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Lost & Found #2
Keeping Carmen Ruiz
Finding Molly Parsons was just the beginning for this group of friends-turned-family.
Faith has found her soulmate in Nathalie, while Mateo finally reels in his long-time crush, Daniel. And just when Molly thinks it might be her turn, love slips right through her fingers. Carmen Ruiz has gone in search of the something—or someone—that placed the first shackle around her heart. She knows that the key to her future lies in her past. What she doesn’t realize is that her journey will be the catalyst for an unforgettable, cross-country quest for love and liberation.
An unexpected reckoning leads Faith and Molly back to the heart of Kentucky. A fire station delivers more than just eye candy for Enid. And a mysterious woman named Mariana receives a guest she’s been waiting 37 years to meet again. With the ever-sparkling Mateo and the incorrigible Enid Butcher by their sides, Faith, Molly, and Carmen travel from one coast to the other, making amends on their way back to The Sunflower Ranch.
This place that first brought them all together now poses questions that will test their bonds. Will Faith mend the strained relationship with her mother, Maureen? Can Mateo forge a life without his big sister and protector? And is Molly ready to keep Carmen’s heart—for good?
In this story of forgiveness, closure, and redemption, the Ruiz-Parsons clan navigate uncharted territory, facing each new challenge together. Through it all, they reaffirm that family bonds forged by choice are the most unbreakable, and that true love is always worth the wait.
Faith has found her soulmate in Nathalie, while Mateo finally reels in his long-time crush, Daniel. And just when Molly thinks it might be her turn, love slips right through her fingers. Carmen Ruiz has gone in search of the something—or someone—that placed the first shackle around her heart. She knows that the key to her future lies in her past. What she doesn’t realize is that her journey will be the catalyst for an unforgettable, cross-country quest for love and liberation.
An unexpected reckoning leads Faith and Molly back to the heart of Kentucky. A fire station delivers more than just eye candy for Enid. And a mysterious woman named Mariana receives a guest she’s been waiting 37 years to meet again. With the ever-sparkling Mateo and the incorrigible Enid Butcher by their sides, Faith, Molly, and Carmen travel from one coast to the other, making amends on their way back to The Sunflower Ranch.
This place that first brought them all together now poses questions that will test their bonds. Will Faith mend the strained relationship with her mother, Maureen? Can Mateo forge a life without his big sister and protector? And is Molly ready to keep Carmen’s heart—for good?
In this story of forgiveness, closure, and redemption, the Ruiz-Parsons clan navigate uncharted territory, facing each new challenge together. Through it all, they reaffirm that family bonds forged by choice are the most unbreakable, and that true love is always worth the wait.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
26 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Root
23 books226 followersAlyson was born and raised in the heart of England. She moved to Paris in 2015 when she met her wife. Together they moved to the west of France where they now live with their two dogs and pet bird. Alyson spends her time running a small campsite and holiday home. During her off time, she loves to read lesbian romance books, write and Scuba Dive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 7, 2024
Keeping Carmen Ruiz by Alyson Root, is a found family, finding yourself romance. It follows on perfectly from Finding Molly Parsons, and I couldn’t love it more.
Getting to spend more time with the Ruiz/Parsons clan was a delight. Again as in the previous book in the series we get the POV of three main characters, and get to follow two romances. One that is growing and flourishing, and another that is yet to ‘officially’ begin.
I adored getting to know Molly more in depth in this story. She’s a beautiful character with so much love to give.
Learning to understand Carmen more was also beautiful. The way she looks out for, protects, and nurtures her family is awe-inspiring. She’s full of fire that sometimes rages out of control, and she ends up neglecting herself. it seems that Molly is the only person who can calm that fire, I loved seeing Carmen find a person that she will allow herself to lean on fully. Faith has grown so much, the way she is learning from the people around her, filled my heart with joy. You got this Faith, you can heal and be happy.
I’m not going to say too much about the story in case people haven’t read Finding Molly Parsons. I don’t want to spoil it. But know that these books are thoroughly enjoyable, and I adored reading them. The journey the Ruiz/Parsons family go on is a rollercoaster that I want to ride again and again.
I will however say that this book is totes emotional and the author made me feel those emotions, like a punch to the gut. Then she’d go and make me laugh or smile at the outrageous antics, this family get up too. Alyson Root has immense talent for writing every type of emotion, and making them feel authentic, and genuine. Her dialogue flows naturally and by the end of this book I felt like I’d truly gotten to know everyone. I never wanted it to end and could live it this world forever.
If you’re looking for that perfect summer/holiday read, then look no further. It’s here, it’s queer, and it’s utterly fabulous.
Five stars, plus a couple more from me. I’m still riding the high, and suffering the book hangover 🥰
Getting to spend more time with the Ruiz/Parsons clan was a delight. Again as in the previous book in the series we get the POV of three main characters, and get to follow two romances. One that is growing and flourishing, and another that is yet to ‘officially’ begin.
I adored getting to know Molly more in depth in this story. She’s a beautiful character with so much love to give.
Learning to understand Carmen more was also beautiful. The way she looks out for, protects, and nurtures her family is awe-inspiring. She’s full of fire that sometimes rages out of control, and she ends up neglecting herself. it seems that Molly is the only person who can calm that fire, I loved seeing Carmen find a person that she will allow herself to lean on fully. Faith has grown so much, the way she is learning from the people around her, filled my heart with joy. You got this Faith, you can heal and be happy.
I’m not going to say too much about the story in case people haven’t read Finding Molly Parsons. I don’t want to spoil it. But know that these books are thoroughly enjoyable, and I adored reading them. The journey the Ruiz/Parsons family go on is a rollercoaster that I want to ride again and again.
I will however say that this book is totes emotional and the author made me feel those emotions, like a punch to the gut. Then she’d go and make me laugh or smile at the outrageous antics, this family get up too. Alyson Root has immense talent for writing every type of emotion, and making them feel authentic, and genuine. Her dialogue flows naturally and by the end of this book I felt like I’d truly gotten to know everyone. I never wanted it to end and could live it this world forever.
If you’re looking for that perfect summer/holiday read, then look no further. It’s here, it’s queer, and it’s utterly fabulous.
Five stars, plus a couple more from me. I’m still riding the high, and suffering the book hangover 🥰
May 28, 2024
This is the sequel to Finding Molly Parson and is equally as hilarious, heartwarming with a side of sadness as FMP was.
It’s rich with characters that came to life as I read and their personalities reached out to me.
The story tells us about the impact parents have on their children throughout their lives. The importance of family of choice and the positivity that people can bring to others when goodness, trust and love are allowed to thrive and grow and is shared. And hot - did I mention hot!!
And there is Enid!!!….I have words!!!
The journey I was taken on as I read these books was one of highs, some lows but ultimately engrossingly wonderful.
It was great to see the growth of the characters as they navigated their paths through life.
Thanks to Alyson Root for the ARC. It was my pleasure to give my honest opinion of this book.
It’s rich with characters that came to life as I read and their personalities reached out to me.
The story tells us about the impact parents have on their children throughout their lives. The importance of family of choice and the positivity that people can bring to others when goodness, trust and love are allowed to thrive and grow and is shared. And hot - did I mention hot!!
And there is Enid!!!….I have words!!!
The journey I was taken on as I read these books was one of highs, some lows but ultimately engrossingly wonderful.
It was great to see the growth of the characters as they navigated their paths through life.
Thanks to Alyson Root for the ARC. It was my pleasure to give my honest opinion of this book.
April 19, 2025
Oh the feels…this was a stunning sequel to Finding Molly Parsons. We pick up right as that story ended
and continue with not only Carmen, but also Molly and Faith, as they go on their own healing journeys. The depth and growth of each character, side characters too, is amazing and thoughtful, insightful and often times humorous. I love that Enid, and all her glorious quips, began and ended this book perfectly ;)
and continue with not only Carmen, but also Molly and Faith, as they go on their own healing journeys. The depth and growth of each character, side characters too, is amazing and thoughtful, insightful and often times humorous. I love that Enid, and all her glorious quips, began and ended this book perfectly ;)
February 17, 2025
I'm a big fan of Alyson Root, and this series in particular. I just adore all of the characters and the found family is amazing, which is critical in a character-focused series like this. If there was a way to give more than 5 stars, this book would have them.
I already loved Molly from the initial installment in this series, Finding Molly Parsons (read it first if you haven't yet, because it's just as fabulous and you really do need the back story to truly get everything that's happening here), but damn do I love her even more. She's just such a caring, supportive woman, and her strength in facing her own demons so that she can open herself up to love is just wonderful. It certainly doesn't hurt that I could listen to Sadie Provost's audiobook characterization of Molly all day long, either.
I really enjoyed getting more details and insight into Carmen's history. I don't want to get into it too much because then I'd be getting into spoiler territory, but Root handles some pretty serious subject matter with care, but also a healthy dose of levity through Enid. Oh, Enid. She may be the comic relief, but don't let that fool you. She's one of the biggest sources of support for Carmen, pushing her and being her biggest cheerleader, but also for the other characters, and she's just so surprising in unexpected ways—although maybe they shouldn't be so unexpected.
Faith is back, and she's grown so much from where she was at the start of the first book, and her relationship with Nathalie and their communication and openness with each other is inspiring. Really, I could go on and on about how wonderful everyone is, but you should just read or listen to it and see for yourself.
I already loved Molly from the initial installment in this series, Finding Molly Parsons (read it first if you haven't yet, because it's just as fabulous and you really do need the back story to truly get everything that's happening here), but damn do I love her even more. She's just such a caring, supportive woman, and her strength in facing her own demons so that she can open herself up to love is just wonderful. It certainly doesn't hurt that I could listen to Sadie Provost's audiobook characterization of Molly all day long, either.
I really enjoyed getting more details and insight into Carmen's history. I don't want to get into it too much because then I'd be getting into spoiler territory, but Root handles some pretty serious subject matter with care, but also a healthy dose of levity through Enid. Oh, Enid. She may be the comic relief, but don't let that fool you. She's one of the biggest sources of support for Carmen, pushing her and being her biggest cheerleader, but also for the other characters, and she's just so surprising in unexpected ways—although maybe they shouldn't be so unexpected.
Faith is back, and she's grown so much from where she was at the start of the first book, and her relationship with Nathalie and their communication and openness with each other is inspiring. Really, I could go on and on about how wonderful everyone is, but you should just read or listen to it and see for yourself.
May 27, 2024
Wow, that was an emotional rollercoaster!
I have to admit that I hadn't read the first book yet.
I grabbed some information about book 1 with reviews and the plot to get an idea of what I've missed so far, and boy! did I miss something!
So, anyone who is going to read this, can read this book on its own, but it is recommended that you read it as a series.
Starting with „Finding Molly Parsons“.
That said, the story just blew me away.
Even strong people like Carmen, Faith and Molly have pasts that have left open wounds and affected their lives.
Carmen decides to face her past in order to be prepared for the future and sets out on a search.
This creates a kind of domino effect for everyone.
Molly, who also wants to put the past behind her to make her peace with everything that happend to her, and to be prepared for whatever may be possible with Carmen, embarks on her own journey.
This is just part of the emotional journey this wonderful group of friends and family take for and with each other.
Beautifully written, with a lot of heart and extremely hot scenes ;)
It's just as funny, thanks to the very original character Enid (I adore her), as it is intense and deep!
Now if you excuse me, i need to read "Finding Molly Parsons" ;)
Thanks to Alyson Root for this ARC!
I have to admit that I hadn't read the first book yet.
I grabbed some information about book 1 with reviews and the plot to get an idea of what I've missed so far, and boy! did I miss something!
So, anyone who is going to read this, can read this book on its own, but it is recommended that you read it as a series.
Starting with „Finding Molly Parsons“.
That said, the story just blew me away.
Even strong people like Carmen, Faith and Molly have pasts that have left open wounds and affected their lives.
Carmen decides to face her past in order to be prepared for the future and sets out on a search.
