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Truth in Lies #20
A Family Affair: The List
Can her free-spirited ways fit into his plan?
Radford Keller is a successful businessman who sees life as a corporation. He’s guided by structure, facts, and deadlines. He has no time or interest in concepts like serendipity, destiny, or ever-after. In fact, he doesn’t believe they exist.
Marisela Ricci is a talented, kind-hearted free spirit with an unfortunate past that’s left her filled with self-doubt and an inability to commit to long term or anything resembling a plan. And relationships? Too much hurt, too much exposure. Not happening. Ever.
They’re from different worlds but they share one very strong common interest—Radford’s Aunt Lina.
Lina Keller has lived in the small town of Magdalena, New York, for over fifty years but she’s known her share of heartache, loss, and the repercussions of not taking a chance. That’s why she’s determined that the two people who mean the most to her—her city-boy nephew and the woman who’s like a daughter to her—don’t experience those same mistakes. She devises a twenty-one-day list that will force them to work together, develop new skills, and maybe learn about each other. Will they want to do it? Of course not. Will they do it for her? Absolutely.
And perhaps what they’ll discover along the way will change how they view each other, the world, and their take on commitment and happily-ever-after. What happens when the twenty-one-day list is completed? Well, that depends on them, with a little help from the residents of Magdalena...
Radford Keller is a successful businessman who sees life as a corporation. He’s guided by structure, facts, and deadlines. He has no time or interest in concepts like serendipity, destiny, or ever-after. In fact, he doesn’t believe they exist.
Marisela Ricci is a talented, kind-hearted free spirit with an unfortunate past that’s left her filled with self-doubt and an inability to commit to long term or anything resembling a plan. And relationships? Too much hurt, too much exposure. Not happening. Ever.
They’re from different worlds but they share one very strong common interest—Radford’s Aunt Lina.
Lina Keller has lived in the small town of Magdalena, New York, for over fifty years but she’s known her share of heartache, loss, and the repercussions of not taking a chance. That’s why she’s determined that the two people who mean the most to her—her city-boy nephew and the woman who’s like a daughter to her—don’t experience those same mistakes. She devises a twenty-one-day list that will force them to work together, develop new skills, and maybe learn about each other. Will they want to do it? Of course not. Will they do it for her? Absolutely.
And perhaps what they’ll discover along the way will change how they view each other, the world, and their take on commitment and happily-ever-after. What happens when the twenty-one-day list is completed? Well, that depends on them, with a little help from the residents of Magdalena...
- GenresContemporaryRomance
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
217 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Mary Campisi
80 books421 followersMary Campisi is the author of over 40 emotion-packed novels that center around hope, redemption, and second chances.
Mary should have known she'd become a writer when at age thirteen she began changing the ending to all the books she read. It took several years and a number of jobs, including registered nurse, receptionist in a swanky hair salon, accounts payable clerk, and practice manager in an OB/GYN office, for her to rediscover writing. Enter a mouse-less computer, a floppy disk, and a dream large enough to fill a zip drive. The rest of the story lives on in every book she writes.
When she's not working on her craft or following the lives of five adult children, Mary's digging in the dirt with her flowers and herbs, cooking, reading, walking her rescue lab, Henry, or, on the perfect day, riding off into the sunset with her very own hero/husband on his Ultra Limited aka Harley.
If you would like to be notified when Mary has a new release, please sign up at http://www.marycampisi.com/book/book-...
website: marycampisi.com
e-mail: mary@marycampisi.com
blog: marycampisi.com/blog/
twitter: twitter.com/MaryCampisi
facebook: facebook.com/marycampisibooks
Instagram: instagram.com/marycampisiauthor/
Mary should have known she'd become a writer when at age thirteen she began changing the ending to all the books she read. It took several years and a number of jobs, including registered nurse, receptionist in a swanky hair salon, accounts payable clerk, and practice manager in an OB/GYN office, for her to rediscover writing. Enter a mouse-less computer, a floppy disk, and a dream large enough to fill a zip drive. The rest of the story lives on in every book she writes.
When she's not working on her craft or following the lives of five adult children, Mary's digging in the dirt with her flowers and herbs, cooking, reading, walking her rescue lab, Henry, or, on the perfect day, riding off into the sunset with her very own hero/husband on his Ultra Limited aka Harley.
If you would like to be notified when Mary has a new release, please sign up at http://www.marycampisi.com/book/book-...
website: marycampisi.com
e-mail: mary@marycampisi.com
blog: marycampisi.com/blog/
twitter: twitter.com/MaryCampisi
facebook: facebook.com/marycampisibooks
Instagram: instagram.com/marycampisiauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 1, 2025
Didn’t finish after chapter 4. It might be okay. It started out with an autobiography about Ford and what he’s doing in life and what he wants etc. A lot of books do this where the author has the character tell us all about themselves, but I find it the least engaging. I’d rather find out about him as the story is being told vs having the characters just coming right out and telling us everything about themselves and their lives right up front. It’s a more boring way to tell a story.
Everything feels very perfectly set up. Which it is because this old lady is doing the setting up. She’s trying to force ford and Mari together because she wants them to get together romantically. But the set up feels so clunky. Like, the reason she gives them for wanting the two of them to work together feels way too out of left field. Too author contrived. It wasn’t natural at all. And We just dove so quickly into this plot where the old lady is getting Mari and ford together and telling them they need to work together helping each other on the weaknesses they have in their respective businesses. It was a stretch. And it isn’t compelling. It’s not bad, but there are no layers being woven. Nothing natural is happening. Everything is too straightforward and too set up. I’m not interested from the beginning and I dont need to keep reading to know that it will continue to be straightforward with not much left to the imagination.
The conversations are also kind of long winded too. Or maybe it’s just that I haven’t been super interested in any of the conversations so far so they seem like they are dragging a bit. I skimmed to get to chapter 5.
Overall nothing bad jumped out but I’m just not engaged and the story isn’t pulling me in but it’s worth checking out because maybe it’s just me.
Everything feels very perfectly set up. Which it is because this old lady is doing the setting up. She’s trying to force ford and Mari together because she wants them to get together romantically. But the set up feels so clunky. Like, the reason she gives them for wanting the two of them to work together feels way too out of left field. Too author contrived. It wasn’t natural at all. And We just dove so quickly into this plot where the old lady is getting Mari and ford together and telling them they need to work together helping each other on the weaknesses they have in their respective businesses. It was a stretch. And it isn’t compelling. It’s not bad, but there are no layers being woven. Nothing natural is happening. Everything is too straightforward and too set up. I’m not interested from the beginning and I dont need to keep reading to know that it will continue to be straightforward with not much left to the imagination.
The conversations are also kind of long winded too. Or maybe it’s just that I haven’t been super interested in any of the conversations so far so they seem like they are dragging a bit. I skimmed to get to chapter 5.
Overall nothing bad jumped out but I’m just not engaged and the story isn’t pulling me in but it’s worth checking out because maybe it’s just me.
May 19, 2021
This Truth In Lies series keeps getting better and better. I enjoy reading them and #20 was no exception. The town of Magdalena and it’s people believe in love, redemption and second chances no matter whether you’re a resident or just a visitor. Because you may just become a resident. This story was about Marisela Ricci and Radford(Ford) Keller. Evangelina Keller asks her nephew to visit the town he hasn’t been back to since he was fourteen. But he isn’t aware the Lina has created a list of things that would require Ford and Mari to work together over a period of 21 days while she takes off on a vacation. She felt that both of them needed to learn to live life, trust and open their hearts. But whether it will be to each other is the question since they live in very different worlds. I really enjoy immersing myself in this wonderful world. There are trials and tribulations for the people, but it gives you hope there really are second chances for love, forgiveness, friends and family. I couldn’t put it down and now that I’m done with the book, I’m already missing the town and all the people. Mary Campisi does a beautiful job of weaving everything together. I’m hoping you’ll read it and feel the same way about this wonderful town and it’s people.
April 28, 2021
A Family Affair: The List gives Mary Campisi’s fans another up close and personal visit to Magdalena. Lina has lessons to teach her nephew, Ford, and her tenant and friend Mari, and she has come up with an inventive way through a list of five tasks to be completed in 21 days. Ford needs to loosen up and become more spontaneous. Mari needs to learn to formulate and set goals. The fact that both are reluctant and really don’t particularly like or even trust each other is irrelevant to Lina. So let the learning begin. Readers will love the journey as Ford and Mari move through the lists. Will their journey be into understanding as Lina hopes or will they continue down their individual preconceived paths? I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Highly recommend.
April 29, 2021
I read this book as an arc. Thank you Mary Campisi for another great story.
Mari was left as a child for her grandmother to raise. She felt like she wasn’t worth being loved. She moved in with Lina who became a mother figure to her. Lina went away on a trip for 3 weeks. Her nephew Ford came to visit before she left. Lina had a 21 day plan for Mari & Ford. They fell in love in that time. Mari didn’t feel like she was worth Fords love. He went back to his home and job. He gave her 30 days to come to him and then he’d introduce her to his family and they’d spend the rest of their life together.
They were both miserable without each other. Mari went to Ford on day 30 after he left but he wasn’t home. They ended up getting a second chance at love!!
Mari was left as a child for her grandmother to raise. She felt like she wasn’t worth being loved. She moved in with Lina who became a mother figure to her. Lina went away on a trip for 3 weeks. Her nephew Ford came to visit before she left. Lina had a 21 day plan for Mari & Ford. They fell in love in that time. Mari didn’t feel like she was worth Fords love. He went back to his home and job. He gave her 30 days to come to him and then he’d introduce her to his family and they’d spend the rest of their life together.
They were both miserable without each other. Mari went to Ford on day 30 after he left but he wasn’t home. They ended up getting a second chance at love!!
May 3, 2021
Another heart warming tale from Magdalena. This time Lina Keller plays matchmaker by bringing her nephew, Ford together with her tenant, Mari to complete a list of tasks in three weeks while she takes a trip with her friend Sophie. Workaholic Ford has to learn how to cook with Mari's help and how to carry out some other practical tasks, while Mari has to listen to Ford's guidance on how to run her business more efficiently. During that time the good citizens of Magdalena also try to point the two in the right direction to find love. A great storyline, with humour and heat along the way. Read an ARC for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
When Lina plans her trip abroad, she leaves behind her nephew, Ford with friend and companion Mari behind with a 21 day to do list. Little do they know they are being setup! Its lovely to see how two complete opposites develop an attraction after spending time together with each helping the other develop skills far from their usual comfort zone. However, the path of love is not easy and its up to these two with a little help from our lovely Magdalena family to help them on the right path. Loved this book and meeting all the characters from the previous books
April 27, 2021
Disappointing
Was very disappointed in this book. Didn't hold my interest at all. I skipped to the end because I couldn't get into it.. Usually can't wait for the next book to come out but unfortunately I think I'm done with this series. Mary Campisi really missed the mark on this one. Not enough of her former characters in this story.
Was very disappointed in this book. Didn't hold my interest at all. I skipped to the end because I couldn't get into it.. Usually can't wait for the next book to come out but unfortunately I think I'm done with this series. Mary Campisi really missed the mark on this one. Not enough of her former characters in this story.
October 1, 2025
Every Family
Would definitely recommend this book. Enjoyed the trip the characters took from resistance to acceptance of a life together. They acknowledged from the start knowing what Aunt Lina intended.
Would definitely recommend this book. Enjoyed the trip the characters took from resistance to acceptance of a life together. They acknowledged from the start knowing what Aunt Lina intended.
April 29, 2021
Another great one by Mary
I couldn't put this book down once I started. All I can say is I need a list. What a great idea to help people open their eyes to the world around us.
I couldn't put this book down once I started. All I can say is I need a list. What a great idea to help people open their eyes to the world around us.
May 5, 2021
Magdalena
Another fantastic read from Mary,follow up stories are just superb,can't wait for the next enthralling encounter with the residents of Magdalena.
Another fantastic read from Mary,follow up stories are just superb,can't wait for the next enthralling encounter with the residents of Magdalena.
July 10, 2021
As always, Mary comes through with another Great Book on our favorite town!
July 19, 2021
Another brilliant book in the series
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Look forward to reading more of Mary's books. Every book in the series have been brilliant.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Look forward to reading more of Mary's books. Every book in the series have been brilliant.
July 22, 2021
I love my visits to Magdalena, Mary Campisi never disappoints,
August 18, 2021
Wonderful Read
As always, Mary Campisi has not dissappointed. I LOVED this book as much as all the others. Looking forward to the next book.
As always, Mary Campisi has not dissappointed. I LOVED this book as much as all the others. Looking forward to the next book.
November 18, 2021
The list
I enjoyed this book, wasn't sure how it would turn out. I was happy with the end outcome. Can't wait to read the next book!
I enjoyed this book, wasn't sure how it would turn out. I was happy with the end outcome. Can't wait to read the next book!
Want to read
August 20, 2025Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
August 25, 2025
who to love
A fast enjoyable read- especially for anyone skeptical of true love and romance. Pour a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and settle in for a charming read.
A fast enjoyable read- especially for anyone skeptical of true love and romance. Pour a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and settle in for a charming read.
August 26, 2025
Family Affairs
I was so scared about the ending I almost cried, but then tears came to my eyes as I finished it. This book is one of my favorites.
I was so scared about the ending I almost cried, but then tears came to my eyes as I finished it. This book is one of my favorites.
September 7, 2025
Good story
I loved this story, I think we can all relate to questioning yourself or others in our life. Are any of us actually who we think we are? I wish I knew
I loved this story, I think we can all relate to questioning yourself or others in our life. Are any of us actually who we think we are? I wish I knew
September 24, 2025
I've read some of Mary Campisi's books and enjoyed them, but this one is incredibly boring.
August 6, 2021
A Mary Campisi book in the Family Affair series is like visiting friend that you have missed so much. Each story in this collection is hopeful, captivating, and romantic. Her characters become friends you want to revisit and so glad to see in her later books. The List is book twenty and tells the story of two exact opposites who learn something is worthwhile outside of their comfort zone.
The two protangists are thrown into a situation that they did not see coming. Radford Keller and Marisela Ricci are as opposite as they come. Radford known as Ford is the oldest son raised in a loving environment created by his parents. He is a man who strives for structure and control; after all, he is very successful businessman who runs a huge corporation.
Marisela Ricci never knew her father, was deserted by her mother, and was raised by a grandmother. She never knew a loving family relationship, She believes she is unworthy and will always be alone, Despite that the people of Magdalena have taken her under their wing and provide the family she always craved. Mari is known for her free spirit, her strong work ethic, and her devotion to one of their own, Lina Keller, the owner of Lina’s Café.
Both would do anything Lina asks. Lina is aunt of the one and the friend and landlord of the other.
This book describes how two total opposites, whose opinions were decidedly different, had to learn to work together to accomplish five tasks devised by Lina Keller. Five tasks are to be performed in twenty-one days while Lina is on vacation, nowhere to be seen.
The List is a beautiful book. It teaches the reader as it teaches Mari and Ford how to interact and to love each other. It has the most wonderful ending! I read it over and over and over again!
Mary Campisi accomplishes her purpose. She makes the reader part of the community with recurring appearances of familiar characters like Lily and Pops, and Christine and Nate. Now she has added Ford and Mari to this group of friends so we will see them again.
I encourage you to read this book and enjoy every word.
On a personal note, my husband and I lost our beloved Shih Tzu, Truman while I was reading this book. I was filled with loss and guilt and really total darkness. But, I had a deadline because I received this book as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review which I have written here. It was a comfort to visit my old friends in Magdalena one more time. I needed something hopeful and The List provided that for me.
Mary Campisi and Charlotte Oliver, thank you!
The two protangists are thrown into a situation that they did not see coming. Radford Keller and Marisela Ricci are as opposite as they come. Radford known as Ford is the oldest son raised in a loving environment created by his parents. He is a man who strives for structure and control; after all, he is very successful businessman who runs a huge corporation.
Marisela Ricci never knew her father, was deserted by her mother, and was raised by a grandmother. She never knew a loving family relationship, She believes she is unworthy and will always be alone, Despite that the people of Magdalena have taken her under their wing and provide the family she always craved. Mari is known for her free spirit, her strong work ethic, and her devotion to one of their own, Lina Keller, the owner of Lina’s Café.
Both would do anything Lina asks. Lina is aunt of the one and the friend and landlord of the other.
This book describes how two total opposites, whose opinions were decidedly different, had to learn to work together to accomplish five tasks devised by Lina Keller. Five tasks are to be performed in twenty-one days while Lina is on vacation, nowhere to be seen.
The List is a beautiful book. It teaches the reader as it teaches Mari and Ford how to interact and to love each other. It has the most wonderful ending! I read it over and over and over again!
Mary Campisi accomplishes her purpose. She makes the reader part of the community with recurring appearances of familiar characters like Lily and Pops, and Christine and Nate. Now she has added Ford and Mari to this group of friends so we will see them again.
I encourage you to read this book and enjoy every word.
On a personal note, my husband and I lost our beloved Shih Tzu, Truman while I was reading this book. I was filled with loss and guilt and really total darkness. But, I had a deadline because I received this book as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review which I have written here. It was a comfort to visit my old friends in Magdalena one more time. I needed something hopeful and The List provided that for me.
Mary Campisi and Charlotte Oliver, thank you!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews