Such a wonderful novel. I fell in love with the characters. My favorite part ... "John had gone on a search for his parents. And he'd found them.
Here they were.
Here is where they'd always been."
Beautiful.

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

This was a great read. The reader will enjoy the storyline. The characters are easy to relate to and will surely enjoy reading about Nora and the work she does.

After a heartbreak three years ago, Nora Bradford chucked herself into her work as the owner of the local Historical village complex which I thought personally was excellent and wish that we could have that with our local historical village. It used to be a museum and now due to rent prices a lot of the shops have closed. Nora's sister Britt tells Nora that she needs some fun and new experiences in her life which leads her to play a hostage in a hostage stimulation being operated by Lawson Training. With Nora's expertise, John decides that he wants to hire her as he is trying to track down his birth mother. Nora agrees and loves spending time with John - may be a bit too much as he has a girlfriend, Allie. I loved this book as one of my favorite things to read is stories of characters trying to do genealogy and find their birth parents. I wonder if that's because my dad never knew anything of his father except his name and I have always wondered what it would have been like to find him or discover that my dad has siblings. The other thing that I loved about this book was the relationship between the sisters as though they were half-sisters they all loved one another strongly. The other thing on a more edgier note was the connection between John's biological father and Nora's mother, Robin. This part of the story made me go OMG as it could have been a tie-breaker for their relationship, but it proved that when love is pure and meant to be it can overcome even the biggest of obstacles. I am now looking forward to reading Nora's sister's stories, but can already tell that out of the three Bradford Sisters - Nora is my favorite as she seems more like myself.

True to You by Becky Wade
A contemporary romance. Nora starts off as a bit of a pitiable character – a librarian who is jilted by her fiancé and resigned to be an auntie. Then we learn that she’s a community0minded business women who owns a whole village. Her quirky ways start to become endearing.
John is a hero – a forever Navy seal who saved lives in war. He goes on a search to find the truth of his birth parents.
Throw in an English actor in a period drama and two interesting sisters ready for their own stories to be told and you have the start of a trilogy.
I liked that the characters got together romantically with a good chunk of the book left, for the story could then explore what “happily ever after” looks like when the characters face drama and hardship.

True to You by Becky Wade is the first full book in her new “The Bradford Sisters” series that is published by Bethany House. I say “first full book” because Wade released a free e-book novella prequel to the series also, entitled Then Came You.

I have been a huge fan of Wade’s since her first book, My Stubborn Heart, and I loved her Porter Brother Series. I was a little nervous about the change from Texas-themed stories to Washington. I know the author did a lot of research, and that does shine through, but the stories didn’t have the same–or even a similar–feel to them. So far (from the novella and the first novel), this series has a much more serious undertone than the previous series from Wade, even though the previous series also tackled some tough issues, like PTSD. Whereas the previous series still had a light-hearted feel to it, this series left me a little more down at the end of the first book, even though all turned out well (or with hopes for turning out well throughout the rest of the series). I didn’t connect with the characters as much, and the plot moved a little slowly for me, but I still plan to read the rest of this series, as I have hopes for it to pick up a little more. Perhaps Wade is just trying to get into the swing of things in a new setting with new characters (although I did recognize one secondary character as being from Her One and Only, and I am excited to see where his story goes as this series continues.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review through Net Galley. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This is such a well written story! I wasn't sure what to think of Nora at first, but she grew on me. I thought that, while the twists in the story were a bit far fetched, they were well written. I look forward to reading the other books in this series!

A fun new series is out about 3 sisters called A Bradford Sisters Romance. The first book, True to You, is about Nora Bradford who is too busy with being a genealogist and operating her historical village to worry about starting a relationship. She has sworn off men since being hurt three years ago by a man she thought loved her. The other main character of the book, John Lawson, is a former Navy SEAL who has many questions about his past. When an inherited medical condition takes him by surprise, he realizes that he must find out anything he can about who he inherited this condition from. The only problem is he doesn't know his past because he was adopted.
Through a chance encounter, John meets Nora and finds out about her expertise as a genealogist.

This story was fun to read. It made me smile at various times with their humorous banter and crazy situations. The characters each grow and change throughout the story. I appreciated the way the author brought in biblical concepts that changed the character's thinking. When facing situations that they thought they could control, the characters realized that ultimately only God can satisfy and lead them in the right way. They needed to trust Him. The story is a great encouragement and shows that when life isn't going as you expected, God is still the One you can trust with everything. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and reading about Nora's sisters, Britt and Willow. Also, there is a prequel to this series called Then Came You which you can find as a free e-book or purchase a paperback copy. Find it all the online links on Becky Wade's site by clicking here.

***I received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Amazing. True to You was absolutely amazing. The opening scene was memorable and grabbed my attention and the book just continued to get better and better up until the phenomenal ending.

The characters were so endearing. John and his search for his birth mother tugged on my emotions and there were a couple scenes that really got to me. I loved Nora and her sisters, so I can hardly wait to read the books about them.

All in all, a moving story. I think it is Wade's best and my favorite. I definitely recommend it! It's going on my favorites' shelf. ;)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

I was feeling the need to read something light and fluffy, and I thought Becky Wade's True to You might be just the ticket. And it was, at first. It starts off with a meet cute between a quirky librarian and a very attractive ex-SEAL. She's got baggage from her broken engagement and dresses all baggy, she's instantly crushing on him but he has a girlfriend. But as a genealogist she has skills he needs to track down his biological parents, though he doesn't reveal that he has a pressing need for their medical histories.

I adored them, both Nora and John, and Nora's family and co-workers add fun and interest to the story. Nora's grandmother is a downer (perfectly setting up her laugh out loud funny text after her 80th birthday party) but her sisters are fabulous (loved the text messages between the three sisters), and we even meet their potential love interest and my curiosity is piqued for their stories.
Nora is a wonderful character, and though both she and John are christians, it is her seeking after God and trying to keep her head and heart right about her singleness (and perhaps her cottage filled with books) that had me smiling. That and her tendency to gush over her favorite historical drama (though that has some surprise complications in store) and to use blurt out (though mostly in the narration of her thoughts) amusing exclamations. But we know going into it that eventually she will get her ex-SEAL and that his diagnosis, whenever it is revealed to the reader or to Nora, will lead to touching scenes. But then, to quote Nora, Great Scott! do things take a non-light and non-fluffy turn.

What could have been just another amusing and sweet contemporary romance has a devastating twist that I didn't quite see coming. Their faith and their undeclared love are tried and tested.

Throughout this story, there is a constant seeking of love and truth and a seeking after God. Though at certain points I thought I had reached what could have served as an ending, it was worth continuing on to experience this story in full with all of its humor and heartache. Now to go back and read the prequel novella, though a bit of it has been revealed in backstory. I was thinking I might not continue with this series, but now I'm certain I will. Highly recommended.

This review refers to a library e-book, though I was previously approved to read an e-galley courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nora Bradford is an introverted, history fanatic, book worm who in attempt to be more adventurous accompanies her sister to a hostage training session. There she meets the striking John Lawson, who happens to need her special set of skills. Despite the initial attraction there were a couple of things standing in the way of a relationship between them. Namely, the fact that John was in a relationship and also the reason that he was looking for his birth mother in the first place. The search for his birth mother drew them closer together but also uncovered information that brought up a lot of questions for the both of them.
The book started of a bit slow for me, as the first book in the series there was a lot that had to be set, the reader needed to understand the characters and their relationship with each other. I loved Nora’s relationship with her sisters; having sisters myself it helped me relate to the character. I’m also a huge fan of reading.
Being able to relate with the leading lady in the book was just the start. The latter part of the book had me looking inward. Looking at my trust in God and also what my identity was founded in. Inspirational novels are great for entertainment, but there are also lessons to be learnt and I learnt a lot in this book from both of the main characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers who provided me with a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion

I enjoyed the book. It was a little slow in places but the setting was unique and storyline was good. I enjoyed the heroine especially. Worth the read!

Review is also at Amazon.

How can I even begin to write a review that is good enough for this incredible book? With its perfectly down-to-earth, normal characters (at least most of them) and a plot that covers the reality of life and its heights and depths, “True to You” is a book I will remember for awhile.

Nora Bradford is the middle of three sisters and has always felt somewhat lacking compared to the other two. After a crushing breakup, she decided she didn’t need romance in her life and buried herself in books and her work. After a few years Nora was becoming a lonely soul but had no idea how to turn her life around. Her historical village should be enough for her – shouldn’t it?

