relzreviewz.com Love You, Truly by Susan L. Tuttle

Synopsis:~

Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.

After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.

As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

Necee’s take:~

A story of trust, of brokenness, of healing and finding God, of believing in His promises. I admit I’m not a big fan of the finding love type of reality TV. Though I do find them intriguing, I don’t find they represent reality. Tuttle has a different twist. When Harlow Tucker is surprised by her sister and nominated for Call For Love, she is horrified. It’s the last thing she wants to do, especially when she realizes it’s Blake Carlton. The same man who took her coffee that morning is the same man who is playing the bachelor! She’s mortified, but I loved the banter. In the end she just can’t turn the offer down as it will help her sister’s charity. As she struggles to trust after a broken heart and hello, how does she trust a reality show in a run with so many other women. He’s just trying to help his mom, but doesn’t expect her sweet down home style to affect him. The chemistry between them runs hot and cold, but I enjoyed their journey. It was interesting and unique, and had me rooting for Harlow, while not liking the other girls. It was interesting seeing behind the scenes what a reality show is like. I did struggle with so much back and forth, but totally understand the struggle with trusting one another.

I loved seeing Blake grow from a very worldly man to realizing maybe what he had wasn’t what was really important. His journey to faith seemed very real. I loved his best friends encouragement, too. I really enjoyed Harlow’s story and felt like many of us could relate as Christians with wanting to do better, be better, and live better. Her journey really is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to do any of those things to be accepted by Christ…we are loved. This is the first book I’ve read by Susan Tuttle, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. She does not shy away from modern day struggles, but deals with them in a fresh and faith building way. Her unique style of storytelling kept me hooked.

I also loved the adventure of traveling different places. I felt the same way she did the first time I had my passport stamped. Her feelings really stuck with me how incredible international travel was. It was fun seeing her view of the world. I especially loved her perspective on photography and the fresh way she looked at people and culture. Her faith was woven in so well and really added depth to the storyline. Her struggle is with not seeing herself as special. His struggle is feeling used and unloved. God brings them both together to find who they really are in His eyes. Just beautiful.

I have voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of Love You, Truly by the publisher and JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.