A writer inspired by nature and human nature


Looking for an unforgettable contemporary fiction read? I’m delighted to introduce you to J.A. Owenby and give you a peek into the first novel in her “Truth” series.

ibe-jao-ttsk-cover-ebook-the-truth-she-knewGripping Page-turner!

The Truth She Knew by J.A. Owenby is the compelling story of a young woman torn between loyalty to an abusive, controlling, mentally ill mother and her desire to find love and seek out a life of her own. This gripping page–turner brings light to the darkness of a secretly dysfunctional family and takes the reader through a journey they will not soon forget—a journey through the plight of the victims of those affected by the mentally ill. Owenby skillfully weaves a poignant story of first love into the protagonist’s plight. I look forward to reading more from this talented writer. Highly recommended for readers age 18+. ~ Bette A. Stevens, Maine author

Book blurb

Mama didn’t want me. In fact, she would’ve traded my soul back for someone different if God would’ve let her, but he didn’t, so she was stuck with me.

For eighteen-year-old Lacey, life at home is a roller coaster. She doesn’t think she’ll ever be good enough to truly deserve Mama’s love.

But when Lacey enters college and meets Walker, everything starts to change. Suddenly, Lacey is face to face with the realization that maybe what she’s always seen as normal really isn’t. Her entire life—and everything she’s ever believed about herself and her family—is abruptly hanging in midair.

Lacey is left facing two paths, and she has to make a choice. The first means walking away from everything she’s ever known. The other means never really knowing the truth.

The Truth She Knew offers an honest and powerful glimpse into mental illness, the meaning of true love, and the psychological waltz that a daughter dances as she endures her mother’s unpredictable emotions, manipulation, and abuse.

Excerpt

I leaned on the table and propped my chin on my hand.

“I’m dating someone.” I couldn’t control the grin that spread across my face. The Joker had nothing on me.

“Whaaat? Who? When? Where? Fill me in!” she squealed as she set her sandwich down, picked up her drink, and situated herself to hear the full story.

“Well, there’s not a lot to tell, but his name is Walker. I met him at Joss’s party last month and we’ve gone out for three weeks, and . . . he’s gorgeous, Emma!”

She leaned farther across the table and her eyes widened as I told her how we met at the party, Tammy’s rude attempt to distract him, the repercussions of Walker calling after 9 p.m., and our first few dates.

“First of all, Lacey Anne Beaumont, you’re in big trouble for holding out on me,” she said, waving her finger at me.

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t want to say anything until I knew it was real. And, I haven’t seen you to tell you,” I said.

Emma leaned back in her chair and bolted upright again.

“Holy crap, Lacey, your mom doesn’t have any idea?”

“No! Dammit, Emma, what am I going to do?” I asked and slumped in my chair.

“Well, so far he sounds acceptable, but in order to fully support this relationship I need to meet this Walker Farren. Second, I do not want to be anywhere close by when you tell your mom you’re dating him. She does not respond well to you dating. Granted, your last choice was complete gutter material, but maybe this one’s different.” She took a sip of her iced tea.

“Emma, I’m in trouble. I shouldn’t be with him, but I like him, and I mean really like him. He’s different—there’s something special about him.”

“Well, good grief, don’t knock it. Who cares why as long as he’s good to you? And who says you’re in trouble? Because your mom says you make bad choices? Well, the last one wasn’t a hit by any means, but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable of having a good boyfriend in your life. Besides, everyone knows she hates men.”

“Emma! I don’t want to talk about this again,” I said. A frown crept across my face at how quickly the conversation had turned in an uncomfortable direction.

Author Bio

J.A. Owenby lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two cats.

Owenby is the published author of six short stories, and she is working on her second full-length novel. She also runs her own business as a professional resume writer and interview coach—helping people find jobs they love.

J.A. is an avid reader of thrillers, romance, new adult, and young adult novels. She loves music, movies, and good wine. And call her crazy, but she loves the rainy Pacific Northwest; she gets her best story ideas while listening to the rain pattering against the windows in front of the fireplace.

You can follow the progress of her upcoming novel on Facebook at Author J.A. Owenby, on Twitter @jaowenby, and her website at www.jaowenby.com.

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Comments on: "NEW RELEASE: “The Truth She Knew” by J. A. Owenby" (24)

  1. Oh!! the excerpt is so gripping…emotions flow out so naturally! Thanks for sharing Bette as it makes so easy to decide what to read in this ocean of reading material around us these days!

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  2. Nice review, Bette. This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading!

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  3. It seems like a great read. Thanks for sharing, Bette!

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  4. Sounds like my kinda book! I’ll be adding it to my TBR list today! Good luck!

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  5. A great review of what sounds loke a riveting read.

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  6. Good luck with this book. It sounds wonderful. The title really grabs me.

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    • Thanks, Maniparna. J.A. Owenby is an outstanding author and her books take readers on a journey through the trials of living life under the control of a mentally ill parent. A compelling read!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. A powerful and emotionally charged novel – definitely sounds intriguing. I already feel for Lacey caught in this soul destroying relationship which is the core one for most of us, but when not a healthy one becomes a destructive force without reckoning. Great review, Bette and always enjoy learning more about the authors.

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  8. Sounds like a page turner!

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    • That it is, Marilyn! The novel is based upon Owenby’s short story, “Tears in the Sun.” I read it a couple of years ago and was excited to learn about the novel. I highly recommend both and happy to hear a second novel is underway. Have a great week! 🙂

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    • Thank you, everyone, for the comments. I’m happy to answer any questions as well. 🙂 Bette, thank you for doing an amazing job on the post.

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