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Finding Hope

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A single mother. An injured Navy SEAL on the edge of disaster. Will she be able to pull him from the brink, or will his demons push him over?

Devyn Hartley has little time for anything in her life other than her daughter and running her successful restaurant. But after witnessing an old friend, Jackson Hale, struggle under the grip of PTSD, she is determined to help him find the strength he needs to come back from the devastating loss that ended his military career.

But will he let her?

Haunted by the events that left him injured in body and mind, Jackson only wants to be left alone as he tries to work his way out of the hell his mind has created for him. All that changes when Devyn walks through his door. He just doesn’t know if he can trust himself to get close to her when the enemy haunting him, is the one in his head.

Finding Hope is a story about finding love, strength and purpose in the face of tragedy.

Will Jackson find his place in the world again? Download today to find out.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2019

9 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Michele Brown

2 books24 followers

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5 stars
22 (59%)
4 stars
9 (24%)
3 stars
4 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,626 reviews150 followers
August 29, 2019
What an absolutely outstanding book. Michele has written such a powerful emotional authentic look at PTSD.

Jackson has returned from war scarred both mentally and physically. Devyn is an old friend with thr most adorable little girl. There was nothing I disliked about this book. I can't stress how well this story must have been researched. The situations described, the flashbacks, the rehabilitation the terror he feels all felt so true to life. With Devyn's support he slowly takes baby steps to recovery but it's the unconditional sweet love of Hope that becomes his beacon of light.

A very poignant look at this subject and in my opinion Michele's best book by far.
Profile Image for Jessie Bee.
608 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2024
emotional story

An emotional story which brings weight to the reader that every person can overcome their problems with a little help and hope. Loved the story, the way it’s written and the emotions it carries.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
October 23, 2019
Not quite 4 & 1/2 stars.
I am a bit torn up on how to review this book. I normally won't read such heavy books like this one. I respect the author for writing this book, I'm sure it was a hard book to write, I can't even imagine what it took the author to do so. It was also a hard book to read for me, for the same reasons. The topic covered in this book- PTSD for a SEAL returning home after losing a limb as well as other members of his team, while serving our country, was so emotionally charged that I was constantly crying, not hard crying, just constant tears leaking down my face, though. I have a total spectrum of emotions for these returning soldiers & what they have to go thru to reintegrate into a normal society, after what they have been thru. Shame on the government for not doing more for these heroes. I highly recommend having Kleenex on hand while reading.

The book does move extremely slow (my only complaint about the book), along with the emotional turmoil it put me in, made it hard to stay in the story, I had to take quite a few breaks to catch my breath. Though the slow flow does let the relationship build between Jackson, Devyn, & her daughter- Hope, at a more realistic pace than insta-love seen so frequently in romance now a days. The PTSD descriptions were very realistic sounding, though I haven't had any personal experience with it. I feel that more help needs to be brought to light for our returning soldiers to help them back into society. This book helped to address that problem, while being a sweet romance, trying to balance it was a tight rope act. I recommend everyone read this book.
3,566 reviews40 followers
August 29, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. This was the first story I have read by this author, and I am now a fan forever.
The story centers around Devyn Hartley , her daughter Hope, and Jackson Hale.
Devyn is a single mom and owner of the local cafe. Jackson is a former Navy SEAL, injured in combat and still recovering from his last mission . Not only physically , but also emotionally and psychologically. Trying to cope with the loss , the noises around him, and life after deployment and a tragic mission.
While the story was heartbreaking as well as heartwarming , it’s more than just the basic plot.
It’s a reminder of the struggles that many of the brave men and women that dedicate their lives for our freedom, endure upon their return to civilian life. The effects of war are not only physical, but also emotional and psychological. The amount of PTSD is high among this group as is suicide. As a nation and as individuals, we must do more for these troops.
Kudos to the author for that reminder.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Sherri Lupton Hollister.
Author 29 books363 followers
November 1, 2019
This was an amazing story. I started crying with the opening sentence and found myself laughing, crying and falling in love with these characters.

As the mother of a former soldier who served two tours in Afghanistan, this story touched my heart right from the beginning. I thought Michele handled the PTSD and the main character, Jackson’s loss of his leg, with compassion and understanding. The growth and changes she has Jackson work through are believable and at times heartbreaking.

Jackson’s relationship with Hope and her mother Devyn is sweet and begins as friendship. Watching the relationship grow and the three of them become a family was so filled with emotion. We watched both Jackson and Devyn deal with their fears, their dreams for the future until they are able to share them and become stronger, together. This is a beautiful romance. Second chance at love, second chance at life. If you want a story with all the feels, you need to check out Finding Hope.
799 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2019
I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is the unflinching way in which the author deals with Jackson’s PTSD, his nightmares, flashbacks, terror of hurting those he loves, and the evil side effects of medication that’s supposed to be helping him. This isn’t a quick recovery; both he and Devyn work for his reintegration into society, and he works hard to find both purpose and hope. In fact, purpose and hope are inextricably linked for Jackson, and it’s a little girl named Hope that helps to spur him to find them. There are definitely tear-inducing moments in this book, and there are moments of sheer joy. It is well-written, and I look forward to more from Michele Brown in future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,515 reviews
August 28, 2019
Devyn, a childhood friend and crush, needs help extending her grandfather’s restaurant to include a bakery. Jackson, a wounded warrior, is a carpenter and woodcarver working at his dad’s shop. His interest in Devyn and prove to be challenging when he has recently returned home from medical discharge. This is a great day book and give specific details and general information about how this wounded warrior has to into integrate back in the civil social world. Jackson needs to make a place in the world for himself and to make his life is in. This has a great HEA and no cliffhangers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,638 reviews18 followers
August 28, 2019
This is an emotionally stirring story. Jackson is an awesome injured Vet both mentally and physically. He is having a hard tim adjusting to his new normal. Devyn is his beacon in the darkness but she has her own demons. Hope is the beautiful glue that joins them together. She is an adorable and smart little girl.

This author has done an excellent job understanding the struggles of our veterans and their family and friends. Her descriptions are to the point and extremely accurate. There is a deep understanding of the realities of their lives and the impact it has on the people around them. This is an outstanding and well crafted piece of work. I would definitely read it several times.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
August 31, 2019
Everyone should read

Devyn, part owner in the family restaurant, and Jackson, medically discharged Navy SEAL, have known each other since they were kids. As the story progresses difficulties arise, strength is shown, and overcoming fears is the only way for a happy ending. Michele Brown’s Finding Hope is a book everyone should read. Covering a variety of issues and highlighting some little thought of solutions, this romance read grabs readers in the emotional center and doesn’t let go.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
9,376 reviews140 followers
September 14, 2019
This is a heartfelt story about two friends who have crushed on each other but never came about in school. Years later she's a single mom and he's an injured and lost soul dealing with PTSD. It's a story of strength and support,acceptance and worth and most of all love. Love between man and woman but most especially between a broken man and a little girl who saves him. It's well written,moves at a staedy pace and I loved and would recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 27, 2019
This is a new Author to me, a well written story that grabbed my interest from the first page. A very good storyline and the story flowed smoothly from page to page. Devyn Hartley, her daughter Hope, Jackson Hale with his service dog Leo's story will keep you turning pages as you read their story. This Author makes you feel like are there watching the story happen. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evonne Hutton.
1,342 reviews10 followers
Read
August 29, 2019
Returning veterans often struggle to find their feet in civilian life. Finding purpose in life and shedding post traumatic stress syndrome happens to be adjustments that is difficult and in some cases impossible to make.
One such veteran winds up back home where he meets some one from his past.
Could it be that they can both find a new beginning?
A good story line

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,568 reviews19 followers
September 1, 2019
This was my first read from this author. I love stories about Navy SEAL's and this one was another 5 stars read. Jackson Hale is a Navy SEAL and one day he runs into an old friend Devyn. She has a daughter now. Struggling with PTSD, Devyn helps Jackson battle it. This was my first read from this author, the story is written in the 3rd POV and I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heidi Hanley.
Author 4 books18 followers
October 22, 2019
Romance that educated

I enjoyed this book, partially because it was a nicely written, well paved romance. More importantly, it focuses much needed attention and education on the struggles of combat vets. I've not been around too many vets and families dealing with PTSD, so this was quite informative. Having been a single parent at one point in my life, I appreciate Devyn's inner conflict about bringing a man into her child's life. Well written and hard to put down.
1,193 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2019
I was impressed with this author and the manner in which she addressed PTSD and survivor’s guilt. She also included the abominable response our government and health system relates to them. I enjoyed Jackson and Devyn as a couple in that they actually helped each other to overcome their problems. Great read!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Skye Yanovsky.
1,178 reviews20 followers
October 6, 2019
Beautiful story of a soldiers Return home

I have a soft spot for returning soldier stories as I come from a pretty big military family. This book dealt with the struggles of a returning soldier beautifully. It broke my heart. And in a single mom of the most adorable little girl and this is a story that will touch your heart.
Profile Image for Remy Marie.
Author 57 books116 followers
December 18, 2019
A Sweet Romance

I really enjoyed this romance! The emotion that the writer used to create Jackson was amazing. I was impressed on how authentic the character was. I’m not sure if she had experience with Vets, but the issues and emotions of someone with PTSD seemed to be really well written. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Glenda.
281 reviews24 followers
December 8, 2019
What an inspiring story! Michele has a way of relaying her story in a way that captured my heart. I laughed, cried and cheered as I read! I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,082 reviews51 followers
August 30, 2019
I loved this book even though it put my heart through the wringer. I definitely recommend this book but make sure you have tissues on hand.
Profile Image for Megan Hetherington.
Author 17 books95 followers
September 7, 2019
Wonderfully written romance. Jackson is suffering from PTSD and finds the best type of support and love from single mother, Devyn.
The story was emotional and heart warming.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Daria M Paus.
Author 6 books18 followers
November 23, 2019
Finding Hope is a gripping and emotional story! I really loved it and couldn’t put it down. Well written and lovable characters. Highly recommended!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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