‘True to You’: A Complex, Emotional Romance Becomes a Literary ‘Work of Art’

by 

True to You – A Complex, Emotional Romance Becomes a Literary 'Work of Art.' A book review of the contemporary romance novel by Becky Wade. Text © Rissi JC

STORY: Safety to Nora Bradford means being tucked away in her small cottage home, surrounded by her tomes or snuggled in for a marathon of her favorite British TV show. You see, her heart has been broken by the man she thought she’d spend forever with. Since then, she prefers to spend time with the men of fiction (particularly in the company of her favorite British hero). Her life turns upside down when, after being dragged to a hostage training situation as a volunteer, Nora is swept off her feet – literally.

No nonsense John Lawson is a former Navy SEAL, and all-around American hero. In civilian life he runs a successful company that trains personal for emergency situations. As an adopted child, devastating news drives John to seek information on his biological family, which means Nora’s profession as a genealogist makes her the perfect hire.

As the two work closely on John’s history, their relationship shifts. John begins to feel something for the quirky redhead, and Nora falls- hard. As these opposites attract, they must find a way past complications… and secrets that might not heal.

True to You by Becky Wade | Book Review

Writing a review about a novel one doesn’t connect to is as difficult as writing a review of a novel you feel is far and away superior. The former is what reviewers universally dread, but it’s the latter that I agonize and worry most over. True to You falls into the latter category. With every new book Becky Wade releases, she gets better and better (though I will admit, I still have a soft spot for Meant to Be Mine – and forever will). This novel, which launches her new series, is without question, her most complex yet.

NOVELLA REVIEW | Then Came You by Becky Wade – A Novella of Loss and Love
BOOKREVIEW | Discover a beautiful 'old-fashioned' #romance in Becky Wade's True to You – A Complex, Emotional Romance Becomes a Literary 'Work of Art #bookarchives Click To Tweet

It’s not just about the characters or just about the setting, and it’s not just the emotional payoff. It’s all of these things and more working in unison to create a kind of magical storytelling all readers long for. The heartbreak, the joy, the giggles, the fangirling (can I just mention how epic the fangirl-ing is? Also, Nora is sure to be a kindred spirit to all bookish people), and the romance is a perfect symphony that sparkles. Honestly, I cannot think of anything I would change or alter about this story. It strikes the proper chords, and furthermore, it finds this harmony at all the right times.

“What I’ve learned is that the past might be challenging and the future might be unsure. And that’s okay. The present is all we’re given, anyway. When we get to the future, God will be there. He’ll supply whatever we need for each day.” – Becky Wade

Though affixed in the contemporary genre, True to You “feels” like a novel that fits neatly and comfortably with the classic literature club. It’s a new kind of classic that aligns with Jane Austen-esque storytelling. It’s classy, sassy and swoony in one fell swoop! There’s nothing shabby about these pages. Whether it’s Nora’s bookish, vintage loving soul (who happens to love Richard Armitage’s Mr. Thornton – girl, I relate!) or John’s true nature, and true hero (or more simply, “real man”) persona, this story is beautiful.From its “first impression” (that cover though!) to the first kiss and final page, this is the sort of story you want to go on.

It lingers with me still, and bereft over the wait for its sequel. The story is essentially Wade (as we’ve come to expect from her), but she has a new voice given that each chapter ends in texts, a letter or phone conversation. This a carryover from her prequel novella, Then Came You (which I do recommend you read first). This is all a testament to the growth this author has experienced, and makes True to You a tale all the more worth journeying through. ♥

A B O U T THE B O O K

Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House
Source: Author Provided – thank you, Becky
Publication Date: 2017
Add the Book: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance
Series: Bradford Sisters, 1
Rating: ★★★★★

Review text is © Rissi JC / RissiWrites.com. Sincere thanks to the author and publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

18 comments

  1. I'm SO excited about this book. It's sitting on my TBR shelf calling to me but it's one of those ones that I'm just leaving there because I know as soon as I start, I'm that much closer to it ending!

    1. It's worth ALL THE EXCITEMENT and then some, Kara. Hope you enjoy – and I totally understand you wanting to savor this one. :)

      Glad you stopped by.

  2. I love, love, love Becky Wade's novels and continually re-visit them. My copies are well-loved and I can't wait to read her latest, particularly because the heroine is a genealogist which is not something I see much of in fiction. Yay!

    1. My are well-loved too, Brittaney. And I cannot wait to re-read so many of her books. While I still have a soft spot of Meant to Be Mine, Becky's books haven't disappointment me yet. She continually impresses, and she keeps that trend going with True to You. Hope you enjoy! :)

  3. My sister read this novel, and thought is was really good, so I'm eager to read it. Becky Wade's books are just so engrossing- and I love the fact that this newest heroine is a fan of classic literature and British television!

    1. It's AMAZING, Korin. I do hope you enjoy this one. Nora is a classic fangirl like nobody's business (and proud of it!), and it's blissful. Happy reading – and let me know what you think if you read it. :)

    1. I've a feeling you'll really enjoy this one, Meghan. Let me know what you think if/when you have that chance to read it – and thank you for the kind words. Always glad to have you stop in, friend. :)

  4. I love Becky Wade! I haven't heard about this novel but your review is so lovely I HAVE to add it to my must read list. :D

    1. It's a lovely story, Faith. Becky's best to date in my opinion. It's so much more complex and emotional than most contemporaries. :) Glad you stopped by – and thanks for the kind words. :)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

(Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

Optimized by Optimole