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Finding You
Sloan Sawyer's family began to dissolve the day her father died. Fifteen then, Sloan had turned to her mother for comfort, and had been turned away. Now, at eighteen, a senior in high school, Sloan is alone and playing the role of guardian for her fifteen-year-old younger sister, who appears to be set on ruining her own life. Along with trying to save her sister from her destructive decisions,, Sloan is working day and night to get into a prestigious art program, while working out twice a day to try and clinch a state title in swimming-the same state title that her mother had won when she had been Sloan's age. When an incident at school brings her into contact with the new kid, who also happens to be the principal's son, Sloan finds herself beginning one more relationship that she isn't sure she knows how to handle.
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First published April 30, 2010
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261 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Kehoe
15 books150 followersI am the youngest of three daughters and I think this is the reason I enjoy writing about love so much.
I come from a family of high school sweethearts, save myself (thank God), and I have watched how finding love, the real kind, can make a person stronger. My parents have inspired me every day because they found each other at eighteen, got married at nineteen, and never looked back. Now, 35 years later they are still going strong and it makes me realize that love really does aide us in all things.
I write young and new adult books because I think it's the time period in our lives that is the most difficult and I enjoy love stories because we all need hope. Reading about love gives me hope, so I hope my writings about love do the same for any reader who happens to glance at the pages.
I have a daughter, a Great Dane, and a beautiful husband. I love books, coffee, and my family...and shoes. Just saying.
I come from a family of high school sweethearts, save myself (thank God), and I have watched how finding love, the real kind, can make a person stronger. My parents have inspired me every day because they found each other at eighteen, got married at nineteen, and never looked back. Now, 35 years later they are still going strong and it makes me realize that love really does aide us in all things.
I write young and new adult books because I think it's the time period in our lives that is the most difficult and I enjoy love stories because we all need hope. Reading about love gives me hope, so I hope my writings about love do the same for any reader who happens to glance at the pages.
I have a daughter, a Great Dane, and a beautiful husband. I love books, coffee, and my family...and shoes. Just saying.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 11, 2019
Re read October 2019
December 27, 2010
(I gave it a 3 3/4)
This novel follows the life of Sloan Sawyer during her senior year of high school. After her father's death, nothing has been the same. Even worse than the grief felt from this horrible event is the fact that Sloan, by her mother's standards, is an adult and does not need the aid of a mother to get by. So Sloan is left to not only fend for herself, but to take care of her out-of-control younger sister while competitively swimming and applying to a summer art program in Paris. So, needless to say (yet I'll say it anyway), her hands are more than full.
Then Grady comes along. Grady is the good-looking, nice new kid - who just happens to be the principal's son. When a romance starts to bud between the two, it becomes evident that Grady is just as broken as Sloan.
There were somethings I liked about this books, and somethings I didn't. For one, I really liked how each chapter switched point of views. It went between Sloan and Grady, never breaking the pattern. I thought it was refreshing to see the scenes from a different angle, well that and I liked Grady so much more than anyone else. One of the not so great aspects of this novel was the pacing. The beginning was intriguing and I was interested in where Grady and Sloan's relationship would go. However, it quickly became very slow. Luckily, it picked up towards the end and I found myself immersed in the story.
I also found myself enjoying the swimming scenes more than I would have expected. Kristen Kehoe was able to radiate Sloan's feelings very well during these scenes and I started to get it. It was one of those things where you understand Sloan in the way that you get why she is feeling this way, yet you don't really get how she is feeling. I found that Sloan is like on of those little pill like things that grow in water - put the girl in a pool and feelings fly off the pages and into the reader's body (that sounds like a really lame analogy, but it's true).
If you like realistic, contemporary fiction (especially if you're into art or swimming), this book is worth a shot. However, if you're into sci-fi/action/fantasy or other fast paced books, I'd say simply pick up another novel. That is not because this one is bad, per se, but I don't think that type of reader would enjoy it. I have alot of respect for authors, especially self published, and I don't like when people trash books because they weren't right for them. (Sorry to rant, I just felt the need to justify my recommendation).
Overall, I found this book enjoyable. Some parts were slow, but I liked most of the parts that weren't. Plus, there were lots of Twilight jokes (Pro- Twilight jokes, so sorry Twilight haters), which I found amusing. It was evident in certain scenes that Ms. Kehoe knew make the reader feel what she wanted them to feel. I found myself tearing up at some parts and laughing at others.
(See my review in all of its glory here:http://ilikethesebooks.blogspot.com/2... )
This novel follows the life of Sloan Sawyer during her senior year of high school. After her father's death, nothing has been the same. Even worse than the grief felt from this horrible event is the fact that Sloan, by her mother's standards, is an adult and does not need the aid of a mother to get by. So Sloan is left to not only fend for herself, but to take care of her out-of-control younger sister while competitively swimming and applying to a summer art program in Paris. So, needless to say (yet I'll say it anyway), her hands are more than full.
Then Grady comes along. Grady is the good-looking, nice new kid - who just happens to be the principal's son. When a romance starts to bud between the two, it becomes evident that Grady is just as broken as Sloan.
There were somethings I liked about this books, and somethings I didn't. For one, I really liked how each chapter switched point of views. It went between Sloan and Grady, never breaking the pattern. I thought it was refreshing to see the scenes from a different angle, well that and I liked Grady so much more than anyone else. One of the not so great aspects of this novel was the pacing. The beginning was intriguing and I was interested in where Grady and Sloan's relationship would go. However, it quickly became very slow. Luckily, it picked up towards the end and I found myself immersed in the story.
I also found myself enjoying the swimming scenes more than I would have expected. Kristen Kehoe was able to radiate Sloan's feelings very well during these scenes and I started to get it. It was one of those things where you understand Sloan in the way that you get why she is feeling this way, yet you don't really get how she is feeling. I found that Sloan is like on of those little pill like things that grow in water - put the girl in a pool and feelings fly off the pages and into the reader's body (that sounds like a really lame analogy, but it's true).
If you like realistic, contemporary fiction (especially if you're into art or swimming), this book is worth a shot. However, if you're into sci-fi/action/fantasy or other fast paced books, I'd say simply pick up another novel. That is not because this one is bad, per se, but I don't think that type of reader would enjoy it. I have alot of respect for authors, especially self published, and I don't like when people trash books because they weren't right for them. (Sorry to rant, I just felt the need to justify my recommendation).
Overall, I found this book enjoyable. Some parts were slow, but I liked most of the parts that weren't. Plus, there were lots of Twilight jokes (Pro- Twilight jokes, so sorry Twilight haters), which I found amusing. It was evident in certain scenes that Ms. Kehoe knew make the reader feel what she wanted them to feel. I found myself tearing up at some parts and laughing at others.
(See my review in all of its glory here:http://ilikethesebooks.blogspot.com/2... )
October 30, 2018
Young adult, contemporary romance
Eighteen-year-old Sloan had an ideal family until her father's death three years earlier, when grief at the tragedy tore her family apart. Her formerly involved mother became cold and distant, spending more and more time away from their home in Lake Tahoe, commuting to a job as an attorney in San Francisco to avoid living at the scene of her loss, and ultimately moving out of the house entirely early in the current school year. As a result of her mother's abandonment, Sloan has felt impelled to act as a substitute parent to her anxious, depressed, fifteen-year-old sister, who has recently begun skipping school, staying out half the night drinking, and engaging in underage sex with a callous, egotistical jock who broke Sloan's heart two years before. In the midst of Sloan's increasing despair at her inability to save her sister and her mother's refusal to admit there is a problem, a new student shows up in Sloan's senior class, the principal's handsome son, Grady. Sloan is too emotionally exhausted for romance, but kind, sensitive Grady proves impossible to resist.
Both Sloan and Grady are highly sympathetic protagonists, filled with compassion, loyalty and integrity. I was delighted that this young-adult romance allows us to get to know both of them deeply by following in the long-standing tradition of adult romance novels, telling the story from both of their points of view.
Sloan and Grady have in common that they are wounded loners, with deep-seated family issues, and each feels isolated in their pain until they meet each other, initially getting to know each other through the school swim team that they are both part of. The journey of character growth of every well-done romance novel is from distrust to trust, and one of my favorite versions of that is what occurs in this novel--the romantic protagonists have the unique ability to see each other clearly, understand each other's pain, and help each other be happier and healthier people.
Kristen Kehoe is a wonderful writer. The way that she puts words on the page is lush and lovely, and yet she never allows the language itself to upstage her deeply moving story. Instead, she uses her writing gifts to make her protagonists come alive on the page and allow her readers to intensely share the powerful emotions of Sloan and Grady as they bravely strive toward a positive resolution to their family issues and their growing love for each other.
Finally, I am happy to report that there is no romantic triangle in this romance novel, nor does it resort to "insta-love" or defining unhealthy obsession as love. The relationship between Sloan and Grady begins as friendship and develops gradually, naturally, and believably over time.
I rate this novel as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Family Drama Subplots: 4 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Eighteen-year-old Sloan had an ideal family until her father's death three years earlier, when grief at the tragedy tore her family apart. Her formerly involved mother became cold and distant, spending more and more time away from their home in Lake Tahoe, commuting to a job as an attorney in San Francisco to avoid living at the scene of her loss, and ultimately moving out of the house entirely early in the current school year. As a result of her mother's abandonment, Sloan has felt impelled to act as a substitute parent to her anxious, depressed, fifteen-year-old sister, who has recently begun skipping school, staying out half the night drinking, and engaging in underage sex with a callous, egotistical jock who broke Sloan's heart two years before. In the midst of Sloan's increasing despair at her inability to save her sister and her mother's refusal to admit there is a problem, a new student shows up in Sloan's senior class, the principal's handsome son, Grady. Sloan is too emotionally exhausted for romance, but kind, sensitive Grady proves impossible to resist.
Both Sloan and Grady are highly sympathetic protagonists, filled with compassion, loyalty and integrity. I was delighted that this young-adult romance allows us to get to know both of them deeply by following in the long-standing tradition of adult romance novels, telling the story from both of their points of view.
Sloan and Grady have in common that they are wounded loners, with deep-seated family issues, and each feels isolated in their pain until they meet each other, initially getting to know each other through the school swim team that they are both part of. The journey of character growth of every well-done romance novel is from distrust to trust, and one of my favorite versions of that is what occurs in this novel--the romantic protagonists have the unique ability to see each other clearly, understand each other's pain, and help each other be happier and healthier people.
Kristen Kehoe is a wonderful writer. The way that she puts words on the page is lush and lovely, and yet she never allows the language itself to upstage her deeply moving story. Instead, she uses her writing gifts to make her protagonists come alive on the page and allow her readers to intensely share the powerful emotions of Sloan and Grady as they bravely strive toward a positive resolution to their family issues and their growing love for each other.
Finally, I am happy to report that there is no romantic triangle in this romance novel, nor does it resort to "insta-love" or defining unhealthy obsession as love. The relationship between Sloan and Grady begins as friendship and develops gradually, naturally, and believably over time.
I rate this novel as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Family Drama Subplots: 4 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
December 22, 2010
I thought this was an interesting and easy to read contemporary book. It has compelling characters and a realistic story line. Contrary to the cover- this is not a self help book. I say that because I was asked several times about the self help book I was reading. Once you read the book the cover makes sense, but before- not so much. But this is one you shouldn't judge by the cover.
I found I understood the main characters quite well. Sloan's personality was easy to read and understand and Grady was an easy character to fall in love with. The side character's were quite interesting as well- Maria, the fashion Goddess, and her boyfriend Bobby; and then Sloan's absent mother and her sister the teenager that's gone a bit crazy. There were others that were less important but were still well drawn characters. I thought the author did quite well with her character descriptions and I can't say I have any complaints.
The story line was pretty interesting. I won't say there wasn't anything that didn't bug me- I did find in the beginning I got a little bored, the story was moving along a bit too slowly for my taste. But things picked up and although there were the few bigger issues I think lack of conflict could be an issue for some when reading it. Personally I think I was happy with how things went. I teared up a few times, I felt enraged a few times, and I giggled a few times- so it had a bit of everything. The romance was sweet and the family issues seemed quite realistic to me. And really, that was what the main issues were about, family.
I think that this book is as good as most any contemporary book out there, and better then many I've read. It may not have the recognition with a big time publisher or a well known author, but it's definitely just as good.
I really don't have patience these days. I have so many books to read I don't have time to read one that isn't good. If I can't get into it within the first 50 pages then I'm done and chances are it won't get picked up again. This one was good. It was definitely worth my time!
I found I understood the main characters quite well. Sloan's personality was easy to read and understand and Grady was an easy character to fall in love with. The side character's were quite interesting as well- Maria, the fashion Goddess, and her boyfriend Bobby; and then Sloan's absent mother and her sister the teenager that's gone a bit crazy. There were others that were less important but were still well drawn characters. I thought the author did quite well with her character descriptions and I can't say I have any complaints.
The story line was pretty interesting. I won't say there wasn't anything that didn't bug me- I did find in the beginning I got a little bored, the story was moving along a bit too slowly for my taste. But things picked up and although there were the few bigger issues I think lack of conflict could be an issue for some when reading it. Personally I think I was happy with how things went. I teared up a few times, I felt enraged a few times, and I giggled a few times- so it had a bit of everything. The romance was sweet and the family issues seemed quite realistic to me. And really, that was what the main issues were about, family.
I think that this book is as good as most any contemporary book out there, and better then many I've read. It may not have the recognition with a big time publisher or a well known author, but it's definitely just as good.
I really don't have patience these days. I have so many books to read I don't have time to read one that isn't good. If I can't get into it within the first 50 pages then I'm done and chances are it won't get picked up again. This one was good. It was definitely worth my time!
September 11, 2011
I am so happy to read a YA novel so tastefully written. Since publishing my own YA debut novel, it has been my goal to uncover other such stories. I know they are out there. Thanks to Kristen Kehoe for touching teen issues without the necessity of vulgarity. This sensitive story is just as gruesome without the language....yes, teens use it, but I firmly believe that out young folk ache for innocence. Finding You shows young people that it's okay to be angry, it's normal to feel guilty, it's acceptable to be scared, and it's expected to be defensive. Congratulations to Kristen Kehoe for her honorable mention award in 2011 Readers Choice contest.
January 23, 2013
The blurb on the back of the book pulled me in right away. The female lead Sloane grabbed my attention too with her unique personality and quirkiness. The male lead Grady was well written also showing lots of depth. Unfortunately the storyline dragged for me in parts and did not maintain the oomph of the start of the book. A great ending could have saved it but it too was a little lackluster wrapping everything up too easily in a short little epilogue.
January 23, 2013
Awww! I really liked this book. Sloan and Grady are both dealing with the past and presents of their childhoods. Both afraid of having anyone love them or to love anyone for the fear of them abandoning them. They find each other only hoping that they can be each others light in a very dark place!!
April 5, 2013
This was one of those books that you wish the author would do a sequel with. I loved this book. It's one of the best I've read so far this year. I read it on the kindle since it was a free book and now I want to go buy it in the store to have a copy.
September 16, 2013
The novel started off great and read very well. About 3/4 into the book it was getting confusing with all the emotions, I had to read a paragraph or two over, just so I understanding correctly. Overall a good to read and enjoyable
February 9, 2013
Easy read. Cute story.
Want to read
May 24, 20144.5(3)
July 23, 2018
18 year old Sloan has been taking care of her 15 year old sister since their father died and their mom checked out. Emma has been out at all hours and getting into trouble but neither girl can convince their mom to come home.
Grady moves into town, happens to be on the swim team with Sloan. He relates to her so well as he has issues with his mother too. Neither wants to depend on the other but they need each other.
Grady moves into town, happens to be on the swim team with Sloan. He relates to her so well as he has issues with his mother too. Neither wants to depend on the other but they need each other.
May 5, 2013
Finding you is a nice in between read. Is an o.k book not great just nice.
Sloan is a nice character and the sole care taker off her sister Emma.
Why is the next question right? Because her father died and her mother could not deal with the loss and just moved away leaving her children to fend for their selves at very young ages. This continues for years and the funny part is their mother is a psychiatrist.
A lot off the behavior off the mother is unexplainable for me and I don't know why these issues are not worked out or addressed in the book.
Gravy is a nice boy with his own issues trying to work out his hurt. With him I also have issues how can his dad leave his son with a mother that is dangerous?
How can Sloan not try and stop her sister from dating Evan??
These major issues don't make to book real to me. That being said the love building between Grady and Sloan is nice.
Sloan is a nice character and the sole care taker off her sister Emma.
Why is the next question right? Because her father died and her mother could not deal with the loss and just moved away leaving her children to fend for their selves at very young ages. This continues for years and the funny part is their mother is a psychiatrist.
A lot off the behavior off the mother is unexplainable for me and I don't know why these issues are not worked out or addressed in the book.
Gravy is a nice boy with his own issues trying to work out his hurt. With him I also have issues how can his dad leave his son with a mother that is dangerous?
How can Sloan not try and stop her sister from dating Evan??
These major issues don't make to book real to me. That being said the love building between Grady and Sloan is nice.
February 12, 2016
this book isn't just about romance its also about family, with Sloans hard relationship between her mother and her sister, and Grady's taking care of his brother and his lose of his mother. this books teaches you about the importance of family and love.
September 1, 2014
Just okay. It start off good and quickly slowed. In the end it really didn't go anywhere if that makes sense and didn't really seemed finished. Had potential, just didn't live up to it.
October 29, 2014
Did not like it.
kind of felt incomplete. Did not keep me wrapped up in the story. Just not for me. Felt like it needed closure.
kind of felt incomplete. Did not keep me wrapped up in the story. Just not for me. Felt like it needed closure.
September 4, 2015
YA read.
h with a self-sacrificing martyr complex, It was EXHAUSTING reading about her and her selfish family. The H was nice though, a bit tortured but supportive and sweet. 2.5 stars.
h with a self-sacrificing martyr complex, It was EXHAUSTING reading about her and her selfish family. The H was nice though, a bit tortured but supportive and sweet. 2.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews