The Lies About Truth by Courtney C. Stevens

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Sadie Kingston, is a girl living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can’t move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent’s brother, Max.

As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she’s unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him — even if Max is able to look at her scars and not shy away. But when the truth about the accident and subsequent events comes to light, Sadie has to decide if she can embrace the future or if she’ll always be trapped in the past.

4.5 crowns, but we are rounding up because me being a mess of feels is really influencing this review.

Do you ever just read a book that leaves you feeling good? Like, really good? Like, really, really good? Like you can take on the world and do all the things you’re scared of and makes you just feel GOOD? Because besides being a mess of feels and I’m also a disc on repeat.

This isn’t one of those books that are fast paced or really has one of those magical things called A Plot. Yes, there was the whole mystery of who is sending notes, but it was honestly a super unnecessary plot that did pay off somewhat in the end, but I kind of constantly forgot about it? It’s not going to be for everyone, but if you love those drawn out stories full of healing, self-journey and discovery, and just deep characterization, this is one of those perfect books that does it well. At times, yes, it does become boring and I will admit that I skimmed a bit in the flashback parts. And yes, it does have a slow beginning. But after a while, I somehow just got massively deep in this book and before I knew, I was so invested that I couldn’t dream of stopping because I was so in love with our heroine’s journey.

I really did enjoy the characters quite a bit. Sadie was so much love. I felt so very deeply for her, and her journey was so moving. She understood what kind of mistakes that she made or what those made around her, and she took responsibility for her actions. She also confided in those that loved her, and I mean, I honestly didn’t have any need to yell at her for making stupid decisions. She was brave and strong, and she’s honestly one of the best heroines that I read to showcase emotional strength.

I did enjoy the side characters as well. I adored Max. He was so sweet, and I got him as well. He was super swoony. I think the complexities and dynamics of Gray, Gina, and Trent were interesting as well. Even though I didn’t know-know them, I still got them and liked them as side characters. And can we talk about Sadie’s parents?????? Omigosh, I LOVED THEM. They had such a wonderful relationship with Sadie, and honestly one of the best parents-daughter relationship that I’ve seen in YA. MY HEART. THE FEELS. I CAN’T DEAL. They were always there for her, always rooting her on, but got it when she needed her space.

Anna is all here for the feels and she’s a mess as well.

The writing was fantastic as well. Stevens just has an ease to her writing, and I found myself just breezing through her work so quickly. This really pulled me in, and I was so captivated by it. I haven’t really been pulled in emotionally and 100% invested in such a while in a character’s journey. Sometimes I try to figure out what genre of books I love the most – and these kind of contemporary books make me think this genre might take the book cake for me. So many feels.

Overall, this book turned out to be something so much more than I thought it could be, and it showcases such a great story of self journey and discovery. If you’re looking for a book that will hit you hard in the feels and take such an intense look at characterization and love and loss and how to heal when your scars aren’t just on the inside or outside, this is just a wonderful book. 4.5 crowns and an Anna rating!

What do you think? What was the last book that toyed with your emotions and made you emotionally invested? What is your favorite genre? Let’s discuss in the comments below!