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Finding Sara
Sara Morgan sees herself as an outcast with no hope of a normal life. Her best friend is her horse, and her only dream is to ride at Rolex, the most prestigious equestrian event in the USA. Reaching her goal would be difficult enough if she were normal, but twenty-three-year-old Sara is anything but. She’s been in a mental hospital, she hears voices in her head, and she has no memory of hitting her abusive ex-husband with a truck. Under the watchful eyes of her father, now her legal guardian, Sara tries to build a life of her own. Enter Paul, a software engineer who collects yogurt cups and plastic bags. Short, bald, and a bit of a nerd, he’s never had a girlfriend, and he falls for Sara in a big way. Together, he and Sara sort out the awkward, confusing, and often amusing trials of new love. In this funny and frightening story of courage and hope, Sara walks a dangerous path. Unaware that an awful secret hides in her dreams, she just might be a danger to herself and others. Her life is a lie, and not everyone is on her side.
354 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2012
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Nancy DeMarco
6 books9 followersRaised in rural New England, Nancy doesn’t mind skinny dipping with bloodsuckers, drinking from snow melt, and outrunning deer flies. She has spent most of her life in the company of horses, working in all aspects of the equine industry. Today, she divides her time between writing, raising fresh vegetables for the deer and woodchucks, chasing guinea fowl out of the neighbors’ yards, and hiking the trails of New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 20, 2012
I just read it in the airplane and amused my fellow passengers with outbursts of what the internet community calls LOL's. Nancy DeMarco's debut novel creates moments of joy, angst, and love, and the way she writes is unique.
September 2, 2013
Quick Summation: It's been a LONG time since I've picked up a book that grabbed my attention from page one to the last page. No wonder this book was a semi-finalist in the 2012 Kindle Book Reviews Best Indie Books contest! Quite frankly I'm surprised this book hasn't been snatched up by a major publishing house...it is THAT good. - L. Avery Brown
If you'd like to read the interview that accompanies this review - please visit www.magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com
1. Book Title ... 10 of 10
Finding Sara- it's simple and intriguing. Who is Sara? Is Sara lost? Or does it mean Sara is searching for herself? This is the sort of title that makes a person stop and ask questions. It sticks in the head. And when that happens - it's done exactly what the title is meant to do.
2. Book Cover ... 10 of 10
I look at this cover and I can see someone I assume is Sara. It's winter. She's an equestrian. She looks so happy. So what in the world does Finding Sara mean? She's right there and everything looks picture perfect at the moment. Or is the horse Sara? Does she get away? The marriage of this book's title along with the picturesque cover of perfection made me ask all those questions. I was almost hooked just by these two elements alone. I wanted to open this book.
3. The First 500... 10 of 10
I'll be honest, I was hooked after reading the first two paragraphs. Sara isn't 'normal'. She hears voices. She must be watched - protected. '...she might break, again.' Again? What in the world has happened to Sara? If she's the beautiful, happy looking person on the cover - what in the world could be wrong? DeMarco has done an amazing job of introducing Sara Morgan, Harlee, and the voices that plague her. Harlee is Sara's best friend. You can feel that in the way DeMarco shows us how tenderly she touches her horse and the way she insists she would never do anything to hurt her. You get the feeling that people who deal with Sara treat her as if she could go 'off the deep end' at any minute. They're accusatory. No wonder the poor girl is so screwed up!
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification ... 10 of 10
This book is listed as a mystery/suspense/thriller and it is. It's also a romance. The romance part comes out early on and the thriller part, well, it's one of those 'sneak up on you' sorts of thriller. All along the way DeMarco plants little seeds that make a person stop and go wait, what is really going on here? And then about 2/3s of the way into the story, suddenly I knew what's going on but poor Sara is clueless. Paul knows something isn't right but he can't put his finger on what...all he knows is that he loves Sara and would do anything to help her. Cassie, her human best friend, she's had an inkling all along about the cause of Sara's madness but never had proof. Then there's Carl, her father who is also a psychiatrist, is trying desperately to maintain control over Sara ... for her own protection. And as I read I just wanted to shout 'OPEN YOUR EYES! The answer is right in front of you!' (Unfortunately, books tend to not listen when I yell at them!)
5. Presentation and Format ... 10 of 10
This book was expertly put together down to the 'in-chapter' scene changes wherein the standard little 'fleur de lis' or asterisks are used. DeMarco employs a silhouette of an equestrian - a wonderful method to remind us that the one thing that has always grounded Sara has been her connection to horses and the sense of calm they evoke.
6. Theme and Originality ... 10 of 10
I've read plenty of 'hearing voices' sorts of stories but usually the person doing the hearing of the voices turns out to really be bonkers. I've read several stories about 'a girl following her dream to be a champion horsewoman' and usually by the end of the book they're basking in the glory of their victory. I've also read loads of romances where everything turns out perfect and they haven't got a care in the world. And I've read lots of mystery/suspense/thrillers that built me up and made me wait until the end to figure anything out. BUT I've never read a story about a woman who hears voices only she isn't really nuts. And she doesn't wind up in the victor's box with laurels around her neck. AND - she doesn't see the BIG picture. Oh, and neither Sara nor Paul are 'models' with Barbie and Ken type bodies. This is not your typical book. No, not at all!
7. Description and Enhancement ... 10 of 10
DeMarco's subtle use of little things like how Sara jabs her thigh with her fingernail as a way to help her keep her wits about her and the way Sara handles the voices in her head reminding the reader that it's a constant battle for Sara is terrific. After a while, I sort of envisioned a shadowy entourage following Sara everywhere. And Paul - I loved his nerdy, OCD mannerisms. But I loved more the way DeMarco lets Paul make fun of his own quirks. He's down to earth. Oh, and there's a scene with Joanie and Carl (you'll just have to read the book to find out what I mean) at the lake that sent chills through me! Superb.
8. Intrigue ... 10 of 10
If you haven't figured it out already - I was wholly intrigued by this book. I read and read and read and didn't want to stop reading! In fact, I made my family wait for dinner just so I could read the last 2 chapters.
9. Grammar and Mechanics ... 10 of 10
This book, an INDIE book, is pretty darn spotless. After I read it, I found 1 sort of big error and two times where the " marks were turned the wrong way. (Not really sure how that happens - so I'm going to say it was just 1 actually error that jumped out at me.)
10. Overall Impression 10 ... 10
It's been a LONG time since I've picked up a book that grabbed my attention from page one to the last page. No wonder this book was a semi-finalist in the 2012 Kindle Book Reviews Best Indie Books contest! Quite frankly I'm surprised this book hasn't been snatched up by a major publishing house...it is THAT good.
If you'd like to read the interview that accompanies this review - please visit www.magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com
1. Book Title ... 10 of 10
Finding Sara- it's simple and intriguing. Who is Sara? Is Sara lost? Or does it mean Sara is searching for herself? This is the sort of title that makes a person stop and ask questions. It sticks in the head. And when that happens - it's done exactly what the title is meant to do.
2. Book Cover ... 10 of 10
I look at this cover and I can see someone I assume is Sara. It's winter. She's an equestrian. She looks so happy. So what in the world does Finding Sara mean? She's right there and everything looks picture perfect at the moment. Or is the horse Sara? Does she get away? The marriage of this book's title along with the picturesque cover of perfection made me ask all those questions. I was almost hooked just by these two elements alone. I wanted to open this book.
3. The First 500... 10 of 10
I'll be honest, I was hooked after reading the first two paragraphs. Sara isn't 'normal'. She hears voices. She must be watched - protected. '...she might break, again.' Again? What in the world has happened to Sara? If she's the beautiful, happy looking person on the cover - what in the world could be wrong? DeMarco has done an amazing job of introducing Sara Morgan, Harlee, and the voices that plague her. Harlee is Sara's best friend. You can feel that in the way DeMarco shows us how tenderly she touches her horse and the way she insists she would never do anything to hurt her. You get the feeling that people who deal with Sara treat her as if she could go 'off the deep end' at any minute. They're accusatory. No wonder the poor girl is so screwed up!
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification ... 10 of 10
This book is listed as a mystery/suspense/thriller and it is. It's also a romance. The romance part comes out early on and the thriller part, well, it's one of those 'sneak up on you' sorts of thriller. All along the way DeMarco plants little seeds that make a person stop and go wait, what is really going on here? And then about 2/3s of the way into the story, suddenly I knew what's going on but poor Sara is clueless. Paul knows something isn't right but he can't put his finger on what...all he knows is that he loves Sara and would do anything to help her. Cassie, her human best friend, she's had an inkling all along about the cause of Sara's madness but never had proof. Then there's Carl, her father who is also a psychiatrist, is trying desperately to maintain control over Sara ... for her own protection. And as I read I just wanted to shout 'OPEN YOUR EYES! The answer is right in front of you!' (Unfortunately, books tend to not listen when I yell at them!)
5. Presentation and Format ... 10 of 10
This book was expertly put together down to the 'in-chapter' scene changes wherein the standard little 'fleur de lis' or asterisks are used. DeMarco employs a silhouette of an equestrian - a wonderful method to remind us that the one thing that has always grounded Sara has been her connection to horses and the sense of calm they evoke.
6. Theme and Originality ... 10 of 10
I've read plenty of 'hearing voices' sorts of stories but usually the person doing the hearing of the voices turns out to really be bonkers. I've read several stories about 'a girl following her dream to be a champion horsewoman' and usually by the end of the book they're basking in the glory of their victory. I've also read loads of romances where everything turns out perfect and they haven't got a care in the world. And I've read lots of mystery/suspense/thrillers that built me up and made me wait until the end to figure anything out. BUT I've never read a story about a woman who hears voices only she isn't really nuts. And she doesn't wind up in the victor's box with laurels around her neck. AND - she doesn't see the BIG picture. Oh, and neither Sara nor Paul are 'models' with Barbie and Ken type bodies. This is not your typical book. No, not at all!
7. Description and Enhancement ... 10 of 10
DeMarco's subtle use of little things like how Sara jabs her thigh with her fingernail as a way to help her keep her wits about her and the way Sara handles the voices in her head reminding the reader that it's a constant battle for Sara is terrific. After a while, I sort of envisioned a shadowy entourage following Sara everywhere. And Paul - I loved his nerdy, OCD mannerisms. But I loved more the way DeMarco lets Paul make fun of his own quirks. He's down to earth. Oh, and there's a scene with Joanie and Carl (you'll just have to read the book to find out what I mean) at the lake that sent chills through me! Superb.
8. Intrigue ... 10 of 10
If you haven't figured it out already - I was wholly intrigued by this book. I read and read and read and didn't want to stop reading! In fact, I made my family wait for dinner just so I could read the last 2 chapters.
9. Grammar and Mechanics ... 10 of 10
This book, an INDIE book, is pretty darn spotless. After I read it, I found 1 sort of big error and two times where the " marks were turned the wrong way. (Not really sure how that happens - so I'm going to say it was just 1 actually error that jumped out at me.)
10. Overall Impression 10 ... 10
It's been a LONG time since I've picked up a book that grabbed my attention from page one to the last page. No wonder this book was a semi-finalist in the 2012 Kindle Book Reviews Best Indie Books contest! Quite frankly I'm surprised this book hasn't been snatched up by a major publishing house...it is THAT good.
July 6, 2012
The mind can create and learn, but it can also protect and hide. It can also break when too much is asked of it. Sara Morgan knows the limitations of her own mind. What she doesn’t know is why she hears voices, or why there are parts of her life that seem to be hidden behind barriers. All she can do is muddle through life the best she can.
Sara finds solace in being around horses. Her goals to ride at Rolex keep her focused, keep her thoughts off of her many problems. So much of Sara’s life is longer in her control after running down her ex-husband (something she doesn’t remember doing) and finding herself once again under the guardianship of her father. Part of her knows that her past stays in mental hospitals, the voices she hears, and her sometimes erratic behavior are good reasons for being treated the way she is, but another part of her longs for freedom. Especially after meeting Paul, a nerdy but sweet man who is willing to stick by Sara despite her past. Getting control of her life back proves more difficult, and more dangerous than Sara expected.
Behind the voices and horses and yogurt cups is the mystery of what happened to Sara. Hazy dreams give clues, but they aren’t enough. Sara’s behavior hints at what might have happened as well, but again, the reader is held back from piecing it all together too soon. Nancy DeMarco does a great job of giving you enough hints and clues to keep the mystery alive through the entire book, but has enough twists and turns and surprises to keep you guessing. What I really enjoyed about this mystery was when Nancy would switch point of views and outright reveal a secret to the reader, but the main character, Sara, still had no clue about what the reader knows. There were plenty of times of just wanted to reach inside the book and grab Sara and tell her to take another path or explain things to her. It was a great tactic for really making you anxious about Sara.
Sara herself was a wonderful character, very complex and realistic. I was pulled into Sara’s struggles right from the start. There are elements of Sara that I think every reader can connect with, like her relationship problems and warped self-image. Even the aspects of Sara that many readers may not be familiar with, like mental illness, are presented in a way that lets the reader understand Sara and feel for her. Who hasn’t felt trapped before? Who hasn’t been unsure? Maybe not to the point of arguing with the voices Sara hears, but everyone has had moments they feel like a dozen different people are all screaming at them and making demands that you can’t fulfill. Even for those unfamiliar with mental illness and the difficulties that come along with that, Nancy does a great job of making Sara’s problems into something readers can connect with.
Personally, one of my favorite parts of the book was Paul. Paul meets Sara, knowing nothing about her past, and is immediately drawn to her. When he does learn about her past, he’s willing to stick by her and try to help her. Some may think that is an unrealistic response for most, but Nancy finds a way to make Paul’s willingness to stick around make sense. She does it in the sweetest and funniest way possible. Paul is nerdy and quirky and a little bit odd, so he understands what it means to have others judge you and push you away because you aren’t the perfect package they wanted. He collects yogurt cups. He stores clothes that no longer fit in carefully marked stacks. He wears lime green sweat suits to meet Sara’s parents and help clean out a garage. He’s adorable and funny, and just about the sweetest guy you’ll meet. But that hardly means his relationship with Sara is perfect. I loved watching their relationship grow and falter and try to survive.
Just like with the mystery and mental illness, Nancy weaves the relationship into the story beautifully. Most couples will never have to face the problems Sara and Paul do, but Nancy has a way of making their issues easily relatable. I enjoyed the romantic side of the book just as much as the mystery and Sara’s personal issues. Overall, Finding Sara, was a wonderful book. It was well written, had a great mystery, an adorable yet deep romance, and unforgettable characters.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. It was a very well rounded book that pulled you in and kept you interested in every aspect of the story.
Who would I recommend this book to? Mystery readers, dramatic readers, humorous romance readers, really there aren’t a lot of reader groups I could think of that would not like this book. Whether you start reading for the mystery, romance, or mental illness aspect, you’ll enjoy Finding Sara.
Sara finds solace in being around horses. Her goals to ride at Rolex keep her focused, keep her thoughts off of her many problems. So much of Sara’s life is longer in her control after running down her ex-husband (something she doesn’t remember doing) and finding herself once again under the guardianship of her father. Part of her knows that her past stays in mental hospitals, the voices she hears, and her sometimes erratic behavior are good reasons for being treated the way she is, but another part of her longs for freedom. Especially after meeting Paul, a nerdy but sweet man who is willing to stick by Sara despite her past. Getting control of her life back proves more difficult, and more dangerous than Sara expected.
Behind the voices and horses and yogurt cups is the mystery of what happened to Sara. Hazy dreams give clues, but they aren’t enough. Sara’s behavior hints at what might have happened as well, but again, the reader is held back from piecing it all together too soon. Nancy DeMarco does a great job of giving you enough hints and clues to keep the mystery alive through the entire book, but has enough twists and turns and surprises to keep you guessing. What I really enjoyed about this mystery was when Nancy would switch point of views and outright reveal a secret to the reader, but the main character, Sara, still had no clue about what the reader knows. There were plenty of times of just wanted to reach inside the book and grab Sara and tell her to take another path or explain things to her. It was a great tactic for really making you anxious about Sara.
Sara herself was a wonderful character, very complex and realistic. I was pulled into Sara’s struggles right from the start. There are elements of Sara that I think every reader can connect with, like her relationship problems and warped self-image. Even the aspects of Sara that many readers may not be familiar with, like mental illness, are presented in a way that lets the reader understand Sara and feel for her. Who hasn’t felt trapped before? Who hasn’t been unsure? Maybe not to the point of arguing with the voices Sara hears, but everyone has had moments they feel like a dozen different people are all screaming at them and making demands that you can’t fulfill. Even for those unfamiliar with mental illness and the difficulties that come along with that, Nancy does a great job of making Sara’s problems into something readers can connect with.
Personally, one of my favorite parts of the book was Paul. Paul meets Sara, knowing nothing about her past, and is immediately drawn to her. When he does learn about her past, he’s willing to stick by her and try to help her. Some may think that is an unrealistic response for most, but Nancy finds a way to make Paul’s willingness to stick around make sense. She does it in the sweetest and funniest way possible. Paul is nerdy and quirky and a little bit odd, so he understands what it means to have others judge you and push you away because you aren’t the perfect package they wanted. He collects yogurt cups. He stores clothes that no longer fit in carefully marked stacks. He wears lime green sweat suits to meet Sara’s parents and help clean out a garage. He’s adorable and funny, and just about the sweetest guy you’ll meet. But that hardly means his relationship with Sara is perfect. I loved watching their relationship grow and falter and try to survive.
Just like with the mystery and mental illness, Nancy weaves the relationship into the story beautifully. Most couples will never have to face the problems Sara and Paul do, but Nancy has a way of making their issues easily relatable. I enjoyed the romantic side of the book just as much as the mystery and Sara’s personal issues. Overall, Finding Sara, was a wonderful book. It was well written, had a great mystery, an adorable yet deep romance, and unforgettable characters.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. It was a very well rounded book that pulled you in and kept you interested in every aspect of the story.
Who would I recommend this book to? Mystery readers, dramatic readers, humorous romance readers, really there aren’t a lot of reader groups I could think of that would not like this book. Whether you start reading for the mystery, romance, or mental illness aspect, you’ll enjoy Finding Sara.
September 1, 2012
Finding Sara is the artfully-told story of an adult child with mental illness who struggles to make independent decisions under the necessary guardianship of her parents. But is it really necessary? The fictional account slowly and insidiously slips into a gripping, intense tale of deceit, lies, unfocused memories, and murder. DeMarco does a marvelous job of steadily building tension until it’s stretched as tight as a drum. The reader becomes inescapably drawn into a fast-paced thriller where Sara’s friends make a distraught attempt to save her from a stark existence of chemical imprisonment with a reprehensible protagonist. The author handles the mental illness aspect with honesty and tact; I felt the main character and her situation were respected, even though she is fictional.
Susan Uttendorfsky
Owner, Adirondack Editing
Susan Uttendorfsky
Owner, Adirondack Editing
June 15, 2012
Finding Sara is an enchanting but chilling novel with fantastic characters that endear you right away. My favorite characters were actually the voices in Sara's head! They are unique and spirited. I enjoyed learning about Sara's world of horse competitions as well as the psychiatric breaks that torment her. By the time the true horror of her situation begins to dawn on the reader, you are well past the point where you can put this book down.
June 29, 2012
Nancy DeMarco's debut novel has the perfect combination of romance, suspense, and humor . . . plus, I learned a thing or two about horses and competitions. The characters in the story aren't your typical romance characters and the suspense keeps you interested from beginning to end.
June 13, 2012
I loved this book! It grabbed my attention right from the beginning and kept me involved right until the end. I didn't want to put it down. Bravo, Nancy DeMarco!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews