The Truth She Knew by J.A. Owenby

The Truth She Knew Reviews

• 
  ReadAlongWithSue

  The Truth She Knew by J.A. Owenby
  My rating: 5 of 5 stars
  
  
  This is such a powerful emotive book. It's just OMG fabulous.
  
  I have read some really outstanding books recently and this one surprised me so much.
  
  It got my attention via the blurb.
  
  This book shows how a mental health illness can impact on others. However, it also shows how one cannot see what is not 'normal' in one family compared to another.
  
  Lacey is a young girl, she goes to college, she has a job, she lives with her Mother and her Mother's 'helper'.
  
  We first think that her Mother is slightly over bearing, over protective and then we see the extremes. But is it Lacey that needs to be curbed in life growing up or is it her Mother with the problem? And why didn't the 'helper' get involved.
  I can only assume she was frightened of her because of her outrages.
  
  Its by far a normal life for Lacey.
  
  Then she meets Walker. Walker has a grown up years emotionally, knowingly and an awareness that any young person his age wouldn't have, his maturity shines out of the book.
  We know that a lot of kids have to grow up fast when they have ill parents and have to take on responsibilities beyond their years and I see this very much so in Walker.
  Although I could ring his bloody neck at the end.
  
  
  This is so well written I read this yesterday in one sitting, I was glued to this book.
  Maybe its the subject matter, no.....its the way it was written.
  
  I could see so well how Lacey would question herself.
  
  Did I say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this? Well, I'm saying it again.
  Not having read any of this authors books or knowing even if she has any others, has thoroughly surprised me.
  
  
  
  My thanks to the host Debra for my copy.
• 
  Vicki

  When I started this book, I did not know what a long painful and cruel journey I was starting. My heart breaks for Lacey and the opportunities that one miserable mentally ill mother can cost her child.
  
  I absolutely abhorred her mother. I was tense reading this because it is so sad. There were humorous moments and happy moments, but the entire life of Lacey was overshadowed by her mother's abusive personality. I wanted what she thought she had been given, and then to find it stolen, was so sad.
  
  I cried and hoped for this young woman. I wanted a happy ending for her, and true she found hope, it was a long bumpy ride along the way
• 
  Coco.V

  💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/19/2017)! 💝
• 
  Sheri Hoff

  A bittersweet story of young love, independence, and soul-crushing manipulation. Just as Lacey is finding herself in life, growing in independence, and finding the sweet taste of love for the first time, her mothers claws grow tighter and more painful as if she were trying to choke the life out of Lacey and completely break her spirit. A confused Lacey tries to make her mother love her through trying to anticipate her mother's moods and desires and doing everything she can to please her. These attempts are futile because her mother's actions become increasingly more insane and erratic.. At the same time Lacey both loves and hates her mother. Lacy lives a double life, trying to be a normal young woman with her abundance of friends, at school, and at work; and then living a horrific life at home.
  
  I fell in love with Lacey's character and with Emma, her true friend. The author, JAOwenby, does a superb job of developing the characters and mixing normalcy with insanity throughout the plot. On the one hand, Lacey is an adorable and lovable young woman, and on the other hand she is the victim of craziness and mind-numbing manipulation at home. Even though she lives in an out of control situation, Lacey is strong and she consistently tries to make sense of her life and to figure out the truth of what is really going on. Lacey must find her strength to break out of her family pattern and become the person she truly wants to be.
  
  This bittersweet story makes you cry, laugh, get furious, and ultimately you feel like you want to rescue anyone who is living like this. You end up cheering for Lacey and wanting the best for her. Lacey's family could be your neighbors- normal on the outside and deep darkness on the inside.
  
  This compelling novel, The Truth She Knew, shines the light on the impact of mental illness on family members and makes you want to know more about what happens to Lacey next.
  
• 
  Paula Phillips

  This book starts in the present time where Lacey's mother is dying and it's time to turn the life support off and we watch as she says her goodbyes. The novel then flips twenty years in the past when Lacey is eighteen years old. Her mother has always said since Lacey was younger that she was possessed by Demons and Lacey believed her. Lacey couldn't do anything right and felt controlled by her mother and she had only two close friends Emma and Jo that she could rely on to keep her sane. During a party at her friend Jo's house, she meet Walker. The pair despite Lacey's objections start dating and things are going amazing and then her mother finds out and hits her so hard she blackouts. Right through this book we watch the dynamics between Lacey and her family and how her mother's partner and sister always take her mother's side and support the demon possession idea which makes Lacey believe it even more. Lacey then meets Walker's family and things are great and she talks with Walker's Aunty Linda about Mental Health which is what her mother has. The thing though that annoyed me with this book was that despite the way Lacey was treated, she still hung around her mother. I know on a personal level, what it is like to live with family members who have mental health and the control that they have over you and you do often feel too guilty to leave as all the "what if's" come floating in. What happens next is heartbreaking and I wanted to scream and shout at Walker as Lacey was supposed to meet him, but she was poisoned and locked away. Next thing we know Walker is back with Brittany - his evil-ex and engaged and eventually married her. I was wishing that he had a horrible life with her when I read this as I was all for #Team Lacey and wanted to shake him and go How could you be so stupid, you must have known there was a reason she couldn't come ? Really ?. To me , this book with it's flashback was about love lost due to mental health and the damage that living with somebody with Mental Health issues can cause us and that we are not alone and that it is important to get help as otherwise our lives will be controlled by their actions and we will find ourselves not able to be free from the pain . From reading the present as it doesn't talk much about Lacey's life now - I assume due to this past, she is a 38yr old single woman. For me this book felt unfinished and am hoping that maybe Lacey will finally get a HEA now she is free and who knows a possible second chance with Walker or someone better ? The Truth She Knew is definitely a thought-provoking story about what it is like to live with manipulative people and those with mental health issues.
• 
  Colleen Chesebro

  *The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which follows*
  
  Eighteen-year-old Lacey has reached the point in her life where she is ready to strike out on her own. The stars are shining down upon her and independence is within reach. She is a beautiful girl with a job and friends that mean the world to her. Her life is wide open. That is, except for her family.
  
  Lacey belongs to a family where she is an outcast. Her overbearing mother reminds her on a daily basis that she wishes she had never been born. To Lacey, this is the normality of her life. She has learned to watch for the subtle signals from her mother that alert her to the changes in her personality. Always on the lookout for acceptance from her mother, but seldom finding it, Lacey finds it is easier to hide in the sanctuary of her room when the tirades begin. She lives a lonely existence.
  
  One night, after she sneaked away to attend a friend's party, Lacey has a chance encounter with a handsome guy named, Walker. There is an immediate attraction between the two of them. Once the sparks begin to fly, Lacey knows she is falling in love. Their resulting affair left me breathless! Beware. There is sex in this novel, however, I found it to be realistic and between two loving individuals.
  
  As Lacey's family life becomes more violent, she revels in the strong arms of Walker. His belief in her leads her to the safety she seeks. It is through his love that Lacey starts to learn that her life is not normal. Finally, things spiral out of control when her mother interferes in her life one last time, endangering her relationship with Walker.
  
  I read and reviewed the short story called Tears in the Sun, also penned by J. A. Owenby, which was the basis for this novel. You can find that review on
  http://silverthreading.com.
  
  Just so you know… I could not put this novel down! Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride and have the box of tissues handy. J. A. Owenby depicts Lacey as someone you want to help and protect. I cried at the horrors she was forced to endure. Mental illness figures predominantly in the writing, exposing the reader to a world filled with dread. Lacey haunted my dreams for a few nights after I finished the book.
  
  This is the first book in the series and it does end on a bit of cliff-hanger. The Truth She Knew, has not been released yet. It has an expected publication date of September 16, 2016. I also know the author is working on the second novel, so there should not be a long wait in between publication.
  
  Do you like the kind of novels that lead you on a journey of self-discovery, recovery, and independence? If so, this is the book for you. I loved it and I know you will too! I look forward to finding how Lacey copes with her dysfunctional family.
  
  MY Rating:
  
  Character Believability: 5
  Flow and Pace: 5
  Reader Engagement: 5
  Reader Enrichment: 5
  Reader Enjoyment: 5
  Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars
• 
  Merissa (Archaeolibrarian)

  The Truth She Knew is a simply outstanding book. I have only just finished it, and I am desperate for more. Words just cannot express how good a job J.A. Owenby has done with this. It is raw, heartbreaking, funny, shocking, all in all, a must-read!
  
  Lacey is living her 'normal'. She pretends to her friends, even her close ones, and deals with her mama whichever way she can. Walker is dealing with his own trials; his mother is terminally ill and he knows that he doesn't have much longer with her. These two get together and you feel that all is right with the world. He supports her, protects her, wherever and whenever he can - even against her own family. In return, she loves and adores his family, doing all she can to help. Of course, it isn't all plain-sailing, and Walker does something that almost made me throw my kindle at the wall!!! It is hard to remember sometimes, that he is only supposed to be 18/19, and we all did stupid things then, especially when under stress.
  
  Events happen in this book that are heartwarming and heartbreaking. You will ride an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Lacey could break from all that happens, but she doesn't. You know she doesn't because the story starts in the present day, before going back 20 years. This book is part of a series though, so be warned - it doesn't all finish nicely in this book, no matter how much you might want it to! I found myself stuck in a paradox as I really wanted to know how it ended, but I didn't want to stop reading.
  
  Exceptionally well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this book is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend this to everyone as a must-read for 2016! And I really can't wait for Echoes Beneath which is book 2 in the series.
  
  * I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
  
  Merissa
  Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
• 
  Bette Stevens

  COMPELLING!
  The Truth She Knew by J.A. Owenby is the compelling story of a young woman who is torn between loyalty to an abusive, controlling, mentally ill mother and her desire to find love and seek out a life of her own. This gripping page –turner brings light to the darkness of a secretly dysfunctional family and takes the reader through a journey they will not soon forget—a journey through the plight of the victims of those affected by the mentally ill. Owenby skillfully weaves a poignant story of first love into the protagonist’s plight. I look forward to reading more from this talented writer. Highly recommended for readers age 18+. ~ Bette A. Stevens, Maine author of award-winning picture book Amazing Matilda (Children's Literature): The Tale of A Monarch Butterfly and other inspirational books for children and adults.
  
• 
  Brittney Sahin

  I read J.A. Owenby's short stories last year, and they left a memorable impression upon me. Learning she was writing this book, The Truth She Knew, I was very excited to read! I was blown away with the author's style of writing and found myself highlighting several passages as I read. I was intrigued to learn more about Lacey and mother from the very beginning, and I kept turning the pages until I almost finished in one sitting to see how the story unfolded. A truly powerful book dealing with sensitive issues in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.
  
  This really is an extraordinary story and a must read for 2016. I eagerly look forward to reading the next book by this author. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Nancy Harvey

  I'm in love!! I could NOT put this down and I read the entire book in half a day! Lacey and Walker are so authentic and easy to relate to. I could see the entire book unfolding, like a movie, in my head. The plot was easy to follow, but not predictable. The descriptions were clear and not long winded. This book, this Author, made me cry, laugh, get angry and get happy. All the emotions you expect and want in a moving, wonderful love story. Great job!
• 
  Shannon Barnard

  This is such an engaging story. You will root for Lacey to overcome and find herself. Young love can be so exciting and crushing at the same time. Mental illness can be a sensitive and hard subject to approach. J.A. Owensby has created a believable story of love, disappointment, despair and triumph. You will care about the characters and want them to be okay. I am waiting with anticipation to see how Lacey will grow and mature.
• 
  Cristel

  O.m.g. I just read the entire book this morning, literally in just a few hours! It was so good, I didn't want it to end. I want to see what Lacey does next! I'm in love with the characters. They are so real and relatable. Wow!
• 
  Janice Spina

  A Heart-wrenching Tale of Abuse!
  
  The Truth She Knew is a story that will tug at your heart. It is a sad tale of what mental illness can do to a person or a family who is trapped in an abusive relationship.
  
  The main protagonist, Lacey, lives with her mother and her mother's partner. Lacey is eighteen but is treated as if she were just a child. Her mother is abusive to her through language and physically. What Lacey doesn't realize is that this is not a normal relationship to have with a mother.
  
  When Lacey meets the man of her dreams, Walker, she falls head over heels and soon is pulled away from her family to be with Walker. Lacey's mother feels that she is losing her daughter and does all she can to interfere in her daughter's life just to keep her home and under her control.
  
  As I was reading this book I felt exasperated by everything that was happening to Lacey. It was difficult to watch her as she was dragged back each time into this abusive home.
  
  This was a page turner that I could not put down. I picked up book 2 to continue the story and can't wait to read it. I only hope those who have been in this kind of relationship will learn something important - get out while you can and don't look back.
• 
  Brittany

  I hate when you start reading a book and find out afterward that it’s the first in a series 🙄
• 
  Tanya Stewart

  Too Good for Words!!!
  
  This book exceeded my expectations tremendously!!! Yes, it's got some great romance and a few steamy pages... and as well as they're written that's nothing compared to the heart of this story!!! Unless you have had personal experiences dealing with serious mental health conditions you might not realize how amazingly accurate and realistic this story can be!! And it's addressed in an emotionally sensitive, realistic and open way to expose and explore the complex relationships involved in a family dealing with these issues but more importantly the issue of how to move beyond it...when to let go...or is it ever okay to really walk away?! It's a fabulous story and an entertaining book but it's much deeper than that for people who have lived in similar situations and see their reality reflected so honestly on the page. I'm diving into the next story in the series right now!!! It's 2am...sleep is way overrated anyway. 😉😁
• 
  Catherine Townsend-Lyon

  An Amazing Story Of Contemporary Fiction with a Message.
  
  I was excited to receive an early copy for an honest read and book review. With that said, this book is painful, in-depth, and even though it is a piece of fiction, it comes with several strong messages.
  
  One?
  Parents? Listen to your KIDS.
  
  Two? As a childhood sex abuse and parental trauma abuse survivor myself, I have to share I was at times when reading the abusive and explosive dysfunctional relationship between Lacey and Mama; it had transported me back in time to my painful teen years. Not a bad comment, this proves the author did her job as a writer well. As this is an exceptional look inside mental illness and will help many.
  
  What takes place in this dynamic storyline is real and are serious topics. The way the author formed and wrote her characters, narratives and fiction storyline gives a hint she has been through something like this herself or with a loved one. It can be a daunting task and fine line when writing about topics like mental health & illness, addiction and recovery and others without the reader feeling lost or disinterested.
  
  That does not happen in this book! It grabs you from beginning to end and makes you want 'Book Two' in this series ready to read NOW. It too is a love story and will make you feel like I did, on a roller coaster of emotions. The read made me giggle, shed some tears from the pains Lacey had, and so much more. That tells me the author as a "writer" did her job with "passion."
  
  An excellent read I Highly Recommend for all and especially women!
  
  
• 
  Lustful Literature

  
  Josie's Review 4.5 STARS
  
  The Truth She Knew was a beautifully written, stimulating story. Once I started reading this book it was impossible to put it down This story left me with mixed emotions, it made me cry, rage, scream, laugh and made me happy. Every once in a while a book will come around that leaves me reflecting on my own life and has me taking a second look at what I have, this is what this book did to me. Mental health is often unspoken, but this author tackles these issues head on by showing us the ugliness of it and the long standing ramifications if left untreated, not only to yourself but to others who surround you.
  
  The Truth She Knew is Lacey’s journey in a world built on lies, darkness and manipulation by her mom, sister and her mother’s friend. Lacey is a character that l fell in love with. Her innocence and her need for normalcy stole my heart. She was likeable and despite her mother’s craziness she loved her mother and truly believed everything that she was told. The author did am amazing with developing this character and showing us her growth over the span of the story.
  
  Her home life broke me, the violence, the disarray and the lack of love brought tears to my eyes. As Lacey grew and with the love and guidance from friends she began to take control of her life. The strength she shows as she begins to accept that her life is not normal was a highlight of this book. Reading the despair and darkness she lived through turned into hope and laughter and these were the moments that really loved.
  
  The Truth She Knew is filled with life lessons for Lacey. Some will bring her to her knees while others will give her the strength she needs to move on with life. I enjoyed this book and was sad to get to the end. The author wrote an engaging story and developed a plot and characters that felt so real as did the emotions. Lacey’s journey is just beginning and I can’t wait to see where else the author will take her next.
• 
  Barb

  This was a bittersweet story that broke my heart more than once. This was one that brought sadness, happiness and complete anger out in me while reading the story which means it's a great story to bring all those emotions to the surface.
  
  Lacey did not have what you would call a normal childhood but to her, it was her normal. Having a mother that tells you that you are possessed and that she didn't want you all your life makes you end up believing what you have been told for so long. I was so upset that a mother could treat their own child like Lacey's mother treated her. Most authors wouldn't write a story about mental illness and how it tears apart a family but J.A. Owenby not only wrote about it, she made me as a reader feel the pain that Lacey was going through. When Lacey fell in love with Walker, my heart soared for her. She was actually going to get the family she so deserved and then her mother interfered once again and my heart broke and I cried. Lacey so deserved happiness and having that happiness ripped out from underneath her was cruel. If Walker loved her so much, or even her friends, why didn't anyone call the police and have the cops go check on her? They all knew how her mother was but not sending anyone to check on her was so cruel. Walker turned out to be such an ass and wouldn't even listen to her. She deserved so much better than how everyone ended up treating her. I hope in future books, that she gets to tell her side of the story to a changed Walker and I hope Walker ends up miserable, Karma baby!
  
  I can't wait to read more from this author. I deem J.A. Owenby a great author. Any author that can evoke so much emotion is one author I will keep reading!
• 
  Jennifer Y.

  *I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
  
  The Truth She Knew is an emotional and heartbreaking story of abuse and learning to stand up for yourself.
  
  Lacey has lived her life believing the lies her emotionally abusive mother has told her, which has ruined her self-esteem and confidence. When she meets Walker, she finally begins to see the truth and experience real love, but stills struggles with the effects that her strict upbringing has on her.
  
  The story really touched me. Its depiction of mental abuse and mental health issues was strong and emotional. I felt for Lacey and her situation and hoped that she would be able to get the help that she and her family needed. She has a lot of adjustments to make and the author did a wonderful job of showing the reality of these adjustments. They didn’t just happen overnight. You can’t wave a magic wand and be free of the love and ties you have to your family no matter how they treat you. Lacey loved her mother and family despite their treatment of her and that love is honestly and accurately portrayed as is the relationships she forms with her new friends. Her willingness to get help for herself though gave me hope and was inspiring and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her.
  
  The book opens with a scene from Lacey’s future and the rest of the book takes place during Lacey’s teen years so I look forward to seeing how Lacey gets from point A to point B. This book ends a bit abruptly with an ending that I am not too thrilled with, but I am willing to see where the author takes us and like Lacey, I have hope.
  
• 
  Savannah Ernst

  Auther J.A. Owenby struck a chord within myself after reading. Not only does this story provoke tears of joy, but also tears of sadness and disbelief. The author was able to touch my heart with Lacey's story. As a young adult you can read countless novels, touching on the same subjects; first love, coming into your own, school, and heartache. Not only did The Truth She Knew touch on so many important aspects that make a young adult novel, but it made you feel all the emotions in so many important ways. From page 1 until the end you were there for Lacey and you felt everything she was feeling. J.A. Owenby gave us all a beautiful perspective on the trials and tribulations of one genius blond haired girl making her own path in life. After experiencing my first love and heartbreak a few months ago I immediately fell in love with this emotional roller coaster of a ride that is The Truth That She Knew. I could not only relate to the main character but I could so easily love and cherish the people in her life, Owenby has a gift for writing such dynamic and complex characters that you can't help but to fall in love with. From start to finish I was truly engaged and eager to experience this journey with Lacey. A journey that can and will reside in many many ages.
• 
  Nikki Cook

  Lacy is unwanted and unloved. Her family, especially her mother, has trained her to believe she is broken and can only bring pain and trouble to anyone she is around. While her friends know life at home is tough, Lacey keeps the worst to herself, afraid that if they knew her secret. When Walker comes into her life and the truth is exposed, Lacey learns that there are people that do love her, and what was happening at home was not normal. But as soon as the light of hope starts to warm her life, "Mama" brings a storm with clouds so dark Lacey may never see the light again.
  
  The Truth She Knew is an emotional tale of abuse. J.A. Owenby did not sugarcoat the effects of abuse on a young woman, and how her every day life is affected by it. Lacey's character is quite realistic, bringing the story to life. I can empathize with Lacey, especially as she is making excuses for her abuser and holding on to a sliver of hope that she will one day be loved and accepted. The ending is satisfying enough to not leave readers in turmoil, but does leave them wanting more. I am greatly looking forward to learning what comes next!
• 
  Bonnie Gortler

  J.A. Owenby is an author who stirs your attention from the moment you start to read “The Truth She Knew”. J.A. Owenby writes with emotion in a way that is easy to understand, flows naturally and will touch your heart. You will keep reading and not want to put the book down. You will instantly fall in love with the characters in the story Lacey and Walker, giving you the desire to keep going and find out what will happen next.
  
  The Truth She Knew is filled with life teachings that will show you what it’s like to be on an emotional roller coaster full of challenges that unexpectedly appear. I recommend this book to anyone, whether you read novels frequently or if you rarely read at all. Experience an unpredictable, heart-rending story of love. Witness the potential detriments of mental illness and abuse, hopelessness, mixed with loyalty, laughter, and honesty.
  
  Take time now, explore, engage and enjoy “The Truth She Knew”, share the wealth, make a difference in your life as well as others.
  
  Bonnie Gortler
  The Inspired Wealth and Well-Being Coach
  
  www.bonniegortler.com
  
• 
  Lisa

  This was an intense and poignant read that will leave you feeling for Lacey. Lacey has lived through hell but her hell was normal for her. After being beaten down for so long Lacey believes what she is being told by her family. It takes someone special for her to see that there is something wrong with them and not her. It is Walker who helps Lacey realise how special and amazing she really is.
  
  This really spotlights abuse and how abhorrent it really is and how destructive is to the self-esteem, self-belief, self-confidence and self-preservation of the person at the end of the abuse. The power that the abuser holds is incredible and disturbing. There is light though that shines through this darkness.
  
  A beautifully written read despite its disturbing subject matter. It is one that will stay with you long after the last work has been read.
  
  ***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
• 
  Linda Hoenigsberg

  Talk about compelling. Anyone who has experienced mental illness of any kind, or has known someone suffering from a mental illness, will really be drawn into this book. That is to say, anyone who would want to feel more compassion for someone with a mental illness should also read this book. The characters were well crafted and the scenes were well-done. I was "there." I was so glad to hear this is going to be made into a screenplay and can't wait for the movie. I'm glad this is a series because I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
• 
  Brandy

  This book was so great, I loved loved the story line and just fell for the characters, I can see where this could be a little hard for someone that had some abuse in the past. I cried while reading this book it was an emotional read, that I didn't really want to end. I don't know if the author is planing a 2nd book but I would love to see what happens do they get back together do they not??
• 
  Jennifer

  I found this to be a powerful read. Whether you have been in a similar situation or not - the story brings the understanding of mental illness and what the family goes through clearly. I cried, I laughed - I want to know more about what happens to Lacey and her life.