How do you suddenly find yourself in love with a friend? A much younger friend! It had been six years since Stella Morris lost her wife. She was doing her best trying to navigate without her soulmate by teaching classes at the fitness center she owned with her two best friends. She knew she was spending too much time alone, so when a friend needed a favor she offered to go along. That favor turned into another and then another and suddenly Stella found herself falling for her much younger friend. If the age difference wasn’t enough to challenge this new relationship the surprising lack of support from her friends made it complicated. Then something amazing happened that no one expected. Come along with Stella as she finds her forever love in the most unlikely place. This is the third book in the Your Way Series. You’ll see familiar faces, but it can be read as a stand alone.
Jamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house. When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure. Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.
I’m not sure how Moody does it, but yet again I seem to have really connected with and love one of her books! This is the third instalment in the Your Way Series, about a group of friends who opened their own fitness centre together.
This book focusses on Stella, the third of the friends. She thought she had her forever when she met her wife Danielle, but after twenty years of marriage she passed away. Six years have now passed and Stella is quite happy by herself, spending time with her friends and surrogate niece and nephew, or so she things.
We’ve met Sofia before in previous instalments, she’s friends with Olivia, who falls for Frankie in book one of the series - Finding Home. She’s a teacher, and has a bit of a reputation from moving on from one woman to the other.
I really liked that Moody didn’t feel the need to introduce another character to the group in order to find forever for Stella. The growth of both main characters for this instalment is one of the fun parts of the book, seeing both of them come to their own conclusions about how they’ve changed and how that fits with each other.
I’m not normally one for crying at books, but this one had me. This is an age gap romance, with a significant age difference, something I have some experience in. Because of this I enjoy age gap romances, but often find myself frustrated at the typical depictions of immaturity, or ageism and the like. Whilst these briefly appear here through their friends, I felt Moody has managed a really respectful and honest depiction of what it feels like to be in that kind of relationship.
As always with the last book of this kind of series it’s nice to catch up with the rest of the friends and see how their romances have moved on. There are some great friend moments in the narrative that I don’t want to give away.
I would highly recommend this series for anyone looking for some easy to read, sweet but realistic wlw romance. You could read this as a standalone, but I think you’ll enjoy it more if you start at the beginning.
I received an e-ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wrote in my review for Finding Family, the second book in the Your Way series, that Jamey Moody’s writing gets better with each book, and I’m happy to say, this novel proves me right.
Finding Forever is the third book in the series. Your Way is the name of the gym Stella owns with her best friends Frankie (one of the main characters of Finding Home) and Desi (from Finding Family). In her mid-fifties, Stella is the oldest woman in this group of friends, and a widow. Her wife Danielle, the love of her life, died six years ago. Encouraged by her friends, Stella has tried dating here and there but her heart has never been quite into it. Sofia, on the other hand, is one of the youngest in the group and, up until recently, a player. Through their respective best friends, Stella and Sofia became close friends too, but they’re now feeling more for one another. The twenty years age difference stops Stella from allowing herself to fall in love, that and the fact that she believes she already had her forever. That most of their friends seem to believe they definitely wouldn’t work isn’t helping.
Stella is my favourite character in the series and I was very much looking forward to her story. I think it’s because she’s probably the character I’d most likely crush on in real life. I don’t usually picture what the characters look like. I have a hard time remembering hair colour and other details authors describe, I get an impression of a whole rather than any kind of image. In Stella’s case, however, I had a very clear image of her (and I have no idea if that’s how the author wrote her, I don’t remember at all). To me, Stella is Marg Helgenberger’s twin. And she’s hot in an unassuming way. I remembered Sofia from the previous books and thought she was a good supporting character but I didn’t expect to like her so much. She’s loud and over the top but also kind and sweet and unknowingly romantic. She’s a very good fit for Stella.
Finding Forever is a friends-to-lovers romance. As a result, the relationship is already well established by the time chemistry rears its head. What would have looked like instalove in different circumstances has been years in the making and makes so much sense that when the big declarations come, they bring all the pieces together. Moody makes the change from friends to lovers sound self-evident, the way looks linger when they didn’t before, touches that were mostly comforting now ignite. I also liked how she made Sofia truly reveal herself through this process, her respect for Stella’s boundaries and her determination to show her how good they could be together.
Besides the two main characters, I really like the group of friends in this series, even though Moody didn’t show them in their best light in this instalment (except for one of them, and I was really glad Stella and Sofia had her support).
As I wrote above, this is Moody’s best-written book so far, at least among the ones I have read. There are still too many words at times, unnecessary descriptions of minutiae that slow the story down, but it all flows a lot more naturally. Finding Forever is definitely my favourite book by Jamey Moody so far.
Amazing age-gap, slow burn romance with lovely MCs who are very devoted to each other. Low on the angst but high on positive feelings. I’ve read the book multiple times and it always warms my heart. Now I’m listening to the audiobook and it’s also a fantastic experience. One of my all time favorites and 5 ⭐️ are not enough.
The conversations felt forced in this one too, much like the first book. It made me cringe. Much like I did with the first book, I found myself skimming through this book. Whilst I'm happy Stella and Sofia find their happiness in each other, it was all very... MEH.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series has touched my heart in so many ways but Finding Forever spoke to my soul. Stella has been the sage of all the women the series. Her experiences and wisdom help ground these friend as they struggled to build a life. Sophia was the fun girl taking life as it came. This story opens the door to a second love and growing into your heart. There are so many treasured moments in this love story. Stella fights growing feelings for Sophia and Olivia just can't see the joy they share. I loved seeing where the families from the series have grown. The many stories Stella shared about her wife tugged at my heart. A love so strong it reached beyond the grave. It was a real treat to see Alex and Riley from Live This Love. The magic of the island does not disappoint. I have loved all of Jamey Moody's books but this story had me crying often, laughing so much and believing in the joys of deep love. This is a must read story.
I decided to skip book 2 of this series. Why? I had issues understanding the author while creating complex situations.
Stella was my favorite supporting character in book number 1. She was thoughtful, she was a great friend, she gave good advice and was very objective. Sofia was my second favorite supporting character, she was also an amazing friend, she took care of how her friend felt and was very considerate, she pushed her best friend to fight for what she wanted.
This book is a real progression. It’s a description of how something develops, in this case the relationship between Stella and Sofia.
In the first book I liked Olivia but in this one, dear God I couldn’t believe what I was reading. If something is true, you never end up knowing someone. She was a real *witch! I mean, how inconsiderate can you be? How selfish can you be?
My only issue with this book was… when Sofia and Stella get to go on their trip to the Virgin Island the interactions with Riley, Liz and Alex where too much I felt like it was only to fill pages.
Good book! Nice age-gap that gives you an interesting perspective about how you get along with people regardless of your age.
I waited so long for the last book of this series because Stella always was my favorite character. I mean I love yoga so Stella the yoga instructor totally has to be my favorite. I was so curious who Jamey had in mind as her forever love after she lost her wife a few years ago. And wow how I didn’t get disappointed. I already had tears in my eyes in chapter one because I was so touched. And then all the struggles Stella is going through because the one person she is falling for doesn’t seem right for her. Both start to fight their feelings also because almost all their friends are not supportive at all. Only one friend is actually very supportive and wow how I love this character after this even more than I already did before. And no I won’t say which character because what would be the fun about that. Lol
In the end Jamey is gifting us once more with a beautiful love story. One that that made me smile, tear up and that just touched me deeply. It’s definitely my favorite book in the series. Not that I don’t love the other two books, but this one is just even more special. And I can’t mention enough how much I love how Jamey’s characters are able to talk to each other. And I mean straightforward talks without assuming and following misunderstandings. This is so refreshing every time I read a book by her.
There is also a wonderful bonus, as we get to meet again some characters of another book I loved very much. I was smiling so much when I realized what is happening. I finished the story with a full heart and a big smile. It was the perfect ending of a wonderful series. Of course I will miss this group of friends. But you never know with Jamey, maybe we get to see them again. 😊
Thank you so much Jamey for another beautiful and romantic story. And most of all for letting me be a part of your journey. I‘m so very proud of you.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a rewiev.
This is such a wonderful love story. I found it full of warmth and emotions. I laughed and boy did I cry. Stella is feeling guilty for having feelings for someone else since her wife died. Sofia is finally ready to settle down and she is developing deep feelings for Stella. Their story is beautiful and so real. This is the first book I’ve read in the series and I look forward to reading the others but I think this will be my favorite.
The third and concluding story in the Your Way series. Stella has been a widow for six years after a wonderful marriage. She’s seen her two best friends get married and loves being godparent to their children. But she is finally ready to admit she is lonely. Sophia has been part of the friend group when her BF married Stella’s business partner. But when Sophia, who is a school teacher, asks Stella to come to a school function surprisingly she says yes. Sophia invites her to other things and is open to more but the age gap is a stumbling block for the older Stella.
Unexpectedly most of the friend group that has an issue with the two being together. They throw in some obstacles and criticism. There is an interesting twist that takes Stella and Sophia for a get away to the Virgin Islands. And I was happy to get to visit with Alex and Riley from the author’s Live This Love. (It is five years later from their story.) I was happy with the story and of the books in the series this one got me emotionally too. (4.5 stars)
Finding Forever is the third book in Jamey Moody’s Your Way Series. To be honest, I didn’t read the first two books, but I didn’t have any difficulty settling in with this group of friends. Stella and Sofia have been friends for three years but hadn’t really hung out alone. When Sofia didn’t have anyone to attend a band concert at her school with her, Stella, trying to “get out more” says she’ll go with her. The two have a wonderful time together and Stella forms an easy friendship with Sofia’s friends.
Sofia isn’t shy about wanting more with Stella and Stella’s had six years to come to terms with the loss of her wife, but the age gap between them and their friends’ lack of support has Stella keeping Sofia at arms length. But when Stella finally allows Sofia in, she’s all in and Sofia is right there with her.
Their romance is very sweet and low angst and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. The new friends they make as well as Danielle’s support and assistance make this book stand out to me. Also, Jamey Moody included some truly wonderful romantic commentary that I had to highlight so I can refer to when I need to swoon.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a lovely romance between two wonderful main characters.
This is the last one in Your Way series and I think it is the best one of the three! Stella, the calm gym owner and popular yoga instructor, strongly reminds me of the beautiful and talented Meryl Streep, she is graceful, wise, caring and confident. Age only makes her more attractive and the forever love between her and the much younger teacher Sofia, despite of the over 20 years age gap, feels natural and super sweet. And their dreamy island vacation is so romantic and satisfying, also makes me want to read more about the bar owner Alex and her wife's story. Overall, I love this whole series, it is heartwarming and unforgettable.
Of all the Jamey Moody books so far, Finding Forever is the BEST one yet. I knew the relationship of Stella would be an emotional one. Stella is a widow after all. I didn't expect to need tissues though. Over the years, Stella has been the pillar or touch point that centered the Your Way family. Stella had her once in a lifetime love. She thought she was ok. Sofia is a teacher and known for seeing lots of people. Over the years, their friends have paired off, bought homes, and had children. Sofia and Stella are friends within the circle but not particularly close. When Sofia has an event, Stella is surprised to find herself saying yes. Sofia and Stella are realistic characters with real emotions.
Spoiler:
I loved the tie-in to another book that I didn't see coming.
I loved reading Finding Forever by Jamey Moody immensely. It was the first book written by Jamey that I have read. Also I don't normally read romance. As I do find the gandre filled with cliches and exceptionally predictable. However I was pleasantry surprised with Finding Forever not being able to put it aside until every last word had been read. Jamey's writing style is inviting, open, easy to read and follow. What I find exceptional about it is the message of hope. Hope that even though there has been no luck in love forever could still be like for Stella. Or hope that even when we lost love it could be again like for Sophia. It is a book filled with bravery and courage. For even the best of us do not often stand up against friends. Courage to make decisions and to stand or fall by it. Which is rare and beautiful. I love the way that Jamey opened a challenge for any relationship into discusion in such a light open manner. That challenge is age. It's nice because it leaves room for debate. Also the challenge is there witout making the book dark or tragic. Each character is unique. Every one a person that is enjoyable to meet as you read this lovely book. I would certainly like to read further.
I love this series and this is by far is my favorite. Having everyone back in one story and the story centered around Stella is a God sent. That woman has been the rock in their circle and despite losing her wife, deserves love herself. Sofia the independent ever single one catches her eye on Stella. But she is twenty years younger and Stella herself is not sure if she is ready to even date let alone fall for someone least of all a friend. But fall they do and this is probably one of the most honest and sweetest falling in love story I have read in awhile. I see a future including Liz, hopefully. Jamey just reaches in your soul and squeezes your heart. Love, tears, honesty, hurt and forgiveness what more can you ask for. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Book 3 in the series featuring Stella, the third co-founder of the gym Your Way and the steadfast/ reliable one of the trio. This easy flowing age gap romance with sly humor, tears and the right amount of bedroom heat had me hooked from beginning to end. With her best friends nicely settled with babies, Stella longs for her own HEA, Along comes Sofia, who's always been around but as Olivia's best pal. As soon as Stella's friends realize that there may be something/anything brewing between the two, differing opinions come forth lending some angst to the plot. Will that force an overseas move ? Nicely paced, added to my re-read shelf with 5 stars. Ms. Moody never disappoints. Enough said.
Loved this book. It was Stella's Story I have been dying to read after reading book 1 of the series last year, and I wasn't disappointed.
I love Stella, I think she is a great character with a heart of gold. I am not a fan of large age-gaps but then again, you cannot help who you fall in love with.
Not sure how to rate this book. The first half was 2*. The second half was more like some of the author's other books and had some great moments and would be 4+*. Plus, the fact that I made it past the beginning would get extra points. There were a few tropes in this book, that may affect preference: dead wife, age gap, reluctant MC. One of those tropes is my 2nd least favorite of all, the reluctant MC (ghosting #1 lol), so the fact i made it through the book is surprising. I usually end up wanting the other MC to move on and keep their dignity. I did rate this somewhat higher at first because i really liked the second half. But then i went back to look at my highlights and comments - I just can't get so easily past that first half. I am probably wrong because this gets such great reviews and maybe people are just happy that our MCs got together and got the HEA and it was worth it. Trying to figure out what i am missing.
There is so much that I love about this book that I don’t know where to start. Both main characters are women that are easy to relate to. Sophia is a teacher and enjoys dating and being active. Sophia is looking for love. Stella is the co-owner of a gym, an older woman, and is not looking for love as she feels she had the love of her life with her wife who died and she knows she’ll never find someone to love at that depth again. There’s energy between these two women who are meant to be together but there’s so many factors holding each of them back. However the more they saw each other there seem to be a synergy happening that was very unexpected. There’s a lot of tension, erotic tension between these two women and then when they had their first kiss there was magic beyond magic and tension that was beyond anything either woman expected. Sophia already felt that she wanted to develop more of a relationship with Stella but she didn’t want to risk ruining a beautiful relationship if things didn’t work out between them. And then little by little Stella began to have “signs“ that told her it was possible for her to have a love in her life again. However that cannot happen when all of their friends seem to be against any type of a relationship between these two not only because they’re such an age difference but because both women appear to be very different from one another. The ins and outs of how these two women maneuver all that is against them and all they feel for each other is beautifully developed by the author. This is a terrific book with some unexpected twists and turns that kept me Interested until the last page.
In this book, Stella finally gets her story. To me she's been the wise, centering one of the bunch. Always supportive of her business partners and best friends Frankie and Desi and their wives, Olivia and Erin. Along with Olivia's best friend, Sophia, they are the best aunts you'd ever want for your children. Stella is in her mid fifties, was married to the love of her life, but Danielle's life was cut short. Not looking for love again - she never thought she would have a second chance, but Sophia, a teacher, outgoing, vivacious and so loving to their friends and babies seeps into her skin the more they spend time together. Does it matter that she is twenty years younger?
I loved that this was such a slow burn relationship. They didn't want to spoil the friendships, but they just couldn't deny their feelings, even when their friends weren't supportive. Jamey Moody develops their feelings so beautifully from fun-loving friends to an honest to goodness couple. The love making scenes are so emotional and breathtaking. They don't just have sex, but they reach into each others hearts and souls. It's plain sweet and oh so honest!
The portion of the book on the island was so heartfelt and touching to the soul. Danielle's love certainly worked in mysterious ways. And the ending was just perfect. What a beautiful conclusion to a wonderful series, Jamey! I will miss these friends!
This is the 3rd book in the Your way series, I'll hope there will follow more, After the marriage of Frankie and Desi, you'll guess that it's Stellas turn to fall in love. It's not that easy for Stella, she is a rock for each of her friends, When she lost her wife Danielle, 6 years ago after a happy marriage, She lost her soul mate, it tore her up.
Because Olivia and Frankie have their little boy Henry she can't go out as often as she did with her best friend Sofia. Sofia asks Stella to go to see a band, Stella is pushed by Desi and Frankie to go out more. So Stella accepts the offer and has a blast with Sofia. They go on several dates and enjoy each others company. Stella is uncertain about the age difference of 20 years.
Danielle has one last wish, she has wanted Stella to find a new forever love. Before she past away, she arranged a trip for Stella and her new love to visit her friend Liz. If you want to get to know Liz, Alex and Riley, Please read Jamey Moodey's book "Live This Love"
Finding Forever is an adventure, of love, friendship and to love again! I hope Jamey keeps on writing this series with these colorful characters. I love them each and every one of them
This is book 3 in the Forever series. You do not need to have read books 1 & 2 as this can be a standalone, but the other books provide some background information about the characters. Stella is a widow. Since her wife died she has become a stay at home person, not the fun loving person she used to be. She has known Sophie for a few years, as she is best friends with Stella's best friend wife. But what started out as just Stella and Aophie going out for fun and companionship, turns into much more. But Stella is 20 years older than Sophie, can they really make it as a couple; especially when their friends are not very supportive. This is a very well written book, with low aghast and a lovely feel good factor. A must read for all.
A tantalizing love story, full of some pretty hot sex that does not feel contrived presented with a feeling of joy and happiness!
I love the way Jamey Moody writes love stories. The characters are rich and full of life seamlessly growing together towards a deep love. These women remind me of friends over the years. They are real, intelligent, caring people with purpose. This is why I enjoy reading her work. It is always fresh, and relevant to the settings. In as many of Jamey’s books, I find I have been to the setting and can picture in my mind the exact location which makes the characters and story ring true to my imagination. Thanks Jamey for yet another happily ever after to be filed in my heart.
A beautifully written part three to the Your Way series. Sophia and Stella are perfect for each other and with the amazing guidance of an angel named Danielle found each other’s happily ever after. The characters and plot were well developed. I was thrown by the reactions of their friends when they discovered Sophia’s and Stella’s relationship had grown into a true love story. A very good read. I love this author. I unequivocally and enthusiastically recommend this book and any other works by her! Thank you! Peace
Sofia and Stella are friends thanks to their long time friends, but never spend alone time until Olivia couldn't make it and Stella ended up going with Sofia. That started a new very close friendship mix with some flirting.
I love the way their friendship turned into a relationship, all the character development and to see all the other friends from the previous books. It did bother me somewhat how against the friends were to at Sofia and Stella being together, but I was glad they had some sense into them after Sofia and Stella were away.
This was so beautiful and heart touching. Sometimes Devine intervention is in play to help us get out of our own way. The dynamics between Stella and Sofia was so sensually explosive that the readers can't help but be caught up and blown away. In relationships, there are always a bit of doubt and fear but anything worth having will come with a bit of angst. Having the courage to face it head on and take the leap is the key to possibly finding our forever. 💯😎
I have always loved Stella. She’s been one of my favourite characters in this series. This book though is so great. I loved the message that you don’t have to stop loving someone just because they die and that the right new person will embrace the list love and welcome them with open arms and not a hint of jealousy.
Sofie and Stella knew each other but never shared time together, until Sofie finds herself without a second to a party. Stella volunteers to go to different events with Sofie and complicated love blooms.
If you follow this author, you will be familiar with all the Characters. Recommended
I’m a fan of this series but I was surprised by the pairing of Sofia and Stella. They had interacted in previous stories but the author gave no hints that they would come together.
But it was a very nice surprise and the couple sizzled off the page. I loved reading their story and I hope that there’s more to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful HEA, age-gap, slow-burn romance. It was a wee bit sappy at times, even bringing me to tears, but I found it refreshing to read a good book without stressing over too much angst. This was my first book by Jamey Moody. I can’t wait to read more!
I’m a big fan of this series and I’m beyond thrilled Stella got her own story. This age gap/friends to lovers romance made me swoon. I fell in love along with them. Great as a stand-alone but even better read in the series so you can follow this epic love story.