Thank you Netgalley, Bent Pine Publishing and Bette Lee Crosby for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

Suzanna Duff is not a newbie to life struggles. She lost her mother when she was only ten years old. Her father was not interested in his daughter and Suzanna was left all alone. To protect herself she started lying. With every little lie comes a bigger to cover previous. it was all like a snowball, lies accumulating and accumulating.

To be honest, I struggled at first. I find the plot quite predicable and the flow did not seem smooth. However, about 80 pages in, I realized that I do emphasize with Suzanna and her daughter, and I was looking forward to how the story unravels (even if I kind of knew what would happen). At the end, I even shed a few tears.

I think that A Million Little Lies is a good solid work. I liked characters more than the plot itself. I think that both female and male characters are well developed. If you are a fan of women's fiction and chicklit - give it try, I think you might like it.

You know when you come across a book that you just don't want to put down for any reason, or you read long into the night! This is one of those books. I didn't want it to end. It was a very complex and sweet story about a young girl that gets pregnant in high school. She has a very hard life from 10 years on and her way of making it all seem just a little bit better is to tell lies.

I am not a fan of lying, however, in certain circumstances, sometimes you don't feel like you have a choice. In this book she tells lie upon lie until she starts to believe what she is telling everyone.

I don't want to tell you too much, but what I will tell you is this. THIS is a book that you just gotta read! It takes place in the early 60's when things were a bit more simpler. Going back into a decade where life was all about family, friends and food, is a decade that I would like to visit more often. I don't know about you, but the world of technology is so cold and impersonal feeling sometimes. Take a trip back and delight in this well written and quite the story this summer. Thank you for the opportunity to pre-read this book. Enjoy!

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Suzanna is kicked out of her house when her dad finds out she is pregnant. Her mom has since passed away and the high school football star who got her pregnant now has nothing to do with her. Suzanna moves in with a guy she barely knows, Earl, who is very controlling and abusive. She sneaks away with her daughter, Annie, intending to look up a friend and start her life over. She hitch hikes and ends up in a small town and that is where all the lies begin. She is basically living her life at this point watching over her shoulder. The book started off good but just kept dragging on about halfway through. Just a little too sweet and cute for my tastes.

This heartwarming story poses the question of whether it is ok to lie for the right reasons, Suzanna flees an abusive relationship with her daughter and crosses paths with widow Ida. Suzanna then lies about who she is and unexpectedly becomes attached to Ida.

The title says it all. I should have considered that when choosing to read it. Living on lies is stressful. Throughout the entire book I felt anxious and on edge waiting for Suzanna/Darla Jean’s house of cards to fall, which is the only reason the story kept my attention. This one was not for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

EXCERPT: As Susanna lay in bed waiting for sleep to come, she thought back on the evening and all the promise that lay ahead. She hadn't come to Cousins intending to live a lie but it had happened, and now that lie was turning into reality. She could almost believe her past was truly buried and forgotten. She'd left no evidence behind, taken a few dollars and nothing else. There was no trail for Earl to follow. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing Earl and the dingy little house on Shady Creek Road, but this time they appeared at a distance, further away than she remembered, surrounded by dark pines and shadows that obscured the ugliness of what she'd known.

She breathed a sigh and relaxed into the pillow, assuring herself that Susanna Duff was actually disappearing. She was a woman who had simply rolled away like a lost marble. Gone. Completely and forever.

ABOUT THIS BOOK: When Suzanna Duff was ten years old, she lost her mama, and that’s when the lies began. At first, they were just harmless little fibs, a way to hide her unbearable loneliness and the truth about a daddy who came home rip-roaring drunk every night. But in time, the lies grew bigger and now, when she is a grown woman with a daughter of her own, they threaten to destroy everything she loves.

The irony of this situation is that Suzanna never planned to stay in Georgia, she was simply passing through, looking for a fresh start in New Jersey. Attending that wake with her daughter Annie, was a fluke. An opportunity to enjoy a free meal. It should have entailed nothing more than a solemn nod and a brief expression of sympathy but, Ida Parker, the grieving widow mistook her for her the granddaughter who was carried off as an infant. Too embarrassed to do anything else, Suzanna played along. What harm was there in pretending to be someone else for a few hours? Hours turned into days and days into weeks; strangers became friends, love happened, and before long a year had flown by.

Now the past is standing on her doorstep and Suzanna must decide to leave here and disappear as she has done before, or tell the truth and break the hearts of those she loves most.

MY THOUGHTS: A Million Little Lies is my first ever Bette Lee Crosby book and I enjoyed it. The characters are warm and homely, people who may be struggling but are doing the best that they can with what they have. That's not to say that there aren't some thoroughly unlikable ones amongst them - there are. Like Bobby. I can see why he would have appealed to a teenaged Susanna, but as an adult, a mother? Susanna, what were you thinking? But then I guess that the reader has the advantage of seeing things that Susanna can't possibly know.

This is one of those warm-hearted, feel good stories with a few little twists to keep the reader on their toes. It's simple, sweet, charming and very Southern. I could hear that drawl in every word I read.

While I don't know that this story is entirely believable, it is extremely entertaining. This won't be the last book that I read by this author.

😍😍😍😍

#AMillionLittleLies #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby's books are "Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances." - Midwest Book Review

The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."

Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down."

"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, "My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write."

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bent Pine Publishing (IBPA) for providing a digital ARC of A Million Little Lies by Bette Lee Crosby for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage

A beautiful story with wonderful characters come together to bring this beautiful novel to life from one of my favorite authors. Like all Bette Lee books, its people are picturesque with history and very beautiful. The gap is familiar and brings many emotions and life lessons. Simple human characters in a unique story where the protagonists, the events and the setting lead you to feel part of them.

"There's all kinds of families, Darla Jean. Some people are born into belonging to one another, and that's their family. But there's another kind of family, one created by people who love each other and are willing to hold onto what they've found. We're that kind of family."

Leaving an abusive relationship, Suzanne Duff and her daughter, Annie were just passing through Georgia. On their way to New York, they had to wait just one day, but they were both hungry and their stomachs led them to a wake where a chance encounter with Ida Parker changed all their lives forever. When Ida mistakenly takes Suzanne for her long-lost granddaughter, Suzanne plays along never knowing where one simple mistake and a lie would lead.

I have read quite a few Bette Lee Crosby books and I have enjoyed every single one. Her books are full of Southern Charm, wisdom, a sense of family and characters striving to do the best they can with what they have. She is a gifted storyteller who relies on the strength of her storytelling and not on cheap gimmicks, twists from out of left field. There are never any gratuitous scenes in her books or excessive language making them appealing to a wide array of readers. Her characters deal with real life issues and her story lines are reverent, believable, and never feel rushed. Her main characters are likable, endearing and charming.

"I'd love you just the same regardless of what your call yourself. I love you because of the kind of person you are, not because of your name."

This book deals with several issues but it all comes down to family as it does in many of Crosby's books. If you are not familiar with this Author, you should be. Her books are uplifting, deal with reverent issues, have wit, wisdom, kindness, and charm. Her characters are striving for better and learn important life lessons. This is a feel-good book which was much appreciated.

Thank you to Bent Pine Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved A Million Little Lies!!!!!!!!!!!  Ms Bette sure knows how to tell a great feel good story in her signature style. If you haven't read any of her books you are seriously missing out!!!!!!! In this book we have young mother Susanna, she has had a rough life but always tries to do right by her daughter. Well after leaving a terrible relationship she stumbles upon a little town and a family she never dreamed of. Well she starts off with one little lie based on mistaken identity and then one lie turns in another & another until its snowballed from there. Susanna isn't sure how it's all gonna turn out but it was all in good intentions for her child. Thank you to Netgalley and Bent Pine Publishing for my honest review

Have you ever tried to reinvent yourself? Would you want to? Suzanna has certainly not had an easy life. I think you have to admire her for her focus being on taking care of and doing the best she could for Annie. Does this make it right? This book is a great read. I could feel the anxiety that Suzanna was feeling and I could feel the love that Ida had for Bill, Darla Sue, and Annie. I do enjoy it when I feel like I’m right there with the characters. Loved the story and loved these characters! I received an ARC copy through NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Bette Lee Crosby has done it again with a beautifully written book that I devoured in two sittings. A story of hard times for a young girl who had to grow up quicker than anyone should have to. One little white lie was all that it took to snowball into more and more lies. I enjoyed the characters and the setting along with the storyline. The author writes with a southern charm that's delightful to read.
I've never read a book by Bette Lee Crosby that I didn't like and this one was no exception!
Special thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for granting me an arc at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and are voluntary.

Another winner from Bette Lee Crosby! A young mother fleeing an abusive relationship with her young daughter. The million little lies that come back to haunt her as she does what she has to to survive to give her daughter what she never had. Parts of the book can bring you to tears as you root for her To succeed!

As Suzanna flees an abusive living situation, her main priority is to provide a better life for her young daughter Annie. Little does she know that a seemingly innocent deception will lead to an unexpected new life and identity built upon one lie after another. Will she ever be able to reveal the truth to the people she has come to love and cherish? I quickly became immersed in this novel and plan to read more by Bette Lee Crosby. Thanks to NetGalley and Bent Pine Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A LIFETIME OF LIES!

Author Bette Lee Crosby has brought another dynamic gift for her readers! A MILLION LITTLE LIES is a story of woman and her young child who find their way into a wake. They were immediately mistaken to be missing family members and immediately enveloped into a family filled with love, acceptance, encouragement, comfort, and a home - all the things that the two had never experienced! The woman only meant to stay overnight. Maybe a week. Okay a month. What would it hurt to stay longer? With each passing day, her persona of “Darla Jean” grows deeper into being who she really is. How long can she continue to live like this before her lies catch up with her? A story of love, loss, redemption and grace. A story of new beginnings and bright tomorrows.

My favorite quote from this book is:

“There’s all kinds of families, Darla Jean. Some people are born into belonging to one another, and that’s their family. But there’s another kind of family, one created by people who love each other and are willing to hold onto what they’ve found. We’re that kind of family.”

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bent Pine Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

Loneliness is a powerful thing. We’ve all been lonely but I hope not so many of us have been as heartbreakingly lonely as Suzanna. All her life. No one since her mama has really seemed to care about her. She has the love of her daughter Annie but that is not the same as the love of other adults, having relationships. And lying is a powerful thing, too. When is it okay to lie? Ever? Never? Under what circumstances?

There is such a sense of suspense throughout the book, right up until the very end. Will Suzanna get to be happy? Will her lies be found out and take away the warm feeling now encasing her and throw her back into the cold? And as important – will Suzanna make some downright stupid decisions based on her old understanding of things or how she thinks things “should” be?

I had to remind myself that this was 1960 – if women are restrained and constrained and put down now, picture it then. And I also had to remind myself just how young Suzanna still was and how limited her experience and world view were. No high school diploma, no work experience except for that short time at the snack shack, no freedom, no close friends. Her life had been a virtual prison since the time her mother died. Her father was cruel and heartless, abusive. So was Earl. He may have thought he loved Suzanna but it was a physical attraction, ownership, controlling and Annie meant less than nothing to him. It is amazing that being held down as she was for most of her life Suzanna found the courage to leave at all.

And the lies. She saw Annie happy, loved, content, and she felt the same. But the lies didn’t come easy Her goal, what she hoped to gain was all about feelings, not money or possessions.

A Million Little Lies was Inspiring, heartwarming, and often just plain scary. There is such a strong plot and interesting cast of well-developed, believable characters that I was hooked from the start, not knowing what would happen but sure of what I wished for. Any book by author Bette Lee Crosby is always a treat, and this is no exception. She tells such a wonderful story about people you don’t want to let go of. I received an advance copy of A Million Little Lies from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Book Review: (ARC) A Million Little Lies by author, Bette Lee Crosby
Expected Release: June 16, 2020

I 've had the pleasure of reading several of Ms. Crosby's novels, and each one is an impressive gift~ from her heart to the reader.

A Million Little Lies is an emotional story of finding yourself in the midst of loss, hurt, and anguish and the lengths one will go to for the one thing we all desire, love.

Suzanna Duff, our protagonist, and one of the many lovable characters within this story, finds out quickly as a young girl that a lie will lead to another, and another... Her biggest lie could ultimately bring her to "goodbye." Goodbye to the life she's finally found, a life she stumbled upon as a single mother to her sweet Annie, while escaping from the clutches of a bad decision named, Earl.

Ms. Crosby has woven a heartwarming, yet suspenseful Southern Fiction tale into one that will steal your heart. A story written with the grace and style of writing all her own.

A Million Little Lies will not only lead you on a journey to love, but to experience how in life nothing ever comes easy~ and the truth, will always set you free...

5 Stars

#BetteLeeCrosby
#AMillionLittleLies
#BentPinePublishing

Wild Sage Book Blog
Novels N Latte Book Club

If you are looking for a good southern fiction novel, look no further than this book.  I think I have read everything by this author and I have yet to be disappointed.

What happens when you start a new life based on lies?  Can you keep up with the lies you have told so you don't get caught?  That is what Suzanna is having to face and it doesn't help when you have a young child that doesn't understand what needs to be kept secret and what you can say to others.  Add on to that the woman that has taken in her in believing that she is her granddaughter.  Is it Ida's desire to not be alone that has her convinced, or is there more to the situation?

This book is set in the 1960s which allowed Suzanna to get away with more than you probably could today.  No social media, no cell phones, no internet, none of the modern technology that we have today.  In fact, when she gets a job there is no checking social security numbers to make sure you have the right person working for you.

As I read this book, I could feel empathy for Suzanna and what she endured when she discovered she was pregnant, the father walking out on her and not taking responsibility, the way her own father kicked her out of the house because of her situation, and ending up with someone that didn't treat her well.  But I applaud her pluckiness in getting out of the situation she was in and off to find something better for her and her daughter.

Despite many positive characters in the book, it wouldn't be complete without a few antagonists.  Earl and Bobby and not the kind of people you want to inhabit your life.  Earl is a drunk and Bobby is something of a misogynist.  Bobby doesn't hate women, he just believes no woman can resist him.  Talk about your ego!  But I have to give Bobby props near the end when he actually does something that benefits someone else.  You'll have to read the book to find out what exactly he does right.

There is romance in this book for Suzanna which allows her to see what a real relationship should look like and how women should be treated. 

This is a story that will touch your heart but might also leave you a bit nervous at times when it comes to some tense situations regarding Earl and Bobby.  

We give this 5 paws up.

This is a beautiful story about how a lie turned into love. I loved the deep exploration into Suzanna and Ida’s characters and the relationships they form. Told from multiple perspectives, there are elements of a love story, family drama and suspenseful chase. I was wondering how long those secrets would stay hidden until the very end.

The story begins with Suzanna as a young adult who has lost her mother and her father does not care for anyone but himself. Hopping out of the frying pan into the fire, Suzanna begins a relationship with Earl, who she moves on from. The journey that Suzanna takes is one of small lies and new beginnings. As old suitors look for Suzanna, she begins a new life as Darla Jean where she finds the love she seeks with an elderly woman who give her what she has always wanted, a family for herself and her daughter. But with the lies she has told......will it last and can she find her forever happiness.

This book is written with Bette Lee Crosby's signature southern flair. It is one of those books that tears at your heartstrings and has you rooting for the characters to find what they are looking for.

Every time I read one of Bette Lee Crosby's books, I wonder how she manages to give me the "feels". I am so involved in the story and how it is going to play out.

If you haven't read any of her books, you should give them a try, you will fall in love with her characters and storytelling.

5 stars (less)

Riveting. Had me flipping the pages as fast as I could because I had to know what was going on. Engaging and entertaining.. Enjoy this wonderful book by a great writer. Happy reading!