Mark Ruiz’s life is a structured routine full of well-worn grooves. Board meetings. Dinner with clients. Preparing presentations. Exhaustingly long days strung together over forty-one years of hard work. Retirement is the promise he makes to himself. The item on his list he can’t wait to check off.
The problem? Retirement is better in theory than in practice. Three months in he realizes his new phase of life is as stale as the slice of cake they sent him home with on his last day at the office. His newly purchased cabin on Jasmine Lake is supposed to be an oasis of relaxation. The place and time in his life he’s longed for. Rocking on the back porch overlooking the lake, he doesn’t find peace. Instead, he finds a pervasive kind of boredom he can’t seem to shake.
Just as he resigns himself to retirement, Mark receives a letter that could change everything. A glimpse at the life he could have had. But like most things involving family, it’s complicated. Dangerously so.
Gwen is faced with the yet another dilemma when finding her father means taking on his struggles. With Griff by her side, she will have to decide if not knowing is better than the burdens of discovering the truth.
Missing Pieces Series Book1: The Bend in Redwood Road Book 2: The Pier at Jasmine Lake Book 3: The Bridge in Sunset Park
Writing is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!
I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.
Ten Things to know about me:
1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)
2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.
3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.
4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.
5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.
6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.
7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.
8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)
9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.
10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.
Piper Anderson Series: Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE) Book 2: Cutting Ties Book 3: Changing Fate Book 4: Finding Freedom Book 5: Settling Scores Book 6: Battling Destiny Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)
Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)
The Edenville Series: Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!) Book 2: Kiss in the Wind Book 3: Stars in a Bottle Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)
The Clover Series: (Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE) (Book 3) All My Heart (Book 4) Facing Home
The Rough Waters Series: Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE) Book 2: The Runaway Storm Book 3: The Rising Storm
The Barrington Billionaire Series Book 1: Fierce Love (Free) Book 2: Wild Eyes Book 3: Crazy nights Book 4: Loyal Hearts
The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free) Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat Book 3: Not just an Echo
Stand Alones: Yours for the Taking Sweet Rendezvous Running from Shadows
Book 2 of the Missing Pieces series was a swift read. In book 2, Adoptee Gwen Fox and her boyfriend Griff are now in California searching for her birth father Mark. Here, Danielle Stewart did a fine job unfolding the life of bored retiree Mark Ruiz. I enjoyed the "Mark" chapters.
I liked the "Markus" chapters even better. Old Markus Ruiz is Gwen's grandfather and Mark's hated deadbeat dad. Markus is an unfiltered soul: short-tempered, sarcastic, and regretful. Even so, Gwen bonds with him, and her already-complicated life (a past miscarriage, a disturbed ex, her adoptive family, Mark's hatred of his father) becomes even more tangled. Markus is probably my favorite character in the book. Sharp-tongued and colorful, he accepts the consequences of his selfish life, albeit bitterly.
The Pier at Jasmine Lake is a good sequel to the first book in the series, which focused on Gwen finding her birth mother Leslie. I liked both books, and I look forward to reading installments 3 and 4.
The only thing I can find wrong is the book ended too soon. I wanted to keep reading! The story, based on a young woman in search of her biological parents, touched my heart. I cannot imagine the emotions encountered in such a search. Danielle Stewart wrote the story in a realistic way - all the good, bad, and the ugly. Her words take you to the heart of a search that could have ended completely in a negative manner or completely positive or a touch of each.
No matter what you find, you will fall in love with these characters and feel the gamut of their emotions. I highly recommend reading any and all of Stewart’s books.
As a second book in the series, you have no idea where it's going to go and what will transpire, which is good. I love how the characters fluidity moved through the book but was shocked when it was the end. Keeps you guessing and wanting more. Definitely a good read. Read book 1 first so you get the storyline.
Enjoyed book in a and two. Eagerly waiting for book 3 - the bridge in sunset park- available in April... waiting to see how this family blends together... or not 🙊
I am not surprised I enjoyed this book almost as much as book one. Gwen is on the hunt for her biological parents, book 1 she found her birth mother that was a very inspiring book. Now Gwen wants to meet her birth father. Mark Ruiz is her birth father and to say their meet isn’t the easiest. I don’t blame Mark at all he didn’t know and once he did we really got to see how much knowing affected him.
Gwen comes into Mark’s life at just the right time for him to make amends with his own father as well. It’s an interesting book and I enjoyed it. Griff and Gwen and her ex thing that I didn’t really enjoy, it was like make the choice or don’t. That dragged a little for me. I liked their choice; there is never a right time.
The zoom meeting with Leslie and Mark I thought was a great addition to this book it really shows all sides of the story. I am interested to see what the next book is going to be like. Seems Gwen’s sister is going to be stirring things up.
I really enjoyed the narration for this book, I like that Janelle gives each character their own voice without over doing it. I mean how she can have that many voices!?! Blows my mind.
Book 2 in the Missing Pieces Series was better than the first. I am so happy for Gwen and look forward to reading more about her and her family in book 3. From the ending of this one it sounds like I may be in for another roller coaster ride. Looking forward too it.
Love the series. The first in the series was a bit longwinded. This book (second in the series) is much better and easier to read. Now I have preordered the third book in the series scheduled to be in by mid-April. Yeay!
Every one of Danielle’s books is totally worth the read.The Pier At Jasmine Lake continues Gwen’s story as she searches for her biological father. In the last book The Bend in Redwood Road she located her biological mother with the help of her childhood friend, Griff. The two friends ditched family at the holidays for a spur of the moment research road trip. These characters are wonderful and real. All Ms. Stewart’s books have great story lines with well-written characters full of warmth and humor. The Redwood Road book left us wondering where Gwen and Griff’s relationship might lead after reuniting their friendship. The Jasmine Lake story makes us wonder if there’s a future relationship in store for her birth parents, Mark & Leslie. This new series is not to be missed.
I liked this book number two even better than book one, which was also five starred. Well written, interesting characters and great story line. Danielle Stewart is an excellent author. All her characters seem so real and it’s like a saga that could have actually happened. I’m off to read book three.
Families are complicated, but finding birth parents, and unknown siblings make fir a complex, yet satisfying story. All her characters fell authentic. Recommended.
Although this book is part of a series, it can also be read as a stand alone novel. However, I enjoyed reading the previous book very much. The characters are very complex and well rounded. Beginning with Mark who has recently retired finding out that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when your job has been your whole life. Gwen, prone to panic attacks is seeking the truth about her biological parents and the two men with whom she has had relationships with. The combination between these and the lesser characters kept me reading it straight through. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
Danielle Stewart has written another gem in the "Missing Pieces" series. Gwen has continued her search. She is more settled and has been able to work through the murky waters with Griff at her side. She has closed some doors that needed closing while opening new ones. Yet the reader still wonders if that is all there is...or is there mote? Gwen still seems unsettled and a new issue has seemed to arisen within a member of her biological family..
Engaging and captivating, "The Pier at Jasmine Lake," is another wonderful novel from beginning to end.
Excellent part 2 of the Missing Pieces stories. Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Gwen is ready to find her father. After being welcomed by her birth mother and half sister, she is eager to learn more about her biological family and thus, herself.
Mark never married and never had children. Not so much because Leslie left such an impression on him, but because he dove into work and didn’t ever feel that creating a family was priority. Now this young woman claimed to be his daughter. His and Leslie’s. Why did he never know about her? How could he be expected to handle this well?
This series is for anyone who loves a great story about redemption as forgiveness. Being adopted and finding my biological parents, I can relate to the characters. The emotions are real and raw. The fears are true. There is a lot to consider when looking for family. Leslies character was so real, I cried through most of the book. I loved both books so far and am starting the 3rd in the series. Can’t wait to see what happens.
I could not put the book down! I enjoyed reading about Gwens transformation and how she has come to turns with the uncertainty she has endured but also how she took a risk to know more about her biological family. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reviewing the next book in the series! Great job Danielle Stewart!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Danielle Stewart knocks another one out of the park! Book two of the Missing Pieces series finds Gwen continuing her journey of self discovery by looking for her biological father. With Griff by her side, she finds more than she bargained for! This is a well written, quick and easy read. I’m looking forward to book 3 of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow, what a great story. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it but I could t put it down. Gwen struggles with not ruining lives when she sets out to find her biological father since her biological mother's life seems to unravel when Gwen showed up. Griff, a long time friend stands by her and lends his support. Buy today!!
Gwen and Griff are once again on an adventure to this time find her birth father. When finding her birth Grandfather she was sure when she met her father all her questions would be answered. But..... the first second meetings with her birth father went very wrong. After he talked with a video chat with her birth mother, he realized how much he was wrong and how much he missed in his life!
Book two of this series finds Gwen continuing her journey of self discovery with Griff by her side. This book continues Danielle's streak of excellent books. It was so good that I finished it within 48 hours. You won't be disappointed.
I love Danielle Stewart as an author. Her characters draw you right into their lives. I make new friends with every book! Just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you reading, but not enough to be creepy! I am so anxious to read the next book on the series!!
Great continuation of Gwen finding her biological father. The turn of events and love that is shown thoughout is compelling to the reader. Rhebatory line of Griff and Gwen continually to grow. Cannot wait for book 3!!!
I have completed the second book in this series and will likely read the third when published in 2020. Ms. stewart weaves a good story. They envelope the reader; you feel the characters. Like her style of writing and would recommend her books.
I have come to really enjoy Danielle’s style of writing. Up to now the first two series have been void of profanities, violence and sexual language and that is very refreshing. The series has ended very positive and left me wanting to read more.
The Pier at Jasmine Lake by Danielle Stewart is the second book in the Missing Pieces series. Mark Ruiz’s life has been a structured routine and after exhausting days and forty one years of hard work, he was looking forward to retirement. The only problem is retirement is better in theory than in actual practice. In three months, he realizes that retirement is as stale as old bread. His cabin on Jasmine Lake was supposed to be a place of relaxation but he can’t seem to find peace. Filled with boredom and resigned to the ins and outs of retirement, he receives a letter that will change his life forever. A glimpse into a life he could have had but dangerously complicated. As Gwen searches for her father, she faces another dilemma. Is she willing to be a part of his struggles as well? Is not knowing better than the burdens truth can bring? The Pier at Jasmine Lake is a continuation of Gwen Fox’s adoption story and details the complexity of one’s journey to discovery of where they come from and the lives impacted when the story is revealed. Told between the perspectives of Gwen and Mark, we see both sides of Gwen’s journey to find her birth father and how Mark handles learning he had a daughter he didn’t know about. I enjoyed seeing that Gwen still struggled with her decision to find her birth parents, despite reassurances from her parents that her journey doesn’t change their feelings or her place in their family. Her continued struggle shows the reality of an adoptee’s search. That once the truth is discovered, it doesn't mean life is sunshine and roses. There is still questions that Gwen struggles with and as she gets closer to who her father is, will she like what she finds? I recommend The Pier at Jasmine Lake.
The Pier at Jasmine Lake is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
But this one was very short. I am stopping here. I spent way more than I usually do to see Gwen meet her biological father, & perhaps reconnect with her biological mother for more than a video phone call. I was joping for at least more than a hint of a famly reunion on her dad's side. Nope. To get that, you have tp go through Kerry's move to California & her mother's trip put to see her later in the ywar, plus the relationship between Leslie & Mark, which IMO should've been integrated into this book so it was closer to the same length as the first one. Nope. To make more money, it seems like this story after the forst bookhas tp be hacked up into 3 smaller books so the author can make more money. This could be lifted lyt of binge watching Hallmark & Lifetime back to back. While the author did a great job with the characters, in reality, she could have picked up a lot out of binge watching "men are al evil & out to kill you" Lifetime & "sugary sweet romance woth a little tought love & always a happy ending" Hallmark...bith of which I have been subjected toin the past by varying acquaintances of mine. Give me a good action flick any day. I don't care for maudlin or sappy. And while she hid most of those infkuences in the first book, they're all too evident nere & in the descriptions of the last 2 books in the series. I'm done with these books, & with this author. She should go write for her 2 favorite channels to binge...& if she doesn't binge them, she shuld have made maybe 2 sequels with a bit more meat to them to prove it.
“I spent half my life telling people, ‘I’m very busy this week but by next week things should settle down.’ That has yet to happen. You can’t live your life waiting for the eye of the storm.”
A short & sweet read about the power of forgiveness, truth, familial love, and romantic love. I really enjoyed the development of new relationships and the growth of existing relationships throughout these pages. The vast range of the characters’ ages lends to powerful advice for people in all stages of life.
This is part of a series, but it definitely can be read as a standalone. I read the prequel years ago, but was still able to enjoy this one.