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Joy #2

Finding Joy

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Love is patient.

It can happen when you least expect it,
where you least expect it,
with whom you least expect it.

Love is kind.

But love may not grow out of kindness.
It can happen with the person who hates you most
because love knows no bounds.

And it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love doesn’t hold a grudge.
Love forgives.
Love forgets.

But when the healing of your heart
breaks the hearts of the ones you love,
it may seem impossible to ...

Find Joy

**This is the second book in a series of two books. It is not a standalone. Before you can get to Adam and Allie's perfect ending, you must begin with their less than perfect beginning in REMEMBERING JOY**

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2013

16 people are currently reading
744 people want to read

About the author

Jenni Moen

15 books365 followers
Jenni Moen lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids who have the potential to burn the house down at any moment.

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard. Most of the time, she's up to no good, but every now and then a new book is born.

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Profile Image for Vanessa Booked Up.
1,052 reviews462 followers
December 28, 2013
"The things two people do to each other they remember.
If they stay together, it's not because they forget;
It's because they forgive."

- Indecent Proposal (1993)


4 Healing Forgive and Forget Stars!

I have to say that after the way Remembering Joy ended, I was just dying to find out what happened next and to get some much needed answers to my questions. I loved that this book picked up right where the first one left off. Adam and Allie are finally completely together, living together and totally in love. I wanted them to just have peace and complete happiness, but I also knew that there was still a lot that these two still needed to deal with. I loved that there was no drama for the sake of drama (my pet peeve!) between them and they dealt with things together, as a couple. Because of their pasts, they have to deal with a mountain of forces and people that are totally not in support of their union including unsupportive parents and jealous exes (aka “Caribbean Barbie”).

“I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you. I’ll never want anyone else. It’s only you. It will only ever be you. When will you get that through your thick skull….” ~ Adam

“We made promises, Allie. And I won’t break them. Not ever.” ~Adam


I LOVED Adam in this one so much more than in Remembering Joy ! The story is told in alternating POV. I loved being in Adam’s head with his thoughts because you will really get the depth of emotion that he feels for Allie.

As the story progresses, some major revelations are made, particularly about the big event that intertwined these two initially. Being that their connection went this far, just intensified their love story, because it was like fate was going to play a role in bringing them together no matter what. However, this revelation truly brings things full circle and adds an interesting new twist for them both to deal with.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters. There were a lot of scenes that were just fun and hilarious of all of them together as friends. Every last one brought something to the story, Ethan, Jillian, Carly, Burke, Lizzie, and especially Rubber Cat!!

“I still don’t have a pet, He’s your cat. I can barely tolerate him.” “Riggggghhhht. That’s why he just sold me out to sit on your lap…” “We’ve come to an understanding.”
“Is the understanding that he’s going to sleep on your side of the bed? Because that’s my understanding…”
“Fine. You win. He’s one sweet pussy, and it turns out that I have a soft spot for your sweet pussy. What’s your point?”
<-- As a cat lover who also reformed my former cat hating boyfriend (now husband), I SO loved this!!

Also loved Carly and all of her crazy one liners. I swear I am looking for the right opportunity to be able to call someone a “douche canoe” sometime soon! haha!

So, above all else, this is really a story of finding love where you totally least expect it, forgiveness, and compromise. Adam swears up and down that he absolutely does not want certain things in his life until maybe he does. But for him, it isn’t because he is some man whore like we are used to seeing in so many other stories. It’s because he has closed himself off to the idea of happiness, by becoming angry and hateful, much like Allie, but for different reasons. It’s also about the overwhelming power of love for these two, and how it changed and healed them both. They both had gotten so set in their ways, and were letting their pasts decide their futures, until they let the love that they have for one another in. It was truly a beautiful journey to watch unfold.

I don’t think I enjoyed this one quite as much as I did Remembering Joy, only because the concept for Remembering Joy was so amazing to me. I didn’t find this one to be quite as unique. However, the story went where it needed to go and I definitely enjoyed it. It maintained my interest the whole time.

Now let’s talk about that ending… because, oh holy WOW that ending!! I didn’t see some of that coming at all, and I have to say, some of it REALLY HURT!! The curve balls kept flying all the way up to the end. Let’s just say that the title to this book, Finding Joy really couldn’t have been more perfectly appropriate, because that’s really what is taking place here, for everyone involved.

“Nothing had been easy…for either of us. Remembering Joy had just been the beginning. Forgiving myself for the mistakes of my past had been much harder. It was something that I might not ever have been able to do if Adam hadn’t shown me how.” ~Allie

I really enjoyed this entire series as a whole. I am glad that I got the opportunity to read it straight through. I would definitely recommend doing the same now that both books are out.

I look forward to seeing what’s ahead for Jenni Moen. She’s proven to be a very promising author for me!

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ARC provided by author as part of blog tour.

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Profile Image for Autumn Review.
1,023 reviews524 followers
December 20, 2013
Where do I begin? Not long ago, my BFF told me...no demanded, that I read Remembering Joy. Well, I fell in love with the story just like she did. So, to say I was anxious for the sequel would be an understatement. Finding Joy was everything I had wanted for Adam and Allie and more!

This is the kind of series that you need to experience as a reader and I feel like I would be doing a disservice to you by telling you all about the story in detail. But, here's what I can tell you. Watching Adam and Allie begin their life together took me on an emotional ride. If I thought the first book gave me the feels...this book was even more emotional for me. I think it's because the secret is out and now they have to actually live with it. And it isn't easy. Adam and Allie have a lot of obstacles in their way. Namely, how their families are going to except their relationship.

Finding a way to live their life together long term was challenging. Adam really needed to figure out how to handle his mom. Plus, I feel like Adam really had to decide if he could move forward with Allie. He loves her. There is no doubt about it. There's still a constant reminder of their past though.

I was really proud of Allie in this book. I've always liked her, but I really felt like she handled their challenges well. She wanted to fight for them and what they were building. She knew it wasn't going be easy, but she felt like Adam was worth it. Don't get me wrong, they both have doubts that everything will work out, but I felt like Allie left it in Adam's hands. He was the one that really needed to figure out how they could move forward. That said, he was the one that was always telling Allie that they would make it. See what I mean about emotional turbulence??? The ending though...was PERFECT! I loved it.

Overall, I adored this book. Almost a little more than the first book. Well...I don't know. They're both pretty freaking awesome! I can tell you that these two books will either be in or mentioned in my top books of this year. If that doesn't encourage you to read them, I'm not sure what else I can say. GO GET THIS SERIES!

Quotes:
~"You wonder when it's going to get easier for us, but it's not easy for anybody, Allie. Everyone has their shit. It's different shit for different people, but it's still all shit. Being able to deal with it...that's where greatness lies. And we're great."-Loc 2270

~"Don't let your past dictate your future, Adam. Don't miss out on life because you're too afraid to take part in it. Sometimes life kicks us in the balls, but you can't just lie down and die. You have to get back up again...as soon as you're done vomiting, that is."-Loc 3538

~"Loving her has been the hardest thing I've ever done. And it's been the best thing that ever happened to me. When I'm with her, I feel healed from the inside out."-Loc 3793
Profile Image for Nereyda (Nick & Nereyda's Infinite Booklist).
638 reviews882 followers
February 1, 2017
I got the chance to beta read this and it was AMAZING! Loved it as much as the first book. These books are a MUST read! No cliches here :)

***
Excuse my fangirling because despite the fact that I’ve read some amazing books this year, Remembering Joy and Finding Joy are in the top 5 favorites (the very top)! I’m so happy that Andrea recommended this because or else I would have missed out on such awesomeness. I was anxiously waiting for the release of Finding Joy so you can imagine how much I was freaking out when Jenni asked me if I would like to beta read it. I was like ‘um, is this a trick question?’ While I wanted to devour this story, I was torn because I wanted to savor it a little bit longer. I fell in love with Adam(!) and Alexis and the rest of the great cast of characters (Ethan!) in book one. Remembering Joy was such a unique story and it’s pretty much impossible to talk about it and Finding Joy without revealing any major spoilers. I’m still shocked that RJ was Jenni’s debut novel. The way she brought everything together from book one was brilliant! I admit that I may have googled her to see if she had other books written under another name. Sadly, my sleuthing skills aren’t that great yet. (must watch more Nikita)

Adam and Alexis have overcome so many battles in their relationship. And even thought the worst may be behind them, they still have a lot of issues to work through. I LOVED that even though they have problems, they handle them maturely. There wasn’t drama just for the sake of drama and I found myself torn over what I wanted their solution to be (sorry, I have to be vague). Despite their problems, Adam and Alexis don’t lose the playfulness to their relationship. There was plenty of humor and heart warming moments to counter their difficult times. Adam trying to train Alexis’ cat to use the toilet was hilarious. Meanwhile, they’re still dealing with family issues on both sides. I loved that Lizzie, Alexis’ little sister throught the ‘Big Sister’ program, was still a part of the story. She actually played a big part in their relationship and while they were all dealing with a tough situation, the easy relationship between them three was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Once again, I felt torn over what I wanted to happen with the Lizzie situation but I am 100% happy with the outcome.

Finding You was a beautiful and emotional story. What I loved most was the writing. It’s the kind that’s so good that it gives you chills and you can’t help but highlight quote after quote. Adam is one of the most complex and fascinating characters I’ve read. I loved every time we got to read a scene in his POV. Even though he’s totally in love with Alexis, there’s still that hard and dark edge to him that I loved from book one. You’re all missing out on one hell of a character. As far as book boyfriends go, Adam is definitely one of my all time favorites. And I can’t forget to mention Ethan! I adored his friendship with Alexis (he calls her his wife) and I am so freaking excited to read his book next! Just one of the many great Ethan quotes:

“Really, he knows that I’d kick his ass before giving her up. I was here first. So I’m the husband. He’s just her mistress.”


This is one of those series that I will never stop recommending to people. I’ve only read these two books by her but Jenni Moen is already on my must-read list! A beautiful and powerful love story that you must experience.

5 stars all the way!

***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
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Profile Image for Bianca.
529 reviews62 followers
December 17, 2013
This and other reviews can be found here: http://www.bibliobelles.com/

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful. Emotional. Powerful.

If you’ve read the first in the series, Remembering Joy, you know that Allie and Adam loved through the pain, hurt, lies and betrayal. Their all-consuming love rocked them to the core, and they survived. In Finding Joy they learn that loving each other is easy, it’s explaining their love to their family that is hard.

“His fierce love, his ability to dismiss years of well-deserved hatred, his desire to protect me from myself and anyone who might hurt me…it all left me breathless”

I took a day to collect my thoughts as I was very affected by this story. How can two people with such a hurtful past find love and solace in each other? Adam loves Allie deeply and recklessly despite her actions. Allie loves Adam despite what he did to tear her down. Two people that were never supposed to meet fell hopelessly in love. The story centers on them explaining their relationship to their families which was difficult to read. How do you explain to your mom that the person you love is the reason for her years of mourning? How do you explain to your dad that the man you love is the reason he’s kept you away from everyone? Love. With a love as fierce as what they have, it is undeniable.

“It’s not that I believed that I couldn’t live without him. I could. But I didn’t want to.”

Adam and Allie also faced challenges with in themselves as a couple. Could their love survive their past as well as their different views in their future? While Adam doesn’t want children, Allie sees children in her future. She longs to be a mother. This story broke my heart into tiny pieces and then it was put back together. They internally battled many things, but they both always came back to the truth. Living without each other is not an option.

“Living and being alive were two entirely different things. I’d only been alive before he’d come in my life. Now I was living”

Finding Joy solidified that Jenni Moen is now on my ‘buy anything she writes shelf’. For someone to write about love in such a raw and consuming way is beyond words. She took the most broken love story and made it beautiful. The writing? Flawless. The flow of the story made for a read where I felt as if I was experiencing every emotion of all the characters. I laughed, I cried. If you are looking for a romance story where love is tested and goes where no other authors goes… Read. This. Book.

Finding Joy goes beyond true love. It is deeply rooted in that love knows no boundaries. You cannot choose who you love. Love heals. Love forgives. In all things, choose love.
Profile Image for Lora.
1,295 reviews14 followers
May 2, 2015
4 out of 5 stars

Though the first book, Remembering Joy, had a decent ending, I was so very happy to have the 2nd book and to be able to read more about Adam and Alexis...and even the others in their group (Lizzie, Ethan Carly, Burke and the band).

My favorite quote from the whole series came from page one and showed me Adam’s commitment to Alexis and how far he would go to make sure she was okay.

The love of a woman is a powerful thing. It’s healing, and I’d needed some healing. I hadn't even realized how much until she’d worked her magic on me.

The devotion that Adam showed to Alexis in this book showed just how much he wasn't’ going to let the past rule his future.

I also liked that the author gave us a better look at the friends of Adam and Alexis in this book. Meeting the band members a little better and getting to know Carly and Ethan was a lot of fun.

Opportunities arise in this book that Adam and Allie don’t really discuss which creates new drama for them....but how would a romance work without a little drama. Adam is adamant in his opinions and Allie is unsure of her abilities. BUT Allie’s thoughts early in show just how much they want to fight for each other and how strong their relationship is.

His fierce love, his ability to dismiss years of well-deserved hatred, his desire to protect me from myself and anyone who might hurt me … it all left me breathless. I’d never imagined loving someone or being loved so completely. When I’d been a child, my grandmother had a throw pillow cross-stitched with the saying, ‘I love you more than yesterday, less than tomorrow, forever.’ I had never known what it meant. Until Adam.

One of the things about Adam that I love (even from the first book) is his thoughtful gifts. He always sends, or leaves, her thoughtful gifts with the perfect note. It just makes him all the more swoon-worthy!

My personal connection with this series really hit me hard on page 191 when Adam is talking about losing his sister and how devastating it was for him and his family. I witnessed a horrible bicycle accident with my niece my first year of college. Though that was 20 years ago, there are still moments when it feels like yesterday. I admire Adam’s ability to grow and see his future despite the tragedies of his past.

I also loved the advice that Adam and Alexis got about their relationship from people who they wouldn’t have expected to get such great advice from. I appreciated the humor that was used here and there and I really just love these characters. I applaud Ms. Moen and can’t wait to read what else she has out there.
Profile Image for Kate.
228 reviews68 followers
December 19, 2013
You know what gets me hot? Smart writing. And this book? Is written brilliantly. The themes woven throughout, the banter, the wittiness. I seriously swooned. Remembering Joy was wonderful. Finding Joy is amazing. You can see the growth of Jenni Moen's writing ability so well. That's saying a lot since I was someone that was jumping up and down yelling about how great her writing was in her first book and it's gotten even better!

Ok, let's talk about the book.

If you read Remembering Joy, you know where we start (and if you haven't, what the hell are you doing here? Go read it! Go now and come back when you have. Scoot!)

So, this book is about Adam and Alexis finding out if they really "work". Can they make it? Can they pull through after all the history and pain that is between them? Of course I was screaming "they have to!!!" But you have to read it to find out if they can :)

The real world is settling in, there are outside factors encroaching on their lives and now they have to deal with the reality of friends and family that don't understand how these two people could possibly be good for each other. There are gauntlets thrown and mazes that have to be navigated and it's all written so beautifully.

What I loved, loved, loved was that this was real feeling. Adam and Alexis had to grow in their relationship. They needed to figure out how to live together, and most certainly how to communicate. There is a scene that had me just well, swooning over the brilliant character that is Adam. When you read the boat scene, ping me and tell me if that was not one of the most amazing scenes you have ever written. I freaking LOVED it. I told my husband that any time we need to talk something through, we are now renting a row boat. The boat also cemented my undying love for Adam. He is just such a calming force in Allie's life. His personality and his love for Allie just make me... sigh. He is awesomesauce.

This book is certainly not all puppy dogs and rainbows. It's emotional, riveting and heart wrenching. It's happy, it's sad, it's everything in between. In then end you will be so thankful that you read it and so thankful that Jenni Moen created such an amazing story. I promise.

Profile Image for Taryn Lee.
164 reviews17 followers
December 18, 2013
~I received an ARC from Book Enthusiast Promotions in exchange for an honest review~

I had such a wonderful time reading the conclusion to the Joy Series by Jenni Moen. She's a fabulous writer who deserves praise for her work!

Allie and Adam have to figure out how to coexist with each other. Allie feels grateful that Adam can even stand to look at her while Adam wishes Allie wouldn't feel so guilty. It's crazy how these two seem to fit so well if you were to meet them on the street, yet you wouldn't know that one past tragedy could tear them apart forever. Allie will always have a guilty conscience when it comes to Joy, but Adam accepts what happened. He knows he can't change it. I think that's why he accepts Allie for who she is and what she represents.

This book was a nice conclusion, but I would have liked a little more build up to the climax. I don't want to spoil anything, but this book really had some depressing moments and some extremely happy moments. It ranged on so many levels of the spectrum.

Overall, I'm giving this review 4 STARS out of 5 STARS. I recommend everyone reads Remembering Joy first then this book. It's a heartbreaking series, but the characters have so much substance to them that I don't see how you won't fall in love with them, especially the supporting characters. I would love to read a book about supporting characters Carly and Burke... please Jenni do it!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on December 1, 2013
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on December 17, 2013
http://facebook.com/tarynleesblog
Profile Image for Heather.
465 reviews30 followers
January 2, 2014



Oh you guys. Remembering Joy was one of my favorite books this year and Jenni does not dissapoint at all with Finding Joy. Amazing conclusion to Adam and Allie’s story!

In Finding Joy, Adam and Allie are finally completely together, living together, totally in love. One would hope that now they will have peace, complete happiness, but alas, it wouldn’t be an absolutely amazing story if there wasn’t some conflict and drama and it runs aplenty through the book.



There is everything you could ever want in this book. Some things that make you laugh (oh rubber cat), a couple of scenes that completely broke my heart (remember, they met because she hit and killed his baby sister with her car – their parents all need to find out about their relationship, well, besides her dad, who we already know HATES Adam and Allie together) and left me wondering where one of my favorite couples would end up, and other characters that we love and adore (the band guys! Carly! Ethan!), plus some that make us want to scratch their eyes out through the pages of the book (Caribbean Barbie is back and she truly is a wench).



After another emotional roller coaster ride about the healing power of love, I was contentedly sighing when I got to the end. I loved it, I loved it, I loved Finding Joy!



Jenni, I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes from you next! I am coloring myself your biggest fan!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for books are love.
3,144 reviews23 followers
December 16, 2013
this is a tearjerker ladies. A wonderful beautiful perfect tearjerker. I so want Adam he is so Mr. Darcy of today. And the cat training is hysterical. I am not saying Adam and Allie did not go through so many problems but they dealt with them. Except when Adam was being a doof but he was played so I forgive him. Of the parents I thought would be disapproving and do anything to stop them being together I did not think his mom would go to the lengths she did and I was so so glad he stood up to her. I did the happy dance and squeed with glee. Jenni Moen has composed a series that is poignant in teaching us love and forgiveness. Showing us what it means to open the heart and help heal. To find joy and safety in someone and give yourself to them wholeheartedly. Her writing is beautiful and has layers that just keep you coming back for more. She puts you through some emotional trenches and gives joy and happiness along the way. Never once do you feel cheated of a story and her way of getting entranced is so wonderful that you don’t realize you are done with the book until you read the last word. I cried for lizzie with all that happened to her and than cried for joy for her in the end when she got a HEA. I got mad at Adams mom for being so selfish. I mean geesh he deserves to be happy and she almost destroys him with her selfishness. I would have loved to see Ethan (a fave of mine) find someone but he was as entertaining in this book as he was in Remembering Joy. Oh and the waxing party with the pain lady was a hoot. A book that will have you reaching for the Kleenex as you read the wonderful and amazing conclusion to such a beautiful and complex love story.
Profile Image for Alysha.
212 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2013
Alexis and Adam's story continues with the book 2 Finding Joy by Jenni Moen. These two people have been faced with so many problems, and so many people trying to tear them apart. They both want to be together but at the same time they want different things. They are continuously "rocking the boat," but are they able to keep the boat afloat. When they have finally decide they will always only choose each other no matter what people think and no matter what their past, something changes everything. Adam's mom is unable to deal with Alexis' part in Joy's death, and so she will do something that will make Adam choose her. Adam is fighting with his feelings for the woman he loves and his mother's mental state. He is having a hard time trying to figure out where is home truly is. Jenni Moen created many challenges with Alexis and Adam but she was also able to show here readers the true love and commitment they have as well. I was every happy with this second book, Jenni did a fantastic job on this series.

Favorite Quotes:

"I'd rather fight with you, than make love with someone else."

"Tell her you love her. You've got nothing to lose, and you'll always regret it if you don't."

"It doesn't matter is the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other."

"He was the one thing I followed through life, the one thing I didn't give up on. I was good at loving him."
Profile Image for Shxrxn.
415 reviews
September 29, 2014
Win or die trying, babe.
- Adam
The longer I walked, the more numb I became. I should have been heartbroken. Rage would been an appropriate reaction. Instead, I felt like a piece of me had just died. The rest of me curled around it, forming a barrier to protect it from further damage. I hadn’t wanted to give my heart away in the first place. I’d known better.
- Alexis
Finding a way to forgive myself was a constant battle. But it was a battle I fought alone.
- Alexis
You wonder when it’s going to get easier for us, but it’s not easy for anybody, Allie. Everyone has their shit. It’s different shit for different people, but it’s still all shit. Being able to deal with it ... that’s where greatness lies. And we’re great.
- Adam
You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery.
- Adam
Okay … we’re women. We don’t say what we want, but we reserve the right to be pissed off if we don’t get it.
- Alexis
Sliding Doors?
- Adam
The sky was even darker than my mood.
- Alexis
Profile Image for Gwen ~the Book Diva.
376 reviews117 followers
November 21, 2013
5 Stars! Just Wow! I really loved how this story came together! A more detailed review to come!

ARC provided by author for an honest review.

Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
September 26, 2015
3.5 for this series. Enjoyed this one but I was frustrated with Allie and her indecision. Adam was a great counterpart and I love the supporting cast !
Profile Image for Brenna Gaik.
4 reviews
June 19, 2018
Loved it

This was a great read! I really enjoyed this series. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for an addictive series.
Profile Image for Swathi.
550 reviews
July 14, 2018
FINALLY! I thought I’d never finish it. The beginning as pretty slow going- but otherwise it was a GREAT follow up book to Remembering Joy. All sweet, lovely, with a touch of reality.
Profile Image for Alicia.
341 reviews
December 16, 2013
4.5 Stars

Yay! Adam and Allie are back! I love, not just these two, but all the characters in this story. If you read book one, Remembering Joy, you know why. If you didn’t, stop reading this review and go buy it. You can check out my review for Remembering Joy by following the link below. I’m telling you, stop now if you have not read it. This review of Finding Joy contains spoilers to book 1.

http://www.meangirlsluvbooks.blogspot...


Okay, so if you are still with me, you read Remembering Joy, right? Let me give you a quick recap. Adam was plotting against Allie because he hated her. Allie was involved in a car accident that killed his little sister, Joy, but she had no memory of it. As Adam tries to plot against her and ruin her life, there is a lot of trying to push feelings away, but the two fall in love. Adam decides not to tell her about Joy and to just let it go. But Allie finally remembers killing Joy when she accidentally sees Adam’s movie for class. Understandably she freaks out and runs away. Adam isn’t letting her go, though. He fights for her and the two embark on a relationship without secrets and hidden agendas.

In this book, Finding Joy, there are more secrets, hurt, guilt and forgiveness. The secrets that Allie and Adam keep from each other are not malicious, though. They are just trying not to hurt each other or “rock the boat.” Though they have gotten better at communicating, when it comes to the really big issues, they are still working on it.
Through most of this story, Adam is the rock and the glue in their relationship. He has to keep reassuring her that he has let go of the past and that she is his future. Allie has a harder time letting go. She is still riddled with guilt, but works to move past it. The love between the two is so strong and they are both willing to put in the work to make their relationship last forever.

The parents come in to play a bit more in this story. Remember, Garrett Harper, Allie’s father, had gone to great lengths to ensure that Allie didn’t remember Joy. We find out how great those lengths are in this book. There are so many issues that her and her dad have to weed through. Also, Adam has to learn how to get past the years of hate and anger that are directed at the Harpers. If he is going to be with Allie he has to figure out a way to forgive them, so they can be a part of Allie’s life. This man will do anything for her. I just love Adam. Not only did he forgive her for taking Joy, but he tries every day to make her happy. He is just awesome.

Adam also has to break the news of his relationship to his mother, who is a recovering alcoholic. He is afraid that when he tells her, it’s going to send her back to the bottle. I enjoyed understanding Adam more in this story. We learn more about his difficult childhood. He is such a great, solid character. Does he have some downfalls? Of course. He isn’t perfect. In my opinion, his flaws make him so much better.

Allie and Adam’s relationship isn’t easy. At. All. But with the support of the great people around them, and most importantly, each other, they make it work. The author did a flawless job at tying up any loose ends from Remembering Joy. I feel like the ending is perfect for them. It leaves you feeling hopeful for them. I believe this is the final book for Adam and Allie, which is too bad. I really enjoyed them.
Profile Image for Athena Freya.
658 reviews154 followers
December 18, 2013
Given by the author for an honest review for her Blog Tour

Remembering Joy and Finding Joy are 2 of the most emotional books I’ve read..

Their story is so sad yet so romantic..It’s about tragedy and how a person copes with it. But it’s also about love and hope and how a single person can change you from the inside out..
It’s about how a single person can have the power to liberate you from your demons and make you see. Really see everything and everyone..

The story is so moving that it cannot not touch your heart..You can’t help but love the characters ..The writing is impeccable, once again. You feel exactly what the character feels..It’s an outstanding book, just like the first book was. I had no doubt about the quality of this book, because the first one was undescribable..

You may not enjoy such sad stories.. But this one is worth it..it’s worth your tears. And it definitely deserves your heart..

It deserves everything you’ve got..

It’s really outstanding! The story has such power and the characters hold your heart in their hands..It’s inevitable!

Remembering Joy and Finding Joy are 2 different romantic stories..Because not every story comes from a fairytale..Some have tragedies in them..But after all, love conquers all..Right?
Profile Image for Karen323.
587 reviews16 followers
August 31, 2014
Great sequel to Remembering Joy. An emotional ride, often sad, but you get rewarded for sticking with it through the sad parts. The characters have so many obstacles -- it seems like the bad stuff kept coming at them in a steady stream, but somehow they overcame. I kept rooting for them, then another fastball would be hurled at them and they'd have to find a way to deal with it. I love how the past unfolded and they kept getting more insight into the tragic incident that somehow brought them together years later. I think that's why I did stick with it....I was eager to find out another element of the past that drew them together.

Very well-written and excellent character development. You have to read Remembering Joy first -- this is not a standalone. Adam could've been a really creepy character if not written just right, and the author nailed it. You understand his motives enough in the beginning to understand that the things he does are somehow -- justifiable....at least in the story.


Love this line....
"You wonder when it's going to get easier for us, but it's not easy for anybody, Allie. Everyone has their shit. It's different shit for different people, but it's still all shit. Being able to deal with it...that's where greatness lies.
Profile Image for Rumpled Sheets Blog.
925 reviews70 followers
January 1, 2014
This story is so beautiful and at the same time it is hard and heavy and emotional to read.

I love love love it so much.

Finding Joy is a captivating sequel to Remembering Joy and Allie and Adam´s story.

When we first met them in Remembering Joy and by the end of Finding Joy, they both changed so much.

Adam was and angry, bitter, broken man. A man in pain who since he saw her, wanted a revenge.

Allie was lost inside her own world of guilt, pain, damage.

But the only thing they didn´t expect to happen, happened.

Love.

They fell in love with each other.

And because of that love, that gave them everything they didn´t know they wanted, they were able to heal.

Their love was so powerful and strong and at the same time it helped them to change and heal.

They had a long and hard road in front of them, but it was worth it.

It was worth finding joy together.

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

Looking forward to read more from Jenni and to see what she has next in store.



≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
Profile Image for Jay.
384 reviews9 followers
June 19, 2014
"Forgive and forget. Easier said than done. And what if you don’t want to forget? What if you can’t? Because forgetting the bad stuff might mean forgetting all the good that came before it."

This was a wonderful and heartfelt ending for this series, but I I don’t think I enjoyed this one quite as much as I did Remembering Joy.

After all that has happened to Allie and Adam will they found their happily ever after, even if all is up against them. Finding Joy really couldn’t have been more perfectly appropriate÷title for this book, because that’s really what happens, what do they will do find their joy.

“Nothing had been easy…for either of us. Remembering Joy had just been the beginning. Forgiving myself for the mistakes of my past had been much harder. It was something that I might not ever have been able to do if Adam hadn’t shown me how.” ~Allie~


I look forward to seeing more from Jenni Moen. She’s proven to be a very promising author for my to go/one click books
20 reviews
December 12, 2013
Jenni Moen has hit a home run with the sequel to Remembering Joy. From the opening pages of Finding Joy, Jenni Moen’s writing style effortlessly draws the reader into the story. It is as though the readers are a part of the story, watching it unfold.

Adam and Alexis pick up their lives trying to become a couple while working through the issues Alexis still has with the discovery made in Remembering Joy. While their issues seem insurmountable to some, their love is worth fighting for and each of them give it everything they have.

Moen takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions from the beginning to the very end of this story, and the key is that every single roadblock this couple makes it through is one that is totally believable. As a new author, Jenni Moen is making a name for herself. Remembering Joy was her first novel, and Finding Joy is the perfect sequel to a stellar beginning.
188 reviews35 followers
December 17, 2013
☆☆☆ 4 – 4.5 STARS!!! ☆☆☆

→ FULL REVIEW: Clickety click ;) + GIVEAWAY!!!

**COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR**

Am I glad that I joined the blog tour for this wonderful sequel. Jenni Moen has done it again. This book was so beautiful. It was a story about compromise, love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Adam and Allie's relationship always touches me so deeply because of how they've learned to move on from their past and even if their past does come chasing after them, they'll always make it through.

Such a sweet, sweet book.

"You wonder when it's going to get easier for us, but it's not easy for anybody, Allie. Everyone has their shit. It's different shit for different people, but it's still all shit. Being able to deal with it… that's where greatness lies. And we're great."
Profile Image for A. Gorman.
Author 39 books107 followers
December 20, 2013
If you haven't read Remembering Joy, STOP! Please read it. It's a beautifully broken story.

I actually reread Remembering Joy before reading Finding Joy. I honestly didn't want to start reading this book. I did, but I didn't want to leave through the heartache and emotions that I had in the first book. I was in tears when I started...

In this story it seems that for every step forward, Allie takes a step back. There is so much that happens, and I honestly don't know how Allie doesn't completely fall apart. I would.

I'm still trying to form the words for the emotions this book evoked. I don't want to give it away. This series is such a power read of forgiveness and overcoming anything with love... Love that I really don't know if it's deserved, but who am I to judge. This isn't my love story: it's Adam and Allies.

5 + stars for the sleepless night this book caused me. I couldn't put it down. I love these beautiful broken characters....
Profile Image for Alla.
1,040 reviews50 followers
August 7, 2014
This is a sequel to Remembering Joy.
I think you need to read this book if you want to get conclusion to Alexis and Adams story even though we did get kind of a happy ending in Remembering Joy.
As you know (if you read the first one) they do have alot of things to work out about their past and the connection they have to each other because of what happened. I think the author did a good job with this sequel and we got answers to our questions and I liked how it turned out for them.
This book had happy moments and very sad moments also, but no major angst or drama and I really liked that. Alexis and Adam are adults and they handle their problems like adults do.
It´s well written and sometimes funny and the conversations between charachters are good and flow very well.
I really liked this book :)
Profile Image for Angelle.
288 reviews
December 13, 2013
This is the end of Adam and Allie’s story and what an amazing story it was!! If you haven’t read Remembering Joy I suggest you stop right here and read that one first or you will be lost.
This story picks up right where Remembering Joy ended. For six months Adam and Allie’s relationship has been a rollercoaster ride. Just when they thought the ride was over they hit a few more dips. Will their ride be over for good or will they be able to find joy?
I really enjoyed this series. Adam and Allie’s characters were so well developed that you felt like you were living the story with them. I would highly recommend this book.. Make sure you have time to read it because once you start you won’t want to put it down…
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,160 reviews35 followers
August 5, 2016
This book gave more insight to Adam and so we see his character development in a more obvious light. Allie is still as transparent as ever, in a likable way that is easy to relate to her. They have some new obstacles to face in the acknowledgement of their relationship, which includes seeking acceptance from others like their family members. Adam steps it up in terms of showing his tender side towards Allie where he really is boyfriend material. Also, there's a more detailed look at both of their families and what kind of demons Adam has had to deal with in the past and in his upbringing. Adam's mom is not everything she appears to be. The ending very appropriately suits the characters in the book.
Profile Image for Carissa Janes.
1,929 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2017
Favorite Quote:
Life's a funny, effed up thing, Adam. But I think you got it right. You know firsthand how short and unpredictable life can be. If you get a chance at love, take it. If it's good for the soul, do it. If if changes your life, let it. Nobody ever said it would be easy, but I promise it's worth it. Tackle your problems, and keep your eyes on the prize. Listen to your heart. Go with your gut. But never your brain. Your brain will leave you astray.


This was such a fantastic ride for Adam and Allie. There were several surprises, several tears, and several heartbreaking moments. I love Adam and Allie. The way they play the movie quotes game and complement each other, all while being completely separate people, is fantastic.
601 reviews
February 13, 2017
So I'm sad. I looooved the first book and re read it again before this hook and then I felt like this just fell flat. The good thing about book one is it was a mystery why he hated her and when she was going to find out,,,,, this book had no real problems and mysteries.... It was just them living their lives going to Halloween parties quoting movie lines to each other..... I kept thinking something more significant would happen with the baby talk...??? That was another thing. I felt like all of a sudden even though they never really talked about it they were getting the baby? I don't know I just didn't really enjoy it. Totally bumbed. 2.5 stars, maybe 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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