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Finding Amor
Escaping a violent and abusive environment, eight-year-old Emanuel Martinez attempts to cross through three countries to be with his mother, Ana, whom he hasn’t seen since he was a baby. When la migra catches him at the border and he’s thrown into an immigration center, his dreams for being a real family start to disappear.
Vowing never to be like her own mother who abandoned her and never looked back, Ana has worked for six years to get her son to the United States, Now Ana has to rely on her distant mother and her alcoholic boyfriend, Carlos, to finally get her son to her side so they can build a life together.
When Lauren Barrett agrees to help with the afterschool program, she soon realizes she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Growing up in an unsupportive home has made her insecure and vulnerable, plus suffering through years of infertility hasn’t helped matters. Yet she longs to do something meaningful with her life and wonders when that opportunity will come along. When a special young boy named Emanuel enters her life, he turns her worldview on its head.
As their lives intersect, will they help each other understand what family and love and home really mean?
Vowing never to be like her own mother who abandoned her and never looked back, Ana has worked for six years to get her son to the United States, Now Ana has to rely on her distant mother and her alcoholic boyfriend, Carlos, to finally get her son to her side so they can build a life together.
When Lauren Barrett agrees to help with the afterschool program, she soon realizes she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Growing up in an unsupportive home has made her insecure and vulnerable, plus suffering through years of infertility hasn’t helped matters. Yet she longs to do something meaningful with her life and wonders when that opportunity will come along. When a special young boy named Emanuel enters her life, he turns her worldview on its head.
As their lives intersect, will they help each other understand what family and love and home really mean?
- GenresChristian
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2018
5 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Allison K. Garcia
18 books65 followersAllison K. Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor, but she has wanted to be a writer ever since she could hold a pencil. She is a member of Shenandoah Valley Writers, Virginia Writers Club, the Author Transformation Alliance, and is a Municipal Liaison for Shenandoah Valley NaNoWriMo.
Allison's short story, "At Heart," was published in the Winter 2013 edition of From the Depths literary magazine, along with her flash fiction. Her work, "You Shall Receive," was published in GrayHaven Comics's 2014 All Women's anthology. Winning an honorary mention in the ACFW Virginia 2015 short story contest, "Just Another Navidad" was published in A bit of Christmas. Allison's novel Vivir el Dream has finaled in 4 awards: the 2016 ACFW Genesis Contest, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Montaigne Medal, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Ebook Honorable Mention, 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award in the Christian/Religious Fiction category, and 1st place in the 2018 Royal Dragonfly Awards Ebook Cultural Fiction category. In 2018, her highly-anticipated novel, Finding Amor, was released, and her novella "Navidad & Familia" was featured in the boxed set A Merry Navidad. Finding Seguridad and Finding Paz completed the Buscando Home series in 2021. Allison has ten more novels in the wings.
Allison's queer Christian short stories were featured in the ATA anthologies: The Heart of the Season and March for Justice, and her queer Christian poetry was featured in Reconstructing Christmas: An Anthology.
Latina at heart, Allison has been featured in local newspapers, radio stations, universities, and national podcasts for her writing and for her connections in the Latino community in Harrisonburg, Virginia. A participant in several pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ rallies and other events in her region, Allison also loves her church and enjoys spending time with her wife, Melissa, and their three children, Maggie, Lizzy, and Miguel.
Allison's short story, "At Heart," was published in the Winter 2013 edition of From the Depths literary magazine, along with her flash fiction. Her work, "You Shall Receive," was published in GrayHaven Comics's 2014 All Women's anthology. Winning an honorary mention in the ACFW Virginia 2015 short story contest, "Just Another Navidad" was published in A bit of Christmas. Allison's novel Vivir el Dream has finaled in 4 awards: the 2016 ACFW Genesis Contest, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Montaigne Medal, 2018 Eric J. Hoffer Ebook Honorable Mention, 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award in the Christian/Religious Fiction category, and 1st place in the 2018 Royal Dragonfly Awards Ebook Cultural Fiction category. In 2018, her highly-anticipated novel, Finding Amor, was released, and her novella "Navidad & Familia" was featured in the boxed set A Merry Navidad. Finding Seguridad and Finding Paz completed the Buscando Home series in 2021. Allison has ten more novels in the wings.
Allison's queer Christian short stories were featured in the ATA anthologies: The Heart of the Season and March for Justice, and her queer Christian poetry was featured in Reconstructing Christmas: An Anthology.
Latina at heart, Allison has been featured in local newspapers, radio stations, universities, and national podcasts for her writing and for her connections in the Latino community in Harrisonburg, Virginia. A participant in several pro-immigrant and pro-LGBTQ rallies and other events in her region, Allison also loves her church and enjoys spending time with her wife, Melissa, and their three children, Maggie, Lizzy, and Miguel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 21, 2018
Finding Amor is a poignant tale of Latin American Christian Fiction. It begs the reader to ask the question of what really matters most in the world.
February 5, 2019
This book is a poignant, insightful story about the struggles faced by those who have illegally crossed the border into the United States for a better life and to reunite with family. Eight year old Emmanuel crosses the border to escape a bad life in his home country, El Salvador. Between the way he is treated by his aunt and uncle and the gangs that force young children to join, his great-grandmother convinces his mother (she escaped to the US 7 years earlier), that she needs to get him out, now! Faced with the dangers from the crossing, and being arrested as he enters the country, he is worried he will never be reunited with his mother. They finally get together and Emmanuel moves to Virginia to live with his mother and her boyfriend.
The challenges that his mother faces living as an illegal in the US make their life difficult, but with help from others, they survive. I found this book got more interesting as the story progressed. As I got to know the characters, especially Emmanuel, I became invested in his story. There is also a second story line going on involving a well-off white, upper middle class woman named Lauren. As her story weaves together with Emmanuel's it made me rethink my life and my views. The cultural references in this book are plentiful. They are well written and I learned a lot about the Latino culture. Unfortunately, this is where I had one issue with the book. There was a lot of the conversation written in Spanish. I speak absolutely no Spanish and often lost the flow of the story, checking the translation provided.
I enjoyed this book and was planning the story in my head as I was sure I knew what was going to happen. I don't know if I am correct, because this book ends on a cliffhanger, so I will have to wait to see what is next for Emmanuel, Ana (his mother), Lauren and Peter as well as all the other friends and acquaintances that I met in this story. With so much going on in the US involving illegal border crossings, illegal aliens, deportations, separating families and more, this is a very timely and emotional story. I recommend this one to anyone wanting to get a different perspective on these issues, as well as anyone who enjoys a good Christian Fiction story.
The challenges that his mother faces living as an illegal in the US make their life difficult, but with help from others, they survive. I found this book got more interesting as the story progressed. As I got to know the characters, especially Emmanuel, I became invested in his story. There is also a second story line going on involving a well-off white, upper middle class woman named Lauren. As her story weaves together with Emmanuel's it made me rethink my life and my views. The cultural references in this book are plentiful. They are well written and I learned a lot about the Latino culture. Unfortunately, this is where I had one issue with the book. There was a lot of the conversation written in Spanish. I speak absolutely no Spanish and often lost the flow of the story, checking the translation provided.
I enjoyed this book and was planning the story in my head as I was sure I knew what was going to happen. I don't know if I am correct, because this book ends on a cliffhanger, so I will have to wait to see what is next for Emmanuel, Ana (his mother), Lauren and Peter as well as all the other friends and acquaintances that I met in this story. With so much going on in the US involving illegal border crossings, illegal aliens, deportations, separating families and more, this is a very timely and emotional story. I recommend this one to anyone wanting to get a different perspective on these issues, as well as anyone who enjoys a good Christian Fiction story.
August 29, 2018
Allison Garcia did not disappoint! This is her second published book in less than two years. This book is extremely insightful on the struggles faced when crossing the border for a better life in the USA. Emmanuel the main character, crosses the border to escape a bad life in his home country El Salvador, but faces multiple challenges along the way. As well as his mother. The book as it goes on, gets very interesting and keeps you on your toes. The cultural references in this book are beautiful, and you learn a lot about Latino culture, specifically from El Salvador. This book is a must read, especially during these weird times we’re living in. This is a great book to put yourself in the shoes of those who struggle for a better life in the USA.
February 13, 2019
This story is one that will not be forgotten any time soon. Oh my goodness, Garcia does a fabulous job of showing a POV that we don’t often think about when we think of foreigners entering our country. You cannot help but feel for Emanuel and his journey. It will cut right to your core. But perhaps my favorite character was Lauren. Here is a woman who does it all, and seems to do so gracefully. She is an inspiration to this reader.
I must disclose that there are topics in this book that some readers may not appreciate. Unwed living partners, drinking, and prostitution (very little). The truth is that this is realistic to both the characters and the story line. If you can move past this, or overlook it, I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. It may make you second guess any thoughts you have about current affairs.
If I had one critique it would be the amount of Spanish in the book. Unfortunately this reader took French in high school, so I constantly referred to the end of the chapter for the translations. It made reading a little slower. Perhaps the translations could have been in parenthesis after each part. I would not want to see the amount of Spanish in the book lessened, especially when it’s affecting me more than other readers. It adds to the feeling of the story, and allows the author to make it authentic.
Besides that, this is a story that will move hearts. I highly recommend this to others. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness this POV! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I must disclose that there are topics in this book that some readers may not appreciate. Unwed living partners, drinking, and prostitution (very little). The truth is that this is realistic to both the characters and the story line. If you can move past this, or overlook it, I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. It may make you second guess any thoughts you have about current affairs.
If I had one critique it would be the amount of Spanish in the book. Unfortunately this reader took French in high school, so I constantly referred to the end of the chapter for the translations. It made reading a little slower. Perhaps the translations could have been in parenthesis after each part. I would not want to see the amount of Spanish in the book lessened, especially when it’s affecting me more than other readers. It adds to the feeling of the story, and allows the author to make it authentic.
Besides that, this is a story that will move hearts. I highly recommend this to others. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness this POV! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 6, 2019
Finding Amor describes the struggles and reasons why people come to the United States of America illegally. The story focuses on an 8-year-old boy who crosses the border illegally to get to his mother who came illegally to America a couple years sooner. Allison K. Garcia's story describes in detail about how unsafe their country is due to gangs and drugs. She weaves in another story of an upper middle white class woman so you can see how the struggle is real for the illegal aliens as well as showing how much they want to be an upper-middle-class citizen. It gives the reader a contrast between two cultures and two ways of living.
Garcia gave me an idea of what the Latino culture is like. She told it like it is. She didn't hold back. She covered many topics throughout the book, such as drinking, physical abuse, gambling, drugs, gangs, and death. The way she told this story opened my eyes to what they are going through. However, I still don't believe someone should be living in America illegally. This isn't fair to all the people who did it right. I always wonder if their country is so bad then why don't they all get together and have a revolution. A revolution to change Mexico into a country they could be proud of and not scared to stay in. A lot of countries had to do a revolution to change the power, for example, America and France. The list goes on. I think it is time for the people of Mexico to stand up and stop the violence and change their country for the better instead of running to other countries. If we ran to other countries we wouldn't have America we would still be in power of Britain. If we didn't have the Civil War we probably would still be having slavery.
Anyways, this is a great book to get people to discuss the problems of illegal immigrants and it gives a description of why they are doing what they are doing. Everyone may not have the same opinion when it comes to illegal immigrants, but we all should strive to be kind.
The one problem I had with this book is there was a lot of Spanish. I don't speak Spanish so I had to keep looking at the translation which took my focus away from the story. Other than that I found this book to be well written and really opened my eyes about the Latino culture and their struggles.
