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Finding Forever #1

Finding Forever

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Through the splinters of glass, I see his face, the one who has this hold on me, on my soul, and I know he holds the key to something I have yet to learn.

Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it. Morgan Masters is about to find out that what you wish for doesn’t come in a perfect little package.

Plummeting off the side of the mountain wasn’t the escape Morgan had planned. Or was it? Disconnected from who she was, where she came from, Morgan knows she’s in a hot mess when the lines blur between two worlds. What is real and what is imagined? Her inner struggle to find herself and to learn the truth, leads her into the arms of Ben, the perfect little package she once wished for, but doesn’t remember it.

Ben is Morgan’s solace, her guide through her state of confusion, offering comfort and love to degrees she is certain she has never known before. Longing to stay in the heavenly bliss, something keeps pulling her back, a little at a time.

When Morgan’s world crumbles, she endures weeks of heartbreak. She must decide between this life, or go in search of the unknown, in search of reestablishing the love she had for the man who helped her survive. What must she sacrifice to find him? Does he really exist? What will she uncover when she goes in search of Finding Forever?

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First published August 4, 2013

30 people are currently reading
311 people want to read

About the author

Melisa M. Hamling

5 books91 followers
I grew up in Colorado and moved to Nebraska in the latter half of my teen years, where I've remained. I have a great family and my father is James Dean. Yep! The James Dean. Okay in name only, but I still love to say it. I have the best husband ever! He's not afraid to do the laundry, or the dishes, and dang. He's had to survive four females and a whole lot of hormones. Poor guy! We have three beautiful daughters, and our only sons, Robby and Bentley, are of course, cats. They refuse to acknowledge their furry background, and so continue to live as humanly as possible.

Most of my work experience has been in healthcare giving me the opportunity to work with a variety of people, ranging from newborn to elderly. My true passion is writing. I'm captivated by stories that delve into facets of the human behavior: affliction, fidelity, passion, betrayal, and redemption. I prefer to take my characters through a physical journey where they learn something about themselves or take them to new and exciting places, but there is always romance involved.

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5 stars
35 (34%)
4 stars
31 (30%)
3 stars
16 (15%)
2 stars
11 (10%)
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8 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Rachelle Ayala.
Author 232 books1,228 followers
April 22, 2018
It's difficult for me to write a review about this book, not because it wasn't awesome, but because it is so different from anything I've ever read. It made me feel things I usually don't feel when reading a book: simultaneous enchantment and dread.

Morgan Masters could be anyone of us. A woman with a tragic past and a humdrum life. Everyone tells her to settle for the ordinary, but she yearns for romance and a love that spans time and space, something her parents had before they mysteriously disappeared.

When Morgan plunges off a cliff, she is caught in an unknown world so alternatively beautiful and frightening that it's hard to say whether it's real or imagined. Like Morgan, I was mystified at this world. I had some pretty wild hypotheses about the mansion, the meet and greet, and the sucking swimming pool, but as the story unfolded, I was drawn into BEN the ultimate fantasy boyfriend. From his golden blond locks to his glittering blue eyes, to his chiseled body and tender kindness, Ben is a dream come true. But... a sinister presence lurks, and Ben and his friend Danny cannot tell Morgan how to avoid it.

I can't give away the plot, but it is oh, so heartwrenching. And yet, you know Morgan is extraordinary and that she WILL find her way. The scenes with Ashley and Eddie (another plot I won't give away) are heartwarming and even hilarious. You'll laugh and cheer for them and love them all the way as they Find Forever. This book has a very special place in my heart and I look forward to the sequels to find out the secret of the hidden world.
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,108 reviews217 followers
September 20, 2013
I can't wait to get my "Vanilla" on!

This has to be one of the most unique stories I've ever read. The way Melisa paints a vivid picture in my mind is outstanding!!!
At one point in my journey I thought I was dropped in some sort of Alice in Wonderland. I'd actually consider this story fantasy.
I connected the dots fairly quick but I have to say it didn't sway my interest one bit.
I loved the characters! (Well most) James pissed me off, I won't say my reasons because I don't want to spoil anything.
I would like a prequel in Ben's POV.

Go Vanilla Go! Great Writing. I wanna see what's in store for the next book. Maybe some vanilla with sprinkles!!!
Profile Image for BadDirtyBooks.
166 reviews46 followers
September 1, 2013
Oh, Good Gawd Melisa Hamling!!!!! Holy, Holy, WOW this book was freaking awesome!!!!! It was a magnetic whirlwind of life, love, friendship and determination. I wish I would have read the book blurb before starting it, but then again.... nah, I'm glad I didn't. I felt like I was going through the story with Morgan. Struggling...fighting... between reality and fantasy. I mean can you actually make your dreams come true? Can you live in the fantasy of a perfect world or is it really all in your head? A place set up in your mind to help you cope with reality. Morgan is just living, going through the motions of day to day life... going to work blah, blah, blah…oh and also dating a complete and absolute total douche bag that is banging her so called best friend behind her back. Not too much to write home about. Until her life changes completely when she is in a horrible accident that lands her in a coma. Morgan ends up in the most beautiful place. It’s filled with friendly vivacious people, and COLOR.... lots of beautiful color. However, when everyone around you knows what's going on and you don't, the frustration is unbearable. I felt like screaming WTF is going on and will somebody please clue me in!!! Here again the author makes me feel that I am right there in the story with Morgan. I felt like me and Morgan were putting pieces of a 5000 piece puzzle together, but it really was the most beautifully painted puzzle picture, lol. The authors descriptive words and phrases are so vibrant, active, and colorful. Melisa also uses these expressive terms to create nightmares that are so vivid. I mean WOW!!!!! Really, the best way to explain her rich writing style is to say... it was absolutely enchanting.
And then, Morgan is ripped away from that Oz and forced to go back to having a fucked up asshole of a boyfriend, and to go back to that after having someone who adores EVERYTHING about you and ONLY you? It is more than a hard pill to swallow and Morgan's insecurities begin to take root and seep into her head. However once Morgan realizes who her soul mate truly is, she makes it her life goal to get back to him, get back to Ben......... at whatever cost.
Ahhhhh, Ben. Ben is the epitome of gorgeous. All it took was just one look into his eyes and Morgan was drawn to him with an incredible force. Had she dreamed of him? She had to, hadn't she? He seemed so familiar. His scent was entrancing and unforgettable. And despite Morgan's frustration in piecing together this Picasso called her life Ben's touch was a smooth, soothing balm to her through it all. She didn't know how to interpret her feelings for him or his feelings for her... until it was spoken. I mean we've all been there right? You think you're reading all the signs right, but everyone second guesses themselves at some point. When you know how someone really feels about you and it is mutual, and they verbalize that SHIT, Oh. My. GOD. That's it! Throw in the towel because you are a goner. You eat. Sleep. Breath. Nothing but them. It’s everything you always wanted and now it's finally yours. So what do you do about that? Damn it you wrap your arms around him and never let him go, but what if you couldn’t do that? What if that was out of your immediate control? It would be like ripping your heart right out of your chest. Morgan is in a tug of war with her life, her future, her fate. What it was and what it is, but mostly what is REAL and what does she want now. It’s all playing out right in front of her. The question is will she be able to figure it out and truly find her forever? Well? I'm not telling you!!!! So put it on the top of your tbr list, go get it and find out because you will love it!!!!! I give this 5-BadAssDirty-LoveHasNoBoundries-Stars!
- See more at: http://lipsmackingoodbooks.blogspot.c...
Profile Image for Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws.
1,617 reviews256 followers
November 11, 2013
I have been following this author ever since I came across her book Twenty Weeks. Though I haven’t had the chance to read any of her books before, the blurbs always indicate that the premise of the books to be something different. So when she approached me to read and review Finding Forever, I jumped up at the chance.

When Morgan Masters jumps off a cliff, she is caught somewhere in between. When she meets Ben, her ‘life’ takes a turn towards something that she has always craved for. But the thing is – she cannot stay in Ben’s arm forever as she is brought back to her real life with the douchebag James. With a past that rather remain forgotten, Morgan now can barely settle back into her life. With her heart stuck on Ben – someone know one around her seems to know – her life can never be the same. Will she ever find Ben again? Will she ever feel whole and happy again?

Okay, so I just reread the above portion and that hardly makes sense – just like the blurb of the story. Melissa M. Hamling has managed to create such a different premise that it is impossible to give you a clear picture without giving out a spoiler. Let’s just accept that you have to take my word for it when I say that this book has a Different, yes - with a capital D, kind of a setting on the whole. Though meant to be more of a Romance than a Mystery novel, this book will keep you theorizing about everything and being proved wrong every single time.

As for the characters, Morgan is a protagonist who is meant to stand out. She is a strong one. Throughout the book, you’ll find out more about her struggles and will not be able to help but admire her fighting spirits. Even though there are moments when you feel that ‘what the hell was she thinking?’, overall she comes out as a winner. James is a character you will love to hate from the moment he makes his first appearance and opens his mouth! And what do I say about Ben and Danny – they are characters that really make a girl’s heart melt.

Bringing together the characters and the plot together is Melissa’s very simple yet sweet style of writing that will keep you glued to the pages. I loved it!
Profile Image for Patricia Puddle.
Author 17 books126 followers
March 29, 2014
Melisa Hamling is one of my favorite authors. After discovering her first book, Twenty Weeks, I loved it, and also Melisa's writing. Now, I buy all her books as soon as they're out. She certainly didn't disappoint me with this amazing Love Story.

When Morgan Masters falls off a cliff, she doesn't die but ends up in another world, ending up confused and not knowing who or where she is. In her new home, she meets a beautiful guy and falls in love, and though he says he loves her too, Morgan isn't sure, especially when she catches him dancing or hugging other females. Though Morgan is insecure, she melts in his arms when he kisses her and she's sure he feels the same way about her, that is until she finds him yet again with the girl she hates. Though he swears he loves Morgan, he refuses to tell her how she arrived in the strange new world and informs her that she has to work it out for herself. Confused at his inconsistencies and mystery, Morgan takes off into dangerous places in search of answers.

Melisa writes so vividly that you feel like you're traveling on the adventure along with Morgan and the other characters. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Profile Image for Racquel Reck.
Author 2 books66 followers
May 28, 2014
Though I typically don't read YA I had an awesome time reading this story. I like the imaginative world that Melisa Hamling has created here. From the time I picked it up to the time Ii put it down I couldn't stop reading. The beginning was kind of confusing but that confusion made me read on and it leveled out into an OMG moment and I realized why.
She did an amazing job with creating memorable characters. Morgan is a young women trying to figure out her life when BAM! She's thrown into a different world that she doesn't quite understand. Not many authors can make me cry but Melisa gets the emotion across beautifully in her writing. This is worth the read. I'm glad I took a chance on this YA book.

Five flashy Stars to you, Melisa!!! Thank you!!!!
Profile Image for LipSmackin' GoodBooks Bloggin' Bitches.
108 reviews89 followers
September 18, 2013
I loved this story, I loved every minute of it. I loved it when I was lost, confused, and uncertain. I loved it when I was emotional, enchanted, and enthralled.
This awesome tale of an unlikely love was as close to The Wizard of Oz as you could dance and have fun yet still have a serious, thought provoking story line. And dammit I LOVED every bit of it!
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
August 16, 2014
Morgan Masters has just found out her boyfriend, James is in love with her best friend. She is driving home on a slippy road and crashes. She is in a coma and badly injured. When she awakes she is somewhere she doesn't recognize and she doesn't remember anything. She is lead to a mansion where she has an apartment. She meets a handsome man named Danny who makes her feel really welcome. This place is colorful and it's very unusual. There are places you are never to go and Morgan isn't sure why. Danny invites Morgan to a Gala Ball and she accepts. When she gets there Danny seems to be ignoring her and latches on to two other women, Kennedy and her friend. Morgan is going to leave and she suddenly sees a really handsome man watching her. He asks her to dance. His name is Ben and Morgan is very drawn to him. This book is a Wow book for me. How anyone could write something like this, I do not know. I usually don't read this type of book, but I am glad I did. It was fantastic. Getting into her mind while she was in this state was inspiring. I already bought book two because I want to see what happens next. All I can say is if you like a good romance book that isn't your typical type read this one. I guarantee you Ben and Morgan's relationship is very different and so is this story. Well done Melisa
Profile Image for Emerald Barnes.
Author 24 books122 followers
September 2, 2013
I have never read any of Melisa's books before, but when I was introduced to her through a mutual friend, I was happy to read this book. It was a sweet romance with a twist.

I quite enjoyed reading this book. The romance between Morgan and Ben is so absolutely stunning, and honestly, Ben is literally a dream come true. Or is he?

After Morgan's accident, she's trapped in this world that is quite confusing for her. And I had so many theories about it, but yet, I was so very wrong each time. I loved that Melisa kept me guessing and proving me wrong. You won't see the ending coming, which I adore in books!

I fell head over heels in love with Ben, and I know now why Morgan did. You can't go wrong with this romance. If you love a good love-story, I suggest you pick up your copy today. The added suspense is even better!

Great job! I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Erika.
367 reviews
August 29, 2013
This is a story about Morgan Masters and her wish to be in a better life than what she has now. She finds herself in a terrible car accident that, instead of death, she turns up in a whole new world were she struggles to remember who she is while trying to figure out how and why she is where she is. This story was so beautifully written and descriptive I could see everything Ms.Hamling was bringing out in the story. Like Morgan, I was unsure of how to take things at first but as the story went on, the more and more into the story and the more my curiosity was piqued. This was a wondrous read, different from what I normally read but it was a wonderful distraction and escape from the norm and is a read to be experienced!
Profile Image for Racquel Reck.
Author 2 books66 followers
May 31, 2014
Though I typically don't read YA I had an awesome time reading this story. I like the imaginative world that Melisa Hamling has created here. From the time I picked it up to the time I put it down I couldn't stop reading. The beginning was kind of confusing but that confusion made me read on and it leveled out into an OMG moment and I realized why.
She did an amazing job with creating memorable characters. Morgan is a young women trying to figure out her life when BAM! She's thrown into a different world that she doesn't quite understand. Not many authors can make me cry but Melisa gets the emotion across beautifully in her writing. This is worth the read. I'm glad I took a chance on this YA book.

Five flashy Stars to you, Melisa!!! Thank you!!!!
11 reviews
November 5, 2015
I started off not caring much for this book. You pretty much know the big stuff after the first few chapters, thanks to the confusing preface. Up until several chapters before the ending, I dreaded reading it, the book was bland and a bit over emotional... But, Monday morning when I picked it up, it got really good. Amazingly good! To rate the ending alone, I would give it all the stars! It didn't leave you high and dry. It was amazingly warm and fluffy. I closed this book with a smile. Nothing about this book was rushed. It was a nice book with a happy ending. To me this book is like sitting in a bath, at first its hard because the water isn't right so you want to get out but then when you finally relax you feel all warm and good inside.
Profile Image for Tiffany Lagrone.
28 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2013
I loved this book so much. The only problem that I personally had, was that it was a little too predictable, but that is just my point of view. I think it would be a huge mistake not to read this book. The characters in this book are quirky and fun, but know when to be serious when the time calls for it. I liked how the book starts out confusing, but then you get that Aaha! moment when you start putting things together. I also liked the ending...or is it the beginning??? You be the judge. I can't wait for the next one to come out. Way to go Melisa, you rock!! I knew I was going to love it when I read the blurb of it.
Profile Image for Dvillalobos.
141 reviews24 followers
September 1, 2013
Who knew...I really like something that isn't dark erotica!
Finding Forever is beautiful! This book will pull you in from the start and keep you on an emotional journey to the end. Melisa's writing made me feel like I was walking through a painting so vivid and mystical. I need more!!! Ben, Morgan and oh my God Ashley...did she ever make my heart melt! I may have found myself a new genre and definitely a new author to love!
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,294 reviews35 followers
March 18, 2014
I throughly enjoyed this book because it's the type of book that makes you think. It's a romance, and yet much more than that. It makes you question the afterlife, or the limbo between it, it makes you ask so many questions that you can't wait for the next book to get some answers. It's written so well that you aren't left with a cliff hanger, and yet you just HAVE to have get the next book. I loved it and definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Nikki Barrett.
Author 88 books1,238 followers
August 19, 2013
4.5 Lightning bolts!

Wow...great read and I'm really glad to hear there's more!

Review to come...since i stayed up way too late finishing while I'm sick. :P
81 reviews
July 16, 2017
Great!

The story was great. I was hook as soon I started to read the story. At first I could not figure out what was going on. Then I kept on reading and it got even better. I want to know about this place and more about Morgan and Ben. The only thing that bother me was when Morgan got jealous and ran away. I thought Ben made it clear that he was in love with her. I was just confused. But I want to read more as to why. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Szinna.
412 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2013
Eleinte még érdekes volt, a szituáció abszolút egyedi. Aztán a hősnő csak egy vinnyogó eszetlen liba lett, aki nem gondolkozott, csak a pillanatnyi érzései alapján cselekedett.
Az egyik problémám a stílussal volt, az ilyen mondatokkal, hogy a „jeges kék szemével melegen tekintett rá”. A másik a szereplőkkel. Nem tudtam megkedvelni őket. Csak olvastam róluk, és igazából nem nagyon izgatott, miután letettem a könyvet, hogy a következő fejezetben élnek-e vagy halnak.
A szürreális részeket viszont nagyon jól sikerült megfogni és ábrázolni. A környezet kiváló, a szereplők unalmasak, a történet meg nem tart pengeélen, hogy ez valóság, vagy egy kómában lévő elme agyszüleménye. Így pont az a feszültség veszett el aminek a történet egyediségéből kellett volna fakadnia.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,157 reviews18 followers
November 8, 2016
Frostbite Anthology....

This was really odd. Melissa is some sort of scientist with a cheating/stalker boyfriend. She starts seeing people follow her and then gets into an accident? And she's in some sort of dream world while she's in a coma? But things are kinda real too and she has to pay attention to her dreams and when she's awake? Idk, I really couldn't get into this one.
Profile Image for Choco.
249 reviews
March 15, 2018
It's difficult for me to write a review about this book, not because it wasn't awesome, but because it is so different from anything I've ever read. It made me feel things I usually don't feel when reading a book: simultaneous enchantment and dread.

Morgan Masters could be anyone of us. A woman with a tragic past and a humdrum life. Everyone tells her to settle for the ordinary, but she yearns for romance and a love that spans time and space, something her parents had before they mysteriously disappeared.

When Morgan plunges off a cliff, she is caught in an unknown world so alternatively beautiful and frightening that it's hard to say whether it's real or imagined. Like Morgan, I was mystified at this world. I had some pretty wild hypotheses about the mansion, the meet and greet, and the sucking swimming pool, but as the story unfolded, I was drawn into BEN the ultimate fantasy boyfriend. From his golden blond locks to his glittering blue eyes, to his chiseled body and tender kindness, Ben is a dream come true. But... a sinister presence lurks, and Ben and his friend Danny cannot tell Morgan how to avoid it.

I can't give away the plot, but it is oh, so heartwrenching. And yet, you know Morgan is extraordinary and that she WILL find her way. The scenes with Ashley and Eddie (another plot I won't give away) are heartwarming and even hilarious. You'll laugh and cheer for them and love them all the way as they Find Forever. This book has a very special place in my heart and I look forward to the sequels to find out the secret of the hidden world.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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