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Silver Springs #1
Finding Our Forever
New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak welcomes readers to the town of Silver Springs, where surprises wait around every corner!
The search for her birth mother brought Cora Kelly to the New Horizons Boys Ranch. Getting a job there was easy enough, but confiding in Aiyana, the ranch's owner, that she's really her daughter? Cora's not sure she can do that, not unless she's confident the news will be welcomed. And once she gets to know Elijah Turner--Aiyana's adopted son and ranch manager--that decision becomes even more difficult.
Although Elijah can't deny his deep attraction to Cora, he's always struggled with trust. Anyone with his past would, and there's something about the ranch's newest employee that isn't exactly as it seems. But if the feelings she awakes in his guarded heart are any indication, she might be just what he's long been waiting for.
The search for her birth mother brought Cora Kelly to the New Horizons Boys Ranch. Getting a job there was easy enough, but confiding in Aiyana, the ranch's owner, that she's really her daughter? Cora's not sure she can do that, not unless she's confident the news will be welcomed. And once she gets to know Elijah Turner--Aiyana's adopted son and ranch manager--that decision becomes even more difficult.
Although Elijah can't deny his deep attraction to Cora, he's always struggled with trust. Anyone with his past would, and there's something about the ranch's newest employee that isn't exactly as it seems. But if the feelings she awakes in his guarded heart are any indication, she might be just what he's long been waiting for.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
1339 people are currently reading
4152 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
239 books7,006 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 661 reviews
June 1, 2017
Cora gets a job at New Horizon ranch, a boarding school for boys with behavioral problems after tracking down her birth mother, Aiyana, and finding out she runs it there and that there is a position open for an art teacher. Things get even more complicated when she can't seem to stay away from Aiyana's adopted son Eli, who comes with plenty of baggage of his own. I don't have much to say, nothing was really bad about this book. I was into it and enjoyed it, and it's a solid romance book, just what you expect and want from any romance novel. It wasn't overtly cheesy though which so many romance books are so that was nice too. A pleasant way to spend my Sunday really.
April 13, 2017
Sad day! My first disappointing read by Brenda Novak :( Her writing style is still fabulous, but geez, I sure missed the romantic storyline she is so well known for, and always has me coming back for more.
July 29, 2017
Art teacher Cora Kelly accepts a position at the New Horizons Boys Ranch for the sole purpose of getting to know the director, Aiyana Turner, who happens to be her biological mother. Cora hasn't told her adopted family nor Aiyana of her discovery. She has her reasons but things start to get complicated when she and Elijah Turner, Aiyana's adopted grown son, become "involved."
It's an interesting story as Cora tries to figure out who Aiyana is and why she gave her up when she later adopted so many others. Cora's relationship with Elijah develops pretty naturally even though it creates some serious ethical issues for her. It was easy to judge her for keeping her secret so long but just as easy to understand why she delayed telling everyone. I liked how the issues related to adopted children seeking out their biological parents were addressed, presenting all sides of those affected.
The narrator did a wonder job of distinguishing the characters and I liked how she chose to handle the male roles. No over exaggerating but you could hear the shifts. I'll definitely look for more by this narrator.
I enjoyed this story and the introduction to the series, as well as the small town and community of Silver Springs. While there wasn't a lot of drama, there were lots of realistic issues and dilemmas to keep me hooked. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
It's an interesting story as Cora tries to figure out who Aiyana is and why she gave her up when she later adopted so many others. Cora's relationship with Elijah develops pretty naturally even though it creates some serious ethical issues for her. It was easy to judge her for keeping her secret so long but just as easy to understand why she delayed telling everyone. I liked how the issues related to adopted children seeking out their biological parents were addressed, presenting all sides of those affected.
The narrator did a wonder job of distinguishing the characters and I liked how she chose to handle the male roles. No over exaggerating but you could hear the shifts. I'll definitely look for more by this narrator.
I enjoyed this story and the introduction to the series, as well as the small town and community of Silver Springs. While there wasn't a lot of drama, there were lots of realistic issues and dilemmas to keep me hooked. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
Finding Our Forever is a story about a young woman trying to discover her past. After spending a lot of time and effort to find her biological mother, Cora learns that her mother owns a school for troubled boys.
Hoping that she could form a relationship with her mother, Cora accepts a job as an art teacher at the school. She wants to know how and why this wonderful woman gave up her baby daughter.
During the time at Silver Springs, Cora also develops a romantic relationship with Eli. Eli is a manager at the ranch, and he is also one of the sons adopted by Cora's mother.
As Cora searches for the truth, she has an inner battle with herself. She doesn't know if she should reveal her true identity, and she also tries not to hurt her loving adoptive parents.
I loved the characters and the plot. It's a sweet romance without a lot of drama. I just wish the story touched a little bit more on Eli. I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
Finding Our Forever is a story about a young woman trying to discover her past. After spending a lot of time and effort to find her biological mother, Cora learns that her mother owns a school for troubled boys.
Hoping that she could form a relationship with her mother, Cora accepts a job as an art teacher at the school. She wants to know how and why this wonderful woman gave up her baby daughter.
During the time at Silver Springs, Cora also develops a romantic relationship with Eli. Eli is a manager at the ranch, and he is also one of the sons adopted by Cora's mother.
As Cora searches for the truth, she has an inner battle with herself. She doesn't know if she should reveal her true identity, and she also tries not to hurt her loving adoptive parents.
I loved the characters and the plot. It's a sweet romance without a lot of drama. I just wish the story touched a little bit more on Eli. I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
July 29, 2017
I feel like I have not read such a low-stress, low-drama romance book in such a long time.
There are conflicts in this book, but everything is handled quite efficiently. I am not a fan of the “extended secrecy” trope, but it actually works out here because all the characters are so mature about everything.
Like, I’m not even annoyed at a main or side character. This is such a weird feeling for me. LOL.
Cora – I find everything she has said and done to be in the realm of “it makes sense.” There is not a single action that she did where I was like, “Wait. What? Why would you do that? So stupid.” Everything she does has a reason. I cannot fault her in any way with how she goes about trying to get to know her biological mother. In other areas too, she seems cool. I would have liked to read more about her work – teaching the students and her love for art, but I understand that the plot is more focused on her relationship with Elijah and her biological mother.
A+++++ to the main guy, Elijah. He is so nice – to the boys he helps at the school, to his family whom he is close to, and to Cora. I was somewhat worried because the first things we see in him are: baggage, past trauma, and a resolution to not get committed or attached to a person. That spells problem and a bunch of headaches for the protagonist (and for the readers), right? Well, nope, those things didn’t affect his character in a negative way. I mean he gets sad, but it doesn’t change his present character in a monstrous way. He’s a good guy. He has trust issues and he gets vulnerable, but he handles his problems in a “healthy” way. I have not seen him mistreat Cora at all, and really, by the end of this book, I cannot help but admire how incredibly sweet and supportive he is.
There is one big plot twist in this book, and it definitely caught me off guard .
My only real complaint about this book is that when the secret is out, everything went by so quick and I think it lacked the punch that it could have had, considering how we have been waiting for the secret to come out since the beginning. I love the low-drama of this book, but here, especially for such a crucial moment – perhaps it was TOO smooth. Like when I reached the epilogue, I didn’t even realize I was already there because I was expecting to read more about the characters and what just happened.
Overall, it’s a solid book. Solid girl. Solid guy. Solid romance. Solid characters all-around. Everything is wrapped up in a pretty, neat bow – if you’re into that (which I am). The ending could have been more impactful, sure, but I thought the ending was still heartwarming. I’m definitely going to continue on with this series. This has become one of my favorites from Brenda Novak’s books so far. 3.5 stars.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Humor?
Tears-worthy?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
------------
Buddy read with Rose~~❤️
There are conflicts in this book, but everything is handled quite efficiently. I am not a fan of the “extended secrecy” trope, but it actually works out here because all the characters are so mature about everything.
Like, I’m not even annoyed at a main or side character. This is such a weird feeling for me. LOL.
Cora – I find everything she has said and done to be in the realm of “it makes sense.” There is not a single action that she did where I was like, “Wait. What? Why would you do that? So stupid.” Everything she does has a reason. I cannot fault her in any way with how she goes about trying to get to know her biological mother. In other areas too, she seems cool. I would have liked to read more about her work – teaching the students and her love for art, but I understand that the plot is more focused on her relationship with Elijah and her biological mother.
A+++++ to the main guy, Elijah. He is so nice – to the boys he helps at the school, to his family whom he is close to, and to Cora. I was somewhat worried because the first things we see in him are: baggage, past trauma, and a resolution to not get committed or attached to a person. That spells problem and a bunch of headaches for the protagonist (and for the readers), right? Well, nope, those things didn’t affect his character in a negative way. I mean he gets sad, but it doesn’t change his present character in a monstrous way. He’s a good guy. He has trust issues and he gets vulnerable, but he handles his problems in a “healthy” way. I have not seen him mistreat Cora at all, and really, by the end of this book, I cannot help but admire how incredibly sweet and supportive he is.
There is one big plot twist in this book, and it definitely caught me off guard .
My only real complaint about this book is that when the secret is out, everything went by so quick and I think it lacked the punch that it could have had, considering how we have been waiting for the secret to come out since the beginning. I love the low-drama of this book, but here, especially for such a crucial moment – perhaps it was TOO smooth. Like when I reached the epilogue, I didn’t even realize I was already there because I was expecting to read more about the characters and what just happened.
Overall, it’s a solid book. Solid girl. Solid guy. Solid romance. Solid characters all-around. Everything is wrapped up in a pretty, neat bow – if you’re into that (which I am). The ending could have been more impactful, sure, but I thought the ending was still heartwarming. I’m definitely going to continue on with this series. This has become one of my favorites from Brenda Novak’s books so far. 3.5 stars.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Humor?
Tears-worthy?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
------------
Buddy read with Rose~~❤️
March 23, 2017
Cora was given up for adoption as a baby. Now after years of searching she has managed to find her birth mother working as the head mistress at a school for boys with behavioral issues. She applies for a job at the school as their new art teacher hoping to find some answers but keeping her secrets proves very difficult with her growing attraction to Elijah, her mother's adopted son.
So this is a romance about a woman who was abandoned as a child, a man who suffered horrendous abuse as a child (which doesn't seem to have affected him at all) a mother (who in all honesty should be named MacGuffin), set at a school (with no students).
The hand of god resolves everything and shoulder angels (in the form of the protagonists' friends and siblings) also show up and have their say.
It's a long way from Brenda Novak's best...it's not even on the same planet. I'll forget it all by Friday but I still enjoyed it for what it is. Entertaining fluff.
So this is a romance about a woman who was abandoned as a child, a man who suffered horrendous abuse as a child (which doesn't seem to have affected him at all) a mother (who in all honesty should be named MacGuffin), set at a school (with no students).
The hand of god resolves everything and shoulder angels (in the form of the protagonists' friends and siblings) also show up and have their say.
It's a long way from Brenda Novak's best...it's not even on the same planet. I'll forget it all by Friday but I still enjoyed it for what it is. Entertaining fluff.
March 26, 2017
Finding Our Forever
Brenda Novak
Received from Netgalley
FINDING OUR FOREVER is book one in the new series, Silver Springs by Brenda Novak. It is the story of Cora who is searching for her birth mother. Not because her adoptive parents were mean to her or anything like that. She always felt loved and wanted growing up. But she has always felt something was missing, a piece of her heart maybe. When she hires a private detective to find her mother, she learns that her mother runs a school for troubled boys. Cora accepts a job at the school, never telling anyone why she is there, and prepares to be the new art teacher. She is there to learn a little about her mother and maybe to find out why she gave her up. Her job is only for a year and then she will leave, never revealing who she is. She just hadn't planned on falling in love with her mother's adoptive son Eli.
FINDING OUR FOREVER will have the same effect on you that all of Brenda's stories do. Once you start reading, you will not be able to stop. Putting down FINDING OUR FOREVER is going to be very hard for you, as it was for me. Brenda Novak takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride and she never lets you go. The elephant in the room whenever Cora is anywhere near her birth mother, will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting and worrying. Will Aiyana ever learn the truth about Cora? Will Eli for that matter? You are going to be flipping the pages rapidly waiting for Cora to tell her secret, trust me.
Silver Springs is going to be an awesome series and all the characters Brenda Novak introduces you to in FINDING OUR FOREVER, hopefully will be in the future stories. Once I started reading this heart tugging story, my heart was all about Cora. I know she felt a bit jealous by the relationship that Eli had with Aiyana. Why couldn't she have that closeness with her mom the way he did? Will anyone ever get their happy ending? My emotions were all over the place, one minute giggling, one minute crying. I have only read Brenda Novak once before this and it was just a novella, but after reading FINDING OUR FOREVER I'm going to go back and read her other series, Whiskey Creek. The next book in this series, NO ONE BUT YOU will be out in June and I just hope I can wait that long!
Brenda Novak
Received from Netgalley
FINDING OUR FOREVER is book one in the new series, Silver Springs by Brenda Novak. It is the story of Cora who is searching for her birth mother. Not because her adoptive parents were mean to her or anything like that. She always felt loved and wanted growing up. But she has always felt something was missing, a piece of her heart maybe. When she hires a private detective to find her mother, she learns that her mother runs a school for troubled boys. Cora accepts a job at the school, never telling anyone why she is there, and prepares to be the new art teacher. She is there to learn a little about her mother and maybe to find out why she gave her up. Her job is only for a year and then she will leave, never revealing who she is. She just hadn't planned on falling in love with her mother's adoptive son Eli.
FINDING OUR FOREVER will have the same effect on you that all of Brenda's stories do. Once you start reading, you will not be able to stop. Putting down FINDING OUR FOREVER is going to be very hard for you, as it was for me. Brenda Novak takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride and she never lets you go. The elephant in the room whenever Cora is anywhere near her birth mother, will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting and worrying. Will Aiyana ever learn the truth about Cora? Will Eli for that matter? You are going to be flipping the pages rapidly waiting for Cora to tell her secret, trust me.
Silver Springs is going to be an awesome series and all the characters Brenda Novak introduces you to in FINDING OUR FOREVER, hopefully will be in the future stories. Once I started reading this heart tugging story, my heart was all about Cora. I know she felt a bit jealous by the relationship that Eli had with Aiyana. Why couldn't she have that closeness with her mom the way he did? Will anyone ever get their happy ending? My emotions were all over the place, one minute giggling, one minute crying. I have only read Brenda Novak once before this and it was just a novella, but after reading FINDING OUR FOREVER I'm going to go back and read her other series, Whiskey Creek. The next book in this series, NO ONE BUT YOU will be out in June and I just hope I can wait that long!
November 5, 2017
There is so much good about this book. First and foremost the wonderful writing that is always evident in a Brenda Novak offering. Every book I have ever read of hers feels real and never allows the usual (and often expected and predictable) to enter the storyline. There is always a wonderful and sensitive feel. In this story it is particularly evident in the adoption storyline. I kept assuming the usual huge conflict that hovered on the horizon would happen. I should have know better! One can never guess the direction this author's stories will take!
The problem I had was in the romance area and that really surprised me. Her romances usually carry incredible depth and feeling. This one doesn't. In fact we never get to see Cora and Eli's relationship develop at all! From the very first moment they meet it is strictly set up as a "physical only" (ei sex only) relationship that will end at some point. And, that's the only thing we see - their sexual relationship. For some that might be fine but for those of us that expect to actually see the growth and development of more than just physical hook-ups, it is a big disappointment. How did they fall in love? They never even talked or got to know each other outside the bedroom (at least we never see it). Every single time they see each other it is immediate sparks, sex, then "see ya". Then suddenly, they are in love! Uh.... no. That's just lust (and a good helping of it!)
I was also annoyed at Cora's decision not to include her parents in what she is doing. Even if it would be hard for them, not telling them just seems so much more hurtful. Still, the twists and turns of this thread in the story were so well done that even with the drawbacks I closed the book happy.
The problem I had was in the romance area and that really surprised me. Her romances usually carry incredible depth and feeling. This one doesn't. In fact we never get to see Cora and Eli's relationship develop at all! From the very first moment they meet it is strictly set up as a "physical only" (ei sex only) relationship that will end at some point. And, that's the only thing we see - their sexual relationship. For some that might be fine but for those of us that expect to actually see the growth and development of more than just physical hook-ups, it is a big disappointment. How did they fall in love? They never even talked or got to know each other outside the bedroom (at least we never see it). Every single time they see each other it is immediate sparks, sex, then "see ya". Then suddenly, they are in love! Uh.... no. That's just lust (and a good helping of it!)
I was also annoyed at Cora's decision not to include her parents in what she is doing. Even if it would be hard for them, not telling them just seems so much more hurtful. Still, the twists and turns of this thread in the story were so well done that even with the drawbacks I closed the book happy.
March 15, 2017
Thanks to Brenda Novak for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am happy to say that Brenda Novak has another great series started with a cast of potential characters for books to come. Cora Kelly has had a great life with her adopted parents and adopted brother. But she has always wondered who her mother was and why she did not keep her. After researching and hiring a private detective, she was able to find her mother. Aiyana Turner has devoted her life to New Horizons Boys Ranch, a ranch where troubled boys can live and get a well rounded education. Cora is able to get a job as an art teacher at the school. She wants to be able to live close to Aiyana and get to know her, whether or not she lets her know that she is her daughter. Elijah Turner is one of eight boys that Aiyana has adopted over the twenty years that she has owned the ranch and is the person who hired Cora. Her parents don't know that Cora has found her mother and that is why she is working on the ranch. They are concerned that she will be unhappy living in a small area away from LA but she assured them it is only for a school year if she is unhappy.
Cora is caught in a situation that is pulling her in different directions. She doesn't want to hurt her parents but she has a strong desire to know her mother and understand why she would give her away only to later adopt eight other children. She and Elijah are attracted to each other and she feels like she needs to stay away from him since she is not being truthful about why she is there but she is not able to stay away from him nor he from her. She is afraid that he would be unhappy if he knew why she was there. And how would Aiyana react. She is in a no win situation. I was felt her frustration with her situation knowing she didn't want to hurt anyone but it seemed someone or everyone could get hurt by her search for a relationship with her biological mother. A relationship should be built on honesty and not lies. An old boyfriend shows up and causes problems when she lets him know it is over. It seems like an impossible happy ending. A great read that I happily recommend.
I am happy to say that Brenda Novak has another great series started with a cast of potential characters for books to come. Cora Kelly has had a great life with her adopted parents and adopted brother. But she has always wondered who her mother was and why she did not keep her. After researching and hiring a private detective, she was able to find her mother. Aiyana Turner has devoted her life to New Horizons Boys Ranch, a ranch where troubled boys can live and get a well rounded education. Cora is able to get a job as an art teacher at the school. She wants to be able to live close to Aiyana and get to know her, whether or not she lets her know that she is her daughter. Elijah Turner is one of eight boys that Aiyana has adopted over the twenty years that she has owned the ranch and is the person who hired Cora. Her parents don't know that Cora has found her mother and that is why she is working on the ranch. They are concerned that she will be unhappy living in a small area away from LA but she assured them it is only for a school year if she is unhappy.
Cora is caught in a situation that is pulling her in different directions. She doesn't want to hurt her parents but she has a strong desire to know her mother and understand why she would give her away only to later adopt eight other children. She and Elijah are attracted to each other and she feels like she needs to stay away from him since she is not being truthful about why she is there but she is not able to stay away from him nor he from her. She is afraid that he would be unhappy if he knew why she was there. And how would Aiyana react. She is in a no win situation. I was felt her frustration with her situation knowing she didn't want to hurt anyone but it seemed someone or everyone could get hurt by her search for a relationship with her biological mother. A relationship should be built on honesty and not lies. An old boyfriend shows up and causes problems when she lets him know it is over. It seems like an impossible happy ending. A great read that I happily recommend.
April 20, 2017
Cora has just moved to the town of Silver Springs California, hoping to start a new life with a new job teaching art. She's teaching a a school for troubled boys called, New Horizons and Cora is really drawn to its founder Aiyana. Besides the teaching job, Cora has other reasons to be in Silver Springs. Will she be able to find the answers she is looking for, or will the decisions she makes along the way hinder her ability to discover the truth about herself?
While I have many Brenda Novak books on my Kindle, this is the first of her titles that I have actually read. I was drawn to this book initially because of its setting of Silver Springs, the town I live in is called Silver Spring. I was even more drawn to the book by the characters because I have members of my immediate family with similar names to the characters in the book.
Cora Kelly was adopted 28 years ago. Since that time she has been on a quest to find her mother and find out why. She loves her adoptive parents wholeheartedly, but still has a desire to know where she comes from. Her birth mother was at a reasonable age to keep a child, 21, so what were the circumstances that made her decide that adoption was the best idea, especially since in her investigation she finds out that her birth mother has adopted several children over the years.
This was a very compelling story. It drew me in immediately and I couldn't put it down. I read it in just a few hours over a couple of days. I can't imagine what it would be like to not know your birth parents. And then searching your whole life to find them, with a closed adoption. In Cora's quest to find all this information, she falls in love and faces conflict with her adoptive parents. It's a great story for everyone who likes a little romance in their lives.
If you enjoy Ms. Novak's books, consider joining her book club on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/brend...
While I have many Brenda Novak books on my Kindle, this is the first of her titles that I have actually read. I was drawn to this book initially because of its setting of Silver Springs, the town I live in is called Silver Spring. I was even more drawn to the book by the characters because I have members of my immediate family with similar names to the characters in the book.
Cora Kelly was adopted 28 years ago. Since that time she has been on a quest to find her mother and find out why. She loves her adoptive parents wholeheartedly, but still has a desire to know where she comes from. Her birth mother was at a reasonable age to keep a child, 21, so what were the circumstances that made her decide that adoption was the best idea, especially since in her investigation she finds out that her birth mother has adopted several children over the years.
This was a very compelling story. It drew me in immediately and I couldn't put it down. I read it in just a few hours over a couple of days. I can't imagine what it would be like to not know your birth parents. And then searching your whole life to find them, with a closed adoption. In Cora's quest to find all this information, she falls in love and faces conflict with her adoptive parents. It's a great story for everyone who likes a little romance in their lives.
If you enjoy Ms. Novak's books, consider joining her book club on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/brend...
March 20, 2017
Arc received in return for an honest review.
I thoroughly have been entertained whilst reading Finding Our FOrever, by Brenda Novak. She has a way of enrapturing you into the story, getting to know the main characters along with the others within the story.
As with her other stories, once you open the book you NEED to know what happens next. Whether its a small town romance, or dark thriller. You get taken on an emotional journey, as you discover the unfolding story.
I loved Cora and Elijah, they both had big secrets, and histories preventing them both to open up and accept what they had. They both tried to ward the other off, but both let their defences down and the attraction was too strong to be ignored. nd whilst I thought this would go so horribly wrong, the secrets were hidden until things were needed to be divulged.
I thought the school setting was great, added an air of mystery, as to why make a decision to give up your child, then to go on and help as many as you could, but with very good reason, as we find out. It made me appreciate Aiyana so much more.
Cora was a very caring person, who worried about hiding secrets, but dealt with the situations with compassion and thoughfullness. She really wanted answers but did not want to hurt anyone in the process of finding out the truth, especially her adoptive parents Lilly and Brad, they were really lovely and had a strong loving bond with her.
Eli was very reserved and was shocked with how his feelings for Cora moved along.
They were so well suited, they will make a great team with the futures of the boys at the school.
I can't wait to see if we get more of all the main characters as wer learn more about the other occupants of Silver Springs.
No couple has an easy straight forward path to happiness, and Cora and Eli are testament to that, they did have an understanding of each other, when to push and when to leave!
A story of love against the odds, of trust and friendships, kindless and compassion with lots of lovely sexiness.
This had me gripped, didn't want to put it down, imagine a warm comfortable room, with a large glass of wine to help this story shine and come to life through the pages.
I thoroughly have been entertained whilst reading Finding Our FOrever, by Brenda Novak. She has a way of enrapturing you into the story, getting to know the main characters along with the others within the story.
As with her other stories, once you open the book you NEED to know what happens next. Whether its a small town romance, or dark thriller. You get taken on an emotional journey, as you discover the unfolding story.
I loved Cora and Elijah, they both had big secrets, and histories preventing them both to open up and accept what they had. They both tried to ward the other off, but both let their defences down and the attraction was too strong to be ignored. nd whilst I thought this would go so horribly wrong, the secrets were hidden until things were needed to be divulged.
I thought the school setting was great, added an air of mystery, as to why make a decision to give up your child, then to go on and help as many as you could, but with very good reason, as we find out. It made me appreciate Aiyana so much more.
Cora was a very caring person, who worried about hiding secrets, but dealt with the situations with compassion and thoughfullness. She really wanted answers but did not want to hurt anyone in the process of finding out the truth, especially her adoptive parents Lilly and Brad, they were really lovely and had a strong loving bond with her.
Eli was very reserved and was shocked with how his feelings for Cora moved along.
They were so well suited, they will make a great team with the futures of the boys at the school.
I can't wait to see if we get more of all the main characters as wer learn more about the other occupants of Silver Springs.
No couple has an easy straight forward path to happiness, and Cora and Eli are testament to that, they did have an understanding of each other, when to push and when to leave!
A story of love against the odds, of trust and friendships, kindless and compassion with lots of lovely sexiness.
This had me gripped, didn't want to put it down, imagine a warm comfortable room, with a large glass of wine to help this story shine and come to life through the pages.
April 1, 2017
3.5 stars
Finding Our Forever is a romance, yes, but it’s also a story of overcoming the worst of the worst and learning to trust someone else with your heart. It’s a story of letting your past refine you, rather than define you. And it’s a story about the difference we can make in even just one person that feels truly loved.
Eli suffered horrible abuse at the hands of the people who were supposed to love him, so naturally his heart stays pretty closed off to being vulnerable. Cora is on a quest to learn more about her birth mother, and her attraction to Eli complicates matters – especially considering that he’s the birth mother’s adopted son. I have to admit that I had to separate that last fact out and quarantine it while I read their story. Cora and Eli falling in love is sweet and full of emotion as they each learn to trust the other with their heart, but considering that they were technically brother and sister for all intents and purposes? Though not blood related, it still was too icky for me.
Bottom Line: With likable characters and a compelling storyline, Finding Our Forever tugs at the heart. Great for fans of Susan Mallery or RaeAnne Thayne, it’s a sweet and sizzling romance with an inspiring plot. Eli especially works his way in to your heart, and you’ll find yourself rooting for a happily ever after!
Reviewer’s Note: Readers need to be aware that there is some mild language in this book, as well as scenes of an intimate nature that were more graphic than I usually review.
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Finding Our Forever is a romance, yes, but it’s also a story of overcoming the worst of the worst and learning to trust someone else with your heart. It’s a story of letting your past refine you, rather than define you. And it’s a story about the difference we can make in even just one person that feels truly loved.
Eli suffered horrible abuse at the hands of the people who were supposed to love him, so naturally his heart stays pretty closed off to being vulnerable. Cora is on a quest to learn more about her birth mother, and her attraction to Eli complicates matters – especially considering that he’s the birth mother’s adopted son. I have to admit that I had to separate that last fact out and quarantine it while I read their story. Cora and Eli falling in love is sweet and full of emotion as they each learn to trust the other with their heart, but considering that they were technically brother and sister for all intents and purposes? Though not blood related, it still was too icky for me.
Bottom Line: With likable characters and a compelling storyline, Finding Our Forever tugs at the heart. Great for fans of Susan Mallery or RaeAnne Thayne, it’s a sweet and sizzling romance with an inspiring plot. Eli especially works his way in to your heart, and you’ll find yourself rooting for a happily ever after!
Reviewer’s Note: Readers need to be aware that there is some mild language in this book, as well as scenes of an intimate nature that were more graphic than I usually review.
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 15, 2018
Starting off to be a good series!
October 26, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
Starting a new series by a author that you really enjoy their prior series is hard. It might be easier if I was caught up in with that other series but of course I'm not. I really shouldn't have started this one yet until I was done with her prior series but....I couldn't help myself. I waited this long so that has to count for something.
Finding Our Forever is the start to her new series and I have to tell you when I started it was like...what!!! I knew right away this was going to be a emotional story, how could it not be what with Cora being adopted and looking for her birth mother.
I must tell you I don't if I could have handled it all as well as she did. If I found out what my birth mother had been doing since she gave me away I think I would have been livid. Of course how good would the story be if she didn't like I felt? The story would have been over before it happened.
I feel that Novak handled it all very well. Sure, it wasn't total smooth sailing because nothing is, but anger didn't over shadow the love story and Cora's future with both her birth mother and Elijah.
I really enjoyed both characters and couldn't put the book down until I finished it. It's was the perfect series starter. I really can't wait to dive into the other books in the series. Maybe I'll go back and finish her other series first since I'm pretty far behind on it.
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Starting a new series by a author that you really enjoy their prior series is hard. It might be easier if I was caught up in with that other series but of course I'm not. I really shouldn't have started this one yet until I was done with her prior series but....I couldn't help myself. I waited this long so that has to count for something.
Finding Our Forever is the start to her new series and I have to tell you when I started it was like...what!!! I knew right away this was going to be a emotional story, how could it not be what with Cora being adopted and looking for her birth mother.
I must tell you I don't if I could have handled it all as well as she did. If I found out what my birth mother had been doing since she gave me away I think I would have been livid. Of course how good would the story be if she didn't like I felt? The story would have been over before it happened.
I feel that Novak handled it all very well. Sure, it wasn't total smooth sailing because nothing is, but anger didn't over shadow the love story and Cora's future with both her birth mother and Elijah.
I really enjoyed both characters and couldn't put the book down until I finished it. It's was the perfect series starter. I really can't wait to dive into the other books in the series. Maybe I'll go back and finish her other series first since I'm pretty far behind on it.
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March 12, 2017
Finding Our Forever is Book 1 in Brenda Novak's new Silver Springs series. This book was superb. It was one of those that you want to hurry up and finish because you are so engrossed in the story that you have to know how it all plays out but yet it was just so good that you never want it to end. I loved the banter between Cora and Eli and also with his brothers.
There is a lot of emotion in this book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I'd love to see a story for each of the brothers plus more of a resolution to the relationship between Aiyana and Cal.
There is a lot of emotion in this book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I'd love to see a story for each of the brothers plus more of a resolution to the relationship between Aiyana and Cal.
June 27, 2018
Good book. Cora was adopted, and though she never doubted that she was loved, she always felt that something was missing. As an adult, she put time and effort into finding out who her birth mother was. Though not yet ready to reveal the truth, Cora took a job as an art teacher at the boys school that Aiyana founded and runs. That gives her the chance to get to know her mother. What she didn't count on was the irresistible Elijah.
Elijah is the oldest of Aiyana's adopted sons. He came to New Horizons after being rescued from a horrific home situation. He now helps Aiyana run New Horizons, and is the one who hired Cora as the art teacher. He was drawn to her from the moment they met.
I enjoyed the development of Cora and Elijah's relationship. Both tried to ignore the attraction at first. For Elijah, there is the employer/employee relationship, but more than that, he doesn't do relationships. He's had too many that have ended because he has his emotions closed off. For Cora, she's only planning to be there for a year, but her biggest obstacle is the secret she's keeping about her relationship to Aiyana. Keeping their distance doesn't last long, and they enter a "physical only" relationship. Yeah, we all know how those work out. Pretty soon, Eli and Cora spend as much time together as they can, and those "physical only" lines begin to blur. I really liked how sensitive they each were to the other's pain. Cora got past Eli's walls very quickly, mostly because she was sensitive enough not to push on those occasions when he would open up. It was fun to see Eli's disbelief at how all his beliefs about relationships fall by the wayside. Meanwhile, Cora falls just as hard for Eli but feels guilty that she hasn't told him about Aiyana's connection to her. I loved Eli's big moment, and his belief in and support of Cora.
A big part of the story is Cora's reason for being at New Horizons to start with. I loved Aiyana and what she does for the boys in her care. I liked how easily the two women became friends and ached for Cora and her doubts over the best course of action. Eli's support of Cora at the end was fantastic, as was the thoughtful way he went about helping Cora with her decision. I liked the confession scene, though it felt slightly anti-climactic after all the buildup. The epilogue was sweet.
I liked Eli's brothers and the close relationships among them all. I enjoyed seeing them jerk Eli's chain about his sudden change in attitude. It was sweet to see how they accepted her into their circle, along with their subtle teasing about the bar scene. I hope that there will be stories for them, too.
Elijah is the oldest of Aiyana's adopted sons. He came to New Horizons after being rescued from a horrific home situation. He now helps Aiyana run New Horizons, and is the one who hired Cora as the art teacher. He was drawn to her from the moment they met.
I enjoyed the development of Cora and Elijah's relationship. Both tried to ignore the attraction at first. For Elijah, there is the employer/employee relationship, but more than that, he doesn't do relationships. He's had too many that have ended because he has his emotions closed off. For Cora, she's only planning to be there for a year, but her biggest obstacle is the secret she's keeping about her relationship to Aiyana. Keeping their distance doesn't last long, and they enter a "physical only" relationship. Yeah, we all know how those work out. Pretty soon, Eli and Cora spend as much time together as they can, and those "physical only" lines begin to blur. I really liked how sensitive they each were to the other's pain. Cora got past Eli's walls very quickly, mostly because she was sensitive enough not to push on those occasions when he would open up. It was fun to see Eli's disbelief at how all his beliefs about relationships fall by the wayside. Meanwhile, Cora falls just as hard for Eli but feels guilty that she hasn't told him about Aiyana's connection to her. I loved Eli's big moment, and his belief in and support of Cora.
A big part of the story is Cora's reason for being at New Horizons to start with. I loved Aiyana and what she does for the boys in her care. I liked how easily the two women became friends and ached for Cora and her doubts over the best course of action. Eli's support of Cora at the end was fantastic, as was the thoughtful way he went about helping Cora with her decision. I liked the confession scene, though it felt slightly anti-climactic after all the buildup. The epilogue was sweet.
I liked Eli's brothers and the close relationships among them all. I enjoyed seeing them jerk Eli's chain about his sudden change in attitude. It was sweet to see how they accepted her into their circle, along with their subtle teasing about the bar scene. I hope that there will be stories for them, too.
March 22, 2017
Silver Springs is the beginning of a new series and promises to be as enthralling as the Dundee and Whiskey Creek series that have captivated us before. It has all the warm fuzzies, fabulous characters and page 'turnability' we've come to love in a Novak read.
Cora has a loving family - but she longs to meet her biological mother. She finds her mother owns and runs a school for troubled boys. Cora finds herself accepting a position as the new art teacher to get to know the woman who gave her away and then later adopted a passel of boys who have passed through her school doors.
Cora gets to know one of her mother's adopted boys - and of course the attraction proves to much to resist. But as Eli and Cora get closer, so do Cora and her birth mother. Not revealing her real reasons for being there to her family or the woman who have her up for adoption ends up creating a lot of issues. The deeper she gets into her new life, the harder and harder it becomes to come clean.
Ms. Novak begins her new series with a bang. There is a lot of emotion, mystery, should I or shouldn't I's? I also found myself wondering if I were in Cora's shoes could I or would I want to potentially hurt the family that raised me to discover and uncover the woman who gave me life then gave me away? I am thinking the curiosity would tell me yes, but it's a terrifying line to cross for many reasons, and all of them seem to be explored in this book.
At the end of this book I was so sorry it had ended. I love the characters and would have loved to have spent some more time with them. I tend to feel the ending was a little to neat and rushed for me, but all in all this book had me from page 1. I am curious to see how this series will play out - I am happily awaiting my new series addiction!
Cherise Everhard, March 2017
I received a complementary copy of this book
Cora has a loving family - but she longs to meet her biological mother. She finds her mother owns and runs a school for troubled boys. Cora finds herself accepting a position as the new art teacher to get to know the woman who gave her away and then later adopted a passel of boys who have passed through her school doors.
Cora gets to know one of her mother's adopted boys - and of course the attraction proves to much to resist. But as Eli and Cora get closer, so do Cora and her birth mother. Not revealing her real reasons for being there to her family or the woman who have her up for adoption ends up creating a lot of issues. The deeper she gets into her new life, the harder and harder it becomes to come clean.
Ms. Novak begins her new series with a bang. There is a lot of emotion, mystery, should I or shouldn't I's? I also found myself wondering if I were in Cora's shoes could I or would I want to potentially hurt the family that raised me to discover and uncover the woman who gave me life then gave me away? I am thinking the curiosity would tell me yes, but it's a terrifying line to cross for many reasons, and all of them seem to be explored in this book.
At the end of this book I was so sorry it had ended. I love the characters and would have loved to have spent some more time with them. I tend to feel the ending was a little to neat and rushed for me, but all in all this book had me from page 1. I am curious to see how this series will play out - I am happily awaiting my new series addiction!
Cherise Everhard, March 2017
I received a complementary copy of this book
March 20, 2017
FINDING OUR FOREVER is the first book in a new series by Brenda Novak. Like her Whiskey Creek series it takes place in a fictitious town in California.
New Horizons Boys Ranch, located on the outskirts of town, is a boarding school for troubled teens that Aiyana Turner founded. Aiyana works to do all she can to heal the troubled boys and she even adopted eight of them.
Cora Kelly is the heroine of FiNDING OUR FOREVER. Cora comes to New Horizon as a teacher hoping to get to know Aiyana, who she discovered is her birth mother (she was adopted as a baby.) She goes under false pretenses as she doesn't tell her parents she was trying to meet her birth mother.
Elijah, is the the oldest of Aiyana's sons and is the hero of FINDING OUR FOREVER. Even though he is now in charge of the school, he still struggles with his own issues from his youth. His work with the boys helps him but he still has difficulty with relationships.
Even though she wasn't looking for love, Cora is the perfect match for Elijah, except that she keeps the secret that could ruin things between them.
Their story is tender yet full of pain that threatens to drive them apart, but brings them together for an amazing happily ever after that we can always expect from Brenda Novak romances.
New Horizons Boys Ranch, located on the outskirts of town, is a boarding school for troubled teens that Aiyana Turner founded. Aiyana works to do all she can to heal the troubled boys and she even adopted eight of them.
Cora Kelly is the heroine of FiNDING OUR FOREVER. Cora comes to New Horizon as a teacher hoping to get to know Aiyana, who she discovered is her birth mother (she was adopted as a baby.) She goes under false pretenses as she doesn't tell her parents she was trying to meet her birth mother.
Elijah, is the the oldest of Aiyana's sons and is the hero of FINDING OUR FOREVER. Even though he is now in charge of the school, he still struggles with his own issues from his youth. His work with the boys helps him but he still has difficulty with relationships.
Even though she wasn't looking for love, Cora is the perfect match for Elijah, except that she keeps the secret that could ruin things between them.
Their story is tender yet full of pain that threatens to drive them apart, but brings them together for an amazing happily ever after that we can always expect from Brenda Novak romances.
March 11, 2017
I have been a fan of Ms Novak for years, and consider her a very talented author. That said,I am sorry to say that though I will be in the minority. I just couldn’t get into the story. and that opinion is subjective.
It’s a story about Cora, a young lady who was adopted by a very nice family, but has always felt that something is missing in her life. She has tracked down her birth mother, and is determined to leave her life in LA and get a job in the orphan home her birth mother owns and runs. There she meets Eli, her mother Aiyana’s , adopted son. They have chemistry and even though both have lots of baggage from their childhood, they begin a relationship.
I empathized with Eli, but Cora was one I never got to like. For the most of the story, Cora keeps her secrets, even though relationships deepen and lives will be greatly affected. Eli, was a likable man who had suffered a great deal of abuse as a child and has nor recovered emotionally.
I also felt the last 20% of the book was rushed and when things are revealed it seemed anti-climatic.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
It’s a story about Cora, a young lady who was adopted by a very nice family, but has always felt that something is missing in her life. She has tracked down her birth mother, and is determined to leave her life in LA and get a job in the orphan home her birth mother owns and runs. There she meets Eli, her mother Aiyana’s , adopted son. They have chemistry and even though both have lots of baggage from their childhood, they begin a relationship.
I empathized with Eli, but Cora was one I never got to like. For the most of the story, Cora keeps her secrets, even though relationships deepen and lives will be greatly affected. Eli, was a likable man who had suffered a great deal of abuse as a child and has nor recovered emotionally.
I also felt the last 20% of the book was rushed and when things are revealed it seemed anti-climatic.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 20, 2017
The old question that lives in the mind of almost every adopted young person: why my father/mother didn't keep me?
Cora had this question, despite being happy with her adoptive family.
That's why she leaves to meet her biological mother, Aiyana.
After hiring a detective, Cora decides to leave without telling her adoptive family what her plan was
She also broke up with her boyfriend.
Upon arriving at the New Horizon Boys Ranch, she is applying for the position of Art teacher.
In addition to coming to understand the kind of life her biological mother had, Cora meets Elyjah Turner. In fact, he hired her for the job. Soon they both realize they have a stronger connection.
But, Cora was surrounded by lies in her life, and to complicate matters, her ex-boyfriend decides to appear, making scandal, and complicating the decisions she would have to make.
As always, Ms Novak's books are filled with excitement, dilemmas, happy moments and more sad ones. And when the main character stands at a crossroads over what decision to take, there it is the reader's heart almost stops.
5 stars
Cora had this question, despite being happy with her adoptive family.
That's why she leaves to meet her biological mother, Aiyana.
After hiring a detective, Cora decides to leave without telling her adoptive family what her plan was
She also broke up with her boyfriend.
Upon arriving at the New Horizon Boys Ranch, she is applying for the position of Art teacher.
In addition to coming to understand the kind of life her biological mother had, Cora meets Elyjah Turner. In fact, he hired her for the job. Soon they both realize they have a stronger connection.
But, Cora was surrounded by lies in her life, and to complicate matters, her ex-boyfriend decides to appear, making scandal, and complicating the decisions she would have to make.
As always, Ms Novak's books are filled with excitement, dilemmas, happy moments and more sad ones. And when the main character stands at a crossroads over what decision to take, there it is the reader's heart almost stops.
5 stars
March 22, 2017
Brenda Novak has done it again with the beginning of a new series, Finding Our Forever starts with Cora finding her birth mother who runs a ranch for troubled boys. Cora had a good childhood but felt something was missing, so she sets out to find her birth mother to find out why she was put up for adoption. When she finds her mother, she doesn't tell her who she is because she wants to get to know her before she tells her she is her daughter. Cora ends up as the art teacher at the ranch and finds herself caring for Elijah Turner—Aiyana's adopted son and ranch manager.
Will Cora tell Aiyana, her birth mother, who she really is? Will Cora find what she is looking for? How does her adoptive parents feel about Cora looking for her birth mother? What is going to happen with Cora and Elijah?
Be sure to have plenty of Kleenex handy because Brenda Novak knows how to write a story with all the feels and will leave you a crying mess but you will love her for it in the end. I can't wait for more in this series.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
Will Cora tell Aiyana, her birth mother, who she really is? Will Cora find what she is looking for? How does her adoptive parents feel about Cora looking for her birth mother? What is going to happen with Cora and Elijah?
Be sure to have plenty of Kleenex handy because Brenda Novak knows how to write a story with all the feels and will leave you a crying mess but you will love her for it in the end. I can't wait for more in this series.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
February 24, 2017
Brenda Novak has done it again. The characters and their problems reach out and grab you from the beginning all the way through until the end. This one is a winner and will leave you waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
December 17, 2016
review to be on Joyfully reviewed RR
April 12, 2017
I really wanted to love Finding Our Forever. I loved the idea of the ranch and the school for wayward boys. I was also wanted to love the romance. There is always something about 2 broken people finding love that melts my heart. I was interested enough in the romance between Cora and Elijah to finish out the story. But in the end, I was a bit disappointed.I did like Cora and Elijah together. I loved how she helped him open himself up to love again. But I didn't feel like I got enough of Elijah to really understand his closed off personality. His backstory is mentioned, but how it affected him isn't fully explored.
There were a few other threads that seemed to be just dropped and weren't explored enough. The story takes place on a ranch that is also a school for boys and despite it being talked about several times, the reader is never shown any interaction with Cora or Elijah and the students. I would have liked to see that since such a big deal is made about the school setting. Otherwise, this story could have taken place anywhere. Elijah's interactions (of non-interactions) with his birth mother looked like it could have been a like of conflict, but it never went anywhere.
The main reason for my disappointed really stems from the secret that Cora kept hidden from her birth mother. I was not adopted so I don't want to assume how I would feel, but I ended up having a hard time with how long Cora kept it from Aiyanah. I didn't really buy the reveal. It was just accepted too easily and was kind of anticlimactic and rushed. I think I would have expected more conflict or sense of betrayal. The only honest reaction to her finding her birth mother came from her adoptive parents. That is what I would have expected to happen.
Ultimately, the romance is sweet and I did like their HEA. It's not a bad book, it just didn't have everything I was looking for in it. I'm hoping that in future books we get to see Cal and Aiyanah's relationship blossom further. I also do want to see Elijah's brothers find their HEAs.
There were a few other threads that seemed to be just dropped and weren't explored enough. The story takes place on a ranch that is also a school for boys and despite it being talked about several times, the reader is never shown any interaction with Cora or Elijah and the students. I would have liked to see that since such a big deal is made about the school setting. Otherwise, this story could have taken place anywhere. Elijah's interactions (of non-interactions) with his birth mother looked like it could have been a like of conflict, but it never went anywhere.
The main reason for my disappointed really stems from the secret that Cora kept hidden from her birth mother. I was not adopted so I don't want to assume how I would feel, but I ended up having a hard time with how long Cora kept it from Aiyanah. I didn't really buy the reveal. It was just accepted too easily and was kind of anticlimactic and rushed. I think I would have expected more conflict or sense of betrayal. The only honest reaction to her finding her birth mother came from her adoptive parents. That is what I would have expected to happen.
Ultimately, the romance is sweet and I did like their HEA. It's not a bad book, it just didn't have everything I was looking for in it. I'm hoping that in future books we get to see Cal and Aiyanah's relationship blossom further. I also do want to see Elijah's brothers find their HEAs.
March 20, 2017
Cora Kelly knows she was adopted, and loves her life, but was always curious about her birth parents. Now as an adult she has decided to hire someone to help her investigate who they are. The search uncovers that Aiyana Turner, owner of the New Horizons Boys Ranch is her birth mom and they just happen to have a position for a new art teacher open. Cora applies and gets the job. Now she can interact with her birth mom. What she didn't expect to find was Aiyana's adopted son, Eli. Wow, these two were pure electricity together! HOT-HOT-HOT! Cora is first hesitant to start up anything with Eli because of who he is but she can't help herself. Eli doesn't tend to do relationships either but he is just drawn to Cora. I adored these two. They each provided something the other was missing in their lives. I loved how vulnerable Eli was in regards to Cora. For such a walled off type of guy, Cora quickly broke down that wall!
As Cora and Eli continue their relationship, Cora gets to know Aiyana and really likes her. Just when things are going well, Cora's ex, Matt shows up to shake things up a bit. I really liked the honest discussion that Cora finally had with her parents....it was so heartfelt. Cora gets the best Christmas surprise from Eli and from there things get really interesting. I loved how the story ended. It was truly a perfect ending.
Overall, I loved this book....read it in a day and a half because I couldn't put it down! Great start to this new series and I can't wait for the next book!
As Cora and Eli continue their relationship, Cora gets to know Aiyana and really likes her. Just when things are going well, Cora's ex, Matt shows up to shake things up a bit. I really liked the honest discussion that Cora finally had with her parents....it was so heartfelt. Cora gets the best Christmas surprise from Eli and from there things get really interesting. I loved how the story ended. It was truly a perfect ending.
Overall, I loved this book....read it in a day and a half because I couldn't put it down! Great start to this new series and I can't wait for the next book!
March 21, 2017
I received a digital copy of this book from the author for the purposes of providing an honest review.
I loved the characters, the way none of them were perfect, and they were each imperfect in ways I could recognize and empathize with. The insight into the emotional struggles of an adoptee was illuminating.
I loved the way Cora's reticence to ask Elijah questions about his past actually worked to help him feel more able to share with him - she wasn't pushy, and he liked it. The progression of Cora and Eli's relationship was great, with realistic concerns on both sides.
The pace of the book was perfect, at least until the very end. At that point, once Cora's bio mom's "secret" was out, the push and pull of tell her, don't tell her was resolved much too quickly, and Cora knew exactly what to say to make everything magically okay.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a happily ever after, and the central HEA was satisfying, but the mother/daughter "HEA" came much too easily considering the circumstances, and though the romance was good, I was left feeling a little deflated by the mother/daughter relationship.
Nonetheless, it's a Novak, so definitely worth the read. I'm looking forward to getting to know the other characters and seeing their happily ever afters, particularly Darci. Novak does know how to create a believable small town inhabited by the most interesting and unique characters.
I loved the characters, the way none of them were perfect, and they were each imperfect in ways I could recognize and empathize with. The insight into the emotional struggles of an adoptee was illuminating.
I loved the way Cora's reticence to ask Elijah questions about his past actually worked to help him feel more able to share with him - she wasn't pushy, and he liked it. The progression of Cora and Eli's relationship was great, with realistic concerns on both sides.
The pace of the book was perfect, at least until the very end. At that point, once Cora's bio mom's "secret" was out, the push and pull of tell her, don't tell her was resolved much too quickly, and Cora knew exactly what to say to make everything magically okay.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a happily ever after, and the central HEA was satisfying, but the mother/daughter "HEA" came much too easily considering the circumstances, and though the romance was good, I was left feeling a little deflated by the mother/daughter relationship.
Nonetheless, it's a Novak, so definitely worth the read. I'm looking forward to getting to know the other characters and seeing their happily ever afters, particularly Darci. Novak does know how to create a believable small town inhabited by the most interesting and unique characters.
April 1, 2017
I enjoyed this first book in Brenda Novak's new series. I liked the characters and the plot is unique. Definitely, a worthwhile read. Happy reading!
February 22, 2019
Finding Our Forever is the first book set in Silver Springs and features Cora - she is on a quest for her birth mother and doesn't expect to find love along the way. I enjoyed this story a lot. It was very easy to get sucked into the story and feel like I wanted to visit Silver Springs.
A bit of mystery and a happily-ever-after.
I read this ebook from the library Overdrive system and am sharing my honest review.
A bit of mystery and a happily-ever-after.
I read this ebook from the library Overdrive system and am sharing my honest review.
November 26, 2019
Great book.
March 21, 2017
Brenda Novak has gifted us with another masterpiece. I think this series is going to be just as great as her other ones. One of my favorite things about her books is that she never side-steps difficult topics and situations. She faces them head-on, and does it very well. While Cora's plan to get to know her biological mother seemed kind of deceptive, she had my full support, and it made a fantastic story. This is the kind of thing I love about Novak's writing. She sometimes blurs the lines and puts the characters in to some gray areas. Eli was a great character. He was so well-written, and so complex. Seeing how he felt about things, and why he felt that way was interesting and heartbreaking, and made me love him even more. I want to know more about Silver Springs, so I can't wait for the next book to come out. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
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