Anne, Katy, and Richard. They were a family once until they weren't. For reasons of his own, Richard left his wife Anne and his daughter Katy for another woman.  With wonderful memories of fun summers, Anne bought her grandparent's house and she and Katy moved there, with the hope that Katy would also be happy in the house. What followed was an adjustment period far more complicated than anyone expected. Anne's grandmother, Marie, was now living in a care facility as her memory was failing. During a renovation of the house, items are found that raise questions about her past and this plays an important role in the narrative.

The story is told in the voices of Anne, Katy, and Marie. Because they are so skillfully presented, they do not remain strangers to readers for very long. Jamie Beck has the remarkable ability to bring her characters vividly to life. In their own words, they describe that their relationships are complex and emotionally stirring. Anne gave up an art career to devote herself to raising Katy. A mother's love for her child is a powerful and unshakeable force. As Katy faltered and struggled with her new realities, Anne was forced to wonder if she had done too much? She struggled to reconcile the choices she had made regarding her child and her talent. Katy is a dynamic and troubled character. Has parental influence defined her? Marie is intriguing and slowly she reveals a past no one could have imagined.

I found TRUTH OF THE MATTER by Jamie Beck to be a powerful and meaningful story. It was fascinating to watch the characters come to accept their pasts while facing the present and looking to the future with hope. This book is memorable and well worth reading. Highly recommended.

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