This is the most beautiful book I’ve read in a long time. This is my first experience with Kay Bratt but it definitely won’t be my last. Her writing is exquisite and the way she told the story had me feeling every emotion right along with Quinn, the main character. The themes of restoration and self discovery were woven so perfectly into each page of the book and I couldn’t put it down as I was so emotionally invested that I couldn’t wait to know how it would all work out. I truly felt like I was living the story. I’m not going to give a synopsis since anyone can read the book’s blurb. Just hear this: Read this book! You won’t regret it!

True to Me by Kay Bratt

I can’t say enough about this book. It is so good !!!

Quinn’s mother whispers a dying declaration on her death bed. It will change Quinn’s life forever. Nothing is as it seems. Her past is not hers to claim. Her future is now uncertain. Even the present is beginning to feel tentative. Why?

The author takes the reader on a journey to find oneself. As Quinn discovers her past and her future takes shape, the reader is called upon to look at oneself. Seize the moment. Feel the sunshine on your face. Feel the sand beneath your feet. Embrace family and friends.

But beyond all, be true to yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an advanced review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

True to me
Kay Bratt

I have read a few books by this author and have enjoyed them all so far. I’m reviewing this one as a ARC for Netgalley.

The cover of this book is beautiful and the author describes the locations in the story so clearly that I have a real hankering to visit these amazing places!

Quinn starts the story off by sending off her DNA to an ancestry finder group. All of her life for as long as she could remember it was her and her mum and no one else. Her mum spoke of her love for Maui, her birth place, but never suggested going back there in any of their many conversations.

When the time comes that Quinn’s mother is dying, she needs to confess something to her. Quinn’s father isn’t who she was told it was. With Quinn in a confused state from this information and emotional turmoil at losing her only parent she doesn’t think to ask her mother any further details.

The pacing of the book allowed me to feel like I really knew Quinn. She meets some real characters on her journey and apart from her high powered fiancé Ethan who is a real catch for Quinn, I loved them all.

Quinn’s path leads her to an amazing truth and at the same time helps her to re-evaluate what is important to her and realise what it is she really wants.

A past friendship is rekindled and it’s one of those friendships where it’s like you have never been apart.
I didn’t find the ending obvious and the book left me smiling by the end and wondering how accessible Waikiki falls really is?

This is a beautifully written story about a young woman's search for her family and finding her true self as well. Quinn was a successful business woman, had a fiance and thought her life was on track until her mother's deathbed confession. Now Quinn is set out on a journey to find her family on her mothers island of Maui. During this journey Quinn finds her true self and makes life changing decisions. She reconnects with old friends and find new friends along the way.

I love books that take me to real places I’ve never been. I love hearing about the customs, the language, the people. This one takes me to Maui, where family is important, as is finding the truth about your family, which is what this story is about. Along the way, the characters join up with old friends, and make new ones. They learn things about themselves, and others, they didn’t expect, which changes future paths they take. Throw in some mystery, a hint of romance, and a relatable lead character and you have the makings for quite an enjoyable book.

A very good story about a girl trying to find who her father is! This book sucked me in from page one! It was so good I read it in one afternoon! If you haven’t read a book by this author, you need to run to the nearest bookstore or better yet preorder this one! It’s book one in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one!! Loved the characters and the story! Definitely recommend! Thanks to Netgalley,Lake Union Publishers and the author for this early copy

Kay Bratt is a masterful story teller and True To Me is a stellar read! I always feel a deep connection to her characters and learn so much about an interesting culture, through her books. If you enjoy a rich story about family, forgiveness, and following one's own truth, then you will LOVE this book.

All I can say is WOW. True To Me is one of the best books I have read this year. I loved it was set in Hawaii and Kays writing was so descriptive I felt I was there. The storyline pulled you in right away. Lots of twist and turns, lifestyle changes,friendships and romance. The hardest was overcoming fears and realizing her life as she knew it wasn't what she thought. was very happy to read there would be more books coming out from this story.

I have followed Kay Bratt for a while now, and have read one or two of her books, which I enjoyed immensely. AI jumped at a chance to read True to Me, as it sounded like another fantastic story.
And I wasn't disappointed.
Quinn Macguire is a woman suffering loss. The loss of her mother, and the loss of the idea of a father who she never knew. The loss of herself.
On her deathbed, Quinn's mother tells her a secret that has been eating away at her.
This leads to Quinn going on a journey of self-discovery with the aid of DNA testing, and boy, what a journey!
The majority of this book is set in Maui, and I want to go now, so vivid were the descriptions of the settings.
Quinn definitely finds the answers she was after, but not before undertaking a tumultuous, emotional journey towards them.
I loved the characters she met on the way, some who will stay with me for a long while, and I do hope to read more about Quinn and her new life after finding herself!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Amazing Kay Bratt has outdone herself with “True to Me”
Her newest character Quinn discovers the life she thought was hers...wasn’t!
On her Mother’s death bed she shares a secret with Quinn that turns the life she thought she knew upside down.
Her Mother’s dying wish is to return home to Maui.
When Quinn teaches Maui she realizes her has found the home and family she always longed for.
Excellent book! Can’t wait to read the next one.