This creates a kind of domino effect for everyone.
Molly, who also wants to put the past behind her to make her peace with everything that happend to her, and to be prepared for whatever may be possible with Carmen, embarks on her own journey.
This is just part of the emotional journey this wonderful group of friends and family take for and with each other.
Beautifully written, with a lot of heart and extremely hot scenes ;)
It's just as funny, thanks to the very original character Enid (I adore her), as it is intense and deep!
Now if you excuse me, i need to read "Finding Molly Parsons" ;)
Thanks to Alyson Root for this ARC!
May 27, 2024
After the bit of a cliffhanger from the prior book (Finding Molly Parsons), I was very excited to read this novel!
This novel follows the POVs of Carmen Ruiz, Molly Parsons, and Faith Parsons as they each journey through self-discovery and healing. Each woman has a different past contributing to their trauma and must learn to accept, heal, and find a way to forge onward. As they work through their traumas and learn things about themselves, they never knew possible, we get to witness Molly and Carmen fall for each other, becoming closer and closer, like moth drawn to flame.
In this story, we also continue to witness Faith's own journey of self-discovery, learning about where she wants to go with her life, and her relationship with Nathalie growing stronger.
This novel beautifully wrapped up the journey of friends turned family, forged from trauma. With the Epilogue, we also got to witness some other key players in their story find their happy endings.
Once again, I am left both elated at what I read and saddened that I read it all in one sitting, so it didn't last longer. I look forward to the many more books that Alyson sends our way.
This novel follows the POVs of Carmen Ruiz, Molly Parsons, and Faith Parsons as they each journey through self-discovery and healing. Each woman has a different past contributing to their trauma and must learn to accept, heal, and find a way to forge onward. As they work through their traumas and learn things about themselves, they never knew possible, we get to witness Molly and Carmen fall for each other, becoming closer and closer, like moth drawn to flame.
In this story, we also continue to witness Faith's own journey of self-discovery, learning about where she wants to go with her life, and her relationship with Nathalie growing stronger.
This novel beautifully wrapped up the journey of friends turned family, forged from trauma. With the Epilogue, we also got to witness some other key players in their story find their happy endings.
Once again, I am left both elated at what I read and saddened that I read it all in one sitting, so it didn't last longer. I look forward to the many more books that Alyson sends our way.
August 28, 2025
Filled with laughs and many tearful moments, this was an incredible follow up to Finding Molly Parsons.
June 1, 2025
Delightful. Lovely. Sweet. Hilarious, in the outrageously chaotic way (looking at you, Enid). I loved the way this started and ended. I would love some sort of novella looking at where everyone ended up because I just love this found family and I feel like I could read another novel about their lives. 5/5 all the way!
June 4, 2024
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs (three), two sapphic pairings, gay SC/achillean sideship, Hispanic MC & prominent SC, other queer & Hispanic SCs, prominent SC with a prosthetic leg
📝Tropes/Themes: Multiple POVs, Family Relationships, Trauma/Healing, Hurt/Comfort, Chosen/Found Family, Quirky Old Lady, Self Discovery, Humor, Reconciliation, Sapphic Romance
Grab the tissues!! This is a beautiful, emotional journey that will get those tear ducts working! Ugh! Have you ever read a book where you just wished you could scoop up all the characters and hold them and comfort them and tell them they are loved and they aren’t alone and everything is going to be okay? Because that’s what I wanted to do throughout this entire book! I knew it was going to be intense with where Finding Molly Parsons left off in the story, and I was not wrong! But interspersed throughout these heart wrenching moments of grief and trauma are moments of humor and absurdity (mostly thanks to the honorary grandma of this found family, Enid) and moments of comfort and genuine, pure, love and happiness. You will laugh. You will cry. You will get wrecked by this book in all the best ways!
Carmen was abandoned as a baby and went through horrible experiences growing up in the foster care system. But one good thing that came out of that was Mateo. Carmen has always been the protector, caring for everyone else before herself - especially Mateo. But now she realizes that she has to face her past head on in order to be able to move forward, which includes allowing herself to lean into all those feelings that Molly Parsons stirred inside her before they’d even met. Carmen is finally ready to focus on her own needs, but she’s convinced she has to do it on her own.
Meanwhile, at the urging of her niece Faith, Molly Parsons realizes she needs to do some of her own work and face her own past, that is if she wants to be able to keep Carmen Ruiz. Because for once in her life, Molly doesn’t want to run away, she wants to run towards something, towards someone. And she doesn’t want to do anything to mess that up.
Two separate journeys across the country. Three individual journeys of growth and healing and confronting the past. Two stories of reconciliation. Two main love stories and a side love story. The joy of friendship. The power of finding and creating a family when you never had the family you needed or wanted growing up. Overcoming adversity and trauma and realizing you don’t have to go through it alone. Raunchy humor and a quirky old lady who can make you cringe then cry in a matter of minutes. One big beautiful found family filled to the brim with compassion, support, and love. And the most perfect ending you could hope for. 💛🥰
I received an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review.
⚠️TW/CW: Sexual Content, Alcohol Use, Drug Use (gummies); Themes of/Mentions of: Parental Abandonment/Neglect, Childhood Trauma, Foster Care, Child Abuse; Mention of Parental Death; Brief scene including violence and injury; panic attack
📝Tropes/Themes: Multiple POVs, Family Relationships, Trauma/Healing, Hurt/Comfort, Chosen/Found Family, Quirky Old Lady, Self Discovery, Humor, Reconciliation, Sapphic Romance
Grab the tissues!! This is a beautiful, emotional journey that will get those tear ducts working! Ugh! Have you ever read a book where you just wished you could scoop up all the characters and hold them and comfort them and tell them they are loved and they aren’t alone and everything is going to be okay? Because that’s what I wanted to do throughout this entire book! I knew it was going to be intense with where Finding Molly Parsons left off in the story, and I was not wrong! But interspersed throughout these heart wrenching moments of grief and trauma are moments of humor and absurdity (mostly thanks to the honorary grandma of this found family, Enid) and moments of comfort and genuine, pure, love and happiness. You will laugh. You will cry. You will get wrecked by this book in all the best ways!
Carmen was abandoned as a baby and went through horrible experiences growing up in the foster care system. But one good thing that came out of that was Mateo. Carmen has always been the protector, caring for everyone else before herself - especially Mateo. But now she realizes that she has to face her past head on in order to be able to move forward, which includes allowing herself to lean into all those feelings that Molly Parsons stirred inside her before they’d even met. Carmen is finally ready to focus on her own needs, but she’s convinced she has to do it on her own.
Meanwhile, at the urging of her niece Faith, Molly Parsons realizes she needs to do some of her own work and face her own past, that is if she wants to be able to keep Carmen Ruiz. Because for once in her life, Molly doesn’t want to run away, she wants to run towards something, towards someone. And she doesn’t want to do anything to mess that up.
Two separate journeys across the country. Three individual journeys of growth and healing and confronting the past. Two stories of reconciliation. Two main love stories and a side love story. The joy of friendship. The power of finding and creating a family when you never had the family you needed or wanted growing up. Overcoming adversity and trauma and realizing you don’t have to go through it alone. Raunchy humor and a quirky old lady who can make you cringe then cry in a matter of minutes. One big beautiful found family filled to the brim with compassion, support, and love. And the most perfect ending you could hope for. 💛🥰
I received an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review.
⚠️TW/CW: Sexual Content, Alcohol Use, Drug Use (gummies); Themes of/Mentions of: Parental Abandonment/Neglect, Childhood Trauma, Foster Care, Child Abuse; Mention of Parental Death; Brief scene including violence and injury; panic attack
June 4, 2024
Alyson Root
Keeping Carmen Ruiz (The Lost & Found Series Book 2)
Book 2 of 2: The Lost & Found Series
Arc
June 4, 2024
Favorite quote I want to be the light in someone else’s darkness.
This is the second installment in the series where Carmen embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, coming to terms with her mother's departure and the emotional scars it left behind. This heartfelt story resonated deeply with me, highlighting the ways in which pain can leave us feeling empty and incomplete. Carmen's love for Molly, as well as her affection for Faith and Mateo, added depth and complexity to the narrative. Enid, a captivating character, brought light and warmth to the book with her endearing and slightly eccentric nature. Rita, too, played a significant role, offering invaluable love advice and guidance. Nathalie's love for Faith and her desire for her to have a fulfilling life and opportunities were truly touching.
I cannot express enough how much I adore this series. When the author graciously provided me with an advanced copy of the book, I was overjoyed. These characters have captured my heart to such an extent that I hope there will be more books in the future.
One aspect that particularly resonated with me was Molly and Mateo's unwavering support for Faith as she made life-altering decisions. Amidst her newfound love and sense of belonging, Faith faced the difficult choice between staying with her girlfriend and family or pursuing her passion to help other marginalized youth who had been abandoned by their families due to their sexual orientation. Carmen and Molly's intense and passionate connection allowed them to be their true selves, embracing their fears, desires, and past loneliness. Alyson Root, the author, possesses a remarkable talent for crafting stories that evoke profound emotions and empathy for the characters and their journeys.
What touched me deeply about this book is the author's powerful message that family is not solely defined by blood. Personally, I have found my chosen family, individuals who accept and love me for who I truly am, without the need for pretense. This story beautifully depicts the struggles faced by many LGBTQIA+ individuals who have been abandoned by their biological families, but have found solace and acceptance within their chosen communities. By reading these books, the LGBTQIA+ community has embraced the true meaning of love, and I am grateful to be a part of it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing me with an advanced copy. It will be available on Amazon starting June 4th, and I am confident that it will touch your heart in all the right places and bring you immense joy.
June 4, 2024
I had the honour of reading an ARC of this book and I am so grateful for that chance. This was a most beautiful love story!
From the very first opening line, I was hooked into Alyson Root’s latest story. I had never met these characters before (an error I plan on rectifying very soon) yet I felt immediately drawn in, part of the duo. And that feeling only continued to develop as the chapters went on.
The easy way in which these characters interact together is uplifting, heartwarming and down right entertaining. Alyson captures the kind of stupid we all have with our nearest and dearest and that is a true gift in writing. Though I absolutely agree with Carmen… grandmothers don’t dove out vibrators!
The deeper the story goes, the more you find yourself enjoying the ride. Carmen’s desire to find answers takes her back to the fire station she was abandoned at and as she faces her past, the future her heart longs for is making itself known in Molly.
The interlacing of the lives of these characters is truly something to behold, this story is one of learning, discovery and accepting love. There’s a healthy sprinkle of spice that more than whets the appetite but it’s Carmen and Molly’s love that is the glue of Finding Carmen Ruiz.
From the very first opening line, I was hooked into Alyson Root’s latest story. I had never met these characters before (an error I plan on rectifying very soon) yet I felt immediately drawn in, part of the duo. And that feeling only continued to develop as the chapters went on.
The easy way in which these characters interact together is uplifting, heartwarming and down right entertaining. Alyson captures the kind of stupid we all have with our nearest and dearest and that is a true gift in writing. Though I absolutely agree with Carmen… grandmothers don’t dove out vibrators!
The deeper the story goes, the more you find yourself enjoying the ride. Carmen’s desire to find answers takes her back to the fire station she was abandoned at and as she faces her past, the future her heart longs for is making itself known in Molly.
The interlacing of the lives of these characters is truly something to behold, this story is one of learning, discovery and accepting love. There’s a healthy sprinkle of spice that more than whets the appetite but it’s Carmen and Molly’s love that is the glue of Finding Carmen Ruiz.
March 21, 2025
Keeping Carmen Ruiz
The Lost & Found Series, Book 2
By: Alyson Root
Narrated by: Sadie Provost
Sometimes the BEST Families are made not born!
Overall: 5 out 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-21-25
Faith, Nathalie, Mateo, Daniel, Molly, Carmen, and Enid … oh my heart Enid! Not family by blood or birth, but surely a family of the heart, and “Keeping Carmen Ruiz” is their story. A story written with heart, soul, honesty and compassion ~ sometimes heated, sometimes painful, sometimes hysterical, and sometimes worthy of soul searing rage! I won’t spoil this fabulous listen for anyone by giving details, but I promise, you will feel for, AND with, these beautifully human, beautifully REAL characters as you listen, AND and at story’s end you will not be sorry you took this journey with them! Breathtakingly brought to life by stunning, emotionally on point, perfectly timed narration “Keeping Carmen Ruiz” easily earns five fabulous stars across all categories! This one is stunning and I loved it ~ I loved it ALL!
The Lost & Found Series, Book 2
By: Alyson Root
Narrated by: Sadie Provost
Sometimes the BEST Families are made not born!
Overall: 5 out 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-21-25
Faith, Nathalie, Mateo, Daniel, Molly, Carmen, and Enid … oh my heart Enid! Not family by blood or birth, but surely a family of the heart, and “Keeping Carmen Ruiz” is their story. A story written with heart, soul, honesty and compassion ~ sometimes heated, sometimes painful, sometimes hysterical, and sometimes worthy of soul searing rage! I won’t spoil this fabulous listen for anyone by giving details, but I promise, you will feel for, AND with, these beautifully human, beautifully REAL characters as you listen, AND and at story’s end you will not be sorry you took this journey with them! Breathtakingly brought to life by stunning, emotionally on point, perfectly timed narration “Keeping Carmen Ruiz” easily earns five fabulous stars across all categories! This one is stunning and I loved it ~ I loved it ALL!
May 26, 2024
Carmen and Enid have left the city on a vacation to try to help Carmen get her head together. After some debate, Carmen decides to try to find out who her birth mother was...
Meanwhile, Molly is dealing with her own issues, and Faith has fallen head over heels in love. After some consideration Molly decided to confront her own part, with Faith and Mateo tagging along.
Good, solid read. I like Carmen, Enid, Molly Faith and Mateo, and I was looking forward to seeing them again. The two road trips were entertaining, as was the various resolutions. I liked how everything was tied up too.
This MOSTLY can be read as a stand alone, but you will probably like it better after reading book one.
Meanwhile, Molly is dealing with her own issues, and Faith has fallen head over heels in love. After some consideration Molly decided to confront her own part, with Faith and Mateo tagging along.
Good, solid read. I like Carmen, Enid, Molly Faith and Mateo, and I was looking forward to seeing them again. The two road trips were entertaining, as was the various resolutions. I liked how everything was tied up too.
This MOSTLY can be read as a stand alone, but you will probably like it better after reading book one.
June 2, 2024
I loved “Finding Molly Parsons” and was delighted to rejoin the characters in “Keeping Carmen Ruiz”. In this book Alyson Root takes Carmen, Molly and Faith on their individual emotional journeys from trauma to happiness. I love the way chosen family remains central to their development. “Keeping Carmen Ruiz” is funny, emotional and wonderfully entertaining. Every character is special, but septuagenarian Enid steals the show showing the reader how to grow old disgracefully and live each day to the full!
Thank you to Alyson Root for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you to Alyson Root for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 4, 2024
Yet another fantastic read from Alyson Root! After finishing finding Molly Parsons I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Keeping Carmen Ruiz and it was totally worth the wait!
This is such an emotionally moving story and the intense found family connection hit me right in the feels. Alyson’s ability to write playful banter and deeply emotional journeys in the same book (sometimes on the same page) is astounding! I absolutely fell in love with the characters and Enid will forever have a special place in my heart as one of the funniest side-characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading!
This is such an emotionally moving story and the intense found family connection hit me right in the feels. Alyson’s ability to write playful banter and deeply emotional journeys in the same book (sometimes on the same page) is astounding! I absolutely fell in love with the characters and Enid will forever have a special place in my heart as one of the funniest side-characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading!
June 5, 2024
Keeping Carmen Ruiz had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Having read the first book, Finding Molly Parsons, immediately before this one, I was already familiar with and attached to the characters. These characters and this story are so beautifully written that you cannot help but love them and root for them. There are some deep themes in the story as the characters work through their trauma, but it's also a beautiful love story of this found family, surrounding that of Carmen and Molly as they make their way fully into each other's hearts.
June 12, 2024
This continuation and conclusion of the stories started in ‘Finding Molly Parsons’ sees 3 MC’s each make journeys to come to terms with their pasts and thus be able to move on. I’ll not spoil things by delving into each journey taken and the outcomes, suffice to say that there’s lots to enjoy in this. The tales of each are well written and the side characters largely delightful; 70 year old Enid, in particular, is a hoot. If you’ve read book 1 of this duo then you need have no hesitation in diving into this…
April 4, 2025
Having enjoyed book 1 in The Lost and Found series I was looking forward to reading book 2. And I wasn't disappointed. Book 2 was even better than the first. It follows the full cast of characters from book 1 and their respective journeys. Searching for lost parents, seeking resolutions to trauma caused in early life, finding a more fulfilling career path and ultimately helping others and their chosen family. And lets not forget Enid who becomes even more of an unpredictable pensioner. This book has a but of everything.
July 23, 2024
Excellent book
This is probably one of the best books I’ve read. Let me just say that I think everyone needs a little Enid in their lives. I laughed out loud at some of her antics, life is too short not to.
I didn’t want this book to end but wanted to read faster to see the outcome, make sense?
I love it and know you will too!!
Enjoy this HEA!
This is probably one of the best books I’ve read. Let me just say that I think everyone needs a little Enid in their lives. I laughed out loud at some of her antics, life is too short not to.
I didn’t want this book to end but wanted to read faster to see the outcome, make sense?
I love it and know you will too!!
Enjoy this HEA!
November 22, 2025
Both of this and Finding Molly Parsons (book 1) had me up late, laughing, crying and staring at the ceiling collecting all the feels! Excellent story telling and to weave multiple characters together like Alyson has done is a true talent and I haven’t come across many books with more than 2 MCs
So well done! Will most likely add to my physical library- available on KU
So well done! Will most likely add to my physical library- available on KU
June 8, 2024
wonderful
A brilliant 2nd book to this series. Gives you more answers continuing from the first book. Lots of laughter,lots of love and a page turner from the beginning.
Glad to read a book with a happy ever after.
A brilliant 2nd book to this series. Gives you more answers continuing from the first book. Lots of laughter,lots of love and a page turner from the beginning.
Glad to read a book with a happy ever after.
June 22, 2024
fear vs healing
This book shows the progress a person(s) can achieve with hard work on self and healing emotionally. An amazing achievement for the author.
This book shows the progress a person(s) can achieve with hard work on self and healing emotionally. An amazing achievement for the author.
July 8, 2024
2 for 2
Welp, book 2 had me crying, maybe even more than book1. Both books have earned a permanent place of honor in my favorite books list.
Welp, book 2 had me crying, maybe even more than book1. Both books have earned a permanent place of honor in my favorite books list.
October 14, 2024
Alyson Root is a favour of mine and she didn't let me down with the second in the series 🫶🏼
October 27, 2024
It begins where Finding Molly Parsons ends and it's just as amazing. You must read Finding Molly Parsons first and preferably read this one right after. It really is one story. I loved it!
February 17, 2025
wonderful story
Following Finding Moly Parsons I was concerned that this couldn’t be as good. It was better even though the earlier book was fabulous
Following Finding Moly Parsons I was concerned that this couldn’t be as good. It was better even though the earlier book was fabulous
April 30, 2025
Apple books
October 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this sequel about the importance of found family, moving on from things you can’t change and loving the right people. Enid is a peak character 😂
December 2, 2024
This series was so lovely. I wish there were 15 more books.
June 11, 2024
Got an ARC and read it in one day!
A absolute „must read“ after reading Finding Molly Parsons.
Alison’s character development was a pleasure to read.
Definitely deserves 5star
A absolute „must read“ after reading Finding Molly Parsons.
Alison’s character development was a pleasure to read.
Definitely deserves 5star
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