Nothing But the Truth, Holly James
Nothing But the Truth, Holly James
List: $20.00 | Sale: $14.00
Club: $10.00

Nothing But the Truth

Author: Holly James

Narrator: Brittany Pressley

Unabridged: 8 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 07/12/2022


Synopsis

"The balm for the soul that I needed. We women don’t need to smile more or look pretty or conform to expectations…we just need to read this, buy a copy for our best friends, and toast to the truth."—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

In this sparkling, page-turning debut, Lucy Green learns that when you make a wish, you don't always get what you want…but you might just get exactly what you need.

It’s the eve of Hollywood publicist Lucy Green’s thirtieth birthday, a day she hopes will bring the promotion she deserves and a proposal from her boyfriend. But he stands her up for a date, not for the first time, leaving Lucy alone at the bar—or at least, alone with the handsome bartender on the other side of the counter—so she makes a rueful wish over her cocktail for a perfect birthday. But when Lucy’s wish is granted in the most unexpected way, things go terribly awry, as things often do when wishes come true….
 
When Lucy wakes up on her big day, she can’t seem to force herself to go through her rigorous fitness and beauty routines—things she usually tells herself she likes. She has no desire to eat only a spoonful of yogurt for breakfast and she simply can’t bear to put on the uncomfortable shapewear needed for the power outfit she had planned for work. 
 
Then Lucy arrives at the office, and she realizes that not only can she no longer lie to herself, she can’t lie to anyone else, either. Not her clients, not her boyfriend, not her creep of a boss. Now that she can’t hide how she feels, Lucy must confront all the injustices—small and large—she’s faced on a daily basis at work, in her relationship, and in every other aspect of her life...and the truth is going to come out in a big way.
 
This sharp, bighearted, and magical novel tackles all the lies women are encouraged to tell just to get by in today’s world—in life, in love, and in the workplace—and the liberation that can come from telling nothing but the truth.

About The Author

Holly James holds a PhD in psychology and has worked in both academia and the tech industry. She loves telling stories with big hearts and a touch of magic. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband and dog.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Nilufer on July 14, 2022

This is such a smart, inspirational, entertaining, also thought provoking version of Jim Carey’s Liar Liar movie! The idea about a celebrity publicist who is making her money by pretending, fake smiling, creating illusions and fictional portraits for people she’s working for, making a birthday wish......more

Goodreads review by Chelsea on July 13, 2022

3.5 stars! This book had a lot of heart and I had a lot of fun reading it! However, this didn't end up being the new favorite that I felt like it could have been. While I love love loved how feminist this was, it did feel a smidge heavy handed at times. I felt like the author was hitting us over the......more

Goodreads review by Maren’s Reads on August 17, 2022

Summary: On the eve of her 30th birthday, PR agent Lucy Green makes a wish on her cocktail - that her birthday be perfect. Upon awaking, she realizes she feels a bit different and it soon becomes clear she is no longer able to tell a lie, not even the smallest of them. As Lucy vies for a promotion,......more

Goodreads review by Katie on April 13, 2022

I've read many chick lit books over the years and I don't recall coming across such an empowering read in the genre until now. Loved the messaging of bucking societal conventions and freely speaking your mind and doing what you want and believe in. The fact there was a cute romance storyline as well......more

Goodreads review by Scottsdale Public Library on April 18, 2023

Lucy is alone at the bar the night before her 30th birthday and wishes for a perfect day on her 30th birthday. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds herself fighting against her old routines and saying things she would usually keep to herself. This story takes place mostly over just the one......more


Quotes

Praise for Nothing But The Truth
"I picked up this novel on a week when I was made painfully aware of the gender roles women are forced into by others, and it was the balm for the soul that I needed. We women don’t need to smile more or look pretty or conform to expectations…we just need to read this, buy a copy for our best friends, and toast to the truth."
—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

Nothing But The Truth is such an enjoyable escape. I love the sparky writing and the ‘Day of Truth’ concept is brilliantly done. This is a properly sparkling debut and frankly if it makes even one reader decide they should wear whatever shoes and knickers are most comfortable, Holly should probably get a prize.”
—Jackie Fraser, author of The Bookshop of Second Chances
 
“I was immediately hooked into the fun and pacy world of LA's publicists to the stars as well as enjoying the more serious themes that were weaved effortlessly through the story. Hollywood, hot bartenders and a touch of magic—this brilliant novel literally has it all!”
Lorraine Brown, author of The Paris Connection

“In Holly James’s Nothing But the Truth, a magical twist—publicist Lucy Green wakes up on her thirtieth birthday unable to tell a lie—turns out to be the spark that sets fire to a woman’s life, launching an urgent journey of self-reflection, self-empowerment, and workplace revolution. At once charmingly effervescent and seriously introspective, James skillfully balances a call to arms with a story of romantic love and personal awakening. Readers will fall head over heels for Lucy and for James, a fresh, sharp new voice in women's fiction.”
Ashley Winstead, author of Fool Me Once and In My Dreams I Hold a Knife

"James’ debut is a delightful, frothy, feminist take on classic chick-lit themes and characters, featuring a charming lead whose hang-ups will resonate with readers. Ideal for fans of Camille Perri or Katie Heaney, or any reader in search of a beach read with lots of heart and a little bit of edge."
Booklist (starred)

"James’ ability to dive right into the drama from the get-go makes this a nonstop fun ride.... A beach read with a morality lesson."
Kirkus

"Bright and breezy...Like the mysterious lavender-colored cocktail that the man Lucy calls “Hot Bartender” whips up on the night before her birthday, Nothing But the Truth is sweet, fizzy and refreshing. But true to the spirit of the drink, the book also packs a punch."
The San Diego Union-Tribune

"19 Great Books to Cuddle Up and Read This Fall... Nothing But the Truth...is one of the great books this season because it explores just that: the truth."
Daily Mom

"Snappy, sharp and current, Nothing But The Truth explores the ongoing patriarchal oppressions that pervade all aspect of life and unpacks the potential ramifications of demanding a fairer, safer and equitable way of living.... From start to finish, this was a fire-cracker – relevant, comical and undeniably entertaining and definitely recommended for those who like some politics in their romance."
—Harlequin Junkie

"A perfect beach read filled with strong women and well-written characters." 
Red Carpet Crash