
Eventually as you can imagine, their relationship becomes strained. Courtney feels as though she and Alex are drifting apart, they fight more, are colder towards each other when he's home, she's feeling emotionally neglected, which is one of the worst things you can do to a woman in my opinion.
Alex continues traveling and Justin, a friend of a friend, employee at Courtney's place of work, meets Courtney and immediately shows interest. Even though she's married Justin thinks he can be the man she needs since her husband isn't around to do so.
Now that Courtney has attention from another male, she's more concerned that Alex is cheating on her.
She has no proof, nothing that proves anything, yes one instance is questionable but nothing concrete, she is becoming suspicious of his every move, why? Because she is guilty, of what exactly, you'll have to read to find out!
This book. True literally ripped my heart out. I hurt for both Alex and Courtney, I understood where both of them were coming from, I didn't know who to hate or who to blame or how I wanted the story to turn out for most of the book. I hurt for every one involved from Courtney to their children and even a felt a tiny bit of remorse for Justin.
The author did an amazing job if sucking you in at the very beginning and making you feel like this was happening to you, or at the very least you were standing in the same room watching it all fall apart.
The writing was perfect, leaving nothing out, nothing to question, just an amazingly well written story with characters your can identify with and an ending I hoped for!
I can't wait to read more from Gwendolyn Grace, one book is all it took and I'm a fan.
*includes hot sexual situations and the topic of infidelity*
Usually the word infidelity would make me walk away from a book, it's one subject I don't do well with, but after reading the synopsis I figured I'd give True a shot and I'm so glad I did.
True, as you would expect, is a very emotional read, one that takes you through the full range of emotion, love-lust-anger-hate-disgust-remorse-forgiveness, it has a bit of everything, an for an emotion whore like me, I was in heaven!!
If you can make me cry, and I mean ugly cry, or make me yell curse words at my kindle and or the author as I read I truly adore you!
Courtney & Alex, together 10 years with two children, they had the life they always dreamed of, a home, a steady job, happy healthy kids and each other.
Except they really don't.
Alex's job keeps him away as much as he's home, leaving Courtney home to handle everything on her own,
Eventually as you can imagine, their relationship becomes strained. Courtney feels as though she and Alex are drifting apart, they fight more, are colder towards each other when he's home, she's feeling emotionally neglected, which is one of the worst things you can do to a woman in my opinion.
Alex continues traveling and Justin, a friend of a friend, employee at Courtney's place of work, meets Courtney and immediately shows interest. Even though she's married Justin thinks he can be the man she needs since her husband isn't around to do so.
Now that Courtney has attention from another male, she's more concerned that Alex is cheating on her.
She has no proof, nothing that proves anything, yes one instance is questionable but nothing concrete, she is becoming suspicious of his every move, why? Because she is guilty, of what exactly, you'll have to read to find out!
This book. True literally ripped my heart out. I hurt for both Alex and Courtney, I understood where both of them were coming from, I didn't know who to hate or who to blame or how I wanted the story to turn out for most of the book. I hurt for every one involved from Courtney to their children and even a felt a tiny bit of remorse for Justin.
The author did an amazing job if sucking you in at the very beginning and making you feel like this was happening to you, or at the very least you were standing in the same room watching it all fall apart.
The writing was perfect, leaving nothing out, nothing to question, just an amazingly well written story with characters your can identify with and an ending I hoped for!
I can't wait to read more from Gwendolyn Grace, one book is all it took and I'm a fan.
November 2, 2015
"True," a well-written novel of two people who find themselves searching for the love they once shared before there were children, before they were married. However, life has moved on and we see how far apart they are, both wanting the same thing but neither really listening to each other. The lack of communication naturally turns into never-ending arguments making them resent one another and question everything in their married lives. It’s only when it’s too late that both realize they’re about to lose what they cherish and love the most.
I knew going into this novel that it was about a married couple trying to find their way back to each other and capture the love they once shared. That being said, it didn’t sit well with me when the story turned its focus on Courtney, for her supposed affair, everything she did or didn’t do throughout their marriage, and how she’d do anything to get Alex back. What happened to everything Alex did or didn’t do throughout their marriage that had her questioning her marriage in the first place? That had her contemplating having an affair? It was like that didn’t matter anymore. He never texted or phoned her when he said he would, instead ignoring her when all she wanted to know was if he’d reached his destination safely as he’s always on business trips. He made it seem her job wasn’t as important as his. He accused her of always making everything about her and never him when he does the exact same thing. He then puts the house on sale without her knowledge and announces they’re all moving without even discussing it with her. Excuse me? And he has the gall to divorce her? Whatever her feelings were about her husband, it seems it all changes once he leaves as she tries everything to get her husband back. Did she not remember everything she bitched about? He doesn’t even come clean that he’s been in contact with his ex-girlfriend and not just over the phone, but having met in person several times. What a bloody hypocrite! And Courtney? She just came across as weak and needy. So disappointing. And the ending? Definitely did not like how it ended, especially since I was hoping for a different alternative.
So why the four stars? “True” is a well-written novel that solicits emotions as I read the ups and downs of the married couple, all of which made the couple more realistic. You can’t help but question their feelings and actions, all of which I found most relatable. It’s just sad that it takes a major event in their married lives to realize how much they love one another and all they’ve taken for granted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
What a truly captivating story, that grabs you in from the very beginning and is unforgiving with an emotional story line. Gwendolyn does a wonderful job writing a story about two people so obviously in love who loose their way. My heart hurt so much while reading this story. Alex and Courtney have such a lovely/sweet past, but then life happens and that mingled with miscommunication, and the lack of emotion and affection for one another they are led to doubt, or act impulsively.
Alex is spending a lot of time away for work, this makes it hard on Courtney. She’s left at home to take care of the house and kids. She has plenty of time to let her mind wonder and then when a few things pop up on Facebook, and her husband isn’t calling home to check in much she starts to wonder if he’s having and affair. At so many points during this book I was just like, “Courtney! TELL him how you feel!” or “Alex! Man up and start seeing to your wife, show some emotion PLEASE!”
The pages ooze with the love that they have for one another which just makes the pain you feel for them even worse. I had mostly a love but at times a hate relationship with these characters. You just want to lock them in a room until they figure things out. With all the love that you could feel that they both have for each other it made the steamy parts even more steamy.
I hate that Alex and Courtney ended up where they did, I was rooting for certain things to happen to redeem the relationship but it didn’t happen. I just want to say that although what Justin was constantly telling Courtney about her husband was true he shouldn’t have interfered with there relationship. But after reading the story in its entirety I found that the separation was needed for them to find their “True” again. It still broke my heart but I loved it.
Gwendolyn wrote a great debut novel and I encourage you to read it. Especially if you loved books like “The Man of My Dreams”, “Arsen”, or “Against the Odds”. The story was well written, held my attention, and I look forward to more from this author.
Alex is spending a lot of time away for work, this makes it hard on Courtney. She’s left at home to take care of the house and kids. She has plenty of time to let her mind wonder and then when a few things pop up on Facebook, and her husband isn’t calling home to check in much she starts to wonder if he’s having and affair. At so many points during this book I was just like, “Courtney! TELL him how you feel!” or “Alex! Man up and start seeing to your wife, show some emotion PLEASE!”
The pages ooze with the love that they have for one another which just makes the pain you feel for them even worse. I had mostly a love but at times a hate relationship with these characters. You just want to lock them in a room until they figure things out. With all the love that you could feel that they both have for each other it made the steamy parts even more steamy.
I hate that Alex and Courtney ended up where they did, I was rooting for certain things to happen to redeem the relationship but it didn’t happen. I just want to say that although what Justin was constantly telling Courtney about her husband was true he shouldn’t have interfered with there relationship. But after reading the story in its entirety I found that the separation was needed for them to find their “True” again. It still broke my heart but I loved it.
Gwendolyn wrote a great debut novel and I encourage you to read it. Especially if you loved books like “The Man of My Dreams”, “Arsen”, or “Against the Odds”. The story was well written, held my attention, and I look forward to more from this author.
September 28, 2015
May contain spoilers
I really enjoyed this book, so much that read it in one sitting and the immediately started the novella that continues Alex and Courtney's story.
I am really surprised none of my friends have read this book and only has added it to their tbr pile.
Alex and Courtney have been married for 10 years with two young daughters. Soon the two become disconnected in a way that strains their relationship.
I really wanted to hate Courtney. And there were definitely times I wanted to strangle her, but mostly I felt for her. Sometimes in marriage, it is easy to become disconnected, to not talk about your feeling with your spouse, and become detached.
When another man starts showing compassion and affection to Courtney will she risks her marriage? Will she take it to far?
Since this book is written in Courtney POV it was hard to figure out what was going on with Alex. Courtney seemed to think he is was acting suspicious and came to the conclusion that he was having an affair. I understood her suspicions, Alex was away on business trips frequently and hardly called her when he was away. However, I think the two could of overcome this with being "true" to one another.
I admit, I became a little disgruntled with the story and around the 75% mark became worried about what the future hold for them, so much that I looked for spoilers to halt my worries.
While I ended up really enjoying this, I would only recommend this to friends who do not have an issue of reading topics of infidelity.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, so much that read it in one sitting and the immediately started the novella that continues Alex and Courtney's story.
I am really surprised none of my friends have read this book and only has added it to their tbr pile.
Alex and Courtney have been married for 10 years with two young daughters. Soon the two become disconnected in a way that strains their relationship.
I really wanted to hate Courtney. And there were definitely times I wanted to strangle her, but mostly I felt for her. Sometimes in marriage, it is easy to become disconnected, to not talk about your feeling with your spouse, and become detached.
When another man starts showing compassion and affection to Courtney will she risks her marriage? Will she take it to far?
Since this book is written in Courtney POV it was hard to figure out what was going on with Alex. Courtney seemed to think he is was acting suspicious and came to the conclusion that he was having an affair. I understood her suspicions, Alex was away on business trips frequently and hardly called her when he was away. However, I think the two could of overcome this with being "true" to one another.
I admit, I became a little disgruntled with the story and around the 75% mark became worried about what the future hold for them, so much that I looked for spoilers to halt my worries.
While I ended up really enjoying this, I would only recommend this to friends who do not have an issue of reading topics of infidelity.
4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2014
True is one of the only 5 star ratings Ive ever given. And it earned them all. I have to admit, I wasnt sure if it was my "thing" when I first started it. But I stuck with it and I could not have been happier!
Courtney is a typical wife with a typically successful yet over worked, husband. They have 2 beautiful girls together. This book very much catches the heart of todays family and the struggles they face as they try to stay together.
The reader can definitely feel the love radiating from the characters. Yes all of them, and yet there is so much heartache and struggle as they try to make it through life. Including many day to day struggles many families suffer through. Internet, concerns of infidelity, broken hearts, and soooo much more! Who will make it through with their heart intact? What would you do for your TRUE?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a completely honest review..... Thank you to the author Gwendolyn Grace!
Courtney is a typical wife with a typically successful yet over worked, husband. They have 2 beautiful girls together. This book very much catches the heart of todays family and the struggles they face as they try to stay together.
The reader can definitely feel the love radiating from the characters. Yes all of them, and yet there is so much heartache and struggle as they try to make it through life. Including many day to day struggles many families suffer through. Internet, concerns of infidelity, broken hearts, and soooo much more! Who will make it through with their heart intact? What would you do for your TRUE?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a completely honest review..... Thank you to the author Gwendolyn Grace!
September 21, 2014
I loved this book. I got an advance copy and could not put it down. I literally felt the what the characters were going thru. I could totally relate to the marriage and the strain it was going thru. The push and pull. The life altering moments just for a feeling of what you use to have. I will read this book again. Get it and you will love it too!!
October 12, 2015
First bit of the book felt like I was reading my life minus "Justin" lol. Quick, enjoyable read. Relatable characters and story flowed well. Not to sure about the second book couple though lol
Want to read
May 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/24/2019)! 🎁
September 29, 2014
Nice and sweet...3.5 stars
September 24, 2014
**I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.**
Gwendolyn Grace's debut novel, True. I absolutely LOVED it!!! This book had so many emotions packed into it that I immediately connected with the story and characters.
I felt Courtney's pain during the rough spots in her marriage. I felt the confusion and guilt that plagued her over her the feelings she had because another man was paying attention to her. I am never a fan of marital affairs in books, but this one was just done selfishly and with ill intent towards a spouse. I love how it was all written and that I could feel all of Courtney's pain, attraction, confusion and guilt. Then is was her sadness at the destruction of her life. I admired the way she accepted the things that she did and was having to go through.
I will admit that I was so confused by my feelings for how I wanted this book to go. I loved all of the flashbacks and how, when and where it all began for Alex and Courtney. I hated Alex in the present and his indifference for his wife. I loved him in the beginning of their relationship, but also hated him for a small amount of time too. I will say that when Justin Rich made his appearance that I was confused by the fact that I was okay with the feeling that he was bringing out in Courtney, but I was also saddened that it took that to happen for Alex and Courtney to realize the faults in their marriage. That things had to spiral completely out of control. I will say that all of it was needed for the exact outcome of this book, which I was hoping for and was so glad that it happened. Honestly I thought it might not happen, but the author did a wonderful job at bringing the perfect ending.
Want to know what ending it came to? Well, so it happened like this... Buy the book and you too will find out how TRUE is an amazing story of two people who just needed to find their way again and had to go through some pretty heavy stuff along the way.
Gwendolyn Grace's debut novel, True. I absolutely LOVED it!!! This book had so many emotions packed into it that I immediately connected with the story and characters.
I felt Courtney's pain during the rough spots in her marriage. I felt the confusion and guilt that plagued her over her the feelings she had because another man was paying attention to her. I am never a fan of marital affairs in books, but this one was just done selfishly and with ill intent towards a spouse. I love how it was all written and that I could feel all of Courtney's pain, attraction, confusion and guilt. Then is was her sadness at the destruction of her life. I admired the way she accepted the things that she did and was having to go through.
I will admit that I was so confused by my feelings for how I wanted this book to go. I loved all of the flashbacks and how, when and where it all began for Alex and Courtney. I hated Alex in the present and his indifference for his wife. I loved him in the beginning of their relationship, but also hated him for a small amount of time too. I will say that when Justin Rich made his appearance that I was confused by the fact that I was okay with the feeling that he was bringing out in Courtney, but I was also saddened that it took that to happen for Alex and Courtney to realize the faults in their marriage. That things had to spiral completely out of control. I will say that all of it was needed for the exact outcome of this book, which I was hoping for and was so glad that it happened. Honestly I thought it might not happen, but the author did a wonderful job at bringing the perfect ending.
Want to know what ending it came to? Well, so it happened like this... Buy the book and you too will find out how TRUE is an amazing story of two people who just needed to find their way again and had to go through some pretty heavy stuff along the way.
October 2, 2014
I just had the honor and pleasure of finishing "True" by Gwendolyn Grace. I have to say is an exceptional read, I could not put it down. I found it to be honest and raw on an emotional level. It is hard to find a book of this caliber when it comes to this subject matter. Often other books take it to one of two place straight up smut or an emotional roller coaster this book was a perfect balance of all the emotions. Gwendolyn Grace challenges the reader to not only feel but to think. I look forward to all of her future projects.
May 25, 2015
True pulls you into a couples marriage and you feel like you are there. This book is realistic. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster from love to heartbreak. There are many people involved in this story. There are misunderstandings and realizations of what and how the characters feel. Once you feel the emotions of Alex and Courtney you want to cheer for them. Have you found your True love and will you do anything to make it work? True is a story of love and you will feel like you are living in the story.
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June 26, 2016Marriage with communication breakdown, lack of communication, adults behaving like teenagers with trying to one up the other. Found both mcs childish, story was very short to really show the growth needed here. Both parties were responsible but wife almost had sex with coworker in retaliation - so not good, ending in divorce then rushed reconciliation. Was too rushed and short to fully be believable for me but the premise was promising, will read part 2 to see if any growth, maybe that will make it better?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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