On the surface former Navy Seal John Lawson seems to be the exact opposite of somewhat quirky Nora. He is a serious businessman invested in up-to-date methods and technology. But Nora is uniquely qualified to help John in his search for answers about an inherited disease and surely spending a little time with her can’t hurt.

I was enthralled with “True to You”. Each poignant scene, every romantic scene, and all the humorous ones worked together perfectly for a natural story that touched my heart. I loved the conversations between John and Nora as I watched them slowly drawn closer to each other and I loved seeing into their hearts and their caring natures. I laughed and I cried and it was all good.

What a perfect story about learning to trust God during the good times and the bad times. “True to You” is an absolute work of art and I eagerly await book two in this series.

In book one of her Bradford Sisters Romance Series, Becky Wade has done it again. Wade has written a charming and delightful story that readers will absolutely love from page one. With a spunky red-headed genealogy librarian and a former Navey SEAL that form an unlikely romance, readers are guaranteed to fall in love with these excellent characters. Not only is this story one that will touch the heart of readers and inspire them, it will cause them to laugh as well. Readers of Wade’s previous stories will not be disappointed with this new novel. In fact, this may be Wade’s best story yet.

Series: Bradford Sisters Romance
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: May 2, 2017
Number of pages: 368

​Other books in the series:
0.5-Then Came You

This book totally wrecked my heart! The story had so some much depth to it that there was no way I was coming out of this with my emotions intact. I was literally crying by the end of it because of one particular moment with one of the main characters. This was such a heartfelt, faith-filled, and touching book.

John and Nora will always hold a place in my little book-shaped heart. Becky did a wonderful job with these characters, their backgrounds, their realness in personality and how they reacted in certain situations, and just their overall growth throughout the novel. I also enjoyed the relationships between the Bradford Sisters because in all honesty, it sorta reminds me of the relationship I have with my little sisters. I loved it.

Becky did a very tasteful job describing and dealing with real-life situations and circumstances. It's one of the reasons she's one of my most favorite authors.

This was fantastically written and I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series!

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary romances, Navy SEALS, and quirky heroines.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for giving me a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

If ever a hero was "swoon-worthy", Medal of Honor winner, John Lawson, is him. Subject of the book (and movie) "Uncommon Courage", John's exploits are the stuff of legend. When Nora Bradford meets him during a mock-hostage rescue, she's so stunned in his presence that she freezes and he's forced to carry her out. One sniff of John's manly scent and Nora loses her heart. Too bad he's already got a girlfriend.

John's newly-diagnosed medical condition sends him on a search for his birth mother. Who better to help with that search than researcher-extraordinaire, Nora? As they work together, John is fascinated by Nora. Her vocabulary is a constant source of consternation and her fashion sense comes directly from the 50s and 60s - think Lucille Ball. Why then can't he stop thinking about her?

Nora's self-esteem is in tatters after her fiancé's defection. The only place she feels confident is in her historic village - a gift from her father - and especially the library. She has no wish to be the "other woman" since her life had been damaged by one so she pours her heart into fictional men, especially the characters in her favorite PBS drama, "Northamptonshire." What happens when fiction meets fact and BOTH men of her dreams choose her?

The twist in this story is a doozy and that's ALL I'll say about it! I laughed, I cried, I fumed, I rejoiced as I read Nora's story. This is a fabulous not-to-be-missed beginning to Becky Wade's Bradford sisters trilogy!

Courtesy Disclaimer: You’re about to venture into the portion of this post consisting of excessive gushing and extreme fangirling. Consider yourself warned. 😉

Okay. Now that the caution is out of the way – here goes.

True to You is my favorite Becky Wade story to date! It is! And trust me, my declaration is not unfounded. There are several reasons that uphold my claim.

One- Nora!

Who doesn’t love a librarian as a heroine? But what seals my adoration is how relatable her character is. For me, if I can identify with a main character early on, then I’m excited for the reading journey ahead. Nora Bradford was one I could see me being friends with. She’s sweet-natured, caring, and—my personal favorite—obsessed with British television. We’d get along great! I love her awkwardness with the hero at early encounters and the transformation to ease and fun banter with the giant navy seal as the story progresses.

Two- John!

As if I wasn’t going to mention the Navy Seal! Here’s my favorite thing about John–HIS JOURNEY. (Yes all caps were necessary 😉 ) He embarks on the sensitive task of discovering his birth mother with Nora’s assistance, and along the way he uncovers truth about himself. It was intriguing and out of this revelation came the most important element of the story. (besides the romance)

The Spiritual Theme.

Becky weaves strong spiritual themes into all her novels, and this one is no exception. It is one that stuck with me. And that is—our identity is in Christ. It doesn’t matter what your background is or even who your natural parents are. If you’re a Christian, you’re a new creature, old things have passed away behold all things have become new. This surety keeps us stable through rough circumstances. So glad Becky brought this truth out in her story. After reading this novel, I even saw the title in a whole new light. True to You. Yes, there’s that beautiful romancey tone about being true and loyal to the one your heart loves, but there is also another meaning. Being true to “you” – the individual. True to the person God created in His image, to recognize your true identity in Jesus.

And now, do you think I could finish this review without mentioning the romance? Umm, never. The tender relationship between Nora and John was heartfelt, beautiful, and, at moments, humorous. The chemistry between the two characters were tangible and fun to read. Becky has such talent in bringing a fresh love story that touches your heart and leaves you in anticipation for the next story.

*I was provided a copy from Litfuse Publicity Group. All opinions are my own.

It's always such a delight to dive into a new series by a favorite author. True To You is Becky Wade's latest series that features three sisters. This first book gives us Nora Bradford as our heroine and John Lawson as our hero. The two couldn't be more different. Nora is bookish and loves all things history. John is a here and now type. He is a decorated Navy SEAL and uses that background to further his thriving business.

As with all of Becky's novels, True To You, is at times funny and at others sentimentally touching. Both John and Nora have emotional wounds in their past that cause them to put up walls around their hearts. When the truth would set them free they choose to hide it. It's a common struggle among each of us that makes this book appealing.

During the course of the story we meet the other two sisters and the significant men in their lives. (A great preview of the stories to come.) We don't actually meet the parents because they are off on a mission trip but we do get a nice glimpse of the girls' grandmother. She's so cranky it's downright funny.

There are many scenes in the book that I love but if I had to pick just one it would be a conversation between John and his birth mother. I loved her insight into the circumstances of his adoption and his life that followed. The dialogue was beautifully written and will definitely strike a chord with readers.

I believe that True To You would make a lovely summer read for your book club. It's a light read without being shallow. To help the discussion along Becky and her publisher have included Questions for Conversation in the back. Even if you're not part of a book group you should snatch this one up as a treat for yourself!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Have you read the novella that goes before this book? I think it's free on Amazon. Totally worth it, and really unique in that it is completely written from letters, and texts, and journals. Not that you need to read it before you read True to You. The novella is about the Bradford sisters' parents, and True to You is the first book in the series and is about the middle sister Nora. I'm so excited for this new series.

Nora was a super fun quirky character. I loved that she was part geeky librarian/genealogist, part really confident smart woman. It was fun to grow with her during the book and to see her realize how much she was hurt and hiding from a past relationship and how she grew stronger in her relationship with the Lord.

So obviously (or maybe not if this is your first Becky Wade novel) this is a Christian fiction novel, and so there is references to religious leanings and personal relationships with the Savior. It blended well with the story and wasn't over-bearing or shove it down your throat.

I will say that I felt bad for John's girlfriend, but I can't say much more without spoilers, so I wish there was more done with that. Also, the ending was fine but I wish there was more. Hopefully with the other two books in the series we will get more information. I'm excited for the other sisters' stories. This was a well done novel.

An awesomely romantic read that evolves into a such a penetrating and heartfelt story. All things you can expect from a Becky Wade plus a whole new depth that made me a bigger fan of her writing.

I enjoyed the bond between the sisters, being that I have two sisters myself and I am the middle child as well. In a such a weird way, I could relate to Nora, a lovable nerd. Her beauty is defined by who she is, not what she looks like and that is why I loved this read.

Wade did a great job peeling away the layers of both Nora and hero, in more ways than one, John. Two imperfect people, living imperfect lives and loved by a perfect God.

Awesome read if you are looking for something a little deeper than your average Christian Fiction Romance, but still full of lighthearted romance.