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Finding Jack
How do you get over the loss of your husband? And not only your husband but your home too and all the trappings of your old existence?
Gennie moves back to Cornwall in search of a fresh start. Working for Marion’s children’s charity seems perfect. Tucked away in the countryside, close to an artists’ community, it’s a place for Gennie and her daughter, Alice, to rebuild their lives in peace and quiet – until ex-soldier Jack comes along with the same idea in mind, a face from the past, forcing Gennie to confront things she would rather forget and igniting fears of another turbulent relationship.
Involving herself with Jack and his problems is the last thing she needs, not now she’s made new friends and opportunities are opening up again, but can either find happiness and a new direction without the other?
Gennie moves back to Cornwall in search of a fresh start. Working for Marion’s children’s charity seems perfect. Tucked away in the countryside, close to an artists’ community, it’s a place for Gennie and her daughter, Alice, to rebuild their lives in peace and quiet – until ex-soldier Jack comes along with the same idea in mind, a face from the past, forcing Gennie to confront things she would rather forget and igniting fears of another turbulent relationship.
Involving herself with Jack and his problems is the last thing she needs, not now she’s made new friends and opportunities are opening up again, but can either find happiness and a new direction without the other?
- GenresRomance
408 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 29, 2023
Finding Jack by Sofia Due was such an enjoyable book to read. Moving back to Cornwall, Gennie is hoping to leave the past behind her and make a fresh start for her and her daughter. But will this be the right move for Gennie?
When I requested this book from Netgalley I knew nothing about it, but I loved the cover. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
When I requested this book from Netgalley I knew nothing about it, but I loved the cover. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
October 5, 2023
Read this based on a review on my Goodreads feed (thanks Maria).
This was a very solid read. Even though I didn’t necessarily love either of the main characters the story telling and character development was very good and there was enough action/ tension to keep me reading.
4 stars
This was a very solid read. Even though I didn’t necessarily love either of the main characters the story telling and character development was very good and there was enough action/ tension to keep me reading.
4 stars
October 2, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by The Book Guild via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Finding Jack”, by Sofia Due (The Book Guild), is a lovely story about how two people damaged by life reconnect in an unusual setting and have a second chance at love after a brief yet magic encounter years ago before.
Serendipity and fate intervene in Jack’s and Gennie unlikely reuniting and rekindling a past chemistry and attraction.
I liked that both leads, despite being hardened by cruel life’s circumstances, maintain a soft core and an open outlook. Their first meeting at Hope House is full of awkwardness and so fun do watch.
Jack is a vulnerable, wounded soul with a heart of gold. Some things about his scars (internal and external) are obvious but there’s a lot left for us, readers, to guess and find. I liked that the author puts the emphasis on suggesting and showing more than telling.
He’s carries a lot pain and hurt and does some mad and funny things, and I also liked this dimension about his character. We would expect a tortured, grumpy, moody hero but his self-deprecating humor and a bit of a playful nature impede it.
The relationship with the little dog, Roxy, is sweet.
Gennie is a great heroine, unassuming, low profile and also having been through a lot.
Among the secondary characters there are also great personalities, including the younger people.
I loved the genuine touches of the characters’ reactions, feelings, emotions and how the relationships felt so fluid, organic and natural.
It was really pleasurable to watch these interactions and the slow romance rekindle – one of my favorite dimensions of the book.
The backstory for both Jack and Gennie is important to the plot, and explains a lot who they are now. This is not just a romance but a story about grief, loss and the eroding, destructive power of addiction.
I felt that by the second half the story became less about the romance and more about the things happening around the leads’ lives: the Hope House project, Hamid’s and the refugees drama, even Claire’s life.
I was expecting that given Gennie’s backstory and worries, and Mikkel’s dramatic role in it, she would address Jack’s mental health issues in a more substantive way.
“Finding Jack”, by Sofia Due (The Book Guild), is a lovely story about how two people damaged by life reconnect in an unusual setting and have a second chance at love after a brief yet magic encounter years ago before.
Serendipity and fate intervene in Jack’s and Gennie unlikely reuniting and rekindling a past chemistry and attraction.
I liked that both leads, despite being hardened by cruel life’s circumstances, maintain a soft core and an open outlook. Their first meeting at Hope House is full of awkwardness and so fun do watch.
Jack is a vulnerable, wounded soul with a heart of gold. Some things about his scars (internal and external) are obvious but there’s a lot left for us, readers, to guess and find. I liked that the author puts the emphasis on suggesting and showing more than telling.
He’s carries a lot pain and hurt and does some mad and funny things, and I also liked this dimension about his character. We would expect a tortured, grumpy, moody hero but his self-deprecating humor and a bit of a playful nature impede it.
The relationship with the little dog, Roxy, is sweet.
Gennie is a great heroine, unassuming, low profile and also having been through a lot.
Among the secondary characters there are also great personalities, including the younger people.
I loved the genuine touches of the characters’ reactions, feelings, emotions and how the relationships felt so fluid, organic and natural.
It was really pleasurable to watch these interactions and the slow romance rekindle – one of my favorite dimensions of the book.
The backstory for both Jack and Gennie is important to the plot, and explains a lot who they are now. This is not just a romance but a story about grief, loss and the eroding, destructive power of addiction.
I felt that by the second half the story became less about the romance and more about the things happening around the leads’ lives: the Hope House project, Hamid’s and the refugees drama, even Claire’s life.
I was expecting that given Gennie’s backstory and worries, and Mikkel’s dramatic role in it, she would address Jack’s mental health issues in a more substantive way.
October 28, 2023
What a great journey this book was.
Not in the pack-your-bag-we're-off-on-an-adventure sense, but in the unpredictable, pushing the reader to grow along with the characters. I am all for this second type of travels, myself.
We meet Gennie, recently widowed, single mom of Alice, picking up the pieces of her life and trying to make sense of it. She's not your typical, relatable main character (not to me, in any case) that you'd normally expect - she's flawed, oddly self-centered despite working a selfless job at a home for foster children. She's private, introverted and at times judgmental. I found it especially difficult to bond with her in the beginning, but I still wanted to be there for her. Who knows how you will react when your life is turned upside down?
I loved that she takes time for herself too, Gennie goes to an art center to paint! Where she meets Jack, the butt of the village gossip and her employer's son. Incidentally, Jack is also her what-if, the road-not-taken romantically from her past.
Like her, Jack is a flawed, baggage-filled character, the kind of person your mom would advise you to stay away from in real life. If Gennie hadn't known him from before their paths separated, I would have honestly rooted for them to stay apart.
Finding Jack is about how Gennie starts to heal from her wounds by having Jack in her life once again. Their reconnection is labored, gradual and intense. I loved that they don't dive blind into their newfound relationship, instead slowly making space for them in their lives and in their individual healing processes.
By Finding Jack, Gennie not only finds also herself, but higher purpose, because, while this book is tagged as Romance and Women's Fiction, some of the other underlying topics are more serious and enrich the story in the most wonderful, heart warming way.
Easiest five-star rating this year.
Great thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Not in the pack-your-bag-we're-off-on-an-adventure sense, but in the unpredictable, pushing the reader to grow along with the characters. I am all for this second type of travels, myself.
We meet Gennie, recently widowed, single mom of Alice, picking up the pieces of her life and trying to make sense of it. She's not your typical, relatable main character (not to me, in any case) that you'd normally expect - she's flawed, oddly self-centered despite working a selfless job at a home for foster children. She's private, introverted and at times judgmental. I found it especially difficult to bond with her in the beginning, but I still wanted to be there for her. Who knows how you will react when your life is turned upside down?
I loved that she takes time for herself too, Gennie goes to an art center to paint! Where she meets Jack, the butt of the village gossip and her employer's son. Incidentally, Jack is also her what-if, the road-not-taken romantically from her past.
Like her, Jack is a flawed, baggage-filled character, the kind of person your mom would advise you to stay away from in real life. If Gennie hadn't known him from before their paths separated, I would have honestly rooted for them to stay apart.
Finding Jack is about how Gennie starts to heal from her wounds by having Jack in her life once again. Their reconnection is labored, gradual and intense. I loved that they don't dive blind into their newfound relationship, instead slowly making space for them in their lives and in their individual healing processes.
By Finding Jack, Gennie not only finds also herself, but higher purpose, because, while this book is tagged as Romance and Women's Fiction, some of the other underlying topics are more serious and enrich the story in the most wonderful, heart warming way.
Easiest five-star rating this year.
Great thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 28, 2023
The novel follows Gennie, who moves back to Cornwall for a fresh start. She takes a job at Marian's children charity and she feels that everything is starting to get better. That is until ex soldier, Jack comes along and soon realises that he is the Jack from her past.
She still has feelings for him but getting into a relationship with Jack is the last thing she needs and tries to avoid being anything more than friends.
I absolutely adored this novel. This is the first book that I have read by the author and it definitely won't be the last. Sofia's writing is beautiful and the story kept me hooked as I wanted to find out if Gennie has her happy ever after. A beautiful novel that I highly recommend.
💖 Thank you to Troubadour publishing and the author, Sofia Due for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
She still has feelings for him but getting into a relationship with Jack is the last thing she needs and tries to avoid being anything more than friends.
I absolutely adored this novel. This is the first book that I have read by the author and it definitely won't be the last. Sofia's writing is beautiful and the story kept me hooked as I wanted to find out if Gennie has her happy ever after. A beautiful novel that I highly recommend.
💖 Thank you to Troubadour publishing and the author, Sofia Due for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Finding Jack by Sofia Due is a beautiful cotemporary novel that tugged on my emotions.
It is heartbreaking to witness the effects of war on a character who was the lone survivor of a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. “It can be difficult to be the one who comes home.” Even years later, guilt and grief still consume aa character. He survived. His pals didn’t. He came home in his body but his mind is still wandering in Afghanistan.
We also witness the devastating effects of alcoholism on a family after a father drank himself to death. “He chose to carry on drinking when he knew it would kill him. It’s as if he chose to leave us.” To choose the bottle over his wife and daughter was a traumatic choice for those left behind.
Characters have to find a way through the pain. Some choose the bottle. Some have an emergency pack of cigarettes, just in case. Others channel their thoughts through artistic endeavour. They need to choose what will build them up and not what will drag them down.
There is a lot of love to go round as there is a home that helps house and educate disadvantaged youngsters. They are given a purpose again.
We witness the dreadful theme of exploitation and human trafficking. Those who have little are unscrupulously used, having their emotions manipulated, to work to bring loved ones over to Britain for a price – but it never happens.
Despite some very hard hitting themes, Finding Jack is a beautiful novel. We see new relationships form and old ones renewed. Love and loyalty loom large.
All the characters are realistic and likable. I loved the banter between the two leading ones.
The Cornish landscape comes to life under the author’s artistic pen. In contrast we travel to the factories in the back streets of Birmingham (also familiar to me as it’s my home town.)
I really enjoyed Finding Jack and did not want it to end. The novel spoke to my heart and made me smile.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“This was what happened when you smiled at the world, it smiled back.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
It is heartbreaking to witness the effects of war on a character who was the lone survivor of a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. “It can be difficult to be the one who comes home.” Even years later, guilt and grief still consume aa character. He survived. His pals didn’t. He came home in his body but his mind is still wandering in Afghanistan.
We also witness the devastating effects of alcoholism on a family after a father drank himself to death. “He chose to carry on drinking when he knew it would kill him. It’s as if he chose to leave us.” To choose the bottle over his wife and daughter was a traumatic choice for those left behind.
Characters have to find a way through the pain. Some choose the bottle. Some have an emergency pack of cigarettes, just in case. Others channel their thoughts through artistic endeavour. They need to choose what will build them up and not what will drag them down.
There is a lot of love to go round as there is a home that helps house and educate disadvantaged youngsters. They are given a purpose again.
We witness the dreadful theme of exploitation and human trafficking. Those who have little are unscrupulously used, having their emotions manipulated, to work to bring loved ones over to Britain for a price – but it never happens.
Despite some very hard hitting themes, Finding Jack is a beautiful novel. We see new relationships form and old ones renewed. Love and loyalty loom large.
All the characters are realistic and likable. I loved the banter between the two leading ones.
The Cornish landscape comes to life under the author’s artistic pen. In contrast we travel to the factories in the back streets of Birmingham (also familiar to me as it’s my home town.)
I really enjoyed Finding Jack and did not want it to end. The novel spoke to my heart and made me smile.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“This was what happened when you smiled at the world, it smiled back.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2023
This is a heartfelt story set in the picturesque countryside of Cornwall. The protagonist, Gennie, is looking for a fresh start and finds herself working at Marion's children's charity. The peaceful surroundings and close-knit artists' community seem like the perfect place for Gennie and her daughter, Alice, to rebuild their lives.
However, their tranquility is disrupted when Jack, an ex-soldier from Gennie's past, reenters her life with the same intention of starting anew. This unexpected reunion forces Gennie to confront her past and face her fears of getting involved in another tumultuous relationship.
What initially seems like an unwanted complication turns into a tale of self-discovery and the search for happiness. Despite her reluctance to get entangled with Jack's problems, Gennie finds herself drawn towards him. As she grapples with her emotions, Gennie realizes that she might not be able to find happiness and a new direction without confronting her past and taking a leap of faith.
The novel beautifully captures the essence of Cornwall, creating a vivid backdrop for the characters' emotional journey. The author skillfully portrays Gennie's struggles and internal conflicts, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story, with their own hurdles and aspirations.
The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Gennie's world. The exploration of themes such as love, forgiveness, and personal growth adds depth and substance to the plot, making it more than just a simple romance.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and engaging novel that explores the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. With its beautiful setting and well-drawn characters, it is a book that will resonate with readers looking for a touching and uplifting story.
However, their tranquility is disrupted when Jack, an ex-soldier from Gennie's past, reenters her life with the same intention of starting anew. This unexpected reunion forces Gennie to confront her past and face her fears of getting involved in another tumultuous relationship.
What initially seems like an unwanted complication turns into a tale of self-discovery and the search for happiness. Despite her reluctance to get entangled with Jack's problems, Gennie finds herself drawn towards him. As she grapples with her emotions, Gennie realizes that she might not be able to find happiness and a new direction without confronting her past and taking a leap of faith.
The novel beautifully captures the essence of Cornwall, creating a vivid backdrop for the characters' emotional journey. The author skillfully portrays Gennie's struggles and internal conflicts, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story, with their own hurdles and aspirations.
The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Gennie's world. The exploration of themes such as love, forgiveness, and personal growth adds depth and substance to the plot, making it more than just a simple romance.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and engaging novel that explores the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. With its beautiful setting and well-drawn characters, it is a book that will resonate with readers looking for a touching and uplifting story.
October 28, 2023
What a great journey this book was.
Not in the pack-your-bag-we're-off-on-an-adventure sense, but in the unpredictable, pushing the reader to grow along with the characters. I am all for this second type of travels, myself.
We meet Gennie, recently widowed, single mom of Alice, picking up the pieces of her life and trying to make sense of it. She's not your typical, relatable main character (not to me, in any case) that you'd normally expect - she's flawed, oddly self-centered despite working a selfless job at a home for foster children. She's private, introverted and at times judgmental. I found it especially difficult to bond with her in the beginning, but I still wanted to be there for her. Who knows how you will react when your life is turned upside down?
I loved that she takes time for herself too, Gennie goes to an art center to paint! Where she meets Jack, the butt of the village gossip and her employer's son. Incidentally, Jack is also her what-if, the road-not-taken romantically from her past.
Like her, Jack is a flawed, baggage-filled character, the kind of person your mom would advise you to stay away from in real life. If Gennie hadn't known him from before their paths separated, I would have honestly rooted for them to stay apart.
Finding Jack is about how Gennie starts to heal from her wounds by having Jack in her life once again. Their reconnection is labored, gradual and intense. I loved that they don't dive blind into their newfound relationship, instead slowly making space for them in their lives and in their individual healing processes.
By Finding Jack, Gennie not only finds also herself, but higher purpose, because, while this book is tagged as Romance and Women's Fiction, some of the other underlying topics are more serious and enrich the story in the most wonderful, heart warming way.
Easiest five-star rating this year.
Great thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Not in the pack-your-bag-we're-off-on-an-adventure sense, but in the unpredictable, pushing the reader to grow along with the characters. I am all for this second type of travels, myself.
We meet Gennie, recently widowed, single mom of Alice, picking up the pieces of her life and trying to make sense of it. She's not your typical, relatable main character (not to me, in any case) that you'd normally expect - she's flawed, oddly self-centered despite working a selfless job at a home for foster children. She's private, introverted and at times judgmental. I found it especially difficult to bond with her in the beginning, but I still wanted to be there for her. Who knows how you will react when your life is turned upside down?
I loved that she takes time for herself too, Gennie goes to an art center to paint! Where she meets Jack, the butt of the village gossip and her employer's son. Incidentally, Jack is also her what-if, the road-not-taken romantically from her past.
Like her, Jack is a flawed, baggage-filled character, the kind of person your mom would advise you to stay away from in real life. If Gennie hadn't known him from before their paths separated, I would have honestly rooted for them to stay apart.
Finding Jack is about how Gennie starts to heal from her wounds by having Jack in her life once again. Their reconnection is labored, gradual and intense. I loved that they don't dive blind into their newfound relationship, instead slowly making space for them in their lives and in their individual healing processes.
By Finding Jack, Gennie not only finds also herself, but higher purpose, because, while this book is tagged as Romance and Women's Fiction, some of the other underlying topics are more serious and enrich the story in the most wonderful, heart warming way.
Easiest five-star rating this year.
Great thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2023
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In "Finding Jack" by Sofia Due, Gennie grapples with the profound loss of her husband, her home, and the life she once knew. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she moves back to Cornwall and takes up a position at Marion's children's charity. The idyllic countryside setting seems perfect for rebuilding her life with her daughter, Alice, until an unexpected figure from the past, ex-soldier Jack, enters the scene. As they both attempt to start anew, Gennie is forced to confront her past, and fears of another tumultuous relationship surface.
Due skillfully weaves a poignant narrative that explores themes of loss, healing, and the unexpected paths life can take. The characters are richly developed, and Gennie's journey resonates with authenticity, portraying the challenges of rebuilding after a devastating loss. The picturesque backdrop of Cornwall adds a layer of charm to the story, creating a sense of place that enhances the overall narrative.
The novel delicately balances moments of introspection with the complexities of new relationships, offering a realistic portrayal of the hurdles one faces in the pursuit of happiness. While the plot follows a somewhat familiar trajectory in the genre, Due infuses it with nuance and emotional depth. "Finding Jack" is a compelling read that captures the essence of rediscovery and the transformative power of connection. With its well-crafted characters and evocative storytelling, the book earns a solid four-star rating, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a touching exploration of love, loss, and the journey to find oneself anew.
In "Finding Jack" by Sofia Due, Gennie grapples with the profound loss of her husband, her home, and the life she once knew. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she moves back to Cornwall and takes up a position at Marion's children's charity. The idyllic countryside setting seems perfect for rebuilding her life with her daughter, Alice, until an unexpected figure from the past, ex-soldier Jack, enters the scene. As they both attempt to start anew, Gennie is forced to confront her past, and fears of another tumultuous relationship surface.
Due skillfully weaves a poignant narrative that explores themes of loss, healing, and the unexpected paths life can take. The characters are richly developed, and Gennie's journey resonates with authenticity, portraying the challenges of rebuilding after a devastating loss. The picturesque backdrop of Cornwall adds a layer of charm to the story, creating a sense of place that enhances the overall narrative.
The novel delicately balances moments of introspection with the complexities of new relationships, offering a realistic portrayal of the hurdles one faces in the pursuit of happiness. While the plot follows a somewhat familiar trajectory in the genre, Due infuses it with nuance and emotional depth. "Finding Jack" is a compelling read that captures the essence of rediscovery and the transformative power of connection. With its well-crafted characters and evocative storytelling, the book earns a solid four-star rating, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a touching exploration of love, loss, and the journey to find oneself anew.
November 3, 2023
I really enjoyed Finding Jack and, as always, it is much harder to put this into words than if I had not been so keen. The main characters, Gennie and Jack, are such a pleasure to read – they both have troubled pasts, and a lot of adjusting to do, but cannot help but be drawn to each other.
Gennie and her daughter have moved back to Cornwall following the death of her husband. She has taken up a residential post on a farm, working for a charity set up by Marion to help disadvantaged young people. Marion’s son Jack, newly returned from Africa, is also working on the farm. A former soldier, injured in an explosion that killed his best friend, Jack is fighting his demons, but has not lost his humanity. He wants to be there for his daughter, and works hard to make the charity a success.
Gennie and Jack met briefly many years ago and had left a lasting impression on each other. They are very different people now, scarred by what they have been through, but the attraction is still there. Their relationship is portrayed in a realistic fashion, as they work through the obstacles that stand in their way. Finding Jack is a wonderful heartwarming story despite dealing with some very serious issues – the destructive power of addiction, human trafficking and slavery, grief, PTSD – but there is a lot of humour to balance it out. Highlights for me were the Cornish setting, the art classes and the cute dog that steals the show. This is the first book I have read by Sofia Due, but it won’t be the last. Thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
Gennie and her daughter have moved back to Cornwall following the death of her husband. She has taken up a residential post on a farm, working for a charity set up by Marion to help disadvantaged young people. Marion’s son Jack, newly returned from Africa, is also working on the farm. A former soldier, injured in an explosion that killed his best friend, Jack is fighting his demons, but has not lost his humanity. He wants to be there for his daughter, and works hard to make the charity a success.
Gennie and Jack met briefly many years ago and had left a lasting impression on each other. They are very different people now, scarred by what they have been through, but the attraction is still there. Their relationship is portrayed in a realistic fashion, as they work through the obstacles that stand in their way. Finding Jack is a wonderful heartwarming story despite dealing with some very serious issues – the destructive power of addiction, human trafficking and slavery, grief, PTSD – but there is a lot of humour to balance it out. Highlights for me were the Cornish setting, the art classes and the cute dog that steals the show. This is the first book I have read by Sofia Due, but it won’t be the last. Thanks to The Book Guild and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
October 5, 2023
A second chance romance you wont be able to put down!
I devoured this romance between these two wounded main characters. Sofia did an amazing job of not only making these characters so relatable but having amazing back stories that they felt so realistic I forgot I was reading a book at certain points. I instantly fell in love with Jack he's the perfect grumpy hero that we all need in our lives.
I really enjoyed when the two charters met again after knowing each other previously and the spark is still there even if the encounter is awkward. Through out the read you get to see not only the connection between these two grow but the banter and love that follows really adds to the read and gets you thrown into this romance. This book is low angst but it will definitely pull on your heart strings as it does deal with heavier topics but its done so well that you don't feel overwhelmed or to heavy when you're finished.
I love me a second chance romance with older characters and this book really did it for me, from how the plot effortlessly flowed to the many heart touching moments I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I devoured this romance between these two wounded main characters. Sofia did an amazing job of not only making these characters so relatable but having amazing back stories that they felt so realistic I forgot I was reading a book at certain points. I instantly fell in love with Jack he's the perfect grumpy hero that we all need in our lives.
I really enjoyed when the two charters met again after knowing each other previously and the spark is still there even if the encounter is awkward. Through out the read you get to see not only the connection between these two grow but the banter and love that follows really adds to the read and gets you thrown into this romance. This book is low angst but it will definitely pull on your heart strings as it does deal with heavier topics but its done so well that you don't feel overwhelmed or to heavy when you're finished.
I love me a second chance romance with older characters and this book really did it for me, from how the plot effortlessly flowed to the many heart touching moments I will definitely be reading more by this author.
October 25, 2023
This novel is wonderful, absolutely wonderful. It’s warm and heartfelt and I’ve not come across as imperfect a romantic hero as Jack in a long time. He’s so flawed, and messy and tormented and difficult. He’s also a tease, and hardworking, and funny and gorgeous. He’s a returned soldier, an alcoholic, riddled with survivor guilt, and anger and all the demons. And yet….
Gennie has survived the death of alcoholic husband, is raising her young daughter and trying to keep it all together. She’s defensive, but not closed off. The absolute last thing she needs is Jack. And yet…
Sophie Due has lots to say in this romantic novel – about war and the damage it does to both civilians and soldiers, about young adult refugees, love, and marriage, and relationship breakdowns. But also about family, and community and how healing comes in unexpected ways. There's a lot going on, and well drawn support characters, plenty of action, good communication and an HEA. If you want to read a romance that’s tender, and awkward, but also very very real, this is a cracker! Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Gennie has survived the death of alcoholic husband, is raising her young daughter and trying to keep it all together. She’s defensive, but not closed off. The absolute last thing she needs is Jack. And yet…
Sophie Due has lots to say in this romantic novel – about war and the damage it does to both civilians and soldiers, about young adult refugees, love, and marriage, and relationship breakdowns. But also about family, and community and how healing comes in unexpected ways. There's a lot going on, and well drawn support characters, plenty of action, good communication and an HEA. If you want to read a romance that’s tender, and awkward, but also very very real, this is a cracker! Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.
October 8, 2023
Gennie has lost everything, her husband, house and life as she knows it. She's devastated but has to stay strong for her daughter. Accepting a new job in Cornwall seems ideal. As she settles in, she hears stories about Jack but has no idea it is the Jack from her past.
Both characters have been broken by their past circumstances and are trying to heal. Gennie is determined not to let Jack back in her life but gradually a friendship grows, although it's not an easy one.
I love how relatable both characters are and how the author deals with them and felt there was growth for both of them.
The children's charity sounded really good, and between that and the village, there were some great side characters too.
This is a beautifully written second chance romance that had me engrossed from the beginning. It does contain some heavier topics that I felt the author dealt with well.
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for my gifted copy and spot on the tour.
Both characters have been broken by their past circumstances and are trying to heal. Gennie is determined not to let Jack back in her life but gradually a friendship grows, although it's not an easy one.
I love how relatable both characters are and how the author deals with them and felt there was growth for both of them.
The children's charity sounded really good, and between that and the village, there were some great side characters too.
This is a beautifully written second chance romance that had me engrossed from the beginning. It does contain some heavier topics that I felt the author dealt with well.
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for my gifted copy and spot on the tour.
October 8, 2023
An ex soldier caught in a roadside bomb, who struggles daily with the effects of this and the loss of his friends? This is Jack's story, but it's identical to what happened to my partner when he was serving in the military the only differences being he was in Germany and suffered complex spinal injuries.
I've never read a book by Due before and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to thanks to Rachel's Random Resources.
The characters are relatable and broken but as they say 'broken crayons still colour' and everyone deserves the chance to be happy.
Finding Jack is a beautifully written contemporary romance that will tug at your heartstrings and play with your emotions. I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and kept everything crossed that there was going to be a HEA.
Definitely a storyline and characters to become emotionally invested in, even if it was a bit close to home in places.
I've never read a book by Due before and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to thanks to Rachel's Random Resources.
The characters are relatable and broken but as they say 'broken crayons still colour' and everyone deserves the chance to be happy.
Finding Jack is a beautifully written contemporary romance that will tug at your heartstrings and play with your emotions. I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and kept everything crossed that there was going to be a HEA.
Definitely a storyline and characters to become emotionally invested in, even if it was a bit close to home in places.
November 5, 2023
This was a very easy read which I enjoyed. The story follows Gennie a widow who has come to work for a children's charity in the country with her daughter Alice. It’s here that she meets a face from her past , who is Jack a soldier that has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are various storylines going on through the book. There’s alcoholism,bereavement, friendship, refugees to name a few. All this happens during the COVID pandemic which is mentioned but not delved into too much. It is also a love story between Jack and Gennie and whether they will get together or not. It is a warm witty book with much to like and there are some beautiful descriptions of the surroundings and the farmhouse. There’s plenty of action in places to add to the drama. It is predictable in places but that’s not a bad thing.
October 14, 2023
Didn’t care for this at all. Gennie was a whining hypocrite simultaneously complaining about Jack getting drunk and then getting drunk herself and calling up Jack to save her. She makes every bad decision in the book. Not to mentioning seeing poor Hamid clearly needing help she just returns home and back to her life before remembering the poor boy could use a rescue. That whole rescue was messy too and should have been more of the story versus the terrible Gennie and Jack stuff. Even their history made no sense whatsoever. Pretty much every character in this book except for Hamid made me uncomfortable.
Gennie even stops in the middle of a rescue mission for poor Hamid in order to do her shopping at a warehouse store.
Gennie even stops in the middle of a rescue mission for poor Hamid in order to do her shopping at a warehouse store.
November 3, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
my heart broke at this book and then rehealed! I loved the growth and development of Gennie after she moves back to Cornwall following the loss of her husband, with her daughter Alice, only to reunite with a face from the past.
There is a lot of emotions covered in this book, loss, love, grief, pain, heartbreak and repair which was written well however I did think that there could have been room for more of a romantic story to unfold between Gennie and Jack.
my heart broke at this book and then rehealed! I loved the growth and development of Gennie after she moves back to Cornwall following the loss of her husband, with her daughter Alice, only to reunite with a face from the past.
There is a lot of emotions covered in this book, loss, love, grief, pain, heartbreak and repair which was written well however I did think that there could have been room for more of a romantic story to unfold between Gennie and Jack.
March 9, 2024
Finding Jack is a life inspiring and motivating read that I easily fell into. It's about second chances and falling in love despite all the baggage and scars. Jack is a heroic character who I fell in love with although he has a lot of demons and a hard exterior under the surface hr is a great guy.
October 13, 2024
Good. I quite liked this. It is really just a romance story, but it has a little bit more about it. The characters are good and there is more to the story than just the romance. I would recommend it.
October 2, 2023
This was my first read of Sofia's and it certainly won't be my last! I absolutely loved this book. This book had happy moments but also really sad and emotional moments too. I've not experienced having anyone close to me serve in the army and seeing how it affects not just the person who serves but the people around them is really heartbreaking. You can see how Gennie is conflicted ,because of her loss of her husband to alcoholism, of wanting to care for Jack but not wanting to get hurt like before. I really loved their growth throughout the book of discovery what they want from life and one another and was really hoping throughout that they would get their happy ending like they both deserved. Another part of the book includes a storyline of poor Hamid who is a refugee and gets into something quite dangerous. It is so sad reading what lengths people go to to try and be safe in life but also trying to get in touch with their family. This was really upsetting but also a good awareness to readers of the book too. I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading Sofia's other work in the future.
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