There You'll Find Me

Nov 21, 2011 Melannie :) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: most-anticipated, favorites, to-re-read, to-buy-soon, read-2011, cant-get-enough-of

Remember I was crazy excited about this book?
I thought I was definitely going to love this book.

Turns out I was absolutely and 100% right. Well, kind of. I l don't think I imagined I was going to love it this much.
I read it four days ago and I still think about it and smile, but let's get down to business, here's the review:

There are times when you like a book because the characters are funny or because the story is good.

There are times when you love a book, because you relate to it or maybe be...more

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Sep 12, 2011 KM rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-books, christian-publisher, girly-wonderfulness, globe-trekkers, favorite-heroines, netgalley-edelweiss

Wow! This book was so much more than I was expecting. The cover makes you think it's going to be a light romance, and the synopsis doesn't really tell you how serious the subject matter is or how much truth is spoken in the words of this story.

At its core, There You'll Find Me is about healing from past wounds. Hotel heiress Finley (love her name, by the way!) goes to Ireland two years after the death of her brother hoping to escape her home and party-girl reputation. She's been through therapy,...more Wow! This book was so much more than I was expecting. The cover makes you think it's going to be a light romance, and the synopsis doesn't really tell you how serious the subject matter is or how much truth is spoken in the words of this story.

At its core, There You'll Find Me is about healing from past wounds. Hotel heiress Finley (love her name, by the way!) goes to Ireland two years after the death of her brother hoping to escape her home and party-girl reputation. She's been through therapy, but she's still grieving. I automatically liked Finley, first because of her spunk and later because I sympathized with her pain. She's a perfectionist and some of the things she does will really frustrate you. You even watch her control freak tendencies slowly screw up her life, and you want to reach into the book and shake her.

And while the romance was really quite sweet, it wasn't what made me love this book. Sure, Beckett was adorable and a really nice guy (so refreshing to see a nice love interest in a YA book!), and the fact that he's a teen movie vampire heart-throb was hysterical. There were so many connections between him and Robert Pattinson, I just loved it!

But what made this book go beyond a cute romance was the real issues that Jenny B. Jones deals with - depression, perfectionism, eating disorders, grief. While Finely is no longer outwardly grieving her brother, she's still hurting, and she channels her pain into outlets of her life than she feels she can control, like her weight. At first, I was a little concerned with the side comments about how much she was exercising and how little she was eating. I was afraid that the issue of an eating disorder would never come up, but that subtlety really won me over in the end. Finley's border-line anorexia is such a non-issue at the beginning of the book but blows up by the end, just like it does in real life.

There are a lot of books out there about similar subjects, but what separates this one from others is the faith that it's based in. There's hope found in this book. Finley begins her journey in Ireland totally disillusioned with God and her Christian faith; she thinks that just because she can't feel Him, He's not there, that He's taken a "lunch break" from her life. A huge part of her journey is realizing that she can't fix her life; only He can.

This break from traditional secular values in a YA book was incredibly refreshing! It's hard to find faith-based YA books. (Notable exceptions being The River of Time series by Lisa Tawn Bergren and the On The Runway series by Melody Carlson.) But I think even non-Christian teens will be able to relate to Finley and find truth in this story.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a positive, clean read or who enjoys emotionally captivating stories in sweet, romantic packages.(less)

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Sep 26, 2011 Ariana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, arc-galley, sweet-romance

This book was really hard for me to rate.. I did liked it a lot (I simply LOVED some of the characters in this story), and it could have been a 5 stars book, but all that talk about God and prayers was definitely not for me.

Let me get this strait, it's not that I don't believe in God (truth being told I don't know how much I do either), but I don't like reading about this subject and I had to skip entire paragraphs.

Except for this little discomfort, the book was amazing, that's why the high rati...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Katy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this was going to be a heart-warming story, but I wasn't crazy about it at all.

First of all, I could not stand Finley. The book description said she was "witty, tough and driven," but I thought she was snobby and bitchy. She had this "been there, done that" attitude, and she was so quick to judge people by stereotypes and label them as a certain type. She did that with Beckett. She did that with Beatrice. She did that with Taylor and the actress types. And she did that with Mrs. Sweene...more I thought this was going to be a heart-warming story, but I wasn't crazy about it at all.

First of all, I could not stand Finley. The book description said she was "witty, tough and driven," but I thought she was snobby and bitchy. She had this "been there, done that" attitude, and she was so quick to judge people by stereotypes and label them as a certain type. She did that with Beckett. She did that with Beatrice. She did that with Taylor and the actress types. And she did that with Mrs. Sweeney.

With Beckett, the situation was just SO obvious that I cannot believe she could not see it all along - especially considering that she was an American heiress who has lived that life before. How could she be so blind? But of course not. She thought she had it all figured out.

Which brings me to the next point of a little inconsistency. I'm not sure why Jones decided to write her as someone famous because I think I would have had more sympathy for her if she had been a nobody. I would have understood why she would be cautious if she had been naive and didn't want to be hurt by a bad boy heartthrob. And if she's been groomed in the limelight, why is she a size 9? I mean, I know she's not a Paris Hilton or anything, but it's really hard to imagine Finley as a person who used to be in the tabloids all the time. If she had been heavier than your average size 2 famous person, I'm sure the tabloids would have picked on her already.

And her condition? I just felt Jones tried to jam pack too many heavy situations into one book.

The only reason why I'm giving this book 2 stars instead of 1 is because of Mrs. Sweeney's story. On one hand, I do think it was just one more thing that Jones added to the heavy, emotionally-tugging, sympathy card. But on the other hand, I liked the story. I think it did a lot more to the Christian concept and finding God than Finley's story.

Overall, I think this could have been a heart-warming story. But I think if Finley had been written a bit differently, I would have liked her a lot more and liked the book a lot more.(less)

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Sep 11, 2012 Selin Kamaş rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, romance

Hani bazı kitaplar vardır, eline aldın mı ve daha okumaya başlamadan "İşte bu." dersin. "Beni Orada Bulacaksın" da o kitaplardan.. Nasıl anlatsam bilmiyorum ama çok hoştu, çok güzeldi. Dün gece kitabı bitirdiğim de, durup düşünmeden edemedim. Kitabın bölümlerini, en önemlisi "bir şeylere olan inancımı" tekrar gözden geçirdim. Yani bir kitap gibi değildi, okurken resmen uyarladım hayata. :)

Zaten İrlanda'ya olan müthiş bir hayranlığım var ve bu kitabı almamdaki en önemli etkenlerden biri de oydu....more

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Mar 23, 2013 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow. Yeah. So.
How do I say this. I unladylike fell head over heels in love with this book.
You know that happy place everyone has? Well this book took me to mine in a smooth long and laughable journey.
Mrs Sweeney had me choked up, I had so much sympathy and admiration for her as a person and if her sister hadn't shown and offered her the forgiveness she seeked I would have had some serious ass kicking to do.
When she went, a piece of my heart went with her. I was so sad until I imagined her ha...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Snigdha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh my god, I SO did not expect to love this book so so soooo much! :D
I've never read anything by Jones before this, but now I can't wait to splurge on her writing! Aaaaah!
But but but, my professional review as available on http://delusionsandillusionsalways.wo...

There are some profound life-altering books one doesn’t encounter just every other day, where at the end you cannot even begin to describe what unbelievable 170 pages you read in the previous three hours at a stretch. There you’ll find m...more Oh my god, I SO did not expect to love this book so so soooo much! :D
I've never read anything by Jones before this, but now I can't wait to splurge on her writing! Aaaaah!
But but but, my professional review as available on http://delusionsandillusionsalways.wo...

There are some profound life-altering books one doesn’t encounter just every other day, where at the end you cannot even begin to describe what unbelievable 170 pages you read in the previous three hours at a stretch. There you’ll find me is one such book that will entrench itself in your beautiful memory. A story about finding love, god, and salvation from an overload of guilt, fear, bewilderment, defiance, and emptiness. 18 year old Finley Sinclair is the daughter of Hotel magnate Marcus Sinclair, former party girl was knee deep in the world of over-indulging. A stint at a treatment facility turned her sober enough, but just when she thinks she has it together, her elder brother Will is killed in the war in Afghanistan. Will, who had never done any wrong and had had utmost faith in His love. By some wild co-incidence, Finley embarks upon the same foreign exchange program Will had few years ago with nothing but a busy but loving host family and Will’s journal introduce her to Ireland. Not to mention pestering yet extremely beautiful Beckett Rush, teenage star vampire and heartthrob. As Finley struggles to revisit every place Will had, through her own eyes, what follows in a journey that can be unabashedly called humorous, sentimental, rough and tear-inducing. The novel had me particularly tearing up at the mention of Mrs. Sweeney, Finley’s adopted grandma, as she is described in her last two months of life, ridden with guilt and undeserving grief, Finley’s attachment to her, her hopes and tries of bringing Mrs. Sweeney righteous closure before her death. What captured my heart the most was the description of faith in God without any word sounding cheesy or ridiculous. The reason to hold on to His love, and sometimes let go of fate you couldn’t control, Finley’s final music piece, finding hope to finish it, struggling with an eating disorder, the significance of the cross Will had inadvertently sent Finley in search of, it all comes together like pieces of puzzle fitting in perfectly, and the ride, though a little rough ends up being one of the most beautiful finally. (less)

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Jan 02, 2012 Karla Mae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, chicklit, covers-me-like, e-books, favorites, young-adult, le-handsome-guys, travel, death-suicide-tragedy

This is definitely one of the best book i've read. And i could definitely say that i started the year with a BANG! since its one of the first books i've read as the year enters and i'm definitely happy about it ~~definitely not dissapointed!~~

The past two years have been a struggle for Finley Sinclair as she face the death of his brother, Will on the hands of the terrorists. In a way to fix her life she decided to head to Ireland to finish her senior year and follow her borther's footsteps. Equip...more

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Jan 09, 2013 leanna -when am I not bored- rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: free-time-books

Oh my gosh! this book makes me want to go to ireland so bad!

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 ♥ Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-na, fluffy

3/5

I liked the overall message of the story. I think the intentions behind the story are applaudable; and are relatable to some extent: having doubts, feeling alone, lost, angry, questioning ones' faith, and so on. Also, I liked the meaning behind Finley's name, and I liked reading about her journey; YET I somehow still felt like there was something missing. The story, when it came full circle, didn't deliver the emotionally powerful punch I was craving.

I think it was because there were too man...more 3/5

I liked the overall message of the story. I think the intentions behind the story are applaudable; and are relatable to some extent: having doubts, feeling alone, lost, angry, questioning ones' faith, and so on. Also, I liked the meaning behind Finley's name, and I liked reading about her journey; YET I somehow still felt like there was something missing. The story, when it came full circle, didn't deliver the emotionally powerful punch I was craving.

I think it was because there were too many subjects the author attempted to tackle. And I think what disappointed me the most was the romance aspect; it all felt a bit rushed, forced, and quite unrealistic. Perhaps the famous, young, Hollywood heartthrob falling "in love" with Finley's "beautiful heart" was just too juvenile a theme for me. I mean, normally, I wouldn't mind that kind of a scenario, but it just didn't work with this one (especially with the whole "finding God" theme). The story would have been a lot better if there were no romantic interests involved. If it was just a coming of age story, Finley discovering her faith again, learning to deal with her brothers' death, finding the closure she needed, finding herself along the way, etc. it could have been stronger than than adding to the mix, a love interest.

I don't usually read Christian-fiction, so I wouldn't have a basis to compare this novel with, but I think the whole spiritual aspect was a bit overdone. I think if it were written in a more subtle way, it would've had a greater impact. I'm a Christian, and I'm not sure if the author is, or if she intended this to be a specifically "Christian" novel, but I just couldn't truly relate. I mean, I sympathized with Finley, and I got the whole "feeling disconnected with God at times" and even more, the "You're not really LISTENING, God was ALWAYS THERE" message, but I don't know what it was. Finley wasn't a character I clicked with. However, I liked that she had flaws, doubts, questions, and anger. I guess, for me personally, she just didn't feel real. Developed. Layered.
I didn't EXPECT the spiritual aspect to be such a big part of the story, but it was a pleasant surprise. I just wish the message wasn't "watered down" so much with all the other complications & drama.

I guess I expected this story to be more of a teen-romance, so I was quite disappointed in that aspect. Also, I liked the beautiful descriptions of Ireland, including the magic and self-discovery that could happen overseas, but again, it wasn't absolutely necessary. Finley could have just as well "found herself/God" at home.

***I wish the author focused more on Fin's "issues" and developed her spiritual background more, as to give the readers more context about her faith and so forth. I kept thinking to myself, this girl whines. A LOT. Additionally, she had really low self-esteem, and the only *reason* was because of the death of her brother. I wanted MORE context. Maybe even flashbacks of her and her brothers' interactions? I needed more background & context regarding Fin's relationship with her brother, to fully appreciate and understand Fin's actions, issues, and her character overall.

Overall, despite the description, the story wasn't incredibly deep, although the story centers around notions of faith, overcoming death, loss, some aspects of "self-discovery" and a whole lot of sort-of-cheesy romance. So yeah. I liked the message, it was enjoyable, but I don't think I'd read it again.(less)

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Apr 03, 2012 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, favorites

I just finished this book, and it's been a long time since I've been this impressed with every aspect of a book like I was with this one. Jenny has managed to write a witty, sassy, yet quite painful, novel that had me on an emotional roller coaster that I didn't want to end.

From the beginning, I knew that Finley was a hurting soul. Her life was in shambles--the death of a brother, a stint in therapy, a semi-public image tainted--and God had never felt more distant. On top of her personal turmoil...more I just finished this book, and it's been a long time since I've been this impressed with every aspect of a book like I was with this one. Jenny has managed to write a witty, sassy, yet quite painful, novel that had me on an emotional roller coaster that I didn't want to end.

From the beginning, I knew that Finley was a hurting soul. Her life was in shambles--the death of a brother, a stint in therapy, a semi-public image tainted--and God had never felt more distant. On top of her personal turmoil, the stress she was under to complete a musical piece for a prestigious audition was intense. But then she meets a boy. And not just any boy, either. This one was Beckett Rush...THE hottest young movie star on the Hollywood scene. And the funny part? She couldn't be less interested in him, which threw him for a big-time loop. Gradually, they become friends, then more than friends, and he slowly starts to break down her walls. Before too long, each one of them realizes things that they'd rather not face, yet know if they don't, their lives won't go any direction but downhill.

I've said it before...I wish books like this had been available when I was in the young adult stage. I found this story to be so honest and real. It was not a book I could wrap in a box with a fancy bow. There was no fluff. Instead, it was a brilliantly told, coming-of-age story that I will never, ever forget. Yes, there was wit, sass and snark, but there was also pain, loss, and deep emotional hurt. I found myself laughing along with Finley as she verbally sparred with Beckett (considering he had met his match there), and on the flip side, reaching for the Kleenex when Finley succumbed to her lowest point and realized that God had been right by her side all along. She had just filled her life with so much noise that she couldn't hear God's voice. That was my "aha" moment right there because I have done that very thing more times than I can count. Like Finley, I think that if I can just do this one task, or wrap up this one commitment, or help this one person, I'll have accomplished something really great. It becomes all-consuming, and I lose sight of the things that are eternally important.

But...

Leave it to a novel to bring my focus back where it needs to be. Thanks for that, Jenny. :o) Thanks for using all those editors and going through all those rough drafts (as you mentioned in your acknowledgments) to get this story just right.(less)

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Jan 22, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, grief-loss, ya, book-cover-lured-me-in

What a great surprise this read turned out to be! Not at all the "light-n-fluffy" teenage romance I thought it was going to be. (Not that there's anything wrong with light-n-fluffy. Sometimes that's just what I need.) I admired Finley Sinclair right from the beginning--her biting sarcasm, her sassy attitude, her protective walls, her deep grief, her struggle to find her way and faith; I could relate to it all.

In There You'll Find Me, Jenny Jones has crafted a wonderful story full of genuine cha...more

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Sep 07, 2011 _yay_ rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, bad-boy, christian-fiction, first-love, loss, 2-stars

This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publish date: October 4th, 2011
Fiction – Juvenile: Religious, Visionary & Metaphysical: Religious, 320 pages
Thomas Nelson

Finley Sinclair has had a hard time coming to terms with her brother’s death two years ago. When she gets the opportunity to spend a year in Ireland, Finley jumps at the chance. After all, Will did the same. It’s her goal to see everything he wrote about in his travel journal. Finley is convinced her sadne...more

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Sep 05, 2011 Mitchii rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-or-galley, chick-lit, christian, young-adult, 2011-reads, realistic-fiction

I wanted to read this book so when I saw this book up on netgalley, I couldn’t deny the temptation. I requested it in a heartbeat. And I’m so glad I was approved.

I do admit that it didn’t entirely meet my expectations, needless to say it was still a good and refreshing story. I kinda like Caleb + Kate (a Christian fiction too) better but the plot of There You’ll Find Me is charming with a tinge of realism. Some may have an impression that books like these tend to be preachy, which is not. Regard...more I wanted to read this book so when I saw this book up on netgalley, I couldn’t deny the temptation. I requested it in a heartbeat. And I’m so glad I was approved.

I do admit that it didn’t entirely meet my expectations, needless to say it was still a good and refreshing story. I kinda like Caleb + Kate (a Christian fiction too) better but the plot of There You’ll Find Me is charming with a tinge of realism. Some may have an impression that books like these tend to be preachy, which is not. Regardless of your faith/beliefs, I can see you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. Yes, I am recommending it to you guys. ;)

When Finely’s brother Will died, her faith with God sort of had left too. She went to Ireland in hope to reconnect with God. On her way to Ireland she sits next with Beckett Rush, a popular actor (let say he’s like Robert P.). He’s there filming for a new vampire movie, plus he’s a native there. He accompanied her to these places—places her brother went when he was in Ireland. From that, one thing leads to another. Who could have thought that so-called “it boy” isn’t exactly what she thought he was. That some things are more than meets the eye. And she probably has a other purpose being there, aside from finding herself and her faith.

I like this book, it was light but not fluffy. It deals with real life topics such as death, faith, forgiveness, stereotypes and even health. But I like that it was conveyed not in an obvious way, it was in the story, and the story was weaved extremely well that I can’t help but be absorbed by it.

While she felt empty with all the things that happened to her, especially the death of his brother, I’m glad Finley wasn’t whiny as a narrator. I know she’s depressed, I know she’s confused, lost. I like how her issues was delivered, how it was put into words. I’m really rooting for her to solve her problems. I know death, particularly of someone close to you will likely suck the life out of you. So that’s given. But not only that, she’s also dealing other complications, like her eating problem. I knew something was off with Finley’s eating habit. But it was still surprising to know. So with that, I so wanted her to move on, to see life again. So let’s just say that I’m truly satisfied with the ending.

Beckett Rush’s character is refreshing. I confess that when you say Hollywood actors, or just say any actors (even local) I have already preconceptions about them. I know not all them are the like that, but I read enough news about them to form some biases. But in reality, some actors are like Beckett, in a way like Finley—lost, and still finding what they REALLY want to be. Was there because of the circumstances that led them there. While others do like their craft—they like acting. It’s uplifting to see the other face of the coin.

The romance was executed pretty well. If I haven’t said (enough) I prefer subtle relationship development, and this one is that. So I really like it, they spent time together to really get to know each other rather than the normal ‘insta-love.’ And they also helped each other resolved their issues.

To wrap up, it’s nice, but still has serious tone to it. In some way or another we probably have (or will) experienced it—Finley, Beckett and even Mrs. Sweeney’s story. I like it!

**Thanks Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC!**(less)

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Dec 13, 2011 Kai (Amaterasu Reads) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teens, 2011-tbr-pile, arc, for-review

Review posted at Amaterasu Reads

This is such a beautiful book.

I can't really find the words to describe my feelings after reading, but I can say this: There You'll Find Me is heart wrenching and emotional. It's a wonderful story about loss and love and one girl's struggle to put back the pieces of her life shattered by a tragedy.

I had to pause for a while and gather my bearings after I finished reading this. I was a bit misty eyed when I leafed through the last page.

One of the most adorable an...more Review posted at Amaterasu Reads

This is such a beautiful book.

I can't really find the words to describe my feelings after reading, but I can say this: There You'll Find Me is heart wrenching and emotional. It's a wonderful story about loss and love and one girl's struggle to put back the pieces of her life shattered by a tragedy.

I had to pause for a while and gather my bearings after I finished reading this. I was a bit misty eyed when I leafed through the last page.

One of the most adorable and charming pairings I have ever had a chance to read about is Beckett and Finley. There were moments where I just drowned myself in laughter over how entertaining they are just throwing random verbal exchanges to each other. They were over the top, certainly, and very funny. But there are also times where my heart feels like its breaking a little more and its those parts I find the hardest to read, but they're also the ones I love the most. Grief is a delicate and a difficult emotion to deal with. It doesn't go away for a long time, and sometimes it stays too long with people to the point that it's all they see, it takes over their lives. But once a person is over that, then what? What is left? The aftermath is what scares Finley. She was so afraid of losing grip in her emotions, her pain for the loss of her brother that she thinks she wouldn't have anything left once she gets past that.

I guess in more ways than one, Finley and Beckett were similar. Both living fake lives, pretending to be happy and just fine. Beckett lost himself amidst the new persona created for him to become a star, and when the time came for him to be just himself, he couldn't go back. He's probably a little selfless, always thinking of other people and he has yet to stand up against a father who treats him as an investment, a tool for money. I love how Beckett has his moments where he was himself even when he's a disguise. Even when their relationship went downhill, they're good for each other. They understand each others pain and suffering and the need to be honest and come clean once and for all. Finley's lucky to come across a guy who can help her through the darkest moment of her life, a popular actor even!

I have to admit I hated Finley, at one point, with all my heart. A person will never admit he/she's an addict, or sick, until someone notices it, sometimes not at all. I've had a hard time connecting with her during those first few moments when everyone keeps on telling her she's sick, that she needs help, that she needs to fix her life (which is not easy, I have to admit) and not be like Mrs. Sweeney but what did she do? Get angry, throw a tantrum, lock herself in her room, refuse to talk to her only friend and ruined her relationship with the only guy who can ever see through her. How is that for ruining yourself big time? I just get so frustrated when main leads act so out of it when you can clearly see what the right thing to do is, when it's right up there staring at their faces and they just won't take it.

Ireland just sound a little bit more magical to me. My mind conjured up images of lush green fields and hills, great scenery and friendly people. There are points in our lives where we feel the need to connect in a deeper level with Him and I felt it while I was reading this book. I am not a very religious person but I loved this particular aspect in the book where Finley travels to Ireland and just drink in every thing, every gravestone, every cliff, every field she sees, and they're all part of God's wonderful creation. Those moments make me appreciate life even more. It makes you want to stop for a little while and think of life even for just a little moment.

That little rant there just goes to show how emotionally invested I have been with the characters. Readers wouldn't help but empathize with them. There You'll Find Me has such dynamic characters with colorful personalities which will touch the reader's hearts. Every single one of them, especially Finley and Beckett, will fill nooks and crannies in your heart.

There You'll Find Me is a touching journey of finding something you once have that you've lost: yourself, love, your faith in people and in Him, in a place where you least expect it to be. It has a little bit of everything; drama, romance, heart breaking and breath taking moments which makes it worth reading. It talks about faith and religion without being preachy, and its something everyone can appreciate reading once in a while.

I have a new favorite author and that is Jenny B. Jones!(less)

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Sep 20, 2011 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-ya-fiction

Wow. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Every single book I've read by Jenny B. Jones I pretty much read straight through because I couldn't put it down and this was no different. This is really a great story about growing up, dealing with tragedy, and a little bit about mistaken first impressions and young love. Overall this is an amazing YA story that will appeal to all readers, young and old.

Finley Sinclair, who we met earlier this year in Save the Date, has been dealt a blow in her young life that few adul...more

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May 14, 2013 Kelli rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

This is sweet. Its a great setting and Finley is pretty quirky to read. Its not a bad book to end up with. Jenny B. Jones really got the setting of the book in Ireland. The array of characters all have a voice + are written really well. The story line has some unbelievable elements to it. Some of the movie set stuff, and Beckett conveniently staying at the same hotel when all the other actors aren't is a little far fetched. However, the story flows and looking past that helps. It will definitely...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Kaylee Hammond rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: one-well-read-chick

Immediately I fell in love with There You’ll Find Me because of the rain boots on the cover. I know, I know, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but I love rain boots. Good news for me though, There You’ll Find Me, has an awesome protagonist, Finley Sinclair.

Finley is on her way to Ireland to find the end of her violin piece, a carving of a cross on a gravestone, and God. Her older brother Will adored Ireland and since Will is no longer alive to help Finley, Finley hopes that Ireland can help her...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Whatchyareading added it

Shelves: contemporary, kate-2, young-adult

I somehow must have glossed over this book’s summary, because it was not exactly the story I had been expecting. That being said, I found Finley’s journey quite lovely, and I was happy to have gone along for the ride.

I’ll be completely honest: the main reason I picked up this book was that it was set in IRELAND. I’m a sucker for international tales, particularly those that happen in the United Kingdom. Throw in a love story with that and I’m generally a goner.

As I read There You’ll Find Me, it b...more I somehow must have glossed over this book’s summary, because it was not exactly the story I had been expecting. That being said, I found Finley’s journey quite lovely, and I was happy to have gone along for the ride.

I’ll be completely honest: the main reason I picked up this book was that it was set in IRELAND. I’m a sucker for international tales, particularly those that happen in the United Kingdom. Throw in a love story with that and I’m generally a goner.

As I read There You’ll Find Me, it became clear that while the gorgeous Irish boy was indeed a part of Finley’s overseas experience, he was by far not the most integral part (although the fact that this was one of his intro lines made me swoon:“His voice carried a hint of Ireland.” YES, PLEASE.). Essentially this was her journey to find closure after her brother’s death, and a key element of this was opening her heart and head to God once again and realising that he had not abandoned her despite how she might have felt over the tumultuous last year.

This Christian theme was what I had not expected when I began reading. It took a little bit to get into the groove of how it fit together with the rest of the puzzle pieces, but ultimately I liked how it gelled with everything else. Everybody believes in something, and this was Finley’s particular faith. What I liked was that it helped her grow as a character, which is really all I want from a story sometimes.

Beckett was a charming, seemingly cocky (but of course really not so much when you got to know him) actor. I threw plausibility out the window here and just accepted him in all his Irish glory. I love how he helped Finley, and she in turn gave him some of the confidence he needed to take certain leaps. My one complaint is that he had to be doing a vampire series of movies (there was even a mention of Twilight thrown in at one point). Sometimes cultural references like that work and add to a story, but in this one it just bugged me.

The ending didn’t wrap everything up in a neat little bow, which I appreciated. It gave a more tangible finish to a story which was larger than life in some aspects. While the big questions were answered, I could imagine where other parts of their lives would go from there, which provided a nice balance.

Overall, I don’t think this is a story for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for something a little quieter in pace with some beautiful and lively scenery as a backdrop, I would add it to your pile.

This was reviewed at WhatchYAreading on February 18, 2013.(less)

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Feb 11, 2013 Angel rated it 4 of 5 stars

So close to 5 stars. I'm still debating to give it that as of now.

First thoughts on the book (based on the summary) is that I'll completely fall in love with it. It's Ireland, for cryin' out loud. I'm not disappointed.. much.

After the death of her older brother, Finley Sinclair decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will's travel journal. It's the place he felt closest to God, and she's hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Sarah Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars

A moving story about family, loss, betrayal, love and friendship.

Finley has had a tough two years. Ever since her older brother, Will passed away in Afghanistan she hasn't been the same. Since his death, she hasn't been able to hear God so, she's taken it upon herself to find him. So, she has decided that she is going to follow her brothers journal,the one he took to his boarding school, she is going to one place he said he saw God everywhere, Ireland. On the plane to Ireland Finley ends up bein...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book. I had to think about how I wanted to rate it because there was nothing about the book that I didn't like. So why not 5 stars? Well, I wasn't entirely captivated. Don't get me wrong, I loved all of the characters, the plot development, the visuals, etc. but I rarely finished a chapter and just HAD to keep reading. I was able to go about 4 days without reading and it didn't bother me that I wasn't finding time to read. Does that make sense?
Anyways, great story. I'm working on a...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Teepee rated it 5 of 5 stars

“What is it you want, Finley Sinclair?” Some peace. Some healing. To hear God’s voice again.

Moving. Touching. Just what I needed at the moment.

I thought this book was just going to be about a girl meeting a famous celebrity in Ireland. They don't like each other that much so they decide to work together. But little by little, the feelings started to change as they get to know each other better. Well yes, the book is sort of like that, and so much more.

It's about love, loss, family and understand...more

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Aug 29, 2012 Maan Beltran rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, ebook, jenny-b-jones

One boring long weekend, i was having a hard time writing the next scene of my current manuscript that i started to search for books that somehow related to what i'm currently reading. famous actor/singer with a not so nice attitude. I stumbled upon this book and began reading it. And i didn't expect to loved the book! I even cry at one particular scene!

I'm not a religious kind of person and i didn't even know that this is a Christian novel nor Jenny B Jones is a Christian author. But neverthele...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Katrina Ly rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting and poignant book dealing with very serious and very real issues that are apparent today. It realistically portrays the problems that can be caused by grief and trauma and over-obsession and etc. You'll understand when you read it.

This books starts off very normal, telling a tale of a very realistic, down-to-earth kind of girl who was still grief-stricken by her brothers death but then meets a guy (which she obviously falls her eventually and hated at the start) who ju...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Chantelle Finley rated it 2 of 5 stars

The story is good and I enjoyed the both the plot and the journeys toward growth and closure that the main characters take, but the actual characters themselves are cardboard cutouts in this story, standing in for real people. Finley (awesome name, eh?) is described as witty and strong in the book summary but in reality her character is either bitchy for no reason (when interacting with Beckett) or completely lacking any personality at all when she is dealing with the rest of the world. Beckett...more The story is good and I enjoyed the both the plot and the journeys toward growth and closure that the main characters take, but the actual characters themselves are cardboard cutouts in this story, standing in for real people. Finley (awesome name, eh?) is described as witty and strong in the book summary but in reality her character is either bitchy for no reason (when interacting with Beckett) or completely lacking any personality at all when she is dealing with the rest of the world. Beckett Rush was drawn to her but it seemed like the only thing he liked about her was that she didn't like him and there was no real chemistry. It wasn't even a love/hate relationship where they drive each other crazy; Finley was just randomly hostile to him and he took it with no real reaction. The only times Finley was likable was when she was spending time with her crabby charge at a nursing home where she had to give as good as she got if she didn't want to just be ignored by the insubordinate granny, but that was not the face she wore in everyday life.

Beckett also had little to no personality and again it seemed like Finley's attraction to him was based on nothing more than the fact that he was pursuing her. In the book summary he is described as an arrogant actor who plays a vampire in teen movies, but the only evidence of arrogance was when he offers Finley an autograph if she will stay quiet about his identity (ug, how repulsive is it to assume she wants his autograph?). A little arrogance would have been preferable to the bland saltine cracker of a personality he showed through the rest of the book.

I won't judge the references to Christianity in this book. It was highly religious and many know my aversion to organized religion (spirituality is one thing, religion is another) but I cannot condemn a book simply because its characters have faith. A book certainly does not need to only contain characters who share my religious beliefs to be enjoyable. But even though I am generally uncomfortable with overly religious themes I had no problems with the "God talk" in this book, even though there is a lot of it. I believe that is because Jones does a great job of not making the story into a parable or a sermon. God is present in this book in the form of a previously religious girl struggling with her faith after her brother's death. Her earthly guidance comes in the form or a slightly unconventional nun who does not lecture and her spiritual epiphany is aided by an old woman who is just looking for forgiveness. Not an "if you have sex you're a sinner and your parents will die in a car crash" type lesson in sight. It is simply part of the story of her journey.

I enjoyed reading the book but I was not super-attached to the characters and that prevented me from really getting invested in the story. There was so much potential to make both Finley and Beckett much more engaging and it would have taken this story to 4 or 5 stars, but overall the characters and their rather bland interactions killed this book for me.(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Cheryl Olson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Some people have this uncanny ability to get you laughing quite easily, and isn’t that a wonderful thing? Laughter just makes everything better, you’re happy, you’re comfortable, and you really don’t want it to end. Those are pretty much my feelings about books written by Jenny B Jones. The thing that is really a fascinating combo though is that right along with the laughter in that place where you are happy and comfortable, Jenny introduces you to characters that have “stuff” that is pretty ser...more Some people have this uncanny ability to get you laughing quite easily, and isn’t that a wonderful thing? Laughter just makes everything better, you’re happy, you’re comfortable, and you really don’t want it to end. Those are pretty much my feelings about books written by Jenny B Jones. The thing that is really a fascinating combo though is that right along with the laughter in that place where you are happy and comfortable, Jenny introduces you to characters that have “stuff” that is pretty serious to wade through, you know stuff like complicated family relationships, grief, perfectionism and parental approval to name a few. You find all of this stuff, along with the laughter and much more in Jenny B Jones latest book There You’ll Find Me.

Finley Sinclair, little sister to Alex Sinclair from Save the Date (for loyal Jenny B Jones fans) is on her way to Ireland when she lands a free upgrade into First Class where she just happens to sit next to none other than Beckett Rush, up and coming teen movie star . With his Vampire franchise of films with such titles as Vampire Boarding School and Friday Night Bites, he has developed quite a following of teens and tweens alike. Unfortunately, his reputation precedes him as that of a Mr. Hollywood Party Boy and as Finley is on a personal spiritual renewal trip to get a fresh start after making some poor choices, she wants as far a berth as she can get from the guy that every other girl would die to be around. As luck would have it, Beckett is staying at the very Bed and Breakfast, while filming his latest Vampire movie, where Finley is staying with her host family during her study abroad program, so their paths do keep crossing. Finley finds that maybe all those paparazzi reports on Beckett weren’t really that accurate and Beckett can’t help but be drawn to a girl that seems to be real and not cookie-cutter Hollywood. As they get to know each other all of that “stuff”- good and bad starts to come out as they help each other to find what they truly are looking for.

This story while having the usual humor that Jenny B. Jones always dishes up so well ,also has some real characters dealing with real issues in their lives. I love how the journey progresses for both characters with regards to figuring out what path God has for each of their lives and that it isn’t always what they naturally thought would happen. But God’s ways are always better than our ways and a whole lot of growth takes place during the process.

This YA book is charming, lovely set in Ireland, and a pleasure to read. I like reading good YA stuff that I can pass on to my daughter’s with confidence that they will be read , enjoyed and even have a great spiritual message in between the laughter and the tears. Thanks Jenny B Jones once again for a great book! Well constructed plot, loveable characters and a story that tugs on your heartstrings while filling the reader with joy and hope!

5 stars

A free digital copy was given to me by the publisher through the Netgalley program. I was not obligated to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Apr 09, 2012 Jennie Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wanted a break from the fantasy/paranormal kick I have found myself in and boy did the Lord knew what he was doing when I picked up this one. I have to say that, as a Christian, I haven't found very many good books that are YA Christian fiction. Some are overbearingly religious (so much so that I am offended by them and others make me wonder why they were even placed in the genre). Jenny B Jones blows all of that out of the water. Her novel does an amazing job showing the true nature of a Chri...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Emily Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorites

Wow! Wow! Wow! WOW!!!! What a book!! While reading this book, I easily found myself in Finely's postion. I could feel Finely's grief and struggles to find herself again after her family's tragedy. I could feel Finely's abandonment in her quest to understand God's choices. I could feel Finely's love and faith reborn after working through her demons. I could feel the warmth embrace her when Beckett and God's love surrounded Finely. WOW!!! Is about all I can say. Thank you so much for sharing this...more Wow! Wow! Wow! WOW!!!! What a book!! While reading this book, I easily found myself in Finely's postion. I could feel Finely's grief and struggles to find herself again after her family's tragedy. I could feel Finely's abandonment in her quest to understand God's choices. I could feel Finely's love and faith reborn after working through her demons. I could feel the warmth embrace her when Beckett and God's love surrounded Finely. WOW!!! Is about all I can say. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

While reading this book, the following verse kept popping into my head:

1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

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Feb 05, 2012 Molly rated it 4 of 5 stars

First chapter sets the stage for a delicious romance: hotel heiress with a rebellious streak (Paris Hilton, are you there?) meets teen vampire movie heartthrob (Edward? Bella?) on the way to Ireland--and soon discovers they're both stuck in the same B and B. Imagine that.

As the story unfolds, I'm positively transported to the 90s reading Sweet Dreams, trading books with friends, and swooning over tender, squeaky-clean romances.

But this book promises something deeper than puppy love as Finley gr...more First chapter sets the stage for a delicious romance: hotel heiress with a rebellious streak (Paris Hilton, are you there?) meets teen vampire movie heartthrob (Edward? Bella?) on the way to Ireland--and soon discovers they're both stuck in the same B and B. Imagine that.

As the story unfolds, I'm positively transported to the 90s reading Sweet Dreams, trading books with friends, and swooning over tender, squeaky-clean romances.

But this book promises something deeper than puppy love as Finley grapples with grief over her brother's untimely death and launches on a mission to discover what he loved so much about Ireland.

The only part that's so poorly researched I just can't buy it, is Finley's music audition to the New York Conservatory. She plays the violin but took up piano so she can be a composer; she has an unfinished composition, which she must finish in time for her audition, because it's her, of course, audition piece.

The author must have googled this whole music bit once and snapped up the first buzz words she could. Finley's musical aspirations are as silly as those movies with musical prodigies played by badly faking actors.

First: if you're a violinist, you can compose for the violin without having to learn piano. In fact if you're serious about the violin, taking up piano will just be time away from your violin practice (unless you're a prodigy, which Finley clearly isn't).

Second: if I'm not mistaken, auditions for instrumental music require you to play established classics, not your own composition. I don't really see the big fuss over Finley grappling for the ending to her composition. And if you're really serious about it, you might reconsider the New York Conservatory--a quick click to their website shows their forte is theater.

I think the book could do without the whole music bit, but who am I to say? Jenny B. Jones tells the story well enough and moves the romance along easily. I'd recommend this to young readers: get a Gossip Girl read without the trash, and instead, a hefty dose of real-life inspiration.(less)

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