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The Cold Hard Truth
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.
With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret.
When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?
With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret.
When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
295 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2017
16 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Leigh Cowley
3 books114 followersAmanda Leigh Cowley lives in Northampton, England with her husband and two fitness-mad sons, (they don't get it from her!). When she's not distracted by the four-legged visitors she looks after, she writes, and drinks way too many lattes from her Dulce Gusto machine.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 13, 2018
3.75 stars
A well-written YA book with a touch of suspense and absolutely amazing hero!
I'm not the right audience for YA, but this one didn't annoy me with 'childish' characters. They all were pretty mature and smart for their age.
I didn't quite understand all the h's family dynamic and tbh I pitied her mother.
Very good, sweet and loyal hero. Loved him!!! I like it, when a h pushes away, but in this case I wish this one would stop 'punishing' this great guy a bit earlier. It happens never to me *lol*, but this hero was a gem 😍
A well-written YA book with a touch of suspense and absolutely amazing hero!
I'm not the right audience for YA, but this one didn't annoy me with 'childish' characters. They all were pretty mature and smart for their age.
I didn't quite understand all the h's family dynamic and tbh I pitied her mother.
Very good, sweet and loyal hero. Loved him!!! I like it, when a h pushes away, but in this case I wish this one would stop 'punishing' this great guy a bit earlier. It happens never to me *lol*, but this hero was a gem 😍
April 23, 2017
When Emily arrives home early she knows that something is wrong straight away but her brain won't let her make sense of it, well not in those all important first seconds. Her dad is dead and not by natural causes and the person responsible is still in the room. As the murderer rushes past, Emily grabs a sleeve purely by instinct, a sort of reflex action that results in her being slashed down her forearm before she releases the material. It isn't always just the good people that rally round after such a tragic happening, so being a vulnerable teenager and now living in the house on her own she simply can not cope either emotionally or financially. There is only one option, that is go live with her estranged American mother, that abandoned her years before to go after her lover in the USA taking her older half sister with her.
Well this story doesn't give you time to grab a breath, what a start. Emily has so many raw emotions to deal with and yet just can't face dealing with any of them. There are so many unanswered questions from her childhood about how and why her mum could just leave her which is emphasised even more with the fact that she doesn't call her mum but by her first name. Emily is one hurting teenager that is angry and wants to hurt back. The one person she did miss was her half sister so they vow not to be split up again.
This author was new to me and absolutely loved her writing style. From the start it was shocking and I knew that this was going to be a gripping edge of my seat thriller and it certainly was. This is like one massive spiders web where at times I felt that I was going further away from the main story but everything is relevant no matter how small. A real web of deceit. As if the poor girl hasn't enough on throw in a bit of romance too just to add to her already unstable mind and it makes for a decent heart in your mouth ride, so buckle up because this certainly gets bumpy. Yikes this is good!
Well this story doesn't give you time to grab a breath, what a start. Emily has so many raw emotions to deal with and yet just can't face dealing with any of them. There are so many unanswered questions from her childhood about how and why her mum could just leave her which is emphasised even more with the fact that she doesn't call her mum but by her first name. Emily is one hurting teenager that is angry and wants to hurt back. The one person she did miss was her half sister so they vow not to be split up again.
This author was new to me and absolutely loved her writing style. From the start it was shocking and I knew that this was going to be a gripping edge of my seat thriller and it certainly was. This is like one massive spiders web where at times I felt that I was going further away from the main story but everything is relevant no matter how small. A real web of deceit. As if the poor girl hasn't enough on throw in a bit of romance too just to add to her already unstable mind and it makes for a decent heart in your mouth ride, so buckle up because this certainly gets bumpy. Yikes this is good!
February 9, 2017
Loved this book !!!
I don't want to give any thing about this book away so all I will say is I read this book in 4 hours it keeps you guessing right till the end really well written loved everything about it.
I don't want to give any thing about this book away so all I will say is I read this book in 4 hours it keeps you guessing right till the end really well written loved everything about it.
March 31, 2018
A great, well written book, really enjoyed it.
February 6, 2017
I'd been looking forward to another book from this author and once again she didn't disappoint. Intrigue, romance, surprises, great characters and setting, this light yet suspenseful novel had everything to keep me hooked. I looked forward to going to bed each night just so I could get back to reading it. I now have a serious book hangover and am eagerly awaiting the next one.
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March 30, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/30/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.
With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret.
When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?
Blurb:
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.
With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret.
When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?
June 8, 2017
Really wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did - it was a real surprise. Not a long book but a proper page turner with twists and turns and a love interest along the way. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. I really hope this author write more book like this. Thank you to TBC and to the author for the chance to read this title - as I am not sure I would have picked it up otherwise.
May 14, 2017
I really loved this book. It's the first one from the author and I loved her writing style and the fact that the story is tell in first person.
It's full of suspense and Emily has to deal with big array of emotions: fear, anger, hate, affection and love.
It's a gripping story; half way through it I had an idea of who could have been the responsible for the pain in her life, but until the end I was not sure and that keep me hooked to the book. This may sounds confusing I know, but I don't want to give away too much of the story... I guess you will have to read the book to found out what I'm talking about.
I received a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
It's full of suspense and Emily has to deal with big array of emotions: fear, anger, hate, affection and love.
It's a gripping story; half way through it I had an idea of who could have been the responsible for the pain in her life, but until the end I was not sure and that keep me hooked to the book. This may sounds confusing I know, but I don't want to give away too much of the story... I guess you will have to read the book to found out what I'm talking about.
I received a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
May 16, 2017
This is one of those books that I wanted to read, thought about during the day and went to bed early so I could squeeze in more pages.
The first page had my attention, what a way to start a book! Whack! there you go this is Em and this is her life.
The Cold Hard Truth, had me intrigued. Amanda has written this well, it's easy to read yet complicated. There's enough detail to spark the imagination, which is just what I like. To be able to piece things together and play detective myself. Which I must say, I failed miserably at!
A well written, easy to read yet complicated book. Good work Amanda!
The first page had my attention, what a way to start a book! Whack! there you go this is Em and this is her life.
The Cold Hard Truth, had me intrigued. Amanda has written this well, it's easy to read yet complicated. There's enough detail to spark the imagination, which is just what I like. To be able to piece things together and play detective myself. Which I must say, I failed miserably at!
A well written, easy to read yet complicated book. Good work Amanda!
February 26, 2017
Read 24/02/2017 to 26/02/2017 Rating 4.7 stars
So many talented authors, so little reading time! Amanda Cowley is another author I have been introduced to and this book, Cold Hard Truth is a very well written, gripping thriller with a large dose of romance thrown in.
I usually avoid romance but sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth and this is one of those books. It is an unusual story with a total curve ball ending. At several points during the book I thought I had worked out the unsub only to change my mind a bit further into the book. Full of suspense with several issues examined this is a book I am glad I read.
Emily is traumatised after arriving home to find her father had been murdered and being left with many debts and a lack of money she travels to the other side of the world to live with her estranged mother and half sister. Her nightmares and problems travel with her as she struggles to cope with her new life and her attraction to her boss.
The characters are developed slowly and effectively throughout the book and I feel I really know the characters and the area. The book ends with a real shocker but it is all rounded up very well with no unanswered questions.
A very good read that will appeal to readers of thrillers, romance and choc lit.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
#thriller @amandalcowley #amreviewing #5stars
So many talented authors, so little reading time! Amanda Cowley is another author I have been introduced to and this book, Cold Hard Truth is a very well written, gripping thriller with a large dose of romance thrown in.
I usually avoid romance but sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth and this is one of those books. It is an unusual story with a total curve ball ending. At several points during the book I thought I had worked out the unsub only to change my mind a bit further into the book. Full of suspense with several issues examined this is a book I am glad I read.
Emily is traumatised after arriving home to find her father had been murdered and being left with many debts and a lack of money she travels to the other side of the world to live with her estranged mother and half sister. Her nightmares and problems travel with her as she struggles to cope with her new life and her attraction to her boss.
The characters are developed slowly and effectively throughout the book and I feel I really know the characters and the area. The book ends with a real shocker but it is all rounded up very well with no unanswered questions.
A very good read that will appeal to readers of thrillers, romance and choc lit.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
#thriller @amandalcowley #amreviewing #5stars
March 28, 2017
Review: The Cold Hard Truth by Amanda Leigh Cowley Self-published (27 February 2017)
ISBN: 978-1520380247
ASIN: B01NAKA7FG
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day. With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret. When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?
Review:
I'd previously read and reviewed the author's Soul Protector & The Betrayal, which I'd really enjoyed, so I couldn't wait to get stuck into this. I did have a slight worry of 'what if it isn't as good as...' which only happens when I've absolutely loved an author's previous books and I'm worried that I'll be disappointed! In this case, however, I needn't have worried at all!
The Cold Hard Truth is an utterly compelling mystery full of engaging characters and packed to the brim with intrigue. I picked it up first thing in the morning, intending to read just a few chapters, but found myself unable to put it down; I was just finishing the last chapter as i went to bed that night! Amanda Leigh Cowley has a beautifully evocative style of writing that grabs your attention from the very outset.
Full of twists and turns, including an almighty, unforseen shocker at the end, The Cold Hard Truth has all my favourite elements. I'd recommend it to readers of crime, mystery, romance, women's fiction. In fact, anyone who reads!
I'd like to thank Amanda Leigh Cowley for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.
ISBN: 978-1520380247
ASIN: B01NAKA7FG
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day. With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret. When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?
Review:
I'd previously read and reviewed the author's Soul Protector & The Betrayal, which I'd really enjoyed, so I couldn't wait to get stuck into this. I did have a slight worry of 'what if it isn't as good as...' which only happens when I've absolutely loved an author's previous books and I'm worried that I'll be disappointed! In this case, however, I needn't have worried at all!
The Cold Hard Truth is an utterly compelling mystery full of engaging characters and packed to the brim with intrigue. I picked it up first thing in the morning, intending to read just a few chapters, but found myself unable to put it down; I was just finishing the last chapter as i went to bed that night! Amanda Leigh Cowley has a beautifully evocative style of writing that grabs your attention from the very outset.
Full of twists and turns, including an almighty, unforseen shocker at the end, The Cold Hard Truth has all my favourite elements. I'd recommend it to readers of crime, mystery, romance, women's fiction. In fact, anyone who reads!
I'd like to thank Amanda Leigh Cowley for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.
January 4, 2017
Yeah, first book down, which is an appalling attitude, but the book wasn’t great mate. Not for me anyway. But then I don't care for this teenage angst, does he love me crap. It was the murder mystery that I was interested in. The side line romance stuff will draw a different crowd and the book maybe worth a look just for that.
Anyway, here's my two sentence synopsis. Girl is attacked by the killer of her father and survives but is bereft by father's death. Girl is then invited to america to live with estranged mother and half sister, where an angst ridden romance evolves and the killer is revealed.
Now I liked the start. Murder is good. Witness alive, but damaged emotionally and physically is good. But then the story, in USA, reverts to a romantic v family saga with vague references to the the killing via text.
I enjoyed the read. Liked Em, the narrator, but everyone else lacked depth. I felt no real emotional loyalty to Em and her life. And don’t get me started on the antagonist.
Oh all right I will. It was a good twist, the clues good, red herrings satisfactory and with a limited list of suspects the killer reveal was acceptable. But it didn’t ring true. There was such a shallow portrayal, a lack of detail to the insanity involved in the killers psyche and motives that I felt duped, robbed even when the killer was revealed.
But if you like a lighthearted read of teenage angst and love, and enjoy a cozy murder then you may get more from this tale than I did.
It wasn’t bad, no way, but it wasn’t super good either.
Anyway, here's my two sentence synopsis. Girl is attacked by the killer of her father and survives but is bereft by father's death. Girl is then invited to america to live with estranged mother and half sister, where an angst ridden romance evolves and the killer is revealed.
Now I liked the start. Murder is good. Witness alive, but damaged emotionally and physically is good. But then the story, in USA, reverts to a romantic v family saga with vague references to the the killing via text.
I enjoyed the read. Liked Em, the narrator, but everyone else lacked depth. I felt no real emotional loyalty to Em and her life. And don’t get me started on the antagonist.
Oh all right I will. It was a good twist, the clues good, red herrings satisfactory and with a limited list of suspects the killer reveal was acceptable. But it didn’t ring true. There was such a shallow portrayal, a lack of detail to the insanity involved in the killers psyche and motives that I felt duped, robbed even when the killer was revealed.
But if you like a lighthearted read of teenage angst and love, and enjoy a cozy murder then you may get more from this tale than I did.
It wasn’t bad, no way, but it wasn’t super good either.
February 6, 2017
This book had so much potential and it just failed miserably. Her dad died, she moved back home, falls in love? Perfect story line and it was just a let down. Like her sister was the killer but turned crazy at the end? Her mom was crazy too? She slept with her boss and then was like this a mistake but then basically lived with him. The whole book was poorly written and I barely made it too the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2017
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I thoroughly enjoy suspense crime novels and this one was no different. Add a little bit of a nice guy and romance and you have the perfect book.
When Emily returns home one day unexpectedly early, she finds herself in the middle of a complete nightmare that forced her to make live changing choice. She ends up having to leave everything behind in London and move in with her estranged mother and sister in California, a place she never thought she would end up after her mother left her behind at a young age.
She is angry, sad and awkward, especially since her half-sister Harriet seems to do her utmost to carry on as nothing ever happened.
She finally starts to feel some normality when she’s offered a job, which conveniently comes with a very handsome owner who seems to have the hots for her.
The writing was great and kept you guessing as to who the bad guy is. The story has some good twist, nice little spark of romance and plenty of good, likeable characters.
Thank you to the author and #TBConFB for access to this book in return for this honest review.
I thoroughly enjoy suspense crime novels and this one was no different. Add a little bit of a nice guy and romance and you have the perfect book.
When Emily returns home one day unexpectedly early, she finds herself in the middle of a complete nightmare that forced her to make live changing choice. She ends up having to leave everything behind in London and move in with her estranged mother and sister in California, a place she never thought she would end up after her mother left her behind at a young age.
She is angry, sad and awkward, especially since her half-sister Harriet seems to do her utmost to carry on as nothing ever happened.
She finally starts to feel some normality when she’s offered a job, which conveniently comes with a very handsome owner who seems to have the hots for her.
The writing was great and kept you guessing as to who the bad guy is. The story has some good twist, nice little spark of romance and plenty of good, likeable characters.
Thank you to the author and #TBConFB for access to this book in return for this honest review.
May 21, 2017
This story starts off with action and intrigue straight away, and left me wanting to keep reading to answer all the questions I had whirring around my head.
Emily suffers a horrendous heartbreaking shock and is left to deal with post traumatic stress, but things don't stop there. Moving overseas was an option she was unable to refuse, it wasn't something she dreamed about. Emily moves in with her mother and sister, secrets and mysteries unfold. It took me a day to read this, as each chapter left me trying to piece things together before i finished it. I just managed to but very near to the end. Thanks TBC and Amanda - 5 stars from me.
Emily suffers a horrendous heartbreaking shock and is left to deal with post traumatic stress, but things don't stop there. Moving overseas was an option she was unable to refuse, it wasn't something she dreamed about. Emily moves in with her mother and sister, secrets and mysteries unfold. It took me a day to read this, as each chapter left me trying to piece things together before i finished it. I just managed to but very near to the end. Thanks TBC and Amanda - 5 stars from me.
May 19, 2018
Good read
Good read with an uplifting ending. To be honest I thought it would brother one of those cliche reads, but was pleasantly surprised. Although the ending was a bit of a cliche, the ride there wasn't
Good read with an uplifting ending. To be honest I thought it would brother one of those cliche reads, but was pleasantly surprised. Although the ending was a bit of a cliche, the ride there wasn't
November 8, 2017
Great story! Great Plot! Wonderful characters! Beautifully written. I really enjoyed the quick pace of the story and the shocking yet predictable twist at the end! Highly recommend it!
April 30, 2018
If you are lucky to stumble across this book then I really do recommend you read it. I read it in less than 24 hours. I literally could not put it down. Put this on you "to read" list.
January 10, 2020
Interesting book. I liked how the story unfolded.
June 8, 2017
Wow! What a great book. The moment I started, I knew I had to finish it as soon as possible. Cowley starts off the book with a major scene and I was hooked from then on out. I'm usually pretty good at picking out "whodunit" but this one had me guessing for a bit. I loved how there was a little romance sprinkled into this mystery/suspense novel. If you are looking for a quick read that will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat, be sure to pick up The Cold Hard Truth! I look forward to reading more from this author!!
April 29, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was glad to be introduced to her. From the onset we are introduced to a horrific event that will shape the course of Emily's life. Not only does she have to live with her father's death, but she has to uproot to America for financial reasons.
An interesting read with a twist I wasn't expecting. I read this book in two sittings. Emily's character is very likeable and her account of the story makes it a very easy read.
An interesting read with a twist I wasn't expecting. I read this book in two sittings. Emily's character is very likeable and her account of the story makes it a very easy read.
May 3, 2017
After almost interrupting her fathers murder, 18 year old Emily finds herself heading to the US to live with her estranged mother and half sister. A chance encounter with the owner of the local cafe sets her up with a job , but things aren't quite as simple as that. Her sister is desperate for the three women to become a family again but with her mothers behaviours, and Emily's feelings of betrayal and abandonment, it's not going to be easy.
A great quick read with a fantastic twist.
A great quick read with a fantastic twist.
May 24, 2017
The cold hard truth by Amanda Leigh Cowley.
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.
A very good read. I didn't expect that. did not figure out who it was either. 4*. Tbc on fb.
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.
A very good read. I didn't expect that. did not figure out who it was either. 4*. Tbc on fb.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews