The Truth Between Us

Bentwood #2

by Tammy L. Gray

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world... until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April's best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2018

About the author

Tammy L. Gray lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas, even the erratic weather patterns. Her nine modern and true-to-life contemporary romances include 2017 RITA award winning, My Hope Next Door, and show her unending quest to write high quality, culturally relevant stories with relatable and flawed characters.

When not taxiing her three kids to various school and sporting events, Tammy can be spotted crunching numbers as the financial administrator at her hometown church. Writing has given her a platform to combine her passion with her ministry all while sharing the messy, yet remarkable journey that is a faith-filled life.

Tammy L. Gray has lots of projects going on. For all the latest info, visit her website at http://tammylgray.com

I'd love to hear from all of you! Come join me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tlgraybooks or twitter @tlgraybooks

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite types of stories is one in which the main character is someone with a tough exterior, but simmering just below the surface is someone with a great capacity for feeling. April's character in The Truth Between Us is one such person. She has a cold exterior, but as the story progresses, the real April begins to peek through and the real beauty of her character shines. Sean's character, while easy to relate to from the beginning, also undergoes a similar though less overt change, as he works to prove to April that he is trustworthy. Their relationship is based on a friendship (somewhat fractured at this point), so their interactions have a sweet, comfortable feeling about them (except when they’re in conflict but you know what I mean).

In some romance novels, I feel like the plot takes a back seat, but that's not the case here. April's family dynamics provide a lot of impetus for the plot and definitely compelled me to keep reading. What I really appreciate about this series is that there is just enough drama, but not so much that it feels unrealistic. The romance is swoony but not overdone, and there is always an inspiring, uplifting thread that permeates naturally throughout the entire story.

Once again, I loved the friendships between the "Bentwood Brats," as they are called, and I especially loved the addition of a newer face, Caroline. The snippets of her story within this one really drew me in and can hardly wait for the story that centers around her.

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the author and was not obligated to post a review, positive or otherwise. This review is my honest opinion.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Regret is a dead end highway. It has no capacity to move you forward.“

I recently heard a sermon that talked about how the way we see people determines how we treat people. And an important part of the ‘seeing’ is realizing that there is a story we don’t always know. It’s how Jesus was able to treat people so differently from what was expected – because He knew what others didn’t, what was in the heart and what story from their past and/or present was defining their current behavior. I couldn’t help but think of this sermon many times as I read The Truth Between Us because, frankly, I didn’t like April. But I knew there was a story to why she was such an ice princess so I pressed on. And I was right.

And then there’s Sean… let’s pause a moment for a swoon-filled sigh, shall we? Sean is a bit of an alpha male but when that is directed toward pursuing the woman he loves? Sweet mercy, pull out the fainting couch! His unconditional love for April, a woman for whom nearly every familial relationship came with conditions, is sweet and swoony and poignant. The way that the author portrays Sean’s raw emotion at times completely gripped me and had me solidly in Sean’s corner!

Caroline once again is a supporting character but her story is next, and I can’t wait! What an intriguing character, and the one in the group who gently exudes the Truth. I loved seeing the effect that her relationship with Jesus has already had on Ty and Journey, too. The Bentwood Brats – as they’re known in their small community – are all rather faithless at first, and they live like it. The beauty of this series is that Tammy Gray meets them there, at that starting point, and subtly sprinkles the Gospel over their lives in a way that we don’t always see on the page but is there nonetheless – behind the scenes. Caroline’s relationship and role in the group is one of the best portrayals I’ve seen of what Jesus meant when He called us to be Light in the darkness. It can be as gentle as a flickering flame on a candle – and as quiet – but it’s there.

Bottom Line: The Truth Between Us takes us on a roller coaster of emotions, from passion to anger to hurt to redemption and everything in between. Sean and April are complex characters and their story is as layered as they are. Tammy L. Gray is extremely skilled at writing in such a way that the reader feels part of the story too, and nothing feels forced or out of place. The sweet ending and the undertones of redemption do not cancel out the rawness of the story itself, rather it gives the journey an edge of grace that makes it all worth it. A must-read for fans of Kristen Heitzmann and Becky Wade!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of the Bentwood Series, the focus is on Sean and April. While April was a difficult character to relate to because of her wealthy and cold family, the author did a nice job of explaining what makes April tick. Sean on the other hand was incredibly easy to relate to and appreciate from page one.

The title of the book is perfect because trust or lack of was a key part of the story and getting to the truth is what Sean and April both needed. I loved the chemistry between them.

I completely adore Caroline and loved the parts of the story that included her. I am so looking forward to her story which is next in the series.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been eagerly anticipating April and Sean's story since meeting them in the first book and wondering how on earth the author planned to get them back together. April was such a closed door, so it was fascinating to learn in this book what makes her tick, why she has such a tough and often unlikable exterior, and how the dynamics of her family affect her coping strategies, even subconsciously. Sean, on the other hand, is easy to like and his dogged determination to win April back is admirable. He sees something in her to love and doesn't give up. They have great chemistry, even when they are in the midst of conflict, and the process of reconciliation was gratifying. I appreciated the positive influence of Caroline, a newcomer to the group of longtime friends, and once again I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the Bentwood series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series! Such a compelling group of characters, and stories that grab every one of your emotions and hold them in a vice-like grip from the first page to the last. I raved about the first book in the series, and I’m going to be doing the same with this one. In fact, I think I loved this one even more. Sean and April are both strong, dynamic, and incredibly authentic—so authentic I wondered how Tammy Gray was ever going convincingly crack April’s shell and get these two back together. But, by George, she does it, and gives you a fantastic read along the way.

I have to share some of the quotes from this book that define April:

“You’re still a pit bull wrapped in a silk blouse.”
“April was a walking tornado in four-inch heels. She’ click into a room, insult at least one person, and leave a lingering scent of Christian Louboutin in her wake.”

It’s all true! She’s one tough, acerbic cookie, and yet we get enough of a glimpse of her vulnerability to make her human and to have me cheering Sean on in his quest to save her from herself—even when I felt like shaking the girl!

And while we’re on the subject of Sean… *sigh* Chocolate-covered testosterone with a praline centre. He is absolutely what April needed—persistent, prepared to poke the bear, and offering unconditional love. It could have been so easy to make him too good to be true, but he has his faults and weaknesses, and that only made me love him all the more. Oops. Did I say ‘love’? Don’t tell April…

But what grabs me most about this series is the subtle way it scatters the seeds of the Gospel. Concepts like unconditional love, forgiveness, and seeking the best for others in spite of what it costs us personally underpin the whole story, but in a way that makes it completely accessible to readers who would be reluctant to pick up Christian fiction.

Only one thing remains to be said: When can I get my hands on Caroline and Beck’s story?!

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Jennifer Fluegge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline and characters are fairly well-written, they drew me in and kept me interested so much that I had to keep reading the series to find out what happened to everyone.

Not a huge deal, but I did spend a good part of the first book trying to determine if this was a Christian author - I typically have stuck to Christian fiction and thought I had been recommended this book by a Facebook Christian fiction group, but certain things struck me as odd for a Christian fiction book - like the language (occasional use of a four letter word), etc. One of the characters does turn out to be a believer and through her influence/testimony, others start seeking God. I understand that non-believers are going to act like non-believers. I could, however, do without the actual language.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, Tammy L. Gray’s The Truth Between Us is a rollercoaster of emotions with characters going through an abundance of complex emotions, including passion, anger, hurt, and redemption. This story is beautifully written, with intense and invigorating characters and their stories that will cause readers to fall in love with them. Gray does an excellent job of layering her characters and their stories in such a way that readers will keep coming back for more, not wanting to put the book down until all their questions and intrigues about the characters are answered. Gray is one of those authors that grabs readers by their heartstrings, stringing them along on an emotional ride that will make them think twice about the people in their own lives and those relationships.

Series: Bentwood
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: July 12, 2018
Number of pages: 288

Other books in the series:
1-Until I Knew Myself

A review copy of this book was provided by the author’s street team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series by Tammy Gray. This book deals with the ice princess April, and her ex fiancee, Sean. This story really helped me to understand April more and why she acted the way she did. She is a young woman who masks her feelings because she really never was allowed to have any growing up. Sean, is the total opposite. He is very much a man who shows his emotions. I found that to be really refreshing. Even though, April was a very strong woman who could put people off, I liked her. When she took off her mask and was vulnerable she was a friend who would love and defend fiercely. That is what Sean saw, and he never let that go. He held on to that part of her. That is what I loved about Sean. He saw the very best in April. So, of course I was rooting for them from the get go. I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters of Bentwood. I cannot wait to read about Caroline and Beck. Oh, I also hope that there will be a book about April's brother Andrew. He is a guy I'd like to know more about too.
This is a clean romance with a few mild curse words.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author and was not under any obligation to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth Between Us by Tammy L. Gray
Nine years to get her. Three more years to love her. And one decision to destroy it all.
My rating is 5 stars

April needed to be in control. That's what Duncans do. It's who they are. She never felt that she was able to relax, be herself and have fun, except when she was with Sean. Though being with him was frightening, it was freeing.

I can't even imagine what April's life was like. Not because of the affluence she was surrounded with but because of the constant expectation that she live up to an image. To her parents, life had nothing to do with enjoyment, it was all about the perception of others and living up to their ideals. They were manipulative and distant. My heart was torn with hers as she was faced with the choice of Sean or her family. Either or. No compromise.

Forgive me a minute while I wipe my eyes. Reading this book was quite an emotional journey!

Though Sean had been pushed aside by April over a year earlier - kicked out of her life, actually - he was now determined to get her back. He knew that she had felt betrayed by him in the worst kind of way.

I really loved Sean. He was so alive. His love for April was so incredible it almost hurt to see. He'd loved her ever since they were kids. Waiting patiently. It was the kind of love every girl dreams of. A sacrificing, forever kind of love. Sigh.

Oh, and I can't neglect to mention that I adore his nickname for April. He turned a childhood taunt from her brother into an endearment. Another sigh.

This book chews you up, spits you out and then puts you back together again. It leaves you with tears in your eyes and yet a satisfied kind of warmth in your chest at the end. It challenges you to look at your life to see if you are compromising. Trying to please everyone but yourself. Desperately trying to control your circumstances to only find out this very behavior is controlling you.

The Truth Between Us is a hard-hitting novel, a continuation of the saga of the "Bentwood Brats" that picks up where Until I Knew Myself left off. There are details in this story that assume you know the events and secrets that were revealed in that book, though if you really wanted, this one could stand on its own.

There are still a few more of the Bentwood Brats who need their happy endings. Hurry, Tammy L. Gray! Write faster!! And don't forget about Andrew. He needs to have his story told, too.

Content warning: This book does have some mild swearing. Not a lot and nothing offensive, even to me, which is saying something.

This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

I would like to thank Prism Book Tours, Tammy L. Gray for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Bentwood series for this author. Though she is a Christian author, this series is a crossover series, intended to hit a broader audience, and she has done a good job of that so far - keeping a light spiritual thread, but mostly keeping it to a series of clean romances. Though I typically stick solely to Christian fiction, I've still enjoyed this series. The characters are real, raw and have real conflicts and drama. The series is about a group of 6 friends (that pair off, hence the romance factor). Five of them grew up together and 1 transplanted in, but she has brought a fresh perspective and some healing to the rifts that have happened over time.

Book 1 covers the story of Tyler and Journey, 2 of the friends in the group. This book focuses on Sean and April, 2 others. This story picks up right where "Until I Knew Myself" left off - same scene from a different perspective. While they go together, you can read this as a stand-alone, but if you're going to read the series, I would recommend reading it in order, in order to avoid spoilers. In the first book, we know that Sean and April had been together for awhile, and had even been engaged; however, Sean is absent for most of the first book as he left after their engagement failed. In this book, we learn the circumstances of the break-up and Sean comes back to try to patch things up. By the time he gets into town, April has agreed to participate in a mutually beneficial relationship with her dad's right-hand man in order to get back into the good graces of her parents. Throughout the book, we see April's inner turmoil as she is torn between her 2 lives - her friends in Bentwood, or her family. Sean works to pursue her again and remind her of who she was with him, but living as a "Duncan" is the way of life she knows how to live. Again in this book, Caroline (the fresh perspective character) is called upon for advice and she helps April to see who she really is.

While there were parts of the book that made me a bit uncomfortable (Sean was a bit over-zealous in his pursuit to get April back), the book was well written and had a good resolution. While romance is not typically my genre of choice, I'm good with books that have real, raw relationships and Ms. Gray does that with this series.

Special thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me an advanced reader copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts and opinions here are my own.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Regret is a dead end highway. It has no capacity to move you forward."

I have been holding my breath for this follow up book to Until I Knew Myself. Tammy Gray once again weaves a beautifully emotional story that is well-written, intricately plotted, and filled with deep relatable characters. I have to say that I really didn't like April much in the first book and didn't connect with her until the middle of the book. April begins the book as a snarky, self-absorbed, too-stubborn-for-her-own-good lawyer who has ended up annihilating every good and meaningful relationship she has had. She does become more real and tangible, more vulnerable and human as the story progresses and I did feel a connection with her at the end.
Although Caroline is only a supporting character in this book, I really enjoyed getting to know her better as her friendship with April blossomed in the story. I can't wait for her story to unfold in book 3!!!

Sean.... oh, man. His raw emotions, his unfaltering love for April, and his persistence make him a swoony hero. I was Team Sean from the beginning and was rooting for him....even through his disappointments and hurts. It was good to see Ty and Journey from the first book so happy even as April and Sean struggled.

This book is definitely different in flavor from the first book Until I Knew Myself. Though the books are different, they are totally enjoyable and anyone who loves contemporary romance will love this book (and if you haven't picked up Until I Knew Myself yet, you will need to). I'm now holding my breath for Caroline and Beck's story.......

I was given a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to publish a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own and subjective.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading The Truth Between Us, I wasn't sure what to think. I have not read the first book in the series, so that may have something to do with it, but I absolutely could not stand April. Also, Sean seemed too pushy to me. But as I kept reading and got to know them each better, I found myself drawn into the story, which ended up being a beautiful tale of redemption and forgiveness.

Still, Sean and April's story wasn't the plot line I was most interested in. That honor belongs to Caroline, April's neighbor and the subject of the next book in the series. Caroline's quite faith influences the others in the group, especially April, and I can't wait to see where things go with her and Beck.

Though it took me a while to get into, The Truth Between Us is a really engaging story, and I'll definitely be coming back for book three. 4 stars.

Content note: I would classify this as edgy inspirational romance. Most of the characters are not Christians, and Sean and April lived together before their relationship disintegrated. There are also several mild swear words throughout. This would be right on the line of PG/PG-13.

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book through Prism Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to love about this newest addition to the Bentwood Series. Sean and April have a long history reaching back to their childhood but, as intense as their history and dynamic their love, they are currently very broken. Going into their story I didn’t know how bad it actually was and at times it seemed pretty hopeless.

There are circumstances that are very hard to move beyond and April has almost insurmountable walls now in place. There were honestly times when I felt resentful too toward Sean and a bit horrified at his somewhat physical approach to “making” her “listen” to him. However once Aiden enters the picture I was ready for Sean to break down those walls regardless. I found Aiden totally repulsive in his attitude and methods and basically just another willing puppet in her parents’ machinations.

I love the final revelation and April’s wake-up call leading to the climactic scene between April and Sean and basically his ultimatum.

I have to say that I still love Ty and Journey so much and it’s sweet to see their subtle awakenings to a greater Truth.

I just know Beck and Caroline have an amazing and probably heart wrenching story yet to be revealed, and I can’t wait for book three of The Bentwood Series. If you haven’t yet begun it, what are you waiting for?

I’ve loved every book of every series Tammy L. Gray has written! So thankful to have been given an advance copy of this one!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the saga of "The Bentwood Brats," aptly named, in my opinion. As in the first book in the series, I struggled to relate to most of the characters, whom I found shallow, self-interested, and overly-ambitious, which, of course, gives them room to grow over the course of the story. And no one has more room to grow than cold-hearted, mean April.

More than once, I wanted to shake her ex-fiancee Sean's shoulders, telling him to move on and find a woman who can actually crack a genuine smile. Sean, however, is more loyal to April than I would have been.

In the second half of the book, Tammy Gray makes even April sympathetic as she finally sees with clarity that her family is little more than an assemblage of soulless creatures whose "love" is conditional, at best.

The last quarter of the book is fast-paced, as the author ties up loose ends and cracks open the hardened hearts of the characters so that real love can spill in. The final book in the series promises the culmination of the rising romantic tension between Beck and Caroline (a Bentwood Brat outsider, whom I DID like) and a healthy dose of suspense.

I appreciate how Tammy Gray has met these characters where they are at, largely broken and faithless. The subtle introduction of Christianity is unseen and realistic, given entry by the desires written on their hearts, the natural law, and those God has put in their path.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite her ice princess demeanor, there is a hurt buried so deep in April Duncan, I couldn’t help but feel for her. A testament to Tammy L. Gray’s writing acumen that she can make me sympathetic to a somewhat unlikable character.

In book one of the Bentwood series (which, BTW, is on sale for $0.99 the entire month of July! Go get a copy of Until I Knew Myself if you haven't yet), my curiosity of exactly what happened between Sean and April to cause not only a broken engagement but a rift so large, Sean moved away.

The entire Bentwood gang (aka Bentwood brats) return. Their childhood friendships are tattered and torn. The growing pains will either irreparably break their relationships or strengthen them to last lifetimes.

Then there’s the new addition of Caroline (who, I must say, is my favorite character out of this group and I am so looking forward to her story).

In The Truth Between Us, Gray focuses on how the unconditional love of one person covers over years of fighting to measure up to others expectation, seeking acceptance to the point of losing who you are meant to be.

It’s not an easy road to traverse, there are switchbacks, wrong turns, potholes, and deep ruts to navigate along the way. But with friends to navigate her back to the route, April just might find herself.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Truth Between Us (Bentwood #2) - PG/PG13
Violence: fisticuffs
Language: fewer than ten
Sex: no sex

Read Bentwood #1 first and follow up with 2 immediately or you'll be hard-pressed to remember how the characters are connected and you'll miss out on some good, quality writing.

[Julie Jobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammy L. Gray is one of my go-to authors when I want a story of real life and all the grit that can accompany it. While her stories capture the struggle of real so well, they also always offer hope. They never end with despair having the last word. Her Bentwood Series is raw and real and full of hope. In The Truth Between Us*, the second book of the Bentwood Series, Ms. Gray excels yet again at capturing the pain, the angst, the hurt, the doubt of her characters and their journeys to move beyond that. There is such thorough character development and growth that’s not glossed over filling the pages of this book.

I’m going to be honest and say that I spent a good portion of the book not liking April much. In fact, more than once, I really just wanted to have a little sit down with her and lay some things out for her. She is a complex character that there’s so much more to, but it was hard to see that for a while. Most of her actions, and many times her thought processes as well, made me want to shake her. I don’t know that I’ve ever met a character so blinded to the truth, so blinded to what’s good and what’s bad in her life to the point of having them completely reversed, so blinded to her own hypocrisy even.

The way April thinks and deals with things and the way her family treats her is so unhealthy and dysfunctional, and yet in her mind as the story begins, her relationship with Sean was the unhealthy one. Her parents have most definitely done a number on he. So much so that some of the really good parts of her have been crushed under the weight of their demands and their treatment. April reaches a place of even rejecting the unconditional love of Sean, and to an extent that of her friends, in an attempt to obtain a just minuscule portion of conditional “love” (can’t even really call it love because it’s so far from what real love is) from her parents. The loneliness April faces, the pain she feels are, in some ways, self imposed, not in the way that her parents want her to believe, but in that she pushes away the people who really love her without condition, the ones who want to love her and be there with her through her struggles.

April is more than a bit hypocritical. Acting like her parents do toward her, April punishes her friends when they make choices she doesn’t like regarding Sean. There are times when she uses her words and their own feelings to manipulate them into doing what she wants. While accusing her friends of betrayal and of not telling her the truth, she ignores the ways she has not trusted them with the truth and the ways she has betrayed them.

For much of the book it was hard to like April, but the fact that Sean kept fighting so hard for the real her to be free made me believe that there must be more to her. The love Sean must have for her to go after her when she’s done everything she can to destroy them and when there are only meager flashes of the real her left is a testament to what real Love is like. Sean sees April, who she really is—the hopeful child that tries to hide under all the ice cold attempts to intimidate others so she doesn’t have to feel the rejection she’s felt most of her life. He sees that the way she lashes out means she’s hurting, that it’s her attempt to protect herself, and that even when she tries to manipulate others, she’s often doing so to try to protect herself. It doesn’t make anything she’s done right, but it does help us understand that there’s more going on than someone just being cold and mean. Over the course of the book, I was able to see that, in a way, April didn’t know how else to act, didn’t know how else to love, how else to be because of the manipulation she’d experienced at the hands of her parents her whole life and how they preyed on her need for their love, acceptance, and approval. And it made me see how much it would hurt for the one person she’s come to trust and depend on to never do that to her, to do that, in a sense, by not telling her the truth until it seemed like it was too late.

As frustrating as April’s character was and as much as I hated the way she treated people sometimes, I can see that she had to come to a breaking point to be set free. That all of the hard things in the book had to happen for April to see the truth, for the blinders to be ripped from her eyes, for her to see who she was becoming and that it wasn’t someone she wanted to be, for her to begin to see that there is Someone who has the power and the ability to really love her unconditionally. Seeing that the painful things had to happen for her eyes to be opened reminds me that the tough things in life, the ones that hurt the most, God can use those to work in us—to draw us to Him, to make us into new creations, to make us into better versions of ourselves, to set us free from the things that trap us.

And now I can see the potential in April. No, some aspects of her personality probably won’t disappear—her fierceness, her unwavering loyalty, her strength, her passion, her stubbornness—but they will be changed and redirected to be used in great ways rather than in ways that cause hurt. I have no doubt that, though she won’t be perfect, she will make an amazing friend as she grows in the freedom she’s gained and becomes who God intended for her to be. And though I know her role in the next book will be as a supporting character, I still can’t wait to see the change her, to see the difference in how she acts, and to see who she will become. Now that the book is over, I can see what untapped potential there is in April, a reminder of what truth accompanied by love and grace can do for even the prickliest of people. As I ruminate over this story, I am overwhelmed by the way God allowed the trial Sean and April faced to strip them of the faux pearl version of their relationship as it was, and through it, brought them into the lavishness of a real pearl kind of relationship, how they both now are awarded a deeper relationship with each other and a greater richness of character in each other that just needed to be unbound.

Before I go, I want to quickly mention Caroline who is again a supporting character as she was in the first book. I really appreciated her character in The Truth Between Us for a couple of reasons in particular. For one, just as Sean helped me finally see more to April, Caroline did as well. She was a lot more patient with April than I think I would have been, a convicting reminder of how to love patiently. Between the two of them, my heart softened toward April and they helped me to see the real her better. And two, while Caroline has a quiet strength that draws the “Bentwood Brats” to her, she still struggles and has a past and I appreciate that Ms. Gray shows that. It gives hope that even though we are imperfect, we can still trust the Lord, and by doing so, point people to Jesus.

There’s an abundance of depth and richness and beauty to this book and the series it’s in, to its characters and their relationships, and to the themes present throughout. I’m very much looking forward to revisiting all these characters that tug on my heartstrings, that make me think, and that have become real to me in Ms. Gray’s next addition to the Bentwood Series.

*As mentioned above, The Truth Between Us is the second book in the series, and although I think you could probably read it without having read the first one, I think you’d be missing out on a bigger picture if you did. I highly recommend reading them all and reading them in order for the best effect.

**I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to review it. My opinions are my own.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how Ms. Gray does it, but somehow she always manages to make me fall in love with her characters! Even as I wonder if I'll get as drawn into their lives this time around, I get sucked in anyway, so, of course, this story is no exception to that. I was so sure I would struggle to like April. Meeting her in book one she was extremely hard to relate to and I wondered if I'd be able to warm up to her or not. I shouldn't have doubted! And I should've been more patient. Because that's exactly what April needs, people who won't give up on her. :)

Characters who are tough on the outside, but gooey on the inside have a way of finding the path to my heart. That ultra thick shell that April has going on needed cracking and what better guy to do it than Sean. And goodness what a swoony hero he is! The two of them simply "click". But it's a wild ride to get to their happily ever after. Both of them have a journey that cannot be avoided, yet, for all the gritty and raw emotions they have to deal with, the beauty they're reaching for is so completely worth it!

I think one of my favorite things about Ms. Gray's stories is her ability to write realistic characters. The conflicts and confusions feel genuine and natural. Whether it's the romantic partners or friendships, real, true relationships require a lot of effort. They have ups and downs and the people involved always make good and bad choices both. It's not easy, these connections we form with our fellow humans, and these characters reflects all the work that must go into the maintaining and growing. I loved the slow build of tension as hope gradually worked its way into their lives!

Another of my favorite bits are the friendships between the "Bentwood Brats". I liked them in book one, but I appreciated them even more this time around. Mainly because they've already been through so much together and now continue to grow closer. I love how much they refuse to give up on each other! And how they all come through for one another, no matter how much they may be hurting inside themselves.

The hope and redemption that weaves through every chapter is a beautiful part of this series. It started in book one, but this one only builds and builds on it. It's quiet and gentle, but oh so fiercely there. I cannot wait for book three because I am utterly confident it will only escalate in gloriousness! :) Plus I'm just excited to see where Caroline's journey takes her. This series is completely worth giving a try, my friends! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

**I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story reminded me of reading a soap opera in a way, without all of the sex and violence. But you had plenty of broken hearts, attempts at rekindling romance, games, and backstabbing. April has felt betrayed by her ex-fiance for his role in her beloved uncle being arrested. She has also lost contact with her family, because they never approved of him. And then you have Aiden chasing after her. He may be her ticket back "in" with her family, but there's something conniving about him that I just don't trust.

Sean never fell out of love with April, even though he went away for a while, and he knows that deep down she is still in love with him. He's a bit pushy trying to win her back, but also seems to believe that it is going to require extra effort to break through to her to help her to realize that they belong together. Plus with him being back in town, they need to get used to being around each other, as they share the same circle of friends and will run into each other quite frequently. So how do they sort out themselves, their feelings, and their painful past?

This book is considered to be a standalone. For the most part it is, but I can tell there are a lot of pieces of the other characters' stories that I missed by not reading that one. There is some kind of a riff between a couple of the guys, Ty and Beck. And Caroline has a mysterious past, that I think is being set up for a future installment. It's kind of like a miniseries in book form.

Despite some of my confusion with some of the other characters, I focused more on April and her story with Sean, Aiden, and the rest of her family, watching her grow and evolve. I rooted for the MCs to figure out what was ailing them. They have such a beautiful and rich past together, stretching way back to their early days. And it just feels like so much was a misunderstanding that they never had a chance to work through. Reading this was a great way to relax on a hot summer's day. I want to read the first book in the series now, to get a better understanding of this book. And I would be interested in reading the next one to follow up on where everyone goes, and to figure out what is happening with some of the other characters.

I gave it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the somewhat confusing opening book in this new series, Gray's second entry is easier to follow, and more emotionally compelling. Wealthy girl April was once engaged to jokester Sean, even though her family did not approve of his background (trailer park) or his job (school football coach). April's spent her entire life trying to live up to her demanding parents' expectations, and Sean was her only exception. But for some reason, their engagement came to a crashing halt nine months earlier, and Sean left town to take a new job.

But Sean, who spent years befriending and then wooing April, now realizes that he gave up on her, and their relationship, too soon. And he's come back at the urging of their mutual friend Journey to take a local job, and to try and persuade April that though they are opposites, they belong together.

I liked the fact that both Sean and April had good reasons for taking the sides they took in the dispute that led to their break (family loyalty vs. justice)—it's not just a misunderstanding, but a real rift over what is most important in life. And I especially liked the way that Sean just thinks he can bulldoze April into seeing his side, only gradually realizing why she reacted the way she did, and his role in making the situation worse rather than better. April, too, has some maturing to do; her response to Sean's betrayal led her to manipulate one of her best friends, Beck, in a selfish, hurtful way, and her relationship with Beck still hasn't recovered from it.

Things get especially complicated when April starts dating a man whom her family respects, a man who helps her reunite with her parents—should she give her family up again all for Sean's sake? Can she?

"Do you like that person? I mean Aiden aside, Sean aside, even your family name aside, do you like who you've become?" A great question asked by April's friend Journey.

Sean is a very pushing, aggressive character, which was interesting given the set-up for book #3, a secondary character here who is dealing with the fallout from her relationship with a emotionally controlling and abusive boyfriend—I'll be interested to see how Gray explores the line between male aggression and male abuse.

[T. Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ STARS!!

Since I was already a fan of this author, it’s not surprising that I found this book enjoyable. What was surprising? That this book was absolutely staggering in its impressive writing when compared to her already impressive backlist. To avoid sounding trite with overused platitudes, I’m going to try to quickly explain why this book worked for me.

First, the story caters to my love of details. Like some of my favorite books, this author put me in the room with her characters where I could be an observer of every subtle and telling movement that helped share the story alongside or instead of dialogue. She predominantly showed me how they felt, rather than told me. So well done, that my connection to the characters led to visceral reactions to some of their individual emotions.

Second, the story development was crazy amazing! I imagined storyboards lining this author’s office with miles of string looped around multitudes of stick pins linking together storyline point A to B to Z. Not just in this story alone, but linking each book in the series to the other with rigorous precision. Mind. Blown!

Third, the dialogue was organically authentic. The author never tried to force emotional connections with excessive and unrealistic exchanges. Less was more. To lighten the heavier moments, the fantastic whip-smart banter had me smiling and rooting for Sean and April’s second chance.

Finally, the faith elements were subtle, but no less poignant. Kind of like that quiet friend who observes, listens, and most often speaks when they have something worthwhile to say. To me, this describes the character of Caroline and her role up to this point within this group. She has been the impetus to heart change among these friends and the Lord’s conduit for conversion and restoration. I can’t wait for more of her story.

It’s been quite a few days since I finished and now writing this review has again stirred up all that I felt while reading. Sean has easily become a favorite hero and, more impressively, the author has changed my heart towards April who had previously been coldly portrayed. A very sweet ending to this second book and I can’t wait to delve back into their world one more time. (This is my voluntary and unbiased review of an advanced copy of The Truth Between Us.)

[Ashley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Wow! What an emotional rollercoaster of a story!

The Bentwood Brats return in Sean and April's story. In this book, you get glimpses of our favorite characters from the first book, Until I Knew Myself.

I love how all the characters lives are entwined. They truly are amazing little family. The Bentwood series really drives home that you don't have to be blood to be related...to be a family.

In Sean and April's story, Sean returns home after a year away; following a catastrophic break up.

Betrayal is a deep seated emotional pain.

April has had the life of luxury. Sean broke down her barriers and April chose him over her family's wishes. Even though her parents didn't approve of their relationship, she didn't care. She thought she could do it all with Sean by her side.

Unfortunately, she was wrong. In a single moment, Sean cost April everything. And in her anger, she cast him away.

A year of heartache later, April is ready to move on when she gets the opportunity of a lifetime. And she's willing to do anything to make her life right again.

However, Sean is back and plans to win her heart once again. And he's not going down without a fight.

With that, their story follows the bumps and curves of that rollercoaster. Discovering that betrayal comes in many forms and you can't always trust family.

Some points had me laughing and other parts had me near tears. Ms Gray shows true emotion in her characters. You can totally feel them while you read.

Additionally, in this story, you get some more background for the mysterious Caroline. With an epilogue that has you sitting on the edge of your seat. Can't wait for her and Beck's book.

Pick up this one today! You won't regret it.

P.S. most of Tammy Gray's books are super inspirational and filled with God's word and love. While this one has a few scenes with talk about God, it's not over done and It's more relevant to today's culture.

[Tawny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Tammy L. Gray’s Bentwood series is an authentic, engaging, and intriguing read. Centered around two more of the “Bentwood Brats,” Sean Taylor and April Duncan, the readers learn the history these two share and what broke them up.

Now, almost a year after their failed engagement, April is ready to move on—to get her life back. But when Sean returns to Bentwood, things become a giant mess again. Sean only ever wanted to love April, but when he was faced with an impossible decision, their future was stripped away. Now, he is ready to fight for the woman he loves, to make her hear the truth. But the woman he finds is not the one he left behind. The stakes are higher now because he knows if he fails the girl he loved may be gone forever.

I liked this book for several reasons, the first being that the characters face genuine problems. April’s family and the demands they place on her materialize as a main part of the story. She feels nothing she does is ever good enough for them, and they certainly do not like her ex-fiancé. Trust is also an important conflict for April and Sean—a problem that can be found in any friendship or relationship. The second reason I liked this book was because of the relationships between the characters. In the first novel, all of the main players were introduced, and readers got to know three of them fairly well, but this book takes the reader into a more in-depth look at the workings of the circle of friendship and its participants. Caroline is slowly emerging as my favorite character in this series as well—reason number three. She brings the inspirational aspect to the Bentwood series and slowly makes connections within this friendship circle.

All in all, this is a wonderful book, and highly recommended if you enjoy real world conflict, stories about love and friendship, and intriguing characters. I would give this book five out of five stars, and I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading “Until I Knew Myself (Bentwood #1)” I could hardly wait to read April and Sean’s story. I mean, April is so scary awesome! The story she shares with Sean is another good one!

What do you do when you are placed in a situation where there is no “right”answer? Sean has spent years getting April to trust him and to love him. Then he finds himself in a situation where he has to do what he feels is right...but may cause him to lose her. He believes he can come out the winner...but April breaks off their engagement (nope, you gotta read it, not spoiling it here). Now he’s back in town to fight for what/who he wants.

April has spent her entire life trying to please her implacable parents-to earn their respect, their approval, their love. Sean didn’t fit into their plans. When she breaks off the engagement, they begin their manipulations to bring her to heel to their expectations. Just as she begins to earn their approval...Sean returns to try to win her back.

Wow! This book is really good! I did find the constant repetition of Sean’s “mistake” a bit tedious. There were times when it just felt like they were rehashing the same ideas over and over...but then again, real life is like that. I didn’t really find his “mistake” all that heinous. And I did not really care for the ending. But overall, another really great story. It was good to “visit”with the Brentwood brats again. I find myself wishing I had a group of friends like that! And I can’t wait for Caroline’s story! I also LOVED the relationship between Caroline and April in this story. Overall, worth the read.

This book could be read as a stand alone. You would understand the other characters better if read read #1 first, but it’s not mandatory.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my unbiased review. It in no way influenced my review of the book.

[Tina at Mommynificent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about April and Sean. I knew from reading the first book in this series that I really liked this author's writing style, but I was disappointed by what I felt was a lack of spiritual depth in that one. Then I found out this series was intended to be more of a crossover fiction series, with strong moral themes and maybe a few hints of Christianity but not really what I would call Christian fiction. So I borrowed this second one using Kindle Unlimited and went into it with different expectations, knowing I already loved and cared about these characters and knowing not to expect too much as far as spiritual change and growth went.

Well, the author's writing did not disappoint. If anything, this book was even better than the first. Strong, beautifully portrayed, flawed characters. Believable backstory. Riveting plot. Just the right amount of suspense.

And, I was so pleasantly surprised to find real spiritual truth as well! The character in this book who knows the Lord is so very true-to-life in her attempts to share about the Lord with her friends. She sees their need, senses opportunities, and sometimes she obeys and sometimes she doesn't. And sometimes, she sort of hints at things but doesn't really say enough. That annoyed me in the first book because I never felt like she got around to saying enough, but this one was so much better. I found myself relating to her so very much and was challenged to be more obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to make sure I say enough when I'm given the opportunity!

To sum up, I absolutely loved this second installment in the Bentwood series. I can hardly contain my excitement for book 3 because it will feature the character I described above that knows the Lord! This is such a fabulous series!

[Austin Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never before read anything by Tammy L. Gray. I’m always nervous when I’m reviewing new-to-me-authors. What if I hate the book?

With The Truth Between Us, I had nothing to worry about, and here’s why: Sean Taylor.

I did struggle to like the other characters until later in the book. But Sean, I loved from the start, for the same reasons all the Bentwood Brats love him: he’s funny, he’s daring, he’s passionate, he’s authentic.

I also struggled with April.

Early in the book, I didn’t identify with her and didn’t even really like her, but I think that was because Ms. Gray did an amazing job showing the ‘hard shell April’ she was without Sean. Not because she had to be different with him, but because he drew out the person that was inside her the whole time.

And that April, I loved.

It took me a while to like the other characters, but by the mid-half of the book, I started to know them better, and they began to feel like friends. I think I would have felt that way sooner if I’d read the first book in the series.

I didn’t think I’d like this book when I was in the early stages of reading it, but in the end, I found a story that shows the great impact of being loved unconditionally, and how very different that kind of love is from the conditional kind.

I started out loving Sean, and I ended up loving all the ‘brats’ ❤

Also, with that cliffhanger at the end, I’m obviously reading the next book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book as part of the Prism Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A note of explanation about this series:
This is the second book in Tammy L. Gray’s “Bentwood” series. This series is written as “crossover” fiction, which means it’s a clean romance novel with a very light mention of faith in the story. Although I read mostly Christian fiction, I have very much enjoyed the first two books and already look forward to the next book in the series.

Tammy Gray’s characters and storyline in “The Truth Between Us” are compelling and very well-written. The contemporary setting adds to the intrigue in the story. There’s no “perfect” character which makes it realistic, gripping reading. This book is a page-turner. Throughout the story, I so wanted the relationship between Sean and April to work, but there were several unexpected twists and turns that had me anxiously wondering if that was going to happen. Ms. Gray does a great job setting up the family drama that adds to Sean and April’s conflict which each other.

I love the theme of strong friendship throughout this series. There may be problems among them at times, but the Bentwood friends are committed to supporting each other through difficult times. I’m especially interested to see what happens with the character of Caroline. She seems to be the one of the group that has a strong faith and the circle of friends seem to be taking note of that.

This book is an emotional read, and I loved it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading book 1 first. I have not read it and found myself lost for the first quarter of the book until I was able to distinguish between all the different characters and understand a bit of the back story. I think if I had read the first book I would not have struggled so much with this.

This story features a group of friends (known as the Bentwood brats) and one relatively new addition to the group. The closeness between the group has become a bit fractured over the last year. The fracture seemed to have been caused with breakup of Sean and April. How do you choose sides between friends? Sean had left town for a while but now he is back and is determined to fix things with April.

While I liked Sean, I struggled with April and couldn’t understand why Sean was so determined to win her back. The further I got into the story my opinion of April began to shift and rather than not liking her I became furious with the attitude of her parents and Adrian. I then began to understand the unconditional love Sean had for April and why he was determined to fix things with her. I loved that he never gave up on her; he not only wanted to be with her but truly wanted her to be happy. The more time I spent with them the more I became engaged in their story and loved seeing redemption and forgiveness come about.

My favourite character was Caroline, she may be hiding her own secrets but that doesn’t stop her from providing shelter to April when she is needs it. She challenges April at times and tries to share her faith without being too direct that would push April away. I couldn’t help but laugh at the food fight scene between these two, it definitely cut the tension.

Once I connected with the characters I couldn’t put the story down. This is an emotional story filled with a powerful message of discovering yourself, a wonderful example of unconditional love and what trust really means. (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.

[Gena - My Book Reviews for You · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth Between Us was just as emotional as Tammy’s Until I Knew Myself. I enjoyed the way the characters friendships and emotional journeys were depicted. April Duncan knows how serious her family legacy is. Her family is all about ambition, success, and image. April broke off her engagement to Sean after he betrayed her almost a year ago. Now she wants to be accepted back into her family if they will forgive her. She is resigned to doing whatever is necessary to prove she belongs again. Sean felt that he had no choice when he made the decisions he made a year ago. He’s finally ready to try to get April to understand why he did what he did back then. April and Sean have known Beck, Ty, and Journey for years. They have been friends, but recent years have found them with damage to some of their relationships, especially as the characters are involved in their own emotional journeys. By the end of the first chapter, I felt back at home with all of the familiar characters. April is conflicted between the strict Duncan family loyalty and her other friends who don’t all fit into the Duncan image. She is torn between what she should do and what she wants to do. This is a familiar theme with the characters in the story. As secrets are revealed, the characters all struggle to find their way and rebuild trust with the others in their lives.

[Carol Collett · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Duncan and her brother, Andrew, were expected to work for the family business, and do everything their parents wanted them to. Andrew chose, instead, to be a firefighter and had been cut off from the family for two years. April and Sean Taylor had been friends since childhood and later dated for three years, resulting in their engagement. April's parents did not approve of Sean and alienated April, as well. Then April's world came crashing down, when she believed that Sean had used deception, which hurt her beloved uncle and her whole family. April used a friend to inform Sean that the engagement was off, and she refused to have any contact with Sean. Devastated, Sean took a job in another town and left Bentwood, where April and his other friends lived.

Approximately ten months later, Sean returned to Bentwood for a different job, and with the intentions of somehow winning April back. He had a long battle ahead of him, and the story was full of angst. Will Sean finally convince April that they should be together? Will he make her understand that what he did was in the best interest of her uncle and that he never meant to deceive her? Read this clean story to find out what happened. You will have trouble putting it down. Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.