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Finding Charlie
2015 KINDLE SCOUT WINNER It isn't like Charlie to stay out all night without calling, but maybe Olivia doesn't know her little sister as well as she thought. When Charlie vanishes without warning, the people who love her are worried sick. Even if the law considers her an adult at nineteen, Charlie's still the baby of her already broken family. Older sister Olivia is determined to figure out what's happened. She finds a lost cell phone, an abandoned car and a shady boyfriend she's never met before. And he's not the only secret Charlie's been keeping.This disappearance feels uncomfortably familiar, reminding Olivia and her father of another loss years before. But this will be different, Olivia swears. Charlie's coming back.
- GenresEbooks
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2015
153 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Katie O'Rourke
7 books91 followersI was born and raised in New England, growing up along the seacoast of New Hampshire. I went to college in Massachusetts and graduated with a degree in gender and sexuality. I live in Tucson, Arizona where I am always writing my next book.
I'm a hybrid author. My debut novel, Monsoon Season, was traditionally published along with A Long Thaw, which I later rereleased on my own. Finding Charlie, was chosen for publication by KindleScout in 2015. I released my fourth novel, Blood & Water in 2017. Unclaimed Baggage, and the sequel, Reclaimed Baggage, are available now.. I write family sagas with overlapping characters, so they're all connected.
If you'd like to get updates about sales and new releases, please join my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cPZnKH
I'm a hybrid author. My debut novel, Monsoon Season, was traditionally published along with A Long Thaw, which I later rereleased on my own. Finding Charlie, was chosen for publication by KindleScout in 2015. I released my fourth novel, Blood & Water in 2017. Unclaimed Baggage, and the sequel, Reclaimed Baggage, are available now.. I write family sagas with overlapping characters, so they're all connected.
If you'd like to get updates about sales and new releases, please join my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cPZnKH
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 16, 2020
All my reviews can be found at: http://www.jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will post on my site on April 23, 2020.
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Olivia and Charlie’s mom left them with their father 12 years ago and have not seen her since. And now Charlie is nineteen years old and has gone missing, which is unlike her. Olivia starts searching for Charlie in her own way, as the police won’t really do anything yet, as Charlie is of age. During her search Olivia learns more about Charlie than she ever expected.
This is an unhurried, character driven novel with multiple narrators to give you the story of this family. The novel’s name has a double meaning as Olivia is searching for Charlie while Charlie is trying to discover who she is. This novel shows the family life and relationships that all members have. There is no action involved in the story, so Finding Charlie was slow moving for me and I was losing interest in it, though I did finish the novel. You guys know I Iove a good thriller, but also read other genres (including women’s fiction/contemporary fiction such as Finding Charlie), so this was nothing to fault the novel or author. It just wasn’t really a novel for me. I will be giving O’Rourke another try by reading her collection of short stories Still Life, which is free on Kindle.
Many thanks to the author for granting me an audible copy in exchange for a review.
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This review will post on my site on April 23, 2020.
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Olivia and Charlie’s mom left them with their father 12 years ago and have not seen her since. And now Charlie is nineteen years old and has gone missing, which is unlike her. Olivia starts searching for Charlie in her own way, as the police won’t really do anything yet, as Charlie is of age. During her search Olivia learns more about Charlie than she ever expected.
This is an unhurried, character driven novel with multiple narrators to give you the story of this family. The novel’s name has a double meaning as Olivia is searching for Charlie while Charlie is trying to discover who she is. This novel shows the family life and relationships that all members have. There is no action involved in the story, so Finding Charlie was slow moving for me and I was losing interest in it, though I did finish the novel. You guys know I Iove a good thriller, but also read other genres (including women’s fiction/contemporary fiction such as Finding Charlie), so this was nothing to fault the novel or author. It just wasn’t really a novel for me. I will be giving O’Rourke another try by reading her collection of short stories Still Life, which is free on Kindle.
Many thanks to the author for granting me an audible copy in exchange for a review.
December 16, 2015
Her sister is missing!
In a family where the mom walked out when the kids were small, older sister Olivia became mother and sister to Charlie.
One day Charlie turns up missing. No one can reach her – not her father, not her sister, not her bestie. Worse, no one knows why she left without her car or cell phone.
The cops are no help, so Olivia starts piecing together Charlie’s last day and eventually learns she left town with a male acquaintance. Olivia traipses after her, eventually finding her in a place she didn’t expect, with a person she never wanted to see again.
Finding Charlie is about the ties that bind -the ties that bind until they chafe and more. Inter-family dynamics are explored as well as themes of independence, forgiveness, accountability, and love.
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
In a family where the mom walked out when the kids were small, older sister Olivia became mother and sister to Charlie.
One day Charlie turns up missing. No one can reach her – not her father, not her sister, not her bestie. Worse, no one knows why she left without her car or cell phone.
The cops are no help, so Olivia starts piecing together Charlie’s last day and eventually learns she left town with a male acquaintance. Olivia traipses after her, eventually finding her in a place she didn’t expect, with a person she never wanted to see again.
Finding Charlie is about the ties that bind -the ties that bind until they chafe and more. Inter-family dynamics are explored as well as themes of independence, forgiveness, accountability, and love.
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
April 11, 2017
This book has heart. It sucked me in and wrung me dry. Very good writing with a strong character arc.
April 24, 2018
A well-paced, thought-provoking read. There are always at least two sides to every story.
December 23, 2015
I read a portion of this book on Authonomy.com and was very pleased to see it selected by Kindle Scout for publication. Even years later, I remembered it and eagerly supported this story of a family in crisis.
At one point, one of the protagonists is reading a novel featuring minor characters from an earlier book and notes that if everyone is the hero of their own story, everyone must also be side players in each other's stories. This is a book that does a good job of illustrating that, as it covers a few days in the life of a family, from each member's point of view. They have very different perspectives on the betrayals, large and small, that have made up the last 12 years of their lives.
The Charlie of the title is the younger sister of the first narrator, Olivia. She and her father raised Charlie after Mom left them 12 years ago. Now Charlie is missing, and even her best friend doesn't know where she is. Just as the reader is won over to Olivia's side, Charlie herself takes over narrative duties and we learn where she is and why. Each additional voice complicates the plot and increases the reader's empathy -- there are no villains in this piece, only ordinary, messed-up people trying to do the right thing. Things are not neatly wrapped up at the end, but it feels like a new beginning for everybody.
At one point, one of the protagonists is reading a novel featuring minor characters from an earlier book and notes that if everyone is the hero of their own story, everyone must also be side players in each other's stories. This is a book that does a good job of illustrating that, as it covers a few days in the life of a family, from each member's point of view. They have very different perspectives on the betrayals, large and small, that have made up the last 12 years of their lives.
The Charlie of the title is the younger sister of the first narrator, Olivia. She and her father raised Charlie after Mom left them 12 years ago. Now Charlie is missing, and even her best friend doesn't know where she is. Just as the reader is won over to Olivia's side, Charlie herself takes over narrative duties and we learn where she is and why. Each additional voice complicates the plot and increases the reader's empathy -- there are no villains in this piece, only ordinary, messed-up people trying to do the right thing. Things are not neatly wrapped up at the end, but it feels like a new beginning for everybody.
April 26, 2016
I love books that have complex characters and explore seldom-addressed topics. This is that type of book. Finding Charlie is thoughtful and insightful. In our society, women who leave their families are demonized. This book delves into the reasons why a mother might choose to leave, and though I wanted to dislike the mother in this story, I couldn't help but empathize with her. I enjoyed this book - the characters, setting, the hint of mystery. Katie O'Rourke is officially one of my favorite authors.
July 24, 2016
4.5 stars on my new rating system
As with the author’s other books, the spotlight here is on modern family life and relationships. In this novel multiple strands of the past are cleverly unravelled; two sisters discover that there is more than they ever suspected hidden within their family’s past. Great characterisation, nice buildup of suspense, crisp writing. Overall a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended for women's and contemporary fiction readers.
As with the author’s other books, the spotlight here is on modern family life and relationships. In this novel multiple strands of the past are cleverly unravelled; two sisters discover that there is more than they ever suspected hidden within their family’s past. Great characterisation, nice buildup of suspense, crisp writing. Overall a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended for women's and contemporary fiction readers.
February 23, 2018
Great read!
Had trouble putting it down! Interesting look at complex family relationships. Told in alternating character voices which I enjoy.
Highly recommended!
Had trouble putting it down! Interesting look at complex family relationships. Told in alternating character voices which I enjoy.
Highly recommended!
May 17, 2018
This was my first ever audio book. I didn't think I would enjoy listening to a book since I love to read. However, I started this one and it pulled me right into the story. I listened on all my drives, while cooking supper, and while gardening. I was so entranced by the characters and the narrator that I couldn't wait to find a time to listen. So yay audio books!
I enjoyed the multiple point of view characters as it gave a chance to see this family drama from different perspectives. I felt like I knew each of the characters and was truly interested in their lives. Each character had unique personalities and there was nothing cookie-cutter about this tale.
I felt like the audio narrator did a fantastic job of giving each character a unique manner of speaking and she captured the Hispanic "voice" realistically without sounding staged. That isn't an easy feat.
I only wish the book had been longer. I wasn't ready for how it ended and was a little disappointed that the story didn't continue. But I could also see how it was the right ending.
I enjoyed the multiple point of view characters as it gave a chance to see this family drama from different perspectives. I felt like I knew each of the characters and was truly interested in their lives. Each character had unique personalities and there was nothing cookie-cutter about this tale.
I felt like the audio narrator did a fantastic job of giving each character a unique manner of speaking and she captured the Hispanic "voice" realistically without sounding staged. That isn't an easy feat.
I only wish the book had been longer. I wasn't ready for how it ended and was a little disappointed that the story didn't continue. But I could also see how it was the right ending.
May 5, 2017
Charlie, a young woman, has gone missing and her family cannot seem to find her. Her father and her older sister, Olivia, are scared and don't know what to do. The one thing that they don't know is that when they are trying to find Charlie, she's trying to find herself.
This book does a great job of working with both meanings of the title--a physical search to find Charlie by her family, and the search that Charlie does to find herself. The synopsis leads readers to believe that this is much more of a mystery, but really it ends up being a solid family drama with a few twists.
The only part about this book that seemed abrupt is the ending. While the family was just finding all of the pieces and considering how they fit together again, the story's over. It would be interesting to see what happens with this family in the future.
This book does a great job of working with both meanings of the title--a physical search to find Charlie by her family, and the search that Charlie does to find herself. The synopsis leads readers to believe that this is much more of a mystery, but really it ends up being a solid family drama with a few twists.
The only part about this book that seemed abrupt is the ending. While the family was just finding all of the pieces and considering how they fit together again, the story's over. It would be interesting to see what happens with this family in the future.
May 6, 2018
I was given the opportunity to listen to this book for fee with Audible. The interesting aspect of this book is that it the story is told by each character and their perspective is given. Without giving too much away... Two sisters live with their father whose wife (their Mother) abandoned them years before. It’s Charlie who looks for and finds her, opening old wounds. With each character sharing their perspective the reader/listener is given the opportunity to see the vulnerability of each person. It left me wanting to learn more about each character and where their lives will go from here.
August 8, 2017
Good family story.
It seemed more like a short story, but it was a really good story. I loved the format of having each chapter be in the first person about each character. I felt totally involved in the story, like it was my family. Charlie and Olivia are typical sisters, in the way of siblings kinda far apart in age. Roger is a solid character, and their mom comes across really real. I'd like to read it again.
It seemed more like a short story, but it was a really good story. I loved the format of having each chapter be in the first person about each character. I felt totally involved in the story, like it was my family. Charlie and Olivia are typical sisters, in the way of siblings kinda far apart in age. Roger is a solid character, and their mom comes across really real. I'd like to read it again.
August 26, 2017
A touching story about a family's relationships, told from each of their perspectives. You have the sensitive teen who tries to be different; the older, more "sensible" sister, who's had to raise her younger sister; a professional father who raises his two daughters; and the alcoholic mother who left the children she never wanted in the first place. The story isn't fast-paced or dramatic, but it digs into the emotions each character has faced throughout the years.
April 16, 2019
Finding Charlie. By Karptie ORourke
A marriage that hadn’t the support of each other to stay together, or to stay for the children. The burden falls to Olivia, to raise them, the father had turned to work. A life that was unknown of that of Charlie, has gone. As a parent would Olivia goes looking for her. Seeking answers of why, was needed for both Olivia and Charlie..Well written of a broken family.
A marriage that hadn’t the support of each other to stay together, or to stay for the children. The burden falls to Olivia, to raise them, the father had turned to work. A life that was unknown of that of Charlie, has gone. As a parent would Olivia goes looking for her. Seeking answers of why, was needed for both Olivia and Charlie..Well written of a broken family.
April 20, 2019
Finding Charlie is a clean, easy to read family saga. The characters are good and the storyline is compelling. However I did feel a lack of emotion in this book even though it deals with emotional issues and it did end rather suddenly. I think this is a three and a half star book as I enjoyed it but I wanted more depth. Also, I'm not a huge fan of books told from multiple perspectives and this became annoying towards the end. This is only my opinion and I definitely think it is worth reading.
November 26, 2018
Good 👍
They story was good. I like the different points of view. It really showed how each character handle the situation at hand. I really hope that the story continues. I have so many questions does Olivia e st forgive her mother? Does Carmen accept the help that s so desperately needed? And many more. But this book was pretty good
They story was good. I like the different points of view. It really showed how each character handle the situation at hand. I really hope that the story continues. I have so many questions does Olivia e st forgive her mother? Does Carmen accept the help that s so desperately needed? And many more. But this book was pretty good
April 17, 2019
Finding Charlie
Olivia learns her younger sister she practically raised has disappeared. It's not something Charlie has done before. Katie O'Rourke writes a great family story, with characters to love. She does the twists perfectly and with foresight. I enjoy her books, you will, too.
Olivia learns her younger sister she practically raised has disappeared. It's not something Charlie has done before. Katie O'Rourke writes a great family story, with characters to love. She does the twists perfectly and with foresight. I enjoy her books, you will, too.
July 8, 2020
audible:This was a very good book.I enjoyed the characters and could relate.Charlottes mom leaves the family when she is 6 years old.When she is 18 she gets a letter from her mother and immediately makes a trek to see her. Kaitlin Chin was a terrific narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
April 10, 2018
Forgiveness
I somewhat enjoyed this book. Grant it things happen in our lives that we can’t prevent. This book brought out the true feelings on both sides: Charlie’s willingness to forgive, Olivia hanging on to her anger and the mom with her feelings of guilt. Everyone pays.
I somewhat enjoyed this book. Grant it things happen in our lives that we can’t prevent. This book brought out the true feelings on both sides: Charlie’s willingness to forgive, Olivia hanging on to her anger and the mom with her feelings of guilt. Everyone pays.
April 3, 2020
I enjoy reading books by Katie O'Rourke, but this is the first time I tried an audiobook. I enjoyed it, but not as much as I did some of her other books. I do enjoy audiobooks, but sometimes I don't get as "into" them as the written word.
February 12, 2022
unusually good
Written in a comfortable style—good grammar without feeling strained. Characters are well fleshed out. The subject matter unfolds gradually as do rejoined relationships. I enjoyed this to the last page.
Written in a comfortable style—good grammar without feeling strained. Characters are well fleshed out. The subject matter unfolds gradually as do rejoined relationships. I enjoyed this to the last page.
June 29, 2017
This book was fine. Decent story. There was nothing about it that I didn't like, but it just didn't really grab me.
August 16, 2017
quick easy read
August 24, 2017
Second Chances
Great book about learning to forgive people who have wronged you in the past and giving them a second chance.
Great book about learning to forgive people who have wronged you in the past and giving them a second chance.
August 26, 2017
Glad I didn't pay for this
It was slow moving, with boring characters and a mundane plot. The story line was easy to follow but didn't pull you in.
It was slow moving, with boring characters and a mundane plot. The story line was easy to follow but didn't pull you in.
October 7, 2017
Great quick read
The characters in this book are so well developed you feel like you are talking to a friend. I will be looking out for more books by this author,
The characters in this book are so well developed you feel like you are talking to a friend. I will be looking out for more books by this author,
October 21, 2017
Fantastic!
November 14, 2017
Nice read.
Will we ever understand somebody else's motivation for doing something...
Will we ever understand somebody else's motivation for doing something...
October 10, 2018
Bad
Characters are very unlikable and make Ubuntu if it u if it if it. if it igbihjjhbbhhvhbgv and have shb
Characters are very unlikable and make Ubuntu if it u if it if it. if it igbihjjhbbhhvhbgv and have shb
April 2, 2019
Slow
The book started out slow and I didn't start it for awhile after that. Once I did start reading it again it got better and then I really liked it.
The book started out slow and I didn't start it for awhile after that. Once I did start reading it again it got better and then I really liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews