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Reasonable Lies

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★ Best Book I'll Ever Read
★ Sensitively Written
★ Fantastic
★ Inspirational

What would you consider to be a ‘Reasonable Lie’?

Jane Walden has it all. A thriving career, beautiful twins, crazy but dependable best friend, an adoring husband, and a wonderful home. But one chance encounter now threatens to tear her world apart.

From that moment on, Jane’s sole focus is to try and protect the happiness of those closest to her from finding out the heart-breaking truth that she now carries alone, leading her into a web of ‘Reasonable Lies'.

After her shocking reveal, Jane meets James, who quickly becomes her friend and confidant but is he hiding something from her and will she find out before it’s too late?

Reasonable Lies is a breathtaking, all too real story of love, deception, and the lengths people will go to, in order to protect their loved ones.

This emotional debut book from women's Author, T.A. Rosewood, tells the heartbreaking story of a strong female character's journey to try and protect her family; a thought-provoking novel that will stay with you for a long time.

If you loved Jojo Moyes' Me Before You, you'll love this one!.

♥ Readers Loving Reasonable Lies! ♥

"No words can describe what I feel when reading this book. Reasonable Lies may just be the best book I will ever read. The author has surpassed all expectations with this one. Be sure to have the tissues ready when you start it because you will definitely need a box... or three" Sarah Jayne Harry - Author.

"What a beautiful little debut novel this is! If you liked Mike Gayle’s Half a World Away, then you would like this!"

"I really cannot believe this is a debut novel it is such a captivating story and so beautifully written."

"Reasonable Lies is a beautiful, emotional story with such a powerful and inspirational message. I highly recommend that everyone read this book as soon as possible. It is one book you will never forget"

"Reasonable Lies takes its grip on you and doesn't let go, not even after you've finished reading”

"Well written with the perfect amount of humour and happiness for balance"

"Wow!!!! This was such a powerful and emotionally engaging story. beautifully and sensitively written
It held me throughout."

"Reasonable Lies is incredibly well written"

"Those last few chapters I had a lump in my throat the whole time and tears rolling down my face, there is only one other book that has managed to stir those types of emotions in me which is why this book and author deserves so much praise. It really does need to be shouted from the roof tops. I would recommend this a million times over, T.A. Rosewood is an extremely gifted writer."



Praise From Authors Who've Enjoyed Reasonable lies!

★ "This story was beautiful, sad and very touching. It covers a topic which most of us have or will deal with in one way or another in our life time and that’s what makes it so touching - it’s relatability. Very well written and emotionally engaging, I read this book in one sitting. I would highly recommend this wonderful book - but have the tissues at the ready". Lyndsey Gallagher, Author of The Seven Year Itch & The Widwife Crisis.

655 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2020

14 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

T.A. Rosewood

36 books152 followers
With a pen that never knew when to quit, T.A. Rosewood flunked her English exam for writing "too much"—a badge she now wears proudly as a women's fiction author who's been self-publishing heart-tugging, soul-stirring stories since 2020.

When she's not crafting characters that feel like friends, you'll find her roaming the Essex countryside with her husband, two children, and Robbie the Westie—a furry literary critic who demands regular plot updates during their walks. Between family adventures and dreaming up new storylines, T.A. sneaks off to Italy whenever possible, where gelato consumption directly correlates with her writing productivity.

Want a taste of her storytelling magic? Snag a FREE chapter by subscribing to her newsletter—no English exams required!

Connect on social media @tarosewood/@tarosewoodauthor

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5 stars
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67 (33%)
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22 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia.
76 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2023
Wow! What a read!

I sat feeling broken for a few minutes after reading this book. It's definitely an eye-opener for those who are lucky enough not to have to experience it.

I cried so much, especially near the end, but there are also happy memories shared and new happy moments towards the end - you definitely need a box of tissues!

This book relates to relates to what thousands of people and families go through each day with illness, loss, grief, and love.

Beautifully written, I could feel for each character, what they was going through, all the questions, the loss of hope, the dread of telling people, dread of when it actually happens and everything that still has to be planned for and daily life still has to carry on with added pressure/worry.
Profile Image for Mel Baker.
24 reviews23 followers
April 28, 2021
4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5

Boy was this an emotional read. Anyone that's lost someone to cancer, or gone through someone having cancer, this book is really relatable, but be emotionally ready before picking this one up.

The characters were the highlight for me, especially the best friend. She really went above and beyond.

I think I saw someone talking about it being repetitive, and I agree. It's the reason I gave 4.5 stars instead of 5. Other than that though, it was a great read, albeit an emotional roller coaster. I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for kayleigh .
7 reviews
January 18, 2021
 Beautiful and emotional story must read!

Wow I have just finished reading Reasonable Lies after starting it Sunday evening I just couldn't put it down! I loved it highly reccomend, beautifully written and the characters were so relatable and reminded me of people in my family, such a heart warming, emotional story, I loved it! ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Katie Hazel.
276 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2021
What a beautiful little debut novel this is! If you liked Mike Gayle’s Half a World Away, then you would like this! You will be laughing and crying with Jane, as she goes through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, hiding it away from her family as she’s scared to tell them.
Profile Image for Karen.
226 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2021
Wow! What an amazing debut. When I first finished this book, I just had to sit and hug the book, that was of course after I had finished wiping up my massive blubs of tears.
I read this in a day as I was so immersed in all of the characters and even though I already knew the outcome, I just needed to travel on that journey. What a journey that was. I laughed, I cried, at one point I even shouted at the book as I needed Jane to ‘wake up’ and see what was happening around her. The twist in the journey was unexpected, but not wanting to give any spoilers, was a nice touch.
Jane’s relationship with her friend Sarah was heart-warming and I am so glad that even through all of the heart ache, and support that Sarah gave to Jane, there was a happy ending for her.
This book covers several sensitive topics, but is so thoughtfully, compassionately and understandingly written and that is what makes this book so very special.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, yes it covers some sensitive issues, but they are dealt with so delicately. It also makes you realise that those people that always tell you ‘They’re fine’ might not just be and that you need to be there for them, as you just don’t know what they are going through.
After this spell binding debut I am really looking forward to more books by this author.
Profile Image for Sherell Bernard.
Author 3 books15 followers
May 1, 2021
Reasonable Lies grabs your emotions and brings the reader to tears, but in an oh-so beautiful way! The story is indeed a heartbreaking one, but it also brings to the fore the true meaning of love, friendship and healing. This is a story that will remain in your heart.
Profile Image for Vikkie.
520 reviews36 followers
May 26, 2020
Wow!!! What a book!! Sometimes you read something and it touches every part of you. I can definitely relate to this one. This has really hit a part of my heart, I’ve smiled and I’ve cried... A LOT!! This is a book which needs to be read, a perfect example of not knowing what someone is going through. It’s made me think of all the “you seem fine” comments which are said daily. Yes a person may seem fine to everyone but you never know what they are truly facing. This is such a beautiful read, with real life issues covered sensitively and delicately. A definite five star read, even though it made me cry. I’m excited to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Rebecca 916.
3 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2021
Where to start with this book... it is bloody amazing.
This is a debut novel but you would never guess it is written beautifully, with so much care and sensitivity.
Jane the protagonist is diagnosed with cancer, you then follow her on this traumatic and sad journey along with her family and friends.

This story even though fictional really is thought provoking and reminds you to check yourself on a regular basis.

I adored all of the characters, especially James if you’ve read the book you’ll know why. The courage and bravery Jane showed was unreal, the friendship between her and Sarah was incredible so much love and trust there, and what an inspiring marriage Karl and Jane had.

Those last few chapters I had a lump in my throat the whole time and tears rolling down my face, there is only one other book that has managed to stir those types of emotions in me which is why this book and author deserves so much praise. It really does need to be shouted from the roof tops.

I would recommend this a million times over, T.A. Rosewood is an extremely gifted writer.
Go and get this book, but don’t forget to buy some tissues too.



Profile Image for Lisa.
97 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2020
Loved this book, bought a lump to my throat many times throughout
Profile Image for Chloë Blyth.
Author 7 books54 followers
May 30, 2022
First of all, I just want to say that I read the ebook version which begins with pages and pages of praise and warnings from reviewers that you are going to need tissues and you're going to be a blubbering mess.

I should also tell you that I am a tough nut to crack, I don't cry easily, and I personally made it to 80% before admitting defeat and succumbing to my emotions. (Not to say this wasn't sad and heartbreaking from the start, just that if you're worried about reading in public, it's bearable til 80% - unless this is a raw subject for you, in which case I'd recommend reading at home).

This is a very well-written and heartbreaking novel. Jane is a strong woman who decides to keep her terminal diagnosis (which she sort of stumbles across thanks to a breast cancer screening day at work) to herself for as long as possible. She doesn't want her husband or children to know, and so begin the "reasonable lies."

Some of the things she manages during this time are incredible, and the lies just keep getting bigger. When she has to come clean, it's tough. Especially for her husband. I really felt for him, he doesn't find out in the nicest of ways and it hurts just to imagine the emotions he would have felt in that moment.

Jane's best friend Sarah is the type of friend every woman should have in her life. Once she knows, she is so supportive and helpful. Their friendship is brilliant and right into her weakest days, Jane tries to set Sarah up to secure her happiness in the future.

I want to say more, but I also don't want to ruin it for others. Going into a book like this, you know it's going to be sad, but you don't know how much you will like the main character, or the supporting characters. I loved them all.

This won't be for everyone (it's certainly a change from my usual genres), but it's a really good, deep, read. Big trigger warnings for cancer and death (obviously) but after the saddest parts that made me need my tissues, the author has tied things up for a happier ending.

The world doesn't end when your favourite person dies, no matter how much it might feel like it, or you wish it would. The world keeps going, and the book keeps going, too. It's nice to read what happens next.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for CheckLitOutEm.
99 reviews27 followers
July 19, 2020
I’m not crying, you’re crying!

Wow! An emotional, provocative and compelling punch of a read. This book actually floored me. The big, fat, ugly tears that I cried are best not spoken about. I nearly did a Joey, from Friends, by putting the story in the freezer (the only things that stopped me is that it’s on my kindle).

The story focuses on Jane (a mum and a wife), who receives the worst news imaginable - she has cancer. This tells the heart-wrenching story of love and what you’d do to protect your own, including lying.

The book is beautifully and sensitively written - it has humour and happiness to strike a good balance (and no doubt to save you from massively swollen eyes).

The relationship between Jane and her best friend, Sarah, is one to be cherished. There’s nothing that they won’t do for each other and this is shown through the support that Sarah gives to the family. The closeness of these two women made my heart swell and hurt all at the same time.

There’s a twist that comes in the story, which you might see coming, but its impact is beautiful and well measured. I’d suspected something was coming, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what/.

This book is all kinds of sadness and happiness in one. Be prepared to have tissues at the ready because you’ll need them.

I highly recommend that you read this book. Just be aware of the trigger warnings: cancer and suicide, but know that they’re handled sensitively.

A big well done to the author on her debut novel - you’ve done yourself proud!
Profile Image for Steph.
478 reviews52 followers
November 15, 2020
Firstly, how beautiful is this purple?? I love this cover!

The story focuses on Jane, the main character who is diagnosed with cancer.. and she does everything she can to avoid breaking this news to her loved ones... which includes telling lies, but reasonable ones...

The book has such likeable characters. My favourite has to be Sarah - Jane’s best friend. Their friendship was so strong and just perfect. Sarah is definitely a life long friend that anyone would want. So supportive, caring and just there whenever Jane needed her. More so with the cancer. Not only did she go that extra mile to support Jane; she also supported her family which I thought was so incredible.

I was wary of reading this because having lost a family member to the disease, I was kind of scared to read it.. but I have to say it was very well written. To write a book based on that storyline must be difficult and emotional, but each chapter was done brilliantly. I really loved the final chapter seeing things from Cassie’s view. Learning of how she did fundraising. So amazing!

I also loved reading the final few pages, ‘How it all began’ and how JoJo Moyes inspired her to start writing again. Such a nice addition to the book. It’s good to learn about the authors too!
Profile Image for Zoe Harrington.
124 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2020
Well, this book broke me, I cried like a baby and I am not ashamed to admit it. Please be aware there are trigger warnings for cancer, grief and suicide. The storyline is obviously heartbreaking and difficult to read, but it’s well written with the perfect amount of humour and happiness for balance.

One of my favourite things about this book was the friendship between Jane, the protagonist, and her life-long best friend Sarah. Their relationship was well developed, you can really tell that they’re more like sisters without it having to be said. The support Sarah provides to not only Jane but her whole family is incredible, what a fab friend she is - I think we could all do with a friend like her!

There is a plot twist involving one of the characters that I did not see coming at all. I thought it was a really interesting way of forming interweaving connections between the characters that all come to light towards the end of the novel.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Anni.
100 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book.

Its actually not a book that I would naturally go for but is one that will be in my heart for a long time so I am so glad to have been able to read it courtesy of the lovely author (who really is lovely) and her book tour.

The story follows Jane a wonderful, strong lady who receives a shock diagnosis. Through right or wrong she decides to protect those she loves; her doting husband, mum, energetic twins and bestest of best friends Sarah by spinning a web of "Reasonable Lies" to hide the truth so as not to break their hearts. Would I do the same? Probably not but I can't imagine having that hanging over my head so in reality it could be something I would do in the same circumstances.

She meets a lovely stranger, James who supports her and listens to her each day. James has his own story that eventually gets discovered.
.
Obviously you can't lie forever and so you are swept into the love that surrounds Jane throughout the rest of the book as people find out.
.
We definitely all need a best friend like Sarah in our lives, her support of Jane is second to none, she loves Jane and her family as if they are her own and James even manages to help Sarah in an unexpected way ❤️
.
Overall this book is powerful and heartwarming but you may need the tissues handy
Profile Image for Shannen McLaren-Fairbairn.
21 reviews
January 3, 2021
Before I even get into reviewing the story, I just have to say.. the book feels amazing to hold and read. The cover is so soft, and the cover isn't too thick either which made it so much easier to hold (for me) - I love it to hold.

Finished this book 2 days ago, but I've been processing. Stories like this really are not my go to genre, but im trying to branch out, and what better way than to buy direct from the author.. someone where IF I had any questions, I'd be able to ask.

This really was a heartbreaking story. The story follows the story of a female character who receives an unexpected diagnosis, and her story of trying to protect her family. And doing everything she can for her family. I rarely ever cry.. but an entire chapter had me in tears!

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone at all who enjoys reading more heartbreaking stories. And if you're looking to try a new genre, this one is such an easy read.
Profile Image for the_empty_bookself.
96 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2021
I’m not crying....you are...

‘...love your family as much as you can every day of your life because you just never know what life is going to throw at your or indeed what someone may be going through in secret.’

I fell in love with Jane. I have laughed with her, cried with her, agreed and disagreed with her.

This is a wonderful read and is sensitively written. Very honest and real. Sadly I think a lot of us will be able to relate to this story as the ‘C’ word touches most of us in some way throughout our lives.

No one knows how they will manage a terminal diagnosis and we follow Jane through her palliative journey.

Heartwarming and heartbreaking, I have loved this book from start to finish.

I will also take this opportunity to tell you all, men and women to check your boobs!
Profile Image for Jessica Rose.
80 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow! I highly recommend for everyone to read this. The story is just absolutely beautiful, powerful & heartbreaking. It covers a storyline that affects most families. I’ve recently gone through this ordeal with my very own family member & this book just covered it so well. I laughed, I cried LOTS & once I closed the book I smiled. I feel in love with the main character Jane, she comes across as very strong character who has the most perfect family. I finished this book within 2 days & just couldn’t put it down. You will need tissues towards the end of the book. Thank you @t.a.rosewood for a gorgeous well written novel. I look forward to your next book
Profile Image for Bruce Spydar.
Author 11 books39 followers
April 14, 2021
Painfully relatable … beautifully written.

It’s difficult to give adequate justice to this book without giving any spoilers. Reasonable Lies is a beautifully written and emotional story about how the life of a woman, and the lives of her family and friends, can suddenly be derailed after a health scare. The situation is so relatable, and indeed many of us may go through, or witness, something similar during our own lives. I challenge anyone not to be deeply touched by this story.

I had this book on my list for a while, and I’m so glad that I finally got around to reading it.
Profile Image for saskia PBM.
1 review2 followers
March 1, 2021
The story was written really well and caught my interest straight away. I was unable to finish it, as the content of the story is too close to home and upset me. Highly recommend it though:-)
Profile Image for Julie Embleton.
Author 20 books77 followers
April 23, 2021
A deeply emotional read, Reasonable Lies demands a box of tissues close to hand. The author explores the themes of cancer and suicide in a most compelling way, leaving this a difficult yet captivating read. The relationship between Jane and Sarah is beautifully written and brought both tears and laughter, but I also loved how a chance encounter in a graveyard brings Jane the strength she needs too.

Definitely the kind of book you need to read at home where you can ugly cry in peace! And expect for this story to linger in your mind for a long time after you’ve finished reading it.
41 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2021
I didn’t want to put it down

I’m quite new to fiction, and many books don’t hold my interest for long. This book however had me hooked from the first couple of pages. The chapters were just right, not too long or short. I got through this in a day. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Frenchie_w_reads82 .
9 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2021
This is one of the most beautiful & heartbreaking books I have ever read... I absolutely loved it.. I couldn't put it down.. The only time I put it down was to wipe my eyes from all the crying...Beautifully written & such an important storyline...x
40 reviews
April 4, 2021
Heartbreaking

This was a beautiful, heartbreaking story with characters you grow to really care about and I have to admit I ugly cried towards the end.
Profile Image for Sarah Neeson.
198 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2020
This book was truly heartbreaking and I cried solidly for the last 50 pages. This is a story that is going to stay with me for a long time. It would have been a 5 star review but I found the story difficult to get into initially and felt the first third of the book could have been condensed. If you read it you really should carry on past this point because the payoff is beautiful.
Profile Image for Clarisse .
195 reviews16 followers
December 26, 2021
This is a book that takes you on an emotional journey. I’ve cried a lot after reading this book. Which reminded me that life can be so tough, but this shows how resilient the human being can be. Something we sometimes need reminding of. It highlights that no matter what there is always hope and that if you look hard enough you can find positives in everything. This hit close to home as I’ve lost a lot of family members and friends with the Big C so it hits harder as I know what it was like going through Jane’s journey. The reasonable lies you often tell the people around you to make there lives easier for them, the feeling that you were a burden to them or you are being treated differently because of the cancer. As a mother myself I can resonate with Jane, it’s not about the fear of dying, it’s about the fear of who’s going to look after our kids when we are no longer here, being able to see them grow up, be there for their first heart breaks, first dance, getting married, being a grandparent to their children. It sucks because knowing you are terminally ill is like a death sentence, you have to live everyday not knowing will this be my last day?

This is a reminder that we should always check our breast and please always attend your smear test ladies it’s only a few minutes of uncomfortable feeling but it will save our lives if it’s being caught early on.

This book read with so much compassion, love and empathy. There’s sadness, laughter and hope to it.

I hope one day they will be able to find a cure for cancer. I know everyone will somehow relate to Jane and her journey.


I highly recommend reading this but please be warn you’ll be needing a lot of tissue to wipe your tears away. What an incredible debut novel.
Profile Image for Kimberley H.
751 reviews18 followers
December 19, 2022
A real page turner of a story about a sensitive subject. Secrets and deception to protect loved ones, is it reasonable under these circumstances? Attempting to save others from certain emotional pain. Makes one wonder what they would do in such instances. Thought provoking and very deep. Tragic but enjoyable reading.
Profile Image for Eloise Mohan.
236 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2022
I decided to read this after seeing it all over social media and putting it off for a long time.

Wow.

I'm so glad I read this because it will stay with me.
This book is full of important messages and heartbreak.

I adore the strength shown in Jane's character, but also of all those surrounding and supporting her. Her friendship with Sarah is one we would all dream of having, and her family is just perfect.

The last 50 pages of this book completely shattered my heart, but despite how emotional it is, it's also a beautiful story.

TW: Cancer, references to suicide.
Profile Image for Lisa White.
Author 3 books17 followers
September 14, 2022
Such a sad story about a loving family. I cried so much.
Profile Image for Heidi Ramsay.
56 reviews18 followers
June 26, 2021
The perfect tear jerker

I had the absolute pleasure of being on the Reasonable Lies book tour, and oh my, this book absolutely blew me away.

From the first page I was hooked, and found it hard to put down. I ended up devouring this book in 2 sittings and found myself in floods of tears at the end of the book.

The way Traci described the scenes of this book was just amazing, I could picture everything as if I were there or watching a movie which is rare for me.
The characters were also clearly well thought out and as a reader I really got to know the family and feel their emotions with them.

The whole book was linked together so well and it’s beautifully written, I found myself wanting to finish but also not wanting the book to end and I can’t wait to pick up some more of the author’s work.

I’ve never read a book with a more fitting title, and this book really highlights the fact that we need to make the most of every single day, and every single loved one around us because you never know what is around the corner or what someone is going through. Multiple real and raw issues were tackled amazingly well during this read, and the note at the end about getting yourself checked regularly and for anything you’re worried about was so important and I’m really glad it was included.
Profile Image for Ceri.
413 reviews15 followers
June 12, 2021
I went into the book blind after seeing soooo many good reviews for it and I am still thinking about this book a week after finishing 😂

I read this as part of a book tour but all these opinions are my own 😊

This book is so hard hitting and deep you definitely need tissues at the ready 😭 It is written beautifully and the descriptions are so intense you do get fully into the book.

We follow Jane's journey after a shocking health diagnosis. She meets a new friend and she creates a bed of lies for herself which she struggles to keep up with.

As someone who has dealt with cancer in the family, I personally just couldn't imagine never discussing this with family and I don't know how honestly I would act if I was lied to in this manner. I understand the concept and the reasoning behind Jane's choices in the book but for me I can't get behind them.

I loved the twist in the book, I would NEVER have guessed that one!! It just added to the whole thing, amazing!

I really enjoyed the last chapter from Cassie's perspective too and I would love to see where the characters have gone on from here.

Even if I didn't agree with the Reasonable Lies concept, I understood the books plot reasoning and I look forward to reading more leading on from this book, and even more books by the author 😊
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