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Finding James
It's been over eight years since Karen suffered the tragic loss of her brother, a death for which she still blames herself. Since then, she's managed to shove away the pain and guilt, somehow slowly building a new life far from Easley. But she always knew the time would come when she'd be forced to leave Southern California and go back to her hometown, staring truth in the face again.
Could Karen have prevented James’ death? Was it truly her fault, and could she ever forgive herself, all the while living in the shadow of her mother's and father's own mistakes? Finding James is a heart-wrenching story about love, loss, faith, and hope with a twist that will touch every reader. Nancy Blaha is married and lives in Anaheim, CA with her husband Jeff. For many years, both have involved themselves in drug and alcohol recovery groups, helping to set the backdrop for Nancy’s first novel.
Could Karen have prevented James’ death? Was it truly her fault, and could she ever forgive herself, all the while living in the shadow of her mother's and father's own mistakes? Finding James is a heart-wrenching story about love, loss, faith, and hope with a twist that will touch every reader. Nancy Blaha is married and lives in Anaheim, CA with her husband Jeff. For many years, both have involved themselves in drug and alcohol recovery groups, helping to set the backdrop for Nancy’s first novel.
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Published May 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 7, 2021
Karen is a strong independent woman who does not think she needs anyone to survive. However, when she finds her husband with another woman, followed quickly by her father being diagnosed with cancer, she soon realizes she's not as in control as she thought. After eight years of being away from her hometown, Karen returns, forcing her to relive painful memories. Reconnecting with her parents, friends, ex-boyfriend, as well as others in the small town, a web of misconstrued events begin to unwind.
Nancy Blaha's "Finding James" is a story of strength, courage, and faith. She takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, demonstrating that life is not always as it seems. Now a days, I feel people are quick to judge. They think they know the circumstances behind someone’s actions even though they have no idea. No one ever really knows all of another person’s story, yet we seem to respond as if we do.
This book helped me to stop and look inward. I found myself checking to see if I was misunderstanding the intent of others in my life. Am I feeling resentment towards one of my family members or friends? Do I ensure I am not looking at a situation as face value, but having the knowledge that there is more than what meets the eye?
I was also able to look at my relationship with God. Do I have one? Do I trust Him? Is there a reason for everything? Am I angry with Him for the way things turned out? Even though one of the characters in this book is a Pastor, I did not feel this was a religious book, it just helped me to look at my own beliefs.
Although the overall story was enjoyable, I did feel the main character's actions were a little repetitive. It seemed to slow the pace of the storyline down towards the middle, but the other characters were able to pull it through to the end. I also did not get the emotional reaction I normally would. It seemed I was only reading the words on the page rather than the emotion behind those words.
There were a few grammatical errors, but not enough to distract the reader from following along. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. The storyline was intriguing, but I felt it difficult to connect with the characters and it was slow moving at times.
None the less, I believe this is a good book for anyone who is experiencing self-doubt or reevaluating their own relationships. All in all, Nancy Blaha helps the reader learn that there is always more to everyone’s story.
Nancy Blaha's "Finding James" is a story of strength, courage, and faith. She takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, demonstrating that life is not always as it seems. Now a days, I feel people are quick to judge. They think they know the circumstances behind someone’s actions even though they have no idea. No one ever really knows all of another person’s story, yet we seem to respond as if we do.
This book helped me to stop and look inward. I found myself checking to see if I was misunderstanding the intent of others in my life. Am I feeling resentment towards one of my family members or friends? Do I ensure I am not looking at a situation as face value, but having the knowledge that there is more than what meets the eye?
I was also able to look at my relationship with God. Do I have one? Do I trust Him? Is there a reason for everything? Am I angry with Him for the way things turned out? Even though one of the characters in this book is a Pastor, I did not feel this was a religious book, it just helped me to look at my own beliefs.
Although the overall story was enjoyable, I did feel the main character's actions were a little repetitive. It seemed to slow the pace of the storyline down towards the middle, but the other characters were able to pull it through to the end. I also did not get the emotional reaction I normally would. It seemed I was only reading the words on the page rather than the emotion behind those words.
There were a few grammatical errors, but not enough to distract the reader from following along. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. The storyline was intriguing, but I felt it difficult to connect with the characters and it was slow moving at times.
None the less, I believe this is a good book for anyone who is experiencing self-doubt or reevaluating their own relationships. All in all, Nancy Blaha helps the reader learn that there is always more to everyone’s story.
June 14, 2021
Great story!
This book starts me with hurt and anger but ends me with forgiveness. I have learned more of myself a bit through Karen's emotional journey and considered I should not underestimate the power of forgiveness like i usually had before. After finishing the book, i feel love and wish everyone in this world the best love possible. Wish love pour on us all like hails.
This book starts me with hurt and anger but ends me with forgiveness. I have learned more of myself a bit through Karen's emotional journey and considered I should not underestimate the power of forgiveness like i usually had before. After finishing the book, i feel love and wish everyone in this world the best love possible. Wish love pour on us all like hails.
May 25, 2019
Found this book hard to put down. I got very emotionally attached to reading and caring about all the characters which were described so honestly. This story became so realistic that it got me so involved to want to know what was coming next. Hoping for a good conclusion to a lot of hurt, yet loving relationships, I continued to read with much anticipation and hope. Wonderful life lessons and self examinations. Learning to delve deeper into others personal lives, each others feelings and often misunderstandings, is often worth the pain and getting beyond our own assumptions leading to a happier fulling life.
June 8, 2019
I found Finding James to be an emotional read. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to find out what was going to happen to Karen. I felt Karen's pain when her mother would drink and be nasty to her. I thought the book was well thought out and well written. I love how the author takes her personal struggles, over comes them, and pays it forward by helping others thru her book. Good job to first time author Nancy Blaha for a job very well done! I'll be looking for more from this author in the future.
December 5, 2022
A fictional story about grief and how it can affect everything. In the beginning I didn't think I would like this book. It seemed very young adult (yA). But that was part of the growth that the characters make through the course of the book. Finding James, by Nancy Blaha is an uplifting story about family and how tragedy can make things seem to be different for everyone.
In the end the tragedy is still a tragedy but from bad sometimes good can come, and it did in this story.
RECOMMENDATION: READ IT
In the end the tragedy is still a tragedy but from bad sometimes good can come, and it did in this story.
RECOMMENDATION: READ IT
April 30, 2019
Emotional and well written book that everyone should read. Page turning - you will have a hard time putting the book down until the very end. The author does an excellent job of weaving into the story the effects an alcoholic can have on the lives of people around them, especially the ones they love the most. I look forward to reading Nancy Blaha's next book.
May 24, 2019
This book was great!
I didn't want to put it down.
It kept you wondering and excited about what's next.
I loved it.
It made me realize why people act the way they do sometimes.
Very interesting and real lifelike.
I was glad to read it hope there are more books from this author to come.
I didn't want to put it down.
It kept you wondering and excited about what's next.
I loved it.
It made me realize why people act the way they do sometimes.
Very interesting and real lifelike.
I was glad to read it hope there are more books from this author to come.
October 1, 2022
I actually enjoyed this book, it was a really good book about self-discovery and I really enjoyed that. Karen was an interesting character to read and I enjoyed seeing her sort through her emotions as things continued to happen to her. It was a very relatable book.
June 17, 2024
once I got into it, I could not put it down
A lot of family dynamics going on in this story. Strong character development. Really engaging. I was confused by the title at first but after reading the book it makes perfect sense.
A lot of family dynamics going on in this story. Strong character development. Really engaging. I was confused by the title at first but after reading the book it makes perfect sense.
May 24, 2019
I loved this book, well written, exciting and emotional story. Couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews