Listen free for 30 days
-
True to Me
- A By the Sea Novel
- Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen
- Series: By the Sea, Book 1
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
People who bought this also bought...
-
The Last Piece
- By: Imogen Clark
- Narrated by: Laura Kirman
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily - whose children can't remember her ever being remotely spontaneous - disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation. Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organised mother-of-five Lily.
-
-
For adults or children?
- By Drama Queen on 23-01-21
-
Under Almond Blossoms
- By: Anja Saskia Beyer, Annette Charpentier - translator
- Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Milla has always felt alone in the world. The only child of a distant mother, she has no other family, and even her forthcoming marriage to Paul feels more like settling than true romance. But then a letter arrives, announcing that a Spanish grandmother she knew nothing about has died and left her a small shop in Mallorca. Milla is determined to uncover the truth. She travels to Palma, where she is enchanted by the beauty of the old town in springtime. At the shop she now owns, she meets Leandro, a handsome local who helps her piece together the story of her grandmother.
-
-
Irritating narrator
- By henryhorn on 10-02-21
-
The Last of the Moon Girls
- A Novel
- By: Barbara Davis
- Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lizzy Moon never wanted Moon Girl Farm. Eight years ago, she left the land that nine generations of gifted healers had tended, determined to distance herself from the whispers about her family’s strange legacy. But when her beloved grandmother Althea dies, Lizzy must return and face the tragedy still hanging over the farm’s withered lavender fields: the unsolved murders of two young girls, and the cruel accusations that followed Althea to her grave.
-
-
Will she? Won't she? Will she? Won't she?
- By Lubsy1 on 04-01-21
-
The Skylark's Secret
- By: Fiona Valpy
- Narrated by: Mhairi Morrison
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Loch Ewe, 1940. When gamekeeper's daughter Flora's remote highland village finds itself the base for the Royal Navy's Arctic convoys, life in her close-knit community changes forever. In defiance of his disapproving father, the laird's son falls in love with Flora, and as tensions build in their disrupted home, any chance of their happiness seems doomed.
-
-
Loved this book
- By Catriona macKenzie on 21-11-20
-
Spring House
- By: Mary Ellen Taylor
- Narrated by: Shannon McManus
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pregnant and still grieving the death of her fiancé, historian Megan Buchanan is forging ahead on a dream project: to restore to its original glory the landmark hunting lodge her own great-great-grandfather built on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With the help of her fiancé’s caring best friend, it’s sure to draw much-needed tourist revenue to Cape Hudson, a town rich in southern history. However, it’s Spring House, the caretaker’s cottage on the grounds, that holds the most intriguing history for Megan.
-
Honeysuckle Season
- By: Mary Ellen Taylor
- Narrated by: Megan Tusing
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Adrift in the wake of her father's death, a failed marriage, and multiple miscarriages, Libby McKenzie feels truly alone. Though her new life as a wedding photographer provides a semblance of purpose, it's also a distraction from her profound pain. When asked to photograph a wedding at the historic Woodmont estate, Libby meets the owner, Elaine Grant. Hoping to open Woodmont to the public, Elaine has employed young widower Colton Reese to help restore the grounds and asks Libby to photograph the process.
-
The Last Piece
- By: Imogen Clark
- Narrated by: Laura Kirman
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily - whose children can't remember her ever being remotely spontaneous - disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation. Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organised mother-of-five Lily.
-
-
For adults or children?
- By Drama Queen on 23-01-21
-
Under Almond Blossoms
- By: Anja Saskia Beyer, Annette Charpentier - translator
- Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Milla has always felt alone in the world. The only child of a distant mother, she has no other family, and even her forthcoming marriage to Paul feels more like settling than true romance. But then a letter arrives, announcing that a Spanish grandmother she knew nothing about has died and left her a small shop in Mallorca. Milla is determined to uncover the truth. She travels to Palma, where she is enchanted by the beauty of the old town in springtime. At the shop she now owns, she meets Leandro, a handsome local who helps her piece together the story of her grandmother.
-
-
Irritating narrator
- By henryhorn on 10-02-21
-
The Last of the Moon Girls
- A Novel
- By: Barbara Davis
- Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lizzy Moon never wanted Moon Girl Farm. Eight years ago, she left the land that nine generations of gifted healers had tended, determined to distance herself from the whispers about her family’s strange legacy. But when her beloved grandmother Althea dies, Lizzy must return and face the tragedy still hanging over the farm’s withered lavender fields: the unsolved murders of two young girls, and the cruel accusations that followed Althea to her grave.
-
-
Will she? Won't she? Will she? Won't she?
- By Lubsy1 on 04-01-21
-
The Skylark's Secret
- By: Fiona Valpy
- Narrated by: Mhairi Morrison
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Loch Ewe, 1940. When gamekeeper's daughter Flora's remote highland village finds itself the base for the Royal Navy's Arctic convoys, life in her close-knit community changes forever. In defiance of his disapproving father, the laird's son falls in love with Flora, and as tensions build in their disrupted home, any chance of their happiness seems doomed.
-
-
Loved this book
- By Catriona macKenzie on 21-11-20
-
Spring House
- By: Mary Ellen Taylor
- Narrated by: Shannon McManus
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pregnant and still grieving the death of her fiancé, historian Megan Buchanan is forging ahead on a dream project: to restore to its original glory the landmark hunting lodge her own great-great-grandfather built on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With the help of her fiancé’s caring best friend, it’s sure to draw much-needed tourist revenue to Cape Hudson, a town rich in southern history. However, it’s Spring House, the caretaker’s cottage on the grounds, that holds the most intriguing history for Megan.
-
Honeysuckle Season
- By: Mary Ellen Taylor
- Narrated by: Megan Tusing
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Adrift in the wake of her father's death, a failed marriage, and multiple miscarriages, Libby McKenzie feels truly alone. Though her new life as a wedding photographer provides a semblance of purpose, it's also a distraction from her profound pain. When asked to photograph a wedding at the historic Woodmont estate, Libby meets the owner, Elaine Grant. Hoping to open Woodmont to the public, Elaine has employed young widower Colton Reese to help restore the grounds and asks Libby to photograph the process.
-
The Lost Girls of Devon
- By: Barbara O'Neal
- Narrated by: Helen Lloyd, Esther Wane, Sarah Naughton, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's been years since Zoe Fairchild has been to the small Devon village of her birth, but the wounds she suffered there still ache. When she learns that her old friend and grandmother's caretaker has gone missing, Zoe and her fifteen-year-old daughter return to England to help. Zoe dreads seeing her estranged mother, who left when Zoe was seven to travel the world. As the four generations of women reunite, the emotional pain of the past is awakened. And to complicate matters further, Zoe must also confront the ex-boyfriend she betrayed many years before.
-
-
Narration very disappointing
- By Mrs B on 25-11-20
-
The Light in the Hallway
- By: Amanda Prowse
- Narrated by: Amanda Prowse
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
-
-
An easy listen
- By Anonymous User on 01-02-20
-
The Day She Came Back
- By: Amanda Prowse
- Narrated by: Amanda Prowse
- Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient - she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim's funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead. As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.
-
-
Teenagers
- By Jennifer Jefferson on 21-07-20
-
The Three Mrs. Wrights
- A Novel
- By: Linda Keir
- Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt
- Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lark has good things coming: a career as a board-game designer and a whirlwind romance with a handsome investor, who is so compassionate and supportive, he’s almost too good to be true. Jessica has always been cautious, but she can’t resist a brilliant TED-talking visionary. Holly has settled into a comfortable life with Jack, her husband of nearly twenty years. They’ve raised three children, they own a beautiful home, and they’ve founded a worthy charity. Lark, Jessica, and Holly are three strangers with so much in common it hurts. Their one and only is one and the same.
-
-
The three Mrs Wrights
- By Lisa Fisher Foreman on 18-01-21
-
Everyday Lies
- By: Louise Guy
- Narrated by: Cat Gould
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At first glance Emma and Lucie seem very different, but they share an unspeakable vice. Beautiful, wealthy Emma appears to have it all with a loving husband and a seemingly successful life, but a restless craving has driven her to foolish actions. Meanwhile, young widow Lucie is struggling to make ends meet while coping with a troubled five-year-old.
-
-
Excellent characters and story
- By MaggiesMom on 23-02-20
-
What If?
- By: Shari Low
- Narrated by: Helen McAlpine
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Carly Cooper is 30, single and after coming close to saying ‘I do’ to six different men, she’s wondering if she accidentally said ‘goodbye' to Mr Right. But there is a problem. Her ex-boyfriends are scattered all over the world and Carly lives in 1999: an era before Facebook, Google, smartphones, 4G and Broadband, when it was impossible to track people down with a few clicks of a mouse. On a mission to discover if she walked away from her 'happy ever after', Carly quits her job, her flat, her whole life and sets off on a quest to track down all the men she has ever loved.
-
-
Lovely trip down memory lane
- By Anonymous User on 08-02-21
-
When We Believed in Mermaids
- A Novel
- By: Barbara O'Neal
- Narrated by: Sarah Naughton, Katherine Littrell
- Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Josie Bianci was killed years ago on a train during a terrorist attack. Gone forever. It’s what her sister, Kit, an ER doctor in Santa Cruz, has always believed. Yet all it takes is a few heart-wrenching seconds to upend Kit’s world. Live coverage of a club fire in Auckland has captured the image of a woman stumbling through the smoke and debris. Her resemblance to Josie is unbelievable. And unmistakable. With it comes a flood of emotions - grief, loss, and anger - that Kit finally has a chance to put to rest: by finding the sister who’s been living a lie.
-
-
Very weak
- By Ana Silva on 26-05-20
-
The Sea Gate
- By: Jane Johnson
- Narrated by: Anna Cordell
- Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following the death of her mother, Becky begins the sad task of sorting through her empty flat. Starting with the letters piling up on the doormat, she finds an envelope post-marked from Cornwall. In it is a letter that will change her life forever. A desperate plea from her mother's elderly cousin, Olivia, to help save her beloved home. Becky arrives at Chynalls to find the beautiful old house crumbling into the ground and Olivia stuck in hospital with no hope of being discharged until her home is made habitable.
-
-
Absolutely charming
- By Anthony Robins on 24-11-20
-
Secrets of Willow House
- Sandy Cove, Book 1
- By: Susanne O'Leary
- Narrated by: Jacqueline Milne
- Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maeve McKenna is on the verge of a breakdown. Having worked herself into the ground as a sought-after interior designer in London, she’s in desperate need of a vacation. Philomena Duffy is a little lonely. After losing her husband, their crumbling mansion, Willow House, feels awfully empty. With the rugged shores of Ireland calling, Maeve visits her aunt Philomena in Sandy Cove, where she once, as a teenager, kissed a wild, mysterious boy - a kiss she has never been able to forget.
-
-
the reading is more than addequate for the story.
- By Michael Wild on 07-01-21
-
Wish Me Home
- By: Kay Bratt
- Narrated by: Kate Rudd
- Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A hungry, stray dog is the last thing Cara Butter needs. Stranded in Georgia with only her backpack and a few dwindling dollars, she already has too much baggage. Like her twin sister, Hana, who has broken Cara's heart one too many times. After a lifetime of family troubles, and bouncing from one foster home to another, Cara decides to leave it all behind and strike out alone - on foot.
-
-
Easy read/listen
- By Miss K Wilkinson on 24-09-20
-
The Lending Library
- A Novel
- By: Aliza Fogelson
- Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the Chatsworth library closes indefinitely, Dodie Fairisle loses her sanctuary. How is a small-town art teacher supposed to cope without the never-ending life advice and enjoyment that books give her? Well, when she’s as resourceful and generous as Dodie, she turns her sunroom into her very own little lending library.
-
Winter Cottage
- By: Mary Ellen Taylor
- Narrated by: Shannon McManus
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Still grieving the loss of her wandering, free-spirited mother, Lucy Kincaid leaves Nashville for the faded town of Cape Hudson, Virginia. She goes to see the house she’s inherited - one she never knew existed, bequeathed to her by a woman she’s never even met. At the heart of this mystery is the hope that maybe - just maybe - this “Winter Cottage” will answer the endless questions about her mother’s past...including the identity of her birth father.
-
-
Excellent book
- By Mrs. Theresa Deakin on 22-11-20
Summary
From the bestselling author of Wish Me Home comes a breathtaking novel about the secrets that families keep and one woman’s illuminating search for the truth.
Quinn Maguire has a stable life, a fiancé, and what she thinks is a clear vision for her future. All of that comes undone by her mother’s deathbed confession - the absentee father Quinn spent thirty years resenting is not her real father at all. With that one revealing whisper, Quinn embarks on a journey to Maui, her mother’s childhood home, a storied paradise that holds the truth about her mother’s past and all its secrets Quinn is determined to uncover.
But settling on the island has its complications, and with the fiancé she left behind questioning every choice she makes, Quinn’s quest for her truth is even more difficult than she expected. As time passes and she digs deeper into her family history and her own identity, one thing becomes clear: Maui is as beautiful as she’d always imagined, and its magic is helping uncover the woman that Quinn was always meant to be.
Critic reviews
"Quinn Maguire has grown up believing that she knows the truth about her complicated childhood. But when her mother dies shortly after revealing an earth-shaking family secret, everything changes in an instant. Kay Bratt beautifully draws the story of a daughter returning to Maui - the enchanted land that she believes holds the key to her past - where she unlocks a promising future she never could have imagined. Full of secrets, love and gorgeous settings, True to Me is the ultimate escape." --Kristy Woodson Harvey, bestselling author of Slightly South of Simple
"Heartfelt and brimming with lively characters, True to Me is a poignant reminder of the meaning of family, the importance of truth, and the power of forgiveness. Perfect for fans of Christine Nolfi and Cathy Lamb." --Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places
"Bratt writes a beautiful tale of family which grabbed me from the very first page. Quinn, mourning the loss of her mother, must travel to Maui in search of her roots. Leaving behind her fiancé Ethan, she is drawn to the island’s rich history and the locals who welcome her into their world. Woven between the pages is the deep mystery of Quinn’s past, and the DNA test that leads her to a family she never knew. Bratt takes the reader on a heartfelt journey of family and forgiveness while Quinn teaches us about those we should let in and those we should let go. For at the very core of the novel is the rare gift of being true to one's self." --Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today bestselling author
More from the same
What listeners say about True to Me
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Debbie
- 15-01-20
Deathbed Confessions and Lifelong Secrets
From one of my favorite authors comes, True to Me, a novel about a young woman bringing her mother’s ashes to Hawaii to the island of Maui, to learn about her mother’s and her own past. Flying to Hawaii alone (without her fiancee who has commitment issues) Quinn goes to scatter her mother’s ashes and to unbury the secrets kept from her all her life. Her mother’s deathbed confession that the man whom Quinn had always thought was her father wasn’t, has left Quinn reeling. And even after going through all her mother’s things, Quinn is no closer to finding the truth . . . except for finding a very old picture of two young girls, her mother and her best friend, with a name scribbled on it. For as long as Quinn can remember, it had been just her and her mother alone, barely scraping by, but after her mother’s death, she was surprised to find that she had an inheritance. Going against her own tendencies to always think things over and get her fiancée, Ethan’s input into every decision, Quinn used the money she inherited to buy a house on Maui (sight unseen). It was money she never expected to have anyway, she reasoned, and it would make a nice vacation and rental property. But when she arrived in Maui, she was shocked to find the house still occupied by the former tenants. Here is where the story gets most interesting. The ways of the native people of Hawaii are NOT like most of us rush-every-minute Americans. The expressions