Celia Burrows thought she had it all—a handsome husband, two successful children, and a gorgeous beach house on the Northern coast of Maine. But her perfect life cracks apart when her husband of thirty years informs her that he’s leaving. In a note. And since problems come in threes, her adult children reveal they’ve both been struggling with issues of their own.
Before the separation, Celia was the main caretaker for her elderly father, but as her sisters step up to help in the wake of her troubles, neither of them takes to the role. Being tethered in Bluebird Bay is a nightmare for Anna, the youngest, whose passion for travel photography has taken her around the world. And Stephanie has struggled ever since her husband died in a freak boating accident a couple of years ago.
As Celia begins to come to terms with her own shocking loss, she’s surprised to feel a giddy sense of freedom. For thirty years, she’s buried her own dreams in support of her husband’s vision. But that was the past. It’s time to pick herself up, dust herself off, and create a better, more fulfilling tomorrow. Now, if only she can convince the people she loves to do the same...
Holy guacamole that was a very confronting and emotional story, I will be honest and say I considered giving up after the first chapter as then ending of CeeCee's marriage hit some really personal notes for me but after getting my anxiety under control and taking a walk I came right back to Finding Tomorrow and I was so very glad I did. 3 sister's all facing life's trials and growing stronger even through that hardest times. The more I read the more I fell in love with Cecile, Stephanie and Anna and the town of Bluebird Bay and omg I still want to strangle both Nate and Amanda but in the end, they deserve each other, I honestly hope he remembers one day what he threw away. Small town judgmental busybodies are bloody everywhere…lol, seriously people should just learn to keep their opinions to themselves.
I have not read a lot of true romances lately because they just seemed the same thing young people with way too much drama but Finding Tomorrow was different and refreshing it reminded me for one thing never to give up hope, open yourself to change, if something happens to pick yourself up dust yourself off and take a new direction, now I want more books like this one, books that have a gorgeous spark to them and more than a dash of hope and lots of icing on top of the cupcake…lol
Omg, I thought the fire was going to be the shop and I'm thinking wow that’s taking a high school grudge way to far…
There was just the right amount of drama for me without it being over the top so basically, it was more mature and I really appreciated that style of writing a lot.
I finished the last page with a contented smile on my face and thoughts of Anna and Stephanie's stories.
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book because I didn't want to put it down. I wanted to climb inside and live in Bluebird Bay with these characters. I seriously need some creamsicle cupcakes now!
This wasn't my usual read. But I am willing to try anything DGS writes. At first I was afraid it would be a sad book but it wasn't at all. It was so wonderful and entertaining. Happy and funny.
I loved seeing Celia take charge of her own happiness with some added sass. And her sister's support and friendship made me wish again that I had a sister. I love that this book was about celebrating women and supporting each other. I hope to see more of these women soon!
Gentle story but with quite a shocking start finding out her husband of 30 years had left her. I was expecting it to get angstier but it was more about her finding her self and reclaiming her identity than about her ex. Personally I’d have liked to see him get his comeuppance but that’s just me being bitter. Complete story but there’s a few sub plots involving her sisters and children so more stories to be told. No smut though I’m sad to say.
If you are drawn to stories with strong women, complex relationships and close knit communities, you will love Finding Tomorrow-a story of new beginnings and taking ownership of ones own happiness. I finished this book in four hours, I seriously couldn’t put it down. I was drawn to the setting as well as the cast of characters in this book! Bluebird Bay is a quaint coastal town where gossip may spread fast but people look out for one another. Celia is an intelligent and capable woman who has spent her adulthood tending to her children, her demanding husband and most recently her father. And she bakes a mean cupcake 🧁 When her circumstances suddenly change, Celia has no choice but to evaluate her life and what she finds is that she wants to be happy. Supported by her two sisters and her two adult children, Cee-Cee tackles her new life and finds joy in her new challenges. I hope Denise Grover Swank and Christine Gael will take us back to Bluebird Bay again soon-I’m ready for more!
Something completely different and not the usual story from Denise. I find it refreshing. I also see it as a new audience that she will grab a hold of. When I started this book, I went in blind. I read the first chapter and there were a lot of similarities that happened in the book that happened in my life. I found myself reading it and relating to some of the issues that were going on. I could see my mom as the main character in the story because that is the same thing that happened between my dad and her. This is a book about starting over and finding who you really are. Find your dreams and follow them.
This is a series that I am looking foreword to reading. There is nothing that Denise can’t write. Everything thing she writes is gold!
Finding Tomorrow is the perfect summer beach read. Even though it has rich and complex characters that are going through life changes, it’s quick and easy to follow when you don’t have the time to read a novel in one sitting.
This first book sets up the scene of the Sullivan sisters who live in Bluebird Bay, a coastal town in Maine. The central story is of the eldest sister, Celia and the end of her thirty year marriage. We also get to see how she rebuilds her life and self esteem. Her sisters, Stephanie and Anna are a huge support system and her biggest cheerleaders in moving forward.
I have admired this author’s work for a while now and I’m in awe how she can write in so many different genres. This book is a good example on how she can capture your attention and have you root for these sisters and their families. I can’t wait to head back to Bluebird Bay and read more about this clan.
Finding Tomorrow is such a heartwarmingly adorable read! It’s very well-written and I enjoyed the alternating POVs between the sisters. I love the female empowerment that takes place throughout the entire novel. Despite Cee-Cee and her sisters being middle-aged, I could still relate to pieces of all of them as a woman in her upper 20s. Plus, it was nice to read a story that shows you can still change your life for the better and have your HEA regardless of your age. I loved Cee-Cee, Anna, and Stephanie and how realistic their sister relationships were with each other. While women’s fiction can be very hit and miss for me, I found myself incredibly charmed throughout the entire novel and constantly reading with a smile on my face. I hope we’re able to read about Anna and Stephanie’s own stories in the future!
Yo bien reconozco que necesitaba leer algo ligero y positivo luego de haber leído Ensayo sobre la Ceguera de Saramago.
Al principio conecté con Celia y su positivismo, pero como personaje le faltó profundidad. Su proceso de divorcio la situación que describe fue minimizada o tratada por las autoras de forma hasta trivial.
Lo único que rescato de este libro es Celia y su bondad y proceder intachable así como los mensajes de superación que tiene.
El libro me resultó plano, nada emocionante, todo cliché, personajes estereotipados sin profundidad.
Los conflictos todos fueron presentados a la ligera todas las situaciones el divorcio de Cee Cee, el problema con Pop y sus hermanas. Yo si lo hubiese escrito hubiese desarrollado más todo eso.
Some books resonate with your soul when you read it. This book was one of those.
I honestly read 2/3 of it with a smile on my face. I absolutely loved Cee-cee and her relationship with her younger sisters. The three women together are a formidable force. The characters are so well-developed, as is the plot.
I loved seeing Cee-cee’s growth and her strength in creating the life she wants. As a reader, her story gives hope that it’s never too late to have a happily ever after
LOVE, LOVE LOVE!!!! This book is an incredible read. I love to read about strong woman and this book if full of them. Celia comes home from a rare me weekend to find her husband left. In the events afterward she finds herself again. She has 2 sisters and 2 kids who help her along the way. This book hits all the feels, I felt all her emotions right along with her. It is a must read!!
Not many people can or will write a book about a older woman. I was greatly surprise when I seen this book was co wrote with one of my favorite authors. As A older reader I sometimes find there isn't enough age appropriate books. I love living in the young life a book has to offer but sometimes find the story puts me into mom mode and I end up judging the book. I think it hit the mark on a lot of stuff a middle aged woman,wife and mom face. This book had just the right amount of emotions. I was sure we was going to be looking for the tissue and I was wrong. There is a lot of fun and growth in this book. It showed that we sometimes have to have a moment of sadness to move on to a lifetime of happiness. The sisters,town,dad and kids all play a different roll in this book that shows you have people with you to be apart of your struggling journey in life. It brought out the mindfulness to remember at some point if you are not happy then screw what others say. Make yourself happy. You will have people there for you. Cheering you on. Great first book. I look forward to reading the next ones.
I just adored this book! It is the perfect read for lazy summer days by the pool or on the beach! It's a book to get lost in for a few hours and you find yourself smiling as you read.
The book follows the lives of three sisters, Celia, Stephanie and Anna as they find themselves a crossroads in their lives. They all had a plan on how life was going to go but soon find out that life has a way of throwing you a curveball. This is where the strength of the book lies. I loved reading the family and friendship dynamics between all three women. They are very close but all are dealing with struggles that often find them on opposing sides. All three must confront what they lost, learn to let go of the past and grab onto a future they never thought possible.
I loved the lighthearted side of this novel. it's a story of hope and finding that life is still full of adventure no matter your age. You find yourself laughing at the silly moments and cheering the women on as they begin to live their dreams.
Absolutely incredible and empowering. We meet a group of sisters who are all going through their own struggles in life. They are an older group of woman, than I am not used to reading about. I loved that both authors were able to show that no matter what age you are, you still have a life to live and that it all doesn't end when you get married and start a family. Also, the message of never losing yourself is very important in this book, being true to yourself is the most important thing you can do to keep the real you alive.
The characters and situations they are in are very relatable. Upon meeting each of the sisters, I felt like I could see a part of me in each of them. I felt many emotions throughout my reading, from anger to happiness and everything inbetween. I have become so connected to these sisters in just this one book, that I would love to see how their story continues.
Finding Tomorrow was one of the first Denise Grover Swank books that I've read that didn't have a ton of action and mystery. Instead, this story focuses on a group of sisters around 50 as they help each other through changes in their lives.
Although calmer than her other novels, I definitely did enjoy this one. Like I say about all of her books, Swank has a way with writing characters that are believable and lovable. These characters are not in my age bracket, nor have I been through the same things they've been through, but I can see them being relatable for people who are/have.
I'll be waiting impatiently for the next in the series so I can figure out what's going to happen with these loose ends! .
What an wonderful new series! Denise Grover Swank and Christine Gael did an amazing job with Finding Tomorrow. Celia Burrows perfect life falls apart when her husband tells her that he’s leaving her after thirty years of marriage. She has always put everyone else in her life first, but now it’s finally time to live out her own dreams. This book is a beautifully and seamlessly written, feel good story. It contains themes of sisterhood, family bonds, and new beginnings. I loved the small, close knit community of Bluebird Bay. I’m hoping this book will turn into a series, because I would love to read more about these sisters and their families!
I absolutely can't wait for another trip back to Bluebird Bay! Finding Tomorrow will speak to you if you're a mom, a daughter, a sister, or a caregiver. This is really a happy ending story about a woman who has lost it all only to find it again. Cee-Cee seems like your own sister. She's warm and caring, but her life turns to crap and she has to reinvent herself. You will love the little town and the characters in it. I'm rooting for happiness for each and every one of them. This is a great summer read. You won't be disappointed!
An enjoyable read about 3 sisters centering on the oldest, Celia. I love when books take a few different stories and weave them together focusing on a specific character for each book.
Celia was such a strong character and I felt so close to her throughout the story. I may have to do with her being about the same age as me and reading about her starting over gave me inspiration.
Everyone deserves a second chance at not only love but life. Cee-Cee gets divorced after 30 years and has a chance to live life on her terms. It’s a sweet book filled with love, second chances but most of all hope.
"Finding Tomorrow," by Denise Grover Swank, is a contemporary novel about sisterhood, family, losses, and change. I liked it a great deal, and will continue to read the books in the series (Bluebird Bay). The author is new to me, though she has written a large number of books. I love a book set in northern coastal Maine, as was this one. Middle aged Celia thought she had it all until she came home from a weekend away to notice that her beloved dog, Tilly, and her husband, were gone. Her husband had left a note, making it quite clear there was no going back for them, and that they would have to speak about how to proceed with divorce. Celia was totally unbelieving and shocked, and became even more so when she learned he was having an affair with their realtor! She felt she should be the one to tell their adult children, and when she invited the kids to visit, and prepared a meal with their favorite foods, she was as shocked by their woes and troubles as they were about the situation between their parents. If that was not enough for a really good, multi-character story, enter Celia's sisters, Anna and Stephanie, each with their own problems. Want more? Their father has what they called early onset dementia, but how early could it be? Their father had to be well into his 70s, so I would not think that fits the definition for early onset, but it was another piece of the storyline, and a good one, as many people, especially women, are faced with caring for aging. often ill, parents. Celia is no pushover, despite years of acquiescing to her husband's desires on how she should dress and how she should live her life. It was about time for her to take control and do the thing that would bring her joy and satisfaction, so she made a plan, and set up a new business as a cupcake maker. She renovated a shop, and learned there was an apartment above the shop where she could live. You just know a cute guy will enter the mix, and of course, he did when she ran into a boy she knew in school, now a grown man, one who never married, and who happened to be a contractor who could help her renovate the venue she just leased. Predictable? Yes, but sweet, well done, and an enjoyable book. I listened to it, and got through it quickly I gave it a solid 4 stars, and think it was a really good book. I will move on to the next one in the series in the near future.
Love the setting (coastal Maine), love that it’s about sisters (love my sisters), love that the characters are my age and relatable! Fun story… didn’t realize it’s a 8 book series (I can’t commit)! A lot of raising and falling in the plot line… not my favorite. I like a slow build!!
Listened to as an audiobook but I kept falling asleep due to the narrator’s sugar sweet voice and the blandness of the story. I felt the characters were very one dimensional, the two love interests were caricatures and I didn’t realise the story had ended.
Finding Tomorrow was truly an amazing read. Celia, Stephanie, and Anna are sisters but their lives are very different. I connected to all three on different levels. The drama and struggles they each faced were legitimately real. Celia facing divorce after thirty years of marriage. Stephanie struggling with the loss of her husband. Both hoping and trying to find a way to see a future for themselves. Anna never sticking around long enough to really depend on. Throw in their aging father with on set dementia and all the cards fall. Watching my mother care for my grandmother as her dementia took over was hard. Knowing she had little to no help from her brothers made this story hit home. I know their pain and struggle. I felt it leap from the pages. This book was raw and heart felt. It is also incredibly empowering with its message to not lose yourself, never give up, and you can be whatever you want to be. Life is not over because you’re middle aged. Sometimes, it’s just beginning.
Merged review:
Finding Tomorrow was truly an amazing read. Celia, Stephanie, and Anna are sisters but their lives are very different. I connected to all three on different levels. The drama and struggles they each faced were legitimately real. Celia facing divorce after thirty years of marriage. Stephanie struggling with the loss of her husband. Both hoping and trying to find a way to see a future for themselves. Anna never sticking around long enough to really depend on. Throw in their aging father with on set dementia and all the cards fall. Watching my mother care for my grandmother as her dementia took over was hard. Knowing she had little to no help from her brothers made this story hit home. I know their pain and struggle. I felt it leap from the pages. This book was raw and heart felt. It is also incredibly empowering with its message to not lose yourself, never give up, and you can be whatever you want to be. Life is not over because you’re middle aged. Sometimes, it’s just beginning.
Meh. This book was like a cheap soap opera. And I should have known, since it was tagged as #1, that I was going to be goaded into buying #2 if I wanted to know what was in Stephanie's pocket, but frankly it was such a waste of time I'm not interested.