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Searching For a Stranger and Finding Myself : A Memoir
Wendy grew up knowing she had a half-sibling, but didn't have the details. When she hits thirty years of age, and having suffered a few tragic losses, Wendy is compelled to search for this stranger. Questioning family members, weeding through library research, investigating several organizations, making cold calls, and building new relationships are just a few of the steps Wendy will guide you through. Along the way, she encounters circumstances that challenge her search and force her to make crucial moral decisions. If you were in Wendy's shoes, what would you decide?
This true account of one woman's struggle to find her half-sibling will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. This heartwarming and sometimes uncomfortably honest story will carry you along on Wendy's quest for closure and peace.
What awaits Wendy at the end of her long journey? Will the path she takes enable this determined adventurer to find what she's looking for?
This true account of one woman's struggle to find her half-sibling will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. This heartwarming and sometimes uncomfortably honest story will carry you along on Wendy's quest for closure and peace.
What awaits Wendy at the end of her long journey? Will the path she takes enable this determined adventurer to find what she's looking for?
- GenresNonfiction
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
17 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 22, 2022
This is a first for me. I have never reviewed a non-fiction book before. I hope I can do this book justice. The author tells her own story with an emphasis on dealing with loss, depression and anxiety. She is honest and shares a life story that really will leave you amazed at how much one woman can endure. When you reach for this book, you can expect an emotional read that feels like fiction. I regularly had to remind myself that this is someone’s life story – it felt hard to believe at times.
Wendy L. Scott-Hawkins writes this book telling her story. While reading you are left feeling as if you are sitting listening to someone telling a story. She is honest and reveals a lot of pain and suffering, allowing you to feel her emotions as they unfold. At times you are left feeling as if you are listening to an elderly relative reminiscing about the good old days. You know the “in our time…” flashbacks.
This book tells Wendy’s life story, but it also looks at her losses and her determination in finding her half-sibling. The struggles and all the never-ending dead-end leads she faced while hunting for clues of who this person is and where they may be.
Searching for a Stranger is a moving emotional read that you will flip through quickly as you join Wendy on her search. The events of her life and all the heartbreak along the way is almost unbelievable. Yet the way she tells the story, you never doubt the truth of her words.
I was touched by Wendy’s determination to succeed and her strength in conquering her fears, anxiety and depression. She faced the worst kind of loss and struggled her way through it while keeping her family together and maintaining faith. I doubt many people would have kept going when so many things were standing in their way.
This was an unusual read for me and nothing like the books I normally review. However, I found myself deeply engrossed and eager to reach the end of this one. It is an emotional read with an added sense of inspiration. The author shows that no matter what life might throw your way if you have the will and determination, you can get through it.
https://featzreviews.com
Wendy L. Scott-Hawkins writes this book telling her story. While reading you are left feeling as if you are sitting listening to someone telling a story. She is honest and reveals a lot of pain and suffering, allowing you to feel her emotions as they unfold. At times you are left feeling as if you are listening to an elderly relative reminiscing about the good old days. You know the “in our time…” flashbacks.
This book tells Wendy’s life story, but it also looks at her losses and her determination in finding her half-sibling. The struggles and all the never-ending dead-end leads she faced while hunting for clues of who this person is and where they may be.
Searching for a Stranger is a moving emotional read that you will flip through quickly as you join Wendy on her search. The events of her life and all the heartbreak along the way is almost unbelievable. Yet the way she tells the story, you never doubt the truth of her words.
I was touched by Wendy’s determination to succeed and her strength in conquering her fears, anxiety and depression. She faced the worst kind of loss and struggled her way through it while keeping her family together and maintaining faith. I doubt many people would have kept going when so many things were standing in their way.
This was an unusual read for me and nothing like the books I normally review. However, I found myself deeply engrossed and eager to reach the end of this one. It is an emotional read with an added sense of inspiration. The author shows that no matter what life might throw your way if you have the will and determination, you can get through it.
https://featzreviews.com
December 20, 2022
I can’t imagine having a half-sibling I’ve never met.
I would search relentlessly to find them, just like Wendy Scott-Hawkins did after suffering a few tragic losses. After God, family is the most important thing in this world, and I love getting to know new people and learning about their lives. Wendy wants to find her long-lost brother. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to do everything she did, fighting what seemed like an endless uphill battle. I stayed up late reading Searching for a Stranger and Finding Myself and I love the suggestions she shares for people struggling with depression.
I would search relentlessly to find them, just like Wendy Scott-Hawkins did after suffering a few tragic losses. After God, family is the most important thing in this world, and I love getting to know new people and learning about their lives. Wendy wants to find her long-lost brother. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to do everything she did, fighting what seemed like an endless uphill battle. I stayed up late reading Searching for a Stranger and Finding Myself and I love the suggestions she shares for people struggling with depression.
August 19, 2022
In her memoir, Wendy shares with us her journey and struggle to find her half-brother, that was given up for adoption.
Although the search may be a key focus, it certainly is not the only takeaway from reading this. Wendy openly and graciously shares her heartbreaking losses, as well as her battle with depression and anxiety. And yet, she persisted in her search for this stranger who is family.
This book is emotional, but it is as if Wendy is sitting across from you and telling you her story.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @wendyscotthawkinsauthor for a gifted ebook and a spot on tour.
Although the search may be a key focus, it certainly is not the only takeaway from reading this. Wendy openly and graciously shares her heartbreaking losses, as well as her battle with depression and anxiety. And yet, she persisted in her search for this stranger who is family.
This book is emotional, but it is as if Wendy is sitting across from you and telling you her story.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @wendyscotthawkinsauthor for a gifted ebook and a spot on tour.
March 6, 2023
This was absolutely a wonderful book. The determinations amongst heartbreak speaks to the resiliency Wendy has or whether she developed. I started this book on sunday and finished it Monday. I didnt want to put it down. I needed to know she found what she was looking for. I could relate to mental health issues and how difficult it is to carry on each and every day!! Beautiful book! I hope she continues to write I will keep looking Wendy!!!
November 25, 2022
I didn't expect a real life story memoir that spans over 40 years to be gripping, but this one is - it's like a whodunnit, keeping you turning page after page as you try to find out what the author will do next, what will befall her, and when and how she will be able to find her brother!
I thought it was well written and the "characters" (her family) well fleshed out and likeable. I also liked that the author made genuine attempts to understand and explain why different people may act differently in regard to the difficult situation of adoption. A good read!
I thought it was well written and the "characters" (her family) well fleshed out and likeable. I also liked that the author made genuine attempts to understand and explain why different people may act differently in regard to the difficult situation of adoption. A good read!
April 3, 2022
If your looking for a book with heart and soul and want to add a few tears then this book is for you. Wendy brings the people in her book to life so you feel like you know them personally . Since I grew up in the area and knew the Golden girls, her description of them made me feel like they had just stepped out of the room for a minute and the memories where there when I closed my eyes. I hope she continues to write as I would love to hear more from this wonderful author.
April 22, 2022
I ended up reading this last night when I couldn't sleep and was so glad I did. This was written nicely and was a fantastic read.
August 4, 2022
The author did an incredible job at being honest and open when she wrote her book. Wendy tells her story on dealing with loss, depression and anxiety, there were times I got emotional while reading.
While growing up Wendy always knew she had a half sibling out there she had never met. At the age of thirty after dealing with some personal tragedies, she decides to try to locate this sibling. Asking family members for information she begins her own investigation. The investigation has many bumps along the way and even has her questioning her own morals and also leading her down some tricky roads. She never gives up and she determined to to find this half sibling, what will be she discover at the end of her journey? This was an incredible story and I was invested in Wendy’s story. Thank you so much for having me a part of this tour!
While growing up Wendy always knew she had a half sibling out there she had never met. At the age of thirty after dealing with some personal tragedies, she decides to try to locate this sibling. Asking family members for information she begins her own investigation. The investigation has many bumps along the way and even has her questioning her own morals and also leading her down some tricky roads. She never gives up and she determined to to find this half sibling, what will be she discover at the end of her journey? This was an incredible story and I was invested in Wendy’s story. Thank you so much for having me a part of this tour!
August 6, 2022
This book has such a raw, emotional story. Wendy Scott's memoir will make you feel like you have sat down for a drink with an old friend. Her writing is honest, and the storytelling makes it feel almost like fiction.
But it is not. This is Wendy's story. It's filled with pain and loss, anxiousness and sadness. It's about finding family, but also finding yourself. I highly recommend this one for readers that enjoy a non-fiction story that will bring out the emotions!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
But it is not. This is Wendy's story. It's filled with pain and loss, anxiousness and sadness. It's about finding family, but also finding yourself. I highly recommend this one for readers that enjoy a non-fiction story that will bring out the emotions!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 23, 2023
I came across this book at a local shop and when I originally read the back, I was quite intrigued. Not only was this booked based in and around my own surrounding area, but it was a book I really connected with.
Wendy, it was a pleasure reading this book!
Thank you for your vulnerability and your honest approach.
This story felt like you were sitting across the table from me, sharing your words in person.
It is amazing to have local writers such as yourself to place little Inwood and Petrolia on the map.
** definitely recommend**
P.S. all the ladies at Book Club now know about your story too
Wendy, it was a pleasure reading this book!
Thank you for your vulnerability and your honest approach.
This story felt like you were sitting across the table from me, sharing your words in person.
It is amazing to have local writers such as yourself to place little Inwood and Petrolia on the map.
** definitely recommend**
P.S. all the ladies at Book Club now know about your story too
May 20, 2022
I like what she said in the beginning, "You're in for quite the adventure. Please buckle up, ease back and enjoy the ride of your life." She comes from a family dealing the issues but is blessed to be under the wings of the part-time care of 3 church ladies known as the Golden Girls. Her mom has two other girls, older and younger but they are easier to care for during stressful times than Wendy.
I found this book a bit hard to enjoy because, by age of 30, I had lived through two miscarriages, depression, and a divorce a lot like her's. Blessed with the faith of a survivor I married a great guy and we have 3 adult girls and 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
My heart goes out to Wendy Scott Hawkins for being brave enough to write about the hardships she faced having her boys and collecting together an adopted group of siblings.
I found this book a bit hard to enjoy because, by age of 30, I had lived through two miscarriages, depression, and a divorce a lot like her's. Blessed with the faith of a survivor I married a great guy and we have 3 adult girls and 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
My heart goes out to Wendy Scott Hawkins for being brave enough to write about the hardships she faced having her boys and collecting together an adopted group of siblings.
August 4, 2022
Unputdownable emotional read about a woman searching for her half-sibling. This is a raw, honest account by a woman who has suffered loss and is dealing with anxiety and depression as she uses every resource available to locate her half-sibling.
October 19, 2022
It's very well written, there isn't really any mincing of words; your style is very concise and it works great for this type of book. The story of our grandfather and the aftermath really shines a light on the family, it felt like he just didn't exist at all for me until now.
September 25, 2022
Wendy writes from her heart about her remarkable life journey with honesty and courage. I appreciate her candour regarding barriers she encountered and how her faith in God kept her on track.
February 20, 2022
An intriguing cover design sets the stage for a compelling reading experience. Nicely written. Well-planned layout and sequencing takes the reader forward into the intimacy of the authors past. Was I immersed in a breathtaking adventure? No, but I did feel a genuine building of anticipation as the author shared her focussed commitment and perseverance of an extraordinary quest in her life. As I read further, I began to notice something different – rare for me – a kind of envelopment. I was not reading carefully crafted metaphors, intellectual subtext or elaborate use of the English language. I noticed no overstated embellishments, shocking descriptions or profanity. Simply put, no sensationalism whatsoever. What was I feeling? I believe it was a sense of purity that I have not often found in modern prose. I commend Wendy L. Scott-Hawkins for her courage to openly let the truth tell a searching story of love, friendship and passion. This book has earned a prominent place in my bookcase, as well as a warm place in my heart.
Daniel Barton (author).
Daniel Barton (author).
December 15, 2022
Wendy's search for her half brother is not only an interesting "detective story" - searching for clues and following up leads - but also an intriguing look into the development of a shy child into a confident woman, and touching on depression and anxiety. An interesting read.
July 12, 2022
Where do I even start with this book….
I found this book in a little library here in sarnia with a note from the author asking to write a review and pass along the book. I started reading it that night ( who cares about my TBR pile)
Living in sarnia and knowing all these places also made this book more real for me…I can picture the (now) old hospital that is no longer standing where Wendy had her children. I can picture things in this book ( because I am local to these places, and been to some of them. even sitting there knitting ( I crochet ). Being local and picture these things made it more relatable, and I felt like I was a family member in a way.
Honest review. It was a very catching book, it had me laughing ( fifty shades of grey ) it had me smiling and feeling joy and then I was sad for the parties involved with the losses. You can feel the way Wendy grows in the book. Wendy becomes stronger and more determined with ever struggle she over comes.( not only finding her half sibling but the loss of a child and infertility)
At first this book captured me with how easy of a read it was. It made it very easy not to want to put down and I loved the short chapters.
It’s amazing how back in the day, when we didn’t have internet how hard it was to find someone , how many challenges Wendy faced going through this Journey to find her half sibling. I would have gave up! And on top of that other struggles.
I wanted to add that this book is not only about finding someone and Wendy finding herself but it also puts light on child loss and infertility. That Journey alone would have been difficult to over come and deal with, they you add the stress of trying to find someone. I couldn’t imagine the pain/stress. Wendy your a strong women!
This book also had some twists and turns and some wows I didn’t see coming !!!!
Thank you so much Wendy for sharing your story, I enjoyed it. It made me think I have a uncle who’s last name is hawkings - now wouldn’t that be something !!!
I found this book in a little library here in sarnia with a note from the author asking to write a review and pass along the book. I started reading it that night ( who cares about my TBR pile)
Living in sarnia and knowing all these places also made this book more real for me…I can picture the (now) old hospital that is no longer standing where Wendy had her children. I can picture things in this book ( because I am local to these places, and been to some of them. even sitting there knitting ( I crochet ). Being local and picture these things made it more relatable, and I felt like I was a family member in a way.
Honest review. It was a very catching book, it had me laughing ( fifty shades of grey ) it had me smiling and feeling joy and then I was sad for the parties involved with the losses. You can feel the way Wendy grows in the book. Wendy becomes stronger and more determined with ever struggle she over comes.( not only finding her half sibling but the loss of a child and infertility)
At first this book captured me with how easy of a read it was. It made it very easy not to want to put down and I loved the short chapters.
It’s amazing how back in the day, when we didn’t have internet how hard it was to find someone , how many challenges Wendy faced going through this Journey to find her half sibling. I would have gave up! And on top of that other struggles.
I wanted to add that this book is not only about finding someone and Wendy finding herself but it also puts light on child loss and infertility. That Journey alone would have been difficult to over come and deal with, they you add the stress of trying to find someone. I couldn’t imagine the pain/stress. Wendy your a strong women!
This book also had some twists and turns and some wows I didn’t see coming !!!!
Thank you so much Wendy for sharing your story, I enjoyed it. It made me think I have a uncle who’s last name is hawkings - now wouldn’t that be something !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2022
I was not quite prepared for the gamut of emotions that would wash over me as I read Searching for a Stranger and Finding Myself by Wendy Scott. We all know the foundational impact of trauma, loss, and love from our family of origin, but what if you don’t know everyone in that family. The search for an unknown family member can bring about joy or grief and in this memoir, the author intimately shares both searches for her half brother. What is it about knowing about the presence of a biological family member which makes connecting with that person so important? Is it because we share some genetic makeup in common or come from some common heritage that drives the need for establishing this relationship? Is there a need to fill an existential void of being alone that can be corrected by meeting someone who shares some part of us? Searching for a Stranger and Finding Myself wraps you in these questions, searches for the answers, and gives generous and tender space for the mystery. Beautiful.
I was given a free electronic of this book from a competition.
I was given a free electronic of this book from a competition.
July 11, 2022
Searching for a stranger and finding myself is a memoir written about Wendy growing up with a half-sibling she was really intrigued to know more about. By the time she turns thirty and after so much loss, only then does she begin to search for this person in question.
The entire journey for Wendy is not an easy one, but what she does find is heartwarming to read and an emotional tale to comprehend. The author describes the events very well. It is easy just to sit and read this memoir. The literature flows like her deep thoughts and does make you wonder about Wendy’s strength.
What stands out most is Wendy’s honesty and her telling of the story. Everything is told in steps and gradually progresses. I enjoyed how the book represented love, friendship, and passion.
I recommend this book to memoir readers.
The entire journey for Wendy is not an easy one, but what she does find is heartwarming to read and an emotional tale to comprehend. The author describes the events very well. It is easy just to sit and read this memoir. The literature flows like her deep thoughts and does make you wonder about Wendy’s strength.
What stands out most is Wendy’s honesty and her telling of the story. Everything is told in steps and gradually progresses. I enjoyed how the book represented love, friendship, and passion.
I recommend this book to memoir readers.
November 10, 2022
A memoir to touch the heart, especially of those who have been adopted. The bok relates the dogged determination of Wendy to search for a 'lost' sibling. She knew that her half brother existed but no-one had ever tried to locate him. Her journey leads her to a discovery of much more than she had anticipated. The book also touches on her own first fragile years which marked her life. Fortunately, her personality helped her to forge a good life for herself and a lifelong interest in family and children. The book covers trauma and mental health issues, but also is one that shines on goodness and joy.
August 11, 2022
This memoir was a quick read and does a nice job of telling about a sister’s 7 year search to find her half brother who was given up for adoption.
I enjoyed Wendy’s writing style as she tells about her life, the struggles that she faced having her own family, her process of locating her half brother, and how her search helped connect other family members.
Wendy used foreshadowing at points in her memoir to tell the reader that the current nugget of information she was giving us would be important later in the book and I really enjoyed the way she did that.
I’m so happy that Wendy shared her story out in the world because it not only is a great source for those looking for family members it is also Wendy’s evolution as a person.
I enjoyed Wendy’s writing style as she tells about her life, the struggles that she faced having her own family, her process of locating her half brother, and how her search helped connect other family members.
Wendy used foreshadowing at points in her memoir to tell the reader that the current nugget of information she was giving us would be important later in the book and I really enjoyed the way she did that.
I’m so happy that Wendy shared her story out in the world because it not only is a great source for those looking for family members it is also Wendy’s evolution as a person.
April 8, 2025
I read most of the book in one sitting because just when you thought events in Wendy's life would settle down suddenly an unforseen twist would happen. Sometimes I had to remind myself that this is a true story and not something made up. I was inspired by three aspects of the Wendy's saga: 1) the power of being doggit determined to achieve a dream one has; 2) how God can work through what appears to be just a random happen-stance, 3) how even the most negative events in one's life can be redeemed. An excellent read!
February 2, 2024
Wow what drama in one life. This story is riveting, heartbreaking - awful trauma at such a young age. Thank God for three wonderful women. An amazing life journey. An unexpected career took shape along the way. So much sadness throughout even to the end. Her search for her half-brother resulting in connection & kinship, & a bonus relationship. Wendy’s faith in God upholding her on her quest. Be inspired & encouraged.
July 20, 2022
An amazing story. I liked the book. Easy to read. Lots of surprises. Wendy was very determined and she needed closure. She is very nice. Thank you for meeting with our book club
August 13, 2022
Devoured this memoir in one night! Couldn't put it down.
August 29, 2022
I just finished this book for our book club. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. The author wrote in such a way that kept me engaged and wanting to know more. What a journey for her. I highly recommend this read.
May 14, 2022
Beautifully written and a book I couldn’t put down.
June 4, 2022
A book filled with twists and turns on a mission to find a unexpected relationship. With lessons of persistence and the gifts that can come to us in life when we least expect it. I would highly recommend this book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
August 31, 2022
Determination is the word that comes to mind when I think about this author and her journey to find her half brother. Her story was a page turner and the twists along the way (including a murder early on) made for a quick read. Wendy’s writing was inspiring and I’m grateful that she shared her incredible journey.
March 26, 2025
I enjoyed Wendy's account of her childhood, her family background and even her struggle to create her own family, all of which lead her to embark on this enormous task of searching for her half-brother who had been put up for adoption. It is amazing where this slow but sure, multi-faceted search lead her. It was interesting to see how Wendy's confidence grew with each new task that she faced. Some of the links and coincidences makes one wonder about things spiritual.
I think this book would be a great help to someone working on a similar search as there are some great ideas here as well as some really good advice.
I think this book would be a great help to someone working on a similar search as there are some great ideas here as well as some really good advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews