Starting this book, you’re already aware that something is being withheld from Ramona, but it doesn’t keep it from surprising you as she extracts it inch by inch. It isn’t until the very last word that everything clicks into place. The setting is so beautifully described, I want to visit there myself. The setting, the plot and the characters come together well to keep this book exciting and interesting. Definitely an enjoyable read.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll Tell You Everything releases January 14, 2025

The daughter Amy put up for adoption comes looking for answers about her birth parents and origin story 20 years after the fact.
Ramona’s incessant search for answers threatens to unravel the tangled web of lies that Amy has tried to keep under wraps for so long.
Will unearthing her past lead to the destruction of the new family and life she has built?

I knew going into this that I should view Amy as an unreliable narrator and take everything she divulged with a grain of salt.
That being said, this was very drawn out and cyclical.

While I enjoyed the story telling, I kind of wish the flashbacks were isolated to their own chapters and structured as a then/now instead of blending them in with the present day narration in order to provide more separation and overall clarity.

There was a part that severely caught me off guard when a character took to comparing a young woman in her 20’s leading a double life and cheating/sleeping around to Nazi’s compartmentalizing by torturing individuals at concentration camps during the week and then being perfect doting fathers with their families on weekends.
Not only is that insensitive but it’s highly concerning to stumble upon text that is phrased in a way that sympathizes Nazi’s by saying they were just “normal guys” and not the “bullies.”

Wow, what a phenomenal read. I’m talking about I’ll Tell You Everything. This is a book that you have to read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy. This book blends elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Amy Linden's carefully orchestrated life unravels when her daughter, Ramona, seeks the truth about her biological father. As Amy spins a tangled web of lies, the tension keeps building. Amy’s internal struggle sucks you in and the twists keep you reading.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Ill Tell You Everything

I feel lucky enough to have read this Advance Readers Copy, or ‘ARC’ of this book.

Honestly, I have never read a book quite like this one, and have nothing to compare it to, in the best possible way.

There are elements of what I felt were romance, mystery and thriller. As per the plot, Ramona is adopted, and has located her biological mother. She is seeking some answers and insight into where she came from and what her birth parents are like…and the answers, journeys she is taken on, and all the things she learns is nothing like she saw coming.

I read this book in 4.5 hours. I could NOT put it down. As the story went on, i found myself thinking one thing, then another, then another. Characters start by coming across one way, then morph into something else entirely. Incredible.

Unputdownable, one of a kind and an ending you will not see coming. A must read, like nothing else you will read.

I adored this book! I read and write about adoption topics so this was naturally of interest. I enjoyed Kelley's writing and found this story to be mysterious but authentic. I found the well-developed characters intriguing and couldn't help but ponder what would happen next. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The writing brilliantly captures the tension and internal struggle Amy faces as she spins increasingly tangled tales to protect her perfect facade. The story’s mix of suspense and heartfelt moments is both gripping and poignant, drawing you into Amy’s world and keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s a powerful and engaging read that masterfully unveils the layers of truth and deception.

This was a fine read. There was not anything wrong with it, but there was not anything special about the story either.