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Finding You
Julia and Charlie are ecstatic to be reunited with their stolen child, Hadyn. A year after he was snatched from a beach in Spain during a family holiday, they had feared that he would never be found alive.
Now the couple are eager for their lives to return to normal – but something is very wrong. Hadyn is still in many ways a ‘lost’ child. He seems to have been badly affected by the abduction, making it impossible for the family to simply pick up the pieces and move on.
In their efforts to unravel exactly what happened to their son and to find a cure, Julia and Charlie clash as to the best way forward. As their own insecurities surface, their relationship comes under threat - a situation not helped by the appearance of a former lover who is only too happy to rock the boat.
As dark secrets are uncovered, the couple’s love for each other is tested to its very limits, and they begin to doubt that they will ever be able to help their troubled little boy...
Until, at last, they stumble across an unexpected truth. A truth that might be the only thing left that could save their family.
Emotionally intense and deeply moving, this follow-up to Little Miracles will grip you from the very first page.
Now the couple are eager for their lives to return to normal – but something is very wrong. Hadyn is still in many ways a ‘lost’ child. He seems to have been badly affected by the abduction, making it impossible for the family to simply pick up the pieces and move on.
In their efforts to unravel exactly what happened to their son and to find a cure, Julia and Charlie clash as to the best way forward. As their own insecurities surface, their relationship comes under threat - a situation not helped by the appearance of a former lover who is only too happy to rock the boat.
As dark secrets are uncovered, the couple’s love for each other is tested to its very limits, and they begin to doubt that they will ever be able to help their troubled little boy...
Until, at last, they stumble across an unexpected truth. A truth that might be the only thing left that could save their family.
Emotionally intense and deeply moving, this follow-up to Little Miracles will grip you from the very first page.
Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 26, 2024
An okay read.
An enjoyable sequel to Little Miracles. There is drama and a lot of misunderstanding and to be honest it was slow and a bit boring.
An enjoyable sequel to Little Miracles. There is drama and a lot of misunderstanding and to be honest it was slow and a bit boring.
June 18, 2014
Giselle Green’s books have sat – unread – on my bookshelves for far too long. They really looked like “my kind of book”, but there’s always the next new book, the need to review with publication dates, the desire to review the next new one before anyone else. So when Giselle approached me offering a free review copy of her new book Finding You – and told me it would add to my enjoyment if I read Little Miracles (reviewed separately) first – I decided it was time, at long last, to give her books a try.
I must say that I think I might have struggled a little with this one had I not started with Little Miracles. I just think I would have missed out on the emotional complexity of the characters that is explored so thoroughly in the earlier book, along with the little details about the context of Charlie’s work and relationships and Julia’s unconventional upbringing.
It’s no secret that Hadyn is now home – Julia and Charlie are keen to put what happened behind them, and move on with their lives. But it soon becomes plain that all is not well – it seems that Hadyn has been changed by the abduction, and his behaviour causes major problems. Julia and Charlie can’t agree on either the cause or how it needs to be addressed, and again their relationship reaches breaking point, not helped by a guilty secret and the intervention of an ex-lover.
Again, this book is told from the viewpoints of Julia and Charlie in the first person – as well as exploring their emotions, this time it also helps to understand how easily the misunderstandings can happen when the reader can see it from both sides. And the writing – and, as a result, the reading – is effortless, although the emotions can be difficult to handle.
I notice that Finding You is currently #1 in Amazon’s Parenting Emotions and Feelings chart. I never knew such a thing existed – but if anyone was looking to classify these books. I reckon that’s about right. I enjoyed discovering Giselle’s writing, something a little different, a sensitively handled family drama with finely drawn emotional depth, with an excellent story at its heart.
I must say that I think I might have struggled a little with this one had I not started with Little Miracles. I just think I would have missed out on the emotional complexity of the characters that is explored so thoroughly in the earlier book, along with the little details about the context of Charlie’s work and relationships and Julia’s unconventional upbringing.
It’s no secret that Hadyn is now home – Julia and Charlie are keen to put what happened behind them, and move on with their lives. But it soon becomes plain that all is not well – it seems that Hadyn has been changed by the abduction, and his behaviour causes major problems. Julia and Charlie can’t agree on either the cause or how it needs to be addressed, and again their relationship reaches breaking point, not helped by a guilty secret and the intervention of an ex-lover.
Again, this book is told from the viewpoints of Julia and Charlie in the first person – as well as exploring their emotions, this time it also helps to understand how easily the misunderstandings can happen when the reader can see it from both sides. And the writing – and, as a result, the reading – is effortless, although the emotions can be difficult to handle.
I notice that Finding You is currently #1 in Amazon’s Parenting Emotions and Feelings chart. I never knew such a thing existed – but if anyone was looking to classify these books. I reckon that’s about right. I enjoyed discovering Giselle’s writing, something a little different, a sensitively handled family drama with finely drawn emotional depth, with an excellent story at its heart.
February 24, 2015
I was offered an advance copy of this to review and when I heard it was a follow up to another novel Little Miracles Little Miracles, I almost passed up the chance to read it. I'm glad I didn't as it's a lovely, emotionally engaging book which can easily be read as a stand alone - However I do feel you'd probably feel an even closer involvement with the storyline of a little boy going missing in Spain if you did read the first book and if you have the chance to read both in the correct order I'd highly recommend doing it that way rather, than as I intend to, read them in reverse order.
Finding you describes the aftermath of a tragic event, which has had an outcome which should be joyous and tranquil, a couple whose toddler son went missing has, against all odds got him back and are ready to get back on with their family life, but what if the thing you wanted most of all above everything turns out be not quite how you dreamt it would be?
Julia wanted nothing more in life than to have her beloved little boy Hadyn back, return home to England and be a great Mum to him. But Hadyn seems cold, undemonstrative and disruptive around other people and not knowing what happened during his absence makes it harder to know how to behave with him.
The cracks which appeared in Julias marriage to Charlie are proving far more difficult to paper over than they had both hoped and here the author does a fabulous job of switching from Julia narrating the story to Charlies voice and I was amazed at how easily misunderstandings arise between them, when its Julia telling the story, Charlies responses and reactions seem almost reprehensible yet when it switches to his point of view although he did annoy me with his rather bumbling ineptitude and failure to see things from his wifes position I could fully understand why and how he was doing and seeing things the way he did.
This is an excellent family drama, told beautifully with great skill, by a very accomplished author. Full of emotion, handled with sensitivity and perception this is sure to delight existing fans of Giselle Green and those looking for a new author to entertain and enthrall.
Finding you describes the aftermath of a tragic event, which has had an outcome which should be joyous and tranquil, a couple whose toddler son went missing has, against all odds got him back and are ready to get back on with their family life, but what if the thing you wanted most of all above everything turns out be not quite how you dreamt it would be?
Julia wanted nothing more in life than to have her beloved little boy Hadyn back, return home to England and be a great Mum to him. But Hadyn seems cold, undemonstrative and disruptive around other people and not knowing what happened during his absence makes it harder to know how to behave with him.
The cracks which appeared in Julias marriage to Charlie are proving far more difficult to paper over than they had both hoped and here the author does a fabulous job of switching from Julia narrating the story to Charlies voice and I was amazed at how easily misunderstandings arise between them, when its Julia telling the story, Charlies responses and reactions seem almost reprehensible yet when it switches to his point of view although he did annoy me with his rather bumbling ineptitude and failure to see things from his wifes position I could fully understand why and how he was doing and seeing things the way he did.
This is an excellent family drama, told beautifully with great skill, by a very accomplished author. Full of emotion, handled with sensitivity and perception this is sure to delight existing fans of Giselle Green and those looking for a new author to entertain and enthrall.
August 6, 2014
Some years ago I read and enjoyed this author’s book, Little Miracles, which focused on the story of a missing child and of the overwhelming trauma of what happened to the child’s family in the wake of this devastating loss. In Finding You, the author revisits the parents a year later, when Julia and Charlie are reunited with their son, Haydn. But far from finding the reunion joyous both parents struggle with not just to their reaction to be part of a family again, but also with the gut wrenching heartbreak of having a beloved child , who is yours and seemingly, by reason of circumstance, not yours. No one can fully understand what happened to Haydn during his abduction and both Julia and Charlie are left with feelings of utter isolation, which is not helped by other forces playing their part.
I think the author excels in developing the characters to such an extent that they become real in your mind, and their problems become genuine and believable. I can’t say that I always liked either Julia or Charlie but they’re interesting people and with sensitive handing this epic family tragedy, which threatens both their marriage and peace of mind, becomes quite compelling reading. Undeniably, there are many issues explored in Finding You, all of which tug away at the heartstrings, but with the author’s sensitive handling, the issues never become mawkishly sentimental or too implausible to be realistic.
I think to do justice to Finding You, one really should read Little Miracles first, as some of the more subtle nuances of the story would be almost impossible to pick up, and that would be to do both stories a complete disservice, as they should be read in sequence.
I enjoyed both stories and would recommend them as an interesting look at the multi-layered dynamics of family life.
I think the author excels in developing the characters to such an extent that they become real in your mind, and their problems become genuine and believable. I can’t say that I always liked either Julia or Charlie but they’re interesting people and with sensitive handing this epic family tragedy, which threatens both their marriage and peace of mind, becomes quite compelling reading. Undeniably, there are many issues explored in Finding You, all of which tug away at the heartstrings, but with the author’s sensitive handling, the issues never become mawkishly sentimental or too implausible to be realistic.
I think to do justice to Finding You, one really should read Little Miracles first, as some of the more subtle nuances of the story would be almost impossible to pick up, and that would be to do both stories a complete disservice, as they should be read in sequence.
I enjoyed both stories and would recommend them as an interesting look at the multi-layered dynamics of family life.
June 30, 2014
It's hard to underestimate how difficult it is to make characters actually breathe and live through a story that is so emotive and so charged with angst. However, Giselle has pulled it off. Alongside the narrative, she has engaged her readers by allowing us to be a part of the thoughts and feelings of the two main characters. Giselle's writing almost reads like a 'stream of consciousness' at times, alternating between Haydn's two bereft and confused parents. It draws the reader into the whirlpool. Giselle also paints a picture of an issue that touches the lives of so many families. Her treatment of the topic is insightful and poignant in equal measures. Which topic? I'll leave you to read and discover...
April 7, 2025
Highly recommend, I was dying for this sequel, and it did not disappoint
April 8, 2025
Could not wait for this sequel and it did not disappoint
October 24, 2014
A couple of years ago I read and really enjoyed Giselle Green’s novel Little Miracles. It was a fantastic read, about a little boy who gets kidnapped while on holiday in Spain and his mother, Julie’s, very frantic search to find him, in the belief that he is indeed still alive and well. It was such an interesting, enjoyable novel, although I always thought the ending was somewhat not there. I felt short-changed. I’d read all of these pages, to get an ending like that… It was super disappointing, because I like my endings tied up in a bow, with no wiggle room. So I was quite pleased to open up my email inbox one afternoon to see an email from Giselle asking me if I would like to read and review her sequel to Little Miracles, Finding You, and of course, it was a no-brainer.
Firstly I would like to say, that I believe that every novel that is a sequel to any kind of book should have a page at the beginning that says “Previously on…” much like TV series do, so you can recap what has already happened. Because, sadly, I do not remember books that I read. I do for a while, but when you’ve read as many books as I have, you can get quite forgetful about which was which, so I went into Finding You somewhat blind. I remembered the jist of the story, but the unfortunate ending escaped me. I would absolutely, definitely recommend you read Little Miracles and Finding You one after the other. (I recommend that for ANY series, mind; it’s why I collect all the books in the series before starting, because otherwise I have no idea what’s going on).
You would think that Finding You would be the best kind of sequel to read ever – little Haydn has been found, Julia was justified in her actions to find her boy, and the family are reunited once again. But, sadly, life never turns out that way, and poor Haydn is struggling. He isn’t listening to a word Julia says, isn’t showing any signs of affection, and is wrecking things left, right and centre. Julia and Charlie just don’t know what to do – is he pining for his life in Spain? Does he, God forbid, miss Illusion, the woman who was caring for him when he was found? Or is it something else entirely. But if Julia and Charlie are going to find out, it’s going to strain their relationship to breaking part and they’ll have to try and work out if they’re strong enough to get it back on track, or if some things are just too broken to be fixed.
Finding You is a fascinating insight into what happens after something major like a child going missing. It’s not as if you can just slip back into life as it was, things have clearly changed in Julia, Charlie and Haydn’s lives and I was super sad that that was the case, because if any family in the world deserves a happy ending, it’s these guys, but the hits just kept on coming; again, and again, and again. I don’t know how they coped, because I could barely cope with each new hit, each new revelation, and the growing sense that Haydn had something seriously wrong with him. Poor kid. I knew before his parents did what was wrong, and I just felt awful, but we did eventually get some kind of happy ending for the family – not one Julia ever thought would be possible, or me, for that matter, but we finally got to see how these three wonderful characters finally get their ending. Those who liked Little Miracles, will love being back in the world of Julia, Charlie and Haydn, and Giselle Green has done a fantastic job portraying the reality of what happens when your missing child suddenly isn’t missing any more, at least not in the physical sense…
Firstly I would like to say, that I believe that every novel that is a sequel to any kind of book should have a page at the beginning that says “Previously on…” much like TV series do, so you can recap what has already happened. Because, sadly, I do not remember books that I read. I do for a while, but when you’ve read as many books as I have, you can get quite forgetful about which was which, so I went into Finding You somewhat blind. I remembered the jist of the story, but the unfortunate ending escaped me. I would absolutely, definitely recommend you read Little Miracles and Finding You one after the other. (I recommend that for ANY series, mind; it’s why I collect all the books in the series before starting, because otherwise I have no idea what’s going on).
You would think that Finding You would be the best kind of sequel to read ever – little Haydn has been found, Julia was justified in her actions to find her boy, and the family are reunited once again. But, sadly, life never turns out that way, and poor Haydn is struggling. He isn’t listening to a word Julia says, isn’t showing any signs of affection, and is wrecking things left, right and centre. Julia and Charlie just don’t know what to do – is he pining for his life in Spain? Does he, God forbid, miss Illusion, the woman who was caring for him when he was found? Or is it something else entirely. But if Julia and Charlie are going to find out, it’s going to strain their relationship to breaking part and they’ll have to try and work out if they’re strong enough to get it back on track, or if some things are just too broken to be fixed.
Finding You is a fascinating insight into what happens after something major like a child going missing. It’s not as if you can just slip back into life as it was, things have clearly changed in Julia, Charlie and Haydn’s lives and I was super sad that that was the case, because if any family in the world deserves a happy ending, it’s these guys, but the hits just kept on coming; again, and again, and again. I don’t know how they coped, because I could barely cope with each new hit, each new revelation, and the growing sense that Haydn had something seriously wrong with him. Poor kid. I knew before his parents did what was wrong, and I just felt awful, but we did eventually get some kind of happy ending for the family – not one Julia ever thought would be possible, or me, for that matter, but we finally got to see how these three wonderful characters finally get their ending. Those who liked Little Miracles, will love being back in the world of Julia, Charlie and Haydn, and Giselle Green has done a fantastic job portraying the reality of what happens when your missing child suddenly isn’t missing any more, at least not in the physical sense…
August 5, 2014
The sequel to Finding You and although it stands perfectly well alone if you have not read 'Little Miracles' personally I felt that I got much more from the story knowing what had gone on before. Sadly children disappearing is a fact of life these days and we all know the cases that have received a lot of media attention in recent years. Reading this emotional family drama and its prequel you cannot help but find yourself thinking of these incidents.
As the novel opens Julia and Charlie are delirious with happiness to have their son Haydn back with them. He had disappeared from a beach in Spain a year previously and they had been terrified that he would never be found alive. The three of them are trying to readjust to family life which brings its own problems for them all. Julia and Charlie both alternate in recounting the storyline, which adds to the interest and understanding of how both partners react differently to the situations they are presented with. Life is definitely not turning out as it should be for them as it seems that the abduction has affected Hadyn far more than the couple realise. Will they be able to return to the happy family life they had together before all this, or will it be impossible to move on? No spoilers from me so you will have to read the novel if you are interested in finding out about all the issues they faced and if they can be resolved.
As mentioned in earlier reviews, Giselle Green is an author that I wish I had discovered way back in 2008, when her her first novel Pandora's Box was published. So many books and so little time meant that unfortunately I did not read it until a few months ago! Making up for lost time now I am catching up and enjoying her writing style, enough to say that I would now recommend her to anyone that appreciates stories with a moral basis. I have seen her referred to as the UK's answer to Jodi Picoult, there are similarities, the strongest being that both of them cover emotive issues in their novels. The motive storylines are a reason that she is an author that is a good choice for Book Club selection as her novels evoke a whole range of subjects for discussion. Apart from being a recommended read for fans of Jodi Picoult and contemporary fiction, any parent will also empathise strongly with the storyline.
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As the novel opens Julia and Charlie are delirious with happiness to have their son Haydn back with them. He had disappeared from a beach in Spain a year previously and they had been terrified that he would never be found alive. The three of them are trying to readjust to family life which brings its own problems for them all. Julia and Charlie both alternate in recounting the storyline, which adds to the interest and understanding of how both partners react differently to the situations they are presented with. Life is definitely not turning out as it should be for them as it seems that the abduction has affected Hadyn far more than the couple realise. Will they be able to return to the happy family life they had together before all this, or will it be impossible to move on? No spoilers from me so you will have to read the novel if you are interested in finding out about all the issues they faced and if they can be resolved.
As mentioned in earlier reviews, Giselle Green is an author that I wish I had discovered way back in 2008, when her her first novel Pandora's Box was published. So many books and so little time meant that unfortunately I did not read it until a few months ago! Making up for lost time now I am catching up and enjoying her writing style, enough to say that I would now recommend her to anyone that appreciates stories with a moral basis. I have seen her referred to as the UK's answer to Jodi Picoult, there are similarities, the strongest being that both of them cover emotive issues in their novels. The motive storylines are a reason that she is an author that is a good choice for Book Club selection as her novels evoke a whole range of subjects for discussion. Apart from being a recommended read for fans of Jodi Picoult and contemporary fiction, any parent will also empathise strongly with the storyline.
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June 21, 2015
This book is billed on Amazon as the 'standalone sequel' to Little Miracles. I read Little Miracles last year and from the online reviews it seemed that many people felt the same as me about the ending - it was ambiguous and abrupt to say the least. I was pleased to see that there was a follow up and although this could could be read as a standalone, you would certainly get more from this story by reading Little Miracles first.
Anyone who has read the first book will know of the pain and heartache Haydn's family suffered by his disappearance. Julia and Charlie now have him back but something is not right. Hadyn is now a troubled little boy and the joy and elation they should feel at his return is tempered by issues they are having with him.
This is very much a story of a relationship and a family trying to find its way back to normality again. Not only do Julia and Charlie try to repair their previously fractured relationship but Lourdes, Charlie's ex, is still a continuing presence in their lives and casts a cloud over their efforts.
As with the first book, I found Charlie the most frustrating of any of the characters. Julia accused him of running away whenever life got difficult and its true - he did, either that or bury his head in the sand - his remorse and apologies wore thin after a while. I thought Julia had a far greater grasp of reality than Charlie, and in one instance, I thought she was especially brave - doing what she thoughts was best for Haydn rather than just thinking of herself. I'm not a parent but even I realised long before Julia and Charlie what the reason could be and I was desperate for them to catch up.
The narrative switches between Julie and Charlie; it is easy to see both sides and the misunderstandings that arise between them, mainly due to a failure to communicate.
Giselle Green has perfectly captured the emotions of both parties and woven them into a story which encompasses both happiness and sadness. I have to be honest and these two books are not my favourites of hers, I much preferred A Sister's Gift and Pandora's Box. I can't quite put my finger on why, because I can't fault the writing here at all but the story just felt a little flat for me. Having said that, I would certainly read more by this author and I do have Falling For You waiting on my Kindle.
Anyone who has read the first book will know of the pain and heartache Haydn's family suffered by his disappearance. Julia and Charlie now have him back but something is not right. Hadyn is now a troubled little boy and the joy and elation they should feel at his return is tempered by issues they are having with him.
This is very much a story of a relationship and a family trying to find its way back to normality again. Not only do Julia and Charlie try to repair their previously fractured relationship but Lourdes, Charlie's ex, is still a continuing presence in their lives and casts a cloud over their efforts.
As with the first book, I found Charlie the most frustrating of any of the characters. Julia accused him of running away whenever life got difficult and its true - he did, either that or bury his head in the sand - his remorse and apologies wore thin after a while. I thought Julia had a far greater grasp of reality than Charlie, and in one instance, I thought she was especially brave - doing what she thoughts was best for Haydn rather than just thinking of herself. I'm not a parent but even I realised long before Julia and Charlie what the reason could be and I was desperate for them to catch up.
The narrative switches between Julie and Charlie; it is easy to see both sides and the misunderstandings that arise between them, mainly due to a failure to communicate.
Giselle Green has perfectly captured the emotions of both parties and woven them into a story which encompasses both happiness and sadness. I have to be honest and these two books are not my favourites of hers, I much preferred A Sister's Gift and Pandora's Box. I can't quite put my finger on why, because I can't fault the writing here at all but the story just felt a little flat for me. Having said that, I would certainly read more by this author and I do have Falling For You waiting on my Kindle.
June 19, 2014
Julia and Charlie's son Hadyn has been missing for a year. He is two and a half when he is found and returned to them. Julia never stopped searching for him and it caused so much stress between her and Charlie that they parted for a while.
Julia feels something is just not right with her son,she thinks he may be missing the woman he was living with but Charlie will not listen to her, he thinks Hadyn just needs time to adjust and he will soon forget the year he wasn't with them. Julie knows she has missed some of her child's milestones but he doesn't seem to remember her or his dad. All Julia wants to do is cuddle her child but Hadyn is unresponsive.
The abduction took place in Spain when Julia and Charlie were staying with Charlie's family and after finding their child they had to wait in Spain until the authorities had closed the abduction case.
I felt extremely sorry for Julia, she was so alone in her thoughts, getting no help from Charlie's family in fact I felt as though there was a conspiracy against her and that someone knew why or how Hayden had been abducted.
Charlie's Spanish ex girlfriend wanted him back in her life and was laying seeds of doubt in Julia's mind as to what went on during her separation from Charlie.
I enjoyed this book although it tugged at the heartstrings. I think we all wonder what happens when a taken child is returned to his or her parents. What happens behind closed doors when the fuss has died down and do the children settle or do they miss their captives? Is it all happy ever after,or do problems lie ahead?
The story is told from both Julia and Charlie's point of view and I found myself wishing they could each know what the other was thinking and feeling.
I read this as a stand alone book although it is a sequel to Little Miracles which is the story of Haydn being taken. I now want to read the first book as I'm interested in what the relationship between Julia and Charlie was like before their son disappeared. In Finding You they seemed to be treading on eggshells with each other. Throughout the book I was very suspicious of Charlie's Spanish family so I want to go back and find out if I was right.
There is a heart stopping moment near the end of the book when Julia follows what her heart is telling her even although heartbreak could lie ahead.
Julia feels something is just not right with her son,she thinks he may be missing the woman he was living with but Charlie will not listen to her, he thinks Hadyn just needs time to adjust and he will soon forget the year he wasn't with them. Julie knows she has missed some of her child's milestones but he doesn't seem to remember her or his dad. All Julia wants to do is cuddle her child but Hadyn is unresponsive.
The abduction took place in Spain when Julia and Charlie were staying with Charlie's family and after finding their child they had to wait in Spain until the authorities had closed the abduction case.
I felt extremely sorry for Julia, she was so alone in her thoughts, getting no help from Charlie's family in fact I felt as though there was a conspiracy against her and that someone knew why or how Hayden had been abducted.
Charlie's Spanish ex girlfriend wanted him back in her life and was laying seeds of doubt in Julia's mind as to what went on during her separation from Charlie.
I enjoyed this book although it tugged at the heartstrings. I think we all wonder what happens when a taken child is returned to his or her parents. What happens behind closed doors when the fuss has died down and do the children settle or do they miss their captives? Is it all happy ever after,or do problems lie ahead?
The story is told from both Julia and Charlie's point of view and I found myself wishing they could each know what the other was thinking and feeling.
I read this as a stand alone book although it is a sequel to Little Miracles which is the story of Haydn being taken. I now want to read the first book as I'm interested in what the relationship between Julia and Charlie was like before their son disappeared. In Finding You they seemed to be treading on eggshells with each other. Throughout the book I was very suspicious of Charlie's Spanish family so I want to go back and find out if I was right.
There is a heart stopping moment near the end of the book when Julia follows what her heart is telling her even although heartbreak could lie ahead.
March 30, 2014
This novel picks up on the story left open at the end of 'Little Miracles', in which Hadyn, a young toddler vanishes. I'm glad I had previously read it, but this one can be read as a standalone. It starts a few months after Hadyn is back with his parents Charlie and Julia; yet life is not proving easy for any of them.
The narration is split between Charlie and Julia, each writing in the first person. Julia’s perspective helped me to empathise strongly with her as a mother who slowly realised that all was not well with her son. Charlie, meanwhile, is torn between his professional life as a surgeon and trying to support Julia emotionally.
This novel is very well put together, with various threads unfolding gradually, alongside some delving into Charlie’s past. The characterisation is excellent, and I found myself empathising strongly with Julia in particular. One or two scenes even brought a tear to my eye.
There were times when I felt there was a tad too much introspection, as one or other of the protagonists pondered recent events, but that's partly because I was so eager to find out what was going to happen next, and partly because I had already worked out why Hadyn wasn't adjusting to being back home.. and wished I could have had a quick word with his parents!
By the time I was about three-quarters of the way through this book, I couldn’t put it down. I had to neglect everything else to finish it. There is a satisfactory and conclusive ending, which might seem too neat and tidy to some readers, but which I approved of thoroughly.
All in all, I would recommend ‘Finding You’ highly to anyone who enjoys this kind of character-driven thoughtful novel, whether or not you have read the previous one. I would give it four-and-a-half stars if I could.
Initially published in e-book format only, but should be available in paperback later in the year.
The narration is split between Charlie and Julia, each writing in the first person. Julia’s perspective helped me to empathise strongly with her as a mother who slowly realised that all was not well with her son. Charlie, meanwhile, is torn between his professional life as a surgeon and trying to support Julia emotionally.
This novel is very well put together, with various threads unfolding gradually, alongside some delving into Charlie’s past. The characterisation is excellent, and I found myself empathising strongly with Julia in particular. One or two scenes even brought a tear to my eye.
There were times when I felt there was a tad too much introspection, as one or other of the protagonists pondered recent events, but that's partly because I was so eager to find out what was going to happen next, and partly because I had already worked out why Hadyn wasn't adjusting to being back home.. and wished I could have had a quick word with his parents!
By the time I was about three-quarters of the way through this book, I couldn’t put it down. I had to neglect everything else to finish it. There is a satisfactory and conclusive ending, which might seem too neat and tidy to some readers, but which I approved of thoroughly.
All in all, I would recommend ‘Finding You’ highly to anyone who enjoys this kind of character-driven thoughtful novel, whether or not you have read the previous one. I would give it four-and-a-half stars if I could.
Initially published in e-book format only, but should be available in paperback later in the year.
February 3, 2015
Big thanks to Giselle Green for allowing us a copy of Finding You in exchange for review. Billed as recommended for fans of Diane Chamberlain I was immensely excited to read this (as you’ll know if you’ve seen my earlier posts).
Finding you tells the story of Julia and Charlie who are rebuilding their relationship following being reunited with their son Haydn who was kidnapped a year ago. Although they are excited to have their son back their excitement is dampened by the secrets Charlie has been keeping from Julia, the truth of his time spent with the scheming Lourdes and how much he knows about his sons kidnapper. Whilst he is able to return the work Julia is left to cope with a child who is vastly different from the one she had lost.
Haydn no longer speaks, doesn’t show her any affection and seems to want to run away and Julia feels like he wants to go back to his kidnapper. She struggles to make Charlie understand how she is feeling and when she brings her thoughts to him he is convinced there is another reason for his child’s behavior and is adamant he is traumatized from his kidnap and that the best thing is to send him away for treatment.
Julia’s mothers instincts lead her to action and her return to the place where her child was held and slowly the truth unravels and the truth may be a shock to both her and Charlie.
This was a really heartfelt piece of writing that explored a relationship that whilst troubled wasn’t irreparable, a relationship that was full of love but had some obstacles to overcome. I really enjoyed this book and I thought that the conclusion was perfect as an exploration of parents trying to help their child but being at loggerheads to find the best course of action, only to find that perhaps they are both looking at things from the wrong perspective.
It’s an intense read, and a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but it’s a ride you’ll be glad you took! I’ll be glad to read more from Green.
Finding you tells the story of Julia and Charlie who are rebuilding their relationship following being reunited with their son Haydn who was kidnapped a year ago. Although they are excited to have their son back their excitement is dampened by the secrets Charlie has been keeping from Julia, the truth of his time spent with the scheming Lourdes and how much he knows about his sons kidnapper. Whilst he is able to return the work Julia is left to cope with a child who is vastly different from the one she had lost.
Haydn no longer speaks, doesn’t show her any affection and seems to want to run away and Julia feels like he wants to go back to his kidnapper. She struggles to make Charlie understand how she is feeling and when she brings her thoughts to him he is convinced there is another reason for his child’s behavior and is adamant he is traumatized from his kidnap and that the best thing is to send him away for treatment.
Julia’s mothers instincts lead her to action and her return to the place where her child was held and slowly the truth unravels and the truth may be a shock to both her and Charlie.
This was a really heartfelt piece of writing that explored a relationship that whilst troubled wasn’t irreparable, a relationship that was full of love but had some obstacles to overcome. I really enjoyed this book and I thought that the conclusion was perfect as an exploration of parents trying to help their child but being at loggerheads to find the best course of action, only to find that perhaps they are both looking at things from the wrong perspective.
It’s an intense read, and a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but it’s a ride you’ll be glad you took! I’ll be glad to read more from Green.
June 25, 2014
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Finding You is part two of the story of Julia, Charlie and Haydn. The first book is called Little Miracles. You don’t necessarily have to read the first one, I didn’t and it was no problem, we get enough information in this story of what happened before.
Julia, Charlie and their son are finally able to return to England, after they went through hell when Hayden suddenly disappeared. They found him again and Julia and Charlie got back together again. Charlie just left her, when Hayden was missing and he spent a lot of time with his ex girlfriend then. Only later we find out, what they were doing exactly, but he doesn’t find the possibility to tell her and then she finds out herself and that’s just a whole misunderstanding, just now when they got back together again.
The two of them have to talk about what happened and also about their feelings for each other. They wanted to get married, and now? Then there is Haydn, little Haydn who is really different now, they have difficulties to find a connection to him. Does he suffer a trauma from all what happened? Charlie and Julia go through a lot to find out and eventually they do, and it’s not really what everyone thought it’s about…
The drama and the misunderstandings are there and we also get to know Charlie’s family a bit more. Unfortunately I couldn’t click with the story, it was hard to find an emotional connection. The story was told from both Charlie’s and Julia’s perspective, but I couldn’t relate to them, the feelings didn’t really get through.
I liked the story in a whole and the ending was super cute, but the important spark was missing.
Finding You is part two of the story of Julia, Charlie and Haydn. The first book is called Little Miracles. You don’t necessarily have to read the first one, I didn’t and it was no problem, we get enough information in this story of what happened before.
Julia, Charlie and their son are finally able to return to England, after they went through hell when Hayden suddenly disappeared. They found him again and Julia and Charlie got back together again. Charlie just left her, when Hayden was missing and he spent a lot of time with his ex girlfriend then. Only later we find out, what they were doing exactly, but he doesn’t find the possibility to tell her and then she finds out herself and that’s just a whole misunderstanding, just now when they got back together again.
The two of them have to talk about what happened and also about their feelings for each other. They wanted to get married, and now? Then there is Haydn, little Haydn who is really different now, they have difficulties to find a connection to him. Does he suffer a trauma from all what happened? Charlie and Julia go through a lot to find out and eventually they do, and it’s not really what everyone thought it’s about…
The drama and the misunderstandings are there and we also get to know Charlie’s family a bit more. Unfortunately I couldn’t click with the story, it was hard to find an emotional connection. The story was told from both Charlie’s and Julia’s perspective, but I couldn’t relate to them, the feelings didn’t really get through.
I liked the story in a whole and the ending was super cute, but the important spark was missing.
February 18, 2017
l really liked the first book and really want to read the follow on to little miracles and so happy to have read both books and it’s a really happy ending and they was reunited with their stolen child and they don't send Haydn away and they finally find out what is wrong with him and they work together on getting Haydn sorted out and illusion helped Julia with helping get Haydn to eat and glad he got his favourite elephant teddy back and it was a book l really got into l could not put it down l love little miracles and finding you and l like Giselle green books. Julia bought Haydn a sand pit charlie thought it would bring back memories of him being kidnapped but he was not pinning for illusion he had autism and a mother asked charlie if Haydn had autism and charlie said no and the woman told charlie some of the thing that her son did and he didn't like contact with people and he was a fussy eater and charlie said Haydn had all the same symptoms as her son was a real tear-jerker which had a happy ending and everybody rated this book 5 out of 5 stars and l would highly recommend this book but l would tell them to get the first one little miracles so you read the all the storyline not just half of it and I am so sad that this book finish when julia and charlie got married and Haydn was sorted out and they announced they was having another baby
November 16, 2014
Brilliant. After little miracles which was left a little to the readers imagination, this book is about the aftermath of a child abduction. What happens when you get them back. Also it deals with aspect of there are other things going in in life, dying relatives etc, so it's not just dealing with this person who you love but has been away from you for a year so you don't really know them anymore. It also tackles a couples relationship and dealings with a jealous ex. It had it all. It was great to get back in touch with the characters, but also this book concludes the story so there is a finality about it. Beautifully written and a joy to read, something to get completely lost and absorbed in.
April 18, 2014
I was happy to find this book as I read Little Miracles some time ago and felt it left questions unanswered. these were all answered in this sequel. I enjoyed the book which is combined romance and contemporary and also explored cultural issues. It didn't quite make the 5 stars because I didn't find it totally gripping. I like to think that his loving parents, especially as one of them was medically trained, would have recognised Haydn's condition much earlier at times I was on the brink of shouting 'wake up and smell the coffee' . However I am happy to believe they were in denial. Good book well worth reading
April 17, 2014
Part two o an epic tale. Again i am stuck what to say about this book without writing for hours and boring you to death ro letting every spoiler out. Suffice to say if you liked 'Little Miracle' you need to read this book. The gripping story unfolds and takes you on a journey like no other! Seriously... go buy the book...and at £2.99 for kindle edition you can't go wrong.
March 16, 2014
Finding You had me gripped from the first page. I finished it in one greedy sitting and found the tension between Charlie and Julia compelling. How does a family recover from such a trauma as abduction? Giselle Green explores this in depth. You'll love it!
January 18, 2016
Exhilarating read
I read the prequel to this story and wasn't aware of Finding You. I enjoyed every page and struggled to put the book down. Twists and turns all along. I felt 5 stars was very justified.
I read the prequel to this story and wasn't aware of Finding You. I enjoyed every page and struggled to put the book down. Twists and turns all along. I felt 5 stars was very justified.
February 26, 2015
I enjoyed the sequel having read the first book. I did find jumping from characters very hard though.
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