Cover Image: True to Me

True to Me

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Beautifully written!! I’m not good with explaining what books are about, but if you have read any of Kay Bratt’s books you’ll love this one too!

Was this review helpful?

.Beautiful story of Quinn as she discovers her true self. When Quinn loses her mom, she finds out her family wasn't really who she thought it was and decides to go back to Maui to find her roots. The twists, turns and emotions Quinn experiences as she finds out about her past leads her to a new life in the present and possibly the future. Kay Bratt's description of Maui in this story almost feels like you are right there! Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

An intriguing saga that takes you on a journey to paradise. Before her deaths Quinn Maguire’s mother told her that the man she thought was her father was actually not her father. She needed answers, she needed to know who she really was and where she belonged. A search began that led her to Maui and hidden shearers. Kay Bratt pens a beautiful story that will leave you feeling like you were right there with Quinn on the beautiful beaches.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC. this review represents my honest opinion.

Quinn Maguire seems to have life all worked out, a handsome power driven fiancé and a high paying job. The death of Quinn’s mother rocks her world as she learns the man she thought was her father was not her biological dad. Determined to return her mother’s ashes to her beloved Hawaii, Quinn sets out on a life changing journey.

The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the beautiful island of Maui along with a family that truly embraces Hawaiian traditions and customs.

Quinn fights an inner battle as she is determined to find the true story behind her family and her mother’s influences. Meanwhile Quinn is determined to renovate the Hawaiian home she bought sight unseen and make the location her own.

Was this review helpful?

Quinn is on a quest for the truth. Her mom drops a bombshell on her before she passed that leaves Quinn foundering. This story is about the lengths we can go to find who we are. It is always about being open to whatever answers you find. I love Quinn how she went to Maui to fulfill her mother’s last wish. You will experience sadness and joy as she enjoys the best the island has to offer her.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book transported me to my beloved island of Maui with a story of love, family, mystery, and intrigue. I can't wait for the sequel!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book i've ever read by Kay Bratt and it did not disappoint. True To Me is a beautifully written story about a family, the secrets within them and love at its highest degree. Quinn’s mother reveals a confession at her deathbed which shakes Quinn to her core. In digging deeper about the new revelation, Quinn learns about Maui, her mom, her family and even more about herself.

True to Me was a heartwarming story that involved an awesome twist at the end, which I did not predict, always a bonus in my books!

I would recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

A really good read again from Kay Bratt After Quinn's mother dies she learns something that leads her leaving home and travelling to Maui where she discovers a new way of life and will eventually discovers secrets from the past that changes her life forever

Was this review helpful?

This was my first time reading a book by Kay Bratt but it definitely will not be the last time. Full of twist and turns True To Me will keep you hanging on and cheering Quinn on.

Was this review helpful?

This book is a must read!! While you follow along through all the emotions of learning your family has been keeping lifelong secrets, and a journey through loss and triumphs this book has it all! If you love books with endings that give you all the feels; you need to pick up a copy of TRUE TO ME by Kay Bratt today

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed TRUE TO ME, it was a quick read filled with beautiful descriptions, stories and history of Maui. As a matter of fact, Maui was my favorite character in this book. I actually felt Maui was a character for the richness, history and wonderful knowledge the author imparted.

Quinn's world is turned around by her mother's deathbed confession that nothing in her life was as it seemed. .She buys a home in Maui to investigate who her real father and family are and gets so much more in the bargai .

A feel good story that is nicely brought to a conclusion and leaves you wanting to visit Maui.

Was this review helpful?

Author Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my big reading discoveries this year. I have only read two of her bajillion books so far, but both hit the bullseye for me. I am thrilled there are so many more for me to dive into.

Stay is a thoroughly engaging story set in the summer of 1969. The plot centers around four main characters, including the deeply affecting Zoe Dinsmore, a 55-year-old recluse with tragedy in her past that has left her racked with guilt. Then there are the two 14-year-old best friends Lucas and Connor, both trying to cope with dysfunctional parents. Lucas has also seemingly taken the weight of the world on his shoulders and is intensely engaged in saving said world. Finally, there is Lucas’s older brother Roy, a troubled Vietnam soldier with his own dark secrets.

The tale is told from the viewpoint of Lucas. Through conversations and their actions, we get a pretty good idea of what the other three characters are like, though it would be nice to have at least one chapter from each of their perspectives. This is minor, however, and no stars are lost. All of these four are suffering. By coming together, they begin to heal each other. At the center is Zoe, a woman racked with pain and regret, but also blessed with ton of wisdom. I loved Zoe. But Zoe needs support as well. And through her relationship with the three young men, she is also able to transform her life.

Major themes include suicide, addiction, almost paralyzing guilt, family dysfunction, the importance of human care and sharing, animal-human relationships, self-worth, and redemption.

It's worth mentioning that this book has one of the very best epilogues I have ever read.

I have read a few books this year involving challenged/troubled young people and their relationships with enlightened older people. I’m digging this particular theme and will be on the lookout for more of these types of books. Recommendations welcome.

If you are looking for a gentle, poignant slice of life centered on deep personal nonromantic relationships, try Stay. I bet you will love it.

I wish to extend my thanks to Net Galley, Lake Union Publishing, and Ms. Catherine Ryan Hyde for an ARC of this novel. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

Was this review helpful?

I have never been to Hawaii but this author took me there in her book. Her writing is very atmospheric and I enjoyed learning about the Hawaiian culture. The story is about family, secrets, and love and I enjoyed it very much.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Of all the Kay Bratt books I've read, this hit me the hardest. I loved Quinn's story and read the entire book in a weekend. I love a book that continues to make me think long after I've finished it...this is that book. Give it a try, it's well worth it.

Was this review helpful?

Such a heartfelt story of the path to self discovery. After the passing of her mother she sets out to find her own way. You become invested in her tale and find yourself hoping for her happy ending. First experiance with this author was referred by another author whom I really enjoy. I will be picking up this story again upon release. Thank you to netgalley for this wonderful chance.

Was this review helpful?

An interesting tale that drew me in. Upon her mother’s death, a young woman whose life is all in order and planned out for her suddenly find herself on the way to Maui with confusions related to who her father really was. She is determined to find out more about her history and that of her mother plus she wants to put down roots on the island that was her mother’s home. She finds herself enveloped in Hawaiian traditions and Hawaiian concepts of family and realizes she feels at home with much of this new life. And all along she is finding out more about her own story as well as seeing a new side to her finance back in the States. As I got into the story, I found myself wanting to know how things were going to work out. I won’t reveal the details of the plot or the ending because I do try to leave spoilers out of my reviews. And I will indeed be looking for more books by Kay Bratt.

Was this review helpful?

Once again Kay delivers a hit with True To Me. As I reflect on this novel the growth of Quinn is central to the book. From her being unsure of herself and of her situations to her relationship with Ethan. She uncovers a family mystery at the death of her mother. She embarks on a journey to Maui . There she discovers not only herself but a family in which she was unaware of. The author propels the novel forward with her gently flowing creative sentences.The setting is sure to please readers as well as the descriptive moments in the book showcasing this beautiful island. Quinn could be any one of us but in the end she finds who her true self was meant to be. Family plays an integral part of this story as well as DNA. Yes we can be connected by blood but this isn’t the only element that makes up a family as we discover. Good job Kay. I look forward to another By The Sea novel. #NetGalley # TrueToMe Thank you for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

True to Me blew me away! I loved this story of Quinn as she discovered the lies and truths of the life she had been content to live. Her world is rocked to the core when her mother reveals a secret on her deathbed. Quinn travels to Maui, where it all began, to find out the truth. Quinn finds some wonderful people in her quest for answers and maybe, just maybe, she will find out what really makes her happy.

And how can a story be anything but fantastic when the setting is a beautiful island in Hawaii? Kay's descriptions of the area made me feel like I was there. It was heavenly!

True to Me is an amazing story that I devoured and enjoyed so much! This author's story just keep getting better and better and I'm always excited to read her books.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautifully written story of love of family, forgiveness and family secrets. I loved the setting of the Hawaiian Islands and how the author infused the story with such lovely descriptions of the island. It was like traveling to Hawaii for the afternoon without the high cost ! Kay Bratt is a favorite author of mine and I was thrilled to receive this for review. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own .

This is a story of Quinn's Her life is seemingly in order when her Mother revels a secret to her on her deathbed. The story takes off from Quinn's previous life as she knew it to a new exciting life in Hawaii amid secrets and truths long held behind a veiled curtain by her Mother.

I loved this story. It is a sweeping saga that takes you right into the culture and environment of Hawaii. It was a enjoyable afternoon read with great charcters, lovely setting and a interesting plot. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.

Was this review helpful?

Kay Bratt has done it again! She has delivered a heartfelt sensation set in the seemingly magical island life in Hawaii. Quinn thinks she has the life every woman should want until she learns shocking news. News that changes her life forever. The characters in this book draw you in and you feel every emotion that each of them feels. The highs and lows, the good and bad are a wonderful mix that won’t let you put this book down. Thank you to Kay Bratt for bringing the islands alive and moving Hawaii up on my bucket list of places to experience.

Was this review helpful?