Finding Hope

by Shannon Symonds

Traffickers are taking kids on the coast. Will Grace James with the help of Officer Hart find Hope and her own happy ending? You will love this mystery/thriller set by the sea. Escape with new friends who will stay with you long after the story is over. Buy it now! She’s hiding in her present. With nothing but her guitar and a few belongings, Hope Flanagan escapes the abuse and negligent from her mother’s boyfriend. Hope’s lucky enough to find a warm exhaust vent in an alley of her coastal town and blessed with help from a coffee-shop employee who sees her desperate situation. But Hope is determined to stay under the radar from social services and the other homeless kids, who seem to go missing once they fall under the notice of the local homeless tough girl. She’s hiding from her past. Grace James works with the police to help survivors of abuse while desperately fighting to keep her own family safe from her vindictive ex-husband. News of her husband’s release from prison pushes her to accept help from the handsome and secretive Officer Joe Hart. But then her mother brings home a stray from her coffee shop, and Grace finds herself catapulting through her fears to do for Hope what she just might not be able to do for herself—find out who she really is to save her before it’s too late.

Audible Audio

First published November 8, 2019

About the author

Shannon Symonds writes in an old house by the sea and in the Utah desert. She is the proud mother of six children and Nana to 18. She loves her Savior, time with her family, laughter, a good mystery, walking the beach, clamming, and bonfires.

Shannon began writing to share her lived experience and unique perspective as a witness of the strength of survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Shannon believes that if we could see the world through her eyes, we would share her deep love and respect for survivors and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity.

Shannon worked for over 15 years as a certified advocate, serving survivors alongside law enforcement. Currently, she is a full-time author and loves volunteering for other causes she is ridiculously passionate about.

Shannon has been an author since 2014. She has written 9 books, 263 articles for Deseret Digital Media (which were periodically syndicated), and blogged for Hilary Weeks’ Billion Clicks project.

Shannon published her first book, “Safe House,” with Cedar Fort Publishing in 2017. In 2023, she was nominated for the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts Praiseworthy Award. In 2021, she was awarded the Author to Watch Award for her “By the Sea” Cozy Mystery YA series. In addition, her debut novel was a Whitney Award nominee in 2017.

Her first cozy mystery, “Murder Takes a Selfie,” was sold at Costco (who knew having one’s book in a big-box store would be the mark of success?). Her books continue to be available at Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar For, Spotify, and her favorite beach town bookstores.

Shannon received the Davis County Child Abuse Prevention Award, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Public Justice Award 2002 for the Tiffany Alvera case that changed housing for victims nationally, and the 2002 Star Advocate Commendation from the Oregon Department of Justice.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a total winner! Just loved the people.... laughed and cried! Highly recommended!
Lost of twists and turns.... multiple story lines...highs and lows...loved it

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t you just love the cover of this one? It makes me want to walk by the ocean!

I was super excited to get to read this one by Shannon Symonds, the author of Safe House. Safe House was one that really touched me and that I remember, even after the many books I’ve read since I read that one.

Finding Hope touched me as well. I loved that it combined new characters, Hope and those associated with her, with old people, Grace and Hart. The characters were something that really caught me from the first page. As a reader, I wanted to know what happened to Hope after she ran away.

I loved that this book has a couple of story lines that seem to parallel at first, but by the end, the reader realizes that they really fit together the entire time. Everything about this book kept me interested and wanting to read more.

The plot of this book is super suspenseful. And this is the scary kind of suspense to me, because it’s something that really can and does happen in the world we live in. Made up suspense isn’t quite as scary as this kind.

Make sure you read this book, I hope you love it as much as I did!

[Valerie Loveless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first

I think this one could stand alone. You don't really need the first book to enjoy this one. The first is more of an informative women's fiction novel, this is more of an adventure romance. Both have great lessons about love and violence.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This was such an uplifting and positive story even though dealing with difficult subjects that I could not put it down. It really brings home how each and every one of us can make changes to the world with kindness and love, especially for the invisible people we so often overlook. I will be purchasing copies as gifts for family this Christmas. I was given a free copy for an honest and fair review, and I loved it! Although it continues the story from the first book it can certainly be read as a stand alone book.

[T.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a drop-everything-and-just-read book! I lost my entire evening to it and I'm not sorry! I loved being caught up in Grace's life, her sweet romance, and in the life of a frightened runaway (Hope). The story is utterly compelling and deals with weighty subjects without dwelling in the ick. I really love this book!

[Lisa Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really compelling and driven read. I loved the characters and how they all come together. Definitely was a page turner.

[M Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It has a lot to recommend it. There is righteous fear, love and acceptance, giving and forgiveness. All the characters were flawed and likable. Definitely recommend.

[Louise Pledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omigosh, what a great book! It has everything one could want in a story: adventure, romance, mystery, sorrow, happiness, action and, like the title indicates, hope! I found hope, myself, in reading this, and everyone who's part of a family will appreciate them so much more after enjoying this special book. I couldn't put it down but fell asleep and had to finish this morning. An emotional but satisfying read, for sure!

Shannon Symonds has a new fan, and I can't wait to see what else she has written!

[Emily Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an uplifting and inspirational read, it really shows the characters banding together in tough times. There are a few different storylines throughout each with plenty goin on to keep you turning the page. It touches on themes of violence and love, adventure and a touch of romance.

Apparently this is book two; which I did not know before hand nor have I read the other book. But honestly this book stands on its own. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Overall it's an enjoyable and inspiring read.

[oohlalabooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this story to be heavy into abuse but the author handled the topic beautifully. Somehow giving the readers a positive message. The characters are well developed, likeable, and very much relatable. I read this before reading book #1. I won this in exchange for my review.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Carlos Rodriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - "Safe House" in 2017 was quite enjoyable and found myself waiting for Shannon's next book. I was not disappointed! It has taken me 3 months to write this review (savoring "Finding Hope" like a delicious dessert). I fell in love with this story and all its characters. I found so much heart in the relationships that it gives me "Hope" for our humanity. 3 months out and it still lingers strongly in my mind and my heart.

Normally I can anticipate and be 2 steps in front of a storyline - but this time I could not. There is plenty of mystery that kept me guessing what would happen next - enough angst to make me nervous about the outcomes in many decisions by Grace James, Officer Joe Hart, Grace's Mom, and Hope. The Jewel I found was Grace's Mom - she sparkled brilliantly. The ending - I did not see coming and appreciated the surprize of redemption and forgiveness.

Thank you - Shannon! I'm "Hoping" for a third novel - you just keep getting better.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Won this book on Goodreads) A really good story of family coming together for each other no matter if they are blood related or what. I loved the fact the story had faith in it but not overwhelming. Hope is an orphan who is taken under the wing of Mabel, her daughter Grace, and granddaughters, who are also running from Grace's prison escaped ex-husband. They all come together to support, help, and fight for each other. The trafficking is a part of the story but it is not graphic, or overpowering in the story. This book is a fast, easy to read that catches you on the first page. Was really hard to put it down.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew when I read her 1sr book she had to have been familiar with domestic abuse, this book was beautifully written regarding teenage runaways and kids living in the street. People hurt children that have two parents, a dog, and a nice home, why are people surprised by trafficking of these children. We live i a broken world and there are mean people living in it. We need to do more about this problem than talking about it. Kudos Shannon 💗💗

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her mother disappears from their trailer, leaving teenager Hope behind with an abusive stepdad, Hope runs away and hides behind a cafe, ultimately making herself indispensible to the inexperienced grandmother who's working as barista. The barista's daughter, a social worker, risks her job to help Hope, while other homeless teens in the area get caught up in a sex-trafficking nighmare.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. I was enthralled, not only was I reeled in to the story, and characters within, I was also reeled in by the societal issues brought to light in this book. None of it felt preachy, yet brought awareness to so many troubling issues hidden in our society.

[Erin Oscarson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! The author set the scene beautifully, the imagery was wonderful! The plot moved along and I couldn’t stop turning pages. The abuse was tasteful and not overly done. It also helped me understand how the system works.

[Stan Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story

I read the first book in this series and it was great. This one is better. Watching the characters send their way to a great ending was dramatic and fun. I recommend both books and hope there are more

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A usual story with a blended family. You wouldn’t be able to find a more caring person. And her family was just as loving to others. They all took turns sharing most of what they had. They didn’t have much, but a large old home and putting others first came natural

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing.
Very realistic.
I felt like I was there feeling all of the emotions of the characters.
An emotionally moving book.
One of the Best books that I have read in awhile.

[Shannon Symonds]

Safe House AND FINDING HOPE- Paperback, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited

Thank you for helping me giveaway over 1,000 copies of Finding Hope for Christmas and my birthday! Read, Safe House, the first Grace James and Joe Hart story.

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She’s hiding in her present.
With nothing but her guitar and backpack, Hope Flanagan escapes because the streets are safer than home. Hope finds a place to hide in her coastal town and help from a coffee shop employee who sees her desperate situation. Determined to stay under the radar from social services, Hope sees homeless kids go missing once they fall under the notice of a local tough girl.

She’s hiding from her past.
Grace James works with the police, helping survivors of abuse while fighting to keep her own family safe from her vindictive ex-husband. News of her husband’s release from prison forces her to ask secretive Officer Joe Hart for help. But then, her mother brings home a stray from her coffee shop, and Grace finds herself afraid to do for Hope what she can’t seem to do for herself—find a way to save her before it’s too late.

About the Author
Shannon worked as an Advocate serving survivors of abuse alongside law enforcement for 15-years. Shannon lives on the Oregon coast and writes about what she knows ~ strong women and how to survive. She loves her massive, hilarious family.She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She can’t cook, but she believes we can change the world. She is a survivor, broken, and has come to feel that in the breaking she became what God intended. She will tell you, "Love really is the answer, it always was, always will be."

[Karen Dimick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to Safe House, not what I was expecting, more personal about the main character, but good book. I was expecting this book to be more about the main character, Grace’s, professional life. Instead it was her own journey. Enjoyed the characters and the story however.