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The Truth About Faking It
Lie to your friends. Lie to your family. Just don't lie to yourself... Funny, smart, heartfelt fiction for readers of Holly Wainwright from a distinctive new voice.
'Cassie Hamer is a merging of all that is wonderful about authors like Marian Keyes, Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth... She's here to stay.' Better Reading
The Trainor women have always been excellent at hiding their true feelings... until now. Ellen's estranged husband, David, has managed to interrupt her fabulous life of bridge and zumba by getting himself killed in a Thai boating accident. She's hardly surprised. It's simply the final in a long line of mistakes, the first was leaving her to go on a worldwide sailing trip with his mysterious, long-lost brother. Ah, well. At least she's now free to marry her rich but dull boyfriend, Kenneth.
Regrettably, her daughter, self-possessed TV news broadcaster Natasha and granddaughter, reality TV producer Georgie, seem to take the whole 'dead' thing very personally and they decide to dig deeper, though neither really has time. Natasha is on the nose at her network and a toxic secret from her past is about to set off a catastrophic personal crisis. Meanwhile, Georgie is furiously focused on denying her true feelings for a contestant on her show, The Single Gal.
Neither Ellen, Natasha, nor Georgie are agreed on quite how they should feel about David's death but they're certain about one thing - it isn't quite what it seems - and discovering the truth will unravel the tapestry of lies they've been spinning to themselves and each other.
One way or another, all three women are faking it and as matters come to a head, the truth wills out in the most unexpected of ways...
'This well-crafted piece of commercial fiction is both warm and full of light... satisfyingly chunky and intermittently very funny.' Fairfax newspapers
'Cassie Hamer is a merging of all that is wonderful about authors like Marian Keyes, Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth... She's here to stay.' Better Reading
The Trainor women have always been excellent at hiding their true feelings... until now. Ellen's estranged husband, David, has managed to interrupt her fabulous life of bridge and zumba by getting himself killed in a Thai boating accident. She's hardly surprised. It's simply the final in a long line of mistakes, the first was leaving her to go on a worldwide sailing trip with his mysterious, long-lost brother. Ah, well. At least she's now free to marry her rich but dull boyfriend, Kenneth.
Regrettably, her daughter, self-possessed TV news broadcaster Natasha and granddaughter, reality TV producer Georgie, seem to take the whole 'dead' thing very personally and they decide to dig deeper, though neither really has time. Natasha is on the nose at her network and a toxic secret from her past is about to set off a catastrophic personal crisis. Meanwhile, Georgie is furiously focused on denying her true feelings for a contestant on her show, The Single Gal.
Neither Ellen, Natasha, nor Georgie are agreed on quite how they should feel about David's death but they're certain about one thing - it isn't quite what it seems - and discovering the truth will unravel the tapestry of lies they've been spinning to themselves and each other.
One way or another, all three women are faking it and as matters come to a head, the truth wills out in the most unexpected of ways...
'This well-crafted piece of commercial fiction is both warm and full of light... satisfyingly chunky and intermittently very funny.' Fairfax newspapers
497 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2022
13 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Hamer
7 books101 followersCassie Hamer has a professional background in journalism and PR, but now much prefers the world of fiction over fact. She has published four novels, which focus on the dark side of suburbia.
Cassie lives in Sydney with her terrific husband, three, mostly-terrific daughters, and a labradoodle, Charlie, who is the least demanding member of the family. In between making school lunches and walking the dog, Cassie is also working on her next novel but always has time to connect with other passionate readers via her website – CassieHamer.com – or through social media.
You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Cassie lives in Sydney with her terrific husband, three, mostly-terrific daughters, and a labradoodle, Charlie, who is the least demanding member of the family. In between making school lunches and walking the dog, Cassie is also working on her next novel but always has time to connect with other passionate readers via her website – CassieHamer.com – or through social media.
You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 23, 2022
Something a little different for me, but an author whose books I just love. She writes strong female characters so well and gets you emotionally involved in their lives. The Truth About Faking it is Cassie Hamer’s 3rd book and it is a big one, but so worth the journey.
It is a story of 3 women, 3 generations of the Trainor family. First we have Ellen, the oldest and the funniest. She loves her life drawing and the occasional herbal cigarette. Her husband, David has left her to go find his long lost brother in Thailand, where he has been killed in a boating accident. Then we have Ellen’s daughter, Natasha, who is a well respected news broadcaster on TV. And finally there is Georgie, Natasha’s daughter, who is a producer on the realist dating program The Single Gal.
David’s death rocks these women, all them very close to him. They all agree that something about his death doesn’t sit right and want to know more, whilst trying to live their busy lives. All of them are hiding something from the rest of their family, things that have far reaching consequences.
This book is funny and very relatable. Cassie has nailed the family dynamics, and there is a a bit of romance and drama as well.
Thanks to Harlequin Books Australia for my copy of this book to read.
It is a story of 3 women, 3 generations of the Trainor family. First we have Ellen, the oldest and the funniest. She loves her life drawing and the occasional herbal cigarette. Her husband, David has left her to go find his long lost brother in Thailand, where he has been killed in a boating accident. Then we have Ellen’s daughter, Natasha, who is a well respected news broadcaster on TV. And finally there is Georgie, Natasha’s daughter, who is a producer on the realist dating program The Single Gal.
David’s death rocks these women, all them very close to him. They all agree that something about his death doesn’t sit right and want to know more, whilst trying to live their busy lives. All of them are hiding something from the rest of their family, things that have far reaching consequences.
This book is funny and very relatable. Cassie has nailed the family dynamics, and there is a a bit of romance and drama as well.
Thanks to Harlequin Books Australia for my copy of this book to read.
May 8, 2022
This is a great story, I do enjoy a story that makes me laugh and smile and a story about strong women and this one has it all, I loved getting to know the three Trainor woman, grandmother Ellen, daughter Natasha and granddaughter Georgie, the emotions flow on the pages as they come to terms with what is happening in their lives.
Ellen has been married to journalist David for fifty years she is used to him leaving for stories but once retired he goes on a sailing trip to help a long lost brother and when he is killed in Thailand in a boating accident, Ellen is left to sort out her life and that for her is getting on with it Zumba, bridge and a new man, Kenneth who may be a bit boring but he is there not like David.
Natasha is smart and a presenter on a popular current affairs show the public love her but they have a new producer and things are not going as normally as they would and when she is asked to do an interview with a young girl this interview opens up memories that Tashie has had stored deep in a corner of her mind for many years, then with the death of her father and things turning bad at work Tashie’s life is being turned upside down nothing seems to as it should.
Georgie works on reality TV, The Single Guy/Gal and loves her job getting to know the contestants and keeping to herself, is this the right job for Georgie seeing as how she doesn’t believe in love after what has happened to her Mum and Grandmother but something is happening when Georgie gets close to one of the contestants can she deny her feelings or will she go with them.
Learning of David’s death sets these three woman into different thoughts and a determination form Tashie to find out what happened they all have different feelings on how to go forward, one thing that does happen is all three woman find that they have feelings that they have kept from each other and themselves and now is the time to be honest and open.
This is a fabulous story that I would highly recommend, it had me turning the pages, laughing especially with Ellen she is a fabulous woman, I loved her and Tashie, strong but vulnerable in so many ways and Georgie has she found the love she deserves, you must read this one, I do highly recommend it.
My thanks to Harlequin for my copy to read and review
Ellen has been married to journalist David for fifty years she is used to him leaving for stories but once retired he goes on a sailing trip to help a long lost brother and when he is killed in Thailand in a boating accident, Ellen is left to sort out her life and that for her is getting on with it Zumba, bridge and a new man, Kenneth who may be a bit boring but he is there not like David.
Natasha is smart and a presenter on a popular current affairs show the public love her but they have a new producer and things are not going as normally as they would and when she is asked to do an interview with a young girl this interview opens up memories that Tashie has had stored deep in a corner of her mind for many years, then with the death of her father and things turning bad at work Tashie’s life is being turned upside down nothing seems to as it should.
Georgie works on reality TV, The Single Guy/Gal and loves her job getting to know the contestants and keeping to herself, is this the right job for Georgie seeing as how she doesn’t believe in love after what has happened to her Mum and Grandmother but something is happening when Georgie gets close to one of the contestants can she deny her feelings or will she go with them.
Learning of David’s death sets these three woman into different thoughts and a determination form Tashie to find out what happened they all have different feelings on how to go forward, one thing that does happen is all three woman find that they have feelings that they have kept from each other and themselves and now is the time to be honest and open.
This is a fabulous story that I would highly recommend, it had me turning the pages, laughing especially with Ellen she is a fabulous woman, I loved her and Tashie, strong but vulnerable in so many ways and Georgie has she found the love she deserves, you must read this one, I do highly recommend it.
My thanks to Harlequin for my copy to read and review
June 15, 2022
I loved Cassie Hamer’s first two books but unfortunately I wasn’t entirely smitten with this one. I found it to be slightly dismal and the three generations of women were depressing and somewhat baffling. I was expecting lots of humour but sadly only one passage made me laugh.
Secrets and a mystery woven into a book are always favourites of mine and this had plenty of secrets and a good mystery.
Generally speaking it was still a decent enough read and I can honestly say I loved the last couple of chapters.
I feel a little unkind giving 3 stars because there’s no denying that the author can write.
Listened to the audio version narrated by Rebecca Macauley.
Secrets and a mystery woven into a book are always favourites of mine and this had plenty of secrets and a good mystery.
Generally speaking it was still a decent enough read and I can honestly say I loved the last couple of chapters.
I feel a little unkind giving 3 stars because there’s no denying that the author can write.
Listened to the audio version narrated by Rebecca Macauley.
July 1, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Truth about Faking It by Cassie Hamer
This is a fabulous, heartfelt and witty story of three generations of women in the Trainor family, grandmother, mother and daughter, my favourite being the eldest member Ellen.
Ellen loves her ‘herbal’ cigarettes, going to art classes, Zumba and bridge classes. She’s married but her husband has left her since finding a secret brother and they’ve gone off sailing the world together.
Natasha is a TV presenter on a current affairs show called ‘Deep Dive’, looking her best is part of the gig and it’s irritating when the studio lights picks up on her grey roots and she’s reminded about a hairdressing appointment. Being over forty is difficult for a woman in the media spotlight!
The youngest, Natasha’s daughter Georgie is also in TV working behind the scenes on the reality dating show ‘The Single Gal’ which she loves and is trying to win a promotion. One of the contestants is not making that easy!
Meanwhile David has been tragically killed in a boating accident which drives the women to confront their individual feelings and delve into what really happened.
This murder mystery story has a strong relationships theme throughout and is very character driven. The subplot involved a very topical issue of sexual abuse in the workplace, a young intern speaking up about a senior politician ……
This book is huge at 539 Pages, I would of easily given it 5 Stars if there was less storyline about the dating show workings (Have you seen The Bachelorette?). Still, I loved the story and it was a fast paced read!
Publication Date 04 May 2022 Publisher
HQ Fiction Australia
A huge thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of the book.
The Truth about Faking It by Cassie Hamer
This is a fabulous, heartfelt and witty story of three generations of women in the Trainor family, grandmother, mother and daughter, my favourite being the eldest member Ellen.
Ellen loves her ‘herbal’ cigarettes, going to art classes, Zumba and bridge classes. She’s married but her husband has left her since finding a secret brother and they’ve gone off sailing the world together.
Natasha is a TV presenter on a current affairs show called ‘Deep Dive’, looking her best is part of the gig and it’s irritating when the studio lights picks up on her grey roots and she’s reminded about a hairdressing appointment. Being over forty is difficult for a woman in the media spotlight!
The youngest, Natasha’s daughter Georgie is also in TV working behind the scenes on the reality dating show ‘The Single Gal’ which she loves and is trying to win a promotion. One of the contestants is not making that easy!
Meanwhile David has been tragically killed in a boating accident which drives the women to confront their individual feelings and delve into what really happened.
This murder mystery story has a strong relationships theme throughout and is very character driven. The subplot involved a very topical issue of sexual abuse in the workplace, a young intern speaking up about a senior politician ……
This book is huge at 539 Pages, I would of easily given it 5 Stars if there was less storyline about the dating show workings (Have you seen The Bachelorette?). Still, I loved the story and it was a fast paced read!
Publication Date 04 May 2022 Publisher
HQ Fiction Australia
A huge thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of the book.
May 18, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A leader in contemporary women’s fiction, Cassie returns after a lengthy break with a satisfying novel full of abundance of amusement, plenty of drama and the warmth of a slow burning fire.
The three Trainor women are strong and determined.
Each with their own insecurities, issues, secrets, lies and emotions but when David the patriarch dies, each will go on their own self discovery journey.
Ellen, her daughter Natasha and granddaughter Georgie are not sure how they are supposed to feel but eventually the truth will come out.
I have read Cassie’s first two books and loved them and now with her third hitting the shelves we have a smart, clear and well written narrative to add to her supreme catalogue.
A superb variety of issues, characters and themes running throughout.
Topical, dazzling, delightful and appealing are just some of the words to describe this addictive read.
Let’s talk characters…..
Something I appreciated the most about the divine plot was the relationship between the three women.
It’s wasn’t perfect, at times harmonious, there was many layers amongst them but in the end they were there for each other no matter what.
Ellen would have felt right at home in an episode of Grace & Frankie, as the nosy neighbour, I felt she had traits of both tv characters.
The behind the scenes sub plot of reality tv and current affairs was altogether interesting and entertaining.
A fresh signature style of writing, Cassie has a natural gift for comedic timing and melodramatic elements adding to an already charming storyline.
With a catchy title, an appealing cover and a story that’s inviting from cover to cover this novel should not be overlooked.
A leader in contemporary women’s fiction, Cassie returns after a lengthy break with a satisfying novel full of abundance of amusement, plenty of drama and the warmth of a slow burning fire.
The three Trainor women are strong and determined.
Each with their own insecurities, issues, secrets, lies and emotions but when David the patriarch dies, each will go on their own self discovery journey.
Ellen, her daughter Natasha and granddaughter Georgie are not sure how they are supposed to feel but eventually the truth will come out.
I have read Cassie’s first two books and loved them and now with her third hitting the shelves we have a smart, clear and well written narrative to add to her supreme catalogue.
A superb variety of issues, characters and themes running throughout.
Topical, dazzling, delightful and appealing are just some of the words to describe this addictive read.
Let’s talk characters…..
Something I appreciated the most about the divine plot was the relationship between the three women.
It’s wasn’t perfect, at times harmonious, there was many layers amongst them but in the end they were there for each other no matter what.
Ellen would have felt right at home in an episode of Grace & Frankie, as the nosy neighbour, I felt she had traits of both tv characters.
The behind the scenes sub plot of reality tv and current affairs was altogether interesting and entertaining.
A fresh signature style of writing, Cassie has a natural gift for comedic timing and melodramatic elements adding to an already charming storyline.
With a catchy title, an appealing cover and a story that’s inviting from cover to cover this novel should not be overlooked.
July 18, 2022
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Truth About Faking It by Cassie Hamer. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 May 2022**
The Trainor women have always been excellent at hiding their true feelings... until now. Ellen's estranged husband, David, has died in an alleged boating accident in Thailand after going sailing with his long-lost brother. Her newscaster daughter Natasha and reality TV producer granddaughter Georgie decide to dig deeper even though they don't really have time. Natasha has a toxic secret that is about to set off a catastrophic personal crisis. Georgie is focused on denying feeling for a contestant on her dating show. None of them agree on how they should feel about David's death other than it isn't what it seems - and discovering the truth will unravel all their lies. All three are faking it and the truth will come out in unexpected ways...
I was really looking forward to this novel and I have to be truthful and say that while I did like it, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. To be fair, my expectations were super high after absolutely loving the author's previous two books; this one was enjoyable but not quite as good as the others. The book alternates between three perspectives: Ellen, her daughter Natasha, and Natasha's daughter Georgie. Ellen was probably the most entertaining character to follow: a bit narcissistic, witty and snarky. Natasha seemed a bit uptight but cracks began to show as her life is slowly becoming derailed as well as past traumas coming to surface. Georgie is busy trying to ignore the fact that she's attracted to a contestant on the dating show she is working on which is quite inconvenient and against the rules. All of this is occurring in the context of Ellen's estranged husband David dying in an apparent boat accident in Thailand, which all of the women find odd. There's some great messages in this one about women being themselves, standing up for themselves and others, and working out what they want in life to be happy.
Overall: for me this was an enjoyable enough read that was a bit too lengthy.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Truth About Faking It by Cassie Hamer. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 4 May 2022**
The Trainor women have always been excellent at hiding their true feelings... until now. Ellen's estranged husband, David, has died in an alleged boating accident in Thailand after going sailing with his long-lost brother. Her newscaster daughter Natasha and reality TV producer granddaughter Georgie decide to dig deeper even though they don't really have time. Natasha has a toxic secret that is about to set off a catastrophic personal crisis. Georgie is focused on denying feeling for a contestant on her dating show. None of them agree on how they should feel about David's death other than it isn't what it seems - and discovering the truth will unravel all their lies. All three are faking it and the truth will come out in unexpected ways...
I was really looking forward to this novel and I have to be truthful and say that while I did like it, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. To be fair, my expectations were super high after absolutely loving the author's previous two books; this one was enjoyable but not quite as good as the others. The book alternates between three perspectives: Ellen, her daughter Natasha, and Natasha's daughter Georgie. Ellen was probably the most entertaining character to follow: a bit narcissistic, witty and snarky. Natasha seemed a bit uptight but cracks began to show as her life is slowly becoming derailed as well as past traumas coming to surface. Georgie is busy trying to ignore the fact that she's attracted to a contestant on the dating show she is working on which is quite inconvenient and against the rules. All of this is occurring in the context of Ellen's estranged husband David dying in an apparent boat accident in Thailand, which all of the women find odd. There's some great messages in this one about women being themselves, standing up for themselves and others, and working out what they want in life to be happy.
Overall: for me this was an enjoyable enough read that was a bit too lengthy.
March 17, 2022
We all need a bit of comic relief right now and Cassie Hamer’s book delivers! From its hilarious opening scene, through to its heartwarmingly gorgeous ending, I can’t be happier that I spent a few hours with the Trainor women. It takes special skill to juggle laugh-out-loud hilarious moments with the topical issues that we all need to talk about, but Cassie manages this with aplomb. Grab a copy of this smart, warm, witty, and sparkling book and give it to every woman you love.
May 6, 2022
I have long been a fan of Cassie Hamer so this one was a big tick to get as an early read and it certainly did not disappoint. The Truth About Faking It leads you on a discovery of three generations of the Trainor Family, all strong women who perhaps like to have a bit of fun with the truth. Whether it is part of their job description or just to embellish their lives, it makes for some extremely funny moments and gave me plenty of laugh out loud interludes. Also touching on a few serious topics this story was heart-warming and also heart breaking at times, but a very enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
Cassie has a wonderful writing style that flows off the pages and is such a joy to read, The Truth About Faking It has romance, drama, mystery and humour all in one, and while much of the book will have you questioning whether it is indeed a truth or a lie, isn’t that the fun of a good book! A wonderful engaging story and one I can highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for this early reading copy.
Cassie has a wonderful writing style that flows off the pages and is such a joy to read, The Truth About Faking It has romance, drama, mystery and humour all in one, and while much of the book will have you questioning whether it is indeed a truth or a lie, isn’t that the fun of a good book! A wonderful engaging story and one I can highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for this early reading copy.
December 31, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com/
From the author of The End of Cuthbert Close, comes The Truth About Faking It. A clever, satirical, on topic and engaging novel, contemporary women’s fiction fans will enjoy Cassie Hamer’s third release.
The Truth About Faking It follows three women from the Trainor family, who all seem to be good at masking their true beliefs and emotions. But the Trainor family boat is rocked when Ellen’s husband David is reported dead by Thai authorities in what looks like a terrible accident. Although Ellen and David are estranged, Ellen can’t help but wonder what other troubles this family will face in the wake of her husband’s death. Ellen’s daughter Natasha is a popular television reporter. Natasha’s daughter Georgie also works in the television industry as a producer on reality TV. Both Tash and Georgie have unanswered questions about David’s death and the two are inclined to investigate further into this boating accident. However, both women are consumed by their own personal affairs. Georgie is grappling with her feelings for a contestant on the show she is producing, while Tash works to fend off an explosive secret that will threaten her lucrative position at the network station. As Ellen considers her options now she is a free woman, her family continue to have doubts about David’s death. The journey to discover the truth will be explosive for the Trainor trio!
Cassie Hamer burst onto the Australian contemporary fiction scene when her debut novel After the Party was released in 2019. I’m embarrassed to say that I still haven’t read this one yet, but I did enjoy Hamer’s second novel, The End of Cuthbert Close. Based on my positive reading experience with Cassie Hamer’s second novel, I was eager to crack open this Sydney based author’s new release. The Truth About Faking It proved to be a great summer holiday read.
Hamer successfully inhabits the three main characters in this novel, who all come from the same family. The Trainor threesome are presented well on the pages of The Truth About Faking It. Each woman has a distinct personality and Hamer carefully teases out the insecurities, individual flairs and feelings of her leading characters. It was almost a relief to find myself relating to each of these three protagonists in some form or another. I was also reminded of various family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances while reading Hamer’s third novel. Hamer incorporates plenty of topical issues into her narrative, which range from death, loss, marriage breakdown, career pressures, secrets, lies, the past, insecurities and love. The overall message about women believing in themselves is a loud one in this story.
The length of The Truth About Faking It was initially daunting, which is why I had to attempt to read Cassie Hamer’s book twice. I tried much earlier on in the year to read this novel but due to heavy work distractions, I had to put it down. The lovely extended summer break here afforded me another opportunity to give The Truth About Faking It a second chance. I’m glad I finally made it through and despite the breadth of this story, it was quite a fast read. I was compelled the turn the pages of this novel as I had doubts and questions concerning David’s death, it was a good little mystery subplot. What I observed from this book was that Hamer’s writing has a great topical slant, which allows her to draw the reader directly into the lives of her cast. The issues at stake in this tale are covered with an air of understanding, sensitivity and truth. The characters were all varied and I especially liked the insight into the world of reporting and television producing, thanks to Tash and Georgie’s segments. To close, this family affairs style tale definitely has a touch of something for any type of reader, The Truth About Faking It is a very open story from Cassie Hamer.
Don’t forget to read the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Cassie Hamer shares a great story about her former life as a TV news reporter.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
From the author of The End of Cuthbert Close, comes The Truth About Faking It. A clever, satirical, on topic and engaging novel, contemporary women’s fiction fans will enjoy Cassie Hamer’s third release.
The Truth About Faking It follows three women from the Trainor family, who all seem to be good at masking their true beliefs and emotions. But the Trainor family boat is rocked when Ellen’s husband David is reported dead by Thai authorities in what looks like a terrible accident. Although Ellen and David are estranged, Ellen can’t help but wonder what other troubles this family will face in the wake of her husband’s death. Ellen’s daughter Natasha is a popular television reporter. Natasha’s daughter Georgie also works in the television industry as a producer on reality TV. Both Tash and Georgie have unanswered questions about David’s death and the two are inclined to investigate further into this boating accident. However, both women are consumed by their own personal affairs. Georgie is grappling with her feelings for a contestant on the show she is producing, while Tash works to fend off an explosive secret that will threaten her lucrative position at the network station. As Ellen considers her options now she is a free woman, her family continue to have doubts about David’s death. The journey to discover the truth will be explosive for the Trainor trio!
Cassie Hamer burst onto the Australian contemporary fiction scene when her debut novel After the Party was released in 2019. I’m embarrassed to say that I still haven’t read this one yet, but I did enjoy Hamer’s second novel, The End of Cuthbert Close. Based on my positive reading experience with Cassie Hamer’s second novel, I was eager to crack open this Sydney based author’s new release. The Truth About Faking It proved to be a great summer holiday read.
Hamer successfully inhabits the three main characters in this novel, who all come from the same family. The Trainor threesome are presented well on the pages of The Truth About Faking It. Each woman has a distinct personality and Hamer carefully teases out the insecurities, individual flairs and feelings of her leading characters. It was almost a relief to find myself relating to each of these three protagonists in some form or another. I was also reminded of various family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances while reading Hamer’s third novel. Hamer incorporates plenty of topical issues into her narrative, which range from death, loss, marriage breakdown, career pressures, secrets, lies, the past, insecurities and love. The overall message about women believing in themselves is a loud one in this story.
The length of The Truth About Faking It was initially daunting, which is why I had to attempt to read Cassie Hamer’s book twice. I tried much earlier on in the year to read this novel but due to heavy work distractions, I had to put it down. The lovely extended summer break here afforded me another opportunity to give The Truth About Faking It a second chance. I’m glad I finally made it through and despite the breadth of this story, it was quite a fast read. I was compelled the turn the pages of this novel as I had doubts and questions concerning David’s death, it was a good little mystery subplot. What I observed from this book was that Hamer’s writing has a great topical slant, which allows her to draw the reader directly into the lives of her cast. The issues at stake in this tale are covered with an air of understanding, sensitivity and truth. The characters were all varied and I especially liked the insight into the world of reporting and television producing, thanks to Tash and Georgie’s segments. To close, this family affairs style tale definitely has a touch of something for any type of reader, The Truth About Faking It is a very open story from Cassie Hamer.
Don’t forget to read the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Cassie Hamer shares a great story about her former life as a TV news reporter.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 13, 2022
There is no faking in this review, just the wholehearted truth!!! I absolutely loved it!!!! I was a huge Cassie Hamer fan; I love the ways her novels explore relationships and role women play, but this is her best yet. I loved having the three generations of Trainor women to get to know. I loved watching the Ellen show, I loved seeing the inner workings of the newsroom with Natasha, and oh my goodness I had no idea how unreal a reality tv show was!! Georgie is living a completely different life to me, it was so fun. The book completely is a giggle and gossip with your best girlfriends over coffee; it’s fun and heartwarming, and man you discuss some heavy issues along the way. I loved it!! When is the next Cassie Hamer out?
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April 20, 2022Cassie's Hamer's third book delves a little more deeply into her characters and what makes them tick, which is my catnip in a novel. But her trademark humour is never far away.
August 22, 2022
This novel had me laugh out loud, shed a tear and feel outraged at times. So well written and with characters well developed it was a pleasure to read. 530+ pages that passed in the blink of an eye. I was totally engrossed throughout.
Three generations of women making their way through the world and the trials and tribulations that are thrown their way. As they put on a smile and face the world they begin to question how and why they are faking their happiness. Why can't they say what they want, wear what they want and feel their own feelings?
The tragic death of husband/father/grandfather brings the three women together as they fathom their feelings and try to unravel what exactly happened to David. Ellen, his estranged wife, has been making her own way in life and acts like she is ready to let him go and follow her own path. As she deals with his abandonment of her and his subsequent demise, she starts to question her love for him.
His daughter, Natasha, wants to solve the mystery of his death as she struggles to come to terms with a long-held secret in her own life. A news story she is presenting is dragging up her past and she desperately tries to mask her own feelings and dismiss them as 'in the past '. In her power suits and with her T.V. presenters mask in place she feels ready to take on the world. But as she begins to relive her own experience she starts to unravel.
Georgie longs to be out of the shadow of her famous T.V. mother and does what she can to make her own way in the world of reality television. I loved the look into a reality dating show and the scripting to make the viewer ratings a winner. Little regard for the humans involved in the show. As Georgie begins to question her morals and her lack of belief in true love, she begins to open her heart.
Three strong and independent women. A #metoo storyline. A bit of mystery and intrigue. A lesson in being honest with yourself and others. This book had it all.
Three generations of women making their way through the world and the trials and tribulations that are thrown their way. As they put on a smile and face the world they begin to question how and why they are faking their happiness. Why can't they say what they want, wear what they want and feel their own feelings?
The tragic death of husband/father/grandfather brings the three women together as they fathom their feelings and try to unravel what exactly happened to David. Ellen, his estranged wife, has been making her own way in life and acts like she is ready to let him go and follow her own path. As she deals with his abandonment of her and his subsequent demise, she starts to question her love for him.
His daughter, Natasha, wants to solve the mystery of his death as she struggles to come to terms with a long-held secret in her own life. A news story she is presenting is dragging up her past and she desperately tries to mask her own feelings and dismiss them as 'in the past '. In her power suits and with her T.V. presenters mask in place she feels ready to take on the world. But as she begins to relive her own experience she starts to unravel.
Georgie longs to be out of the shadow of her famous T.V. mother and does what she can to make her own way in the world of reality television. I loved the look into a reality dating show and the scripting to make the viewer ratings a winner. Little regard for the humans involved in the show. As Georgie begins to question her morals and her lack of belief in true love, she begins to open her heart.
Three strong and independent women. A #metoo storyline. A bit of mystery and intrigue. A lesson in being honest with yourself and others. This book had it all.
April 2, 2022
Cassie Hamer’s third novel, The Truth About Faking It (Harlequin 2022) again denotes her inimitable style: light-hearted and heart-warming, funny, with snappy and sharp dialogue, relatable contemporary characters and humorous plots and set-ups that allow for plenty of misunderstandings and character conflicts.
In this book, everyone is faking it to a degree. The story features three generations of women, grandmother, mother and daughter, all adept at hiding their feelings and suppressing their emotions. When Ellen Trainor’s estranged husband, David, is killed in a Thai boating accident while connecting with his recently discovered long-lost brother, Ellen feels hard done by. It’s a rude interruption to her life of Zumba and Bridge. But it does free her up to marry her boring but usefully wealthy boyfriend, Kenneth.
Ellen’s daughter and granddaughter both work in the media. Both are devastated by the death of their father and grandfather and not at all pleased that Ellen is so blasé about it. They are determined to uncover the truth. Natasha is a well-known and respected news journalist, a presenter for a top-rating current affairs TV show. Time is not her friend, however, and she barely has enough time to navigate the torrid politics of prime show ratings and bureaucratic backstabbing, let alone investigate her father’s boating accident. And when Ellen’s unpredictable behaviour precipitates a media shitstorm, Natasha’s personal life hits crisis point. Natasha’s daughter Georgie is a producer on the reality show The Single Gal. She is professionally fiercely focussed on achievement but is hampered by the ludicrous fact that she appears to have fallen for one of the show’s contestants, who is of course strictly off limits to anyone but the featured Single Gal.
While all three have different feelings about David’s death, they are united in their suspicion that not all is as it seems. And while they try to unravel the truth about the accident, the also pull apart the lies they have been telling themselves.
The Truth About Faking It explores themes of family, loyalty, loss, grief, ambition, greed and love. There is a rather good subplot about a sexual abuse survivor who is interviewed by Natasha for her TV show, and the book navigates the tricky terrain about how and why this young woman should be ‘re-victimised’ by telling her story, and the ethical dilemma surrounding her situation. A personal link with Natasha’s own past, and a secret she has long held, makes for some thought-provoking writing and reading around this subject.
Cassie Hamer is great at writing funny, humorous dialogue and presenting quirky characters in cringe-worthy or ridiculous or eccentric situations. Like a good rom-com movie, The Truth About Faking It will make you laugh at the characters’ exploits while keeping you engaged with a light and entertaining plot. And as with all her books, readers will recognise themselves or those they know in the pages.
In this book, everyone is faking it to a degree. The story features three generations of women, grandmother, mother and daughter, all adept at hiding their feelings and suppressing their emotions. When Ellen Trainor’s estranged husband, David, is killed in a Thai boating accident while connecting with his recently discovered long-lost brother, Ellen feels hard done by. It’s a rude interruption to her life of Zumba and Bridge. But it does free her up to marry her boring but usefully wealthy boyfriend, Kenneth.
Ellen’s daughter and granddaughter both work in the media. Both are devastated by the death of their father and grandfather and not at all pleased that Ellen is so blasé about it. They are determined to uncover the truth. Natasha is a well-known and respected news journalist, a presenter for a top-rating current affairs TV show. Time is not her friend, however, and she barely has enough time to navigate the torrid politics of prime show ratings and bureaucratic backstabbing, let alone investigate her father’s boating accident. And when Ellen’s unpredictable behaviour precipitates a media shitstorm, Natasha’s personal life hits crisis point. Natasha’s daughter Georgie is a producer on the reality show The Single Gal. She is professionally fiercely focussed on achievement but is hampered by the ludicrous fact that she appears to have fallen for one of the show’s contestants, who is of course strictly off limits to anyone but the featured Single Gal.
While all three have different feelings about David’s death, they are united in their suspicion that not all is as it seems. And while they try to unravel the truth about the accident, the also pull apart the lies they have been telling themselves.
The Truth About Faking It explores themes of family, loyalty, loss, grief, ambition, greed and love. There is a rather good subplot about a sexual abuse survivor who is interviewed by Natasha for her TV show, and the book navigates the tricky terrain about how and why this young woman should be ‘re-victimised’ by telling her story, and the ethical dilemma surrounding her situation. A personal link with Natasha’s own past, and a secret she has long held, makes for some thought-provoking writing and reading around this subject.
Cassie Hamer is great at writing funny, humorous dialogue and presenting quirky characters in cringe-worthy or ridiculous or eccentric situations. Like a good rom-com movie, The Truth About Faking It will make you laugh at the characters’ exploits while keeping you engaged with a light and entertaining plot. And as with all her books, readers will recognise themselves or those they know in the pages.
April 12, 2022
This was such a fun read! Told from the alternating perspective of three generations of the Trainor family; Ellen, Natasha and Georgie, this story explores the unravelling of their lives (and lies) when they find out that the patriarch of the family (Ellen's estranged husband) is supposedly killed in a boating accident overseas.
Although tackling some heavy issues around sexual abuse and trauma, there is such a lightness to the book thanks to Cassie's trademark witty humour. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, making this book the perfect escape right now. I especially enjoyed the 'behind-the-scenes' feel to Natasha's and Georgie's storylines, as both women work in the media. Natasha as a highly successful news anchor and Georgie as a producer for a reality love show. It felt like I was on set, having a sneak peek at what really takes place!
I highly recommend for fans of Marian Keyes and Sally Hepworth - you will love this relevant, well-paced and humorous contemporary fiction story.
Although tackling some heavy issues around sexual abuse and trauma, there is such a lightness to the book thanks to Cassie's trademark witty humour. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, making this book the perfect escape right now. I especially enjoyed the 'behind-the-scenes' feel to Natasha's and Georgie's storylines, as both women work in the media. Natasha as a highly successful news anchor and Georgie as a producer for a reality love show. It felt like I was on set, having a sneak peek at what really takes place!
I highly recommend for fans of Marian Keyes and Sally Hepworth - you will love this relevant, well-paced and humorous contemporary fiction story.
April 9, 2022
The Truth About Faking It by Cassie Hamer
Three generations of women, each keeping secrets of their own.
Grandmother Ellen is enjoying a secret illegal habit..
Daughter Natasha, the face of television, has held tight to a 30yr secret, but is it time to share?
And granddaughter Georgie is committing the biggest sin in reality television.
All the while, after learning of the grandfather's mysterious death, they are having to band together to find out the truth.
🌿Cassie Hamer has delivered the perfect domestic drama with intriguing characters navigating their complicated relationships. Another great Aussie read I highly recommend!
🌿Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinaus for the chance to read and review an early copy of this book.
🌿Keep a lookout for this one💚
Release date: May 5, 2022
Three generations of women, each keeping secrets of their own.
Grandmother Ellen is enjoying a secret illegal habit..
Daughter Natasha, the face of television, has held tight to a 30yr secret, but is it time to share?
And granddaughter Georgie is committing the biggest sin in reality television.
All the while, after learning of the grandfather's mysterious death, they are having to band together to find out the truth.
🌿Cassie Hamer has delivered the perfect domestic drama with intriguing characters navigating their complicated relationships. Another great Aussie read I highly recommend!
🌿Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinaus for the chance to read and review an early copy of this book.
🌿Keep a lookout for this one💚
Release date: May 5, 2022
May 18, 2022
Insightful, engaging, shocking at times and funny at others, The Truth About Faking It has a page-turning plot with three fabulous central characters in Ellen, Natasha and Georgie. Author Cassie Hamer has even borrowed from Jane Austen in this reference to Ellen’s lover Kenneth: “A seventy-two year-old man with his own head of hair, a pulse and penthouse would never be in want of a wife for long.” What more could you want? Thank you so much @HarlequinAus. I loved this story.
Read
May 9, 2022A delightful and entertaining story about the trials and triumphs of modern families. Cassie Hamer writes with great humour and warmth while tackling important, topical issues. In The Truth About Faking It, readers will find richly-layered characters, romance and a rollicking good plot. I think we all need a fabulous 'Ellen' in our lives, she's guaranteed to make you giggle!
Many thanks to Harper Collins for sending me an early copy. For a full interview with the author, head to https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/cass...
Many thanks to Harper Collins for sending me an early copy. For a full interview with the author, head to https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/cass...
June 2, 2022
This book jumps straight to fourth gear and the first few paragraphs had me lol, and I thought this is going to be great.
Whilst it wasn't great, it certainly wasn't bad...if a story can make you feel something then you know the writer is doing a good job.
Characters were well developed and relatable to a point, although one or two were annoying but who wants to love every character in a book, how boring that would be.
There are a few trigger warnings, one is sexual abuse and Cassie writes about this with care and consideration on what is such a difficult topic.
I think the only real issue I had with the book was the length, I love reading big books but only if the story warrants it. I thought this could've been at least 100 pages shorter as it felt a little unnecessary at times.
Overall I rate this 7/10, 3.5 stars.
Whilst it wasn't great, it certainly wasn't bad...if a story can make you feel something then you know the writer is doing a good job.
Characters were well developed and relatable to a point, although one or two were annoying but who wants to love every character in a book, how boring that would be.
There are a few trigger warnings, one is sexual abuse and Cassie writes about this with care and consideration on what is such a difficult topic.
I think the only real issue I had with the book was the length, I love reading big books but only if the story warrants it. I thought this could've been at least 100 pages shorter as it felt a little unnecessary at times.
Overall I rate this 7/10, 3.5 stars.
March 7, 2023
I loved this book! It had funny bits and sad bits and parts that made me laugh out loud! Very refreshing to read !!
June 26, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ three stories starting from grandmum, mum and daughter. All with different plights in life, all with different personalities who needs to come together to solve a mystery or maybe to solve their relationships with one another. I’ve enjoyed their stories separately and as a whole. It does feel draggy at times (it’s a thick book!) but the humour is there.
May 29, 2022
I loved it!
I had been stuck reading another book and after three weeks, I was still only halfway. Cassie Hamer’s new book arrived a couple of weeks ago and it called to me and I answered, ‘yes!’ I read a quarter of Cassie’s book in an afternoon and finished it five days later. I had to work okay? Otherwise, I would have finished it sooner.
Here’s the Blurb
"The Trainor women have always been excellent at hiding their true feelings... until now. Ellen's estranged husband, David, has managed to interrupt her fabulous life of bridge and zumba by getting himself killed in a Thai boating accident. She's hardly surprised. It's simply the final in a long line of mistakes, the first was leaving her to go on a worldwide sailing trip with his mysterious, long-lost brother. Ah, well. At least she's now free to marry her rich but dull boyfriend, Kenneth.
Regrettably, her daughter, self-possessed TV news broadcaster Natasha and granddaughter, reality TV producer Georgie, seem to take the whole 'dead' thing very personally and they decide to dig deeper, though neither really has time. Natasha is on the nose at her network and a toxic secret from her past is about to set off a catastrophic personal crisis. Meanwhile, Georgie is furiously focused on denying her true feelings for a contestant on her show, The Single Gal.
Neither Ellen, Natasha, nor Georgie are agreed on quite how they should feel about David's death but they're certain about one thing - it isn't quite what it seems - and discovering the truth will unravel the tapestry of lies they've been spinning to themselves and each other.
One way or another, all three women are faking it and as matters come to a head, the truth wills out in the most unexpected of ways..."
***
Keeping the truth inside of you is a huge burden. You want to tell the ones you love, but wouldn’t that just show how weak you are? You are a strong woman among other strong women who happen to be your family, not to mention the others around you in your life – friends, work colleagues. You don’t want to see their pity, to be thought of as weak, vulnerable, perhaps chasing a mental breakdown, do you? So your life becomes a lie. Live the lie and you will succeed in your professional life but at the expense of personal relationships.
That’s all very good, but when David Trainor dies, all those truths threaten to bubble to the surface.
The characters are well written each had an equally key role in the book. I loved them all. Ellen, Natashia (Ellen’s daughter) and Georgie (Natashia’s daughter) all have their issues - their own secrets, their own lies and all three women, strong in their own right, find it hard to keep their own truth from flowing over in a hot-lava flow of emotional exposition.
I read this book as if I were watching it on the big screen. I had the tissues out in a couple of scenes and laughed out loud in others. Thank goodness for comic relief, otherwise, I would have been a mess.
Cassie Hamer writes only the good words and you’d be crazy not to read her book.
I had been stuck reading another book and after three weeks, I was still only halfway. Cassie Hamer’s new book arrived a couple of weeks ago and it called to me and I answered, ‘yes!’ I read a quarter of Cassie’s book in an afternoon and finished it five days later. I had to work okay? Otherwise, I would have finished it sooner.
Here’s the Blurb
"The Trainor women have always been excellent at hiding their true feelings... until now. Ellen's estranged husband, David, has managed to interrupt her fabulous life of bridge and zumba by getting himself killed in a Thai boating accident. She's hardly surprised. It's simply the final in a long line of mistakes, the first was leaving her to go on a worldwide sailing trip with his mysterious, long-lost brother. Ah, well. At least she's now free to marry her rich but dull boyfriend, Kenneth.
Regrettably, her daughter, self-possessed TV news broadcaster Natasha and granddaughter, reality TV producer Georgie, seem to take the whole 'dead' thing very personally and they decide to dig deeper, though neither really has time. Natasha is on the nose at her network and a toxic secret from her past is about to set off a catastrophic personal crisis. Meanwhile, Georgie is furiously focused on denying her true feelings for a contestant on her show, The Single Gal.
Neither Ellen, Natasha, nor Georgie are agreed on quite how they should feel about David's death but they're certain about one thing - it isn't quite what it seems - and discovering the truth will unravel the tapestry of lies they've been spinning to themselves and each other.
One way or another, all three women are faking it and as matters come to a head, the truth wills out in the most unexpected of ways..."
***
Keeping the truth inside of you is a huge burden. You want to tell the ones you love, but wouldn’t that just show how weak you are? You are a strong woman among other strong women who happen to be your family, not to mention the others around you in your life – friends, work colleagues. You don’t want to see their pity, to be thought of as weak, vulnerable, perhaps chasing a mental breakdown, do you? So your life becomes a lie. Live the lie and you will succeed in your professional life but at the expense of personal relationships.
That’s all very good, but when David Trainor dies, all those truths threaten to bubble to the surface.
The characters are well written each had an equally key role in the book. I loved them all. Ellen, Natashia (Ellen’s daughter) and Georgie (Natashia’s daughter) all have their issues - their own secrets, their own lies and all three women, strong in their own right, find it hard to keep their own truth from flowing over in a hot-lava flow of emotional exposition.
I read this book as if I were watching it on the big screen. I had the tissues out in a couple of scenes and laughed out loud in others. Thank goodness for comic relief, otherwise, I would have been a mess.
Cassie Hamer writes only the good words and you’d be crazy not to read her book.
July 10, 2025
Clever and heartfelt.
‘Lie to your friends. Lie to your family. Just don’t lie to yourself…’
‘Lie to your friends. Lie to your family. Just don’t lie to yourself…’
June 9, 2022
It might just be my mood this week but meh. Dragged on a bit and how annoying was Grandma ? George didn't know whether she was coming or going, poor Dan !
Sped read through the last 100 or so pages to see how everything wrapped up, no real surprises but at least I got answers.
Sped read through the last 100 or so pages to see how everything wrapped up, no real surprises but at least I got answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
I felt quite let down with this book. There were too many familiar storylines in this book taken from news headlines and real life events. I know that the book was inspired by many real life events but they were copied too much for my liking. The storyline about Georgie working on the single gal seemed like a direct copy of the storyline from the television series unReal!
As much as I tried to like this book it was not particularly creative in the storyline and quite un original.
After Cassie's previous two outstanding books this left me feeling underwhelmed and quite disappointed!
As much as I tried to like this book it was not particularly creative in the storyline and quite un original.
After Cassie's previous two outstanding books this left me feeling underwhelmed and quite disappointed!
June 3, 2022
Three generations of women, each faking how good their lives are, take it in turn to narrate this story. It opens with Ellen at her morning life art session which is interrupted with news of her estranged husband’s death in a sailing accident in Thailand. Their daughter Natasha, a well known TV news reporter, believes her father can do no wrong, is shocked and insists on getting to the bottom of his death. Georgie, Natasha’s daughter, works on a reality ‘find love’ TV show, she doesn’t need to be distracted but she wants to support her mother and grandmother.
The death of David is the catalyst for each woman to face their secrets and stop the fakery that is their daily life. Ellen is struggling financially as David left her with no money, Natasha has an exclusive interview which is triggering bad memories, and Georgie is falling in love with a contestant and resisting with all her might.
The journey to find out the truth behind David’s death brings the women together as the barriers come down and they start to be open and honest with each other. The story covers a variety of issues, and gives the reader a glimpse into the world of reality TV, current affairs and seniors. Something for everyone. There is laughter, shock, anger and empathy, despite it length I could not put it down.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy to review
The death of David is the catalyst for each woman to face their secrets and stop the fakery that is their daily life. Ellen is struggling financially as David left her with no money, Natasha has an exclusive interview which is triggering bad memories, and Georgie is falling in love with a contestant and resisting with all her might.
The journey to find out the truth behind David’s death brings the women together as the barriers come down and they start to be open and honest with each other. The story covers a variety of issues, and gives the reader a glimpse into the world of reality TV, current affairs and seniors. Something for everyone. There is laughter, shock, anger and empathy, despite it length I could not put it down.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy to review
March 29, 2023
God awful. DFN
May 13, 2022
“The Truth About Faking It” is a light, fun read with some serious underlying messages. It’s not overly original, but it’s a very enjoyable reading experience, with a nice dash of humor.
Three women of the Trainor family are facing down some major life changes. Ellen is in financial straits since her husband left her and sailed off into the wild blue yonder. Now she’s faced with some major decisions about her emotional life, too.
Her daughter, Natasha, is a successful journalist and news anchor. But television is a brutal industry for women over 40, and Natasha is starting to feel insecure. She needs to take steps to assure her job security. She’s given up a lot for this job, and she’s not going to be left with nothing now.
And youngest of all, Georgie, Natasha’s daughter and Ellen’s grand-daughter, is in crisis in all directions. She works behind the scenes on a reality dating show (which her mother despises) and loves it. Filming is always hectic, and right now she’s trying to go the extra lengths needed to prove herself and win a promotion. So it’s the worst possible time to do the worst possible thing: start falling for a contestant.
Hamer uses these three to look at the sacrifices women make: the choices they often have to make between career and personal life. They’re at three different life stages, have made different choices, and have different regrets and delights. All value family, though, and that will have a big effect on the decisions they make now.
This is Cassie Hamer’s third novel (see below for links to my reviews of the earlier novels), and she continues to grow in confidence and capacity. Characterisation has always been her strength, and it continues to be here. All of the characters are vivid, and most are empathetic. Many women will recognise parts of themselves in one or more of the three central women. Their dilemmas are understandable and ones readers will sympathise with.
The plotting was a weakness in Hamer’s first novel, “After the Party”, as she ventured into an area she didn’t seem able to depict with conviction: crime. Here she again touches on a crime, and again I felt it was the weakest part of the novel. It was predictable, somewhat obvious, and not very convincing.
Luckily it’s a tiny part of the novel, and the rest is strong: interesting, engaging and believable. Sure, I could pick at a few details (who carries paper copies of secret documents when they know they’re going to be around people who cannot be allowed to see them? Why not have them electronically on a password protected device?).
However, most readers simply aren’t going to care. They’re minor, not very important to the overall plot, and don’t impede the story or reading experience at all.
This is a strong domestic and career drama from a writer who’s been getting stronger with each novel. “The Truth About Faking It” doesn’t bring anything very new to the table, but it’s well written and entirely enjoyable. Most readers will enjoy it uncritically, and that’s a perfectly fine thing to do with a novel like this.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more, including reviews of Hamer’s earlier novels.
Three women of the Trainor family are facing down some major life changes. Ellen is in financial straits since her husband left her and sailed off into the wild blue yonder. Now she’s faced with some major decisions about her emotional life, too.
Her daughter, Natasha, is a successful journalist and news anchor. But television is a brutal industry for women over 40, and Natasha is starting to feel insecure. She needs to take steps to assure her job security. She’s given up a lot for this job, and she’s not going to be left with nothing now.
And youngest of all, Georgie, Natasha’s daughter and Ellen’s grand-daughter, is in crisis in all directions. She works behind the scenes on a reality dating show (which her mother despises) and loves it. Filming is always hectic, and right now she’s trying to go the extra lengths needed to prove herself and win a promotion. So it’s the worst possible time to do the worst possible thing: start falling for a contestant.
Hamer uses these three to look at the sacrifices women make: the choices they often have to make between career and personal life. They’re at three different life stages, have made different choices, and have different regrets and delights. All value family, though, and that will have a big effect on the decisions they make now.
This is Cassie Hamer’s third novel (see below for links to my reviews of the earlier novels), and she continues to grow in confidence and capacity. Characterisation has always been her strength, and it continues to be here. All of the characters are vivid, and most are empathetic. Many women will recognise parts of themselves in one or more of the three central women. Their dilemmas are understandable and ones readers will sympathise with.
The plotting was a weakness in Hamer’s first novel, “After the Party”, as she ventured into an area she didn’t seem able to depict with conviction: crime. Here she again touches on a crime, and again I felt it was the weakest part of the novel. It was predictable, somewhat obvious, and not very convincing.
Luckily it’s a tiny part of the novel, and the rest is strong: interesting, engaging and believable. Sure, I could pick at a few details (who carries paper copies of secret documents when they know they’re going to be around people who cannot be allowed to see them? Why not have them electronically on a password protected device?).
However, most readers simply aren’t going to care. They’re minor, not very important to the overall plot, and don’t impede the story or reading experience at all.
This is a strong domestic and career drama from a writer who’s been getting stronger with each novel. “The Truth About Faking It” doesn’t bring anything very new to the table, but it’s well written and entirely enjoyable. Most readers will enjoy it uncritically, and that’s a perfectly fine thing to do with a novel like this.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more, including reviews of Hamer’s earlier novels.
August 11, 2022
TW: death, mental health, drug use.
What a fascinating concept! Grandmother Ellen, daughter Natasha and granddaughter Georgie all grieve in different ways for the loss of Ellen’s husband after he goes missing in a boating accident in Thailand.
Ellen appears to be nonchalant as she’s already moved on with a new lover, loving her best life while pretending she’s not hurt by her husbands abandonment.
Natasha is level headed, successful and not allowing her fathers suspected death impact on her journalism career.
Georgie is emotional, naive and struggling to understand how her mother and grandmother are handling this suspected death is so different ways to her own emotions.
Each woman is written with such strong moral values, beliefs and that really resonated with me. I felt that I could understand why each of them felt a certain way and why they’ve chosen to grieve in the way they have. I enjoyed the bickering and clashing heads between the three because it’s so relatable in a typical family dynamic. It was real and made sense as each new problem popped up.
I saw where the book was going and found the general storyline a little bit far fetched for my liking, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I had so many moments where I got the giggles or shook my head at the decisions or statements that each woman was making that I became very heavily invested in their lives and their future.
A really enjoyable read!
What a fascinating concept! Grandmother Ellen, daughter Natasha and granddaughter Georgie all grieve in different ways for the loss of Ellen’s husband after he goes missing in a boating accident in Thailand.
Ellen appears to be nonchalant as she’s already moved on with a new lover, loving her best life while pretending she’s not hurt by her husbands abandonment.
Natasha is level headed, successful and not allowing her fathers suspected death impact on her journalism career.
Georgie is emotional, naive and struggling to understand how her mother and grandmother are handling this suspected death is so different ways to her own emotions.
Each woman is written with such strong moral values, beliefs and that really resonated with me. I felt that I could understand why each of them felt a certain way and why they’ve chosen to grieve in the way they have. I enjoyed the bickering and clashing heads between the three because it’s so relatable in a typical family dynamic. It was real and made sense as each new problem popped up.
I saw where the book was going and found the general storyline a little bit far fetched for my liking, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I had so many moments where I got the giggles or shook my head at the decisions or statements that each woman was making that I became very heavily invested in their lives and their future.
A really enjoyable read!
May 3, 2022
“Without that zipper scar, her broken heart could never have been mended.”
Firstly, how great is the title?
If you’re faking it, the truth will come out eventually and it will bite you.
The story revolves around the dynamic generational trio Ellen, Natasha and Georgia.
I gasp, laughed and shook my head in disbelief with some of the things the main characters did for themselves, or for another character.
However the relationship between the three women makes you want that sort of relationship in your own family except maybe the drug busts, paparazzi snaps, and the annoyance each character had for one another. 😆
I love the amount of cover ups or layers throughout the story. Some were fabricated by the characters so some you knew the whole truth while others you only knew part or none of the truth.
This book had a bit of everything, romance, contemporary, mystery, crime and domestic drama perfect for most readers I think.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Aus for the digital copy of The Truth About Faking It by Cassie Hamer.
And congratulations to Cassie on her third book.
Firstly, how great is the title?
If you’re faking it, the truth will come out eventually and it will bite you.
The story revolves around the dynamic generational trio Ellen, Natasha and Georgia.
I gasp, laughed and shook my head in disbelief with some of the things the main characters did for themselves, or for another character.
However the relationship between the three women makes you want that sort of relationship in your own family except maybe the drug busts, paparazzi snaps, and the annoyance each character had for one another. 😆
I love the amount of cover ups or layers throughout the story. Some were fabricated by the characters so some you knew the whole truth while others you only knew part or none of the truth.
This book had a bit of everything, romance, contemporary, mystery, crime and domestic drama perfect for most readers I think.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Aus for the digital copy of The Truth About Faking It by Cassie Hamer.
And congratulations to Cassie on her third book.
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