FEMINIST LIAR LIAR: Nothing But the Truth has a really memorable hook that is also slightly magically realist, which we know readers love from the success of books like Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years.



TPO FORMAT: This is women’s fiction with a rom-com sensibility, making it perfect for trade paperback original. 



INTERESTING INSPIRATION STORY: Nothing But the Truth was a novel conceived and written during the pandemic (in just eight weeks!), inspired by the way working from home proves that women don’t need to wear heels or have a perfect blowout to improve workflow. 



COMMERCIAL READ WITH SERIOUS THEMES: While this is ultimately a lighter, page-turning beach read, it also has a #MeToo workplace plotline about a woman who finally challenges an inappropriate boss—and comes out on top. 



ROMANCE ANGLE: This novel features a charming romance, which will make it a perfect fit for light romance in the vein of This Time Next Year or rom-coms like Beach Read. 

Holly James holds a PhD in psychology and spent many years studying stress and physiology in a lab. She has worked in academic and medical settings and currently works in the tech industry. She lives in Southern California.

Author Residence: Southern California

Praise for Nothing But The Truth
“I picked up this novel on a week when I was made painfully aware of the gender roles women are forced into by others, and it was the balm for the soul that I needed. We women don’t need to smile more or look pretty or conform to expectations…we just need to read this, buy a copy for our best friends, and toast to the truth.”
—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

“Nothing But The Truth is such an enjoyable escape. I love the sparky writing and the ‘Day of Truth’ concept is brilliantly done. This is a properly sparkling debut and frankly if it makes even one reader decide they should wear whatever shoes and knickers are most comfortable, Holly should probably get a prize.”
—Jackie Fraser, author of The Bookshop of Second Chances
 
“I was immediately hooked into the fun and pacy world of LA’s publicists to the stars as well as enjoying the more serious themes that were weaved effortlessly through the story. Hollywood, hot bartenders and a touch of magic—this brilliant novel literally has it all!”
—Lorraine Brown, author of The Paris Connection

“In Holly James’s Nothing But the Truth, a magical twist—publicist Lucy Green wakes up on her thirtieth birthday unable to tell a lie—turns out to be the spark that sets fire to a woman’s life, launching an urgent journey of self-reflection, self-empowerment, and workplace revolution. At once charmingly effervescent and seriously introspective, James skillfully balances a call to arms with a story of romantic love and personal awakening. Readers will fall head over heels for Lucy and for James, a fresh, sharp new voice in women’s fiction.”
—Ashley Winstead, author of Fool Me Once and In My Dreams I Hold a Knife

“James’ debut is a delightful, frothy, feminist take on classic chick-lit themes and characters, featuring a charming lead whose hang-ups will resonate with readers. Ideal for fans of Camille Perri or Katie Heaney, or any reader in search of a beach read with lots of heart and a little bit of edge.”
—Booklist (starred)

“James’ ability to dive right into the drama from the get-go makes this a nonstop fun ride…. A beach read with a morality lesson.”
—Kirkus

“Bright and breezy…Like the mysterious lavender-colored cocktail that the man Lucy calls “Hot Bartender” whips up on the night before her birthday, Nothing But the Truth is sweet, fizzy and refreshing. But true to the spirit of the drink, the book also packs a punch.”
—The San Diego Union-Tribune

“19 Great Books to Cuddle Up and Read This Fall…Nothing But the Truth…is one of the great books this season because it explores just that: the truth.”
—Daily Mom

“Snappy, sharp and current, Nothing But The Truth explores the ongoing patriarchal oppressions that pervade all aspect of life and unpacks the potential ramifications of demanding a fairer, safer and equitable way of living…. From start to finish, this was a fire-cracker – relevant, comical and undeniably entertaining and definitely recommended for those who like some politics in their romance.”
—Harlequin Junkie

“A perfect beach read filled with strong women and well-written characters.” 
—Red Carpet Crash