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Helena's Grove #1

Love Finds You

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Note: This book was previously published under "Love Is Thicker Than Blood" by Ivy Alexander. New content has been added including an extended ending, with twists and turns you'll be sure to love!

Jennifer Berkley is a straightforward, ambitious, soon-to-be lawyer in the fast, driven city of New York. She doesn’t have the patience or time to deal with people who can’t or won’t give her what she wants. When her father asks her to visit her aunt in Ohio as her last dying wish, Jen is immediately resistant, but reconsiders when her father makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

Jen finds Ohio a much different pace than New York, and is beginning to enjoy country life when she meets Zack LaFaye, a good-looking, helpful man who is adored by her aunt. Each encounter with him leaves Jen flustered and annoyed. The question is glaring: does she have feelings for him, or does she hate him so much that she can’t decide?

Amidst a country backdrop, Jen discovers feelings and experiences no city girl is prepared for. As the summer unfolds, she finds herself questioning everything. Using her skill and training as a lawyer, Jen uncovers a trail of deceit she didn’t see coming. With a vengeance, she is determined to find out the truth. Someone is lying to her, but who?

Love Finds You is full of charming intrigue, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless as Jen must decipher her feelings, and the truth.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2013

291 people are currently reading
657 people want to read

About the author

Ivy Alexander

8 books29 followers
Ivy enjoys reading and baking, but writing is her true love!

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5 stars
278 (38%)
4 stars
227 (31%)
3 stars
144 (19%)
2 stars
48 (6%)
1 star
27 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
15 reviews
September 5, 2014
Lots! Of! Exclamation! Points! Seemed like everyone was yelling.
Stopped reading when the man "giggled".
Profile Image for Jenny.
243 reviews31 followers
June 2, 2016
Read it in Wattpad.

Beautiful story and it was over before I knew it! Just like that.

The last Three chapters were super rushed.

Jen's chapters were okay, but Zach's were crippled and he just seemed rushed and incomplete.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2016
This was a nice and quick read. Jennifer at first seemed like someone I wasn't going to like but as the book went on she got better. She moves from New York to Ohio for the summer to spend time her her aunt. Of course she meets a guy there. Zack is not what you expect. However, he is still a wonderful guy. I'm glad that everything worked out. I liked his sister Annie so I will definitely be reading the next book.
Profile Image for Shadowlands88.
25 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2023
If you like those Hallmark Channel romance tv movies, then you will like this book, plus it’s not as cheesy as most of those movies. This is a clean (no sex scenes) contemporary romance with a HEA.

Jen leaves New York to spend the summer with her elderly Aunt Gabby in rural Ohio, who she hasn’t seen since she was a child. There she finds she likes the slower paced type of living of the rural small town.

She then meets Zachary, whose mother was a close friend of Gabby, which is why Zachary also calls her Aunt Gabby. Jen and Zachary have some initial tension but they gradually start to fall for each other.

If you’re not a fan of country troupe romances (that’s okay) but I still think you will like this book. There’s only two scenes that are set on a farm. This book is more wholesome than country.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator did a good job. I have no complaints about the narration.

I have no major complaints about the story itself. I just would have loved it if the author would have added more details and flushed out the world building a bit more.

For example (no spoilers) when Jen first arrives in Ohio she is told that Aunt Gabby is a beloved staple of her community in her small town. But the only other people from the town who may corroborate that, that are introduced, are Zachary’s sister Annie and Mr. Hanson (the farmer).

Conversely, the author did a good job of flushing out the background of the two main characters.

To me the deciding factor for if this is a good book, is if I would reread it. And I would like to reread this book again in the future. Lately, I’ve been reading more erotic romance but this was a nice change of pace.

I’ve already finished the next book in this series (which focuses on Annie) and I like it too. I think it’s a little bit better done than this one (which is typical for authors).
Profile Image for Ann.
1,941 reviews32 followers
November 18, 2022
I enjoyed this sweet contemporary romance of a young woman who finds her way in life with the help of her elderly aunt. Jen leaves the corporate world of New York city behind to get her hands dirty in rural Ohio. Along the way she learns of secrets and lies. She meets Zach who is more than meets the eye. Jennifer Groberf did a great job with the narration.
43 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2014
UGH! SO FRUSTRATING!!!

It was going along fine, even if it wasn't the best book I'd ever read, it wasn't bad, but then there was this great big reveal (plot twist you could see coming from a mile away) and then, boom, the book ended. There was no ending, everything was up in the air and there was no solution. I'd have liked to have known how this was supposed to have played out.

again... SO FRUSTRATING!!!

(and I see this is supposed to be part of a series, but I'm not in the mood to hunt down the rest of it, if more even actually exists)
5 reviews
April 30, 2015
Great book.

I really enjoyed reading a clean wholesome love story. It is a short story but keeps you wanting to read on and on.
Profile Image for Jessica.
773 reviews43 followers
April 30, 2023
All my reviews can be found at: http://www.jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on May 8, 2023.
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This is a series I read back in 2015 and enjoyed, but honestly don’t remember much about it. I had the opportunity to listen to the series since it is new in audio from the author, which I appreciate very much!

Love Finds You is the first in the Helena’s Grove series and Jen is our main character. She is from New York and a lawyer in her father’s law firm. She is all work and no play for her and her employees. We see from the beginning how tough she is (I wouldn’t want to work for her!).

Her father tells her that her Aunt Gabby is sick and has requested to see her as her dying wish. Jen hasn’t seen her since she was five, but her father gives her the opportunity of a lifetime: Spend 3 months in Ohio and when you come back you will be partner at 25 years old. Jen goes for it.

And thus begins the story and turning point for Jen. This book is like a typical Hallmark movie: A tough, workaholic city girl goes to the country for one reason and falls for the town and people there. While there she learns who she really is and becomes a new person. And of course there is a guy! There’s always a guy! LOL

There are a few ‘twists’ that comes along for a romance story such as this. There is of course the typical scene of the city girl’s outfit getting ruined from the mud, and or course Jen doesn’t know what branding is…. Uh oh!

Love Finds You is a sweet, clean, and entertaining read that can be a refresher from all of those thrillers I read. You know how it is going to end from the beginning, why else would you pick it up (or watch that Hallmark romance movie?) Sometime you just need something that is easy to read, is fun and light-hearted. It has THE line that is getting all the attention in social media groups these days: Some form of: She released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. When I heard that I just about died laughing! It’s a line I am on the lookout for in books now and it seems to be in most of them!

The narrator is Jennifer Groberg and she did a good job with her narration. She portrayed Jen very well. You could sense the change in Jen’s character over the course of the novel.

Many thanks to the author Ivy Alexander for sending me an audio copy to listen to! I am happy to be returning to Helena’s Grove!
Profile Image for Patty.
5,149 reviews56 followers
December 17, 2022
Love Finds You
The Helena's Grove Series, Book 1
By: Ivy Alexander
Narrated by: Jennifer Groberg

There is something about small town romance. I think it's how everyone knows your business, but has your best interest at heart. This one is sweet and I can't wait now to visit again!. Jennifer is sent to Helena Grove for the summer to stay with her ailing aunt. She has no relationship with her, so this is one of the first times she is getting the chance to wind down from the intense city living and job that she has. Aunt G is so sweet, full of good advice and is the best cook! And she is a mother figure to Zack. Zack takes a liking to Jen, and the two begin a no ties romance of sorts. After all, Jen will be going back home at the end of the summer. But a few twists and turns leave her questioning everything about her life. What will Jen do? And what surprises does Zack have in store? Give this a listen! It has a sweet romance, a wonderful aunt and some family drama! Great start to this series!

Jennifer Groberg is our storyteller and she brings it all to life! She is wonderful at switching between characters and giving us both male and female voices. She gives us all the feels using her expressions and inflections. A great listen and look forward to book 2!
1,250 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2022
Jenny's father told her that her Aunt Gabby wants to see her because she's ill with cancer. But why now? they hadn't seen her in about 20 years. Her dad told her to stay the summer for her visit. Jenny didn't know anything about country life and it was an experience she would never forget.
Zach is the young man who was sort of adopted by Aunt Gabby after his mom passed away
He was leary of Jenny because she never visited before.He was cautious around her wondering what her ulterior motives were.
He thought she was snobbish, always saying she was NYC and couldn't wait to get back home. so he enjoyed watching her uneasiness when she was out of her comfort zone.
this is a sweet romance, with angst, trust issues, betrayal, love of family and forgiveness..
I enjoyed lIstening to this story narrated by Jennifer Groberg. she gave each character and their own voice and personality. I was gifted this audio offered my honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
898 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2017
😄

She's been forced to visit her sick aunt by her father for the summer but when she finds out her aunt isn't really sick her father spills the beans but by then she's hooked. She's falling for a man she never thought she would love and loves her aunt Gabby enough to let her go. What will happen when she reveals her secret her father has forced her to keep.
2,237 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2017
Free Ebook

She’s a New Yorker. A young lawyer in her dad’s form. He sends her to Ohio to visit an ailing aunt. He’s a young man working at home for the summer. Neither is what they seem ay face value but will love allow them to see the true person
69 reviews
October 20, 2020
Love Finds You

The characters in Love Finds You: The Helena 's Grove Series Book 1 are so real. It feels like they could be my friends or neighbors in real life. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!💖
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
September 22, 2021
Sent to spend time with her dying aunt, this New Yorker found herself totally out of her depth. Then, she finds out some home truths, and her world turns upside down.
It does have a bite to it, but there is some romance thrown in.
3,209 reviews47 followers
October 23, 2022
I enjoyed the narration of Jennifer Groberg

This a clean romance, with trust issues, betrayal, love of family and forgiveness. A father can manipulate his daughter by even telling lies, two peoples dislike for each other. A gently story.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,928 reviews22 followers
December 15, 2022
This is the first book in The Helena's Grove Series. Jennifer/Jen and Zack's story is sweet, clean, and heartwarming. I liked Jen's aunt. The story has family drama, and twists and turns. Jennifer Groberg did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward for more in the series.
48 reviews
April 17, 2023
Great read for a weekend.

I liked the country characters who reminded me of my home on the farm in Australia before I left for the big city. Now at eighty years of age living in the USA appreciate my childhood parents and brother even more.😊😊😊
4,374 reviews28 followers
May 23, 2018
good

this story is one that shows how this young woman's father is so myulative and selfish.he only cares about what he wants.
Profile Image for Debi Moss.
43 reviews
May 31, 2019
I loved this book

Strong characters who believed in the power of their love. I would definitely recommend this book, because I was able to relate to the characters.
Profile Image for Hanna Tamara.
497 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2020
It was ok. Was a few parts where I was confused at what was happening.
918 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2022
Terrible people

Both the primary and secondary characters in this book exhibit behaviors that I found repugnant. I could not finish the book, it gave me a sick feeling.
120 reviews
May 5, 2023
Awesome story

Perfect title for this story about love finding you. Jen and Zack found a special love in a small Ohio town.
510 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2025
Short but sweet

Great characters and the plot keeps you wanting more. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to escape for a while into someone else's life.
73 reviews
March 22, 2017
Great story

Only complaint is that the book was too short!! Enjoyed Jen and Zach, and definitely Aunt Gabby. Would just have liked more details.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,328 reviews38 followers
October 26, 2014
Love Finds You was an odd read. Jen has the strangest way of thinking about things. I was constantly confused and just like wait what? How did you reach that conclusion? Why does everyone else think that as well? This makes no sense...it was very strange. I still enjoyed it even though the thought processes of everyone didn't make any sense. Some spoilers ahead.

Jen's dad convinces her to go to Ohio for the summer to visit her dying aunt. An aunt that she hasn't seen since she was five. She shows up in Ohio, in the country, and immediately loves it and her aunt. They get along great, but man Jen is stupid sometimes. Everyone tells her to not wear her heels for what they have planned so what does she do? Wear her heels. I mean why not? Really she seemed like this exaggerated stereotyped city girl who seemed like she was much younger and more naive than someone in her mid twenties.

She starts hanging out with Zach a few times and she has a love hate relationship. He annoys her, but she is also attracted to him. He starts questioning why she is here one day since he has never seen her before. Her aunt is like family to him and he will go on and on about how amazing she is and how she has always been there for him and his sister. So obviously he cares about the aunt greatly. So since no one seems to know that the aunt is dying Jen starts to question what is going on. "Using her skill and training as a lawyer" she figures it out. I'm sorry, but that is just hilarious. She didn't do anything that anyone with half a brain couldn't have done. It made me laugh when I read that in the synopsis above. Anyways, she finds that her father sent her there under false pretenses and her aunt is loaded and her dad needs some of the money. Her first thought it to leave, but she loves it there and cares for her aunt and somehow Zach telling her he won't let anyone hurt her aunt equals he is trying to scam her aunt! He is trying to weasel his way into her aunt's good graces! Cause from everything Zach said that makes sense...

So then she gets over her crazy, they go on an actual date which is nice. Then suddenly they are in love. It didn't work for me. They didn't spend enough time together to get to that deep of feelings for each other, at least the way it was written. But whatever. So Jen is so upset cause she cares about him and her aunt, but everyone will hate her when they find out what she did! How she is a liar and a horrible person. Why? Well that is more of her crazy thinking. I have no idea why everyone would be angry with her, or think her a liar. She wasn't. She didn't know her dad's plan, and when she did it wasn't like she was going to try and go through with it. So...how is she a horrible person? Well she breaks down and confesses her love to Zach after she tells him what happened and he is so angry. How could she come here and get close with her family? How dare she come to care about her aunt! How dare she come when she thinks the aunt is dying! The nerve of her...somehow this is like she is the most terrible person ever because her father lied to her. Somehow that makes her a liar and a cheat and just the worst. I didn't get it.

The end, where the aunt is like Zach you need to go get her. Yes, she did some bad things but she didn't have a momma to show her the right way was equally confusing. How was anything Jen did bad? How was she the horrible one? She was sweet and nice and protective of her new family. Yeah liar. Terrible person. We need to forgive her...It was so weird. I didn't get it. I was just like this does not make sense. She did nothing except come here and connect with her family. There is nothing for her to be sorry for except maybe that her father is a terrible person. Other than that...she did nothing wrong.

Anyways, that's the story. Entertaining even though it is confusing and the insta-love and quick ending didn't work. Still an enjoyable read.

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
2,354 reviews27 followers
May 31, 2023
This is a quick, sweet read. I wasn't sure if I would like Jennifer at first, but as she relaxed and enjoyed her visit with her great aunt, I began to like her more.While at her aunt's house, she meets Zach and their first meeting doesn't go well. I liked how the characters interacted as they got to know each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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