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Finding Juniper
For Patrick Doyle, the claim that time heals all wounds is a cruel lie.
In 1920, returning from WWI, Paddy finds Ireland creeping toward civil war. Invisible borders separate people, including Paddy and his pregnant girlfriend. With few prospects, Paddy sails to America. However, America is far from the land of opportunity he'd hoped for. And worse, his girl refuses to follow him because of her political involvement.
Thirty years later, Patrick has moved on with his life, building a new family. A letter arrives, suggesting the child he'd assumed died may be alive. Patrick's American daughter Mardell pushes him to find out what happened to her sister, named Juniper. Patrick anxiously sails to Ireland.
Juniper endured a childhood in institutions, and when she's released, she moves on without the parents who left her. Operating an apothecary out of an inherited cottage where villagers are slow to trust outsiders, Juniper finally finds a home when her grandmother arrives. Just as she feels comfortable and content, her father shows up at her door, bringing shocking news about her mother.
Finding Juniper invites readers on a journey of confronting the past, healing from old traumas, and redefining what family truly means.
In 1920, returning from WWI, Paddy finds Ireland creeping toward civil war. Invisible borders separate people, including Paddy and his pregnant girlfriend. With few prospects, Paddy sails to America. However, America is far from the land of opportunity he'd hoped for. And worse, his girl refuses to follow him because of her political involvement.
Thirty years later, Patrick has moved on with his life, building a new family. A letter arrives, suggesting the child he'd assumed died may be alive. Patrick's American daughter Mardell pushes him to find out what happened to her sister, named Juniper. Patrick anxiously sails to Ireland.
Juniper endured a childhood in institutions, and when she's released, she moves on without the parents who left her. Operating an apothecary out of an inherited cottage where villagers are slow to trust outsiders, Juniper finally finds a home when her grandmother arrives. Just as she feels comfortable and content, her father shows up at her door, bringing shocking news about her mother.
Finding Juniper invites readers on a journey of confronting the past, healing from old traumas, and redefining what family truly means.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2025
67 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Thomson
22 books145 followersCindy Thomson is the author of both fiction and nonfiction, including her newest novel, Enya’s Son, third in the Daughters of Ireland series based on ancient legends. Being a genealogy enthusiast, she has also written articles for Internet Genealogy and Your Genealogy Today magazines, and children’s short stories for Clubhouse Magazine. She has also co-authored a baseball biography. Most everything she writes reflects her belief that history has stories to teach. Cindy and her husband live in central Ohio near their three grown sons and their families.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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January 31, 2025Any story that includes Ireland, and genealogy, will grab my attention right away, since they are two of my favorite topics. There's a wee bit of Irish in my background, which is one reason I enjoy stories about Ireland.
The journey Patrick goes on to find his Irish daughter, urged on my his American daughter, is a captivating one. We learn more about the political unrest, and the Irish War of Independence.
Finding Juniper has a dual timeline: the 1920s and the 1950s. I'll admit, I haven't been that crazy about the dual timeline trope, it is growing on me. If it's one of your favorite tropes, if you enjoy Irish history, with a touch of faith, you'll want to add Finding Juniper to your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
The journey Patrick goes on to find his Irish daughter, urged on my his American daughter, is a captivating one. We learn more about the political unrest, and the Irish War of Independence.
Finding Juniper has a dual timeline: the 1920s and the 1950s. I'll admit, I haven't been that crazy about the dual timeline trope, it is growing on me. If it's one of your favorite tropes, if you enjoy Irish history, with a touch of faith, you'll want to add Finding Juniper to your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
January 29, 2025
“Now I understand I must remember…there is a purpose in having memories.”
Finding Juniper is the tale of fathers and daughters and the choices, both good and bad, that shape your life. This is a multi-timeline, multi-narrative historical fiction that allows you to see through the eyes of its characters. It does tend to jump from one narrator to another in quick succession, which can be dizzying at times, but these characters are so well fleshed out that it would be easy to believe they’re real people.
Juniper was one of the best parts of the story, but Granny was a close second. I enjoyed every scene with the two of them together, the wise older woman passing down her knowledge to her granddaughter. With her astuteness and sass, Granny reminded me of my own Granny, whom I miss every day.
There is a grittiness and a shadow of sadness that shrouds this story. It felt like the mood I feel when reading historical WWII fiction, which is fitting since the settings are around the world wars. Though there are adult subjects that are broached, they are handled delicately and do not go into graphic detail, which I am very thankful for. The meeting of the timelines was worth the wait and made the novel hard to put down until the end.
While it did take me a bit to get into the story, I am surprised with how much I enjoyed it. There is something unique yet familiar about Finding Juniper, and I am so grateful that I had a chance to read it.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Finding Juniper is the tale of fathers and daughters and the choices, both good and bad, that shape your life. This is a multi-timeline, multi-narrative historical fiction that allows you to see through the eyes of its characters. It does tend to jump from one narrator to another in quick succession, which can be dizzying at times, but these characters are so well fleshed out that it would be easy to believe they’re real people.
Juniper was one of the best parts of the story, but Granny was a close second. I enjoyed every scene with the two of them together, the wise older woman passing down her knowledge to her granddaughter. With her astuteness and sass, Granny reminded me of my own Granny, whom I miss every day.
There is a grittiness and a shadow of sadness that shrouds this story. It felt like the mood I feel when reading historical WWII fiction, which is fitting since the settings are around the world wars. Though there are adult subjects that are broached, they are handled delicately and do not go into graphic detail, which I am very thankful for. The meeting of the timelines was worth the wait and made the novel hard to put down until the end.
While it did take me a bit to get into the story, I am surprised with how much I enjoyed it. There is something unique yet familiar about Finding Juniper, and I am so grateful that I had a chance to read it.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
January 30, 2025
Christian Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. Finding Juniper by Cindy Thomson is the latest book in this genre that I have read.
WOW, I was captivated by the storyline from the very beginning. The main characters in this book are Patrick "Paddy" Doyle and Juniper. Patrick returns to Ireland after WWII and had hoped to settle back into Life in Ireland. He is disappointed when he is separated from his Pregnant girlfriend due to the ongoing war. Patrick heads to America and makes a life for himself with a Family and Wife. The story picks up 30 years later when Patrick discovers the daughter in Ireland might be alive. He flies to Ireland at the urging of his Daughter. Juniper, his daughter in Ireland, has had a rough life and now has settled into running her own business. She was surprised when her Dad shows up at her Door. Patrick and Juniper share many things about their lives and what has happened since he was last in Ireland. The storyline really gets real here and the fact that they are able to start a relationship after many decades apart was so heartwarming. The bond that happened between Patrick and Juniper was all about forgiveness and being able to look toward the future. The story is about Wartimes, Forgiveness, Family and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!
WOW, I was captivated by the storyline from the very beginning. The main characters in this book are Patrick "Paddy" Doyle and Juniper. Patrick returns to Ireland after WWII and had hoped to settle back into Life in Ireland. He is disappointed when he is separated from his Pregnant girlfriend due to the ongoing war. Patrick heads to America and makes a life for himself with a Family and Wife. The story picks up 30 years later when Patrick discovers the daughter in Ireland might be alive. He flies to Ireland at the urging of his Daughter. Juniper, his daughter in Ireland, has had a rough life and now has settled into running her own business. She was surprised when her Dad shows up at her Door. Patrick and Juniper share many things about their lives and what has happened since he was last in Ireland. The storyline really gets real here and the fact that they are able to start a relationship after many decades apart was so heartwarming. The bond that happened between Patrick and Juniper was all about forgiveness and being able to look toward the future. The story is about Wartimes, Forgiveness, Family and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!
September 2, 2025
Finding Juniper by Cindy Thomson is Historical Fiction. It is a novel that covers multiple time periods and characters. I found it took a while for this book to grab my attention. The multiple timelines, settings, and characters originally kept me from enjoying this story.
I felt the author twisted storylines and characters initially in a way that caused me to lose focus and interest in the book. Over half way through the book I finally found myself interested in the story. With two daughters – one he left behind and one he raised in America, the author jumps back and forth in time and between characters working to complete the story of Paddy’s oldest daughter Juniper.
I felt like the beginning of this book moved slowly and was somewhat disjointed. However, by the end of the book I began to appreciate the dynamics between Juniper and those around her along with Paddy and his other daughter.
So if you enjoy historical fiction, check out Finding Juniper by Cindy Thomson.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I felt the author twisted storylines and characters initially in a way that caused me to lose focus and interest in the book. Over half way through the book I finally found myself interested in the story. With two daughters – one he left behind and one he raised in America, the author jumps back and forth in time and between characters working to complete the story of Paddy’s oldest daughter Juniper.
I felt like the beginning of this book moved slowly and was somewhat disjointed. However, by the end of the book I began to appreciate the dynamics between Juniper and those around her along with Paddy and his other daughter.
So if you enjoy historical fiction, check out Finding Juniper by Cindy Thomson.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2025
A chance to visit Ireland and learn more about its history and people? Bring it on!
This book was intriguing and interesting. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing Ireland from this point of view.
Paddy was.... an enigma? He's not your typical hero, but I couldn't help but be drawn to him. He's had a hard life. And then, finds out about a daughter he didn't know he had, and thus begins his journey to find her.
Juniper... has always been alone. She was abandoned by so many people, and thought her father didn't want her (or else he must be dead--or why hadn't he come to find her?!)
This story takes place across several different timelines. It was a bit to keep up with it all, but I found it highly informative and enjoyable.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction or wants to visit Ireland.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This book was intriguing and interesting. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing Ireland from this point of view.
Paddy was.... an enigma? He's not your typical hero, but I couldn't help but be drawn to him. He's had a hard life. And then, finds out about a daughter he didn't know he had, and thus begins his journey to find her.
Juniper... has always been alone. She was abandoned by so many people, and thought her father didn't want her (or else he must be dead--or why hadn't he come to find her?!)
This story takes place across several different timelines. It was a bit to keep up with it all, but I found it highly informative and enjoyable.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction or wants to visit Ireland.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
August 30, 2025
This story is a dual timeline which I have come to really enjoy reading. I like how the author gives historic facts to give realism to the book. The characters are flawed yet I learned so much from them. Fractured relationships are tricky to write about but the author shows how the characters grow from mistakes.
There are some topics that may be unsettling to some readers. The author illustrates these sensitive subjects with grace that will help readers emotionally. It is hard to say which character I liked the most because each one had their own struggles. A child who has been alone all her life feeling like no one wants her gave me insight into how believing in yourself is so important. A father who has a chance to reconnect with a child inspires readers to never give up.
Within the book we find how forgiveness can be rewarding when we surrender our pride. I think what I took away from this book the most was how a bond between parent and child is a precious gift.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
There are some topics that may be unsettling to some readers. The author illustrates these sensitive subjects with grace that will help readers emotionally. It is hard to say which character I liked the most because each one had their own struggles. A child who has been alone all her life feeling like no one wants her gave me insight into how believing in yourself is so important. A father who has a chance to reconnect with a child inspires readers to never give up.
Within the book we find how forgiveness can be rewarding when we surrender our pride. I think what I took away from this book the most was how a bond between parent and child is a precious gift.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
August 22, 2025
I have always loved to read novels from the talented author, Cindy Thomson. I was so happy to find out she had a new release, Finding Juniper, and just had to get my hands on it. I was far from being disappointed and is my new favorite written by this author. I loved the story between Juniper and Patrick's. I thought it was a beautiful tale of trauma, healing, forgiveness, faith, love, understanding, adventure, and family.
I believe Finding Juniper deserves a five star rating. I have no doubt lovers of clean historical fiction will love it as much as me. As always, I will be on the lookout for releases from Cindy Thomson in the future.
I received a digital copy of Cindy Thomson's Finding Juniper from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I believe Finding Juniper deserves a five star rating. I have no doubt lovers of clean historical fiction will love it as much as me. As always, I will be on the lookout for releases from Cindy Thomson in the future.
I received a digital copy of Cindy Thomson's Finding Juniper from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
I thought that the history in this story was fascinating! Having been to Ireland, and being Irish myself, I enjoy reading books about their tumultuous past. It was interesting to read about Paddy coming home from WWI to find his country on the verge of a rebellion. I felt bad for his girlfriend, even though she chose to stay when she could have had a fresh start.
This is an interesting and unique story about the choices we made and the benefit of having hindsight. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, even though I didn't always like the choices they made.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
This is an interesting and unique story about the choices we made and the benefit of having hindsight. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, even though I didn't always like the choices they made.
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
August 24, 2025
"Finding Juniper" by Cindy Thomson is a novel about a man and his daughter traveling to Ireland to found out what happened to his other daughter. So basically, it is a tale of going back to the past. The story is told partially in the future and in the past. This novel is filled with lies and mysteries. I was sad while reading it. It took some time for me to start liking the story. I really liked the ending, but it was sad also. This book is a perfect example of how choices whether good or bad effect everyone involved and not just the one making them.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
March 27, 2025
I just finished Finding Juniper and enjoyed reading it very much. This book takes the reader back to the 1950's but it truly is a timeless message about moving forward no matter the details of your past. I found Cindy's book to be comforting and graceful about the importance of remembering -- even when it's hard. Please read Finding Juniper if you like books that are easy-on-the-brain yet, compelling and thought-provoking.
September 12, 2025
This multi-layered tragic story is told from several viewpoints. The action slips from 1950 to the past in a masterful way. Some parts were so gut-wrenching that they were difficult to read, yet it was impossible to put down.
Believable, flawed characters drew me into their plight. This book is a page turner.
This well-written, gripping story tugged at my emotions.
Recommended for readers of historical fiction and Irish history.
I will look for more books by this author.
Believable, flawed characters drew me into their plight. This book is a page turner.
This well-written, gripping story tugged at my emotions.
Recommended for readers of historical fiction and Irish history.
I will look for more books by this author.
January 4, 2025
An inspirational and intriguing story of discovery and grace
Cindy Thomson's Finding Juniper is an inspirational and intriguing story of discovery and grace. I feel thankful and blessed by God to be given a chance to read and experience this book. I highly recommend this book for mature teens and for adults.
Cindy Thomson's Finding Juniper is an inspirational and intriguing story of discovery and grace. I feel thankful and blessed by God to be given a chance to read and experience this book. I highly recommend this book for mature teens and for adults.
January 21, 2025
I was hooked on this book from the first page. The “real-ness” of the characters and the added notes of historical facts made everything come alive and held my attention all the way through. A lovely example of letting go of perceived past wrongs and finding joy and forgiveness in the present.
February 12, 2025
Paddy and his American daughter go to Ireland to find his Irish daughter whom he has never met..love the description of Ireland countryside and the interactions between the characters in this sweet story
January 26, 2025
Finding Juniper was a sweet tale of redemption and family reunion- of finding family and finding home. Patrick returns to Ireland with his daughter after being gone for decades, hoping to find healing and mourn the loss of his mother and first daughter while there. He finds both healing and restoration. Juniper unexpectedly finds both as well.
This book was easy to read and demonstrates how bad decisions and difficult choices can impact a lifetime, but there is joy and hope in second chances and forgiveness (of others and oneself). I enjoyed this book. I personally would have liked if the final relationship had been left implied (omitting the last 2 paragraphs of the book)--but that is a small point and probably just me. I lenjoyed the history and the superstition/ folklore sprinkled into the storyline. I love the theme of hope and restoration.
This book was easy to read and demonstrates how bad decisions and difficult choices can impact a lifetime, but there is joy and hope in second chances and forgiveness (of others and oneself). I enjoyed this book. I personally would have liked if the final relationship had been left implied (omitting the last 2 paragraphs of the book)--but that is a small point and probably just me. I lenjoyed the history and the superstition/ folklore sprinkled into the storyline. I love the theme of hope and restoration.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews