Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

I know from personal experience how difficult it is, even in a short story, to create a fictional character based on real-life events and make readers fully relate to that protagonist’s emotions and decisions in a twisty murder mystery. But that is what D.F. Kennedy, author of Nothing But the Truth has achieved, not just in this, her final novel of the So Help Me God Series, but throughout an entire trilogy based around a successful and wealthy novelist, Dahlia Hughes. Dahlia’s story of her complicated romantic relationship with Roland, a popular and handsome actor, captivated me in the first book of the series, The Truth.

Here was a successful couple, forever in conflict with each other despite their undeniable love, a love plagued by lies and threatened by a mysterious person known only as “forevermrshughes.” This elusive figure continued to interfere with their lives throughout Book 2, The Whole Truth, but whoever it is wasn’t the only one dominating Dahlia’s thoughts and insecurities. She had been the victim of childhood abuse and when her abuser, her stepfather, wound up dead, Dahlia was arrested. By the time we catch up with Dahlia and Roland, now married and with a child in this final novel, readers can’t help but feel it’s time for things to go right for Dahlia. But as you read Nothing But the Truth, you will be struck by D.F. Kennedy’s incredible skill at creating and bringing complex plots driven by fascinating characters to explosive conclusions.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in this series, but this last novel had an added element that made Dahlia and Roland’s relationship more relevant. As Dahlia states at one point: “…we all love fiction because it’s relatable to our own stories yet removed from us at the same time.” Yes, despite the celebrity status of Dahlia’s life, we identify fully with her worries and insecurities, especially when career commitments keep the couple apart and communication falls short. When Dahlia goes on to state that, “…strength is silent, and the only person who knows the strength inside you is you,” I wanted to jump up and shout “Amen, sister!” In short, what you take away from this last novel is much deeper for the reader than the enjoyment of another exciting murder mystery. D.F. Kennedy offers you a realistic look at your own life and a chance to examine your reactions to all that life throws at you. That makes Nothing But The Truth exceptional writing and reading.