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Solomon's Oak #2
Finding Casey: A Novel
Glory Vigil, newly married, unexpectedly pregnant at forty-one, is nesting in the home she and her husband, Joseph, have just moved to in Santa Fe, a house that unbeknownst to them is rumored to have a resident ghost. Their adopted daughter, Juniper, is home from college for Thanksgiving and in love for the very first time, quickly learning how a relationship changes everything. But Juniper has a tiny arrow lodged in her heart, a leftover shard from the day eight years earlier when her sister, Casey, disappeared-in a time before she'd ever met Glory and Joseph. When a fieldwork course takes Juniper to a pueblo only a few hours away, she finds herself right back in the past she thought she'd finally buried.
A love story, a family story, a story of searching and the bond between sisters, Finding Casey is a testament to human resilience. This completely stand-alone novel, featuring beloved characters from Solomon's Oak, will charm Mapson's readers and move her into a larger sphere.
A love story, a family story, a story of searching and the bond between sisters, Finding Casey is a testament to human resilience. This completely stand-alone novel, featuring beloved characters from Solomon's Oak, will charm Mapson's readers and move her into a larger sphere.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
59 people are currently reading
1254 people want to read
About the author
Jo-Ann Mapson
32 books179 followersJo-Ann Mapson, a third generation Californian, grew up in Fullerton as a middle child with four siblings. She dropped out of college to marry, but later finished a creative writing degree at California State University, Long Beach. Following her son's birth in 1978, Mapson worked an assortment of odd jobs teaching horseback riding, cleaning houses, typing resumes, and working retail. After earning a graduate degree from Vermont College's low residency program, she taught at Orange Coast College for six years before turning to full-time writing in 1996. Mapson is the author of the acclaimed novels Shadow Ranch, Blue Rodeo, Hank Chloe, and Loving Chloe."The land is as much a character as the people," Mapson has said. Whether writing about the stark beauty of a California canyon or the poverty of an Arizona reservation, Mapson's landscapes are imbued with life. Setting her fiction in the Southwest, Mapson writes about a region that she knows well; after growing up in California and living for a time in Arizona and NewMexico, Mapson lives today in Costa Mesa, California. She attributes her focus on setting to the influence of Wallace Stegner.Like many of her characters, Mapson has ridden horses since she was a child. She owns a 35-year-old Appaloosa and has said that she learned about writing from learning to jump her horse, Tonto. "I realized," she said, "that the same thing that had been wrong with my riding was the same thing that had been wrong with my writing. In riding there is a term called `the moment of suspension,' when you're over the fence, just hanging in the air. I had to give myself up to it, let go, trust the motion. Once I got that right, everything fell into place."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
May 7, 2012
i won a copy of this on jo-ann mapson's facebook page and absolutely loved it. it follows glory,joseph, and juniper, the characters from solomon's oak.
mapson's characters are so real i feel like they are friends of mine! i hope she continues to write about them
mapson's characters are so real i feel like they are friends of mine! i hope she continues to write about them
August 7, 2012
Although Finding Casey is the sequel to Jo-Ann Mapson's 2010 novel Solomon's Oak, readers can still enjoy it as a stand-alone story due to the author's expertise in providing background details whilst not straying from the current plot.
Finding Casey finds Glory, her new husband Joseph and their adopted daughter Juniper living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, having left California behind to make a new life for themselves. All three of the main characters have troubled pasts; Glory lost her beloved first husband Dan when he died suddenly; Joseph suffers with injuries caused during a shoot-out when he was working for the Police, and Juniper has clawed her way back from homelessness, the suicide of her Mother, and the disappearance eight years ago of her elder sister Casey.
I read Solomon's Oak a while ago and enjoyed it. I was looking forward to seeing how the story and characters would move on in Finding Casey. I was not disappointed, in fact I think that this novel is far better than the first, with a stronger storyline and a much faster pace.
Jo-Ann Mapson has cleverly weaved in a parallel storyline; a young woman called Laurel has escaped from what can only be described as some sort of sect to take her very sick daughter Aspen to the hospital. As Laurel's story slowly unfolds, alongside that of Glory and her family, the reader becomes caught up in what is often quite a tense drama.
This is a powerful story, well written with warm, humorous and engaging characters. It is about the bond of a family, a little bit of ghost story, some folklore and a hint of suspense.
Finding Casey finds Glory, her new husband Joseph and their adopted daughter Juniper living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, having left California behind to make a new life for themselves. All three of the main characters have troubled pasts; Glory lost her beloved first husband Dan when he died suddenly; Joseph suffers with injuries caused during a shoot-out when he was working for the Police, and Juniper has clawed her way back from homelessness, the suicide of her Mother, and the disappearance eight years ago of her elder sister Casey.
I read Solomon's Oak a while ago and enjoyed it. I was looking forward to seeing how the story and characters would move on in Finding Casey. I was not disappointed, in fact I think that this novel is far better than the first, with a stronger storyline and a much faster pace.
Jo-Ann Mapson has cleverly weaved in a parallel storyline; a young woman called Laurel has escaped from what can only be described as some sort of sect to take her very sick daughter Aspen to the hospital. As Laurel's story slowly unfolds, alongside that of Glory and her family, the reader becomes caught up in what is often quite a tense drama.
This is a powerful story, well written with warm, humorous and engaging characters. It is about the bond of a family, a little bit of ghost story, some folklore and a hint of suspense.
August 29, 2018
I love Jo-Ann Mapson’s books! The settings are so real I could swear I live there and the characters feel like friends of mine. This was a great sequel to Solomon’s Oak!
December 27, 2012
I received this book from the First Reads Giveaway.
I loved Finding Casey, I though it was a wonderful book. I actually haven't read Solomon's Oak yet, but I'll definitely look it up.
Just a warning, there will be spoilers included in this review, so do not read further if you don't want to read them.
It is a story set in Santa Fe of Glory Vigil who had just become pregnant at the age of 40. That is quite an old age to be pregnant, so we see her worries and difficulties. This book changes perspectives, from Glory, Juniper or Laurel to other characters such as Joseph. I did not mind it as I though it was particularly interesting to see things unfolding slowly, and I could see the puzzles piece together one by one. The perspective is mostly from Glory but the most important plot is that of Laurel or as later revealed- Casey.
I loved to way it is written. It's not an overlly descriptive book and it's not filled to the brim with prose and metaphors. I can't quite explain it but the way it was written kept me glued to the book. I loved the different characters too. They all had interesting personalities that are quite funny too at times. I also loved how everything came together at the end. Although I knew Juniper would eventually find Casey, it's just unbelievable how it happened. I mean she just happened to buy a pot that was unknowingly made by her missing sister! Whoa, what a small world huh?
Glory is a kind, gentle and protective mother. I know that she's going to be a good mother to her new baby. However, pregnancy at 40 truly worried her, as it should be. It could be quite dangerous and she did express her worries at times. I loved how she looked after everyone, especially Juniper. She truly is a wonderful woman. I liked her relationship with Joseph too. They are so cute together!! Joseph is such a nice guy! He takes care of his wife very well and I love the gestures he makes such as buying her chickens. It might sound weird but it makes Glory happy so it's so sweet~ And he would go to great lengths to make Glory happy like travelling far even with his injured back. He's just so nice and they're perfect together.
I really felt bad for Laurel. I kinda knew that she was Casey from the start but it was still unclear how she ended up with Seth and having Aspen. She must've been so scared when she had to Outside as it was a very unfamiliar thing for her. I understand why she was so cautious with everyone. She's like a fish that had been taken out of the water. Not to mention she was so worried about Aspen. When she started telling the story, at first I did think that it was just a made up story. However as the story progressed, I realised that it was Casey's personal story. It was quite heartbreaking imagining what happened to her. I was so happy when she met Juniper again at the end.
Juniper was also an interesting character. I was sad when I found out that she got involved in things such as drugs in the past. I loved how close she is to Glory and Joseph even though they aren't her biological parents. It really shows her gratitude and how meeting them is what had changed her to be a better person. When I first 'met' Topher, I instantly did not like him. I don't know why, since it's not like he's described badly. There are just actions he did that made me dislike him. Such as lying, pressuring Juniper to have sex etc. From the very start I truly wished for Juniper to break up with him and find a better guy. I was so happy when I 'met' Chico near the end. He was a guy that's not like what girls would imagine their boyfriend to be like. He's not drop dead gorgeous, rich or play music and even had a slightly hostile attitude. However I liked him from the very start. It's like Topher is a perfect but plastic guy, while Chico is a real guy with faults. I was so~ happy when they ended up together at the end!!
I'm pretty sure that there's going to be another book coming out. There are still things left unfinished like where Seth is and more importantly, Glory's baby. I truly cannot wait to read the next book. I think Jo-Ann Mapson is a wonderful writer, and I'll be looking out for her other books~ ^^
I loved Finding Casey, I though it was a wonderful book. I actually haven't read Solomon's Oak yet, but I'll definitely look it up.
Just a warning, there will be spoilers included in this review, so do not read further if you don't want to read them.
It is a story set in Santa Fe of Glory Vigil who had just become pregnant at the age of 40. That is quite an old age to be pregnant, so we see her worries and difficulties. This book changes perspectives, from Glory, Juniper or Laurel to other characters such as Joseph. I did not mind it as I though it was particularly interesting to see things unfolding slowly, and I could see the puzzles piece together one by one. The perspective is mostly from Glory but the most important plot is that of Laurel or as later revealed- Casey.
I loved to way it is written. It's not an overlly descriptive book and it's not filled to the brim with prose and metaphors. I can't quite explain it but the way it was written kept me glued to the book. I loved the different characters too. They all had interesting personalities that are quite funny too at times. I also loved how everything came together at the end. Although I knew Juniper would eventually find Casey, it's just unbelievable how it happened. I mean she just happened to buy a pot that was unknowingly made by her missing sister! Whoa, what a small world huh?
Glory is a kind, gentle and protective mother. I know that she's going to be a good mother to her new baby. However, pregnancy at 40 truly worried her, as it should be. It could be quite dangerous and she did express her worries at times. I loved how she looked after everyone, especially Juniper. She truly is a wonderful woman. I liked her relationship with Joseph too. They are so cute together!! Joseph is such a nice guy! He takes care of his wife very well and I love the gestures he makes such as buying her chickens. It might sound weird but it makes Glory happy so it's so sweet~ And he would go to great lengths to make Glory happy like travelling far even with his injured back. He's just so nice and they're perfect together.
I really felt bad for Laurel. I kinda knew that she was Casey from the start but it was still unclear how she ended up with Seth and having Aspen. She must've been so scared when she had to Outside as it was a very unfamiliar thing for her. I understand why she was so cautious with everyone. She's like a fish that had been taken out of the water. Not to mention she was so worried about Aspen. When she started telling the story, at first I did think that it was just a made up story. However as the story progressed, I realised that it was Casey's personal story. It was quite heartbreaking imagining what happened to her. I was so happy when she met Juniper again at the end.
Juniper was also an interesting character. I was sad when I found out that she got involved in things such as drugs in the past. I loved how close she is to Glory and Joseph even though they aren't her biological parents. It really shows her gratitude and how meeting them is what had changed her to be a better person. When I first 'met' Topher, I instantly did not like him. I don't know why, since it's not like he's described badly. There are just actions he did that made me dislike him. Such as lying, pressuring Juniper to have sex etc. From the very start I truly wished for Juniper to break up with him and find a better guy. I was so happy when I 'met' Chico near the end. He was a guy that's not like what girls would imagine their boyfriend to be like. He's not drop dead gorgeous, rich or play music and even had a slightly hostile attitude. However I liked him from the very start. It's like Topher is a perfect but plastic guy, while Chico is a real guy with faults. I was so~ happy when they ended up together at the end!!
I'm pretty sure that there's going to be another book coming out. There are still things left unfinished like where Seth is and more importantly, Glory's baby. I truly cannot wait to read the next book. I think Jo-Ann Mapson is a wonderful writer, and I'll be looking out for her other books~ ^^
November 20, 2012
I love Mapson's books so I knew as soon as I saw this new title I had to read it. I didn't know that it would continue the story of Glory from Mapson's earlier Solomon's Oak. Glory is settled with her second husband Joe and their adopted daughter Juniper. Juniper was a lost teen ager when she first met Glory. Her sister, Casey, had gone missing, her father had walked out and her mother had committed suicide. Now, years later, Juniper is an accelerated college student studying anthropology. The scars of her past aren't visible, but they are there. Her love of Native American and Spanish culture lead her through her painful memories and to a discovery she never believed possible.
This book was painful to read. It took me down all the roads of Juniper's past again and down a newer road of learning about what really happened to Casey; and yet it was, as Mapson's books always are, hard to put down. The Native American and Spanish lore bring that beautiful mystic quality that makes me think that even the darkest of times have a light at the end that can't be explained in scientific terms. More, from Mapson, please.
This book was painful to read. It took me down all the roads of Juniper's past again and down a newer road of learning about what really happened to Casey; and yet it was, as Mapson's books always are, hard to put down. The Native American and Spanish lore bring that beautiful mystic quality that makes me think that even the darkest of times have a light at the end that can't be explained in scientific terms. More, from Mapson, please.
December 30, 2012
This book drove me crazy. I was struggling to get through it... The first 2/3 of the book dragged on and had no intrigue.
There was good character build up, but i found the dialogue at times boring and some parts were unnecessary. Also, there were a lot of Spanish words thrown around that i tended to skip because i had no clue what they meant. The idea was good, but i just found it a real struggle. I don't really understand why the ghost was incorporated, as it was only mentioned a few times with no real major role..
I know most of this review contains some pretty negative comments, but i would like to say that i really loved Junipers character, and found that the parts written about her were very enjoyable. The same goes for most of Glory's sections. I did find some of the dialogue a bit unrealistic though. Another thing i loved about the book was the setting and the Native American Indian history involved.
I hate to give negative reviews, but i couldn't give it more than 2 stars.
There was good character build up, but i found the dialogue at times boring and some parts were unnecessary. Also, there were a lot of Spanish words thrown around that i tended to skip because i had no clue what they meant. The idea was good, but i just found it a real struggle. I don't really understand why the ghost was incorporated, as it was only mentioned a few times with no real major role..
I know most of this review contains some pretty negative comments, but i would like to say that i really loved Junipers character, and found that the parts written about her were very enjoyable. The same goes for most of Glory's sections. I did find some of the dialogue a bit unrealistic though. Another thing i loved about the book was the setting and the Native American Indian history involved.
I hate to give negative reviews, but i couldn't give it more than 2 stars.
October 20, 2012
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Set against the beautiful Fall backdrop of Santa Fe we get to know these families in an intimate way. I really enjoyed Joe, Glory, and Junniper. The whole family dynamic at Thanksgiving was interesting with Glory's sister and mom there. OH!! I forgot a very important character, Dolores, the ghost who shares their home! She certainly adds character to the story, but at times it felt really forced. My heart really went out to Laurel. Her anxiety about being away from Seth probably came across more strongly than any other emotion in the book and it really endeared her to me.
Bottom line, Finding Casey was a good story. I felt the plot drag at times, but I stuck with it because I wanted to see what was going to happen and find out how the stories would merge. I think it is worth the read, but be prepared for the fact that it isn't exactly a fast paced novel.
Set against the beautiful Fall backdrop of Santa Fe we get to know these families in an intimate way. I really enjoyed Joe, Glory, and Junniper. The whole family dynamic at Thanksgiving was interesting with Glory's sister and mom there. OH!! I forgot a very important character, Dolores, the ghost who shares their home! She certainly adds character to the story, but at times it felt really forced. My heart really went out to Laurel. Her anxiety about being away from Seth probably came across more strongly than any other emotion in the book and it really endeared her to me.
Bottom line, Finding Casey was a good story. I felt the plot drag at times, but I stuck with it because I wanted to see what was going to happen and find out how the stories would merge. I think it is worth the read, but be prepared for the fact that it isn't exactly a fast paced novel.
December 13, 2012
I loved this book. I haven't read Solomon's Oak which has the same charachters, but I don't think you needed to. It wasn't a sequel where you needed to read the previous one. The characters were great and the description of New Mexico was wonderful. I really liked the story. The ending was not a disappointment either. I highly reccomend it and it doesn't take too long to read. I can't wait to read Solomon's Oak.
February 3, 2016
I truly enjoyed this book. It was a light, easy read and the author did a fantastic job creating the atmosphere and setting so I could picture exactly what was happening and watch it play out in my mind. The ending was one of my favorite parts. Great book! Would recommend!
September 1, 2015
Sequel to solomons oak. Have really enjoyed what I've read by this author! Found myself lol and tearing up thru each book I've read. Another entertaining great read!
June 10, 2018
Aiiiii, So good! I want more!
January 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first. I have really come to love these characters, and would happily read more books about them if the author decides to make it a series.
January 18, 2013
A vivid and emotive portrait of family ties, Finding Casey is a beautiful story of discovery and lives coming full circle. The story picks up several years after Solomon’s Oak (2010) left off; I read that a couple of years ago and loved it, so the chance to find out “what happened next” was not one I wanted to pass by. Solomon’s Oak introduced Juniper, a wary, traumatised teen whose sister went missing without a trace, to Glory, a foster carer trying to pick up her life after her beloved husband died. Although Finding Casey can be read as a stand alone book, reading the first book will enrich the experience.
In Finding Casey Glory and her new husband Joseph have moved to Sante Fe, a house in New Mexico they’ve been renovating for several years. Now 41, Glory is pregnant with her first child; she’s scared and excited all at once by what that means for her and her life. Juniper, who Glory and Joseph have now adopted, is 19 and at college studying anthropology. She visits Glory and Joseph regularly, is in love for the first time with a parasitical young man (she of course, can’t see that side of him), and doing well at school. But her heart still bleeds for her sister Casey. What happened to her? Why did the police never find her body? None of her friends know anything about the past she’s buried, but Juniper’s pain is only just below the surface. And when a fieldwork course takes Juniper to a pueblo only a few hours away, she finds herself right back in the past, with answers finally within her reach.
Glory and Juniper's stories (third person narrative) are interwoven with the story of Laurel Smith, a young woman caught up in an opportunistic cult. Laurel's story is told in the first person, which tells the reader early on that she is significant to the plot; she is a young woman who has left the cult to seek medical help for her seriously-ill daughter, but trying to keep her guard up against the questions of social workers and well-doers at the hospital. When a chance meeting brings her together with Juniper, Laurel sees that breaking free from the cult is not as impossible as she had thought.
My first impression of this came from simple advice often given to wannabe writers: write what you know. Mapson’s fresh, colourful and vibrant descriptions of New Mexico landscapes, towns and weather reflected her skill in this area. Her descriptions were like a recipe for travel – I felt transported to the setting. It was a lovely insight to the American southwest.
Threading through the story is the concept of spirituality and how people find solace and meaning in it. No "one way" is favoured by the author. Instead, her novel is peppered with characters who draw on spiritual sources whether for good or for bad. Joseph has native Indian roots and strong Catholic beliefs. Laurel is caught up in a cult which has changed from being Christian to Indian. A ghost, Dolores, inhabits Joseph and Glory's house.There's no judgment in it, just an acceptance that the spiritual side is part of life.
At times the plot was predictable and even a little too neatly tied up, but the strength of the novel lies in the characters Mapson creates, as well as the sense of place. The story really belongs to Juniper and Laurel as they discover new things about themselves, about life, and rediscover their past. I particularly like Juniper as a character - a young girl attracted to bones and anthropology - anything that involves reasoning and induction - mainly because of her desire to find out what happened to her sister: "I didn't care if it meant I had to go to school for a thousand years, I knew that I wanted to be that guy, who can look at bones and tell their story." Joseph, protective of his wife and adoptive daughter, is a lovely, giving man, the rock for all the hurting women in his life.
I read Finding Casey in two sittings – it was hard to put down because I was so drawn into the story. Like I said, it can be a stand alone, but so much better if you read Solomon's Oak first.
Available from good bookstores and Bloomsbury Publishing. This copy was courtesy of Bloomsbury.
In Finding Casey Glory and her new husband Joseph have moved to Sante Fe, a house in New Mexico they’ve been renovating for several years. Now 41, Glory is pregnant with her first child; she’s scared and excited all at once by what that means for her and her life. Juniper, who Glory and Joseph have now adopted, is 19 and at college studying anthropology. She visits Glory and Joseph regularly, is in love for the first time with a parasitical young man (she of course, can’t see that side of him), and doing well at school. But her heart still bleeds for her sister Casey. What happened to her? Why did the police never find her body? None of her friends know anything about the past she’s buried, but Juniper’s pain is only just below the surface. And when a fieldwork course takes Juniper to a pueblo only a few hours away, she finds herself right back in the past, with answers finally within her reach.
Glory and Juniper's stories (third person narrative) are interwoven with the story of Laurel Smith, a young woman caught up in an opportunistic cult. Laurel's story is told in the first person, which tells the reader early on that she is significant to the plot; she is a young woman who has left the cult to seek medical help for her seriously-ill daughter, but trying to keep her guard up against the questions of social workers and well-doers at the hospital. When a chance meeting brings her together with Juniper, Laurel sees that breaking free from the cult is not as impossible as she had thought.
My first impression of this came from simple advice often given to wannabe writers: write what you know. Mapson’s fresh, colourful and vibrant descriptions of New Mexico landscapes, towns and weather reflected her skill in this area. Her descriptions were like a recipe for travel – I felt transported to the setting. It was a lovely insight to the American southwest.
Threading through the story is the concept of spirituality and how people find solace and meaning in it. No "one way" is favoured by the author. Instead, her novel is peppered with characters who draw on spiritual sources whether for good or for bad. Joseph has native Indian roots and strong Catholic beliefs. Laurel is caught up in a cult which has changed from being Christian to Indian. A ghost, Dolores, inhabits Joseph and Glory's house.There's no judgment in it, just an acceptance that the spiritual side is part of life.
At times the plot was predictable and even a little too neatly tied up, but the strength of the novel lies in the characters Mapson creates, as well as the sense of place. The story really belongs to Juniper and Laurel as they discover new things about themselves, about life, and rediscover their past. I particularly like Juniper as a character - a young girl attracted to bones and anthropology - anything that involves reasoning and induction - mainly because of her desire to find out what happened to her sister: "I didn't care if it meant I had to go to school for a thousand years, I knew that I wanted to be that guy, who can look at bones and tell their story." Joseph, protective of his wife and adoptive daughter, is a lovely, giving man, the rock for all the hurting women in his life.
I read Finding Casey in two sittings – it was hard to put down because I was so drawn into the story. Like I said, it can be a stand alone, but so much better if you read Solomon's Oak first.
Available from good bookstores and Bloomsbury Publishing. This copy was courtesy of Bloomsbury.
November 1, 2012
Finding Casey tells the story of how a young girl's kidnapping years ago affects the lives of so others across the years. We meet Juniper, Casey's sister, and her adoptive family eight years after the abduction. Their lives, and how they came to be together, are told along with the story of another young woman who has defied everyone in her community to take her daughter to the hospital.
This book was definitely worth reading, although I am glad I read it from the library. The characters and the story are interesting, and I love the descriptions of Santa Fe, especially since I visited New Mexico for the first time recently and so felt like I could really appreciate the setting. One thing that bothered me a bit was the shift in point of view throughout the story. Normally I'm okay with that, but for some reason in this book the shifting views never quite drew me in.
Sometimes that was due to the flashbacks in the story, which often didn't seem to add anything to the story I wanted to read, the one the characters were involved in right now. Sometimes that was due to the subplots the various characters found themselves involved in. I never quite got the significance of Juniper's "romance" with Topher, or why it needed so much space. Gloria's problems with her pregnancy and Joseph's decision about whether or not to take a new job also seemed to slow the plot down without adding to the themes or the characters.
Maybe I just wanted to read more from Casey's point of view. There was no real suspense in the book; the reader knows right away that "Laurel Smith" is actually Casey. The first person narration during the Casey chapters drew me in more than the others. I loved the way the author slowly but surely pulled down all the barriers the narrator had built up to protect herself. She was a character I wanted to spend more time with.
The way everyone came together in the end was predictable, but satisfying. I wanted them all to have a happy ending.
This book was definitely worth reading, although I am glad I read it from the library. The characters and the story are interesting, and I love the descriptions of Santa Fe, especially since I visited New Mexico for the first time recently and so felt like I could really appreciate the setting. One thing that bothered me a bit was the shift in point of view throughout the story. Normally I'm okay with that, but for some reason in this book the shifting views never quite drew me in.
Sometimes that was due to the flashbacks in the story, which often didn't seem to add anything to the story I wanted to read, the one the characters were involved in right now. Sometimes that was due to the subplots the various characters found themselves involved in. I never quite got the significance of Juniper's "romance" with Topher, or why it needed so much space. Gloria's problems with her pregnancy and Joseph's decision about whether or not to take a new job also seemed to slow the plot down without adding to the themes or the characters.
Maybe I just wanted to read more from Casey's point of view. There was no real suspense in the book; the reader knows right away that "Laurel Smith" is actually Casey. The first person narration during the Casey chapters drew me in more than the others. I loved the way the author slowly but surely pulled down all the barriers the narrator had built up to protect herself. She was a character I wanted to spend more time with.
The way everyone came together in the end was predictable, but satisfying. I wanted them all to have a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2012
In an old house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Glory And Joseph Vigil settle in to nest. Leaving behind the home at Solomon's Oak, in California, was a big step, but from the first moment that Glory sees this crumbling dwelling, she feels connected to it.
Its old bones, its history, and possibly its ghost—all combine to help this family begin again.
Juniper, the adopted daughter of Glory and Joseph, and formerly a foster child, is also renewing her life, leaving behind—almost—the painful memories of her lost sister Casey and forging a university course of study in Anthropology.
Meanwhile, in an alternate story, a young woman tells her tale in the first person narrative. She calls herself Laurel Smith and lives on the commune outside of town called The Farm. It doesn't take long to feel the palpable fear that haunts every footstep. But in spite of her terror, Laurel takes a leap of faith to get emergency medical care for her daughter Aspen....and her life changes in immeasurable ways.
How will Juniper's fascination for the pottery and relics of the past lead her into her own past? Will her first love be a true love, or is there someone unexpected that will redirect her destiny? Will Glory's surprise pregnancy at forty-one be a gift that will change her world?
Having met these characters before in "Solomon's Oak: A Novel," I was immediately hooked into this story, and loved the way that the past, the present, and the future seemingly converged in a way that made me smile. A feel good look into what forms a family and how the past is never really behind us made me root for all these characters. The coincidences that brought these lives together were fairly predictable, but told in such a way that I had to give "Finding Casey: A Novel" five stars anyway.
Its old bones, its history, and possibly its ghost—all combine to help this family begin again.
Juniper, the adopted daughter of Glory and Joseph, and formerly a foster child, is also renewing her life, leaving behind—almost—the painful memories of her lost sister Casey and forging a university course of study in Anthropology.
Meanwhile, in an alternate story, a young woman tells her tale in the first person narrative. She calls herself Laurel Smith and lives on the commune outside of town called The Farm. It doesn't take long to feel the palpable fear that haunts every footstep. But in spite of her terror, Laurel takes a leap of faith to get emergency medical care for her daughter Aspen....and her life changes in immeasurable ways.
How will Juniper's fascination for the pottery and relics of the past lead her into her own past? Will her first love be a true love, or is there someone unexpected that will redirect her destiny? Will Glory's surprise pregnancy at forty-one be a gift that will change her world?
Having met these characters before in "Solomon's Oak: A Novel," I was immediately hooked into this story, and loved the way that the past, the present, and the future seemingly converged in a way that made me smile. A feel good look into what forms a family and how the past is never really behind us made me root for all these characters. The coincidences that brought these lives together were fairly predictable, but told in such a way that I had to give "Finding Casey: A Novel" five stars anyway.
May 12, 2021
I had to stop reading this about halfway through after this quote:
"She loved essays. Maybe she’d love sex. She certainly loved his kisses, and the way he was running his fingertips down her cheek was unreal sick awesome tantalizing."
I can't.
The one storyline about the woman from the religious cult compound and having to furtively take her daughter to the hospital was really interesting. I kind of want to keep reading for that plot line. But the other (main?) plot was extremely mundane and injected with these lines that were just too goofy or sweetly-sickening to carry on. The characters are not rounded, either mostly perfect or highly flawed.
There are so many tidbits thrown in about Santa Fe, which I thought I'd love (it is the reason I'm reading this book) but it's too much. And there are so many other random tidbits that are clearly thrown in as the author's pet-interests that have little to do with the plot.
"She loved essays. Maybe she’d love sex. She certainly loved his kisses, and the way he was running his fingertips down her cheek was unreal sick awesome tantalizing."
I can't.
The one storyline about the woman from the religious cult compound and having to furtively take her daughter to the hospital was really interesting. I kind of want to keep reading for that plot line. But the other (main?) plot was extremely mundane and injected with these lines that were just too goofy or sweetly-sickening to carry on. The characters are not rounded, either mostly perfect or highly flawed.
There are so many tidbits thrown in about Santa Fe, which I thought I'd love (it is the reason I'm reading this book) but it's too much. And there are so many other random tidbits that are clearly thrown in as the author's pet-interests that have little to do with the plot.
February 22, 2013
FINDING CASEY
Jo-Ann Mapson
FINDING CASEY is a book about families, ghosts and the bonding between sisters.
Glory Vigil, pregnant at 41 has a whole new life nesting in her New Mexico style home with her husband in Santa Fe. Her adopted daughter, Juniper is home from college for Thanksgiving but remains haunted by the disappearance of her sister. Glory’s sister also arrives for the holidays after being dumped by her husband.
The binds of family are unbreakable and this is a wonderful journey into the depth of the human heart. Ms. Mapson’s writing is very honest and full of daring insights despite some terribly predictable story lines.
FINDING CASEY is a tribute to the American Southwest featuring its cuisine, its marvelous landscapes, a glimpse into an abusive cult and a great education about Native American pottery and their legends.
Jo-Ann Mapson
FINDING CASEY is a book about families, ghosts and the bonding between sisters.
Glory Vigil, pregnant at 41 has a whole new life nesting in her New Mexico style home with her husband in Santa Fe. Her adopted daughter, Juniper is home from college for Thanksgiving but remains haunted by the disappearance of her sister. Glory’s sister also arrives for the holidays after being dumped by her husband.
The binds of family are unbreakable and this is a wonderful journey into the depth of the human heart. Ms. Mapson’s writing is very honest and full of daring insights despite some terribly predictable story lines.
FINDING CASEY is a tribute to the American Southwest featuring its cuisine, its marvelous landscapes, a glimpse into an abusive cult and a great education about Native American pottery and their legends.
March 1, 2013
I didn’t realize until I had finished this very enjoyable book and looked up reviews, that I was reading a sequel. “Solomon’s Oak” tells the back story of Glory Vigil and how she got to New Mexico with her new husband and Juniper, their adopted daughter whose sister, Casey, has been missing for several years. Juniper is an anthropology major in college, happy in her new life with her adopted family, but always in the back of her mind is the question whether Casey is still alive, and will she ever return. I really enjoyed getting to know this family, and also the ghost who inhabits their adobe house. One can surmise from the title that Casey is found, but I don’t want to spoil the story by saying more. I will go back and read “Solomon’s Oak” and I’m sure I’ll enjoy that story too, as I’ve liked all of Mapson’s novels that I have read.
March 1, 2013
Just needed something quick and easy to get involved with. Not exactly that kind of book. The setting, New Mexico, was fascinating to me. The characters, a mixed bag. Loved and believed Glory and Joe, but Juniper and her boyfriend, not so much. When she gets involved with Chico, it's a bit more interesting...but the simultaneous plot--Juniper's sister, Casey, is way weird and upsetting. A Martha, Marcy, May Marlene kind of story. Way weird. The plot is so neatly wrapped up, it's ridiculous, and yet, it was just the kind of book I wanted to read over the past two days--compelling, interesting setting, a few great characters, and nothing terribly demanding, except the horror of what some women experience is always demanding, once you realize it actually happens. So...I give this a mixed review but I couldn't stop reading.
December 15, 2012
What a wonderful storyteller this author is. A compact story that charms as well as packs a whallop of a punch. A tale of second chances and new beginnings, a family reinvents it's self.
Glory and Joseph Vigil, middle-aged, newly married, along with their adopted, teen-age daughter, Juniper, settle in history-rich Santa Fe. Finding a house big on charm and short on practicality, they live their lives rich in love. Also with a ghost they call Delores. Glory, unexpectedly finds herself pregnant, her sister's marriage has ended, and Juniper experiences love for the first time. But another story is also told of Laurel Smith and her daughter, Aspen. And how all their lives become intertwined. A feel-good book that brings a smile as you close the book a final time.
Glory and Joseph Vigil, middle-aged, newly married, along with their adopted, teen-age daughter, Juniper, settle in history-rich Santa Fe. Finding a house big on charm and short on practicality, they live their lives rich in love. Also with a ghost they call Delores. Glory, unexpectedly finds herself pregnant, her sister's marriage has ended, and Juniper experiences love for the first time. But another story is also told of Laurel Smith and her daughter, Aspen. And how all their lives become intertwined. A feel-good book that brings a smile as you close the book a final time.
January 27, 2013
I received this book as a good reads first read.
Finding Casey was really enjoyable, much more than I had anticipated! I loved how Mapsen painted the picture of New Mexico-being from the other side of the country I haven't yet visited but I was able to picture the scenery and somewhat grasp the culture based on the descriptions in the book.
There are two storylines going on and it was interesting to see how the stories developed,and to try to anticipate how the would come together in the end. My only complaint would be the irregular length devoted to each storyline before switching between them.
Overall a nice, easy read!
Finding Casey was really enjoyable, much more than I had anticipated! I loved how Mapsen painted the picture of New Mexico-being from the other side of the country I haven't yet visited but I was able to picture the scenery and somewhat grasp the culture based on the descriptions in the book.
There are two storylines going on and it was interesting to see how the stories developed,and to try to anticipate how the would come together in the end. My only complaint would be the irregular length devoted to each storyline before switching between them.
Overall a nice, easy read!
October 11, 2012
This was a sweet story with likeable characters and occasionally some very humorous dialogue. There are two alternating stories that don't converge until near the end, with dramatic results. The various characters are touched by loss, evil, good fortune, and love, with a ghost woven into the mix for good measure.
What I most enjoyed was the richly layered setting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with enough detail about places, customs, and local traditions to endear it to those of us who know and love that wonderful town.
What I most enjoyed was the richly layered setting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with enough detail about places, customs, and local traditions to endear it to those of us who know and love that wonderful town.
November 10, 2015
Not my favorite Mapson novel, but anything she writes is better than most Women's Fiction. The first half of the book is slow but if you are patient the seemingly inconsequential details come together in the last memorable 50 pages, in which so much happens that you wish she would slow down the narrative a little. Calls out for a sequel, although Finding Casey is itself a sequel to the much superior Solomon's Oak.
February 17, 2013
I picked up Finding Casey without realizing that it was a sequel to Solomon's Oak. However, this in no way detracted from the fullness of the story. The book is set in Sante Fe and includes gorgeous descriptions of the desert and its folk arts. The novel follows two story lines which intertwine towards the end of the book. Mapson tells truths about sisters and family and the things we do to heal pain.
December 31, 2014
3.5 stars....I did't know this was a sequel when I started to read it, but I enjoyed the story anyway & I will go & read the first book, Soloman's Oak....takes place in New Mexico & I loved the feel of the story, & the characters were likable & well developed. Many things came together & it was a good solid story...
November 17, 2012
I didn't know this was a sequel to Solomon's Oak until I got it from the library and started reading it. It was a very good book. The ending was kind of abrupt, and it feels like there could be another sequel there. There was still so much story to be told. I sure hope Ms Mapson continues the story of the Solomon/Vigil family!
December 17, 2012
This book is a continuation of the story that was told in "Solomon's Oak." The setting is in the Albuquerque--Santa Fe, New Mexico area which I just love so I enjoyed this aspect very much.
It seemed to me that a great deal of this story was very similar to the "real life" story of the abduction of Jaycee Dugard.
Wonder if there will be a third book; I hope so.
It seemed to me that a great deal of this story was very similar to the "real life" story of the abduction of Jaycee Dugard.
Wonder if there will be a third book; I hope so.
January 2, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It stands alone, but it's best to read Solomon's Oak first as it continues the story of the characters from that book. This is a story about bad things happening to people; how families can let you down, but also how they can pick you up; how love can be found in unexpected places, & about the bond of sisters.
A good book to start off the new year.
A good book to start off the new year.
January 30, 2013
Set in and around Santa Fe, New Mexico, Finding Casey picks up where Solomon’s Oak leaves off. The shadow of Casey’s disappearance continues to haunt Glory, Joseph, and Juniper Vigil. The New Mexico setting functions as a character in the story and the beauty of the country, history and resilient character of the people are authentically portrayed.
Recommended by Eileen J.
Recommended by Eileen J.
February 17, 2013
I have never read a Jo-Ann Mapson book that I didn't love and this one is not an exception. As the sequel to Solomon's Oak Ms. Mapson re-engaged me in character's lives with whom I already had fallen in love. Not only did she tie up some loose ends, she left enough new ones for a third book. I can't wait!
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