Finding Salvation

The Finding Series #1

by Elizabeth Hayes

Becoming best friends was easy.
Becoming Sisters was a blessing.

Two girls, with similar pasts, find solace together when all they had was each other.

Madison and Charlotte were taken in by a good family, given the life they’d always dreamed, along with an overprotective big brother. As they got older Madison began to follow the path her mother lived. While Charlotte, was afraid she’d lose everyone she’d come to love.

When the wall of betrayal and lies they’ve built to protect themselves start to crumble, how well will their fragile bonds hold when their secrets come out?

Choices are made.
Different roads taken.
A family torn apart.

Will Madison ever change?

Will Charlotte find what she’s been looking for?

Are their lies too tangled to unravel or will they find salvation before it’s too late?

Warning-
*** This book contains adult content and not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. It contains Drug use and adult situations.***

~This book is told in multiple points of views~

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

About the author

So you want to know a little about me and get a sense of who I am. Well the first thing I can say is that I absolutely hate talking about myself. So bare with me as I let you in on who I am.

My name is Elizabeth Hayes and I am from the Midwest. I have a few things I just happen to obsess over those include Hot pink and Zebra print, Unicorns, and cupcakes, and Books, I love to read and get lost in a book. I have thought about writing for a long time now and finally started to put words down. Ashlee and I are both new at this and our first book Finding Salvation is going to be thrown out there for you all to read. I must say I am having a hard time with this. I am the type of person that likes to know the outcome before I do anything. I want to know that this is going loved by most of you. The thing is I know that this book is going to be hopefully liked by some, hopefully loved by some, hated by some and just ok to some and I think I am finally ok with that. I am stepping out of my comfort zone. I hear that is a good thing. But with everything time will tell. So there you go! If you want to know more just ask.

Reviews

[Elfina Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Elizabeth Hayes, Debra Presley & the ARC Group for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Regrettably didn't finish and moved Finding Salvation to my DNF list. As to the why's....

1. Formatting, can’t say I liked it as everything was shifted to the left. Even tried reading it in Epub where the E-book wasn’t altered or converted. The formatting was still crammed to the left, not carrying over to the center. There wasn't any page breaks separating headers and chapters everything ran together.

2. Right off the bat there were editorial errors. Words involving double L’s. Examples: Called, Allowed, Especially. One L would be missing or there would be gaps.

3. Didn’t like all the secrets, lies and betrayal. Had an extremely hard time connecting with any of the characters. As a result didn’t feel there was any build up to who they were. We’re first introduced to Maddison, Charlotte, Donovan as teenagers in the prologue. Then jumped forward into adulthood in chapter one. From there on out is where the web slowly unravels. At no point in time did I feel I knew them, they’re struggles nothing.

[DawnMarie Carpintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for my honest review. This is the first book I have read by these two authors.

The review will not be normal because this book was so far from normal that reviewing the book in itself would not do it justice.

The authors took two amazing woman that grew up in foster homes as friends. Madison is the quirky yet rebellious woman that only cared if it benefited her. Charlotte is the girl that was Cinderella but just didn’t know it yet. Now add in Donovan and Landon as the perfect couple. (You have to read it to believe it)

Jackson is the most delectable police officer that gets frustrated a lot in this book. He fell for Charlotte at first cry and he is her Prince Charming. This couple has so many road blocks and hurdles to get through before they can even get to the bedroom and when they do the cell phone always rings. (Hello shut it off) lol

Avery is the playboy that apparently always gets into the bed. Lol He also happens to be Madison’s boyfriend (husband) there are a lot of drugs mentioned in this book. (Sorry but true). Madison needs to make a decision that will affect the outcome of their relationship since she found out that she was carrying his baby. What will that outcome be? Will these two find love that doesn’t have to come from drugs? You’re gonna have to pick up this book to find out.

To the authors: This was one amazing read. You hit on two main points that most wouldn’t even think about touching in one book. The POV’s sorry too many for this reviewer. Less is more but you still came out with an amazing read that I hope all will enjoy as much as I did.

Happy Reading.

[Georgianna Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I rarely read anything but horror and fantasy, Finding Salvation was a bit of a venture into different territory for me. I did enjoy the book, however. Charlotte and Madison are both very complex characters, even though they had similar childhoods. Learning about who they are and why the do the things they do in this book was an almost epic journey. I loved the supporting characters, too, especially Donovan, and there's a scene with the women's mother in a bridal boutique that's funny as all get out.

[Alexis Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It caught me off guard so much and had me on the edge of my seat! Cant wait to see more from these authors!

[Krithika · Rating 4 out of 5]

*R4R*

I loved this book!

This book took me through an emotional wringer.

Finding salvation is about 2 friends-sisters who are adopted. Madison and charlotte as they grow older,choose different paths.Madison keeps secrets from charlotte which backfires. The betrayal hurts charlotte and she emotionally grows apart from madison.However the tragedies happening bring them more closer than before.

It is an amazing read.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing in two first-person voices can be hazardous and is a risk because it’s often not done well. That’s not the case with this story.

Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an emotional rollercoaster of a book. I was laughing, then crying, then yelling and then smiling.

Charolette and Madison came from terrible backgrounds, and they met in foster care, from then on they were sisters for life. They were taken in by a family and got to finally have a good home. They are two completely different type of women. Madison is a party girl and Charolette is the good girl. On the begginning of the book you see what secrets and deceit can do to a family. From then on this book just takes off...great things happen and horrible things happen and every thing in between.

Landon and Donovan kept secrets too. And those secrets are what started the chain of events. Landon is Madison's best friend but in reality these four people are as close as friends get. Donovan is their older brother from the family who adopted them. I love these two boys and I am sure everyone else will too.

Charolette meets a cop named Jackson and their story goes on. It's one of those fast paced love at first sight stories. Whereas Madison decides she likes to party, do drugs, have sex and pus boundaries. But the past few months she only tends to do these things with her boss, Avery. And if you can't tell that's where their love story starts.

This book has had me contemplating on how to rate. I will say I did almost give up a few times and I did skim a little. The jumping around from person got easier as you went but there were things that I felt could have been omitted because they really did nothing for the story. But on to the positive. I love all these people on this book and realistically I felt like this was an honest and true friendship/family. No matter what shit happened they always came back to each other. Avery had me hating his guts and then well I fell in love with this tatted up bad boy. But secretly in the back of my mind I really was hoping his brother was her secret love cuz I love me some Abel.
There are so many things to talk about with this book but j don't want to ruin a thing. Basically many different paths were travellled and there was some major heart break and when I thought ok there is no more to go something big would hit you. I think if it was shortened it would be a phenomenal book!! But with all that said I am looking forward to Abel's book!!
**I received this book as a review copy from the author through Debra Presley's goodreads arc group and in return gave my honest review**

[Stefanie Kral · Rating 5 out of 5]

✯✯5 Gut Wrenching Stars!!✯✯


Wow! I finished this book a few days ago and could not believe what I just finished. This book was intense! This book is about Madison and Charlotte growing up in foster care. They became best friends and sisters and refused to leave each other. They ended up getting adopted together at the age of 13 and had an instant family and older brother. Everything should be perfect from then on....

Both girls have grown up together and both had horrible childhoods with their biological families. Yet, they are NOTHING alike. Charlotte is quiet, works hard, reads and wants to find love like Madison.

Oh, Madison. This chick is a mess. A stinking hot mess!! Madison is in a "long term relationship" with her brother Donovan's best friend Landon. They been dating for years. But, of course not everything is what it seems to people looking in. The real Madison is sleeping with her boss Avery. What about Landon? Oh, he's sleeping with Donovan! They all get drunk & high and party until the sun comes up. Then, when they go home they're different people.

Both Landon & Donovan want to tell Charlotte. But, not Madison! She says that their sister is fragile and won't be able to handle the truth. Over the years they seemed to divide. It became Madison, Donovan & Landon together. And, Charlotte on the other. All because they were hiding secrets. I'm not sure if it was because they thought Charlotte really couldn't handle it. Or if because Madison was afraid to admit what she had become. But, before they could tell Charlotte she finds out and leaves!!

Charlotte is not mad or too about Donovan & Landon. She always kinda knew her brother was gay. But, she can not believe they all lied to her and for years. Charlotte drives a few towns away and ends up in a hotel. While there the owner thinks she needs help and sends her son the hot, sexy cop Jackson to make sure she's OK. They connect very quick! Some would say too quick. But, I didn't. They fit perfect.

Madison continues on her path of destruction. Donovan & Landon are now out of the closet. Literally. Madison and the boys are still doing drugs. Madison more & more. Donovan & Landon are totally enabling her! She totally looses all control. Madison runs straight to Avery and disappears for days. To return married and doesn't remember ANYTHING !!! The only proof is a picture and the marriage license. That is not the only thing she comes back either!!

Both Charlotte & Madison are trying to find themselves. Trying to find out who they are without the other one. It doesn't come easy to either of them! When they let the lies go and reconnect it should be better. For Charlotte, Madison, Donovan, Landon, Jackson and Avery they're all tested. They are tested over & over again. There was so many times I found myself balling my eyes out. Other times I was screaming NO then laughing. ESP every time Jackson & Charlotte tried to get it in and somehow they'd get blocked. I never wanted a couple to get it as much as these 2!! Hahaha. This is def not a complete lovey dovey story. It's about 2 best friends who become sisters who are put to the test their whole lives. They're trying to survive the best and only way they know how. They don't know much other then they can't & won't loose each other. They can't live without each other. I am really glad Ashlee asked me to read it. I'm dying for book 2.

[Stephenee · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *

This is author's Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor's first book and as far as first books go it was a good one. They were able to capture the angst of the characters, the details of the areas/locations in which the characters interacted, as well as the readers attention, however, there were a few things that made it less than a 5 star read for me. I really wanted to give the book 3.5 stars, but that is not an option.

The multiple POV's (point of view's) throughout the book became overwhelming to my as I was reading through the book. There were just too many and it just switched too often to hold my attention as a reader. I enjoy reading things from other POV's but this just had too many. I think that they could have stuck with just the 2 main character's (Charlotte and Madison) and been fine. Again, that is how I felt as I was reading the story. I don't like the flow of the book to be interrupted so many times as I am reading. It just doesn't make for a smooth, easy read.

Also, there were many grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors throughout the story. I felt as if some of them were due to the varying POV's throughout the story and the author's not knowing how to switch/link them together to flow. They weren't enough to ruin the story, but they did stick out and make me pause as I was reading the story.

The last thing that stuck out as I was reading it was that the character's relationships all seemed too rushed. Charlotte moves into a hotel one day and then in with a man the next day after the author's said she didn't have many relationships or date? It seemed like the author's wanted to skip the important getting to know you details and move right into the meaty portion of the story, however, as the reader it just didn't flow. It was like some portions of the story were missing for me when this occurred. Also, there was no reaction about any of the relationships from the parents which also didn't seem realistic to me when reading the story.

Now don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book, I just wanted to get it all out there so there were no misunderstandings about where the 3.5 star rating was coming from. It was a good book, and it did keep me reading. I would recommend this book to friends, just with the knowledge that it could use some tweaking, but that the plot itself was a solid and enjoyable one. I think that the 2 author's have a bright future writing, they just need to work on some minor adjustments. Overall I would recommend this book, but it's not a must read right now, at least from my point of view.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Laura Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thinking for first time authors Ashlee & Elizabeth did a great job crafting a story that drew me in but then I got to thinking about it and think it's appropriate to say for authors Ashlee and Elizabeth drew me in and had me totally connecting with the characters. It started with a sneak peak at the characters pasts and how they grew up and became this amazing although a lot of times dysfunctional family that they are.

They had something happening all of the time and I was always on the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen next or how the current situation would play out. I won't go into a lot of detail because believe me there are a lot of spoilers I could give.

Each situation drew me into the connection with this amazing group of characters and had me hooked on how each situation would effect other characters as well as the dynamic of the group that they have. They had me so tied to the emotions of these characters. I was scared for them, heartbroken for them, super happy for them, and frustrated by all the cock blocking with them lol. There were also times when just about every single character had me wanting to chew their ass and kick some sense into them. The authors had me so scared about my HEA that they made me cry just a little bit and then they had me crying later in the book because I was so happy.

This is a story of struggle, strength, love, and most of all family. You need to experience it. Grab your copy today.

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 out of 5 stars

This is book one in a series. People on Goodreads are loooooooooving this book and while I enjoyed the ride, I don't think i'll go back for more. The characters in this are complex and well developed but they got on my nerves for some unknown reason. Charlotte and Madison share this great bond despite their polarising personalities and they find themselves in some sticky situations throughout. There is a drug addiction storyline that plagues this world and I thought it was used perfectly to give some added depth to the story. The more I write about this, the more I think I may actually give it another go. Conflicted emotions guys.

[Paula White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted this book for an honest review.

3.5*

This book dealt with some tricky subjects and was centred around two sisters and their families. The story had many differing POVs but I didn't find this distracting.
Charlottes insta love could come across as strange but after what she had seen and how alone she felt, it seemed plausible to me - well as plausible as insta love can be for someone that has not experienced it!
Madison came across as selfish to start but did redeem herself - mind you she went through a lot for one character!
I loved Jackson and even got to like Avery - so all good there.
I enjoyed this story overall - lots happen in this book so be prepared for a ride and inner shouting at just how stupid some characters can be!

[Megan Pendergrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. These ladies did an amazing job for this being their first book. The way that this story is told in the different character POVs is refreshing so you know exactly what each one is thinking and going through. Can't wait for Abel's story.

[Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

You received this ARC provided by the author/ publisher in exchange for an unbiased opinion. No type of compensation was made. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher.

Charlotte and Madison are sisters and share one thing in common. Both come from a past that leaves them with insecurities and wherever one is the other is. They come as a package and became blood sister the day they met. They meet a boy called Donovan Finley and think he is a preppy boy. The girls become apart of The Finley family and the rest is history. Madison's best friend Landon becomes apart of the gang while they are teenagers and the four of them become inseparable.
As the years go by Madison, Donovan and Landon have a secret which causes the three of them to lie to the parents and most importantly Charlotte. Charlotte knows that something is going on because she feels like Madison is slipping away from her and Donovan and Landon are just acting weird. The secret is eating away at Madison, Donovan and Landon until it finally comes to ahead and Charlotte finds the beginning of the secret that the three of them have been hiding. What Charlotte doesn't realise is that it is only the beginning of the secrets until Charlotte learns the full truth especially what Madison has been hiding.
Madison is becoming the person who she said she would never become. This drives a huge wedge between her and Charlotte and this may not be savable. This causes Charlotte to leave what she knows and she meets a police officer called Jackson Richardson who maybe the person she just needs to help get her through this difficult time.
Madison is hitting rock bottom with a man called Avery Monroe. Madison and Avery are a beautifully messed up pair who are not exclusive but something keeps them gravitating towards each other.
Donovan is the rock that keeps them altogether but is fighting his own demons along the way with Landon.
Will Donovan and Landon be able to finally come out without the lies?
Will Madison and Avery overcome the beautiful gift they both share without destroying each other through the process?
Has Charlotte finally found what has been missing in her life with Jackson?
But most importantly will Charlotte and Madison be able to save the relationship between each other as the lies come out and bond they once have be stronger than ever?

I really liked the bond that Madison and Charlotte have but add Donovan and Landon what a beautiful bunch of people. No matter what the four of them never gave up on each other especially with help of the parents, Jackson and even though Avery was the cause of some of it, he still has his part that wasn't all that bad.

I feel some parts are missing in the story that either could have been explained more or needed to be added. For example a little bit of Charlotte and Madison's past, a little bit more of an understanding to the reason why they started lieing, also how Avery was feeling about the situation between him and Madison. I felt that you got an understanding how Donovan, Landon and even Jackson felt but not enough on Avery considering he was fighting some very tough demons of his own.

If it wasn't for the bond between the characters and for a family that is made up of so many people who are special and fighting to keep the family together with fighting there own demons in the process and learning more about themselves. This book would be a huge let down and I would not be giving it 5 stars.

Family and bond between people is very important especially when they are not your blood. It is very tough and sometimes rare what this family have. I hope someone can take something away from this and learn or help in their own lives.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I went into this story blind with no expectations and I have to say I'm disappointed. What could have been a great story (the premise of it was good and promising), fell short with too much happening and not enough solid connections between characters. I also felt character development was lacking and i could never make a connection or become invited in the story for this reason. While reading, I often felt like the author threw in every possible conflict that has ever been written in all the contemporary romance books published. It was too much and by the end of the story, I was saying to myself, "really, now this?" I also felt like there were times the author seemed to forget what was mentioned in a previous chapter and wrote the exact opposite in a later chapter so the flow and continuity of the story was flat for me. If you are going to create a book boyfriend-- and why wouldn't you-- it's romance, then create a solid character. Find what makes him swoon worthy and stick to it. Often, I felt like the author jumped around in this area and ended up creating a very murky character. I didn't know or couldn't feel through the words what kind of guy he really was.
Throughout much of this story, I felt like I was watching a ping pong match or listening to a young child tell a story-- it was all over the place.
So overall, this book had too much going on for me- especially if you are effectively going to tell two stories in one book in parallel. The plot and the characters have to be well thought out and concrete. The development of both fell short in my opinion.
There were some great ideas and scenes for this book but not enough to carry it and overlook what was lacking. I would be interested in seeing how this author's writing progresses ad develops as the series continues.
D 2.5/5

[Becky Rendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Salvation is about two women growing into their own. Best friends and sisters through circumstance, Maddy and Char are inseparable. They have been through hell and back, but never would have made it without each other. That bond has kept them strong, but cracks have formed and it all comes crumbling down.

Charlotte had no idea the extent of the cracks in their friendship. She had been kept out of the loop. Her sister and brother have been lying to her for years. She isn't sure which way is up at this point. When the wreaking ball hits the house of cards, Char runs. She runs to find herself and in the process finds something more.

When Char runs, Maddy continues her downward spiral. She throws her life away all for a fix.

Two broken girls, trying to be adults. One following in her mother's footsteps; the other trying to be more. They can't live without each other. It seems that someone will need to decide.

The lives they lead are dangerous and they finally realize what is at stake. But is it too late?

The rampant drug abuse is off putting but valid to the story. I had a hard time relating to Maddy because of it. But I will say that I appreciated how strong of a character she is and her motivation. The story is a never ending cycle of what else is going to happen. I felt like just about when you could calm down- the authors slap something else in your face.
It seemed almost too much. I enjoyed the story though and wonder about the future of the characters.



Book received in exchange of an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went into this book with high hopes. I've never read anything by this author before... so I went in with an open mind. The Blurb is what drew me in. And I just couldn't wait to start to read it!

I knew once I hit the 20% mark.... This book wasn't for me. I just wasn't feeling all the characters or the direction the book was going. And I just wasn't feeling the writing style.
Everything in this book made no sense to me. Why did they hide everything from Charlotte? Then we have the whole Avery & the drug thing. And the gay best friends hiding the fact that they are gay to Charlotte.
Then we have the whole Jackson thing. He acts like they been together forever. Calling her sweetheart, texting her I miss you. They just met! Then calling her his girlfriend.
Hmmm... What?!
That all happened way to fast!!!!

This book had a lot going on. Too much!
The story seemed all over the place. And it kept going and going and going.
And if it wasn't one thing it was another. Literally!
Man... By 66%. I can honestly say I was so done with this book.
I pushed myself to finish this book. The ending was unrealistic to me
I wish I could say that I loved this book or even enjoyed it a little. But I can't.

Unfortunately... This book was not for me.


*ARC provided by the Book Enthusiast Promotions via Netgalley*

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start is hard to describe as there is a lot going on in this book and it's worth every second. Charlotte and Madison have been friends since they were little in the orphanage until one open house they met Donovan and he decided he wanted two sisters. Now growing up they did everything together until Donovan met Landon and decided with Madison that they wouldn't tell Charlotte about them being in love because they didn't think she could handle it. Well she came home with Madison and when she saw Donavan and Landon having sex in the living room and when she realized she was the only one who didn't know she was really hurt and she left to stay in a hotel. The lady at the hotel thought Charlotte needed a friend so she had her son Jackson who is a cop check on her. The attraction was instant and Charlotte is finally feeling better but in the meantime Madison is self destructing with Avery and she ends up in the hospital but not before telling Charlotte they aren't sisters anymore. There's a lot of heartache and soul searching in this book and the way the characters come together is fantastic!
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon a Alpha

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Finding Salvation in exchange for an honest review.
This book was intense and complex with well developed characters. I loved the relationship between Charlotte, Madison, and Donovan. The situations and angst felt real and i was completely immersed into this world. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless and most likely in tears. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see more from these two.

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride of emotions. Family isn't always blood and that is certainly the case for Charlotte and Madison who meet in a foster care group home and then are adopted as teenagers by the same family. This is a book of ups and downs but in the end family always sticks together and gets you through the hard times. It's not an easy ready by any means, but I couldn't put it down and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

[Sherre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Finding Salvation by Elizabeth Hayes and Ashley Taylor. The contrast of the relationship between Madison and Charlotte was gut wrenching at times but I felt it was a realistic take on living life after being raised in foster homes. Their journey to give in to love, not only from someone, but for each other, was the best part of the book. Their story will have you laughing, crying and mad as fire. This is well worth reading.

[Beth Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roller coaster of emotions. Twists and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat of what is next to come. At the beginning I didn't like Madison and goody two shoes Charlotte. But as the story progresses, their bond is stronger of what life throws at them. Even though they are not blood related they are truly sisters.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has multiple POVs and twists & turns. Soo many things happen and if you blink your eye you might miss it. The characters are likeable and there are some funny moments. I'll give the second book a try.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two girls find out they have a similar past but are take in by a family & given the best life ever. When they grow up will they go down a bad road or will they continue on with great interest & intentions

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. I liked the story as well as the characters. There was a lot going on, I would have preferred a bit more character development. The story did hold my interest with lots of drama and emotions.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay but not really my cut of tea. The format and editing errors threw me at first but once I adjusted it was fine. It just took me a little longer to finish.

The ending really tore me up however the ending was rushed.