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Finding Me: A Heartfelt Women’s Fiction Novel of Family, Forgiveness, and Belonging
She went looking for the family she never knew. She may lose the only one she has.Eighteen-year-old New Yorker Cate McDermott has always believed family means two herself and her fiercely driven mother, Susan.
Then one argument changes everything.
Cate has a grandfather. He’s alive. And for eighteen years, Susan has kept him a secret.
Against her mother’s wishes, Cate travels to the lakeside town of Lake Tearas, Michigan, determined to uncover the truth about the family Susan refuses to discuss. But the grandfather Cate hoped would welcome her shuts the door in her face, and the old family home holds far more secrets than answers.
The deeper Cate digs, the more the past collides with the present—and every discovery puts her relationship with her mother at risk.
How much truth can a family survive before there’s no going back?
For readers who enjoy the family secrets and emotional depth of A Week at the Shore , the search for truth in The Last Thing He Told Me , and the hope and healing found in Karen Kingsbury’s family-centered fiction.
Finding Me is emotional women’s fiction about family drama, mothers and daughters, forgiveness, and discovering that home may be found in the most unexpected place.
Then one argument changes everything.
Cate has a grandfather. He’s alive. And for eighteen years, Susan has kept him a secret.
Against her mother’s wishes, Cate travels to the lakeside town of Lake Tearas, Michigan, determined to uncover the truth about the family Susan refuses to discuss. But the grandfather Cate hoped would welcome her shuts the door in her face, and the old family home holds far more secrets than answers.
The deeper Cate digs, the more the past collides with the present—and every discovery puts her relationship with her mother at risk.
How much truth can a family survive before there’s no going back?
For readers who enjoy the family secrets and emotional depth of A Week at the Shore , the search for truth in The Last Thing He Told Me , and the hope and healing found in Karen Kingsbury’s family-centered fiction.
Finding Me is emotional women’s fiction about family drama, mothers and daughters, forgiveness, and discovering that home may be found in the most unexpected place.
- GenresChristian Fiction
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Karen Mains Procopio
1 book18 followersAuthor of clean, contemporary women's fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a well-written, deeply emotional drama about secrets, lies, and betrayal, and how bitterness and unforgiveness can destroy a family. The author weaves the present day story seamlessly with what happened in the past that led to the current situation.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I just wish it contained a spiritual thread of some kind. I assumed it was Christian Fiction, but there was little to no mention of God, and He didn't direct the characters at all or have any part in their healing journey, nor did they ask Him to. The credit for the good that came about was given to the teenage character.
If you go into the story not expecting a spiritual aspect, I think you'll really enjoy this book, especially if you like women's fiction with deep, real-life themes that ends on a positive note. As I said, aside from there being no Christian content, I really did enjoy the journey with these characters and would read it again, as well as read future books by this author.
*I received an advance copy from the author. This review is my true and honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I just wish it contained a spiritual thread of some kind. I assumed it was Christian Fiction, but there was little to no mention of God, and He didn't direct the characters at all or have any part in their healing journey, nor did they ask Him to. The credit for the good that came about was given to the teenage character.
If you go into the story not expecting a spiritual aspect, I think you'll really enjoy this book, especially if you like women's fiction with deep, real-life themes that ends on a positive note. As I said, aside from there being no Christian content, I really did enjoy the journey with these characters and would read it again, as well as read future books by this author.
*I received an advance copy from the author. This review is my true and honest opinion.
October 13, 2026
“Forgiveness has a way of opening doors. Even old, closed ones.”
Finding Me is a dual-time, women’s fiction novel: a study of family brokenness and a young woman’s search for her roots, identity, and a place to belong.
Eighteen-year-old Catherine McDermott risks all when she boards a plane and travels from New York City to Lake Tearas, Michigan, to learn the truth about herself and her family that her mother refuses to tell her, truth that hurts but she needs to know. Her hard questions and discoveries open a Pandora’s Box of lies and secrets that have long divided her family.
Along with Cate’s present-day story, we also learn her mother’s story in the past, in some ways similar to Cate’s, which gives the reader a greater understanding of McDermott family dynamics and why Susan is the kind of mother she is.
With multi-dimensional characters and an intriguing, multi-threaded plot, the author takes the reader on a painful journey with Cate and Susan toward forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. This is not an easy story to read because of the pain and division portrayed, but it offers hope and healing. Although romance is an important thread, it’s not central to the plot. Clean fiction.
I received an ARC of Finding Me. Opinions expressed are my own.
Finding Me is a dual-time, women’s fiction novel: a study of family brokenness and a young woman’s search for her roots, identity, and a place to belong.
Eighteen-year-old Catherine McDermott risks all when she boards a plane and travels from New York City to Lake Tearas, Michigan, to learn the truth about herself and her family that her mother refuses to tell her, truth that hurts but she needs to know. Her hard questions and discoveries open a Pandora’s Box of lies and secrets that have long divided her family.
Along with Cate’s present-day story, we also learn her mother’s story in the past, in some ways similar to Cate’s, which gives the reader a greater understanding of McDermott family dynamics and why Susan is the kind of mother she is.
With multi-dimensional characters and an intriguing, multi-threaded plot, the author takes the reader on a painful journey with Cate and Susan toward forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. This is not an easy story to read because of the pain and division portrayed, but it offers hope and healing. Although romance is an important thread, it’s not central to the plot. Clean fiction.
I received an ARC of Finding Me. Opinions expressed are my own.
October 21, 2026
This book is about family secrets that persisted through three generations. It had a satisfying conclusion. I appreciated the story’s points about learning how people are messy and complex, but not necessarily strictly good or bad. It has a subtle message about forgiveness too. I thought this book would be more explicitly Christian content, yet it is not, and that doesn’t detract from the story - it was just my expectation. I think the story was also about 20 percent longer than it needed to be, and some of the storyline toward the end seemed over the top. Overall though, the writing is of good quality.
October 20, 2026
I’ll admit up front that this is not my normal go-to genre of reading. But this story has sat with me long after finishing the last page. There’s so much depth and detail in the conversations and in Cate’s hunt for truth. I really enjoyed it (the ending was satisfying), although there were times I wanted to shake these characters and tell them to make better choices.
This book is all about choices. The choices we make every day, in our actions and words, whether good ones or not so good ones. The choices others make in response to our choices, and then in turn how we respond. You can feel the angst, the hurt, the anger and that in turn pushes these characters into choices they might’ve never made. By it showing both current and past interwoven, you can really see the long-term affects of these choices made.
Many times our choices don’t just affect ourselves. The ripple effect can be devastating. And this book brilliantly shows the lead-up, the emotions during, and the aftermath for all parties involved. Choices made as a mother, as a daughter, as a father, as a friend and the lifelong impacts of them all. Yet in amongst these hurts, there is also a choice to pursue a new path, a new relationship. Let time heal and to break out of the past.
If you like deep, highly emotional drama, this book is for you. I am interested in reading more by this author.
*I received an advance copy from the author. This review is my true and honest opinion.
This book is all about choices. The choices we make every day, in our actions and words, whether good ones or not so good ones. The choices others make in response to our choices, and then in turn how we respond. You can feel the angst, the hurt, the anger and that in turn pushes these characters into choices they might’ve never made. By it showing both current and past interwoven, you can really see the long-term affects of these choices made.
Many times our choices don’t just affect ourselves. The ripple effect can be devastating. And this book brilliantly shows the lead-up, the emotions during, and the aftermath for all parties involved. Choices made as a mother, as a daughter, as a father, as a friend and the lifelong impacts of them all. Yet in amongst these hurts, there is also a choice to pursue a new path, a new relationship. Let time heal and to break out of the past.
If you like deep, highly emotional drama, this book is for you. I am interested in reading more by this author.
*I received an advance copy from the author. This review is my true and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An interesting read. This book is a clean book but it is not what I would consider Christian fiction. There is very little if any reference to God and a belief in God. To me this book is about unforgiveness and how it can impact a family - negatively. Holding on to grudges for many years leads to disfunction in you and your family members and how selfishness can lead to unforgiveness and family issues in the long term.
Cate McDermott is graduating high school and her mother has again not shown up for her. Finally her mother is home from another business trip but she won't talk about what has upset her. Then it comes out that Cate has a grandfather she didn't know about. She decides to go see him plus she wants to know about her father! Can she make in roads with her grandfather and other unknown friends and family members when see gets to Lake Tearas? Will they tell her about her father and the family members she has never known? Can she reconcile with her mother? Or will the family rift continue thru another generation?
I received this complimentary book from the author but am under No Obligation to give a favorable review. The story is interesting and their are several twists and turns and surprises that you discover. I think you would enjoy the book.
Cate McDermott is graduating high school and her mother has again not shown up for her. Finally her mother is home from another business trip but she won't talk about what has upset her. Then it comes out that Cate has a grandfather she didn't know about. She decides to go see him plus she wants to know about her father! Can she make in roads with her grandfather and other unknown friends and family members when see gets to Lake Tearas? Will they tell her about her father and the family members she has never known? Can she reconcile with her mother? Or will the family rift continue thru another generation?
I received this complimentary book from the author but am under No Obligation to give a favorable review. The story is interesting and their are several twists and turns and surprises that you discover. I think you would enjoy the book.
October 17, 2026
I really enjoyed Finding Me by Karen Mains Procopio! It’s always nice to pick up a book that feels a little different from everything else I’ve been reading, and this was definitely one of those books.
The story follows Cate, who discovers she has family she never knew about and sets off to learn more about her past. Along the way, family secrets come to light, and she starts to piece together parts of her life she never knew were missing.
I loved that the storyline felt fresh. It wasn’t the same plot I’ve read a dozen times with a few details changed. The writing was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the author’s way with words. Nothing felt forced or overdone. I also loved how the characters developed throughout the book. They felt like real people, and I found myself becoming more invested in their lives as I kept reading.
This was just such a good read. I love when a book surprises me by giving me something I haven’t read over and over again. I’m so glad I picked this one up!
The story follows Cate, who discovers she has family she never knew about and sets off to learn more about her past. Along the way, family secrets come to light, and she starts to piece together parts of her life she never knew were missing.
I loved that the storyline felt fresh. It wasn’t the same plot I’ve read a dozen times with a few details changed. The writing was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the author’s way with words. Nothing felt forced or overdone. I also loved how the characters developed throughout the book. They felt like real people, and I found myself becoming more invested in their lives as I kept reading.
This was just such a good read. I love when a book surprises me by giving me something I haven’t read over and over again. I’m so glad I picked this one up!
October 13, 2026
Procopio wrote the novel well, which is always a plus, and she follows the lives of Susan McDermott and her daughter Cate. I liked Cate and could relate to her quest. Susan was harder for me to like, but in the end, her personal journey provided a lesson for us all. Two of the supporting characters were totally likeable throughout—Jack and Andrew. If everyone had a Jack in their life, they would feel truly blessed. He had a sacrificial heart for Susan, which made his life-story sad. If he had channeled Rhett Butler, I would have cheered him on. Procopio’s writing kept me engaged and left me feeling deep regret for the characters. They had missed so much because of unforgiveness. The relationship between Susan and her parents is tragic, and her relationship with Cate is painful. If you’re like me, you’ll be sympathetic to Cate throughout. If there is a victim in the story, Cate is it, and maybe Jack is too. The book left me satisfied, even though I wanted to give Susan a good, hard shake for most of the story.
October 21, 2026
Finding Me is an amazing, well-written debut novel. I was drawn into the mother-daughter tension from the get-go, and yet, through both perspectives, I empathized with each of them, which increased the turmoil of wondering how this would ever be resolved. Cate has good reason to want to know her family and her roots; Susan had good reason to hide them. Or at least she convinced herself she did. You can decide. The setting of Lake Tiaras was the perfect backdrop, its peaceful beauty belying the angst broiling beneath the surface of each family member—and the kind-hearted neighbor Jack. Each character had secrets and layers. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy thoughtful, meaningful women’s fiction with depth.
October 19, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Finding Me, and I need to state that it is very different than the books I typically enjoy reading. That being said, I wasn’t prepared for the very real emotions that Finding Me elicited, especially in the later chapters. Characters are well developed and genuine, and in my mind I could visualize the various settings thanks to descriptions that were developed along with the plot and characters. I firmly believe this story and its characters will not only resonate with anyone who has a family that has, at points in its history, experienced kept secrets (whether perceived or actual), but really with anyone who enjoys reading.
October 17, 2026
Right away the story really pulled me in! This author is a natural storyteller. In addition, this book is clean and free of profanity and explicit content. I enjoyed the story.
I purchased the paperback from Amazon and I do not personally know the author.
Having said that, my one criticism of this book is that I had a difficult time seeing any of these characters as true Christians as they made certain immoral decisions that didn’t seem to bother them much. But it is fiction after all. I would allow my daughters to read this book, and I would enjoy discussing it with them.
I purchased the paperback from Amazon and I do not personally know the author.
Having said that, my one criticism of this book is that I had a difficult time seeing any of these characters as true Christians as they made certain immoral decisions that didn’t seem to bother them much. But it is fiction after all. I would allow my daughters to read this book, and I would enjoy discussing it with them.
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October 19, 2026Two words come to mind hopeful and forgiveness. Forgiveness can happen through love, determination and commitment. Cate McDermott (character in Karen's book) portrayed that throughout the entire story. Karen's taught me that life is so short so don't waste one minute in bitterness and anger. Forgiveness in families and relationships is the key to peace and harmony. Karen's book is a portrayal of every moment of emotions in families and relationships. I highly recommend Karen's book Finding Me. I loved reading it and I can't wait for book two and three.!
October 20, 2026
This was an amazing story. It’s book one of a trilogy and I’m really looking forward to the next two stories. This was a clean read, but I don’t know if I would consider it to be Christian fiction. Very little reference to God. But putting that aside, it was a wonderful read. Had good writing and I enjoyed the characters.
Cate is determined to find out her past. She cannot get answers for her mother, so she has no choice but to go look for them.
I enjoyed this read, and if you’re looking for a clean read, I definitely recommend this one to be put on your TBR list,
Cate is determined to find out her past. She cannot get answers for her mother, so she has no choice but to go look for them.
I enjoyed this read, and if you’re looking for a clean read, I definitely recommend this one to be put on your TBR list,
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this story and how it tackled self discovery, family secrets, and creating your own path. Every family has its issues, and they often run deeper than we realize without clean cut answers about who is right and who is wrong. I loved Cate’s determination in uncovering the truth about her family, even when it hurt. I also loved the found family in the community around these people and am excited to see where the rest of the series will take them!
October 20, 2026
Finding Me by Karen Mains Procopio is a story about family secrets and Cate’s journey of finding herself as she unravels who she is and where she belongs. I really enjoyed this book, it made me remember how I felt becoming an adult and learning how to make hard decisions and how to navigate relationships.
I totally recommend this book! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
I totally recommend this book! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
All the emotions contained in this story. Well written, emotional, family relationships, independence, anger and unanswered questions. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
October 19, 2026
This book pulled me in, and held my interest throughout. Based in a fictional Michigan lakeside town, it made me feel like I was there! Family intrigue, twisting to the end. Highly recommend, and eager for the next one!
October 20, 2026
I loved this book and can't wait for book 2 and 3 in the Trilogy!
Secrets. Not knowing you actually have family out there. What else is being hidden?
Is mom Susan keeping secrets to protect Cate or herself?
Secrets. Not knowing you actually have family out there. What else is being hidden?
Is mom Susan keeping secrets to protect Cate or herself?
October 20, 2026
Karen paints a realistic picture of the smelting pot called family. The protagonist' quest to belong and change the projectory of the present while unveiling the past captivates. Bravo Karen. I look for forward to Book 2. Hopefully we'll visit beloved Lake Tearas again.
SD Simms
SD Simms
October 20, 2026
I fell in love with Cate and her mom. This is such a great story of self discovery. It's a page turner. So well written. I'm looking forward to the books in the rest of the series. Will definitely buy them.
October 21, 2026
This book was so good. I felt like I could relate to the mom and the daughter. It’s such a beautiful look at family dynamics, forgiveness, and the unbearable cost at the things we can lose.
I highly recommend this book. Karen did a phenomenal job!
I highly recommend this book. Karen did a phenomenal job!
October 21, 2026
“Finding Me” is a well-written book of love, reconciliation, drama and finding a family. The characters are very real, and you feel like you’re part of the story. The story is written from two viewpoints, and adds to the storyline. Easy read, entertaining.
October 26, 2026
Wow! This book was excellent! I couldn’t put it down. The story line and characters really draw you in. And I love that there are secrets which make it a little suspenseful. There are twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend this one! You won’t be able to put it down!
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October 8, 2026I received a copy of this book and my opinions are entirely my own.
Great Story and Wonderful Characters.
Definitely Recommend.
Great Story and Wonderful Characters.
Definitely Recommend.
October 19, 2026
I loved this book! Mom, Susan, is hiding secrets from her daughter. However, is she protecting her daughter or herself? Great story and I can't wait to read the 2nd & 3rd books.
October 23, 2026
Karen did a fabulous job weaving a web of secrets into this family drama for all of us readers to discover! I loved it! Stayed up way too late to finish! Highly recommend.
October 14, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Finding Me because it immediately pulled me in. Right away I cared very much for Cate and her mom, Susan. I couldn't wait to learn more details of Susan's past, and that is what made me read this book so quickly.
Another thing I really loved about this book is the setting of Lake Tearas, Michigan. It sounds like such a picturesque and lovely town that I found myself wanting to go there. The author did an amazing job describing this setting. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about family and forgiveness.
Another thing I really loved about this book is the setting of Lake Tearas, Michigan. It sounds like such a picturesque and lovely town that I found myself wanting to go there. The author did an amazing job describing this setting. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about family and forgiveness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What a deeply emotion rollercoaster of a story. The author is a master at weaving the past and future together to show not only how it's all connected, but how it all could have been different. The setting makes you want to pack your bags and head to Michigan. And the characters just make you want to wrap them all up in a hug.
The ending is absolutely beautiful and wraps it all up nicely. I can't wait to visit this author again in the future.
I receive an ARC from the author, but all opinions expressed in this review are my own and freely given.
The ending is absolutely beautiful and wraps it all up nicely. I can't wait to visit this author again in the future.
I receive an ARC from the author, but all opinions expressed in this review are my own and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed reading Finding Me. Cate is a character that you can relate to if your parents have ever not told you everything and withheld information from, not just relating to your family, but in general. Susan tended to withhold everything and keep secrets from Cate, thinking the truth would hurt her daughter more, but the lies and ignoring her daughter all the time ended up hurting her.
When Cate finds out that her mother has kept secrets and lied to her, she doesn't know what to do? Should she run, or should she forgive?
When Cate finds out that her mother has kept secrets and lied to her, she doesn't know what to do? Should she run, or should she forgive?
September 28, 2026
The story follows Susan and her daughter Cate as they navigate through life. Cate, has just graduated high school and thinks she has her future all planned out until she uncovers family secrets. She takes a detour to dig into the past that her mother keeps refusing to confront and ends up with more questions than answers. Relationships are tested, fractured and healed throughout the story. I enjoyed traveling back in time with Susan to understand her point of view and the reasons she felt justified in keeping secrets. It is easy to see both points of view and be empathetic of each of them. I enjoyed Cate navigating new and old relationships and eventually seeing her mother in a new light. Likable characters, I can’t wait to see what the next book in the trilogy brings!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews