For years, Lance avoided telling Lexi how he felt. He's not about to waste another minute…
As a nurse, Lexi Chandler has dedicated her life to helping others, until ovarian cancer rocks her to the core. Accepting assistance herself is much easier said than done. Especially when it means letting Lance, her childhood friend, see her at her worst.
Lance Davenport has loved Lexi since they were kids. Between their age difference and bad timing, he's turned burying his feelings for her into an art. Now, watching Lexi's battle with cancer has made him realize just how much time he's lost.
Against her better judgement, Lexi has no choice but to lean on Lance as she navigates her way down a path she never dreamed she’d have to travel.
Finding Hope is an inspirational romance with a happy ending.
Melanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children. They share their home with three dogs and a variety of small animals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, training her dog, playing computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.
Having read and enjoyed books 1, 3 and 4, I was excited to finally get book 2 in this series. I wasn't disappointed. Lexi is so sweet and helpful even if I did want to tell her a thing or two now and then. But she came around without my help, so that was good. Lance . . . yep, I liked him. And it was fun to get to read more about some of the other characters I had liked in the other books. Though I wouldn't consider this story focused on the romance, there is some in it. Nothing that really made me uncomfortable-a few kisses, some "feelings" about the other person, but nothing lasted very long. I'll be reading this book again.
I was pleased to find this book had the same tone as many of my favourite Christian contemporary novels. Think Melissa Tagg, Irene Hannon, Kimberly Rae Jordan. Romance, strong family connections, trials, faith - great stories that leave you feeling uplifted. This is the first book I've read written by Melanie D. Snitker but it certainly won't be the last.
Finding Hope is the second book in the Love's Compass series. It gave away a few major plot points from the first book and set in place events for the third but otherwise was fine to read out of series order.
Lexi Chandler has just been diagnosed with cancer. It wasn't what she was expecting, especially after recently losing her father suddenly to the same horrible disease. She doesn't want to rely too much on her mother, so when her brother's best friend and long-term family friend Lance Davenport offers to drive her to her appointments she gratefully accepts. She doesn't expect to develop feelings for Lance, nor to discover that he has been hiding his own feelings for many years.
Finding Hope is a very sweet and touching story, light despite the heavy topic of cancer. The romance was especially satisfying. I enjoyed the dynamic between Lance and Lexi. Lexi is a strong character, used to relying on her own strength, so it's a strange feeling for her to want to lean on Lance, even if it's just a little bit. For his own part Lance desperately wants to be there for Lexi, show her he cares, but he doesn't want to push or give her more to worry about. They gradually build their relationship on a strong friendship, facing together some tough trials - the best way to start a love story I think. Add in family dynamics, strong personalities from all characters and a touch of faith and I found Finding Hope to be a well-balanced and enjoyable novel.
Really poor grammar. It frustrates me to no end when professional writers and their apparently clueless editors do not have so much as a basic understanding of grammar. It's like a mathematician not knowing the rules for addition and subtraction--or a carpenter not knowing how to use a chisel.
This book is filled with misplaced modifiers, improper objects of prepositions ("Between Tuck and I..."), improper modification of linking verbs, and a host of other annoying issues. DEAR WORLD: ONE CANNOT USE THE SUBJECTIVE CASE PRONOUN AS THE OBJECT OF A VERB OR PREPOSITION. ONE NEEDS THE OBJECTIVE CASE PRONOUN. It is not quantum physics, folks. (What, exactly, gets taught in K-12 these days?)
The writing is also filled with clichés, both at the sentence level and at the narrative level. If, like the most of the population, you have no concrete awareness of the structure of the English language, you will probably like this story. However, if you are educated and appreciate the beauty and delicacy of language and its attendant norms, you will repeatedly slam shut your Kindle (or paperback) in frustration, taking breaks from the mind-numbing errors that proliferate throughout this novel.
If you enjoy Contemporary Christian Romance, you'll be right at home with Melanie's sweet stories. Her books flow with the same classic style as other Christian Romance authors you love.
To be honest, after having just (finally) read The Fault In Our Stars, I was a little apprehensive about taking on another book involving cancer. But true to her style, Melanie weaves humor, gentleness, and redemption into a story line that could easily be overshadowed by pain.
The family dynamics in this series really come to life on the pages in a way that draws you right into their home as one of their own. I especially enjoyed Lance's relationship with his best friend, Tuck. Some of their interactions cracked me up. Love it. Lexi's witty charm kept me smiling, too.
I also really appreciate the way Melanie portrays love as an extension of friendship. There's a tenderness to it that makes the characters feel treasured rather than simply pursued. These days, that kind of romance is unquestionably refreshing.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve not had anyone close to me to have cancer. This story gave me a front row seat to what one goes through. I am glad to see the work of God catty this couple through a very tough time. I know that this was a fictional family, but the reality of cancer is devastating. Thank you for creating and sharing this story of courage and hope.
Finding Hope (Love's Compass #2) by Melanie D. Snitker – Cancer is a trigger for a lot of people, but this was an amazing testament to family and friendship when the battle is hard. And this couple is so sweet! Happy Reading!
To read about Lexi and her trial through cancer was so great. To get know her family and the love they share and a brother’s best friend who has been in love with her since high school. I hate it’s over but it finished on a high note. Read it.
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
This is the second book that I have read by author Melanie D. Snitker and I am already looking forward to the next one! She writes with such love, respect and compassion that the reader feels like they are sitting with friends going through the experience with them. It is breathtakingly real and the reader is unable to stop the emotions as they read the story.
While this is book 2 in the series, you can read it as a standalone as it is based on a new story that involves characters that the reader meets (and falls in love with) in book 1. I would recommend reading book 1 first because it is amazing and because you get to meet the characters all for the first time and become BFF's with them as you go through the journey.
Lexie is the strong one, the glue that holds the family together.....Lance is also the strong one in his family, the guy who gave up his dream job to keep the family business going when his dad got sick. They seem perfect for each other....except that Lexie won't let it work....The characters are strong, complex and amazing. The author makes the reader want to cry with them, for them and at the same time smack them silly until they get it together!
The plot of the story is quick and smooth flowing as the reader zooms through the story. They feel like they can't stop until they see what will happen next. The author takes some twists, turns and curves that the reader doesn't ever see coming. This is a roller coaster of a ride that will leave the reader wanting more. The reader will think about the story long after they have finished reading it and this story will stick with them through their next few reads.
This is a can't miss book that must be added to your TBR list and then moved to the top fairly quickly! Make sure you grab this book and set aside a day to read it - once you start you won't be able to stop.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This book is well-written. I could feel Lexi's frustration and her hurt and confusion as she worked through her cancer diagnosis and treatment, and came to grips with the immense change in direction her life was taking. Lance was very caring and patient through it all. This is a very sweet story!
I loved this story. It has 'spirit', life, intrigue and hope. It is full of real life situations and characters who live life from day to day doing the best they can under situations which are not always the best. This particular section resonated with me: "Without warning, a verse popped into her head. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” Matthew 6: 34 — she remembered the pastor talking about it several months ago. At the time, it hadn’t meant anything specific to her. Now, it resonated through every cell in her body." Snitker, Melanie D. (2015-07-01). Finding Hope (Love's Compass Book 2) (p. 204). . Kindle Edition.
Now, as I read this section back, I realize that it resonated with Alexis Chandler, the main protagonist in the story. The story revolves around the Chandler family, and includes the continuing story of Lexi's brother, Tuck, his wife Laurie and his best friend, Lance. The theme of the story involves Lexi being hit with some unexpected 'drawbacks' in her life and shows her stamina as she deals with her situation, her emotions and her occupation. She is the hero everyone would love to be under the circumstances.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good, clean romance, with some mystery and suspense included. Well done, Melanie D. Snitker! I am happy that I found your books.
LOVED this second book in Melanie Snitker's Love's Compass series. Lexi faces some tough news and a battle with cancer in this book. As she tries to stand strong, Lance can't help but want to be there for her. While Lexi doesn't get just how much Lance cares for her to begin with, Lance doesn't waver in standing by to help however he can. He proves himself and his love for her through his actions and Lexi finally sees just how serious Lance really is about her. Wonderful, sweet read. I laughed and shed a tear or two as the author allowed me to walk through what the characters were going through with them. You won't want to miss out on this book.
this was moving, inspiring, and entertaining. I got to know the Chandler family in the first book in the series, Finding Peace. They are very realistic and loving characters and it was great to see them return in this story. My heart broke for poor Lexi. She is faced with such a frightening, humbling illness. It's hard to keep up strength and hope in a situation like hers, but she is a strong woman. There just isn't a more perfect guy for her than Lance! I love the sweet romance between these two old friends.
This was a touching love story that really pulled my heart strings. Lexi is a tough, independent woman. She lives close to her tight knit family, and they mean the world to her. When she's faced with a serious health challenge, she pushes everyone away so they won't be hurt. The one person she can't push away is Lance. He's been on love with Lexi since they were kids. They perfect together, but lance has a tough job convincing Lexi she is enough. Great story. Lots of love, heavy on the faith and squeaky clean. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is the second book of thei series and I am loving them. The Chandler family are the main characters along with extended family.
In Finding Hope Lexie is the oldest Chandler, an ER nurse and gets ovarian cancer. Lance is her younger brother Tuck’s best friend and has been in love with Lexie since he was 16.
Lance is there all the way through her battle, encouraging her. Feeling less than whole she resists his love.
God shows her how he takes the bad and can use it for the good. Melanie writes a heart warming, inspiring storie.
This is a lovely, life-affirming story about a dedicated young nurse named Lexi whose life is turned upside-down by a cancer diagnosis and the young man who has loved her since he was sixteen years old. The powerful feelings evoked by undergoing cancer surgery and chemo are realistic, but even more poignant was Lexi's fear of letting Lance get too close. This is a real page-turner, and best of all, the loveable characters from the first book, FINDING PEACE are a big part of this story, too.
Another sweet romance. I think I liked this one even more than the first book in the series. Loved following along with Lexi and Lance's story, both characters I already really liked, how their relationship developed during her cancer treatments, and getting to know the Chandler family even more. Love Grandma so much. That lady is wonderful. Looking forward to the next book.
A quick read that was difficult to put down. As someone who has had a hysterectomy before being able to birth any children, I could understand & empathize with Lexi. I enjoyed these first two installments of this series & look forward to starting book number 3 before midnight when I'll turn into a pumpkin!!
I've read several books in this series and have enjoyed them all (though I've read them out of order, it's probably best if they are read in order just to avoid spoiler alerts). I enjoy the continued love and support of "family", even when there are disagreements and challenges. A beautifully written clean romance, and now on to the next book in this wonderful series!
Cancer doesn't seem very romantic, but it took a diagnosis of cancer for Lance to start showing his long-buried feelings for Lexi. He took it upon himself to be her supporter in her difficult time, and she finally opened her eyes to see him as someone other than her brother's friend.
Enjoyed reading this book. Loved the variety of characters. Lexi's battle with cancer was admirable. Lance was a great support throughout her. Journey. The interaction in both family was,heart warming. Gave it 5 stars
Alexis has a strength that is astonishing. Lance's patience and love for are endless for her. Through the hard trials life sent their way they stayed strong and eventually didnt even think about life without each other. what a encouraging book that I hope to have time to read again someday.
5 stars for a truly realistic potrayal of life, struggles, love and compassion. Although not a unique storyline, Melanie's characters are relateable and her stories follow a realist timeline, deal with real issues and have flawed characters.