I Meant to Tell You is a perfect book discussion selection that will spark discussions about withholding the truth and telling lies. Miranda does not admit to her fiance that she was once arrested for kidnapping while helping a friend leave the county with her daughter. Judith, Miranda's mother, embellishes her family history. Fran Hawthorne's novel is about where the truth begins and where it ends--and the complications that result. This novel calls for a sequel, too.

A huge Thank You to The author, The publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was breathtaking!

How important is it to tell the truth to the people in your life? Hawthorne adeptly explores this in an unusual story about an engaged couple in Washington DC. As lives fall apart and then secrets come out finally, we are taken on quite a ride with the main character. I liked this book simply because it is so unusual in both plot and character. So if you're looking for something different to read, this may be your book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It was quite enjoyable!

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it is a portrayal of a woman and several family members who spiral as they have long-held secrets revealed. It is a study in their mental states as well as in how their relationships function. I think I thought it would be more of a thriller than a psychological study. However, as such, it is pretty good.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Stephen F. Austin State University Press and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A wonderful read from an author I just discovered.

Everyone has secrets. Miranda's fiance is up for a promotion. She has been keeping something from him. Years ago, she helped her friend , Ronit, try to leave the country with her daughter. They were stopped and the felony was dropped. He then finds out she recently had a DUI. It's too much. They need time apart. Back at her mother's home, she finds out more secrets.
I was really upset with Ronit. She was an awful friend. Miranda put her future in jeopardy and Don't never contacted her nor was she open about what happened after they were arrested.
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC.

Reading an author for the first time is always a surprise, this one was a good and charming one! Hawthorne has interwoven 2 generations in the same family., and shares their stories and secrets with the reader. The stories are both fascinating and the characters are likable.

Miranda has “forgotten “ to share a story of a long ago misdemeanor with her fiancé. Her reminder comes when he is being vetted by the FBI for a government job. As the story unfolds, she stumbles into keeping more secrets. The reader learns that secrets are in the DNA of her family when her own parental history is unfurled. Her mother, Judith, has kept quite big secrets as well. I loved both stories. Honestly, I related to Judith (my generation) even more than to Miranda. I loved all these family members and I would love to share their stories with my book groups.

I think that most of my readers and friends will enjoy this novel. In reading the acknowledgments, I noticed the name of a friend and colleague who has passed away. I was incredibly touched by the author’s recollection.

Thank you Netgalley for this delightful novel.