Truly by Ruthie Knox
Source: Random House Loveswept
Release date: August 5, 2014
Goodreads
***
1.) Mr. Crankypants – aka: Ben Hausman. Why would I recommend a book that has a major Mr. Crankypants who is rude, bitter, guarded and oh did I mention RUDE?? I rarely like this type of love interest. But he’s also complex, struggling to be better and tries to get it right when it comes to May.
2.) Mr. Crankypants/Ben is a chef! A chef who can whip up French Toast with fresh whipped cream at a moments notice for breakfast. He also knows all the best restaurants to bring May to expand her culinary horizons. If that isn’t reason alone to read this book (or marry Ben) then I have another… (yeah I know I said he was rude but…food! I can be bought with food!)
3.) Mr. Crankypants is also a beekeeper. Sound boring? It’s not. I found it absolutely fascinating and who knew that beekeeping on a rooftop could be so sexy??
4.) May. What a great heroine! She’s definitely been sold a line of bullshit from her family regarding her looks. Her mom repeatedly lets her know that she’s plain and not as pretty as her sister so she should settle for whoever wants her. People keep pushing aside her artistic talent and telling her she needs to settle – with her career, with love, with life.
May is always looking for the big, perfect movie moments that will sweep you away. It isn’t until she meets Ben, that she sees life is made up of messy, unpredictable love that both tests you and makes you stronger. She just needs to be brave enough to take the leap.
5.) The romance was real. Although the story takes place over a short time, Knox allows a solid foundation based on friendship, to form first. Both May and Ben fall back on unhealthy habits to protect themselves from pain so the relationship doesn’t come easy but it’s all the more real and satisfying in the end.
And it’s about
healing yourself first. Another person can’t fix you but they can support and help make you be the best version of yourself.
***
Truly is a real gem that had me cringing, laughing, swooning and tearing up at times. Not to mention the descriptions of NYC and the food. You all KNOW how much I love my NYC food! I was seriously considering hopping on a plane for a quick visit after I put this book down.
I love books that make me look at life differently. This is that kind of book. A story that makes you appreciate life, maybe make you push outside your comfort zone a little. Learn to accept yourself and know that you’re good enough just how you are. Stop waiting for things to be perfect and take that leap into the unknown and see how beautiful the imperfect the
“disgusting and amazing” world can be.
This was my first book by Ruthie Knox but it definitely won't be my last. She has such gorgeous writing with intelligent, realistic characters.
