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Moment of Truth
The past she can’t remember just won’t let her go …Alexis Brown was thirteen when her parents were killed, but her memory of anything that happened that night was lost when she hit her head. The police labelled it a murder-suicide, but Alexis has grown up believing her loving father could never have killed her mother. So when, seventeen years later, Alexis receives an anonymous note telling her the police were wrong and her parents were both murdered she’s determined to return to Blue Ridge and find out the truth.Inheriting his grandfather’s horse training farm after Charlie is diagnosed with dementia, Ethan King faces hard work to resuscitate the failing Diamond Acres. The farm has been in decline since the violent acts at the cottage created such a scandal.When Alexis arrives at the newly renovated cottage, hoping to awaken her lost memories. She can’t help but notice how strong and handsome her childhood friend has become. But she’s not here for love, as soon as the truth is uncovered she has to return to her life, and falling for Ethan would only leave her with a broken heart.For Ethan getting to know the resilient woman that Alexis has blossomed into leaves his world upside down. But as they spend the days together and with their mutual love for horses, it doesn’t take long for Alexis and Ethan to discover their friendship is much more than they’d first thought … But will it all be threatened by a shocking secret from all those years ago?
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About the author
Mandy Magro
39 books334 followersMandy Magro lives in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with her daughter, Chloe Rose. With pristine aqua-blue coastline in one direction, and sweeping rural landscapes in the other, she describes her home as heaven on earth. A passionate woman, and a romantic at heart, she loves writing about soul-deep love, the Australian rural way of life, and all the wonderful characters that live there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 22, 2017
Alexis Brown and her little sister Katie had no idea the night of the terrific thunderstorm would change their lives forever. When Lexi woke around 3am to the sound of her parents fighting; a sound she could hear above the storm, she didn’t know she would never see them again. The girls’ dash to the neighbours to get help, the subsequent arrival of their grandparents with tragic news - Lexi and Katie were beyond confused and couldn’t understand anything of what had happened.
Seventeen years later and Lexi and Katie had made lives for themselves in Townsville, North Queensland, far from their home town of Blue Ridge. When an anonymous letter arrived addressed to the sisters, they were shocked and horrified at what it contained. Lexi needed answers; would returning to Blue Ridge mean she would be able to find them? She had never come to terms with the deaths of her parents – she needed to prove one way or another that it wasn’t as the police had concluded…
Ethan King had been best friends with Lexi when they were children – not having had any contact with her since she’d left town seventeen years previously had hurt. But he’d moved on, inherited his grandfather’s horse farm, Diamond Acres, and married. But when Lexi arrived back in town, and stayed at the newly renovated cottage on the farm; the cottage which had been her home – he knew his closeness and friendship with Lexi would continue as if they’d never been apart.
Would Lexi find the truth to the events of seventeen years prior? Was it possible for her memory to return or was it the trauma that kept it hidden inside her head? There were long buried secrets which needed unearthing…
Action packed with heartache and terror from the very first page, Moment of Truth is an excellent romantic suspense novel by Aussie author Mandy Magro. I could feel the intense Queensland heat, see the beautiful countryside, and the majesty of the horses and brumbies which Ethan trained. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, Moment of Truth is one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
Seventeen years later and Lexi and Katie had made lives for themselves in Townsville, North Queensland, far from their home town of Blue Ridge. When an anonymous letter arrived addressed to the sisters, they were shocked and horrified at what it contained. Lexi needed answers; would returning to Blue Ridge mean she would be able to find them? She had never come to terms with the deaths of her parents – she needed to prove one way or another that it wasn’t as the police had concluded…
Ethan King had been best friends with Lexi when they were children – not having had any contact with her since she’d left town seventeen years previously had hurt. But he’d moved on, inherited his grandfather’s horse farm, Diamond Acres, and married. But when Lexi arrived back in town, and stayed at the newly renovated cottage on the farm; the cottage which had been her home – he knew his closeness and friendship with Lexi would continue as if they’d never been apart.
Would Lexi find the truth to the events of seventeen years prior? Was it possible for her memory to return or was it the trauma that kept it hidden inside her head? There were long buried secrets which needed unearthing…
Action packed with heartache and terror from the very first page, Moment of Truth is an excellent romantic suspense novel by Aussie author Mandy Magro. I could feel the intense Queensland heat, see the beautiful countryside, and the majesty of the horses and brumbies which Ethan trained. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, Moment of Truth is one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 30, 2023
4.5★
Aussie author Mandy Magro is fast becoming another favourite author of mine. I have read a few of her books all of which I’ve enjoyed, but this book is my favourite so far.
Moment of Truth is not just your average romance novel, this book has layers of depth along with suspense. I honestly was so invested in this book that when I turned the last page I was a little sad it had ended. The descriptions throughout this book had me feeling like I was right there alongside the characters. A beautifully written story that I loved.
In the acknowledgments, the author gave a huge thank you to the reader and then went on to say: My wish is that Moment of Truth has given you an escape from the responsibilities of everyday life, and maybe even keep up reading until the early hours of the morning. Well please know Mandy that your has been granted. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Aussie author Mandy Magro is fast becoming another favourite author of mine. I have read a few of her books all of which I’ve enjoyed, but this book is my favourite so far.
Moment of Truth is not just your average romance novel, this book has layers of depth along with suspense. I honestly was so invested in this book that when I turned the last page I was a little sad it had ended. The descriptions throughout this book had me feeling like I was right there alongside the characters. A beautifully written story that I loved.
In the acknowledgments, the author gave a huge thank you to the reader and then went on to say: My wish is that Moment of Truth has given you an escape from the responsibilities of everyday life, and maybe even keep up reading until the early hours of the morning. Well please know Mandy that your has been granted. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
December 27, 2017
Moment Of Truth is about how two people found each other again after being separated seventeen years ago after a traumatic event. Alexis Brown received a letter that stated her father was murdered and not murdered suicided. Alexis Brown had no memory of that night but wanted to know the truth. With this in mind decided to go back to Blue Ridge to find the answer which would change her life and everyone forever. However, unbeknown to Alexis Brown the owner of the accommodation she rented was Ethan King, her childhood friend. The readers of Moment of Truth will continue to follow Alexis Brown and Ethan King blossoming romance and see if finding out the truth about the death of Alexis's parents will destroy them.
I enjoyed reading Moment of Truth. Mandy Magro does a terrific job in Moment Of Truth to ensure her readers never know what the truth was until the end. I like Mandy Magro portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines them with the plot and each other. I loved Mandy Magro description of the sitting of Moment Of Truth I felt that I was part of the story.
The readers of Moment of Truth will learn about the consequences for everyone involved when you do not tell the truth. Also, the readers of Moment of Truth will discover one of the effects of head injuries is that you can lose your memories. Reading Moment Of Truth you learn about living on a rural farm and the problems that curtail.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Moment of Truth. Mandy Magro does a terrific job in Moment Of Truth to ensure her readers never know what the truth was until the end. I like Mandy Magro portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines them with the plot and each other. I loved Mandy Magro description of the sitting of Moment Of Truth I felt that I was part of the story.
The readers of Moment of Truth will learn about the consequences for everyone involved when you do not tell the truth. Also, the readers of Moment of Truth will discover one of the effects of head injuries is that you can lose your memories. Reading Moment Of Truth you learn about living on a rural farm and the problems that curtail.
I recommend this book.
January 17, 2025
Three and a half stars
When she was 13, Alexis Brown and her younger sister Katie were taken from their home by an neighbour and raised by their grandparents after their parents both died. Police labelled it a murder suicide and said their father killed their mother and then committed suicide. Alexis never believed that of her father. Now 17 years later she receives an anonymous note telling her both their parents Were murdered. Alexis is determined to go back to Blue Ridge to find out the truth. So thinking, she plans a few days away from her life in Townsville, Queensland.
She arrives at the old cottage where she used to live hoping to awaken memories. The cottage has been renovated and is now owned by Ethan King, her childhood best friend on whom she had a crush. The attraction she felt for him then is still there and stronger but she is not home in Blue Ridge for love but to find answers and uncover the truth. But will those answers destroy her life?
The setting is well conveyed and the characters come across as real. I thought it was fairly obvious from early on, the answer to the mystery of their parents’ death.
I wasn’t 100% convinced by the ending as several aspects of it just all seemed a little too neat. Having said that, it was still a good read as there are a lot of family issues and secrets going on in the lives of both main characters. I am sure a lot of people will enjoy it.
When she was 13, Alexis Brown and her younger sister Katie were taken from their home by an neighbour and raised by their grandparents after their parents both died. Police labelled it a murder suicide and said their father killed their mother and then committed suicide. Alexis never believed that of her father. Now 17 years later she receives an anonymous note telling her both their parents Were murdered. Alexis is determined to go back to Blue Ridge to find out the truth. So thinking, she plans a few days away from her life in Townsville, Queensland.
She arrives at the old cottage where she used to live hoping to awaken memories. The cottage has been renovated and is now owned by Ethan King, her childhood best friend on whom she had a crush. The attraction she felt for him then is still there and stronger but she is not home in Blue Ridge for love but to find answers and uncover the truth. But will those answers destroy her life?
The setting is well conveyed and the characters come across as real. I thought it was fairly obvious from early on, the answer to the mystery of their parents’ death.
I wasn’t 100% convinced by the ending as several aspects of it just all seemed a little too neat. Having said that, it was still a good read as there are a lot of family issues and secrets going on in the lives of both main characters. I am sure a lot of people will enjoy it.
June 15, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🐎Back in December 2017 popular Australian rural fiction novelist Mandy Magro released Moment of Truth. It has taken a good six plus years for me to get to this backlist Mandy Magro title. Despite the dreadful time lapse between the release date and my reading session with this book, I am pleased to say I enjoyed this country tale. With drama, family issues, suspense, warm characters and an emphasis on coming home defining Moment of Truth. Readers who are familiar with the rural romance brand will enjoy this one.
🐎Moment of Truth allows us to connect with Alexis Brown, a woman with a deeply tragic family past. The loss of her parents at just thirteen years old in an incomprehensible set of circumstances is all turned on its head when Alexis receives some vital information about the death of her mum and dad. This results in a return to the place where it all began, Blue Ridge to finally put the rumours of the past to rest. But Alexis is rocked by Ethan, an old friend from her past days at Blue Ridge. Alexis is sworn off any kind of romance but she cannot resist handsome Ethan’s charms. Can these two former childhood friends find a way to be together despite the obstacles of the past?
🐎Mandy Magro is an author who I continue to go back to time and time again. It was rather surprising that I had this older release of Mandy’s lingering on my TBR shelves. However, the request of a friend to borrow a few rural romance books for an upcoming trip overseas gave me the nudge I needed to read this one. I won’t say too much, other than this is classic Mandy Magro as well as traditional rural romance lore. Expect to be embraced by the beautiful outback scenery, a love of the land, a connection to horses and a heartbreaking search to rest the ghosts of the past. The renewal aspect of this tale is what shines bright, it was a great message for the reader to take away from the story.
🐎Be sure to look this older Mandy Magro release up if you are a fan of the author, or you are a reader of the rural romance genre.
🙏Thank you to @harlequinaus and @mandymagroauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟4 stars!
🐎Back in December 2017 popular Australian rural fiction novelist Mandy Magro released Moment of Truth. It has taken a good six plus years for me to get to this backlist Mandy Magro title. Despite the dreadful time lapse between the release date and my reading session with this book, I am pleased to say I enjoyed this country tale. With drama, family issues, suspense, warm characters and an emphasis on coming home defining Moment of Truth. Readers who are familiar with the rural romance brand will enjoy this one.
🐎Moment of Truth allows us to connect with Alexis Brown, a woman with a deeply tragic family past. The loss of her parents at just thirteen years old in an incomprehensible set of circumstances is all turned on its head when Alexis receives some vital information about the death of her mum and dad. This results in a return to the place where it all began, Blue Ridge to finally put the rumours of the past to rest. But Alexis is rocked by Ethan, an old friend from her past days at Blue Ridge. Alexis is sworn off any kind of romance but she cannot resist handsome Ethan’s charms. Can these two former childhood friends find a way to be together despite the obstacles of the past?
🐎Mandy Magro is an author who I continue to go back to time and time again. It was rather surprising that I had this older release of Mandy’s lingering on my TBR shelves. However, the request of a friend to borrow a few rural romance books for an upcoming trip overseas gave me the nudge I needed to read this one. I won’t say too much, other than this is classic Mandy Magro as well as traditional rural romance lore. Expect to be embraced by the beautiful outback scenery, a love of the land, a connection to horses and a heartbreaking search to rest the ghosts of the past. The renewal aspect of this tale is what shines bright, it was a great message for the reader to take away from the story.
🐎Be sure to look this older Mandy Magro release up if you are a fan of the author, or you are a reader of the rural romance genre.
🙏Thank you to @harlequinaus and @mandymagroauthor
🌟🌟🌟🌟4 stars!
January 30, 2018
'Moment of Truth' by Mandy Magro started off in fine style with the gripping murder of their parents that was almost witnessed by children Alexis and Katie during a fierce thunderstorm, then an engaging chapter on brumbies, and some lovely evocative descriptions of the north Queensland countryside. It was definitely four stars for me. But then, Alexis decides to seek the truth about her mother's and father's deaths and returns to the cottage where it all happened 17 years ago. It was downhill from here on as the story became just another tale of a handsome guy (her childhood friend) and a beautiful girl working out that they are soulmates (repeatedly, chapter after chapter). The mystery that should have been the driving force of this story petered out; even at the end I was not sure of the actual motive, how the murder actually happened, or why Alexis never thought about her mother's role in the murder but focussed firmly on her father. The murderer's explanation of why he kept silent and never confessed all those years ago did not ring true at all, considering the earlier character descriptions, and Ethan's reaction did not seem to tally with his previous feelings for the character. And who writes 'Missus' and 'Mister' these days? That was annoying as it continued for the entire story. It seemed as if the book needed a good editor. I realise that most reviews are overwhelmingly positive and perhaps I am being too critical, but I like plots to make sense and I felt at the end there were too many things left unsaid or not explained fully, or people acted out of character in order to rush this romance story to a close. But I guess readers are just happy to have a feel-good ending.
August 4, 2022
As a long-term fan and avid reader of Mandy Magro's, I'm used to all the feels that her books come with. But I was unprepared for the amount of emotional gut punches with Moment of Truth. It's simply just a beautiful but sorrowful tale about true love, family bonds and grief.
The unbelievably tragic events that Lexi faced at such a young age will shatter your heart. Waking up in the middle of the night to your parents arguing and realising you're in danger is bad enough. Then you have to reassure your younger sister and seek help? And if it couldn't get any worse, you wake up in hospital with a head wound, and learn that your parents are dead is a clincher. Oh. And not forgetting that you have no recollection about what happened, and have to take it on face value from others to fill in the gaps.
Then you are ripped away from the only home you've ever known, and the best friend you've ever had to live with your grandparents. For the next seventeen years, Lexi hadn't returned to Blue Ridge, and has never been in contact with Ethan King.
It's only when she receives a note stating that her parents were murdered that Lexi considers visiting Blue Ridge and her old home of Diamond Acres to find out the truth once and for all. Reconnecting with Ethan is also high on the agenda for Lexi, and their first meeting is quite hilarious and sweet. Watching these kindred spirits/soul mates reconnect and fall in love is something really special.
But will their time spent together be short lived? Ethan has been withholding a shocking secret that also provides sufficient evidence for many years. His grandfather who's suffering with dementia has also been carrying guilt for a long time. When Lexi finally learns the truth, you'll be absolutely gutted that this love story has quite possibly ended in hatred.
You need to hope for a happy ending for Lexi and Ethan! I've never seen two fictional characters that are so connected and in love. Best friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and Mandy has written their story with so much care and tenderness.
Mandy usually sets her stories in Far North Queensland, and it's always a joy to soak up and appreciate the scenery and atmosphere of this beautiful part of Australia. Ethan being a horse rescurer is an added bonus- give me a handsome man who is a sweetheart any day! He's got so much love to give, and he really takes care of his mother too!
Well done Mandy with this terrific book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
The unbelievably tragic events that Lexi faced at such a young age will shatter your heart. Waking up in the middle of the night to your parents arguing and realising you're in danger is bad enough. Then you have to reassure your younger sister and seek help? And if it couldn't get any worse, you wake up in hospital with a head wound, and learn that your parents are dead is a clincher. Oh. And not forgetting that you have no recollection about what happened, and have to take it on face value from others to fill in the gaps.
Then you are ripped away from the only home you've ever known, and the best friend you've ever had to live with your grandparents. For the next seventeen years, Lexi hadn't returned to Blue Ridge, and has never been in contact with Ethan King.
It's only when she receives a note stating that her parents were murdered that Lexi considers visiting Blue Ridge and her old home of Diamond Acres to find out the truth once and for all. Reconnecting with Ethan is also high on the agenda for Lexi, and their first meeting is quite hilarious and sweet. Watching these kindred spirits/soul mates reconnect and fall in love is something really special.
But will their time spent together be short lived? Ethan has been withholding a shocking secret that also provides sufficient evidence for many years. His grandfather who's suffering with dementia has also been carrying guilt for a long time. When Lexi finally learns the truth, you'll be absolutely gutted that this love story has quite possibly ended in hatred.
You need to hope for a happy ending for Lexi and Ethan! I've never seen two fictional characters that are so connected and in love. Best friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and Mandy has written their story with so much care and tenderness.
Mandy usually sets her stories in Far North Queensland, and it's always a joy to soak up and appreciate the scenery and atmosphere of this beautiful part of Australia. Ethan being a horse rescurer is an added bonus- give me a handsome man who is a sweetheart any day! He's got so much love to give, and he really takes care of his mother too!
Well done Mandy with this terrific book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
April 29, 2018
When Alexis Brown was thirteen years old, her parents were killed in their home. Alexis lost her memory of the night when she hit her head. The deaths were labelled a murder-suicide, however Alexis doesn't believe her father would have killed her mother.
Seventeen years later, Alexis receives an anonymous note, telling her that both of her parents were murdered. She decides to return to her childhood home to do her own investigating. When she arrives at the cottage, she comes across her old friend Ethan King.
I can appreciate the author’s writing style. Her descriptive writing allows the reader to feel that they are in the story, and I was able to clearly see in my own mind what was happening, and where characters were. The language used really helped to set up the story.
However, the way the story unfolded really threw me. At first, it was coming off as a mystery novel. When Alexis and Ethan came face to face, it seemed to take a huge turn purely into a romance novel. I’m not a big fan of novels that can’t seem to decide which path they want to take. I would probably feel differently if the story started with a mix of mystery and romance, however it just seemed to suddenly change.
I didn’t really feel a connection with any of the characters. They felt a bit distant, and unrelatable. However, I was able to see them clearly in my mind, which helped me to see the bigger picture, along with the descriptive settings.
It took me 2 months to get through just over 100 pages. In the end, I just skipped to the end to see what the outcome was. I just couldn’t keep reading past the point where Alexis and Ethan come face-to-face for the first time, when the story completely changed. This was my first novel by Mandy Magro, and it’s unlikely that I will read another of her books.
Seventeen years later, Alexis receives an anonymous note, telling her that both of her parents were murdered. She decides to return to her childhood home to do her own investigating. When she arrives at the cottage, she comes across her old friend Ethan King.
I can appreciate the author’s writing style. Her descriptive writing allows the reader to feel that they are in the story, and I was able to clearly see in my own mind what was happening, and where characters were. The language used really helped to set up the story.
However, the way the story unfolded really threw me. At first, it was coming off as a mystery novel. When Alexis and Ethan came face to face, it seemed to take a huge turn purely into a romance novel. I’m not a big fan of novels that can’t seem to decide which path they want to take. I would probably feel differently if the story started with a mix of mystery and romance, however it just seemed to suddenly change.
I didn’t really feel a connection with any of the characters. They felt a bit distant, and unrelatable. However, I was able to see them clearly in my mind, which helped me to see the bigger picture, along with the descriptive settings.
It took me 2 months to get through just over 100 pages. In the end, I just skipped to the end to see what the outcome was. I just couldn’t keep reading past the point where Alexis and Ethan come face-to-face for the first time, when the story completely changed. This was my first novel by Mandy Magro, and it’s unlikely that I will read another of her books.
November 27, 2017
Mandy Magro is becoming quite a prolific Australian author and I have read quite a few of her books now, I think over half but there are still gaps in my reading.
Moment of Truth is set in North Queensland with much of the action taking place on Diamond Acres Horse Sanctuary, the place Alexis Brown and her sister Katie grew up. Mr Brown worked at Diamond Acres and the family lived in a cottage on the property until the night Mr and Mrs Brown died in a shooting that was ruled a murder-suicide. Alexis and Katie moved to Townsville with their grandparents and never went back, but that didn’t mean they stopped looking back. Years of therapy and Alexis still hasn’t managed to move on, she still hasn’t faltered in her belief that it was not her father who pulled the trigger and she has still lost all memory of the events of that night.
An anonymous note arrives out of the blue confirming the long held belief that there was someone else there that night and Alexis is determined to track down the sender of the note and find out what they know. But after all these years is she actually ready to return to Blue Ridge?
There is a lot to love about Moment of Truth, the suspense side of the story is well drawn out and there are some pretty interesting twists that I wasn’t expecting. I really enjoyed the suspense side of the story and I was hooked, always with the one more chapter to try and find out what was going on; trying to discover if Alexis ever recovered her memory.
I am struggling to find the right words because the romance was sweet, if a little predictable, but it was also very repetitive. I think I heard how they felt and the reactions to each other more than I was made to see and feel their reactions and it seemed a little repetitive to me. I am sure there will be plenty of readers who swoon all over it but it got a little over the top for me. I found myself skimming some scenes with a ‘yeah, we get it, you’re connected and the crush never went away and the chemistry between you is electric, I’ve heard it all already just get to the action’. The romance was predictable but I thought it was realistic and I thought it played out in a way that I found completely conceivable.
There are hurdles, as there are with any romance, and there are secrets but some secrets are deal-breakers, and that too was written believably. I think my big issue with the romance was the repetition in the lead up and the predictability but having said that it was still quite a sweet romance and it was one that I couldn’t help but cross my fingers for them. Alexis and Ethan have both done it pretty tough in their lives and they deserve their happy ever after, and it’s quite clear that now they’ve found one another again no-one else will ever be enough.
Diamond Acres is a horse sanctuary and this is what really showed the depth of Ethan, early on he rescues a group of brumbies from an abbattoir and the way he treats them, the care he shows, is amazing. Brumbies are a majestic animal and they are one that certainly evokes very varied reactions in people. Ethan is one of their champions and he treats them well, the respect he has for them is palpable. I love the idea of brumbies but have never been close to one so reading their stories is always interesting. I love to read of the connection people have with horses, and horses with people too.
Mandy Magro is a prolific Australian author whose work I have read more than 50% of and have enjoyed all of them. The story has definite promise and played out well, the suspense was intriguing and unfolded at a good pace with some great twists but the romance was a little predictable and repetitive. Definitely a book I would recommend and I think fans will be thrilled.
Moment of Truth is set in North Queensland with much of the action taking place on Diamond Acres Horse Sanctuary, the place Alexis Brown and her sister Katie grew up. Mr Brown worked at Diamond Acres and the family lived in a cottage on the property until the night Mr and Mrs Brown died in a shooting that was ruled a murder-suicide. Alexis and Katie moved to Townsville with their grandparents and never went back, but that didn’t mean they stopped looking back. Years of therapy and Alexis still hasn’t managed to move on, she still hasn’t faltered in her belief that it was not her father who pulled the trigger and she has still lost all memory of the events of that night.
An anonymous note arrives out of the blue confirming the long held belief that there was someone else there that night and Alexis is determined to track down the sender of the note and find out what they know. But after all these years is she actually ready to return to Blue Ridge?
There is a lot to love about Moment of Truth, the suspense side of the story is well drawn out and there are some pretty interesting twists that I wasn’t expecting. I really enjoyed the suspense side of the story and I was hooked, always with the one more chapter to try and find out what was going on; trying to discover if Alexis ever recovered her memory.
I am struggling to find the right words because the romance was sweet, if a little predictable, but it was also very repetitive. I think I heard how they felt and the reactions to each other more than I was made to see and feel their reactions and it seemed a little repetitive to me. I am sure there will be plenty of readers who swoon all over it but it got a little over the top for me. I found myself skimming some scenes with a ‘yeah, we get it, you’re connected and the crush never went away and the chemistry between you is electric, I’ve heard it all already just get to the action’. The romance was predictable but I thought it was realistic and I thought it played out in a way that I found completely conceivable.
There are hurdles, as there are with any romance, and there are secrets but some secrets are deal-breakers, and that too was written believably. I think my big issue with the romance was the repetition in the lead up and the predictability but having said that it was still quite a sweet romance and it was one that I couldn’t help but cross my fingers for them. Alexis and Ethan have both done it pretty tough in their lives and they deserve their happy ever after, and it’s quite clear that now they’ve found one another again no-one else will ever be enough.
Diamond Acres is a horse sanctuary and this is what really showed the depth of Ethan, early on he rescues a group of brumbies from an abbattoir and the way he treats them, the care he shows, is amazing. Brumbies are a majestic animal and they are one that certainly evokes very varied reactions in people. Ethan is one of their champions and he treats them well, the respect he has for them is palpable. I love the idea of brumbies but have never been close to one so reading their stories is always interesting. I love to read of the connection people have with horses, and horses with people too.
Mandy Magro is a prolific Australian author whose work I have read more than 50% of and have enjoyed all of them. The story has definite promise and played out well, the suspense was intriguing and unfolded at a good pace with some great twists but the romance was a little predictable and repetitive. Definitely a book I would recommend and I think fans will be thrilled.
November 27, 2017
I very much enjoyed this novel. I was sure I knew who the bad guy was but it didn't detract from the story at all. I enjoyed the reunion between Alexis and Ethan and liked the way it played out. These two people had had many losses in their lives and the renewal of their friendship was a bright part of their journey. Plenty of secrets and intrigue and misunderstandings abound in this new novel by Mandy Magro.
#MomentOfTruth #NetGalley
Thank you to Netgally and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for a copy for an honest review
#MomentOfTruth #NetGalley
Thank you to Netgally and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for a copy for an honest review
April 14, 2020
** A solid 3 star read**
Good story, poor writing.
At the age of thirteen, Alexis' parents were killed. The police ruled it a murder suicide but Alexis has grown up believing her father could never hurt her mother. Seventeen years after the deaths, Alexis receives an anonymous note confirming her fears- both her parents were murdered. Alexis returns to her childhood home of Blue Ridge, QLD, Australia in search of her parents real killers.
When reading this novel I felt the need to go back and read my review from the one other Mandy Magro novel that I have read 'Country At Heart'. I read 'Country At Heart' in June 2015 and my review read:
I feel exactly the same way about 'Moment of Truth' as I did about Country At Heart'. The idea for the story was good, the characters were good, the setting was good, it was just lost in tacky writing and cliches. I didn't realise until I got to the end of this book that the publisher is a subsidiary of Harlequin Books, which makes sense and there are several segments that read like soft core porn.
Overall, I did like this story. It just wasn't well written. I also found the ending a little disappointing and anti-climatic. If you are looking for a good mystery or thriller, this is not it (you can figure out who the killer is almost straight away). However, it is a nice little Australian romance novel.
Good story, poor writing.
At the age of thirteen, Alexis' parents were killed. The police ruled it a murder suicide but Alexis has grown up believing her father could never hurt her mother. Seventeen years after the deaths, Alexis receives an anonymous note confirming her fears- both her parents were murdered. Alexis returns to her childhood home of Blue Ridge, QLD, Australia in search of her parents real killers.
When reading this novel I felt the need to go back and read my review from the one other Mandy Magro novel that I have read 'Country At Heart'. I read 'Country At Heart' in June 2015 and my review read:
"I think this novel had a good backbone and could have been a really good story, except it got lost in cliches and bad writing".
I feel exactly the same way about 'Moment of Truth' as I did about Country At Heart'. The idea for the story was good, the characters were good, the setting was good, it was just lost in tacky writing and cliches. I didn't realise until I got to the end of this book that the publisher is a subsidiary of Harlequin Books, which makes sense and there are several segments that read like soft core porn.
Overall, I did like this story. It just wasn't well written. I also found the ending a little disappointing and anti-climatic. If you are looking for a good mystery or thriller, this is not it (you can figure out who the killer is almost straight away). However, it is a nice little Australian romance novel.
November 29, 2017
Moment of Truth is a story about two innocent young girls, growing up with loving parents in a remote area of North Queensland. Their idyllic world is suddenly shattered with the apparent murder/suicide of their parents, an event which will scar the girls for life.
Alexis and Katie were taken to Townsville to live with their grandparents and it is here they have rebuilt their lives. Now in their late 20s, with their busy life of work and friends, their world is turned upside down again with the arrival of a mysterious letter, someone who admits to knowing what really happened to their parents; someone claiming their parents were murdered.
Alexis chooses to investigate this further and heads back to her childhood home, revisiting all of the painful memories, asking the many questions that remain unanswered and at the same time, rekindling old feelings with her childhood friend, Ethan.
This was a very easy and enjoyable read, a definite page turner for me. A good dose of drama, suspense and romance against a beautiful rural Australian backdrop; a perfect blend for this lovely story.
Thank you very much to Beauty & Lace Book Club and Harlequin Mira for the opportunity to read Moment of Truth.
Alexis and Katie were taken to Townsville to live with their grandparents and it is here they have rebuilt their lives. Now in their late 20s, with their busy life of work and friends, their world is turned upside down again with the arrival of a mysterious letter, someone who admits to knowing what really happened to their parents; someone claiming their parents were murdered.
Alexis chooses to investigate this further and heads back to her childhood home, revisiting all of the painful memories, asking the many questions that remain unanswered and at the same time, rekindling old feelings with her childhood friend, Ethan.
This was a very easy and enjoyable read, a definite page turner for me. A good dose of drama, suspense and romance against a beautiful rural Australian backdrop; a perfect blend for this lovely story.
Thank you very much to Beauty & Lace Book Club and Harlequin Mira for the opportunity to read Moment of Truth.
December 8, 2017
I loved this book, which I was fortunate to receive via Beauty and Lace. It was easy to read, beautifully and sensitively written and very satisfying. Although it was relatively predictable in parts that didn't spoil the story. The first chapter is brilliant, setting the scene for the rest of the book - Alexis, a 13 year old, hears things she can't quite decipher which turn out to be her parents being murdered. She loses her memory of the event after a horrendous fall. Alexis was never able to accept that her father killed her mother and then shot himself and 17 years later she receives an anonymous letter telling her that her parents were murdered. The way the story unfolds is great reading from a wonderful Australian Author.
December 31, 2017
I received Moment of Truth by Mandy Magro as a Beauty and Lace Book Club book to read and review.
Moment of Truth is a lovely descriptive novel.
The stunning landscapes, Brumby/Wild Horse rescue
and even the inside workings of a hospital Demture Ward
makes this a great read.
A shocking tragedy changes 13 yo Alexis Browns entire life.
She does not believe the police findings of murder/suicide of her Parents.
Alexis returns to her childhood home seeking answers.
We follow her blosseming romance with Ethan her childhood friend.
As the romance unfolds we lean of a deadly secret
that may drive them apart.
Moment of Truth is a lovely descriptive novel.
The stunning landscapes, Brumby/Wild Horse rescue
and even the inside workings of a hospital Demture Ward
makes this a great read.
A shocking tragedy changes 13 yo Alexis Browns entire life.
She does not believe the police findings of murder/suicide of her Parents.
Alexis returns to her childhood home seeking answers.
We follow her blosseming romance with Ethan her childhood friend.
As the romance unfolds we lean of a deadly secret
that may drive them apart.
November 24, 2017
What a gripping first chapter in what was an outstanding read. Alexis and Ethan’s characters were likeable from the start and gripped this reader’s attention with their many confrontations and interactions within the story. Moment Of Truth by author Mandy Magro was an all-round enjoyable read.
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia
December 12, 2017
Think is almost my favourite novel by Mandy. Being a lover of Crime Fiction loved the fact there was a crime at the beginning of the book. The courage of Alexis to face the the location where she lost her parents was well written and I found the characters quite believable. 3 sitting with this book and it was done, I was grabbed by the story line straight away. Love your work Mandy.
November 30, 2017
Another lovely read from Mandy. Moment of Truth is a easy book to read with captivating characters and a mystery to be solved. Alexis is haunted by the death of her parents and is alone in believing it wasn't a murder suicide. Taking brave steps to prove this, she returns to the scenes of her horrific past and finds love with her childhood best friend, a trope that I love.
But it isn't easy for Alexis or Ethan on their road to love as she tries to uncover the truth of her past and this is handled wonderfully in what's a very fun read set in the beautiful North Queensland.
But it isn't easy for Alexis or Ethan on their road to love as she tries to uncover the truth of her past and this is handled wonderfully in what's a very fun read set in the beautiful North Queensland.
December 3, 2017
OH MY GOD!!!
Want a fantastic novel... once I started I couldn't put it down.
From the very first chapter I was hook line and sinker.
I shed so many tears in this novel, from the first novel to the end.
It was written perfectly... well done Mandy Magro.
Want a fantastic novel... once I started I couldn't put it down.
From the very first chapter I was hook line and sinker.
I shed so many tears in this novel, from the first novel to the end.
It was written perfectly... well done Mandy Magro.
December 10, 2017
Absolutely loved it. couldn't put it down.
December 19, 2017
Mandy Magro is a magician with words. Yet again another book that I couldn't put down. The storylines are so interesting and are always well worth reading.
November 30, 2017
Absolutely loved it!! I couldn't put it down and just had to keep reading until I found out what happened.
March 8, 2018
One of the best Christmas reads for intrigue, drama and a touch of cowboy romance. Unpacking your parents murder-suicide can't be fun and rediscovering a childhood sweetheart makes it all worthwhile. Love the author's representation in words of the beautiful cottage.
July 1, 2020
A must read!
My grandmother is a huge fan of this author and she raves about her so much that I just had to check her out. This is my first read from the author and I was not disappointed. Normally I find myself skimming books yo get to the good parts, but this one, I just couldn't miss a word of it! Absolutely loved it, and cant wait to start another one of Mandy's books tonight!
My grandmother is a huge fan of this author and she raves about her so much that I just had to check her out. This is my first read from the author and I was not disappointed. Normally I find myself skimming books yo get to the good parts, but this one, I just couldn't miss a word of it! Absolutely loved it, and cant wait to start another one of Mandy's books tonight!
July 1, 2020
My grandmother is a big fan of this Author's, and she suggested I check this book out, and holy moley, i wasn't disappointed! Definitely one of my favorite books now and I can't wait to get my hands on some more by this author!
January 4, 2018
One of Mandy Margo's best novels to date. Alexis Brown was thirteen and her younger sister Kate when her parents were killed. The police had labeled it a murder-suicide, Alexis had hit her head when running to get help with her sister to the King House their neighbors and no recollection of the events of that evening. Alexis and her sister went to live with her grandparent's Townsville North Queensland from their home in Blue Ridge.
With the Recommendation of her doctor now seventeen years later Alexis returns to find the truth involving her parent's death as she received an anonymous letter about their death. Alexis believed that her father would not have killed her mother and himself. So the sisters decided that Alexis should return to find the answers to their questions and to hopefully get her memory back and to find out if the pol.ice were correct.
Ethan King was Alexis best friend when they were younger and have lost contact in the last seventeen years, he now inherited Diamond Acres from his grandfather has renovated the cottage Alexis grew up in and where her parents died and his now divorced from his wife.
Comming back to Blue Ridge would Alexis learn the secrets of the events of the past, and would her friendship hold or become more the than just friends now seventeen years later.
Moment of Truth is action packed full of heartache, terror, and suspense throughout. This is this an excellent romantic suspense by Mandy Margo from the first page to the end you get the feeling of the characters emotions throughout. I highly recommend this book and others by Mandy Margo.
With the Recommendation of her doctor now seventeen years later Alexis returns to find the truth involving her parent's death as she received an anonymous letter about their death. Alexis believed that her father would not have killed her mother and himself. So the sisters decided that Alexis should return to find the answers to their questions and to hopefully get her memory back and to find out if the pol.ice were correct.
Ethan King was Alexis best friend when they were younger and have lost contact in the last seventeen years, he now inherited Diamond Acres from his grandfather has renovated the cottage Alexis grew up in and where her parents died and his now divorced from his wife.
Comming back to Blue Ridge would Alexis learn the secrets of the events of the past, and would her friendship hold or become more the than just friends now seventeen years later.
Moment of Truth is action packed full of heartache, terror, and suspense throughout. This is this an excellent romantic suspense by Mandy Margo from the first page to the end you get the feeling of the characters emotions throughout. I highly recommend this book and others by Mandy Margo.
February 21, 2021
This was a lovely story despite the sad beginning and murder mystery to solve. Both of the leading characters were loveable and their rapport was instantaneous, having met at a younger age.
As they get to know each other again as their older selves, they realise how right they are for each other and how much in love they are.
The only thing marring their happiness in their five days together, were the discoveries that helped Alexis to find who murdered her parents. This would be my only criticism as the story is written well but the time frame is too short.
I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
As they get to know each other again as their older selves, they realise how right they are for each other and how much in love they are.
The only thing marring their happiness in their five days together, were the discoveries that helped Alexis to find who murdered her parents. This would be my only criticism as the story is written well but the time frame is too short.
I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
June 17, 2018
Amazing
I got this book for Christmas last year and put it on my bookshelf to read. And did not pick it up until now. I loved the murder mystery and romance in this book it kept me guessing from start to finish. I loved the aspect of country turned city girl comes back to her roots, and finds love with someone who has been there all alone.
Great job Mandy another 5 star rating from me, can't wait until I read you next book.
I got this book for Christmas last year and put it on my bookshelf to read. And did not pick it up until now. I loved the murder mystery and romance in this book it kept me guessing from start to finish. I loved the aspect of country turned city girl comes back to her roots, and finds love with someone who has been there all alone.
Great job Mandy another 5 star rating from me, can't wait until I read you next book.
December 1, 2017
Two girls scarred by tragedy and a letter that will change everything! I really enjoyed this story it is a refreshing romantic suspense. I will be definitely looking to read more by this author.
April 10, 2018
Loved it!! Beautiful story! 💜 Quick read for me as loved it so much x
May 8, 2018
The first Mandy Magro book I've read and a real page turner. I guessed the truth far earlier than it was revealed but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the story.
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