Finding Sam

California Love #1

by Liz Durano

We've all been there - that moment when it's darkest before the dawn and all hope is gone. But when the dawn does come, can we let go of the past that we hold onto no matter how painful? Or do we learn to let go, so we can move on to something better, that life we truly deserve?

For single mother Sam Martin, her life as far as she knows it, is broken - broken by a painful past she can't let go of and a best friend gone too soon. But when she meets a man who accepts her just the way she is - scars, juvie records and even the constant self-doubt - she knows that accepting his love is not enough to live the life she deserves. For to move on with her life, she needs to let go of the mistakes of her past.

But is letting go really that easy to do?

Genres: Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Liz writes emotional angsty romance and women's fiction. When she's not writing, she's usually stepping all over her son's Legos.

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Reviews

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book for free on Instafreebie**

Finding Sam was a fascinating story about an abused woman with a terrible past who had the chance at a nicer life when she meets a young Doctor named Erik.

Sam is a rich character who has to contend with many negative forces in her life, including her own negative thoughts. I completely relate to Sam and the way she second guessing everything that was starting to be good in her life. I have been there.

Erik was a decent character and was an excellent influence on Sam, grounding her and giving her more confidence in herself.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it wasn't fully edited. But maybe that's just the free version? 4 stars.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on iBooks today (11/17/2018)!💝

Blurb:
For single mother Sam Martin, her life as far as she knows it, is broken - broken by a painful past she can’t let go of and a best friend gone too soon.

But when she meets Erik Maystrom, a community clinic doctor who accepts her just the way she is - scars, juvie records and even the constant self-doubt - she knows that accepting his love is not going to be enough to live the life she deserves. For to move on with her life, she needs to let go of the mistakes of her past.

But is moving on really that easy when her ex-husband and his ex-girlfriend aren’t exactly ready to let them both go, and her past has come back when she least expects it?

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Liz Madrid's Finding Sam on Wattpad and was immediately pulled into the world of Sam Martin, a talented but troubled young woman. Although she has survived abuse and heartache, she has found the means to move forward and change her circumstances while pursuing her love of painting. With a young child to protect and support, it's difficult for Sam to trust anyone, even the evidently kind and loving doctor, Erik Maystrom, who enters her life unexpectedly.

Erik is willing to give everything to Sam to help her find happiness and success as an artist but Sam's instincts continually prevent her from accepting the safety of what he offers. Danger from her past continues to follow her despite her efforts to block it.

Finding Sam is a suspenseful read. Each chapter's cliffhanger leads the reader deeper into Sam's struggle to conceal her old identity and open her heart to others. It is fascinating to watch how she evolves in darkness against the deceptively bright and sunny backdrop of a California beach community. With an engaging cast of characters and glimpses into the art gallery business, Finding Sam is a highly enjoyable read. Add it to your summer reading list!

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Sam-Jo...

[Beth Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Sam isn't a lighthearted read. Sam has been through serious neglect and abuse from most of the people she should be able to trust, and she'd still struggling with a dangerous ex. There have been people in her life that helped her turn it around, but she's lost them. The story is written in Sam's point of view, and to me one of the most chilling parts of the story is the matter-of-fact way she relates the horrible things she has suffered, as though they were nothing extraordinary.

When Sam meets Erik, she's instantly attracted, and just as instantly afraid. This contradiction continues throughout their relationship, moving to deeper and deeper levels, but she fights it all the way. Sam drew me in and made me care, enough that I wanted to slap her silly sometimes, but she earns everything she gains. A deeply emotional experience.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book by far by this author. The plot was enthralling and every chapter was exciting to read. I would recommend this book to anyone I know!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragic story, but one with light at the end of the tunnel. With her life spinning out of control, Sam cannot believe that she is worth being loved and her ex husband exploits this to the extreme. However, even the most broken life has moments of light and new discoveries. In Sam's case her first breakthrough came when she met Rosie, the second was when she was taken under Eunice's wing and the third when Erik came to her rescue whilst out jogging. Each of these people in turn brought hope into Sam's life and in doing so helped her to turn around the spiral of destruction. Ms Durano clearly brings out that healing from any form of abuse or addiction starts with a decision and the only person who can make that decision is the person themselves. Both Sam and Erik have secrets and issues that they have to work through. As they go through the push and pull of building a new relationship with one another, they both have to learn to trust and let go of old hurts. They are bombarded with past unhealthy relationships that hamper their progress, but ultimately they learn that together they can overcome anything that life throws at them. I can't help loving Sam and Erik is every women's hero. One could look at this book as a handbook for those seeking the road to recovery from abuse, as the process is well set out. As with all of Ms Durano's books, this one is well written and emotive. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel from Liz Durano. I've read three previous books and she always comes up with a winner story. This one focuses on the budding relationship between Sam, a divorced artist and single mom who is trying to cope with an abusive ex and the emotional scars of her failed marriage, and Erik, an MD first attracted by her paintings. As in her previous work, Durano's secondary characters are well fleshed out and her main protagonists are flawed souls with trauma and sadness from their pasts trying to make it work. Very moving. The former husband is a real piece of work and he constantly looms over her attempts to move on and rebuild her life. Suspenseful romance with lots of twists to the very end. Both Erik and Sam keep secrets and have problems opening up and trusting each other. Believable, flawed characters facing obstacles to achieve their satisfying ending.

I received an advance copy of this book at no cost from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Fiona L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Sam by Liz Durano is quite a dark novel with themes that readers might not be comfortable with, but alongside that, it also contains a lot of raw emotions from the narrator Sam.

Sam has suffered a marriage breakdown with a man who abused her. She has successfully divorced from him but he is constantly finding ways to threaten her. When Sam met Erik, things started changing for the good. It was all too good to be true, was what Sam thought, and she was unwilling to accept it. Gradually she began to let Erik in, but her ex-husband is a constant threat in her life.

I really liked how descriptive the author is with the scenery in this book, as well as the various art pieces described. I feel like I was really there in the story, and that I could view / imagine the art pieces in my mind! Thoroughly enjoyed this read and if you want a side story please check out In His Heart which features Josh and Olivia's story.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

[Marbea Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a captivating and inspirational story! There's no happily ever after in reality, just a daily adventure into the next realm of healing and repair. You should never look back, only forward. I don't want to call out the characters flaws and mistakes in this book, because they're not the main issue. The main issues were finding the strength and purpose to live, not just for others sake but for yourself. Every character in this book had a mental health disorder whether underlying or full blown. Everyone's coping mechanisms, and ways to just skirt around the deep issues in their lives is where all the mess lay after the tornado finishes. Picking up the pieces is only the beginning. Putting them together again is the start, but not trying to do it the same way twice will be the difference in their journey's to self discovery. Now I'm going to go pray, because this book was very emotional peace!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Finding Sam by Liz Durano. It feels odd to say I enjoyed reading something with such a heavy story line, but the way she wrote it made it very real and it connected to me as a reader without being too overwhelming.
I'm fairly new to this author, I've read a few of her other books and I've found a nice freshness in her writing style and they way she develops her characters and plot lines. The stories are unique and well written and I will continue to look for her future books. I read this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would gladly recommend it and her other books to anyone looking for something new and fresh in the contemporary romance genre. My only suggestion is that you read this one first before you read "In his Heart" as this introduces us to characters that are also in that one.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Marbea Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a captivating and inspirational story! There's no happily ever after in reality, just a daily adventure into the next realm of healing and repair. You should never look back, only forward. I don't want to call out the characters flaws and mistakes in this book, because they're not the main issue. The main issues were finding the strength and purpose to live, not just for others sake but for yourself. Every character in this book had a mental health disorder whether underlying or full blown. Everyone's coping mechanisms, and ways to just skirt around the deep issues in their lives is where all the mess lay after the tornado finishes. Picking up the pieces is only the beginning. Putting them together again is the start, but not trying to do it the same way twice will be the difference in their journey's to self discovery. Now I'm going to go pray, because this book was very emotional peace!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and this was my favorite so far. Its a long book but it never seemed like it. I was hooked from the first page to the last.

This was a gripping, emotional, real story. Sam's life has not been easy to say the least. Life has taught her that those closest to her will not stay and will hurt her.

When she meets Erik she has a real shot at happiness for the first time if she can accept it.

I really liked that the author took her time with this story. It was never rushed. Like real life, change takes time and cannot be hurried.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt story of Sam, a single mother of a two year old who has endured heartbreak, sadness and an abusive and controlling ex. Written from Sam's POV, she appears numb to the many horrible things that have happened in her life. She's truly a broken soul who's life is changed when she meets two twins, Olivia and Erik. They help her reestablish her love of and joy in painting. Erik becomes her prince charming and it's very emotional as you watch Sam deal with her ever changing emotions. A wonderful read that will enthrall you.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put this book on my want-to-read bookshelves for over four years, luckily, I found it and started to read it today..
I wanted to read this book 5stars until the second half of the book...both MC were full of unfinished business with their exes and their still have their trust issue until the end, it was killing me slowly..
But still I'm glad that I didn't miss this book ..and I loved SAM and she was a character like fresh human!

[Heather Mcdade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes my heart smile

This book was amazing. While reading the end, I had goosebumps. It's like a modern day Cinderella. Only with real issues that are common in today's world. I loved how the end was a "happily ever after, but will still have problems". Now if I could just find me my very own Erik...

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Sam is the tale of finding oneself and accepting your true worth. Liz' story always hits me in the soft spot.

[Jennifer Baysinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt, suspenseful story of hope. A lover found, and hopeful ending.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that I have read from Liz Durano. It certainly did not disappoint. I actually chose to read this book because of my familiarity with her other book. Like every book she probably writes, she captures so much feelings and emotions into this book. My emotions were all over the place because I cared so much about the protagonist, Sam. Sam has been through A LOT. She is a domestic violence survivor. I think from just knowing that fact alone we know she is strong, courageous, resilient, beautiful woman. She has also has a two year old son that she would probably go to the ends of earth for. She meets these two twins, Erik and Olivia, who help her get back into painting (and other fine arts) again. Painting is something that she loves to do but gave up because of her ex-husband. I definitely think this is a must read. I really enjoyed the book so much that I feel compelled for everyone to read this. It is definitely not a light read but it touches your soul. You really root for Sam!!!! I normally don't choose to write reviews but OMG I think everyone should give this book a try. It was also a Wattpad book, which I think is super awesome!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional book to read. It was not a pretty life meeting another pretty life and life just got even prettier. If you are looking for that kind of book, keep looking because this is not the one you want. It was realistic and beautifully written. It dealt with real life issues like and how everyone deals with those issues in their own way. I felt all the angst and love and pain right along with both of the main characters and their friends and family. The ending wasn't forced, it was sheer love that finally brought them together.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book written by Liz Durano.
I feel so many emotions reading it, and broke my heart too many times, I actually sob while reading it and now, making a review I feel someone's squeezing my heart.
It's all about finding yourself again, picking up up every piece of it, and finding someone who will cherish and love you. Everyone has it own flaws you just need someone to understand.
A really must read..
Grab a copy and you will never be disappointed.

[Crystal Wilke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Sam is an emotional story. I had read In His Heart first so I had an idea of Sam and Erik but I would definitely read Finding Sam first. Erik is swoon worthy and Sam finally stands up for herself. The past will bite them in butt but together they might be able to overcome it. I love Sam and Erik's characters, I still want more of their story. I definitely got emotional reading. I am looking forward to more of Liz's books.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.