Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Keeper's Truth

Rate this book
EVERY ONE OF US HAS A SOUL.

SOME ARE NEW, SOME OLD, AND A FEW, THE DANGEROUS, ARE LOST.

BUT ONLY TWELVE KNOW WHY WE HAVE A SOUL AT ALL.

ONLY TWELVE REMEMBER MANKIND’S FORBIDDEN PAST.

Tess thinks she’s going crazy when only she sees the naked man in the crowded café, comatose woman in his arms. The nightmares, the visions: something’s not right. But Tess is entitled to moments of insanity. She’s the daughter of mental illness, suicide, and her husband was just killed in a car accident, leaving her an inept single mom at twenty-six.

Then Tess meets Bryce, Carlisle’s illusive bachelor who spins tales from ancient mythology with knowledge beyond his years. His truths intrigue Tess, pull her from the depths, and might just be what she needs to survive.

Compulsively readable, A Keeper’s Truth is an emotionally charged tale of fate, belief, and the power of the human mind. A story that will have you questioning everything you know about the history of mankind, and wondering if somewhere, deep inside, you knew the truth all along.


For more information, visit Driven Press here

378 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2016

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Dee Willson

2 books48 followers

WINNER OF 2017 BEST CANADIAN EMERGING WRITER AWARD!

2018 ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL WRITERS GRANT AWARD!

DEE WILLSON, felt the writer’s call at fifteen, when she penned her first novel and received her first rejection letter to go with it. Over twenty years later, with two successful businesses under her belt (both with Canada’s largest book retailer, Indigo Books), Dee Willson rekindled her passion for novels. She joined a hard-core book club, published short stories and interviews, contributed to blogs, and wrote the novel A Keeper’s Truth, followed by GOT (Gift of Travel). Dee is presently working on the second instalment in the Keeper’s series, and Meant 2 B, a crazy ghost story riddled with fate.

Dee and her husband currently reside in Burlington, Ontario. They are building their dream home on the shore of Lake Ontario, where they expect to watch their daughters frolic in the lake, and possibly grow four heads. Visit her online at www.deewillson.com or on Twitter @denisewillson



"WITH A GENEROUS WIT THAT READERS SHOULD SAVOR, WILLSON PRESENTS TESS AS A DAMAGED WOMAN DESPERATE TO HEAL.... THE AUTHOR ALSO SPREADS HER LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS ON NEARLY EVERY PAGE.... YET AS WILLSON UNFURLS MORE OF HER WORLD, HER SERIES' IMMENSE POTENTIAL PROVES IRRESISTIBLE."
- KIRKUS REVIEW

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (61%)
4 stars
9 (19%)
3 stars
6 (12%)
2 stars
3 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Book Haunt.
192 reviews42 followers
June 9, 2016
Tess is 26 years old. She is strong, she is level-headed and she’s really taken her life in a positive direction from where she started out. Then she tragically loses her husband in a car accident. She struggles daily to overcome her grief and be a good mother to their 5 year old daughter. She is plagued by nightmares every night and strange visions during the day. The visions are so peculiar that she’s afraid if she tells anyone about them, they will think she’s insane like her mother.

Tess tries to keep herself busy, going to lunch with her best friend, painting in her studio and participating in community events with her daughter. She takes her daughter on play dates with her best friend, Sophie and Sophie’s father. The two are strictly friends with two daughters who love to spend time together. Although he is an eligible bachelor, she is not yet ready to move on and he has a hard time opening up about his past.

Then Tess meets Bryce at her daughter’s school. Bryce is drop-dead gorgeous and they immediately spark. The two have a great rapport and things seem so familiar and easy between them. It’s almost like she’s known him before. There is definitely something different about Bryce but Tess can’t pinpoint what it is.

Tess finds herself tossed about between these two men who both want a future with her, but she is not feeling at all ready for a new relationship. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t shake the feeling that Bryce might be the person that can help her move past it all. It’s almost as if it’s fated. Can Bryce help Tess move on from her grief or is he a very dangerous man that she’s better off without?

This is a book about souls and ancient histories. Each chapter starts out with a bit of forgotten history or lore from ancient civilizations. As a lover of this kind of stuff, I really enjoyed these bits. It had a lot more of a romantic element to it than my usual read. But it was well-balanced and the paranormal story-line was certainly intriguing. It kept me going and when the POV changes in the last bit at the end, the story really takes quite a shocking turn! It left me really wanting to read more, so luckily the author is hard at work on the next book!

I would definitely recommend this; it’s quite a lovely book!

I want to thank the publisher (Driven Press) for providing me with the ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melodie Campbell.
Author 39 books102 followers
March 15, 2016
Glittering prose and a compelling story
This is something a little different: paranormal romance with a literary edge. The writing is beautiful. The protagonist is a strong, intelligent and caring woman you would want as a friend. But the best part for me was the fascinating research into ancient mythology that propels the storyline. You’ll leave this book wanting to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Jennifer Foxcroft.
Author 3 books38 followers
October 28, 2015
What a fantastic read!!!!

I was very fortunate to get my hands on an advanced copy of this amazing novel. I'm a huge fan of all things paranormal, but what I loved the most about A Keeper's Truth is that it didn't feel like a paranormal read. I thought several times in the first part of the story that I was reading literature. It's so well written and so real. The characters are real. They could be your neighbors, and that was what I loved about it.

This is a great story. It's well paced and keeps you wanting to start the next chapter. I got to a certain point and couldn't put it down. I love finding books that don't go the obvious path... books that keep you guessing. And there is a swoony man who is very very swoony! What's not to love.

Looking forward to reading more from Dee Wilson.
Profile Image for Lolly K Dandeneau.
1,886 reviews243 followers
April 4, 2016
Though I found the instant meeting of the souls with Bryce more romance than something I usually find appealing, this was a strange paranormal story. I think the mythology of it will pull people in that aren't always easily sold on the romance aspect. This is more than romance though because it starts with loss, a widow trying to raise her daughter and move past grief but with a side dish of fear in mental illness. I don't want to give anything away, this is the first in a series and darn it, usually I am not big on series but I am going to follow this one. I am a sucker for folktales, superstitions, mythology, because those things are truly the original literature of the people. It is the heart of story-telling and this novel gives it out in small doses throughout. It is just the thing to hold my interest. Yes, read and enjoy this strange novel.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,439 reviews82 followers
March 30, 2016
What a moving book, from the first page to the last. A Keeper’s Truth is the story of Tess Morgan, her life has seen more than its share of pain and misery, from her neglected childhood to her early widowhood, Tess knows sorrow. As she begins to peak out from under the shroud of mourning, life is waiting for her. But world turns out to be much scarier than she ever realized as she learns that she is part of a force as old as the world itself.
I thought this was going to be a fairly standard second chance romance, but it was so much more. The friendship with Thomas, the rivalry with Bryce, the Keepers and lost souls, just an amazing menagerie. Luckily this is the first in a series, unfortunately I have no idea when book 2 is released, but I will be thrilled to continue this journey.

review by Jo
Profile Image for Dee Willson.
Author 2 books48 followers
December 12, 2016
"WITH A GENEROUS WIT THAT READERS SHOULD SAVOR, WILLSON PRESENTS TESS AS A DAMAGED WOMAN DESPERATE TO HEAL.... THE AUTHOR ALSO SPREADS HER LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS ON NEARLY EVERY PAGE.... YET AS WILLSON UNFURLS MORE OF HER WORLD, HER SERIES' IMMENSE POTENTIAL PROVES IRRESISTIBLE."
- KIRKUS REVIEW

"A Keeper's Truth by Dee Wilson is an intriguing novel that explores some of the myths that date back to antiquity. I think it is an amazing story, and I appreciate the way that Dee Wilson approaches these controversial mythical lands. I didn't feel like I was reading some fantastical fantasy, but rather a historical review... I found this book enjoyable and entertaining, and I highly recommend it to science fiction aficionados who have an interest in the ancient lost civilizations of the earth and how these affect us today. It is a marvelous story and I am looking forward to reading the sequel."
- Reader's Favorite

"A born storyteller who draws us into her world with accomplished writing, novels that touch our hearts, and endings that leave us breathless."
- D.J. McIntosh, Award Winning Author of The Witch of Babylon

"When BDP first received the manuscript for A Keeper's Truth from Dee Willson, we read the first page and knew that this was the kind of book we started this business for. Dee has a wonderful storytelling voice, and her dedication to fine tuning a manuscript to be the best that it can be showed.... It's so wonderful to work with someone who values taking time to publish a book we hope readers will pick up again and again and become a favorite in their libraries."
- Bottom Drawer Publications

"Dee Willson is a born story-teller. Her worlds are freshly invented, meticulously considered, and richly told. A KEEPER'S TRUTH dazzles us with an entirely human protagonist and a love interest who is anything but. In all her work she manages to offer what we all want: surprise and delight and laughter, a remarkable achievement."
- Catherine Luttinger, Agent, Darhansoff & Verrill, New York

"From her masterful openings to her gut-wrenching finales, Dee Willson writes lush, imaginative stories. Her skill as a craftsman, whose perfect word choices are complimented by her talent for spellbinding plots and memorable characters. I've carved out a special place on my bookshelf for her current novels and plenty of of space for those yet to come."
- Tanis Mallow, Author

"Dee Willson's characters cast shadows sharp enough to make even the most jaded reader uneasy. She juxtaposes comfort with peril and the beautiful with the grotesque until the simplest gestures are disquieting and the only way out is forward."
- Rob Brunet, Author of Stinking Rich

"I love finding books that don't go the obvious path...books that keep you guessing."
- Jennifer Foxcroft, Author of Sanguine Mountain
24 reviews
March 3, 2017
This book had me hooked from the first sentence. Part thriller, part paranormal romance, it follows a pace as unique as the protagonist, Tess Morgan. She's a single mother, a recent widow, a talented artist, and a woman who sees things other people don't. Between the nightmares and the violent visions, she thinks she's going crazy. Then she meets Bryce Waters, a mysterious bachelor who seems to have everything: looks, brains, and a magnetic charm Tess can't resist--much to the chagrin of her friend Thomas, who just happens to be Bryce's brother.

As Tess and Bryce grow closer, she discovers he also has ancient knowledge that challenges everything she thought she knew about the history of the human race. And oh, did I mention there's a missing girl and a killer on the loose?

As an added feature, the book cover itself is a work of art, making A Keeper's Truth a perfect gift. But take my advice--buy one for yourself first.
Profile Image for Jo Dawson.
216 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2016
What a moving book, from the first page to the last. A Keeper’s Truth is the story of Tess Morgan, her life has seen more then its share of pain and misery, from her neglected childhood to her early widowhood, Tess knows sorrow. As she begins to peak out from under the shroud of mourning, life is waiting for her. But world turns out to be much scarier than she ever realized as she learns that she is part of a force as old as the world itself.

I thought this was going to be a fairly standard second chance romance, but it was so much more. The friendship with Thomas, the rivalry with Bryce, the Keepers and lost souls, just an amazing paranormal menagerie. Luckily this is the first in a series, unfortunately I have no idea when book 2 is released, but I will be thrilled to continue this journey.
Profile Image for Stephanie  Mae.
704 reviews
June 21, 2016
If I can give you one piece of advice while reading this book, sit with no one bothering you, trust me it's totally worth it. There is so much going on in this book, and the writing is just amazing. It certainly falls under the Paranormal with the whole shebang of the Keepers and lost souls, but Dee's writing is beautiful and deep that you don't even realize that you are reading something that's outta this world.

There is no way I am giving anything away with this story line, you will have to devour this story yourself, just remember that this is book 1, not sure when book 2 will be out. Let the stalking begin!!!! Would I recommend this amazing story to my friends, I sure would, it's amazing. Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Carolyn.
April 27, 2016
From page one I was hooked. Not only was this a well written book, it kept me interested and wanting more as I ended every chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author incorporated ancient mythology into a modern day story that takes place in a town which could very well be the one you live in, with the main character, Tess, as one of your neighbors. The author did a fabulous job bringing her characters to life, and between that and the mythology, I didn’t want the story to end.
I highly suggest you read this book. Like me, you will be begging the author for more. I can't wait for book number two!
Profile Image for Dorothy Mcintosh.
14 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2015
I had the benefit of reading an early copy of A Keeper's Truth. The first few pages caught my attention and didn't let go. There are two stand outs in the novel. Tess is a highly credible and original lead character and I felt bonded to her throughout the book. A great lead character alone, though, is not enough to make a book a stand out but when that combines with a surprising portrait of ancient lore that reaches far beyond recorded human history, the novel really comes alive. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2016
This novel will leave you wondering about our very existence on earth. A romance of love, lust, and lies with a twist of paranormal. Tess is about to embark on a journey she never knew existed. She is forced to choose between the safe and somewhat normal life or a passionate, unknown weird world that she encounters. Is she willing to risk it all for love or will she settle for the norm? This book is a joy to read. I cannot wait for the second book in this series of three.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,305 reviews43 followers
March 23, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**


This is a book you'll want in your possession! Snatches you right in from page 1! Well balanced story plot and characters! I promise you don't want to miss out on this read!

*Received for an honest review*
Profile Image for Tatianna.
193 reviews46 followers
July 13, 2022
Willson's writing in this novel is incredible and I was hooked from the first chapter. I loved the storyline and characters, and it definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I can't believe this book isn't more well-known. Many elements in the book reminded me of A Discovery of Witches, albeit this book's literary writing, plot and character development are far superior in my opinion (I hated that series, lol).

I am mostly disappointed that there doesn't seem to be a sequel on the horizon, which is much needed because I want more of this world, these characters, and answers to the lingering mystery. There is more to Thomas and Bryce (seriously, I still don't know who is good and who is evil), more to the Keepers, more to the mystery lost-soul villian and the one responsible for slaying him. This book, while pretty good as a standalone novel, feels like an introduction to something much deeper. I hope one day we get that!
Profile Image for Tanis Mallow.
6 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2016
From its masterful opening to its heart-wrenching finale, Dee Willson's debut, A Keeper's Truth takes readers on a enthralling journey. With this genre-bending novel, Willson successfully combines all the elements we love in romance, mystery, paranormal and thriller stories in an intriguing way. The book raises questions that will have you questioning myth vs facts long after you've finished reading it and the ending both ties up the story in a satisfying way and leaves readers wanting much more from those memorable characters. I've carved out a special place on my bookshelf for this book and for her novels yet to come.
Profile Image for Vaughn Roycroft.
Author 2 books44 followers
June 4, 2016
I was immediately lured into Tess's world, mainly by the blend of her strength and humor. I would've followed her anywhere, but I really became intrigued by the deepening magical realism and modernized folklore she encounters. The pace of this book is blistering, and I found myself reading it every chance I got for three days. There was an odd change of character perspective as the book raced toward climax, but I soon gathered why this had to be, and the switch didn't slow me. All I could say at the end is, "Well, I hope Willson's busy working on the sequel." I can't wait to read on!
Profile Image for Sharon.
232 reviews
June 17, 2016
Good Story. A little bit of mystery and excitement however the ending let me down. The ending fell a bit flat for me. Maybe the next story in the series (I think there will be a next) will pick it back up.
Profile Image for Billiebumblebee.
146 reviews14 followers
April 20, 2016
Oh I really liked this book, even though I was a bit skeptic to begin with. There are just so many things that could go wrong with a young widow, a handsome stranger, a triangle drama (ugh) and mythical things. But it seems like I forgot that there is also a whole lot of right that can happen with those ingredients too.

The young widow Tess is so easy to like and I cared for her from page one. She's been through so many sad things and I really think Willson did a great job with making her real and lovable. The handsome stranger Bryce is, well, handsome, and though he seemed at first to be only that, he grew so much on me that I think I might have fallen in love with him a little bit myself. And together - oh! Pure magic. They have such chemistry and there was an intensity to their romance that really made this book worth the read. Such a good couple!

But I did have a hard time with the triangle drama (since I'm so over with that shit) and when I saw it coming in this book, I was hoping that it wouldn't destroy what I had so far really enjoyed. And it didn't, it was actually a legit thing to bring to this story...even though it was little bit annoying to be honest.

Another thing I really enjoyed was how legend and myth came together and created a fascinating history that I would love to know more about in future novels. Because as I neared the ending I realized that there was no way that this story would get concluded in this book and that a sequel had to happen. and it is happening, which I'm very glad for, but I wish I had known from the start that this was not a stand alone novel.

Anyhoo, I really enjoyed this read. It was a page turner and had a lovely language that made this story latch on and not let go until it was done. It filled me with wonder and fuzzy feelings and I'll definitely read more from Dee Willson.
Profile Image for Barb.
254 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2016
I have never read a book quite like this one and I doubt any other author would do it as much justice as this one did. I couldn't put this book down. It had sorrow, joy, humor, love and even some history and the history part was so interesting that I never even yawned while reading it!For a book to have all this and so much more, it is so deserves more than 5 stars but that is all I can give.
Tess has known loss that started from her childhood until now when she is now a widow with a daughter to raise by herself. Her friend keeps telling her to get out and start dating again but Tess isn't sure about that until she starts hanging out with Thomas and then meets Bryce. Talk about a love triangle but Tess isn't sure what to do.
While reading this you don't want to be distracted by anything else but while reading this it's hard to be distracted because this book holds your interest from page one till the very end. Talking about keeper's and lost souls along with a little history thrown in and of course love. This is so not your normal second chance at love book, it's so much much more. I will read the next book in this series as soon as it comes out. I am hooked and you will be too!
Profile Image for Brin.
52 reviews
April 10, 2016
I was swept along from the first chapter of this book. Dee Willson created wonderful, unique characters and an intriguing story-line. I loved it! I'm waiting for Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.