Final Review

Suddenly, I'm glad I have someone to be lonely with.(7:02:07)

I'm always delighted when I find a romance with a non-romantic plot. The romance gains complexity as part of the individual character's developmental arcs. When romance unfolds this way in a book, I think it feels so natural and authentic. I was hooked on the love story here!

This book takes on a wide span of material, but it never devolves into chaos. At the same time, the fmc's life is rife with conflict, and things are always going wrong for her. The author is skilled at balancing all this conflict and activity so the book maintains its logical integrity and pace.

I enjoyed this book so much, it was certainly a pleasant surprise. I recommend this to fans of women's fiction, sister stories, enemies to lovers romance, and redemption stories.

So I don't cry. I sigh. I breathe. And I feel like a whole new woman. A "fuck you, Jackson Oakley" kind of woman. Because life is too short to linger in anger. (9:54:12)

"Don't be a statistic. Be an exception to the rule." (10:34:45)

Reading Notes

Four things I loved:

1. I really like it when my romances are about something besides romance, like almost more significant than the romance. In this one, the fmc is going through professional upheaval, which provides significant story tension in the early part of the book.

2. I love the two children, who are both childlike and believable for their ages.

3. I really appreciate and relate to how important these adult sisters are to each other. Their dynamics and choices regarding their relationship feel authentic to me.

4. This book tells good stories, ones I don't encounter very often. One of these that I really appreciate here is the lesson about the fmc's ex. Once a jerk, always a jerk, this book tells us. It's such a good message and I had no idea how much I needed to hear it until I read this book.

Two things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. This fmc starts out to be pretty obnoxious. The opening scene reveals her reciting data figures in a high pitched stutter while she is receiving oral sex from her boss! Definitely introduces major stakes right away, but I found the fmc annoying at first. Thankfully, her character trajectory is one of the primary subplots, so she changes quickly, often, and by great leaps.

2. The narrator, Josie Charles, gives a good reading, but she doesn't have much variation in her voice for performing different characters.

Rating: 🏙🏙🏙🏙 corporate jobs
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Dec 3 '24
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
⚔️ enemies to lovers romance
👩🏼‍🦰 women's fiction
📠 workplace stories
👭🏽 sister stories
🐇 fast-paced

Thank you to the author Luci Adams and publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy IT MUST BE TRUE THEN. I found an accessible (audiobook) copy on Libby. Read by Josie Charles. All views are mine.
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Pre-Read Note:

This is an arc that got away. I've finally figured out how to get accessible copies when NetGalley doesn't provide them. (Please provide accessible files, NetGalley!)

I'm glad to be listening to this finally, though I don't read much romance right now. This one is a compelling character study, so I'm enjoying it so far.

I will update this space as I read.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

Did Not Finish.

I admit I quit after only 3-4 chapters. Each chapter I was cringing. Daisy, our FMC, was just soooo awkward, but not in the cute, endearing way. And since I have decided to stop reading books I don't enjoy, this one was added to the pile of 2024 DNFs.

Daisy’s life is spiraling out of control. After losing her job of 13 years, ending her relationship, and being in the midst of a prolonged fight with her sister, she’s at a breaking point. But a chance encounter with two young girls in a supermarket sparks a chain of events that sends Daisy on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, forcing her to reevaluate everything she thought she wanted out of life—and along the way, she starts to get to know their charming father, Archie.

At first, the pacing and storytelling felt a bit chaotic to me. The narrative frequently switches between Daisy’s present-day struggles and flashbacks that provide context for how she ended up at this crossroads. While these flashbacks were insightful, they occasionally disrupted the flow and threw me off. However, by the end of the book, the narrative felt much more cohesive, reflecting Daisy’s personal growth as she settled into herself. Her transformation was one of my favorite parts of the story—she became more open to change, compromise, and reevaluating her certainties, all while staying true to the core values that mattered most to her.

The romance in this book is more "romance-lite" than full-fledged love story. Daisy and Archie spend most of their time building a strong friendship before anything more develops between them. Despite the slow-burn romance, the emotional moments between them, as well as their interactions with Archie’s two daughters, Bailey and Cara, were some of the most heartwarming parts of the book. The girls, though very different from each other, were vibrant, fully realized characters who felt just as integral to the story as Archie himself—if not more so. Their personalities added layers to the narrative and played a significant role in Daisy’s growth.

Though the beginning was a bit slow, the story ultimately grew into a heartfelt tale about personal growth and love. It reminded me that we often only see what people want us to see—whether on social media or in real life—and that finding those rare people with whom we can truly be ourselves is a gift worth cherishing. By the end, this story was a beautiful celebration of authenticity, change, and the bonds that help us grow.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters appealing and interesting. The ending is a bit predictable, however, there were some twists and turns along the way.

The main character, Daisy, has always put work first. This has been at the cost of having healthy, loving, relationships. So when she loses her job and her ‘boyfriend’ she doesn’t know what to do. Unfortunately she loses her way by using social media to portray an image that is not true. Thankfully though she meets two young girls who change her life. I loved these girls. They really are the stars of the story. It is through them that Daisy learns what really is important.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC for my honest review. I was also able to listen to the audiobook version of the book which was also great. The narrator does a fabulous job!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

Luci Adams' It Must Be True Then is a captivating and heartwarming tale that explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of friendship, and the importance of finding one's own path. The author's vivid prose and engaging characters draw readers into the story from the very beginning.

The narrative follows Daisy, a woman who is grappling with a midlife crisis and questioning her choices. Through her interactions with a group of quirky and unforgettable friends, Daisy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and rediscovery. Adams skillfully delves into the challenges of navigating life's uncertainties, the importance of embracing change, and the power of human connection.

The novel is filled with witty dialogue, heartwarming moments, and a touch of humor that keeps the story light and engaging. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique personalities and struggles. Adams' portrayal of friendship is particularly poignant, highlighting the importance of having people who support and believe in you.

It Must Be True Then is a delightful and thought-provoking read that will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted. It's a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories about friendship, self-discovery, and the power of human connection.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I've just recently started reading books by this author and have really been enjoying them
and this one also did not disappoint. Daisy is really down on her luck having lost everything - her job, her boyfriend, and her relationship with her sister is difficult, to say the least. Her plan is to show the world she is climbing out of her rock bottom life and as part of that she accepts a job as a nanny for two little girls. Her plan was to get back with her ex, so she never expected to fall for the single dad. The idea was to try to get her old life back, but maybe she may just have the opportunity to start something new.
The story was well-written and entertaining. A enjoyable story that will give you all the feels!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This story is about second chances and self discovery. I liked Daisy and watching her realize that she is more than she thinks. I enjoyed the addition of the kids in the story.

My biggest hang up was the fact that it sometimes didn't focus on her budding relationship but kept flashing back to Jackson who I could have been done with in the first 3 pages, lol. He was the worst!

"**It Must Be True Then**" by Luci Adams is a charming and engaging novel that weaves humor with thoughtful exploration of relationships. Adams' witty writing and relatable characters create an enjoyable and heartwarming read. Its blend of comedy and emotional depth makes it a delightful addition to contemporary fiction.

On the same day Daisy loses her job and her boyfriend breaks up with her. To make matters worse, she is fighting with her mom and sister. She’s hit her rock bottom and is desperate to get out, so she takes a job as a nanny for a single father and his two girls. Becoming part of this family changes her perspective on her own life, and in this process she begins to fall in love with them all.

This book was unexpected in so many ways and really hit me in all the feels. At its heart, it is a beautiful story about second chances and starting over and is just incredibly beautiful. I loved Daisy’s journey, and I adored the sweet girls she cared for. This book is so sweet and I loved it!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Very sweet, once you get into it is very enjoyable!

It's a little slow at the start, and towards the end I realized this wasn't just a rom-com it was a story of self discovery. A reminder to reject comparision. Honestly the romance was sweet but the heart of woman finding herself again and family was the best part.

Felt like a movie you watch on a rainy, 2000s romance film that leaves you feeling light and springy.

I really wanted to fall in love with this book, but it ultimately left me feeling relatively neutral about it. I had a hard time following along with the flashbacks. I struggled to connect with Daisy's character. Her unwavering stubbornness made it hard to empathize with her. I did, however, enjoy the chemistry between Daisy and Archie. Their friendship blossomed into something more, which I found endearing. MMC Archie absolutely captivated me; his charm, humor, and patience were irresistible! Although the main character didn't quite resonate with me, I still enjoyed the book.
I look forward to reading more books by Luci Adams in the future.

Love Always, Catherine

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Luci Adams, for gifting me this book.

A bit of a slow burn to get hooked. Cute story overall with a lot of positive messaging. Not my favourite from Lucy, but it will keep me coming back

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I truly struggled and at 54% gave up. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the writing style felt choppy, which prevented me from enjoying what I did read. I did see that this was the author’s second book so I do think she has the chance to grow and create a really good book because she has the bones for one; the delivery is what is lacking.

I'm in between here. I liked Luci, but then I didn't, but then I did again lol I think the writing was pretty choppy, so it was hard to get into and keep focus. It was definitely more contemporary than a romance, but I was ok with that.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC

Title: It Must Be True Then
Author: Luci Adams
Length: 359 pages
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: March 12, 2024
Genre: Romance, ChickLit, RomCom
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Level: closed door except for a crude-ish scene in the beginning
Summary:
Daisy's life hits rock bottom when she loses her job, boyfriend, and becomes estranged from her sister. To bounce back, she plans to project a perfect life on Instagram. In an attempt to get a nanny job for a single father with two adorable daughters, she finds herself drawn into their loving family, which challenges her online facade. Can portraying a picture-perfect life help fix her career and strained relationships? As she grows closer to someone new, Daisy questions if she even wants her shallow ex back.

Thoughts:
I LOVE LUCI’S WRITING. That is all. But really though. She somehow managed to make me care and root for a completely dense and unlikeable main character. This is the second book of Luci’s that I’ve read, and each have started out with kind of a crude scene that is off-putting to me. However, once I got through the scene, the rest of the book was so enjoyable! I love Daisy’s level-headed best friend Betsy. I love all of the serendipitous encounters that Daisy has with Archie. I love the relationship she has with his girls. But what I love most about this book is the true GROWTH Daisy goes through as a person. I had such a wonderful time going through this journey with her and getting to see her have her happy ever after.

Special thanks to the @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed this story. Because of Daisy's childhood, she doesn't think she is built for a family and that work needs to be her primary focus. And because of this, she settles for a relationship with a higher up in her office who also seems to be focused on work, because she thinks that's what she deserves and all she is capable of. I loved watching her relationships with Bailey and Cara. Cara, quite honestly, steals the show. Her quoting the Instagram influencer and being so intuitive with Daisy cracked me up. I loved seeing how Daisy and Bailey slowly formed the own relationship. It was a fun romance, but still tackled some important topics. I loved seeing Daisy slowly realize that her perception of the past was maybe not exactly how it was, and that she was allowing it to negatively impact her future.

I desperately wanted Daisy to grow a spine. I understand that we all have that one person in life that we allow back in when we know we shouldn't but good lord almighty, I can't handle when a character pines for an asshole.

Daisy was a tough character to get into (I get she didn't want kids but did she forget Archie had two?!) and overall I just couldn't find anything to root for with her.

2.75 stars

I just couldn't jive with Daisy, and where sometimes that is the purpose of a story it did not seem that way with this. I did like how she met the kids and Archie but I didn't ever fully feel the romance. Daisy growth was nice to see and her learning about herself by the end but by then I was kind of out of the story and basically said "ok, great".

Thank you to St Martins Press and NetGalley, for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.