True to Me (A By the Sea Novel) by Kay Bratt
Just finished this amazing book and I can honestly say it was amazing! I couldn’t put it down – in fact, I finished reading it in the middle of the night because I couldn’t stop reading!
This is a heartwarming story of Quinn and how her life is turned upside down when her Mother passes away and reveals her Father is not her biological parent. That is all she says …
You learn about acceptance, love, forgiveness, kindness and even some Hawaiian words!
A great read from a great author – highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy.
#truetome #netgalley

True to Me is the first book I have read by author Kay Bratt. This was such a heartwarming story of forgiveness, secrets that had been kept for years and a young woman's journey in finding out who she really is.
Once I sat down to read I didn't put the book down until the very end.
I found myself totally engrossed in the story and the descriptions of Maui had me seeing the beauty of the island.
Loved the book!!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

True to Me follows Quinn McGuire in her quest to find her true self. This beautifully written novel is set on the tropical island of Maui where Quinn seeks to find her father, a man she didn’t know existed until her mother’s deathbed confession. I loved everything about this book from the Hawaiian language to the family traditions practiced on the island. I was so surprised as the story began to come together at the end. I honestly couldn’t have predicted the outcome! I hope you will read True to Me and I hope you love it as much as I did. Five Shining Stars! Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

This book is a heartwarming story of long kept secrets, forgiveness, and a young womans journey to find herself. It is filled with amazing descriptions amd relatable characters.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Kay Bratt for the Advanced Readers Copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Loved this! Quinn is an accomplished woman who always did what others expected from her. The loss of her mother takes her on a quest of finding the family she always hoped it exists. She thought this is as simple as it sounds: use the DNA test to find a match, go to Hawaii to honor her mother's last wish, come back and continue on the same path. Things don't always go as planned and if you believe in "everything happens for a reason" you will understand why her mother waited until the last minute to reveal something very personal. This will completely change Quinn's life and especially the way she sees herself and the path she chooses for her future.
I really liked that the story takes you to a different side of the life in Hawaii, away from what tourists usually see/do, that not many have the privilege to know.
Looking forward to reading the sequel....

I absolutely loved this book,. From the title of the book to the last word, in the story I was hooked.. Well written, the storyline was easy to follow, the characters were well developed and the descriptiveness was amazing. Can’t wait for the next book by this author.

Kay Bratt  has done it again!  She reeled me in to the mystery of young woman's journey as she tries to discover the truth about who she really is and learn the secrets her mom kept from her all of her life.  I could not put the book down, I loved how each turn of the page brought more depth to the story, making me yearn for more about Quinn and her journey of self discovery as she fights for the truth abut her identity.  I enjoyed how an old feathered friend made an appearance during one of Quinn's outings with Liam!  (Clever Kay!)  Quinn learns so much more than she ever dreamed possible about herself and others characters. This journey that started, through grief brings about answers and connections to her past.  The best part of the story is knowing there is more to learn about the other characters and means there could be sequels, I can't wait!  Last night, I could  not put the book down and stayed up most of the night reading, tonight, I shall sleep and dream of being in Maui and visiting many of the places in the story.  I can feel that ocean breeze and see the waves lapping up on the sand!   
--

Kay Bratt never disappoints!! Another great book!! Finding out the person you thought was your father actually isn't your father and to make it worse it's the last words your mother says to you before she passes away!! I love how Kay incorporates some of the ways of the Hawaiian people into this book! An absolute must read!!

“True to Me” was written by Kay Bratt for you and me. What a fabulous book!!! I started it on a Thursday afternoon and two days later, I finished it. I know it’s a cliché, but I couldn’t put the book down. It was that riveting.

The story is set in Hawaii. I wasn’t fond of Hawaii at all before I read the book. Through Kay Bratt’s knowledge of Hawaii, descriptions of the island, characters, and dialogue, I came to love Maui. The customs, the foods, the families, and the island itself all became alive with every word.

But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and so must a book. “True to Me” is a masterful masterpiece. A contagious read. I highly recommend it for everyone. I can’t wait for the movie!!

“True to Me” is another Kay Bratt spectacular novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Kay Bratt has done it again. I started True to Me on a long car ride home, got home, walked in the door sat down and continued to read until it was finished. To say this is one of my favourite books I have read this year would be an understatement. As an avid reader it is rare to come across a book that captivates my interest so fully and True to Me did just that. I found myself immersed immediately and deeply into the journey of Quinn and her quest to seek answers to who she is genetically through DNA.
The vivid and descriptive way of writing brought the imagery and beauty of the island of Maui to life so much so that one could almost hear the waves gently rolling in and feel the warmth of the sand between your toes! I cannot wait to read the next installment in this series!
Thank you to Net Galley for my advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.