Title: The Truth of the Matter
Author: Leigh Fleming
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Blurb:
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?
My Review:
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!
My Rating: 5 stars
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Author Biography:
Leigh 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.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.leighfleming.com
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Reviewed by: Mrs. N