and culture of these people, as well as their fears and beliefs, are rich and go back generations. The author paints a picture of the island and its people that is so vivid and beautiful that I could nearly feel the gentle breeze blowing. The respect for and wisdom of the elders in Hawaii and the closeness of family goes deep. I loved learning all about their ways, and about the island, water and sea animals. I grew to love Quinn, as well. And I caught myself cheering the longer she was away from Ethan and his selfish influence over her. The hunt for Quinn and her mother’s family took several turns and wasn’t at all what I expected. Quinn’s patience and growing friendship with Maria, her children and with Liam, who was doing the renovations on the home which Quinn bought, was described in rich detail. Quinn’s own reconnection with her best friend, Maggie was a wonderful part of the story. Another favorite for me was Kupuna (grandfather) who was blind, and lived with his daughter, Maria and her two children. His wisdom and kindness when he first greeted Quinn with the traditional, Aloha, struck me right away, since the greeting has a much deeper spiritual meaning for native Hawaiians. As the tale unfolded, it became more and more beautiful, enveloping the listener into each person’s individual role, as well as the group’s story. The culmination was perfect. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
36 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Laura
- 01-01-20
Extremely predictable
Most of this book was extremely predictable which I found annoying. I did listen until the end though.
28 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Admirer of great books; critic of bad books.
- 21-12-19
Sitting on the fence with this one...
I did listen to the end, but I skipped most of the epilogue...too wordy. Some confusing characters and felt like too much effort went into making characters/story line seem more mysterious. Some far-fetchedness in the story events, but a happy ending.
21 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Adalena Gato
- 10-01-20
Couldnt do it
I tried.... but the reading just made it impossible for me to be able to listen and that hasn’t happened often for me.
19 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- NH Wifey
- 13-03-20
So glad I purchased this book
First off, Sarah Mollo-Christensen is one of my favorite narrators. Her way of reading, the inflections in her voice are just perfect.
This story is mesmerizing. I got pulled into Quinn's life from the first chapter and had trouble putting it down. There are so many nuances to Quinn's story that are all woven together perfectly. Getting a glimpse into the Hawaiian culture was a bonus. It is a story about psychological abuse in a relationship and understanding about her heritage (which was a total surprise). This was all told with no swearing or graphic sex.
I most certainly will look for more books by Kay Bratt.
17 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Camaro Lover
- 03-05-20
Absolutely amazing story!!
I seldom write reviews. This book is wonderful - the story and characters come to life making you want to move to Maui. Beautifully written and the narrator was perfect. Highly recommend!!
15 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Norma
- 09-05-20
This book was a choice I picked
This is a good book for young people to read about chooses in life. To see things as they are. No regrets.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Shopaholic Husband/Frugal Wife
- 20-12-19
Wonderful listen.
Smooth listen. My children listened in as well. The story covered actual situations experienced by the people of Hawaii, not just from Maui. The sense and connection of family, the land transfers, the homeless, etc. all exist. The development of the main character was good too.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- DonLindaHarris
- 29-04-20
Great story
Enjoyed this book a lot. The story is what I would call a family drama. For the most part it takes place in Maui, Hawaii which got my attention. The story was very good—I felt like in places it could have gone a little deeper but I enjoyed it and would definitely read it again.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Kindle Customer
- 17-12-19
beautiful story about finding yourself
My review of True To Me:
This is a beautifully written story about a young woman's search for her family and finding her true self as well. Quinn was a successful business woman, had a fiance and thought her life was on track until her mother's deathbed confession. Now Quinn is set out on a journey to find her family on her mothers island of Maui. During this journey Quinn finds her true self and makes life changing decisions. She reconnects with old friends and find new friends along the way.
8 people found this helpful