Garcia gave me an idea of what the Latino culture is like. She told it like it is. She didn't hold back. She covered many topics throughout the book, such as drinking, physical abuse, gambling, drugs, gangs, and death. The way she told this story opened my eyes to what they are going through. However, I still don't believe someone should be living in America illegally. This isn't fair to all the people who did it right. I always wonder if their country is so bad then why don't they all get together and have a revolution. A revolution to change Mexico into a country they could be proud of and not scared to stay in. A lot of countries had to do a revolution to change the power, for example, America and France. The list goes on. I think it is time for the people of Mexico to stand up and stop the violence and change their country for the better instead of running to other countries. If we ran to other countries we wouldn't have America we would still be in power of Britain. If we didn't have the Civil War we probably would still be having slavery.
Anyways, this is a great book to get people to discuss the problems of illegal immigrants and it gives a description of why they are doing what they are doing. Everyone may not have the same opinion when it comes to illegal immigrants, but we all should strive to be kind.
The one problem I had with this book is there was a lot of Spanish. I don't speak Spanish so I had to keep looking at the translation which took my focus away from the story. Other than that I found this book to be well written and really opened my eyes about the Latino culture and their struggles.
January 21, 2019
Finding Amor is one of those books that make you look at the world with a brand new perspective. After you see the kind of life Emanuel has lived, you'll find your own troubles don't seem quite so bad anymore. Despite what he's been through, or perhaps because of it, Emanuel is incredibly loving and desires to make everyone around him feel better.
Can you even begin to imagine what these families go through? Although Emanuel's story is fiction, the events surrounding it happened...and are likely still happening. Ana has to leave her son when he is an infant without knowing for certain if she will ever see him again. She does this out of love and hope for their future. That is not an easy decision to make.
Lauren is such a relatable character. She's sweet and loving and longs so much to have a child of her own. I enjoyed her growth as a person as she discovers life through Emanuel's eyes.
The setting was interesting as the majority of the story takes place in Ana and Carlos's trailer. Most people, when reading about the living conditions, would have said, "There's no way I would live like that." But to Emanual, it was better than what he had before. Again, Finding Amor will change how you view the world around you. It will, or should, make you take stock of what you have taken for granted.
It will also show you that God's love is the greatest kind of love.
I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit team. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Can you even begin to imagine what these families go through? Although Emanuel's story is fiction, the events surrounding it happened...and are likely still happening. Ana has to leave her son when he is an infant without knowing for certain if she will ever see him again. She does this out of love and hope for their future. That is not an easy decision to make.
Lauren is such a relatable character. She's sweet and loving and longs so much to have a child of her own. I enjoyed her growth as a person as she discovers life through Emanuel's eyes.
The setting was interesting as the majority of the story takes place in Ana and Carlos's trailer. Most people, when reading about the living conditions, would have said, "There's no way I would live like that." But to Emanual, it was better than what he had before. Again, Finding Amor will change how you view the world around you. It will, or should, make you take stock of what you have taken for granted.
It will also show you that God's love is the greatest kind of love.
I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit team. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 3, 2019
This story is bound to touch your heart. It contains so much pain, but also hope. I liked Emmanuel, the boy from El Salvador who had to travel to America on his own to reunite with his mother, who had gone there six years earlier. I didn’t like that they had to be illegal aliens, afraid of what others might do to them. I liked the way people at the school and church assisted these newcomers, but I didn’t like the prejudice some held for those who are different. I liked Lauren and her giving nature and the way she embraced the work in the after-school program at church, but I didn’t like how she could never say no and how she let others take advantage of her. I didn’t like Don Carlos, but I’m glad the author gave him some redeeming moments when he acted kindly so readers wouldn’t totally hate him. I didn’t like the immorality included—although nothing is “shown” on the page. My heart goes out to all who experience situations like this. It’s good for those of us who have so much, and take it for granted, to “experience” what it’s like for those who don’t. The kids in cages and snatched from parents’ arms no longer happen, but the author made it sound contemporary. We all need to work to solve the problems, not ignore them or spout rhetoric that accomplishes nothing. At the least, we can pray. This novel is the first in a series. I do want to learn what happens next to Emmanuel and his mother, Ana. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
February 6, 2019
"Finding Amor " by Allison K. Garcia is a book that is filled wth sorrow, compassion and joy. This is a clean book but there is alcohol usage and implied sex with a prostitute. Ok, I got all the negative out first, and now let me tell you that I loved this book and the scenes that I started with are not graphic. This book is about immigration and how others don't want to accept people that are different from us.
There were actual times while reading this book that I wanted to stop reading and just cry for kids like Emanuel and Ana and the other characters.
This book is about love and forgiveness and helping others and acceptance.
This book is about real life happenings in the news today.
I recommend this book to everyone that wants a realistic story and one that is filled with hope and yet not sugary sweet.
The story ends with the reader wanting to know more and I was happy to learn that this is the first book in the series.
Even after finishing the story, my heart aches for three characters in particular, Emanuel and Ana and Lauren.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
There were actual times while reading this book that I wanted to stop reading and just cry for kids like Emanuel and Ana and the other characters.
This book is about love and forgiveness and helping others and acceptance.
This book is about real life happenings in the news today.
I recommend this book to everyone that wants a realistic story and one that is filled with hope and yet not sugary sweet.
The story ends with the reader wanting to know more and I was happy to learn that this is the first book in the series.
Even after finishing the story, my heart aches for three characters in particular, Emanuel and Ana and Lauren.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
August 10, 2018
Following eight-year-old Emanuel as he leaves El Salvador to make the crossing to America and join his mother, Finding Amor is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as we're confronted with the misery we cause each other (on an institutional as well as personal scale), as well as the persistence of the human spirit. Surviving the horrors of the voyage as well as the misery of a detention centre, Emanuel has to adapt to a whole new way of life, including a mother he can't remember and a step-father whose behaviour is far too familiar. Running alongside this is the story of Lauren, forced to confront her prejudices and preconceptions as she begins to see immigrants as people rather than a faceless mass.
Although a bit slow in places, this is overall a good read, with the characters carrying the story well. It's a very necessary tale for our time. A note for the atheists like me, though - this is Christian fiction, so expect heavy themes of that. To me, it didn't detract from the story.
I received a copy of Finding Amor in exchange for an honest review.
Although a bit slow in places, this is overall a good read, with the characters carrying the story well. It's a very necessary tale for our time. A note for the atheists like me, though - this is Christian fiction, so expect heavy themes of that. To me, it didn't detract from the story.
I received a copy of Finding Amor in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2018
Loved this story! Allison Garcia has a way of bringing immigrant issues to light and explaining them to where they can be understood with descriptions that let readers see what is happening. As the head of the Cultural Awareness Committee at her agency, a member of the Statewide Cultural and Linguistic Competency Committee, and participating in several Dream Act rallies and other events in her region, Allison has first-hand knowledge of the issues facing immigrants in today's day and time. Her stories epitomizes her love for the Latino people.
Emanuel Martinez crosses to be with a mother who has been gone too long. He is captured and put in a detention center. The only person who can help him is his mother's estranged mother. Another lady volunteers with an after school program Emanuel is a part of. They will come to know family and love and home really mean
The descriptions of the experiences the immigrants face and the translations provided make Finding Amor an authentic read. Check out this great book!
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Emanuel Martinez crosses to be with a mother who has been gone too long. He is captured and put in a detention center. The only person who can help him is his mother's estranged mother. Another lady volunteers with an after school program Emanuel is a part of. They will come to know family and love and home really mean
The descriptions of the experiences the immigrants face and the translations provided make Finding Amor an authentic read. Check out this great book!
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
August 10, 2018
I was given a copy of Finding Amor in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Amour was a heart-wrenching story about the struggles of Ana after being reunited with her son, Emanuel, following 8 years of border separation.
I liked so many things about this story, the bird's eye view of a child entering the U.S. on their own. A woman, trying to protect her son and survive with limited resources in a foreign land. The complicated backstories that shaped character lives. The glimpse of civil war in Mexico and its effect on the land.
This Latino-Christian fiction is a peek into the lives of struggling people of the undocumented Latino-community I might see every day. I feel I understand their story better and am filled with compassion.
Bravo Ms. Garcia!
Finding Amour was a heart-wrenching story about the struggles of Ana after being reunited with her son, Emanuel, following 8 years of border separation.
I liked so many things about this story, the bird's eye view of a child entering the U.S. on their own. A woman, trying to protect her son and survive with limited resources in a foreign land. The complicated backstories that shaped character lives. The glimpse of civil war in Mexico and its effect on the land.
This Latino-Christian fiction is a peek into the lives of struggling people of the undocumented Latino-community I might see every day. I feel I understand their story better and am filled with compassion.
Bravo Ms. Garcia!
February 7, 2019
This is an interesting story that has to do with immigration. It has to do with current topics. I enjoyed Emanuel and his mother and Lauren. I do hope to read the next book in the series. I had a little trouble with this book with all the Spanish. The Spanish was explained but it was hard to keep looking at the bottom of the page. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
August 30, 2018
Wow this fictional book runs with very deep with emotions. Author Allison boldly steps out with different controversial topics, such as immigrants, home violence, and even self-love. She has a creative way of writing, showing hints of humor in some of the unfortunate situations. I love how she involves various cultures, communities, countries and beliefs in her story, making it a well-balanced novel.
January 9, 2019
I love all of Allison K. Garcia's books and this one is especially engaging. Finding Amor addresses timely issues in a compassionate, loving, intelligent way that leaves you deeply satisfied but still wanting more of Garcia's writing.
January 21, 2019
I am so blessed to have won this book in a prize package! Allison was a new to me author and I am grateful to say how much I enjoyed her writing! Looking forward to reading many more!
August 30, 2018
There's so much I loved about this story: the characters, the journey, the message. It's a must-read.
February 4, 2019
For me, it’s not a new story. I’ve known so many kids like Emanuel in my own community, so many moms like Ana. Trapped. I think that experience and those personal relationships brought this story even closer to home for me. This book might make you laugh, cry, or think in another language. There’s a lot of Spanish (which I’m proud to say I understood about 90% of. Thank you, Senora Liston!), but there are really good footnotes, so you won’t be lost if you don’t know Spanish.
I loved the characters in this story. They are multi-dimensional and they wrestle – even the bad ones. Sometimes Carlos (the boyfriend’s) internal speech comes across as a little off, but then…well, he’s drunk most of the time, so that actually makes sense.
There is some mature content – mostly related to alcohol and abuse, but it’s not described in a way to feel like “tragedy porn.”
I am really excited for the sequel. And I’m really excited for what could happen to the American Church if we fell in love with Ana and a sweet little futbol player Emanuel.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
I loved the characters in this story. They are multi-dimensional and they wrestle – even the bad ones. Sometimes Carlos (the boyfriend’s) internal speech comes across as a little off, but then…well, he’s drunk most of the time, so that actually makes sense.
There is some mature content – mostly related to alcohol and abuse, but it’s not described in a way to feel like “tragedy porn.”
I am really excited for the sequel. And I’m really excited for what could happen to the American Church if we fell in love with Ana and a sweet little futbol player Emanuel.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
February 9, 2019
Finding love in the mess of life can be a breakthrough moment. It can change your life literally. I knew a man who had had tragedy in his life that had broken him. He had lost his young wife to cancer, and he hadn’t been able to stop the cruel disease taking her away from him. From that moment, he could see no future and only his occupation as a doctor kept him going. He snapped at his co-workers and refused to let anyone help him. No one wanted to work with him. Until finally after many years he allowed love into his life again. Love transformed this man and the real beauty of who he was shone out of him once again.Love can change everything.
Finding Amor by Allison K. Garcia tells the story of how an exceptional boy called Emanuel brought love into the lives of two people. Read my review below to see what I thought of this book.
My Penny’s worth
Finding Love
There are two very different characters in Finding Love which help move the story along through the pages. And it is the effect that Emanuel has on them both that kept me reading. I was not aware that this book is the first in the series as I received an e-book of it. Therefore I wondered why the author was taking time to develop the characters through mundane domestic scenes that didn’t seem necessary to the storyline. Until I reached the end with the cliff hanger. Then I got it. Those ordinary everyday scenes had drawn me in to care for the characters because the book had a sequel. As I read the last words I thought, hang on, you can’t leave the ending like this, what happens. So no doubt I shall be looking for the next one to be published.
What I loved
I loved the opposites. Lauren from a middle-class background learning about the plight of Emanual. Mixing with other people whom she would never usually have anything to do with. Eyes opened to the other side of life. Her Christian love being challenged and taken out of its comfort zone.
"God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called."
I also loved Emanuel, his young heart searching for more than just human love, especially as family had hurt it. I could feel his pain at being separated from his adored Mamita.
"A heart split in two between thousands of miles. Was there anything that could heal that kind of brokenness?"
The different loves
There is a beautiful paragraph about the love of each member of Emanuel’s family. This turbulent tribe who have a place in the young boy’s heart as spoken by Ana his mother.
"Her family. It was far from perfect, but great love flowed beneath the surface. Carlos’ love spurted like a geyser: nothing, then everything, and back to nothing again. Emanuel’s love was timid, like a shy brook in a narrow path, fighting through leaves and rocks. Her own love was constant, but it flowed in many directions and often lost its path. Mamita’s love gushed strongest of all, like the river outside of their house in Santa Rita after a big rain. It rushed over everything, flooding the world. It formed new rivers with its unstoppable force."
There is heartbreak too
As I said above the book is about opposites, and that is true with finding love. There is a conflict with love. Ana may have got the love of her life back, but it has consequences. And her dilemma is tangible through the pages. Allison Garcia does a beautiful job of portraying emotions and situations.
Could I put the book down without wondering about others in such a situation?
No, Allison K. Garcia makes it clear that we need to love and step out of our comfort zone in the form of Lauren. Let’s face it Jesus was an immigrant along with his parents; they had to flee to another place for fear of their lives.
Would I recommend Finding Amor?
Yes, I would, and I think in today’s world it is essential to gain an understanding of the issues that such a book is raising. We all need to find love. Thank you, Allison, for writing your story.
I would like to give it 5*
*I was given this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
Finding Amor by Allison K. Garcia tells the story of how an exceptional boy called Emanuel brought love into the lives of two people. Read my review below to see what I thought of this book.
My Penny’s worth
Finding Love
There are two very different characters in Finding Love which help move the story along through the pages. And it is the effect that Emanuel has on them both that kept me reading. I was not aware that this book is the first in the series as I received an e-book of it. Therefore I wondered why the author was taking time to develop the characters through mundane domestic scenes that didn’t seem necessary to the storyline. Until I reached the end with the cliff hanger. Then I got it. Those ordinary everyday scenes had drawn me in to care for the characters because the book had a sequel. As I read the last words I thought, hang on, you can’t leave the ending like this, what happens. So no doubt I shall be looking for the next one to be published.
What I loved
I loved the opposites. Lauren from a middle-class background learning about the plight of Emanual. Mixing with other people whom she would never usually have anything to do with. Eyes opened to the other side of life. Her Christian love being challenged and taken out of its comfort zone.
"God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called."
I also loved Emanuel, his young heart searching for more than just human love, especially as family had hurt it. I could feel his pain at being separated from his adored Mamita.
"A heart split in two between thousands of miles. Was there anything that could heal that kind of brokenness?"
The different loves
There is a beautiful paragraph about the love of each member of Emanuel’s family. This turbulent tribe who have a place in the young boy’s heart as spoken by Ana his mother.
"Her family. It was far from perfect, but great love flowed beneath the surface. Carlos’ love spurted like a geyser: nothing, then everything, and back to nothing again. Emanuel’s love was timid, like a shy brook in a narrow path, fighting through leaves and rocks. Her own love was constant, but it flowed in many directions and often lost its path. Mamita’s love gushed strongest of all, like the river outside of their house in Santa Rita after a big rain. It rushed over everything, flooding the world. It formed new rivers with its unstoppable force."
There is heartbreak too
As I said above the book is about opposites, and that is true with finding love. There is a conflict with love. Ana may have got the love of her life back, but it has consequences. And her dilemma is tangible through the pages. Allison Garcia does a beautiful job of portraying emotions and situations.
Could I put the book down without wondering about others in such a situation?
No, Allison K. Garcia makes it clear that we need to love and step out of our comfort zone in the form of Lauren. Let’s face it Jesus was an immigrant along with his parents; they had to flee to another place for fear of their lives.
Would I recommend Finding Amor?
Yes, I would, and I think in today’s world it is essential to gain an understanding of the issues that such a book is raising. We all need to find love. Thank you, Allison, for writing your story.
I would like to give it 5*
*I was given this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
February 11, 2019
I requested this book to review not because I thought I would love it, but because I knew I needed it. I knew I had been lacking in sympathy for immigrants, especially from Mexico. I went into this book knowing my toes would be stepped on. And they were.
Unfortunately, I didn't end up loving it, either. I think one reason I had a hard time really getting into it at first was that there were too many characters to keep straight at the beginning. I personally would have preferred an entire chapter about each character at first to ground us in their voice, their desires, their backstory, and how they relate to the characters around them. With each chapter having three or four sections, each about a separate character and their thread of what comes together as one overarching tapestry (hopefully), I had a hard time keeping their names straight and especially caring for them. I connected with Emmanuel and Ana right away. And their story seems to be the focal one. I didn't want to get into Carlos's head at all. If he wasn't going to change, then I really didn't want to understand his thought processes.
I must mention the interesting use of the Spanish language with English footnotes to translate. While keeping it realistic as to when the Spanish speakers would need or want to use Spanish, it bogged the story down for me and reminded me of Spanish class in high school. I began to start thinking about conjugations and grammar, and the footnotes became a mini-Spanish lesson, pulling me out of the story.
I also felt all the details about the different foods and the differences in lifestyles between the “poor” Latinos and the “rich” white family. I felt like it was pointedly trying to guilt anybody who had more than a broken down truck, a trailer, and problems with roaches. I'm a white woman, and I still do live in a trailer, and when I lived in Florida, I had problems with roaches, too. I still have problems with ants and spiders. I've never owned a new car in my life. And having nicer things isn't in itself a sin. I just felt overall that it became a little preachy and gave the impression of looking down on most white people, which is not the intention of the author, I'm sure.
Another thing that concerns me is the length. When signing up to review, I didn't see how many pages it had listed. It's quite thick at 375 pages with a medium font. I liked the font, it wasn't so hard that I had to squint, but it was long. At the end of each chapter, I kept wondering if all of this is necessary to tell the story. I know the characters needed to be established. But it almost felt like it could have been separated into two books, one about Ana, Emmanuel, Carlos, and Sandra, and the other about Lauren and her circle. If I hadn't promised to review it, I might have given up early.
Nearing the end, one of the things that threw me off was how many little scenes were in each chapter, and most of those scenes were all told from different perspectives. This is what I felt was happening: “If you have multiple POVs, your best bet is to use one POV per scene. This will also help tighten all the other elements in that scene. Just be careful that you don't have too many scenes per chapter--because then that can get confusing too and almost behave like head hopping because there is so much happening.” - Kate Johnson, Team Writer.
There are some good things, including several spiritual truths to be gleaned, like Emanuel's conversion and Lauren's confidence to say no, along with the most obvious of not judging people of other ethnicities than you.
Favorite quote:
“Things that hadn't bothered her, or perhaps that she'd gotten used to before her son arrived, now felt shameful and toxic, and the fact that none of it seemed to be throwing Emanuel for a loop somehow felt worse.” (p.200)
Unfortunately, I didn't end up loving it, either. I think one reason I had a hard time really getting into it at first was that there were too many characters to keep straight at the beginning. I personally would have preferred an entire chapter about each character at first to ground us in their voice, their desires, their backstory, and how they relate to the characters around them. With each chapter having three or four sections, each about a separate character and their thread of what comes together as one overarching tapestry (hopefully), I had a hard time keeping their names straight and especially caring for them. I connected with Emmanuel and Ana right away. And their story seems to be the focal one. I didn't want to get into Carlos's head at all. If he wasn't going to change, then I really didn't want to understand his thought processes.
I must mention the interesting use of the Spanish language with English footnotes to translate. While keeping it realistic as to when the Spanish speakers would need or want to use Spanish, it bogged the story down for me and reminded me of Spanish class in high school. I began to start thinking about conjugations and grammar, and the footnotes became a mini-Spanish lesson, pulling me out of the story.
I also felt all the details about the different foods and the differences in lifestyles between the “poor” Latinos and the “rich” white family. I felt like it was pointedly trying to guilt anybody who had more than a broken down truck, a trailer, and problems with roaches. I'm a white woman, and I still do live in a trailer, and when I lived in Florida, I had problems with roaches, too. I still have problems with ants and spiders. I've never owned a new car in my life. And having nicer things isn't in itself a sin. I just felt overall that it became a little preachy and gave the impression of looking down on most white people, which is not the intention of the author, I'm sure.
Another thing that concerns me is the length. When signing up to review, I didn't see how many pages it had listed. It's quite thick at 375 pages with a medium font. I liked the font, it wasn't so hard that I had to squint, but it was long. At the end of each chapter, I kept wondering if all of this is necessary to tell the story. I know the characters needed to be established. But it almost felt like it could have been separated into two books, one about Ana, Emmanuel, Carlos, and Sandra, and the other about Lauren and her circle. If I hadn't promised to review it, I might have given up early.
Nearing the end, one of the things that threw me off was how many little scenes were in each chapter, and most of those scenes were all told from different perspectives. This is what I felt was happening: “If you have multiple POVs, your best bet is to use one POV per scene. This will also help tighten all the other elements in that scene. Just be careful that you don't have too many scenes per chapter--because then that can get confusing too and almost behave like head hopping because there is so much happening.” - Kate Johnson, Team Writer.
There are some good things, including several spiritual truths to be gleaned, like Emanuel's conversion and Lauren's confidence to say no, along with the most obvious of not judging people of other ethnicities than you.
Favorite quote:
“Things that hadn't bothered her, or perhaps that she'd gotten used to before her son arrived, now felt shameful and toxic, and the fact that none of it seemed to be throwing Emanuel for a loop somehow felt worse.” (p.200)
February 14, 2019
The book is a realistic view of immigration in our country today. It is such a timely book that holds nothing back. We have seen on the news about people wanting to come to the U.S. for a better life. They are desperate and are willing to pay anything to get here. What we forget about is the children that are caught in the middle. This story opened my eyes and heart to a new way of thinking. Everyone wants a safe place to call home and to be loved. In this story we find a young boy trapped in one country and what he goes through to live in the U.S.
Emmanuel is a young boy who longs for his mother. It was hard to read all the things he saw and went through as he went to immigration camps. Emmanuel has seen brutality and felt hunger as he hoped someone would save him. When he is finally reunited with his mother Ana, I wasn't sure if Emmanuel was coming to a better environment. The boyfriend was horrible and I felt so bad that Ana and Emmanuel endured emotional abuse from him.
I did enjoy reading about the culture and the foods that Ana cooked. The story is rich in heritage and gives us a glimpse into their culture. I understand why Spanish was included in the story but it was hard for me to focus when I had to keep looking at the footnotes to understand what was being said. I'm hoping in the next book the author can find a better way to keep Spanish in the story but have the English meaning in an easier place so readers are not distracted.
For me, I loved the theme of the story which is love. We all come from different backgrounds,, but God desires us to love and accept each other. Emmanuel and his mom both suffered from lack of love and a feeling of belonging. I applaud the author for tackling a subject that is controversial but written with realism.
I loved the bond between Lauren and Emmanuel. Her need to have a child has broken her heart, but God had a plan for her. This young lost boy named Emmanuel needed someone just like Lauren to show him love and lead him to know who Jesus is. Each time she spends with Emmanuel and the other children in the after school program, God fills her heart with love for the children . Her desire had been answered by God but not in the way she thought it would happen. I loved how God gave Lauren lots of children to love on and it filled her with joy.
The ending is a big cliffhanger and I can't wait to read it. Thank you for writing a story that reminds us to love one another.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Emmanuel is a young boy who longs for his mother. It was hard to read all the things he saw and went through as he went to immigration camps. Emmanuel has seen brutality and felt hunger as he hoped someone would save him. When he is finally reunited with his mother Ana, I wasn't sure if Emmanuel was coming to a better environment. The boyfriend was horrible and I felt so bad that Ana and Emmanuel endured emotional abuse from him.
I did enjoy reading about the culture and the foods that Ana cooked. The story is rich in heritage and gives us a glimpse into their culture. I understand why Spanish was included in the story but it was hard for me to focus when I had to keep looking at the footnotes to understand what was being said. I'm hoping in the next book the author can find a better way to keep Spanish in the story but have the English meaning in an easier place so readers are not distracted.
For me, I loved the theme of the story which is love. We all come from different backgrounds,, but God desires us to love and accept each other. Emmanuel and his mom both suffered from lack of love and a feeling of belonging. I applaud the author for tackling a subject that is controversial but written with realism.
I loved the bond between Lauren and Emmanuel. Her need to have a child has broken her heart, but God had a plan for her. This young lost boy named Emmanuel needed someone just like Lauren to show him love and lead him to know who Jesus is. Each time she spends with Emmanuel and the other children in the after school program, God fills her heart with love for the children . Her desire had been answered by God but not in the way she thought it would happen. I loved how God gave Lauren lots of children to love on and it filled her with joy.
The ending is a big cliffhanger and I can't wait to read it. Thank you for writing a story that reminds us to love one another.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
February 12, 2019
Eye opening and heart rending, this book stirred many feelings inside me. It raised a lot of questions that stir around in my mind anyway - it just put more heart into the questions. Questions such as what is true about this subject, what is not true, what news stories are embellished to promote a specific view and what news stories are stifled or missing altogether. These things happen on both sides of the aisle, all political parties mess with facts and lies and sometimes it's hard to know the difference. I'm not blaming any one side, because they are all guilty.
Bottom line according to the Bible, wisdom is required. And the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. Unfortunately, so many who run our country don't know anything about God ... at least the Real One. They know the one they fabricate in their imagination, but that's not God. So, they don't have even the beginning of wisdom, because they don't fear God.
I am glad that Allison Garcia is tackling these subjects, I trust God will bless her in her endeavors.
The biggest technical issue that I found to be a problem is the spanish translation being at the end of the chapter. I liked the authenticity of spanish being used, and the kindle app linked it to the translation at the end of the chapter, but it did not take me right back to where I was, so I had to keep scrolling back and forth, it really took me out of the flow of the story. I suggest (especially for kindle) that the translation might be in small print in parenthesis after the sentence, that way, if some don't need it, they can buzz past it, and those of us who do need it, have it right there.
I received this book as as gift, with no obligation to provide a review and no compensation, except a very good read!
Bottom line according to the Bible, wisdom is required. And the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. Unfortunately, so many who run our country don't know anything about God ... at least the Real One. They know the one they fabricate in their imagination, but that's not God. So, they don't have even the beginning of wisdom, because they don't fear God.
I am glad that Allison Garcia is tackling these subjects, I trust God will bless her in her endeavors.
The biggest technical issue that I found to be a problem is the spanish translation being at the end of the chapter. I liked the authenticity of spanish being used, and the kindle app linked it to the translation at the end of the chapter, but it did not take me right back to where I was, so I had to keep scrolling back and forth, it really took me out of the flow of the story. I suggest (especially for kindle) that the translation might be in small print in parenthesis after the sentence, that way, if some don't need it, they can buzz past it, and those of us who do need it, have it right there.
I received this book as as gift, with no obligation to provide a review and no compensation, except a very good read!
July 8, 2019
Finding Amor is a Hispanic-American fiction novel by author Allison K. Garcia. This is book one of the Buscando Home series. I wanted to read this novel because I was interested in the genre.
This novel grips at the readers heartstrings from the very first page. Little Emanuel Martinez escapes his homeland to look for his mom in America. However, when he finally sets foot in America he is greeted by protesters full of hate. Would he find love? He knew about hate from his homeland.
Although the English translation for the Spanish words were written in the footnotes I found it difficult to keep my place as I looked for the meanings. However, there wasn’t an abundance of Spanish words and I quickly became acclimated to them.
This story felt real to me and made me do a lot of pondering my beliefs. The characters were realistic with Kayli being my favorite. She was a young girl who quickly made friends with Emanuel. My least favorite character was Carlos who was an arrogant drunk. My favorite part of the book was when Emanuel learned about Jesus.
I give this book 5* and would recommend it to my friends. I hope to read the second book in the series, Finding Seguridad
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This novel grips at the readers heartstrings from the very first page. Little Emanuel Martinez escapes his homeland to look for his mom in America. However, when he finally sets foot in America he is greeted by protesters full of hate. Would he find love? He knew about hate from his homeland.
Although the English translation for the Spanish words were written in the footnotes I found it difficult to keep my place as I looked for the meanings. However, there wasn’t an abundance of Spanish words and I quickly became acclimated to them.
This story felt real to me and made me do a lot of pondering my beliefs. The characters were realistic with Kayli being my favorite. She was a young girl who quickly made friends with Emanuel. My least favorite character was Carlos who was an arrogant drunk. My favorite part of the book was when Emanuel learned about Jesus.
I give this book 5* and would recommend it to my friends. I hope to read the second book in the series, Finding Seguridad
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
February 15, 2019
Finding Amor is the story of three lives. Lauren a volunteer who struggles with infertility,low self esteem and the drive to please others over her own comfort. Emanuel an eight year old boy who is brought to the US alone to escape violence in his home country, and his mother, Ana who has fought for six years to bring him to join her in the US and what happens when their lives intersect with Lauren‘s life
This book will make your heart ache for all involved. Being a former teacher who taught in a high poverty school, with a very diverse student body I have taught and known students like Emanuel, but I don’t know that I really knew as much of their background. The only drawback to me, an non Spanish speaker was that even though you are given translations, they are at the end of the chapter, making it harder for the story to flow if you want to know what was written in Spanish. If you want a light read, this is not the book for you, however if you want a bug that will make you think and pull at your heart strings, this is a perfect book with a dynamic story of hope. I look forward to reading more of this story.
I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This book will make your heart ache for all involved. Being a former teacher who taught in a high poverty school, with a very diverse student body I have taught and known students like Emanuel, but I don’t know that I really knew as much of their background. The only drawback to me, an non Spanish speaker was that even though you are given translations, they are at the end of the chapter, making it harder for the story to flow if you want to know what was written in Spanish. If you want a light read, this is not the book for you, however if you want a bug that will make you think and pull at your heart strings, this is a perfect book with a dynamic story of hope. I look forward to reading more of this story.
I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2019
Finding Amor
This is a first in a series. When it ended it said to be continued so definitely will be reading the next book.
A book about a young boy, Emanuel , he comes to America to be with his mother. Ana had came to America long ago and then look forward to the day to bring her son. He speaks Spanish but learns English at school. A very interesting way the author has the Spanish in the dialogue. We get the translation in the footnote.
I found Emanuel such a strong character. He was so brave to travel the way he did to America. Then there is Peter and Lauren, a married couple trying to have their own child but having difficulty. I look forward to more of their story. Lauren worked with the after school program. She gets to know Emanuel and is very Inspired by him. I really hope it is not long before the next book.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
This is a first in a series. When it ended it said to be continued so definitely will be reading the next book.
A book about a young boy, Emanuel , he comes to America to be with his mother. Ana had came to America long ago and then look forward to the day to bring her son. He speaks Spanish but learns English at school. A very interesting way the author has the Spanish in the dialogue. We get the translation in the footnote.
I found Emanuel such a strong character. He was so brave to travel the way he did to America. Then there is Peter and Lauren, a married couple trying to have their own child but having difficulty. I look forward to more of their story. Lauren worked with the after school program. She gets to know Emanuel and is very Inspired by him. I really hope it is not long before the next book.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
February 19, 2019
I felt that this story was a very realistic depiction of immigration, such a controversial topic today. It was however, a difficult book for me to read and get into to. This book is full of Spanish dialect and I, knowing very little Spanish, had to keep referring to the Spanish/English translation footnotes at the end of each chapter. My real problem was that there so much Spanish dialect, it was very frustrating for me to try to I interpret these words on my kindle as I had to keep going back and forth to the end of the chapter just to understand what I was reading. While the story was well told, and my heart went out to Emmanuel and Anna, I think I would have really enjoyed the story more had I not had to get so bogged down with interpretation.
If you are more proficient in Spanish, I do think you would enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from
Celebrate Lit. This is my honest opinion of this book.
If you are more proficient in Spanish, I do think you would enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from
Celebrate Lit. This is my honest opinion of this book.
February 11, 2019
A complicated, touching and thought-provoking tale of lives filled with heartbreak, love, hopes and dreams. The juxtaposition of characters from different cultures makes for a story to be considered and well-remembered. The author seems to have a real sense of her characters and the earnestness of their interactions, thoughts and feelings. With a gentle message of faith and love to be shared. Would make a good book club selection for discussion of many relevant social issues.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
February 13, 2019
I would love to be able to say I enjoyed this book, but I can not do that. I do not speak Spanish, so, therefore, I had a horrible time following this book. The author uses an unbelievable amount of Spanish in this book which she then puts the translations in footnotes at the bottom of the page. This was highly distracting to me. I would go on with why I did not like this book, but I feel it is better to stop here and suggest you examine the book for yourself and decide what you think about it.
February 25, 2019
A beautifully written tale of hope and perseverance. I couldn’t stop reading this story and the characters were just amazing. It is an eye-opener and allows the reader to see how immigration in modern times affects these characters. I felt that the author did a great job of giving readers a fictional yet realistic tale that is engaging and thought-provoking. I encourage readers to pick this book up.
October 22, 2018
Very deep read. A relevant story about illegal immigrants, violence, love, and culture. As I found it a deep read, it took me a bit to get into the book and find my stride reading it. What I liked is that with all the Spanish that is in the book, the author makes notes of the translations on the bottom of the page. Definitely worth the read.
March 29, 2019
A Walk In A Refugees Shoes
I feel like I know the characters in this story personally. Allison did an amazing job weaving a story with so much truth, love, & modern time reality. It's an eye-opener to the injustices many immigrants have lived through. Yet there is also hope & God's love shining through. Good story. Looking forward to the next book.
I feel like I know the characters in this story personally. Allison did an amazing job weaving a story with so much truth, love, & modern time reality. It's an eye-opener to the injustices many immigrants have lived through. Yet there is also hope & God's love shining through. Good story. Looking forward to the next book.
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