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The Truth of the Matter
On a cold night in 1877, Laurel Whitman’s father flies into a rage and throws her into the street. His behavior isn’t unusual; he has ridiculed her for years, and Laurel doesn’t understand why. All she knows is that his vitriol has something to do with her grandmother, a woman shrouded in mystery.
Laurel goes on a harrowing journey from her home in Philadelphia to Maryland only to discover that her grandmother is on death’s door. She is welcomed with open arms by her extended family but receives a chilly reception from her grandmother who seems suspicious of Laurel’s arrival. Over the next few weeks, her grandmother recovers and her distrust begins to thaw as she tells Laurel stories of her abusive first husband, the young immigrant whom she came to love, and the birth of her two illegitimate children.
Laurel learns the secrets of her family’s fractured past, a story of resilience, deception, and forbidden passion that forces Laurel to confront the truths in her own heart. But will unearthing long-buried secrets heal the rift between Laurel and her father, or will the past haunt the present and the future forever?
Laurel goes on a harrowing journey from her home in Philadelphia to Maryland only to discover that her grandmother is on death’s door. She is welcomed with open arms by her extended family but receives a chilly reception from her grandmother who seems suspicious of Laurel’s arrival. Over the next few weeks, her grandmother recovers and her distrust begins to thaw as she tells Laurel stories of her abusive first husband, the young immigrant whom she came to love, and the birth of her two illegitimate children.
Laurel learns the secrets of her family’s fractured past, a story of resilience, deception, and forbidden passion that forces Laurel to confront the truths in her own heart. But will unearthing long-buried secrets heal the rift between Laurel and her father, or will the past haunt the present and the future forever?
370 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2021
9 people are currently reading
2271 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Fleming
12 books74 followersLeigh Fleming is an award-winning author of romantic suspense, and has published contemporary romance. The Truth of the Matter is her first work of historical women’s fiction.
Leigh lives in West Virginia with her husband and her deaf French bulldog. When not writing, she enjoys reading, travelling, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends.
Contact Leigh at leigh@leighfleming.com
Website: http://www.leighfleming.com
Follow her: http://www.facebook.com/leighhfleming...
http://www.twitter.com/leighhfleming1
http://www.instagram.com/lhfauthor
Leigh lives in West Virginia with her husband and her deaf French bulldog. When not writing, she enjoys reading, travelling, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends.
Contact Leigh at leigh@leighfleming.com
Website: http://www.leighfleming.com
Follow her: http://www.facebook.com/leighhfleming...
http://www.twitter.com/leighhfleming1
http://www.instagram.com/lhfauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 30, 2021
Laurel wants to know why her father is so cruel to her.
She knows she looks exactly like her grandmother, but what could she have done that makes her father take things out on her.
Laurel works at the textile mill during the day and goes to painting school at night.
One day she finally decides she has had enough and leaves in the night from Philadelphia to where her grandmother lives in Maryland in hopes of finding out just what happened between her father and her grandmother.
Her trip was a harrowing one, but she made it. Her grandmother is just as cruel to her as her father has been all these years. Did she make the trip for nothing?
Laurel decides she must find out and stays longer even though she misses her home, her painting, and especially Cillian.
We follow Laurel as she is determined to find the mysteries and secrets her family holds.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is a very enjoyable read with writing that pulls you in.
Ms. Fleming does a marvelous job with descriptions of the characters, places, and feelings.
This book is a lovely, heartwarming read based on the author's research of her own family but does have some harsh moments
It will appeal to women’s fiction fans, historical fiction fans, and those readers who enjoy a family saga along with life lessons.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is a pleasant, satisfying read that will stay with you and one that will lift your spirits as you see how the family endured hardships, made the best of them, and became closer. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
She knows she looks exactly like her grandmother, but what could she have done that makes her father take things out on her.
Laurel works at the textile mill during the day and goes to painting school at night.
One day she finally decides she has had enough and leaves in the night from Philadelphia to where her grandmother lives in Maryland in hopes of finding out just what happened between her father and her grandmother.
Her trip was a harrowing one, but she made it. Her grandmother is just as cruel to her as her father has been all these years. Did she make the trip for nothing?
Laurel decides she must find out and stays longer even though she misses her home, her painting, and especially Cillian.
We follow Laurel as she is determined to find the mysteries and secrets her family holds.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is a very enjoyable read with writing that pulls you in.
Ms. Fleming does a marvelous job with descriptions of the characters, places, and feelings.
This book is a lovely, heartwarming read based on the author's research of her own family but does have some harsh moments
It will appeal to women’s fiction fans, historical fiction fans, and those readers who enjoy a family saga along with life lessons.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is a pleasant, satisfying read that will stay with you and one that will lift your spirits as you see how the family endured hardships, made the best of them, and became closer. 5/5
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2021
"The Truth of the Matter" is an emotional, dramatic tale that sweeps readers up in the Industrial Revolution and women's rights!
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 21, 2021
Can a daughter heal the pain of a dying grandmother by exposing the truth? Laurel Whitman is used to ravings and belittlement from her father, but she’s endured, thanks to her dear friend. When her father flies into a rage and throws her out of the only home she’s ever known, Laurel takes a distressing trip to visit her estranged grandmother in Maryland. She is met with cold disdain from her grandmother, who is dying, but Laurel is undeterred. After several attempts to connect, her grandmother unravels the long-buried truth of what caused the rift between her and Laurel’s father, her son. Laurel is shocked and soon discovers her true feelings in her own heart. Can she share what her grandmother told her to her family and bring closure before it’s too late?
The Truth of the Matter is a sweeping family saga in the late 1800s I thoroughly enjoyed. Laurel is such a wonderful character and I connected with her plight. The historical details are 100% accurate and I found myself wondering what I would do in Laurel’s shoes. Kudos to Leigh Fleming for creating a historical world so intricate, I immersed myself in the past. The family dynamics were intriguing as well. The plot moves at a great pace with a fairly tight cast of characters. The subplots and themes had me whipping through the pages to see what happened next. If you’re a historical fiction reader, you’ll love The Truth of the Matter. If you’re a family saga reader, pick up The Truth of the Matter. A brilliant historical tale not to be missed. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The Truth of the Matter is a sweeping family saga in the late 1800s I thoroughly enjoyed. Laurel is such a wonderful character and I connected with her plight. The historical details are 100% accurate and I found myself wondering what I would do in Laurel’s shoes. Kudos to Leigh Fleming for creating a historical world so intricate, I immersed myself in the past. The family dynamics were intriguing as well. The plot moves at a great pace with a fairly tight cast of characters. The subplots and themes had me whipping through the pages to see what happened next. If you’re a historical fiction reader, you’ll love The Truth of the Matter. If you’re a family saga reader, pick up The Truth of the Matter. A brilliant historical tale not to be missed. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
June 26, 2021
The award-winning Ffleming returns with another compelling tale, a stand-alone historical saga, with memorable, deeply realized characters, genuine surprises, and family intrigue.
The young and resilient Laurel Whitman has always struggled with her father’s disdain toward her. But when a small incident ignites Calvin Whitman’s rage, resulting in Laurel thrown out of the house, the latter knows she must travel to Maryland to see her grandmother and find the reason behind her father’s hate.
Ffleming’s evocation of life in 1800s Maryland is atmospheric and authentic, bringing the era to life, but the heart of the novel is her expertly crafted, multi-layered cast of fictional people, some of them modeled on real historical figures. Readers will easily fall in love with the independent Laurel and spunky Margaret. Evocative, assured prose pulls the reader deep into the intriguing storyline.
The novel is as much about the very nature of the intricacies of familial relationships as it is about the questions of identity, love, trust, betrayal, and revenge.
This is a page-turner.
The young and resilient Laurel Whitman has always struggled with her father’s disdain toward her. But when a small incident ignites Calvin Whitman’s rage, resulting in Laurel thrown out of the house, the latter knows she must travel to Maryland to see her grandmother and find the reason behind her father’s hate.
Ffleming’s evocation of life in 1800s Maryland is atmospheric and authentic, bringing the era to life, but the heart of the novel is her expertly crafted, multi-layered cast of fictional people, some of them modeled on real historical figures. Readers will easily fall in love with the independent Laurel and spunky Margaret. Evocative, assured prose pulls the reader deep into the intriguing storyline.
The novel is as much about the very nature of the intricacies of familial relationships as it is about the questions of identity, love, trust, betrayal, and revenge.
This is a page-turner.
July 9, 2021
Thanks goes to Leigh Fleming for bringing her book, The Truth of the Matter, to my attention. I borrowed it through the Kindle Unlimited program. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.
The Truth of the Matter is a well written novel with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. There are several suspenseful scenes that had me flipping the pages on my Kindle as quickly as possible, breathlessly wanting to know what would happen next. It’s clear Ms. Fleming did a lot of research on this period of the world, which added greatly to my enjoyment.
Laurel Whitman is the heroine, and she’s a strong independent woman who hasn’t let her abusive father break her spirit. I quickly became vested in her character, and I admired the steel in her backbone. Now her stubborn side leads her into a horrifying situation that could have left her a broken woman, but fortunately, she manages to escape with the help of her friend.
Cillian O’Brien is the hero, and I loved his character, He refuses to give up on Laurel, even though she is so determined to find her grandmother on her own and thank goodness he does, or Laurel would have been hurt badly. I admired his steadfastness and devotion to her.
This is a family saga with complex relationships and some of them caused a great deal of pain. The grandmother’s choices had a huge impact on her son, Laurel’s father, which explains why he was so hard on Laurel.
I was glad Laurel learned her grandmother’s secret because she would have always been baffled by her father. This book shows that there are always two sides to every story, and that’s it’s important to dig beneath the surface.
While there is a love story, it isn’t the central theme of the plot, but I did want to see Cillian get the girl. I loved his style and loyalty to Laurel, and even though, her father is terrifying, he did not back down. That earned him a special place in my heart.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong female protagonist and compelling secondary characters, then you will love The Truth of the Matter as much as I did. While this is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Fleming, it will not be the last. Happy reading!
The Truth of the Matter is a well written novel with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. There are several suspenseful scenes that had me flipping the pages on my Kindle as quickly as possible, breathlessly wanting to know what would happen next. It’s clear Ms. Fleming did a lot of research on this period of the world, which added greatly to my enjoyment.
Laurel Whitman is the heroine, and she’s a strong independent woman who hasn’t let her abusive father break her spirit. I quickly became vested in her character, and I admired the steel in her backbone. Now her stubborn side leads her into a horrifying situation that could have left her a broken woman, but fortunately, she manages to escape with the help of her friend.
Cillian O’Brien is the hero, and I loved his character, He refuses to give up on Laurel, even though she is so determined to find her grandmother on her own and thank goodness he does, or Laurel would have been hurt badly. I admired his steadfastness and devotion to her.
This is a family saga with complex relationships and some of them caused a great deal of pain. The grandmother’s choices had a huge impact on her son, Laurel’s father, which explains why he was so hard on Laurel.
I was glad Laurel learned her grandmother’s secret because she would have always been baffled by her father. This book shows that there are always two sides to every story, and that’s it’s important to dig beneath the surface.
While there is a love story, it isn’t the central theme of the plot, but I did want to see Cillian get the girl. I loved his style and loyalty to Laurel, and even though, her father is terrifying, he did not back down. That earned him a special place in my heart.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong female protagonist and compelling secondary characters, then you will love The Truth of the Matter as much as I did. While this is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Fleming, it will not be the last. Happy reading!
April 19, 2021
Laurel has always wondered why her father banished her from her home. Perhaps she can learn the truth from her grandmother. An intriguing story that left me wanting more.
June 9, 2021
A motivational story with moving characters. Laurel Whitman is a brave heroine to admire, and Cillian O'Brien is a sweet hero to adore.
Author Leigh Fleming keeps you engaged, startled, worried, and on the edge-of-your-seat from the beginning of this historical fiction novel. This first stand-alone story takes us to 1877 and the world of Laurel Whitman; an artist with dreams of using her art skills to earn money and provide a career in design. Her dreams are ridiculed by her father, a brute who tells her she's just like his whore of a mother, and Laurel is determined to find out the truth about her grandmother and the past.
We find Laurel working in the factories feeding the looms ten hours a day and attending art school at night three times a week. Her wages are shared with her mother and brothers, and she is determined to make her dreams come true. When her father all but throws her out of the house, Laurel knows that making it to her grandmother in Maryland might be the only chance to rectify the rift and figure out why he hates her so much.
On the way there and even after she arrives, things don't go quite as planned. Through her misjudged moments, her continual strength, and the support of her friend Cillian O'Brien, Laurel learns some life lessons about how our actions can hold us hostage.
Although her grandmother is displeased to see her at first - refusing to answer any questions, she eventually warms up to Laurel. Before long, Laurel is obtaining the stories of her grandmother's past and the people most involved in her life - including Laurel's father. This retelling consists of conversations between them and the grandmother's journal entries which take you right into the past.
Through the recital, we hear a vivid account of Laurel's grandmother's life, the rise of animosity in her children from her first marriage - including Laurel's father, the conflict, her grandmother's decisions and regret, and the death the ensuing actions created. It's a well-documented history and full of nuances, regrets, joys, and sadness. You learn a great deal and can relate to the characters at hand even more.
Before the end, we're given the understanding of the separation between Maggie Hayward, Laurel's grandmother, and her son. Inevitably, a new conflict emerges, and beyond this scene, new hopes arise. I support the mild explicit warning, but all in all, consider this an excellent story. Well-written with exceptional characters, I'd definitely say I "loved it."
Thanks to Author Leigh Fleming and Reedsy Discovery for providing an ARC copy for me to read and review.
You can find more book reviews on my blog: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
Author Leigh Fleming keeps you engaged, startled, worried, and on the edge-of-your-seat from the beginning of this historical fiction novel. This first stand-alone story takes us to 1877 and the world of Laurel Whitman; an artist with dreams of using her art skills to earn money and provide a career in design. Her dreams are ridiculed by her father, a brute who tells her she's just like his whore of a mother, and Laurel is determined to find out the truth about her grandmother and the past.
We find Laurel working in the factories feeding the looms ten hours a day and attending art school at night three times a week. Her wages are shared with her mother and brothers, and she is determined to make her dreams come true. When her father all but throws her out of the house, Laurel knows that making it to her grandmother in Maryland might be the only chance to rectify the rift and figure out why he hates her so much.
On the way there and even after she arrives, things don't go quite as planned. Through her misjudged moments, her continual strength, and the support of her friend Cillian O'Brien, Laurel learns some life lessons about how our actions can hold us hostage.
Although her grandmother is displeased to see her at first - refusing to answer any questions, she eventually warms up to Laurel. Before long, Laurel is obtaining the stories of her grandmother's past and the people most involved in her life - including Laurel's father. This retelling consists of conversations between them and the grandmother's journal entries which take you right into the past.
Through the recital, we hear a vivid account of Laurel's grandmother's life, the rise of animosity in her children from her first marriage - including Laurel's father, the conflict, her grandmother's decisions and regret, and the death the ensuing actions created. It's a well-documented history and full of nuances, regrets, joys, and sadness. You learn a great deal and can relate to the characters at hand even more.
Before the end, we're given the understanding of the separation between Maggie Hayward, Laurel's grandmother, and her son. Inevitably, a new conflict emerges, and beyond this scene, new hopes arise. I support the mild explicit warning, but all in all, consider this an excellent story. Well-written with exceptional characters, I'd definitely say I "loved it."
Thanks to Author Leigh Fleming and Reedsy Discovery for providing an ARC copy for me to read and review.
You can find more book reviews on my blog: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
December 15, 2023
"The Truth of the Matter" by Leigh Flemming is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, family, and self-discovery. Flemming's writing style is both engaging and evocative, drawing readers into a web of secrets and revelations that keeps them hooked from beginning to end. The intricate plot unfolds with skillful precision, offering twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the final pages.
The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is particularly well-crafted, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in her growth and transformation. Flemming skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives that adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative.
Additionally, the author's exploration of themes such as truth, forgiveness, and the consequences of our choices elevates "The Truth of the Matter" beyond a typical genre novel. The book delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of honesty on both personal and interpersonal levels. Overall, Leigh Flemming has crafted a compelling narrative that balances suspense and emotion, making "The Truth of the Matter" a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
~Thanks to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is particularly well-crafted, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in her growth and transformation. Flemming skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives that adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative.
Additionally, the author's exploration of themes such as truth, forgiveness, and the consequences of our choices elevates "The Truth of the Matter" beyond a typical genre novel. The book delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of honesty on both personal and interpersonal levels. Overall, Leigh Flemming has crafted a compelling narrative that balances suspense and emotion, making "The Truth of the Matter" a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
~Thanks to the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 2, 2021
Leigh Fleming delivers a beautifully written story, laced with mystery and romance. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is fluid, sometimes shifting from Laurel’s perspective to her grandmother’s memories.
Laura Whitman is a successful artist, with freckles, red hair, and green eyes, all of which angers her father, as he compares her attributes to Laurel’s grandmother, his mother. As Laurel continues her work at the local mill, and finishes design school, tensions at home become too hostile, and her father throws her out. Determined to find a reason for his unwarranted hatred, Laurel seeks answers with her grandmother.
Her faithful friend, Cillian O’Brien, joins her for part of the journey, but allows her to complete her quest to satisfy her need for independence.
Leigh Fleming wrote this book based on the discoveries she made during her Ancestry.com research, making this book an irresistible, partially true tale. Delicate romances and a family’s saga create a page-turning journey as the reader learns THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER.
Laura Whitman is a successful artist, with freckles, red hair, and green eyes, all of which angers her father, as he compares her attributes to Laurel’s grandmother, his mother. As Laurel continues her work at the local mill, and finishes design school, tensions at home become too hostile, and her father throws her out. Determined to find a reason for his unwarranted hatred, Laurel seeks answers with her grandmother.
Her faithful friend, Cillian O’Brien, joins her for part of the journey, but allows her to complete her quest to satisfy her need for independence.
Leigh Fleming wrote this book based on the discoveries she made during her Ancestry.com research, making this book an irresistible, partially true tale. Delicate romances and a family’s saga create a page-turning journey as the reader learns THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER.
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May 31, 2021The Truth of the Matter by Leigh Fleming
book review by Mary Duke
I really found Leigh’s latest novel to be the best novel she’s written. If you enjoy reading historical fiction with a romantic twist, you will enjoy reading this face-paced novel set in the early 1900s near Philadelphia.
The main characters, Laurel and Cillian, come alive with her vivid descriptions of their strong personalities and family backgrounds. Her ability to paint a vivid picture by her use of descriptive language makes the reader feel they are right there at the scene and anxious to know what is going to happen next.
Leigh also intertwines some women’s rights issues in the novel as she uses her own ancestry in the believable character development to illustrate how perseverance and love can prevail even in difficult situations.
I would highly recommend your reading The Truth of the Matter!
I think it would be a good fit for book clubs or just for personal enjoyment.
book review by Mary Duke
I really found Leigh’s latest novel to be the best novel she’s written. If you enjoy reading historical fiction with a romantic twist, you will enjoy reading this face-paced novel set in the early 1900s near Philadelphia.
The main characters, Laurel and Cillian, come alive with her vivid descriptions of their strong personalities and family backgrounds. Her ability to paint a vivid picture by her use of descriptive language makes the reader feel they are right there at the scene and anxious to know what is going to happen next.
Leigh also intertwines some women’s rights issues in the novel as she uses her own ancestry in the believable character development to illustrate how perseverance and love can prevail even in difficult situations.
I would highly recommend your reading The Truth of the Matter!
I think it would be a good fit for book clubs or just for personal enjoyment.
June 1, 2021
The Truth of the Matter is one of the best books Leigh Fleming has written to date.
This historical fiction takes you on a journey with Laurel Whitman .....a young girl who is treated so unfairly by her father, Calvin. Why does he treat her this way? Why just her and not her siblings?
Her quest for answers takes her to Maryland, to a grandmother she has never met. How would she be received.....would she find the answers she was looking for?
I found myself thinking of Laurel when I wasn't reading this book. She was in my daily thoughts at times ....pulling me back to read and enjoy this book. As I neared the end of the book I found myself wanting more....not wanting it to end.
Curl up and enjoy the journey you will take with this young girl. You will not be disappointed.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
This historical fiction takes you on a journey with Laurel Whitman .....a young girl who is treated so unfairly by her father, Calvin. Why does he treat her this way? Why just her and not her siblings?
Her quest for answers takes her to Maryland, to a grandmother she has never met. How would she be received.....would she find the answers she was looking for?
I found myself thinking of Laurel when I wasn't reading this book. She was in my daily thoughts at times ....pulling me back to read and enjoy this book. As I neared the end of the book I found myself wanting more....not wanting it to end.
Curl up and enjoy the journey you will take with this young girl. You will not be disappointed.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
June 3, 2021
The Truth of the Matter is a vivid description of a young woman seeking to understand her family's history (why does her father treat her poorly? why has she never met her grandmother?) and, in turn, her own desires and interests. Set in the late 1870s in Philadelphia and rural Maryland, Laurel is a strong character grappling with her own independence and desire for a true partner in life; women's rights issues lie just beneath the storytelling. The dialogue is interesting, characters are richly developed, and the story left me wanting more.
I was pleased to discover that the author's research into her ancestry informed this lovely work of fiction. Looking forward to more historical fiction from Leigh Fleming! I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was pleased to discover that the author's research into her ancestry informed this lovely work of fiction. Looking forward to more historical fiction from Leigh Fleming! I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
There was NOTHING I disliked about this book.
I’m a sucker for historical fiction, but the way this tale was spun and the beauty of Leigh Fleming’s writing, it read as if unfolding in the moment.
Laurel (main character) is a strong, clever woman trying to be independent in a time that a woman’s worth was not typically acknowledged.
She’s determined to have the life she wants and the freedoms she chooses, but knows it’s impossible until she has been able to understand and possibly embrace her family’s past.
Laurel is just trying to find her place in life and unknowingly becomes a hero of healing for the generations of her family.
This was such a complete tale, but leaves you wanting more than a peek into the future.
This story unfolds as an uplifting journey through harsh family anger and scandal but with such a wholesome understanding and redemption.
I’m a sucker for historical fiction, but the way this tale was spun and the beauty of Leigh Fleming’s writing, it read as if unfolding in the moment.
Laurel (main character) is a strong, clever woman trying to be independent in a time that a woman’s worth was not typically acknowledged.
She’s determined to have the life she wants and the freedoms she chooses, but knows it’s impossible until she has been able to understand and possibly embrace her family’s past.
Laurel is just trying to find her place in life and unknowingly becomes a hero of healing for the generations of her family.
This was such a complete tale, but leaves you wanting more than a peek into the future.
This story unfolds as an uplifting journey through harsh family anger and scandal but with such a wholesome understanding and redemption.
May 5, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the late 1870s, The Truth of the Matter tells the story of young Laurel Whitman, who is rejected by her father and forced to leave the comfort of her family home in the bustling city of Philadelphia to seek answers from an absent grandmother. A perilous journey leads her to the family farm in rural Maryland, where Laurel finds her grandmother close to death. Part love story, it becomes an adventure of understanding the prejudices of her grandmother's past in order to try to mend her family and establish a future for Laurel.
It was a great read (very hard to put down!) and I will look forward to reading other works by Leigh Fleming.
Set in the late 1870s, The Truth of the Matter tells the story of young Laurel Whitman, who is rejected by her father and forced to leave the comfort of her family home in the bustling city of Philadelphia to seek answers from an absent grandmother. A perilous journey leads her to the family farm in rural Maryland, where Laurel finds her grandmother close to death. Part love story, it becomes an adventure of understanding the prejudices of her grandmother's past in order to try to mend her family and establish a future for Laurel.
It was a great read (very hard to put down!) and I will look forward to reading other works by Leigh Fleming.
January 19, 2022
My favourite type of story - the past impinging on the present. Set in 19th century Baltimore and its outskirts, it is the story of Laurel, a modern young woman who wants to be different to women of the generation before her. She wants a career and the means to be as independent as she can be. The journey that Laurel takes in order to find the family from which she has been estranged, is also the story of how she helps to heal the rifts and find the inner strength that she needs to pursue the life she wants. A varied and interesting story - based on the author's own discovery of events in her family background. Very enjoyable. This is my honest review of the book. Thanks to the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free copy.
May 28, 2021
Author Leigh Fleming grabbed my attention from the very first page, and kept it throughout with a fast-paced, realistic story. The characters rang true to me, and I found myself rooting for them, which is why I read books, to be honest, so that I can immerse myself in the story. It was so interesting to read about the time period of the book--I found myself wondering what I would have done if I had been in Laurel's place. While there were some uncomfortable moments that had me squirming, this is, at heart, a love story. I enjoyed it.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2022
I enjoyed this historical story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. This is a well written story where the characters not only kept the story engaging but brought the story to life on each page. I enjoyed being pulled into the story and how fast paced the characters kept the story. This is a hard to put down story that I really enjoyed. There is alot going on in this story but the author did a great job of keeping the story flowing and easy to read. This is a story that is full of secrets, suspense and a forbidden passion. This is a great pick up and worth the read. I highly recommend this book.
June 5, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book kept me engaged and curious about what would happen next, and it was a light, easy read. This is the type of book where there isn’t much on the periphery and you are focused only on what you are reading. It is a great book if you want an escape. The only con is that I wasn’t a big fan of the main character, as she was trying to be a strong, independent woman but she came off as immature and a little cringy at times. Overall, I recommend it.
June 26, 2021
Love it when one of our local authors hits a home run!
Having read most of Leigh Fleming’s other works, I was prepared for a similar story telling vein. I am glad I was wrong!
The Truth of the Matter is an excellent historical fiction work with just the right amounts of romance and intrigue. The stories of the hardships of the time, the plight of women, family mystery (and how that plays out)and the will there or won’t there be a Laurel and Cillian romance all serve to make this work my favorite of Fleming’s thus far.
Don’t miss this one!
Having read most of Leigh Fleming’s other works, I was prepared for a similar story telling vein. I am glad I was wrong!
The Truth of the Matter is an excellent historical fiction work with just the right amounts of romance and intrigue. The stories of the hardships of the time, the plight of women, family mystery (and how that plays out)and the will there or won’t there be a Laurel and Cillian romance all serve to make this work my favorite of Fleming’s thus far.
Don’t miss this one!
July 21, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It has romance, history, mystery and a page turning plot that you don't want to put down. I forced myself, at the last few chapters, to set the book aside for a bit because I didn't want it to end. Laurel is such a beautiful, loving, strong young woman who you want to take in your arms and guide her through all the meanness and trials she encounters. As she goes on her journey, you observe her grit and enjoy her triumphs. This is a book that I will keep and reread again and again. I look forward to reading more from Leigh Fleming.
May 27, 2021
This book has it all! From suspense, drama, romance, history, critical character development and eloquent phrasing. The writing of author Leigh Fleming reminds me of the way Pat Conroy could draw you in and capture your attention with beautiful words and interesting sentence structure and of course a new and compelling story. I hope you will add this to your summer-beach reading list. I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest Review of this book.
June 6, 2021
This book helped me get through this pandemic by taking me away to a different world! In that world, I fell in love with the main character Laurel Whitman. She is strong, kind, brave and incredibly determined! I didn’t want to put this book down. I also didn’t want it to end! I totally recommend this book to take you away from any stress in your own life and get totally emersed in Laurel’s life! Leigh is a superb author! Tess Rizzardi
January 26, 2022
This is the engrossing story of Laurel and her journey to find out more about her grandmother and the past. She is hoping to find out why her father is abusive to her. She survives the perilous journey with help from Cillian. It is entertaining, suspenseful, and a page turner with a lot of family drama. A fascinating read that I highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
June 4, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review.
Lovers of historical fiction this one is for you. The story of Laurel Whitman and her family’s past will draw you in. I’m giving it 4 stars as I thought it was a little slow in the beginning, but boy does the story take off when Laurel heads to Maryland. Give it a read. It’s worth the price of admission.
Lovers of historical fiction this one is for you. The story of Laurel Whitman and her family’s past will draw you in. I’m giving it 4 stars as I thought it was a little slow in the beginning, but boy does the story take off when Laurel heads to Maryland. Give it a read. It’s worth the price of admission.
July 27, 2021
I was drawn into this story from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. The characters are so well developed and believable and the plot is very intriguing. It’s a very entertaining, fast paced, historical family drama. I really enjoyed this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review*
June 2, 2021
My favorite of Leigh’s books and I have read them all! This one really captured my attention from the first page! A great book to start the summer of reading! I received the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2021
A wonderfully written story about family secrets, grudges, forgiveness, and coming to terms with the truth. Set in the mid to late 1800’s with the main characters being strong independent women and the men who either wanted to rule over them or those who loved and supported them.
June 3, 2021
I was given an advance copy to give an honest review. I loved the book. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. I loved the descriptive words. The characters came alive!!!
July 12, 2021
Started out well. But the ending seems dragged out.
Want to read
March 29, 2021When a young woman’s father banishes her into the night, she embarks on a quest to learn the source of her father’s hatred, and discovers a grandmother shrouded in mystery.
To be released June 5, 2021. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle Unlimited.
To be released June 5, 2021. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle Unlimited.
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