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Finding Abigail,
This book was previously published as the second part of Finding Abigail. It has now been split into two books.
Due to violence and language, this book is recommended for 18+
Now that Abby is safe, living in a lake house on Shimmer Lake, she feels free. The scenery is breathtaking and tranquil. The town is quaint and friendly. She should be happy and relaxed.
However, just because the beatings stopped, doesn’t mean the scars have disappeared. It takes some time to get used to living without the abuse from her ex-fiancé Nick. She finds herself looking over her shoulder never quite trusting her safety and wondering when he will finally find her.
As if that’s not enough to deal with, Sylvia’s grandson Noah lives next door and insists on looking after her. He is good looking, kind…and very much male.
After six long months of abuse, she can’t trust another man. She fears him, but can’t explain why since she is hiding the truth.
Will Noah give up trying to help her or will Abby finally find the strength to except that not all men are evil and come to trust him?
Due to violence and language, this book is recommended for 18+
Now that Abby is safe, living in a lake house on Shimmer Lake, she feels free. The scenery is breathtaking and tranquil. The town is quaint and friendly. She should be happy and relaxed.
However, just because the beatings stopped, doesn’t mean the scars have disappeared. It takes some time to get used to living without the abuse from her ex-fiancé Nick. She finds herself looking over her shoulder never quite trusting her safety and wondering when he will finally find her.
As if that’s not enough to deal with, Sylvia’s grandson Noah lives next door and insists on looking after her. He is good looking, kind…and very much male.
After six long months of abuse, she can’t trust another man. She fears him, but can’t explain why since she is hiding the truth.
Will Noah give up trying to help her or will Abby finally find the strength to except that not all men are evil and come to trust him?
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2012
About the author
Christina Smith
12 books117 followersI grew up in Kingston Ontario, Canada, and after getting married, moved to a small rural town in the country. I live here with my husband Brad, two kids Josh and Megan, and our dog Bailey. Even though our house is peaceful, surrounded by nature and the occasional deer, I'm still a city girl at heart. I miss civilization, and visits with my mother and two sisters.
My Young Adult Fantasy books include:
Fated Dreams # 1 in the Affinity series
Delusions # 2 in the Affinity series
Riley's Curse, A Moon's Glow, Prequel, Novella
Riley's Secret, A Moon's Glow Novel #1
Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2
Riley's Redemption, A Moon's Glow Novel #3
Skeleton Park
My adult contemporary Romance Books include:
Lost Inside, A Shimmer Lake Novel #1
Finding Abigail, A Shimmer Lake Novel #2
My Young Adult Fantasy books include:
Fated Dreams # 1 in the Affinity series
Delusions # 2 in the Affinity series
Riley's Curse, A Moon's Glow, Prequel, Novella
Riley's Secret, A Moon's Glow Novel #1
Riley's Torment, A Moon's Glow Novel #2
Riley's Redemption, A Moon's Glow Novel #3
Skeleton Park
My adult contemporary Romance Books include:
Lost Inside, A Shimmer Lake Novel #1
Finding Abigail, A Shimmer Lake Novel #2
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 8, 2013
I was given this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Abigail by Christina Smith stars a woman stuck in an impossible situation. She's fallen in love with a guy who reveals his true nature after they get engaged-- he physically abuses her. She knows she has to escape, and when she does, she starts her life over. Will she be able to get over her past in order to move forward with her present and possibly find love?
Finding Abigail treads familiar ground. We have the woman who is stuck in a bad relationship, and a guy who is controlling and beats her. When Abby changes her name and her life, we've seen this before in multiple romance novels. That said, the characters are what make this book succeed. Abigail is a terrific character, and I loved all of the background about her being a writer. I do feel like this is a case of writing what you know, and Christina Smith definitely knows about this. I enjoyed the supportive cast a lot-- Abby has some really great friends that pop off of the page. I also love the grandmotherly figure who plays a key part in her life in multiple ways-- I'll leave the reader to discover her on his own.
I have to say, I wasn't too thrilled by the second love interest. Noah is also overprotective and also pretty pushy with Abby. I guess she gravitates towards that sort of man, but I love when her confident side comes out and wished I saw that more. I also have an issue with epilogues in general, so everything seemed to resolve a little too easily.
That said, this was a great beach read. It's well paced and a quick read with a engaging protagonist.
Finding Abigail by Christina Smith stars a woman stuck in an impossible situation. She's fallen in love with a guy who reveals his true nature after they get engaged-- he physically abuses her. She knows she has to escape, and when she does, she starts her life over. Will she be able to get over her past in order to move forward with her present and possibly find love?
Finding Abigail treads familiar ground. We have the woman who is stuck in a bad relationship, and a guy who is controlling and beats her. When Abby changes her name and her life, we've seen this before in multiple romance novels. That said, the characters are what make this book succeed. Abigail is a terrific character, and I loved all of the background about her being a writer. I do feel like this is a case of writing what you know, and Christina Smith definitely knows about this. I enjoyed the supportive cast a lot-- Abby has some really great friends that pop off of the page. I also love the grandmotherly figure who plays a key part in her life in multiple ways-- I'll leave the reader to discover her on his own.
I have to say, I wasn't too thrilled by the second love interest. Noah is also overprotective and also pretty pushy with Abby. I guess she gravitates towards that sort of man, but I love when her confident side comes out and wished I saw that more. I also have an issue with epilogues in general, so everything seemed to resolve a little too easily.
That said, this was a great beach read. It's well paced and a quick read with a engaging protagonist.
December 31, 2012
Wow once again Christina Smith has blown me away with this book. This book was intense , Christina took a topic that happens everyday but is never talked about and put it in a book that makes you feel so emotionally drained after cus the topic it self is intense but it is written so well that you feel everything that Abby feels I mean everything. There were so many times I wanted to crawl into the ipad and strangle a certain person.
I loved Abby from the start she was a fighter in every way, this issue is dealt with everyday by woman all over the world and this book really opens your eyes to that, it shows it through Abby's Pov and it really shows that it really is not just as simple as getting up and leaving, the battle continues even when you have left the initial situation.
I have read all of Christina's books and I've loved all of them but this one is on a level all on its own and not only because of the fact that it is so different to what she has written previously but for the fact that its so real so intense..
Christina has wowed me again I can't wait to see what she writes next cus I know it will be another must read.
I recommend this to everyone :)
I loved Abby from the start she was a fighter in every way, this issue is dealt with everyday by woman all over the world and this book really opens your eyes to that, it shows it through Abby's Pov and it really shows that it really is not just as simple as getting up and leaving, the battle continues even when you have left the initial situation.
I have read all of Christina's books and I've loved all of them but this one is on a level all on its own and not only because of the fact that it is so different to what she has written previously but for the fact that its so real so intense..
Christina has wowed me again I can't wait to see what she writes next cus I know it will be another must read.
I recommend this to everyone :)
December 31, 2012
Intense. That is the first word that popped into my mind when I finished reading this book. By the end I was feeling simultaneously emotionally battered, empowered, and heart-warmed. Smith took a very emotionally charged and extremely volatile topic and turned it into an eye-opening read that you cannot put down. It is so very different from many other stories of its genre that you cannot guess what is going to happen next.
The symbolism that Smith uses while describing her characters gives you insights into their character that become more and more prominent throughout the story. At the beginning there are warning signs in the behavior of one of the characters if you look for them, but they are so subtly and realistically portrayed in the story that you never once find yourself wondering how the main character ended up in her situation or what in the world she was thinking. I love the fact that the main character is a fighter, but is also a stereotypical victim of abuse dealing with real issues and fears. From the beginning she wants to escape her circumstances, it just takes her a while to determine how to do so. She does everything that she can to protect those that she cares for while extracting herself from such a volatile environment. She also manages to overcome her fears and move on with her life. I also must admit that I share the main character’s aversion to high heels so knew exactly what she was talking about.
The terms that each character uses when describing things are always fitting to the character. She uses technical terms to describe things in her narrative and with characters that would typically use them. She also uses quite creative terms when the character would not know the technical terms. And what she does is just that, describes the action or event (ie//he buckled the horse in from someone who had never seen a horse up close before).
This novel is a real eye-opener. It makes you realise that something like this doesn’t end for those involved. It is a lifelong battle. It’s a continuous struggle to continue living a normal and fulfilling life.
See the full review on my blog! http://purejonel.blogspot.ca
The symbolism that Smith uses while describing her characters gives you insights into their character that become more and more prominent throughout the story. At the beginning there are warning signs in the behavior of one of the characters if you look for them, but they are so subtly and realistically portrayed in the story that you never once find yourself wondering how the main character ended up in her situation or what in the world she was thinking. I love the fact that the main character is a fighter, but is also a stereotypical victim of abuse dealing with real issues and fears. From the beginning she wants to escape her circumstances, it just takes her a while to determine how to do so. She does everything that she can to protect those that she cares for while extracting herself from such a volatile environment. She also manages to overcome her fears and move on with her life. I also must admit that I share the main character’s aversion to high heels so knew exactly what she was talking about.
The terms that each character uses when describing things are always fitting to the character. She uses technical terms to describe things in her narrative and with characters that would typically use them. She also uses quite creative terms when the character would not know the technical terms. And what she does is just that, describes the action or event (ie//he buckled the horse in from someone who had never seen a horse up close before).
This novel is a real eye-opener. It makes you realise that something like this doesn’t end for those involved. It is a lifelong battle. It’s a continuous struggle to continue living a normal and fulfilling life.
See the full review on my blog! http://purejonel.blogspot.ca
December 31, 2012
Smith does it again! Finding Abigail is a wonderful story of heartbreak, love, and most of all, a woman’s journey as she pulls herself from her darkest point in life and fights to find herself again.
What I loved: I have to admit that when I read one of the first drafts of this book I was on the fence. There was just something…missing. But I can tell you that whatever it was, it is not missing anymore. Smith pulled Finding Abigail together, and in the end, delivered a wonderfully heart wrenching, and completely breathtaking story.
I loved the raw intensity. Smith didn’t sugarcoat anything. She gave us the truth about domestic violence, letting us dive into Abby’s head and showing us the turmoil that causes so many women to stick around through relentless beatings and emotional distress.
On the edge of consciousness, I gazed into the deep brown eyes that stared into mine. They were full of hate and disgust as the man attached to them drained the life from my body.
He said he loved me, but continually treated me with violence and ridicule.
He said he wanted to marry me, except to him, I was a possession.
He said he wanted to be together forever, but my life, my essence, my soul, was slipping away at the hands of the man who loves me.
But even with defeat threatening to consume her, I absolutely LOVED that Abby did not give into it. She was strong and determined and really, she was the kind of character that you want to succeed, to rise above and fight back.
What I liked: Noah, well, I liked him. He was nice, outgoing, and really, he was exactly what Abby needed. There were a few things about him that just rubbed me the wrong way, which is why he fell into the “like” category, but those things are probably the residual damage left behind by Prince Charming. I’m still wondering if I would feel this way if Noah had been a lead in another book or if I had met him first in this one. I guess I found it hard to cheer for another man when the first one was just so…horrible.
What drove me crazy: Honestly, (and this may be a first) there really wasn’t much that drove me crazy, at least, not in a bad way. There were many (and I mean MANY) cringing, skin crawling moments, but each one was the good kind—sort of. At times, Nick made me want to scream and want to throw the book away and even made me feel sick, but that was the point of his character and without him there wouldn’t have been a story.
My overall thoughts: This book was a real eye opener to the world of domestic violence. Smith takes care to make the scenes realistic and intense and really dives into the inner thoughts of the victim, Abby. If you are looking for a book that tackles real issues, and will make your skin crawl one moment, but then the next, make heart flutter, then try Finding Abigail. You won’t be disappointed.
What I loved: I have to admit that when I read one of the first drafts of this book I was on the fence. There was just something…missing. But I can tell you that whatever it was, it is not missing anymore. Smith pulled Finding Abigail together, and in the end, delivered a wonderfully heart wrenching, and completely breathtaking story.
I loved the raw intensity. Smith didn’t sugarcoat anything. She gave us the truth about domestic violence, letting us dive into Abby’s head and showing us the turmoil that causes so many women to stick around through relentless beatings and emotional distress.
On the edge of consciousness, I gazed into the deep brown eyes that stared into mine. They were full of hate and disgust as the man attached to them drained the life from my body.
He said he loved me, but continually treated me with violence and ridicule.
He said he wanted to marry me, except to him, I was a possession.
He said he wanted to be together forever, but my life, my essence, my soul, was slipping away at the hands of the man who loves me.
But even with defeat threatening to consume her, I absolutely LOVED that Abby did not give into it. She was strong and determined and really, she was the kind of character that you want to succeed, to rise above and fight back.
What I liked: Noah, well, I liked him. He was nice, outgoing, and really, he was exactly what Abby needed. There were a few things about him that just rubbed me the wrong way, which is why he fell into the “like” category, but those things are probably the residual damage left behind by Prince Charming. I’m still wondering if I would feel this way if Noah had been a lead in another book or if I had met him first in this one. I guess I found it hard to cheer for another man when the first one was just so…horrible.
What drove me crazy: Honestly, (and this may be a first) there really wasn’t much that drove me crazy, at least, not in a bad way. There were many (and I mean MANY) cringing, skin crawling moments, but each one was the good kind—sort of. At times, Nick made me want to scream and want to throw the book away and even made me feel sick, but that was the point of his character and without him there wouldn’t have been a story.
My overall thoughts: This book was a real eye opener to the world of domestic violence. Smith takes care to make the scenes realistic and intense and really dives into the inner thoughts of the victim, Abby. If you are looking for a book that tackles real issues, and will make your skin crawl one moment, but then the next, make heart flutter, then try Finding Abigail. You won’t be disappointed.
January 18, 2013
Intense. That is the first word that popped into my mind when I finished reading this book. By the end I was feeling simultaneously emotionally battered, empowered, and heart-warmed. Smith took a very emotionally charged and extremely volatile topic and turned it into an eye-opening read that you cannot put down. It is so very different from many other stories of its genre that you cannot guess what is going to happen next.
The symbolism that Smith uses while describing her characters gives you insights into their character that become more and more prominent throughout the story. At the beginning there are warning signs in the behavior of one of the characters if you look for them, but they are so subtly and realistically portrayed in the story that you never once find yourself wondering how the main character ended up in her situation or what in the world she was thinking. I love the fact that the main character is a fighter, but is also a stereotypical victim of abuse dealing with real issues and fears. From the beginning she wants to escape her circumstances, it just takes her a while to determine how to do so. She does everything that she can to protect those that she cares for while extracting herself from such a volatile environment. She also manages to overcome her fears and move on with her life. I also must admit that I share the main character’s aversion to high heels so knew exactly what she was talking about.
The terms that each character uses when describing things are always fitting to the character. She uses technical terms to describe things in her narrative and with characters that would typically use them. She also uses quite creative terms when the character would not know the technical terms. And what she does is just that, describes the action or event (ie//he buckled the horse in from someone who had never seen a horse up close before).
This novel is a real eye-opener. It makes you realise that something like this doesn’t end for those involved. It is a lifelong battle. It’s a continuous struggle to continue living a normal and fulfilling life.
The symbolism that Smith uses while describing her characters gives you insights into their character that become more and more prominent throughout the story. At the beginning there are warning signs in the behavior of one of the characters if you look for them, but they are so subtly and realistically portrayed in the story that you never once find yourself wondering how the main character ended up in her situation or what in the world she was thinking. I love the fact that the main character is a fighter, but is also a stereotypical victim of abuse dealing with real issues and fears. From the beginning she wants to escape her circumstances, it just takes her a while to determine how to do so. She does everything that she can to protect those that she cares for while extracting herself from such a volatile environment. She also manages to overcome her fears and move on with her life. I also must admit that I share the main character’s aversion to high heels so knew exactly what she was talking about.
The terms that each character uses when describing things are always fitting to the character. She uses technical terms to describe things in her narrative and with characters that would typically use them. She also uses quite creative terms when the character would not know the technical terms. And what she does is just that, describes the action or event (ie//he buckled the horse in from someone who had never seen a horse up close before).
This novel is a real eye-opener. It makes you realise that something like this doesn’t end for those involved. It is a lifelong battle. It’s a continuous struggle to continue living a normal and fulfilling life.
April 2, 2013
**I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads' Giveaway**
I loved this book. There were times I wanted to yell at Abby (the title character), there were times I chuckled, and there were times my eyes were watering. I felt what Abby was feeling, like I was actually there. I can't go into details, as I don't want to spoil the book at all.
Christina Smith did an excellent job creating characters that seemed real. I could totally see some of my friends in the characters. And by working with a woman who had been in this type of situation before, Smith was able to understand what Abby was thinking and feeling.
I am looking forward to future adult novels that Christina writes, as I couldn't put this one down. The whole book was intense, I was afraid I'd miss something if I quit reading.
I loved this book. There were times I wanted to yell at Abby (the title character), there were times I chuckled, and there were times my eyes were watering. I felt what Abby was feeling, like I was actually there. I can't go into details, as I don't want to spoil the book at all.
Christina Smith did an excellent job creating characters that seemed real. I could totally see some of my friends in the characters. And by working with a woman who had been in this type of situation before, Smith was able to understand what Abby was thinking and feeling.
I am looking forward to future adult novels that Christina writes, as I couldn't put this one down. The whole book was intense, I was afraid I'd miss something if I quit reading.
March 25, 2013
Wow. After reading this book by Christina Smith, I would place it at 4.5/5 stars. The storyline with Abby's background with her relationship with Nick was quite detailed, almost overly so, but picks up speed after the horrific abuse she endures and escapes from. This book was able to evoke strong emotions, which, considering the subject matter, is important in my humble opinion. I appreciated the tenacity of Noah's character, as well as their developing relationship, which was such a great contrast between the two relationships Abby experienced (of course!)
This is a book that I would be able to reread without hesitation.
This is a book that I would be able to reread without hesitation.
January 2, 2013
OH MY!! This book was great!! It took me a while to get into it in the beginning, but by the second half I was very invested in Abby's character and read into the wee hours of the morning. The writing was great and the story was powerful. I also adored Noah's character. Most of the story focuses on the topic of domestic violence and I was impressed with how Christina Smith approached the subject with grace and class. A must read, but mainly intended for more mature readers I think.
January 19, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Wasn't at all what I expected and then the twists and the turns came.
February 7, 2013
Incredible! Kept me turning the pages until wee hours of the night. Wonder my surprise when I read the 'about the author' and Vhristina is from my hometown!!!!!
January 3, 2013
Must read! completed in less tan 24 hrs! really loved her writing!
June 20, 2024
Noah and Abigail are neighbors who become close friends. Abby isn’t ready to trust another man after her relationship with Nick but Noah can be persistent. Abby also begins to make friends with the townspeople and is trying to find her way in her new life. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
October 18, 2015
Protagonist is unlikable and the bulk of the book is people having boring conversations.
I cannot give it more than one star because I don't see even an honest attempt to write convincingly about what it proclaims to be about. It is, for the most part, a generic copypaste dribble about blue eyes and strong chests.
I cannot give it more than one star because I don't see even an honest attempt to write convincingly about what it proclaims to be about. It is, for the most part, a generic copypaste dribble about blue eyes and strong chests.
January 7, 2016
I liked it...and loved that Anna/Abby finally found herself and happiness despite her trying not to.
Although I did think it was kinda dumb for her to run in the end ...BUT I got why she did it but still kinda dumb.
Overall its a great second book in the series and now I'm gonna start the third.
Til next time - Sweets Books
Although I did think it was kinda dumb for her to run in the end ...BUT I got why she did it but still kinda dumb.
Overall its a great second book in the series and now I'm gonna start the third.
Til next time - Sweets Books
February 5, 2013
A quick, but good read and the book kept me interested. The subject of abuse is always tough but Christina Smith was able to add some humor and happiness in it as well. The characters were likable but predictable and her writing had a lot of detail. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 11, 2013
This is a really good read.
Domestic violence is not a great subject but this book was well written.
Abby finally broke free of her situation enough to love again but at what cost? Read and find out.
Love the supporting characters as much as the main ones.
Good little read.
Domestic violence is not a great subject but this book was well written.
Abby finally broke free of her situation enough to love again but at what cost? Read and find out.
Love the supporting characters as much as the main ones.
Good little read.
June 26, 2013
I loved this book. It reminded me of many things and made me think.deeply. I was so invested in her decisions. I really felt the fear and tentative hope she lived. really good story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews