Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Jonathon Island | Season 2 #1

Find Me in the Story

Rate this book
PW bestselling author Lisa Jordan returns readers to the beloved island community in Find Me in the Story, the first book in a new Jonathon Island season, Find Me on Jonathon Island.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2026

3 people are currently reading
3636 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Jordan

43 books140 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (50%)
4 stars
13 (50%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,218 reviews53 followers
October 11, 2025
I loved returning to Jonathan Island, loved how the story is mostly focused on the bookstore, and loved Oliver and Eliza's story. Find Me in the Story is about loss, grief, broken hearts, and healing. Oliver and Eliza make a great couple and complement each other. If you enjoy a contemporary romance read about workplace romance and a bookstore with faith woven into the story, you don't want to miss Find Me in the Story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
828 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 7, 2026
Get ready for the best festival of all on Jonathon Island--a book festival!!! You will want to grab all of your books and get them autographed while you are there! There might be some great surprises in store for you during the festival as well. You will meet the co-organizers of the festival--Oliver and Eliza. Oliver owns the bookstore, loves books and story time but guards his heart. Eliza is a fount of creative energy but is struggling with her place on the island.

Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,118 reviews70 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 24, 2026
It is always my pleasure to visit Jonathan Island. The community and the love the members of this community have for one another is like receiving a warm hug on a cold winter's day.

Oliver and Eliza both need a fresh start and a lot healing, both heart healing and spiritual healing. Oliver has lost faith in God along the way after suffering a tragic loss, and it has changed the man he is today.

Eliza has been burnt by a man, which makes her a little romance shy. She is also at a crossroads in her career, and she is conflicted about where she needs to be and where she belongs. When she bursts into Oliver's life by informing him (not asking) that he needs to hire her at his new bookstore. That was some interview - one where the employee told the employer what was needed. Oliver was a little overwhelmed, but soon realizes that it was the right thing for him and his bookstore.

Eliza is quite the whirlwind. When she starts a project, she goes all in with all of her mind, body and soul. She is fully committed. Oliver overthinks everything. They are very different, but so much alike as well. They actually complement each other.

This wonderful romance is about being given a second chance at living, as well as finding refreshment and renewed faith while never forgetting the past, but also realizing it does not have to stymie future growth and/or living.

The cherry on top of this story is the festival in this Jonathan Island book is a Book Festival. As a reader, I wanted to join in the festivities.

Once again a Jonathan Island book has stolen my day, but I have no regrets for the time I spent devouring this book.

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alyssa Amey Madjeski.
345 reviews25 followers
March 21, 2026
It was great to have the chance to return to Jonathon Island in this book. Took me just a minute to remember all the characters, but it didn’t take long to remember Eliza and Oliver’s connections to characters we already know and love if you’ve read the first “season” of books.

Eliza is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life after the season of being her famous author aunt’s assistant ends. She wonders if returning home and helping with the efforts to revive the island and using her talents is exactly what she needs. And working in the recently reopened bookstore and helping plan the first book festival? Um, yes! Her old friend Ollie is half owner of the bookstore and a lot has happened since they last saw each other. They’ve both had a lot of heartache and loss, but they begin to realize how much they appreciate and click with each other… and the rest is history.

I felt Eliza’s personality- overachiever who wants to make things perfect. And learning to instead to just do your best and rely on God to use your efforts for His good. I think both Eliza and Oliver learn some good lessons in this story. There were times I wanted to shake them both, but that means I cared! They definitely had me rooting for their relationship.

I’m glad to have the background of reading the season one Jonathon Island books first, the massive cast of characters would have been overwhelming, I think, if I didn’t know who they were. That being said, I’m SO glad the Jonathon Island stories are continuing because there’s so much story left to tell. I can’t wait for the rest of this season as the Sullivans each make their return home.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emily.
563 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2026
Find Me in the Story is book 1 in the second season of Jonathon Island, and my heart could not be happier to return to Jonathan Island.  We get to meet new characters while also checking in on other beloved characters. This small island town is the perfect mix of cozy and sweet, with underlying problems that get solved in the perfect Hallmark-esque way.  So, if you love Hallmark movies, you are in for a treat. Grab your favorite blanket,  a cozy beverage, and let’s dive in. This series will have you turning the screens off for this fun town.

Oliver Sullivan is co-owner of the island bookstore. He is having a hard go at it. Since losing his wife, things just aren’t the same. His sister, Dani, has asked Oliver to take over the book festival.

Eliza is trying to figure out what is next for her life. She lost her brother in a tragic accident and has returned to the island to help her parents move from her childhood home into a smaller cottage.  When Eliza sees the help-wanted sign in the bookstore, she demands the job. Which is the perfect fit for Eliza. Oliver isn’t quite sure. Eliza goes straight to work and helps build an online/social media presence for the bookstore to help boost business. Eliza helps Oliver with the festival and brings it to life in a whole new way.  

This forced proximity, second-chance-at-love romance was perfect and sweet.

Lisa Jordan intertwines faith throughout the story, bringing hope to the characters.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,595 reviews207 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 9, 2026
I was so excited to get back to Jonathon Island!

How fitting that book one of season two highlights new beginnings. Author Lisa Jordan wrote book four, Meet Me on Blueberry Hill, last season and returns with a focus on another set of island residents, Oliver and Eliza, in book one, Find Me in the Story.

Oliver is part-owner of a bookshop in town and hires Eliza to help in the shop and with organizing the book festival. Like Eliza, he’s stuck in a chapter of his life and can’t seem to move on.

Things I appreciated:
💜Seeing characters move beyond their challenges, take initiative and rewrite their own ending
💜Encouragement to look ahead to the next chapter rather than focusing on being stuck
💜Our worth isn’t dependent on what we do or offer others
💜A focus on trust and partnership

This Christian romance highlights Deuteronomy 31:8 and examines the perfection of God’s timing and his ability to help us with the next step.

I’ll remember this book for the exploration of integrity. It’s not a characteristic that’s often discussed in literature and I’d love to see more of it!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
996 reviews108 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 11, 2026
3.5 Stars
A sweet bookish romance kicking off the Jonathon Island series Season 2! A story of healing, purpose, and second chances

Oliver Sullivan returns to Jonathon Island after losing his pregnant wife. He and his lifelong buddy Jonah have bought the local bookstore and he is running it while Jonah is deployed overseas. Eliza Quinn is back on the island helping her parents move from their ranch to a new cottage. She's lost her brother, and soon her childhood home, and is trying to figure out her next steps.

I got a kick out of Eliza taking the help wanted sign out of the window and insisting on Oliver hiring her. Oliver has been tasked by his sister Dani Sullivan to organize the upcoming book festival designed to bring tourists to the island. Eliza is a huge help. As they work together, they begin to see each other in a new light.

Lovers of contemporary romance, and small town settings will certainly enjoy "Find Me in The Story" by Lisa Jordan.

I love this small town series. Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
147 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 22, 2026
I knew I was going to like this book! One, it takes place on Jonathon Island and I have quickly become a fan of this island. If only it were real and I could go there! And two, ummm, it basically takes place in a bookstore! Yep, I knew I was going to like this book. And I did!
Eliza is back home on Jonathon Island to help her mom recover. She is not hiding and she is not staying. She is not!
Oliver is struggling after his wife's death and his bookstore is also struggling. But how can he say no when his sister asks a big favor? A favor that he does not want to say yes too but somehow did.
And now that favor has him and Eliza, full of enthusiasm, working to pull off the literary festival for the island. And Eliza is convinced it can also save his bookstore.
This grumpy/sunshine story is a fun read. Between disagreeing on how things should be done to hmmm, what is brewing between these two, it kept me turning pages.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All comments and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 32 books63 followers
February 13, 2026
Bookstore romances always draw me in. This one was no exception.

Oliver and Eliza had complex issues that made them completely relatable and believable. I could especially empathize with Eliza who wondered if she would ever find the perfect fit for her home base and career.

I choked up when the horses returned to the island. It’s such a triumphant moment (and I’m a bit horse crazy). Jordan drops in several symbolic items that strengthen the spiritual arc for both characters.

If you’ve read any of the other books, you’ll enjoy reconnecting with those couples as they all make an appearance (or five) in this book.

This is perfect for book lovers, too, with interesting glimpses behind-the-scenes into the writing business that fit naturally into the story and add to its authenticity. I’m ready for my next visit to the Island already.
Profile Image for Lisa.
338 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy
March 23, 2026
I loved the bookstore setting. I want an Island Bookstore near me. Oliver Sullivan’s love for books and reading to children won me over right from the start. A little grumpy, I couldn’t wait to see Eliza Quinn chip away at his gruff exterior. Eliza was a force to be reckoned with. You could feel her energy and enthusiasm to make the book festival a total success. This is a sweet romance where misunderstandings lead to some rash decisions, but it’s not filled with a lot of angst. Sometimes it’s nice not to have one problem after another hitting the characters. Finally, the faith element is nice but not overdone. It’s what you would expect from a Sunrise book. This novel is another clean and tender offering that will leave you feeling happy.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,338 reviews677 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 23, 2026
It was a joy to return to Jonathon Island! Season Two kicks off with a bookish theme.

Oliver Sullivan is a new bookstore owner and not living life to the fullest after losing his wife three years ago. Eliza Quinn storms into his bookstore like a hurricane and nearly demands to be hired for the open part-time position. Little did they know that the other would bring missing pieces into their lives.

It's a sweet (and bookish) love story. In particular, I loved Oliver's passion for hosting story time for his youngest patrons.

I look forward to continuing the series. My gratitude to publisher Sunrise for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
62 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 23, 2026
I have loved all the Jonathan Island books, and this second "season" of the series is turning out to be as delightful as the first one. In this story, not only do we follow along with our favorite characters from season one, but we also focus on the Sullivan family, which absolutely thrills me! This is a family with complicated dynamics, scandal, and heartache. Yet this season will, I believe, be about redemption and healing for them all. And Lisa Jordan started us off in proper form with Oliver Sullivan's restoration story. A quick read, yet full of romance, new beginnings, and small-town charm, Find Me in the Story is the perfect beginning to this continuing series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
461 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
It’s hard not to enjoy a story set in a bookstore! Right from the beginning, Oliver Sullivan’s passion for books and his love of reading to children drew me in. Although Oliver starts off a bit grumpy, I was eager to see how Eliza Quinn would gradually break through his tough exterior. Eliza comes across as determined and full of enthusiasm, clearly invested in making the book festival a huge success. This charming romance features misunderstandings that lead to impulsive choices but avoids excessive angst. The faith element is woven seamlessly into the story, exactly as you’d expect from a Sunrise book.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,214 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2026
Welcome back to Jonathan Island, a place I wish was real! Amazing things happen every time we visit…

Like Oliver taking ownership of the island’s sole bookstore. He’s trying to breathe new life into the business, but is it draining the life out of him?

Possibly. At least, until he impulsively hires Eliza. She’s a breath of enthusiastic fresh air. And she’s carrying her own burdens.

Both have suffered tremendous loss. Both feel stuck with no clear direction. And both are working on the book festival to help draw visitors back to the island.

What’s in the pages of their story? You’ll just have to read to find out—and it’s good stuff!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
50 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
A romance set in a Jonathon Island bookstore? Yes, please! Add in a grumpy/sunshine, slow-burn romance between two people who seem to have nothing in common, and you have the perfect elements for a great read.

Oliver is a grumpy, young widower with impenetrable walls around his heart. Eliza is the sunshine he doesn’t know he needs.

I absolutely loved how Eliza persistently chipped away at those walls as Oliver slowly realized just how much he needed her.

I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,549 reviews655 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
Find me in the story is a fitting title for two characters who love books and are somewhat involved in getting the book in readers hands.

I love getting back to Jonathan Island and meeting up with some of the great characters we have met in season 1 and meeting new awesome characters to love.

Both Eliza and Oliver’s passion for the industry came through in this story, along with their connection and chemistry, but also their fears and past history which are holding them back. There was a misunderstanding which is sort of expected in this type of story but I loved that the characters were able to resolve it quickly.

I don’t think you really need to read season one to follow along, but you will have a deeper understanding and love for Jonathan Island if you do.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Profile Image for Courtney.
396 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 21, 2026
It was so good to return to Jonathon Island! Eliza and Oliver were so great together! I loved the insight into the bookish world.

This might be for you if you like...
*bookish characters
*small towns
*island settings
*strong community
*grumpy/sunshine
830 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 25, 2026
Good story set on Jonathon Island with wonderful characters. Filled with faith and relationships, I enjoyed this story. This book was provided by Sunrise Publishing for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts. Worth the read.
Profile Image for Heidi.
Author 50 books546 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
Loved it! So sweet, uplifting and emotional. Glad I got to go back to Jonathon Island.
Profile Image for Jeanloves2read.
44 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 23, 2026
I can’t think of a better setting for a book than a book store and a book festival on Jonathon Island. Find me in the Story is the first book in the second season of the Jonathon Island series and has me excited to be back on island.

Eliza Quinn is dealing with a lot. She is trying to figure out the next steps in her career and dealing with the loss of her childhood home now that her cousin, Asher, is taking over the ranch and her parents are moving to a small house. As she struggles to find her footing, Eliza needs to learn to cope with grief and change.

Oliver “Ollie” Sullivan is trying to keep his struggling bookstore afloat while his business partner, Jonah, finishes his time in the military. Eliza walks into the bookstore demanding that he hire her to fill a part-time opening and begins making changes immediately. Oliver is still coming to grips with losing his wife and daughter three years earlier and fights the attraction that he begins to feel for Eliza. He keeps himself closed off in an effort to guard his heart.

When Oliver’s cousin, Dani, talks him into organizing a book festival to help increase tourism to the island, Oliver is in way over his head. Organizing the book festival is, however, a perfect fit for Eliza’s skills. As the book festival comes together, both Eliza and Oliver learn more about themselves and begin healing from hurts and grief. Everything is going great until everything starts falling apart.

I enjoyed Eliza and Oliver’s story. I liked watching them learn to work together and seeing Oliver come out of his shell.

I received and arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Dana.
221 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
When I read the first season of Jonathon Island books I just knew this series was so special.
I am more than happy to be able to have the opportunity to read this next season of JI books. Find Me in the Story was a beautiful story of losses, love, healing and so much more. I loved this book so much as I stated before. I could not put it down. I am so ready for the rest of the series. Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for the opportunity to read this book earlier.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.