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Finding Sam - Part One
Single mother Sam Martin could use a break.
With an ex-husband who won’t take no for an answer and a best friend gone too soon, all she can do is watch her dreams slip away, one brush stroke at a time.
But when she runs into community doctor Erik Maystrom and his widowed sister, Olivia, Sam discovers a whole new world filled with possibilities, love, and family and where she and her young son can live without fear or limitations.
And as one opportunity after another opens up for her, will Sam welcome them with open arms or will she let the pain of her past take over only because it’s the only thing she’s ever known?
This is Part One of Finding Sam , a contemporary romance set in Southern California’s South Bay. The saga concludes with Finding Sam - Part Two .
This book deals with sensitive themes of recovery from childhood and domestic abuse.
With an ex-husband who won’t take no for an answer and a best friend gone too soon, all she can do is watch her dreams slip away, one brush stroke at a time.
But when she runs into community doctor Erik Maystrom and his widowed sister, Olivia, Sam discovers a whole new world filled with possibilities, love, and family and where she and her young son can live without fear or limitations.
And as one opportunity after another opens up for her, will Sam welcome them with open arms or will she let the pain of her past take over only because it’s the only thing she’s ever known?
This is Part One of Finding Sam , a contemporary romance set in Southern California’s South Bay. The saga concludes with Finding Sam - Part Two .
This book deals with sensitive themes of recovery from childhood and domestic abuse.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2017
22 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Liz Durano
56 books406 followersLiz writes emotional angsty romance and women's fiction. When she's not writing, she's usually stepping all over her son's Legos.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 8, 2017
This is one heck of a story that was originally done in two parts, and I could see why. It is a long read but also a very good read and one that held my interest throughout.
Over all I really enjoyed the story but did become irritated by the repetitiveness of the ‘I’m not worthy’ storyline. To be honest I’m surprised Erik didn’t dump Sam, he put up with a lot of wavering and distrust from her. That said I could totally understand Sam’s lack of self-worth, and I did genuinely like her as a character. I just felt that some themes were repeated just a little too often.
The entire book is written from Sam’s POV but I still felt like we got to know Erik quite well too. He was a very kind, caring hero and also strong, not an alpha male but thankfully not a doormat either. I found the main characters to both be likeable and believable. In fact the whole story was one that felt very genuine and real. I really liked that this isn’t an ‘insta-love’ story and that the relationship grew and developed in a very natural way, over a very realistic time frame.
The story touches on some dark themes that could be triggers for some, most of them have happened in the past but a couple do occur during the stories time line.
The book is well written, there are a lot of characters who are all well rounded and bring depth to the story. The pace was good and there are plenty of unexpected twists to the plot. One towards the end regarding a conversation between David and Erik seemed at odds with what had been suggested in the storyline earlier, but wasn’t a huge issue. (Sorry it’s vague but any more detail would make it a spoiler!).
Over all I really enjoyed the story but did become irritated by the repetitiveness of the ‘I’m not worthy’ storyline. To be honest I’m surprised Erik didn’t dump Sam, he put up with a lot of wavering and distrust from her. That said I could totally understand Sam’s lack of self-worth, and I did genuinely like her as a character. I just felt that some themes were repeated just a little too often.
The entire book is written from Sam’s POV but I still felt like we got to know Erik quite well too. He was a very kind, caring hero and also strong, not an alpha male but thankfully not a doormat either. I found the main characters to both be likeable and believable. In fact the whole story was one that felt very genuine and real. I really liked that this isn’t an ‘insta-love’ story and that the relationship grew and developed in a very natural way, over a very realistic time frame.
The story touches on some dark themes that could be triggers for some, most of them have happened in the past but a couple do occur during the stories time line.
The book is well written, there are a lot of characters who are all well rounded and bring depth to the story. The pace was good and there are plenty of unexpected twists to the plot. One towards the end regarding a conversation between David and Erik seemed at odds with what had been suggested in the storyline earlier, but wasn’t a huge issue. (Sorry it’s vague but any more detail would make it a spoiler!).
July 12, 2017
This is a wonderful story, but it does have its dark sections so reader be ware.
Liz Durango does a wonderful job in presenting the story of Amy. When you spend most of your childhood relying on yourself because those who are supposed to take care of you don't, it becomes hard to let anyone in. This is Amy. Her mother was a heroin addict and did not protect her against her step-father. She lets Rosie and Eunice in and they do help her but both leave her in the end. When she finally believes she found someone to love her - David - he does the most damage. How can the one person you have told all your secrets to use them to hurt you so much? David physically and emotionally abuses Amy and also takes something she loves - painting and ruins it for her.
Then Erik appears and he seems to good to be true. He wants to help Amy start painting again. He tries to give Amy a wide berth but she is always waiting for the other shoe to fall. When she begins to fall for Erik his past enters and feeds on all of Amy insecurities.
How is a woman supposed to trust a man she knows she loves when her past keeps telling her she isn't good enough? How many times can you get knocked down before you stop getting up?
This is a story that will make your heart hurt for Amy who wants to believe that someone can love her for her - warts and all but her past tells her that isn't possible. You'll root for Erik but also feel his pain. Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves are the ones that will stop us from having a life.
I received this book in return for an honest voluntary review.
A must read.
Liz Durango does a wonderful job in presenting the story of Amy. When you spend most of your childhood relying on yourself because those who are supposed to take care of you don't, it becomes hard to let anyone in. This is Amy. Her mother was a heroin addict and did not protect her against her step-father. She lets Rosie and Eunice in and they do help her but both leave her in the end. When she finally believes she found someone to love her - David - he does the most damage. How can the one person you have told all your secrets to use them to hurt you so much? David physically and emotionally abuses Amy and also takes something she loves - painting and ruins it for her.
Then Erik appears and he seems to good to be true. He wants to help Amy start painting again. He tries to give Amy a wide berth but she is always waiting for the other shoe to fall. When she begins to fall for Erik his past enters and feeds on all of Amy insecurities.
How is a woman supposed to trust a man she knows she loves when her past keeps telling her she isn't good enough? How many times can you get knocked down before you stop getting up?
This is a story that will make your heart hurt for Amy who wants to believe that someone can love her for her - warts and all but her past tells her that isn't possible. You'll root for Erik but also feel his pain. Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves are the ones that will stop us from having a life.
I received this book in return for an honest voluntary review.
A must read.
July 7, 2017
Great story, didn't want to put it down through the weekend!!! It keep me on the edge as I was reading. The characters of Sam and Erik are well developed, creative, yet scared Sam and kind-hearted doctor Erik with loving twin sister by his side. I felt like I was with Sam, waiting for the drama with her ex to implode. As her relationship with the seemingly perfect doctor Erik slowly grows into a loving relationship since Erik seems to know and see that Sam is so skiddish. While having every reason to be skiddish and depend on nobody but herself, Sam's stubborn acceptance of Erik and he's forever patience is well rewarded finally. I couldn't help but feel for both Sam and Erik as Sam naviagates a new world where she has people she can depend on, that she's not alone to fight against the world.
I recieved this ARC, for a voluntary and honest review
I recieved this ARC, for a voluntary and honest review
July 8, 2017
Another great novel from Liz Durano. I've read three previous books and she always comes up with a winner story. This one focuses on the budding relationship between Sam, a divorced artist and single mom who is trying to cope with an abusive ex and the emotional scars of her failed marriage, and Erik, an MD first attracted by her paintings. As in her previous work, Durano's secondary characters are well fleshed out and her main protagonists are flawed souls with trauma and sadness from their pasts trying to make it work. Very moving and a great first half; can't wait to finish the story in Finding Sam part two. The former husband is a real piece of work and I am waiting to see what he has waiting in store for Sam as she attempts to rebuild her life.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author at no cost. This is my voluntary and honest review.
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Finding Sam by Liz Durano. It feels odd to say I enjoyed reading something with such a heavy story line, but the way she wrote it made it very real and it connected to me as a reader without being too overwhelming.
I'm fairly new to this author, I've read a few of her other books and I've found a nice freshness in her writing style and they way she develops her characters and plot lines. The stories are unique and well written and I will continue to look for her future books. I read this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would gladly recommend it and her other books to anyone looking for something new and fresh in the contemporary romance genre. My only suggestion is that you read this one first before you read "In his Heart" as this introduces us to characters that are also in that one.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
I'm fairly new to this author, I've read a few of her other books and I've found a nice freshness in her writing style and they way she develops her characters and plot lines. The stories are unique and well written and I will continue to look for her future books. I read this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would gladly recommend it and her other books to anyone looking for something new and fresh in the contemporary romance genre. My only suggestion is that you read this one first before you read "In his Heart" as this introduces us to characters that are also in that one.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
July 13, 2017
A tragic story, but one with light at the end of the tunnel. With her life spinning out of control, Sam cannot believe that she is worth being loved and her ex husband exploits this to the extreme. However, even the most broken life has moments of light and new discoveries. In Sam's case her first breakthrough came when she met Rosie, the second was when she was taken under Eunice's wing and the third when Erik came to her rescue whilst out jogging. Each of these people in turn brought hope into Sam's life and in doing so helped her to turn around the spiral of destruction. As with all of Ms Durano's books, this one is well written and emotive and although it does end on a cliffhanger, one can see the way forward.
November 24, 2020
Finding Sam is not an enjoyable story as such but it is a compelling one. It is well written and describes lives that contain violence and trauma in ways that lead the people to reach out for better ways to live. Sam is constantly challenged in her relationship with her ex husband, David Dean and her grief for her best friend Rosie, and her mentor Eunice who gave her a second chance in her life. When Sam meets Erik she is given another chance to live a more rewarding lifestyle. I like the way the story unfolds and develops. The writing style is easy to read and flows well. I persisted with the story to the end and was pleased with the message of hope revealed. Thanks Liz Durano for an enlightening read.
February 15, 2021
'Finding Sam' is a fairytale for grown ups. Sam, the lead character, is fresh from a wicked divorce and a lifetime of poison apples. The Sam of old and the Sam she longs to be are in a constant battle of wills and its bitterness leaves her with lingering doubts and mistrust. Of course, no fairytale is complete without a Prince Charming. Hers arrives in the form of Erik. He is mostly honest and mostly kind but unfortunately this truth does not set her free. She resists the burgeoning relationship in the same way a woman used to being denied all she deserves and desires does.
Throughout you'll find yourself rooting for this damsel and will quickly come to the realization she must be her own hero and rescue herself, because who doesn't want a happily ever? Or as happy as possible for as long as possible.
Throughout you'll find yourself rooting for this damsel and will quickly come to the realization she must be her own hero and rescue herself, because who doesn't want a happily ever? Or as happy as possible for as long as possible.
July 10, 2017
Sam has been escaping what life has dumped on her all her life from her abysmal childhood to her abusive ex and is looking forward to starting over with her son and focusing on her art.
Erik is the doctor who was first attracted to her art but he quickly realized that his feelings ran much deeper.
Sam has emotional scars from her past but Eric is so patient and understanding as he tries to include her in his family and tries to show her that not only is she worthy of love but she deserves it. Will he be able to convince her or will she just assume that he will hurt her and leave her like everyone else in her life?
Erik is the doctor who was first attracted to her art but he quickly realized that his feelings ran much deeper.
Sam has emotional scars from her past but Eric is so patient and understanding as he tries to include her in his family and tries to show her that not only is she worthy of love but she deserves it. Will he be able to convince her or will she just assume that he will hurt her and leave her like everyone else in her life?
July 27, 2017
Finding Sam is a beautiful, but at times bleak, story. Sam is a single, divorced mother dealing with an abusive ex who won't leave her alone. Her best friend has just died, and Sam is adrift. That is until she meets Erik, a doctor, and his sister, Olivia (In His Heart). Erik wants her heart, he wants to help her heal. If only Sam can allow herself to love him, to allow him to love her.
I'm really excited to read Part 2, to see if Sam and Erik can find their way to an HEA.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I'm really excited to read Part 2, to see if Sam and Erik can find their way to an HEA.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 11, 2018
Finding ourselves!
Liz Durano knows how to write emotionally and realistically at the same time. Finding Sam is a journey where the Sam in question needs to dig out of the shadows of her past to find a future she can grow in! Not holding back in the depth of her writing, Liz introduces us to characters both damaged and hopeful of a better outcome! Amazingly written, part one has pulled so many different emotions from me that I need a time out to start part two! Can't wait to see how Sam's journey will end
Liz Durano knows how to write emotionally and realistically at the same time. Finding Sam is a journey where the Sam in question needs to dig out of the shadows of her past to find a future she can grow in! Not holding back in the depth of her writing, Liz introduces us to characters both damaged and hopeful of a better outcome! Amazingly written, part one has pulled so many different emotions from me that I need a time out to start part two! Can't wait to see how Sam's journey will end
September 19, 2017
I really loved this story.
Sam is a very interesting character, and after everything she went through in her life, she finally meets a special person, Erik, who makes her see that she deserves to be happy.
The development of the relationship between Sam and Erik is very interesting, as well as Sam overcoming the abuses she has endured in her life and trying to be happy.
I highly recommend the reading.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Sam is a very interesting character, and after everything she went through in her life, she finally meets a special person, Erik, who makes her see that she deserves to be happy.
The development of the relationship between Sam and Erik is very interesting, as well as Sam overcoming the abuses she has endured in her life and trying to be happy.
I highly recommend the reading.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 11, 2017
One of the best books I've read in a long time.
I loved this story. It literally sucked me in and there was no escaping, though I didn't want to. I loved the honesty between Sam and Erik. There was a way the author wrote, at times, that I can only describe as softness. I've already downloaded part 2 and can't wait to get started.
I loved this story. It literally sucked me in and there was no escaping, though I didn't want to. I loved the honesty between Sam and Erik. There was a way the author wrote, at times, that I can only describe as softness. I've already downloaded part 2 and can't wait to get started.
July 6, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has a great story line and I loved the characters. It is an attention grabber and it held my attention from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts.
October 3, 2017
Good story
I really like the story. However, I would have enjoyed it more if the grammatical and spelling errors were edited. I like the characters, but it is a bit cliche. On to the remaining book.
I really like the story. However, I would have enjoyed it more if the grammatical and spelling errors were edited. I like the characters, but it is a bit cliche. On to the remaining book.
July 13, 2017
Another great story by Liz Durano. Going in I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but I loved it. It was a long story but one I struggled putting down.
July 29, 2017
I liked it! I received an arc copy to review and this is my voluntary review.
August 2, 2017
Awesome story and great start to a series. I look forward to reading the rest. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
September 22, 2017
Does anyone write the whole book in one book? Instead of a three set?
November 18, 2023
This book started out great and grew to catch me off guard by each page. The romance just kept getting better and better. I will say that this book made me feel like I was in the book itself. Like I was one with the main character.
July 8, 2017
Finding Sam is an emotional story. I had read In His Heart first so I had an idea of Sam and Erik but I would definitely read Finding Sam first. Erik is swoon worthy and Sam finally stands up for herself. The past will bite them in butt but together they might be able to overcome it. I love Sam and Erik's characters, I still want more of their story. I definitely got emotional reading. I am looking forward to more of Liz's books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews