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The Truth in a Lie
Secrets and lies can be so destructive – especially when you lie to yourself
Charlotte Preece, a writer, moves to a riverside apartment after breaking up with her lover. She feels guilty when the upheaval so disturbs her student daughter, Kate, that she fails her first-year exams. Charlotte is then called to the bedside of her ailing mother and has to drive through heavy snow to reach the hospital. She’s astonished when Duncan, her ex-husband, braves the treacherous conditions to join her. Is he being supportive, or does he have other motives? And then the two of them are snowed in together…
‘The Truth in a Lie’ explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, wives and husbands. It is a story of love, loyalty, betrayal and the damage done by untold secrets.
Charlotte Preece, a writer, moves to a riverside apartment after breaking up with her lover. She feels guilty when the upheaval so disturbs her student daughter, Kate, that she fails her first-year exams. Charlotte is then called to the bedside of her ailing mother and has to drive through heavy snow to reach the hospital. She’s astonished when Duncan, her ex-husband, braves the treacherous conditions to join her. Is he being supportive, or does he have other motives? And then the two of them are snowed in together…
‘The Truth in a Lie’ explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, wives and husbands. It is a story of love, loyalty, betrayal and the damage done by untold secrets.
262 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2021
31 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Jan Turk Petrie
14 books25 followersJan Turk Petrie is an award winning writer who lives in the Cotswolds area of England (UK).
She is the author of twelve novels including:
The fast paced, Nordic thriller series: the Eldísvík Trilogy,
'Running Behind Time' and the three other volumes of her bestselling Cotswolds Time-slip Series
'Too Many Heroes' - a noir thriller set in London England in 1952.
'Towards the Vanishing Point' - a tense, domestic drama mainly set in the 1950s
'The Truth in a Lie' - Jan's first contemporary novel dealing with family dramas and relationships.
''Still Life with a Vengeance' - a contemporary story of a woman whose rock star husband is accused of rape.
Jan's latest novel - 'Falling Apart' a dystopian triller full of twists and intrigue.
A former English teacher with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Gloucestershire, Jan has also penned numerous, prize-winning short stories.
She is the author of twelve novels including:
The fast paced, Nordic thriller series: the Eldísvík Trilogy,
'Running Behind Time' and the three other volumes of her bestselling Cotswolds Time-slip Series
'Too Many Heroes' - a noir thriller set in London England in 1952.
'Towards the Vanishing Point' - a tense, domestic drama mainly set in the 1950s
'The Truth in a Lie' - Jan's first contemporary novel dealing with family dramas and relationships.
''Still Life with a Vengeance' - a contemporary story of a woman whose rock star husband is accused of rape.
Jan's latest novel - 'Falling Apart' a dystopian triller full of twists and intrigue.
A former English teacher with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Gloucestershire, Jan has also penned numerous, prize-winning short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 18, 2021
The Truth In A Lie by Jan Turk Petrie is the second book I have read by this author, qnd the second blog tour. I really like how Jan writes so when the opportunity arose to be part of her tour, I jumped at it.
This particular book is set in modern day and features Charlotte as the main character.She is a novelist and has begun to move her life forward after a failed relationship. Her mother becomes ill and she goes back to the Northern town her mother lives in to help. Her ex husband suddenly turns up out of the blue and explains it is to offer support to Charlotte at this time. Charlotte is not too sure of his reasoning and wonders what else could be going on.They end up snowbound in a hotel together and as the story begins to build the secrets that have been buried for so long begin to slowly make their way to the surface.
I was interested to find out more about Charlotte, she is a very complex person and her relationship with her ex-husband is still like they seem bonded in some way. The author has also explored the bonds between Charlotte's mother, and Charlotte and Charlotte's daughter in a very perceptive way. We also see the differences of life choices that Charlotte and her daughter had compared to the ones Charlotte's mother had.
I do enjoy the way the author creates a scene and expands on that scene so I feel I am almost with Charlotte in the room.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the copy of the book, so happy I didn't miss this opportunity today.
This particular book is set in modern day and features Charlotte as the main character.She is a novelist and has begun to move her life forward after a failed relationship. Her mother becomes ill and she goes back to the Northern town her mother lives in to help. Her ex husband suddenly turns up out of the blue and explains it is to offer support to Charlotte at this time. Charlotte is not too sure of his reasoning and wonders what else could be going on.They end up snowbound in a hotel together and as the story begins to build the secrets that have been buried for so long begin to slowly make their way to the surface.
I was interested to find out more about Charlotte, she is a very complex person and her relationship with her ex-husband is still like they seem bonded in some way. The author has also explored the bonds between Charlotte's mother, and Charlotte and Charlotte's daughter in a very perceptive way. We also see the differences of life choices that Charlotte and her daughter had compared to the ones Charlotte's mother had.
I do enjoy the way the author creates a scene and expands on that scene so I feel I am almost with Charlotte in the room.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the copy of the book, so happy I didn't miss this opportunity today.
August 22, 2020
A tale of love, loss, betrayal, and family dynamics, The Truth in a Lie is a quiet story, but the emotional underpinnings are turbulent.
Charlotte Preece is juggling a break-up with the man she'd been with for four years, the impact of that break-up on her daughter, a move to a new living space, and her mother's illness. When her mother is hospitalized, Charlotte's former husband unexpectantly shows up for moral support. She's still carrying a flame for him and his sudden appearance adds to the stressors already weighing on her.
When her mother dies, Charlotte's half-brother, who years ago moved to Australia, flies back to England for the funeral and we get a glimpse of the past history of a family steeped in lies and hidden truths. But it's just a glimpse. A decision Charlotte makes subsequent to the death of her mother exposes the lie that has been carefully hidden for decades.
The Truth in a Lie is the story of how Charlotte copes with the situations, people, and events that have colored her life. It's also a story of the ties that bind, whether it be distance in miles or time.
The characters are well-crafted, the prose crisp, the plot well thought out. If you like a good story, no matter the genre, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Charlotte Preece is juggling a break-up with the man she'd been with for four years, the impact of that break-up on her daughter, a move to a new living space, and her mother's illness. When her mother is hospitalized, Charlotte's former husband unexpectantly shows up for moral support. She's still carrying a flame for him and his sudden appearance adds to the stressors already weighing on her.
When her mother dies, Charlotte's half-brother, who years ago moved to Australia, flies back to England for the funeral and we get a glimpse of the past history of a family steeped in lies and hidden truths. But it's just a glimpse. A decision Charlotte makes subsequent to the death of her mother exposes the lie that has been carefully hidden for decades.
The Truth in a Lie is the story of how Charlotte copes with the situations, people, and events that have colored her life. It's also a story of the ties that bind, whether it be distance in miles or time.
The characters are well-crafted, the prose crisp, the plot well thought out. If you like a good story, no matter the genre, this is definitely one to add to your list.
July 14, 2020
This is the sixth novel by Jan Turk-Petrie, and a strong true portrayal of realism. From the first page, the narrative draws us into the mind of the principal character, Charlotte, and as events unfold, we follow her journey to an unexpected ending. In this book, Jan Turk-Petrie has again captured the tension and suffering within human relationships. We see Charlotte’s strengths; her ability to conceal, subtly, inner feelings in an almost pragmatic fashion. She does not expect love, is reluctant to accept it but is deeply affected by it. While the theme of love runs through the novel, it is conveyed through the characters in diverse ways. Charlotte faces her mother’s death with courage, undergoing dangerous weather to be at the bedside in the last hours. But in the unpredictable support of her former husband lies the richness of hidden emotions, and longings. From the moment of Duncan’s entry in the story, the reader is hooked; unable to relinquish hope.
The powerful inclusion of backstory is vital to this novel and herein lies another strength. In stoic determination Charlotte accepts the influence of the past on the present, in revelations of her mother’s journey without love, and her humble recognition of a fate that would never change. The author’s insight into human weaknesses; e.g the father’s, Charlotte’s former partner’s, her absent brother’s is conveyed in intelligent, psychological portrayal of the human state. The strain between mothers and daughters, husbands, and wives, even siblings is evoked in unexpected intricacies between characters. Courage is at the heart of this book, and as we journey with Charlotte’s character to the end, we admire her acceptance of the bereavement, on to an inevitable parting of the ways. But the path does not end as expected in this novel. In letting go, Charlotte is rewarded by the everlasting quality of love.
The powerful inclusion of backstory is vital to this novel and herein lies another strength. In stoic determination Charlotte accepts the influence of the past on the present, in revelations of her mother’s journey without love, and her humble recognition of a fate that would never change. The author’s insight into human weaknesses; e.g the father’s, Charlotte’s former partner’s, her absent brother’s is conveyed in intelligent, psychological portrayal of the human state. The strain between mothers and daughters, husbands, and wives, even siblings is evoked in unexpected intricacies between characters. Courage is at the heart of this book, and as we journey with Charlotte’s character to the end, we admire her acceptance of the bereavement, on to an inevitable parting of the ways. But the path does not end as expected in this novel. In letting go, Charlotte is rewarded by the everlasting quality of love.
July 20, 2020
I think this is probably Jan Turk Petrie's best book to date. It's about relationships, and the secrets and deceit which soak into them across generations. As ever, her eye for a descriptive phrase to evoke atmosphere is spot on and her characters come fully alive. The pace is unforced and comes to a perfect climax as members of the family unite for a lunch where the hidden truth will out. I think there could well be a sequel to The Truth in a Lie
November 5, 2020
Heartache when secrets come to light
This is a powerful story exploring complex relationships between mothers and daughters, wives and husbands, and the damage done when secrets come to light. It's the kind of story that's been written many times, but this author captures and unfolds the drama in a narrative that is hard to put down. Well drawn characters are believable and comfortable in the roles they portray. Twists and revelations are perfectly timed in the story, and kept me turning the pages. Although there is a sense of inevitability as you approach the end, I found the surprise ending, satisfying, and well rounded. Recommended.
This is a powerful story exploring complex relationships between mothers and daughters, wives and husbands, and the damage done when secrets come to light. It's the kind of story that's been written many times, but this author captures and unfolds the drama in a narrative that is hard to put down. Well drawn characters are believable and comfortable in the roles they portray. Twists and revelations are perfectly timed in the story, and kept me turning the pages. Although there is a sense of inevitability as you approach the end, I found the surprise ending, satisfying, and well rounded. Recommended.
August 14, 2020
Thank you to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me to join in with this blog tour and also many thanks to the publisher Pintail Press and the author for my gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I knew that I was going to enjoy this book right from the first chapter. I love the author’s writing style, it is effortlessly skilled and a pleasure to read. The whole story just flows beautifully. I can see why her writing has been compared to Maggie O’Farrell and Ann Patchett.
We meet protagonist Charlotte as she is going through a difficult period in her life. At 46 years of age Charlotte and her daughter are moving out of their home following the breakdown of charlotte’s relationship with her boyfriend. Her career has stalled, her handsome ex-husband is hovering on the periphery, her daughter is struggling with exams in university and then Charlotte gets a call to say her mother is unwell and she has to rush to be by her bedside. We follow her as she struggles to navigate the relationships with those closest to her and also in her search for the truth in her family’s secrets but are some questions better left unanswered?
This story is a character driven, emotional journey sensitively dealing with themes of grief, adultery and deceit. I liked Charlotte’s classy character immediately and thought she was very easy to relate to and empathise with. I thought the way she dealt with her grief was extremely well written.
Petrie does an amazing job of portraying the different relationships within this story and how the dynamics of these relationships change throughout the years and generations.
I thought this was a lovely intriguing family drama and I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary literary fiction. I appreciated the short chapters and felt that it was a nice quick read at 260 pages and I would love to read more by jan Turk Petrie.
I knew that I was going to enjoy this book right from the first chapter. I love the author’s writing style, it is effortlessly skilled and a pleasure to read. The whole story just flows beautifully. I can see why her writing has been compared to Maggie O’Farrell and Ann Patchett.
We meet protagonist Charlotte as she is going through a difficult period in her life. At 46 years of age Charlotte and her daughter are moving out of their home following the breakdown of charlotte’s relationship with her boyfriend. Her career has stalled, her handsome ex-husband is hovering on the periphery, her daughter is struggling with exams in university and then Charlotte gets a call to say her mother is unwell and she has to rush to be by her bedside. We follow her as she struggles to navigate the relationships with those closest to her and also in her search for the truth in her family’s secrets but are some questions better left unanswered?
This story is a character driven, emotional journey sensitively dealing with themes of grief, adultery and deceit. I liked Charlotte’s classy character immediately and thought she was very easy to relate to and empathise with. I thought the way she dealt with her grief was extremely well written.
Petrie does an amazing job of portraying the different relationships within this story and how the dynamics of these relationships change throughout the years and generations.
I thought this was a lovely intriguing family drama and I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary literary fiction. I appreciated the short chapters and felt that it was a nice quick read at 260 pages and I would love to read more by jan Turk Petrie.
August 3, 2020
This is the first time I've read anything by this author, so I was unsure what to expect but from the synopsis I was intrigued to read this.
This book is all about relationships, secrets, deceit, hidden skeletons in cupboards that impregnate generations, weaving a tale of life that isn't always as it may seem.
The author sets out the back story of events that bind all the main characters together in this family drama, which I felt helped visualise the scenes after the death of Charlotte's mother as things start to unravel revealing well-hidden family secrets.
I didn't love or dislike any of the main characters particularly, but I felt I travelled on a journey with Charlotte as she unravels the past.
A good read which kept me interested to the end.
This book is all about relationships, secrets, deceit, hidden skeletons in cupboards that impregnate generations, weaving a tale of life that isn't always as it may seem.
The author sets out the back story of events that bind all the main characters together in this family drama, which I felt helped visualise the scenes after the death of Charlotte's mother as things start to unravel revealing well-hidden family secrets.
I didn't love or dislike any of the main characters particularly, but I felt I travelled on a journey with Charlotte as she unravels the past.
A good read which kept me interested to the end.
Read
October 20, 2020Two failed marriages behind her and a daughter at university, Lottie, a seasoned novelist, is about to embark on a fresh start. While moving into a new apartment, an unexpected call to the bedside of her ailing mother, forces her to return to the place she was raised and confront the secrets of her parent’s flawed relationship. When ex-husband Duncan, who is remarried with a new family also arrives, leads one to wonder whether he is exploiting Lottie’s fragile state as she questions her feelings for him. Working through a torrent of uncertainty and the heartache of personal loss, she is unable to resist digging into the past and uncovers some family events she never fully understood.
This is the third book I have read by Jan Petrie and they just keep getting better.
This is the third book I have read by Jan Petrie and they just keep getting better.
August 9, 2020
I loved the way this novel explored family bonds, the secrets lies and half-truths that bind them together.
These complex characters are so well drawn you are immediately pulled into their lives and you'll want to keep reading until the end as the tension builds and the secrets get slowly revealed.
It just missed out on 5⭐because I didn't find any of the characters all that likable, I know you don't have but personally, I prefer being able to root for someone.
Overall, a beautiful realistic tale that kept me engaged throughout and delivered a surprise ending.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Pintail Press for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⠀
These complex characters are so well drawn you are immediately pulled into their lives and you'll want to keep reading until the end as the tension builds and the secrets get slowly revealed.
It just missed out on 5⭐because I didn't find any of the characters all that likable, I know you don't have but personally, I prefer being able to root for someone.
Overall, a beautiful realistic tale that kept me engaged throughout and delivered a surprise ending.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Pintail Press for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⠀
August 28, 2020
Another beautifully written novel from Jan Turk Petrie. I particularly like the sense of the passage of time through the natural world and the weather and an intriguing revelation at the end!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews