This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Time heals all wounds (or at least that’s what we all want). That’s exactly what the characters in Unpacking the Truth by N. de Bruijn are hoping for. It’s the story of a 12-year-old girl, Lily, who disappeared six years ago. Having never stopped searching for her, it’s a huge relief to her father, Dr. Richard Turner, when she’s found. She’s initially frightened and very confused. When she reunites with her family, she learns of the death of her mother, Emily, and of some struggles her brother, James, is going through. Everyone feels the impact of Emily's absence, and those she left behind must try to heal and rebuild the trust they once had. Lily’s new therapist helps her begin the recovery process, gradually getting her to reveal fragments of what happened while she was kidnapped. Meanwhile, Richard seeks justice for what happened to her and closure. Little by little, they begin to find their way back to normal, form new friendships, and face the mysteries and truths of what happened to Lily.
Unpacking the Truth by N. de Bruijn is a short but engaging read that’s tough to put down. The straightforward style feels true, and it hits you in the heart without any flash. There’s a good balance between suspenseful scenes and everyday moments. I appreciated learning about what happened to her, but I also really liked how her brother, James, comforted her after a difficult therapy appointment. The therapy sessions and diary entries added an extra layer and made me feel more connected to Lily’s character. The narrative doesn’t go into the heavier scenes; instead, it focuses on hope and resilience, as when Sarah tells Lily she’s there for her whenever she needs her. This book reminded me that even when the journey is hard, it’s worth trying to get better. I highly recommend it.
