Where do I begin? Not long ago, my BFF told me...no demanded, that I read Remembering Joy. Well, I fell in love with the story just like she did. So, to say I was anxious for the sequel would be an understatement. Finding Joy was everything I had wanted for Adam and Allie and more!
This is the kind of series that you need to experience as a reader and I feel like I would be doing a disservice to you by telling you all about the story in detail. But, here's what I can tell you. Watching Adam and Allie begin their life together took me on an emotional ride. If I thought the first book gave me the feels...this book was even more emotional for me. I think it's because the secret is out and now they have to actually live with it. And it isn't easy. Adam and Allie have a lot of obstacles in their way. Namely, how their families are going to except their relationship.
Finding a way to live their life together long term was challenging. Adam really needed to figure out how to handle his mom. Plus, I feel like Adam really had to decide if he could move forward with Allie. He loves her. There is no doubt about it. There's still a constant reminder of their past though.
I was really proud of Allie in this book. I've always liked her, but I really felt like she handled their challenges well. She wanted to fight for them and what they were building. She knew it wasn't going be easy, but she felt like Adam was worth it. Don't get me wrong, they both have doubts that everything will work out, but I felt like Allie left it in Adam's hands. He was the one that really needed to figure out how they could move forward. That said, he was the one that was always telling Allie that they would make it. See what I mean about emotional turbulence??? The ending though...was PERFECT! I loved it.
Overall, I adored this book. Almost a little more than the first book. Well...I don't know. They're both pretty freaking awesome! I can tell you that these two books will either be in or mentioned in my top books of this year. If that doesn't encourage you to read them, I'm not sure what else I can say. GO GET THIS SERIES!
Quotes:
~"You wonder when it's going to get easier for us, but it's not easy for anybody, Allie. Everyone has their shit. It's different shit for different people, but it's still all shit. Being able to deal with it...that's where greatness lies. And we're great."-Loc 2270
~"Don't let your past dictate your future, Adam. Don't miss out on life because you're too afraid to take part in it. Sometimes life kicks us in the balls, but you can't just lie down and die. You have to get back up again...as soon as you're done vomiting, that is."-Loc 3538
~"Loving her has been the hardest thing I've ever done. And it's been the best thing that ever happened to me. When I'm with her, I feel healed from the inside out."-Loc 3793