Finding You by Amy Clipston: Book Review

 ** I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Both of them want a relationship—but is beginning it a big mistake?

On the outside, twenty-seven-year-old Darcy Larsen is a pretty, put-together professional—but inside she’s falling apart. Eighteen months ago, she lost her fiancé in an accident she still blames herself for. After a successful transplant, her kidney disease seems to be in check, but she worries that her future children—if she has any—will also suffer from the same condition. And she’s overcome with indecision about finding her birth mother, discovering potentially devastating information, and hurting her adoptive parents.

Mechanic Carter Donovan seems to have everything going for him at first glance. Stunning good looks. A wicked sense of humor. And a heart of gold. But Carter’s seemingly perfect exterior hides a host of secrets. After a rough breakup and mounting medical bills from a medical emergency that left him drowning in debt, he doesn’t feel like the catch everyone says he is. Plus, he’s about to turn thirty—with no romantic prospects on the horizon.

When Darcy’s Lexus breaks down in her doctor’s parking lot, Carter appears on the scene to try to jump-start her car—and her heart. But despite their immediate connection right from the start, the two have perhaps too many obstacles to overcome. Carter questions if getting involved with Darcy will be his next big mistake. And Darcy wonders if she can ever move past her grief and guilt to embrace the gift of Happily Ever After that’s dangling in front of her.

The Author 

Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at www.AmyClipston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks.

Book Review

This was such a beautiful and emotional story. From their very first chance meeting when he helps her after her car breaks down at the doctor's office, Darcy and Carter are drawn to each other. But both have some reservations given their histories. Darcy had lost her fiancé a year and half ago, blaming herself for his death. Carter is facing financial struggles due to health issues and finds himself feeling like he's not good enough to provide for someone else--- especially Darcy whose family is much better offer. If that weren't enough, they're also each keeping the same secret--- they had both had a kidney transplant. Throw in some complicated family issues and there was really a lot going on within this story--- but it was all blended together quite beautifully. It was definitely an emotional read, but I found myself rooting for these two (even if I also wanted to shake them to just talk to each other!) The author's husband also received a kidney transplant, and I think her heart for the topic shined through in this story. 

If you're looking for a sweet and emotional romance, this is certainly one to check out. 

You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3xGqd0x