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Finding Lucas
Can you ever really go back to the past?
After five long years of living with Derek, her former bad-boy-turned-metrosexual boyfriend, Jamie Ross finally reaches her breaking point. She's had enough of his sneering disdain for her second hand wardrobe, unusual family, and low-paying job as the associate producer of Chicago's sleaziest daytime talk show. When her new boss plans a segment on reuniting lost loves, Jamie remembers Lucas, her first love and the boy she'd lost ten years earlier. Spurred on by her gang of quirky friends, Jamie goes on a hilarious, disastrous, and life-changing hunt to track Lucas down. But are some loves best left behind?
After five long years of living with Derek, her former bad-boy-turned-metrosexual boyfriend, Jamie Ross finally reaches her breaking point. She's had enough of his sneering disdain for her second hand wardrobe, unusual family, and low-paying job as the associate producer of Chicago's sleaziest daytime talk show. When her new boss plans a segment on reuniting lost loves, Jamie remembers Lucas, her first love and the boy she'd lost ten years earlier. Spurred on by her gang of quirky friends, Jamie goes on a hilarious, disastrous, and life-changing hunt to track Lucas down. But are some loves best left behind?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2012
12 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Stroh Bailey
6 books148 followersSamantha Bailey is a Toronto-based journalist who has written extensively for Now Magazine, Oxford University Press, and many other publications. She is the co-founder of “BookBuzz,” a promotional and interactive author event held in New York City and Toronto that has attracted the attention of prominent publicists, influential media, and bestselling authors. She holds a Master of Education in Applied Linguistics and credits that degree with her writing career because she wrote her first (unpublished) novel after taking a course on imagination. Now her imagination leads her to create dark and twisty stories, and her debut psychological thriller, WOMAN ON THE EDGE, will be published in countries world-wide, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and in North America with Simon and Schuster and the UK with Headline. She loves reading as much as writing, so when not tapping away on her computer, she’s probably curled up with a really good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 13, 2012
If you liked Bridget Jones, you will love this!
I really enjoyed this book and in reality if I could have, I would have given it 4.5 stars
I like the fact it's set in the US and so I could travel around a little bit with the book. Jamie's dysfunctional family reminded me a little of Gaylord's family in Meet the Fokkers! Derek, her boyfriend, made me want to hurl, or kick his head in (in good old Glasgow fashion!) What a condescending prat. I can't believe she was with him. The financial agreement, later, made me laugh out loud. So many people would be skint if that were part of the deal in relationships! Jamie seriously undervalues herself, particularly her looks. She has stunning friends. The attraction between her and her boss is there, plain as the nose on your face, but will they realise it? Jamie has her heart set on finding her old beau from high school, Lucas, but will it be everything she wanted? Hilarious escapades along the way, some poignant moments and a smoking hot love interest make for a fab 'more than chicklit' read.
And of course, there's a wicked witch of the west at Jamie's place of work, who is Jamie's nemesis. Will she get her just desserts?
Derek's mother and the oppressive presence she harboured over her son's relationship with Jamie made me glad my parents are not like that!
There's a Friends Reunited meets Jerry Springer-esque TV show, where Jamie works and around about which much of the tale hinges. I loved when Jamie and her new boss went on the road trip and interviewed potential contestants.
The dynamic between Jamie and her girlfriends and their trip to maturity, a journey for each of them, was a pleasure to read. Jamie's embarassing parents were hysterical, over the top and truly cringeworthy, yet ultimately protective and looking out for their daughter.
And Lucas...well, you're going to have to read it, to find out.
Am looking forward to Ms Stroh Bailey's next release
I really enjoyed this book and in reality if I could have, I would have given it 4.5 stars
I like the fact it's set in the US and so I could travel around a little bit with the book. Jamie's dysfunctional family reminded me a little of Gaylord's family in Meet the Fokkers! Derek, her boyfriend, made me want to hurl, or kick his head in (in good old Glasgow fashion!) What a condescending prat. I can't believe she was with him. The financial agreement, later, made me laugh out loud. So many people would be skint if that were part of the deal in relationships! Jamie seriously undervalues herself, particularly her looks. She has stunning friends. The attraction between her and her boss is there, plain as the nose on your face, but will they realise it? Jamie has her heart set on finding her old beau from high school, Lucas, but will it be everything she wanted? Hilarious escapades along the way, some poignant moments and a smoking hot love interest make for a fab 'more than chicklit' read.
And of course, there's a wicked witch of the west at Jamie's place of work, who is Jamie's nemesis. Will she get her just desserts?
Derek's mother and the oppressive presence she harboured over her son's relationship with Jamie made me glad my parents are not like that!
There's a Friends Reunited meets Jerry Springer-esque TV show, where Jamie works and around about which much of the tale hinges. I loved when Jamie and her new boss went on the road trip and interviewed potential contestants.
The dynamic between Jamie and her girlfriends and their trip to maturity, a journey for each of them, was a pleasure to read. Jamie's embarassing parents were hysterical, over the top and truly cringeworthy, yet ultimately protective and looking out for their daughter.
And Lucas...well, you're going to have to read it, to find out.
Am looking forward to Ms Stroh Bailey's next release
September 12, 2013
I must stipulate: I am NOT a chick lit scholar. I barely understand the formula and I am not well read in the genre, being introduced to it only recently. However, I know when I have been entertained by a book, and I was hugely entertained by this book. In my personal rating system, if an author has something to say, and she says it in a way that takes me out of myself and makes me laugh, think, squirm, cry or just FEEL for her characters, and she does this with the kind of effort you can sense on the page - I don't mean that the writing is stilted and dry with effort - I mean that I can see that she cared greatly about whether or not she was giving that wonderful gift of a great story to me, her reader - well she deserves five stars. Also, Stroh-Bailey is brave enough to write about some things that others would shy away from and her commentary about social issues (in this book) was subtle and unpretentious. Was it repetitive, as others have commented? Maybe, but clearly we need to have some of what she had to say repeated and good on her for daring to do so! I think that lifts her writing out of a strictly "chick lit" realm, but I'll have to read deeper into the genre to know for certain. Meanwhile, I don't think this Canadian writer's work is your mom's chick lit for sure. And, lord, what a relief that is - eh?
January 20, 2013
I'd give this book six stars if I could! Finding Lucas is one of those stories that's so clever and entertaining you hate for it to end. I enjoyed this novel from the first line (and it's quite a memorable one!) all the way to the last page. Well-paced, funny, and beautifully written, I really couldn't have asked for more. The author has such a deft hand with her characterizations. Everyone populating the book, from insecure heroine Jamie to her super successful BFF Hanna to her controlling, appearance-obsessed boyfriend Derek (Boo! Hiss!), has complexities and richly layered backstories that explain why they act the way they do. Even minor characters in the book, like Jamie's arch-nemesis at work and Derek's uptight mother are well-drawn, colorful, and hard to forget.
Poor Jamie really does have her hands full in this book. When the story starts, she's absolutely miserable in her deeply unsatisfying relationship with Derek, but she's too paralyzed with fear and self-doubt to end it and try for something better. In desperate need of a life raft and inspired by an upcoming topic (Reuniting Lost Loves) on the talk show she works for, Jamie gloms on to the idea of finding her secret teenage hook-up, the gorgeous, broody Lucas. She envisions them rekindling their adolescent love affair and walking off happily into the sunset together. Of course, tracking down Lucas, whom she hasn't seen in over a decade, is a lot more difficult than fantasizing about him.
In the end, Finding Lucas is really more about Jamie finding herself than some elusive ideal man. She has to go on journeys, both literal (Road trip!) and figurative, in order to figure out exactly what it is she wants and what will make her happy. She may, or may not, find love (no spoilers!), but the things she does pick up along the way (her backbone, a sense of purpose, and a new appreciation for her unusual family) are every bit as valuable.
Samantha Stroh Bailey is a consummate and engaging storyteller, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of Finding Lucas. I guarantee you hours of reading fun with this book!
Poor Jamie really does have her hands full in this book. When the story starts, she's absolutely miserable in her deeply unsatisfying relationship with Derek, but she's too paralyzed with fear and self-doubt to end it and try for something better. In desperate need of a life raft and inspired by an upcoming topic (Reuniting Lost Loves) on the talk show she works for, Jamie gloms on to the idea of finding her secret teenage hook-up, the gorgeous, broody Lucas. She envisions them rekindling their adolescent love affair and walking off happily into the sunset together. Of course, tracking down Lucas, whom she hasn't seen in over a decade, is a lot more difficult than fantasizing about him.
In the end, Finding Lucas is really more about Jamie finding herself than some elusive ideal man. She has to go on journeys, both literal (Road trip!) and figurative, in order to figure out exactly what it is she wants and what will make her happy. She may, or may not, find love (no spoilers!), but the things she does pick up along the way (her backbone, a sense of purpose, and a new appreciation for her unusual family) are every bit as valuable.
Samantha Stroh Bailey is a consummate and engaging storyteller, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of Finding Lucas. I guarantee you hours of reading fun with this book!
September 20, 2012
I read this on a long flight and it was just the distraction I needed! I hate to fly: I hate the waiting; I hate being folded up in the tiny little bit of space; and I especially hate turbulence. So, on a recent looong, occasionally bumpy flight, this was perfect to keep me interested and amused and a happy camper when I would normally be a terribly miserable person!
The story is a fun take on that "what if" idea we've probably all had at one moment or another when wondering about a past love. But the plot went places I wouldn't have guessed. There are a lot of great, quirky characters (and - let me just say here - I don't usually like "quirky" if the quirks are more just bat-s**t crazy; I like the quirks to have some reasoning behind them, and these were my kinda quirky characters), and the main character, Jamie, gets herself into some funny situations, but my favorite part was simply Jamie's voice. Jamie narrates the story with humor, intelligence and just the right amount of snark.
All in all, an entertaining read with believable characters.
The story is a fun take on that "what if" idea we've probably all had at one moment or another when wondering about a past love. But the plot went places I wouldn't have guessed. There are a lot of great, quirky characters (and - let me just say here - I don't usually like "quirky" if the quirks are more just bat-s**t crazy; I like the quirks to have some reasoning behind them, and these were my kinda quirky characters), and the main character, Jamie, gets herself into some funny situations, but my favorite part was simply Jamie's voice. Jamie narrates the story with humor, intelligence and just the right amount of snark.
All in all, an entertaining read with believable characters.
January 26, 2013
This book review posted on "Chick Lit Chit Chat - a gleeful gallop through the Chick Lit genre" found at julievalerie.com. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, readers: This is a great book. You should read it. Writers? You should also read this book. Here’s why: Scenic roads throughout the world offer places to pull off and park your car to take a break, take a photo, have a picnic. Reading books offer a similar experience. Moments in the narrative to pull off – away from the main storyline – to dip into backstory, spend time developing detailed descriptions of settings or motives, explore a smaller story arc from a minor character, those sorts of things. These nifty little observation stations enhance the reading but sometimes, are used too often by writers who would be wise to stay focused and stick to the main storyline. Ever find yourself reading a book where you sense the writer and storyline have gotten a bit off-track? You know it’s happening because you think to yourself: Get on with it. Why am I reading this? If a writer does this too much, readers abandon the book. Well, let me tell you: Samantha Stroh Bailey, author of Finding Lucas, is an absolute MASTER at staying on-point. If this, her début novel, was a high performance vehicle and she was the driver, you’d find them on a professional course winding their way along a scenic path where story is developed at every turn, during the drive, while never having to pull off onto an observation deck for more than one or two tightly written paragraphs. As a writer, I know how hard it is to make decisions during the editing process, to cut large passages of writing from a book because it doesn’t fit and probably doesn’t belong in the story. It hurts. A lot. After all, you spent time developing that writing, hours upon hours, and to see it go feels like someone just lobbed your arm off and tossed it into the rubbish pile.
The novel spans 365 pages and I’m telling you, as someone who just read it with a critical eye (not “negative” critical, but “book review” critical) she did not stray ONCE from the main storyline. Smaller story arcs took place within the context of the larger story arc and always spoke to either: (1) the central theme of the book; (2) the actions of the main character; or (3) changes in worldview the main character was processing. A stray word never wandered into the narrative looking to be fed.
As a writer, if you find yourself about to edit, and don’t know what to cut, read this book for inspiration, playing careful attention to how tightly written it is. I finished the book appreciating the hard choices this writer made during the editing process.
So now you’re wondering when I’m going to write a “typical” book review and tell you about the characters, the conflict, etc. etc. Fine, fine, fine. Here it is: The main character, Jamie, has a big tush and a big heart. Unlike main character fashionistas who prance around in our genre, this one is very down-to-earth, picks skin off her feet, hates the color pink and leaves the prancing to her fashionista best friend, Hannah, who will give you your chick lit fashionista “fix” without being shallow. Han is a strong woman with her own insecurities about love and is really great friend to Jamie, providing a “break-up kit”, emotional support and a place to stay when Jamie needs it most. True to form in our genre, you’ll find not one but four gay and lesbian characters – all of whom are very important to Jamie but who serve different functions in the story. Two are loving role models but also sources of angst for Jamie, one propels the story into action by suggesting Jamie “finds Lucas” and the other is a great friend. In keeping with other down-to-earth characters in Finding Lucas, the love interest, Lucas, brings readers back high school, to a bittersweet story of first love and unfinished business. Jamie is the type of gal best suited not for a gallant knight in shining armor, but a friend with a cup of coffee and her love story is one that readers will recognize in their daily lives, even if we don’t all get our ten minutes of fame on “Chicago’s sleaziest daytime talk show”. The evil villains (three of them) stand united and attack Jamie from all directions, including a scene where Derek and his mother, Jeanette, issue Jamie a “bill” for money spent during her five-year relationship with Derek. I found it interesting that all three villains attempt directly and indirectly to either control or change Jamie like she’s an actor on a stage. In this book, Jamie must grab the mic and claim her own voice, lest the evil puppeteers win.
Because this book is so tightly written with characters that are dynamic, “real” and essential throughout the storyline and because the climax of the novel delivers many peaks and valleys as it unravels, it is easy to imagine this novel adapted for film.
First of all, readers: This is a great book. You should read it. Writers? You should also read this book. Here’s why: Scenic roads throughout the world offer places to pull off and park your car to take a break, take a photo, have a picnic. Reading books offer a similar experience. Moments in the narrative to pull off – away from the main storyline – to dip into backstory, spend time developing detailed descriptions of settings or motives, explore a smaller story arc from a minor character, those sorts of things. These nifty little observation stations enhance the reading but sometimes, are used too often by writers who would be wise to stay focused and stick to the main storyline. Ever find yourself reading a book where you sense the writer and storyline have gotten a bit off-track? You know it’s happening because you think to yourself: Get on with it. Why am I reading this? If a writer does this too much, readers abandon the book. Well, let me tell you: Samantha Stroh Bailey, author of Finding Lucas, is an absolute MASTER at staying on-point. If this, her début novel, was a high performance vehicle and she was the driver, you’d find them on a professional course winding their way along a scenic path where story is developed at every turn, during the drive, while never having to pull off onto an observation deck for more than one or two tightly written paragraphs. As a writer, I know how hard it is to make decisions during the editing process, to cut large passages of writing from a book because it doesn’t fit and probably doesn’t belong in the story. It hurts. A lot. After all, you spent time developing that writing, hours upon hours, and to see it go feels like someone just lobbed your arm off and tossed it into the rubbish pile.
The novel spans 365 pages and I’m telling you, as someone who just read it with a critical eye (not “negative” critical, but “book review” critical) she did not stray ONCE from the main storyline. Smaller story arcs took place within the context of the larger story arc and always spoke to either: (1) the central theme of the book; (2) the actions of the main character; or (3) changes in worldview the main character was processing. A stray word never wandered into the narrative looking to be fed.
As a writer, if you find yourself about to edit, and don’t know what to cut, read this book for inspiration, playing careful attention to how tightly written it is. I finished the book appreciating the hard choices this writer made during the editing process.
So now you’re wondering when I’m going to write a “typical” book review and tell you about the characters, the conflict, etc. etc. Fine, fine, fine. Here it is: The main character, Jamie, has a big tush and a big heart. Unlike main character fashionistas who prance around in our genre, this one is very down-to-earth, picks skin off her feet, hates the color pink and leaves the prancing to her fashionista best friend, Hannah, who will give you your chick lit fashionista “fix” without being shallow. Han is a strong woman with her own insecurities about love and is really great friend to Jamie, providing a “break-up kit”, emotional support and a place to stay when Jamie needs it most. True to form in our genre, you’ll find not one but four gay and lesbian characters – all of whom are very important to Jamie but who serve different functions in the story. Two are loving role models but also sources of angst for Jamie, one propels the story into action by suggesting Jamie “finds Lucas” and the other is a great friend. In keeping with other down-to-earth characters in Finding Lucas, the love interest, Lucas, brings readers back high school, to a bittersweet story of first love and unfinished business. Jamie is the type of gal best suited not for a gallant knight in shining armor, but a friend with a cup of coffee and her love story is one that readers will recognize in their daily lives, even if we don’t all get our ten minutes of fame on “Chicago’s sleaziest daytime talk show”. The evil villains (three of them) stand united and attack Jamie from all directions, including a scene where Derek and his mother, Jeanette, issue Jamie a “bill” for money spent during her five-year relationship with Derek. I found it interesting that all three villains attempt directly and indirectly to either control or change Jamie like she’s an actor on a stage. In this book, Jamie must grab the mic and claim her own voice, lest the evil puppeteers win.
Because this book is so tightly written with characters that are dynamic, “real” and essential throughout the storyline and because the climax of the novel delivers many peaks and valleys as it unravels, it is easy to imagine this novel adapted for film.
May 10, 2013
Jamie knows that her relationship with Derek isn’t working any more. In five years he’s changed from a loving, carefree guy into an uptight, critical grouch. He’s scornful of every aspect of Jamie’s life, from her choice in clothes to her eccentric family to her job as associate producer on a daytime talk show. The show is planning an episode about reuniting people with their lost loves, which gets Jamie wondering whatever happened to her first love, Lucas. Will she find him? Will they still have that incredible connection?
What a delicious book. Each character – lead, supporting or incidental - is totally believable and thoroughly entertaining. Somehow the author brings each of them to life by giving them real dilemmas but also a quirk or something to make them an individual. For example, Sue, Jamie’s one-time boss, has problems at home and a habit of mumbling so Jamie has to ‘translate’ her mumble to everyone else. (Sorry, I’ve killed the joke here, but the author nails it effortlessly.) And Hanna, Jamie’s close friend, is drop-dead gorgeous but has her insecurities and foibles. I won’t take you through all the other captivating characters we meet – the whole of Jamie’s family, her friend Lucy, her new boss Andrew – but be assured that they are warm, lovely and engaging. In case you think this sounds too saccharine, there are the ‘baddies’ - the dreadful Derek, his equally dreadful mother, and Jamie’s colleague, Eva – who add a little grit and a lot more comedy to the mix.
The unquestionable ‘star of the show’ is the lead character, Jamie. I took to her from the very start. She’s warm-hearted, genuine, flawed and funny, and not supermodel perfect. She simply wants to love and be loved. That’s really the theme of this book, played out in scenes of honesty, sadness, nostalgia, amusement, hilarity and absurdity.
The writing is deft and the story moves at a good pace. I have tiny quibbles about some repetition and some elements of Jamie’s back-story with Lucas. However, they pale into insignificance against the enjoyable few days I had living and giggling along with this book. I suggest you read this at the same time as your best friends and then get together over wine and nibbles to share your favourite characters and moments. If asked to share a highlight I’d say the sublime set of events that occur in Chapter 21, which I guarantee will have you laughing out loud.
I won Finding Lucas in an e-book giveaway, but I would have been more than happy to pay the (very reasonable) asking price.
What a delicious book. Each character – lead, supporting or incidental - is totally believable and thoroughly entertaining. Somehow the author brings each of them to life by giving them real dilemmas but also a quirk or something to make them an individual. For example, Sue, Jamie’s one-time boss, has problems at home and a habit of mumbling so Jamie has to ‘translate’ her mumble to everyone else. (Sorry, I’ve killed the joke here, but the author nails it effortlessly.) And Hanna, Jamie’s close friend, is drop-dead gorgeous but has her insecurities and foibles. I won’t take you through all the other captivating characters we meet – the whole of Jamie’s family, her friend Lucy, her new boss Andrew – but be assured that they are warm, lovely and engaging. In case you think this sounds too saccharine, there are the ‘baddies’ - the dreadful Derek, his equally dreadful mother, and Jamie’s colleague, Eva – who add a little grit and a lot more comedy to the mix.
The unquestionable ‘star of the show’ is the lead character, Jamie. I took to her from the very start. She’s warm-hearted, genuine, flawed and funny, and not supermodel perfect. She simply wants to love and be loved. That’s really the theme of this book, played out in scenes of honesty, sadness, nostalgia, amusement, hilarity and absurdity.
The writing is deft and the story moves at a good pace. I have tiny quibbles about some repetition and some elements of Jamie’s back-story with Lucas. However, they pale into insignificance against the enjoyable few days I had living and giggling along with this book. I suggest you read this at the same time as your best friends and then get together over wine and nibbles to share your favourite characters and moments. If asked to share a highlight I’d say the sublime set of events that occur in Chapter 21, which I guarantee will have you laughing out loud.
I won Finding Lucas in an e-book giveaway, but I would have been more than happy to pay the (very reasonable) asking price.
July 23, 2012
Derek, the chain smoking, rebellious, easy going guy 32 year old Jamie Ross fell in love with five years earlier, has become a judgmental, prissy metrosexual who, along with his mother, is always trying to change Jamie into someone she is not. Jamie knows she is not happy in the relationship. EVERYONE knows she's not happy but five years is a long time to invest in someone and things have to get better, right? Wrong. After an encounter at the grocery store between Jamie, Derek and Claire, (Jamie's frenemy from high school and the exact type of girl Derek wishes Jamie would be), Jamie finally breaks up with Derek and wonders if she will ever find a man who will accept her for who she is. When Jamie, an associate producer of a talk show, comes up with an idea for a show to reunite past loves live on television, her friends Hannah and Lucy encourage her to use the studio's resources to hunt down Lucas, her first sexual partner and the one man who always made her feel special. This novel follows Jamie on her journey to find Lucas and more importantly, to find herself.
I adored this book! Jamie was incredibly relatable and likeable and I pulled for her happy ending from page 1. The razor sharp banter between the characters had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Although the love story was somewhat predictable, it was so incredibly charming that it didn't matter. Most impressive, in my opinion, was the author's ability to draw such fleshed out, believable characters from Jamie, to her quirky and loveable family members, her wretched ex boyfriend Derek, her BFF Hannah and work buddy Lucy, her endearing and witty boss, Andrew, her high-strung roommate Amy and, of course, the antagonist to beat all antagonists Eva. I wanted to strangle her!!
A book for the 2012 favorites list for sure!
I adored this book! Jamie was incredibly relatable and likeable and I pulled for her happy ending from page 1. The razor sharp banter between the characters had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Although the love story was somewhat predictable, it was so incredibly charming that it didn't matter. Most impressive, in my opinion, was the author's ability to draw such fleshed out, believable characters from Jamie, to her quirky and loveable family members, her wretched ex boyfriend Derek, her BFF Hannah and work buddy Lucy, her endearing and witty boss, Andrew, her high-strung roommate Amy and, of course, the antagonist to beat all antagonists Eva. I wanted to strangle her!!
A book for the 2012 favorites list for sure!
March 11, 2014
I think I've never enjoyed the reading of a romance/comedy book (well, the genre is called "chick-lit" but there are books that are more suitable to fall under this denomination than this one)as much as I've enjoyed this.
I refuse to include this book into that category of books previously mentioned, because, even thought there is nothing wrong with those and it's always good to read that kind from time to time, this book is much more than a love story. In fact to me, the book is mainly about friendship and family and most of all, is a book full of self-esteem, that makes you root first for Jamie's well being first than anything else. And the author treats so well to the other characters, in the sense that none of them gets left behind to focus the reader on Jamie. She has a life too, and the reader gets to know really well to her friends and family in just the perfect amount of words that instantly make you feel fond of all of them (or hate them depending on the character) and interested on how their lives are developing aside and in connection to Jamie's. And I've just loved that, all those connections that bring together a story. Like life itself.
And the best of all is the laughs and the "I feel good" sensation you have during and at the end of the book. Not in the sense of "Wow, this book has opened my eyes" but more like it's true that we need to live our lives and enjoy it at its fullest and that you might never never know what could happen after that. Because we are used to say all that, but never really put it into practice... Well, this book is just a wonderful example of all this.
So, without a doubt, 5 stars and an absolute conviction that you'll enjoy this book a lot.
I refuse to include this book into that category of books previously mentioned, because, even thought there is nothing wrong with those and it's always good to read that kind from time to time, this book is much more than a love story. In fact to me, the book is mainly about friendship and family and most of all, is a book full of self-esteem, that makes you root first for Jamie's well being first than anything else. And the author treats so well to the other characters, in the sense that none of them gets left behind to focus the reader on Jamie. She has a life too, and the reader gets to know really well to her friends and family in just the perfect amount of words that instantly make you feel fond of all of them (or hate them depending on the character) and interested on how their lives are developing aside and in connection to Jamie's. And I've just loved that, all those connections that bring together a story. Like life itself.
And the best of all is the laughs and the "I feel good" sensation you have during and at the end of the book. Not in the sense of "Wow, this book has opened my eyes" but more like it's true that we need to live our lives and enjoy it at its fullest and that you might never never know what could happen after that. Because we are used to say all that, but never really put it into practice... Well, this book is just a wonderful example of all this.
So, without a doubt, 5 stars and an absolute conviction that you'll enjoy this book a lot.
September 16, 2012
We all go day by day questioning the what-ifs of life. What if I had stayed in bed today? What if I went on that second date with him/her? What if I married him/her? For Jamie Ross, what if she stayed with her high school boyfriend, Lucas? She is smitten with the idea of how her life could have turned out had she stayed with him. She imagines herself being happy and not in a constant state of discontent.
From the beginning, you feel for Jamie. Her live-in boyfriend, Derek, treats her like she's the gum on the bottom of his shoe (which are probably made by Prada). Derek didn't always treat Jamie badly, but the moment dollar signs took over his mind, all he set his sights on was making it to the top, even if it meant ruining the relationship he built with Jamie. Throughout the beginning of the book, Jamie struggles with the idea of letting the relationship go and moving on. When she finally does come to her senses and dumps the baggage that's been weighing her down for years, she tranforms herself into a whole new person. With this new person, comes the idea of searching for her long lost love, Lucas. The journey that Jamie goes on is one that can only be described as heartwarming.
The book contained so many unpredictable moments that by the end of it, I was blown away. The characters in the book were so well thought out and portrayed, they deserve a standing ovation. Samantha did a fantastic job of making each character come to life with every description. I truly enjoyed this book and I couldn't be more thrilled by the ending.
Now ask yourself, what if you read this book and it brought a smile to your face?
From the beginning, you feel for Jamie. Her live-in boyfriend, Derek, treats her like she's the gum on the bottom of his shoe (which are probably made by Prada). Derek didn't always treat Jamie badly, but the moment dollar signs took over his mind, all he set his sights on was making it to the top, even if it meant ruining the relationship he built with Jamie. Throughout the beginning of the book, Jamie struggles with the idea of letting the relationship go and moving on. When she finally does come to her senses and dumps the baggage that's been weighing her down for years, she tranforms herself into a whole new person. With this new person, comes the idea of searching for her long lost love, Lucas. The journey that Jamie goes on is one that can only be described as heartwarming.
The book contained so many unpredictable moments that by the end of it, I was blown away. The characters in the book were so well thought out and portrayed, they deserve a standing ovation. Samantha did a fantastic job of making each character come to life with every description. I truly enjoyed this book and I couldn't be more thrilled by the ending.
Now ask yourself, what if you read this book and it brought a smile to your face?
December 30, 2013
I think I was hesitant to read this for a while because the concept of women reuniting with past boyfriends is overdone when it comes to chick lit. However, I am SO glad I gave this novel a chance because it was adorable, clever, funny, and all around entertaining. Samantha writes such strong and memorable characters and should earn an award for writing the best version of feminine hygiene product for Jamie's boyfriend, Derek. He was just beyond awful and I can tell she had fun making him completely despicable.
While there were some predictable moments, there were lots of twists and turns to get to those moments and I was still kept guessing for the most part. I loved the whole "modern family" side to the story, as well. It was an all-around enjoyable read and I can't wait to see what Samantha comes up with next, as I'm sure it will be equally delightful.
While there were some predictable moments, there were lots of twists and turns to get to those moments and I was still kept guessing for the most part. I loved the whole "modern family" side to the story, as well. It was an all-around enjoyable read and I can't wait to see what Samantha comes up with next, as I'm sure it will be equally delightful.
May 23, 2013
Finding Lucas has all the qualities I have grown to love in a good chiclit novel, all the heartbreak and humor that makes you love each scene. The main character, Jamie, has a bit of each of us in her, a bit of our uncertainties and self-esteem issues. She also has the unrealized potential and beauty that just takes the right person to ignite. I started the book hoping for a light book to start off my summer reading, but ended up emotionally pulled into the story and couldn’t put it down. I only regret that there aren’t more of Samantha Stroh Bailey’s novels to read.
September 23, 2012
Oooh! I love this book. One of my Favourites for sure, i haven't slept since i picked it up. In my ways Jamie's journey reminds me of mine, without the romance and HEA, which i adore. I could easily relate with her. I honestly adore the way the story progressed. Loved it.
July 28, 2012
I loved this book! It's smart and funny and a great read. Highly recommended! :)
March 12, 2018
This is 4.5 laidback wonderful stars. This book was consistently funny with a meaty story, handful of memorable characters, a lovely sweet romance and real friendships
Our leading lady Jamie carries the story forward, the book starts with her feeling unhappy and dissatisfied with her current relationship but she is still in denial. She believes she has given 5 years of her life and keeps giving him the benefit of doubt until she's had enough. The break-up was refreshing without any cheating. Jamie just realizes that she's done being in a mentally abusive relationship where the guy tries to keep changing her into someone she's not.
With this new found sense of freedom, she sets out to find her ex boyfriend, the eponymous Lucas, inspired by the idea her new producer boss comes up with about reconnecting with your first crush. Television plays a vital role in Jamie's life in which she finds solace to escape her troubled childhood; she even works as an associate producer for a sleazy reality show to stay connected with television in any form she can.
This troubled childhood she claims is not indeed that sad or tragic, just different; but one that young Jamie refused to accept in her adolescent age and continues to carry resentment. She then realizes that the people around her, her own friends, and new roommates, all have real troubled childhood coming from broken homes, abusive childhood and loveless parents and yet she sees a spirit in them that she lacks. Slowly she realizes her family has never let her down and learns acceptance and tries to build on her own low self esteem to go in search of her long lost love. If this all sounds serious, it was but it was dealt with such wonderful sense of humor that I was laughing out loud for most of the book
Her family are a quirky bunch, her friends are tough as nails and her roommates, well I will let you read that yourself. :)
Without revealing any more, the leading man was kind, supportive, wonderful and was everything you expect a good book hero to be and everyone realizes it before Jamie :)
The last few chapters turned a bit on its head and was genuinely intriguing and ended happily for our Jamie and she learns to love herself, the life around instead of seeking it in TV. Her journey is the highlight of this book - there's a bit of swearing which might offend some people but overall very entertaining and will look forward to the author's future books!
Our leading lady Jamie carries the story forward, the book starts with her feeling unhappy and dissatisfied with her current relationship but she is still in denial. She believes she has given 5 years of her life and keeps giving him the benefit of doubt until she's had enough. The break-up was refreshing without any cheating. Jamie just realizes that she's done being in a mentally abusive relationship where the guy tries to keep changing her into someone she's not.
With this new found sense of freedom, she sets out to find her ex boyfriend, the eponymous Lucas, inspired by the idea her new producer boss comes up with about reconnecting with your first crush. Television plays a vital role in Jamie's life in which she finds solace to escape her troubled childhood; she even works as an associate producer for a sleazy reality show to stay connected with television in any form she can.
This troubled childhood she claims is not indeed that sad or tragic, just different; but one that young Jamie refused to accept in her adolescent age and continues to carry resentment. She then realizes that the people around her, her own friends, and new roommates, all have real troubled childhood coming from broken homes, abusive childhood and loveless parents and yet she sees a spirit in them that she lacks. Slowly she realizes her family has never let her down and learns acceptance and tries to build on her own low self esteem to go in search of her long lost love. If this all sounds serious, it was but it was dealt with such wonderful sense of humor that I was laughing out loud for most of the book
Her family are a quirky bunch, her friends are tough as nails and her roommates, well I will let you read that yourself. :)
Without revealing any more, the leading man was kind, supportive, wonderful and was everything you expect a good book hero to be and everyone realizes it before Jamie :)
The last few chapters turned a bit on its head and was genuinely intriguing and ended happily for our Jamie and she learns to love herself, the life around instead of seeking it in TV. Her journey is the highlight of this book - there's a bit of swearing which might offend some people but overall very entertaining and will look forward to the author's future books!
December 3, 2012
Well I need to brag about this book. I think I need to disclose that it was first a comedy,then it was pure chick lit. Jaime is my beloved main character and she was a hoot! The real star of the book is not really any one person but the idea of a "different kind of family". The not-so-perfect couple Derek and Jaime open the book with a 5 year anniversary vacation. To be honest I felt bad for Jaime, she was in a five year relationship with a complete and total moron. When they first started dating he was normal and outgoing and then his job, a promotion, and money went to his head. The way the author describes him is so funny. (I want a celeb who can play Derek, but who??) He has more products, cremes and clothing than a Hollywood star. She has been feeling something off, lacking in every area, and the non existent sex life is wrecking poor daytime talk show producer Jaime. The things Derek says are so funny like "Jaime please hand me those Gucci loafers, and Jaime did you see my Armani suit?" The things Jaime thinks are also funny. BUT, yeah there is a but Jaime's family is the real star of the book. I can not ruin it but I will say that her sister who is 18 Rachel is a typical girl, you can't help but adore her. Her mom who is never Mom but Leah, and her live-in lover Katie are so warm, outgoing and crazy they will make you laugh out loud. Then there is her Dad, David (never called David, always Dad) who is remarried to Maureen, Mo. The four of them get along and accept each other so well and their dialogue is like wear a diaper sort of dialogue.
The supporting cast is Lucy,Hanna, Eva (the b****)co worker and Sue who is not there log aind is replaced by Andrew. So the premise is that Jaime gets a life, uses her tv show to find her long lost love Lucas, meets and moves in with a couple Amy and Chris (that is big diaper wearing!) When Hanna takes in Jaime I think he lines are too funny and for sure a high light!
So pretty much can't say enough good things about this one. I will be having a chick lit event and I need to ask Samantha Stroh Bailey if Rachel can be the next book? I really think characters like these should be embraced. I think the worked needs and wants more Leah and Kate. I wish I could go to live with them for a while. Maybe they open a retreat where we get colonics and massages while cleansing our auras. Wishful thinking I guess. Maybe I can get my wish it doesn't hurt to ask.
Goodreads Page:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon page PLEASE go like it:http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Stroh-...
BUY the book:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
Twitter: @perfectpen http://www.twitter.com/perfectpen
Authors blog: http://samanthastrohbailey.blogspot.ca
My quotes:
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At lunch, Derek had said, "That one is going places." Yeah, straight to hell with my heel in her ass.
Give her a break. Jamie, did you guys have a good time in Montreal?" "Sure." No need to mention that the best part was the shower head. I have a bad feeling that my family has a cache of sex toys hidden in their houses and would have no problem giving me a detailed demonstration.
==========
"I'm staying at Hanna's. Did you know she has a 60 inch TV? And coffee. So, I'll be okay. I feel like I'm inside the television. Have you ever seen one?" I think I'm a little drunk. "Have you been drinking? You sound like you've been drinking.
===
Even though it's free, there is no way I want anyone from high school (crusty Claire, especially) to see my name on this reunion website. So I use her name instead. I type in Claire Howard, list her job as a stripper, and explain that she's recently gotten out of prison after a prostitution arrest. Hee hee, this is fun. I add that she has four children from different fathers and is living in a rent by the minute hotel in Crack Town.
==========
It's all sparkling clean because Hanna's never cooked a meal in her life. The most useful tool in her kitchen is the phone.
==========
Because if they are, then what's the problem? This is their business, and they obviously enjoy it, so who are you to tell them what to do?" "But they're porn stars." Now it's Andrew's turn to shrug. "So?"
Silence. "Han, are you there?" I ask. Then I hear the laughter. "Oh, Jaim, ow, my stomach, that hurts, that's so, ha ha, so funny. How do you get yourself in these situations? Ever since you broke up with Derek, your life has been crazy."
"You must be so nervous." I clutch the phone tighter in my hand. "So nervous that I'm almost sick. I've put so much energy into wanting him that I'm afraid I'll be disappointed. And what if he sees me and doesn't want me? What if he doesn't even remember me?"
"Sure. Like he's going to want anything to do with me after this." "You never know. And it's time you did something out of the ordinary, you know? Aren't you tired of being safe all the time?" "Safe is easy."
September 16, 2012
Jamie is in her early thirties, living in Chicago with her boyfriend Derek, and we meet both of them on their Fifth Anniversary, while they are taking a trip in Montreal, Canada. But...yes, there's the but... Jamie is just not feeling the love that she and Derek once so passionately shared. They have just become, or rather, Derek has become a man that is unrecognizable, in a posh sort of way, and Jamie, finally calls it quits, but of course she will face and hear some outbursts from her now ex-boyfriend. As she is continually living on her own and as a single, she has an opportunity from her TV Job to work on an assignment with her new Boss, Andrew, that has her thinking, what happened to her Friends With Benefits Buddy, Lucas? It's been 10 years since they have seen each other, so why not just go find and see him? What has kept her from trying to find him? Well, it's one journey to 'finding' Lucas, and this is a great ChickLit story that will just keep you guessing and laughing...
I have to say, that I very much liked reading Finding Lucas, and wow it's a debut? That's just awesome, because it was written Really WELL! First, I instantly loved the characters! To me, there are the good likable ones, and then there's the characters you instantly hate, so I believe there was good character development, especially with the main character, Jamie. I loved reading from her POV and felt that there are definitely relatable aspects, including her love of TV Shows. I found myself connecting with her on a few things. Her family might have been seen as dysfunctional, in ways, when her parents divorced when she was 12, and I understood the feelings that Jamie felt when the divorce happened. There are other things that happen after, and it can be hard to adjust and it can be overwhelming, and she unfortunately had a tougher adolescence, but as she grew up, she has had a much more love for and from her family, her sister, Rachel, and her four parents, and the interactions between this family seemed believable, and I just really enjoyed the different scenes Jamie shared with her family. You will learn so much about Jamie, and including the effects from this latest break up, and you'll read what she wants most in life, and I felt for her.
Jamie has some good and much needed friends including Hanna, Lucy, and her new and chirpy roommate/friend Amy, and again, these characters have some good background info that made their characters believable. These are funny and intriguing characters to look out for. Also, there's Jamie's boss, Andrew, who I really liked and he and Jamie share a somewhat trusting friendship, and their scenes were hilarious and meaningful. Then there's Lucas...and he is someone from Jamie's past and perhaps present? I liked how there were some flashbacks, and a background of their relationship, that makes it feel like they were truly special buddies.
Now the story itself... was well done, and I think very creative! There are some interesting situations that occur that are well awkward and perhaps shocking (you'll see what I mean once you read!). There are other times where I think you'll seriously laugh at loud. There are comeback lines that are pretty hilarious, and yeah, there were definitely times when the inner laugh was not enough, and I laughed out loud, so I enjoyed the dialogue during those times. Now, there is a suspenseful event here, and that is Jamie's quest on finding her Lover from ten years ago, and I don't want to give too much, but I believe the story ended perfectly. I felt really good with how things went, and I think you will too! You will have a crazy/unpredictable/twisty type of ride with this lovely story, with definite laughs in between, and I now really look forward to reading more of Bailey's work, so this is a Novel I recommend!
I have to say, that I very much liked reading Finding Lucas, and wow it's a debut? That's just awesome, because it was written Really WELL! First, I instantly loved the characters! To me, there are the good likable ones, and then there's the characters you instantly hate, so I believe there was good character development, especially with the main character, Jamie. I loved reading from her POV and felt that there are definitely relatable aspects, including her love of TV Shows. I found myself connecting with her on a few things. Her family might have been seen as dysfunctional, in ways, when her parents divorced when she was 12, and I understood the feelings that Jamie felt when the divorce happened. There are other things that happen after, and it can be hard to adjust and it can be overwhelming, and she unfortunately had a tougher adolescence, but as she grew up, she has had a much more love for and from her family, her sister, Rachel, and her four parents, and the interactions between this family seemed believable, and I just really enjoyed the different scenes Jamie shared with her family. You will learn so much about Jamie, and including the effects from this latest break up, and you'll read what she wants most in life, and I felt for her.
Jamie has some good and much needed friends including Hanna, Lucy, and her new and chirpy roommate/friend Amy, and again, these characters have some good background info that made their characters believable. These are funny and intriguing characters to look out for. Also, there's Jamie's boss, Andrew, who I really liked and he and Jamie share a somewhat trusting friendship, and their scenes were hilarious and meaningful. Then there's Lucas...and he is someone from Jamie's past and perhaps present? I liked how there were some flashbacks, and a background of their relationship, that makes it feel like they were truly special buddies.
Now the story itself... was well done, and I think very creative! There are some interesting situations that occur that are well awkward and perhaps shocking (you'll see what I mean once you read!). There are other times where I think you'll seriously laugh at loud. There are comeback lines that are pretty hilarious, and yeah, there were definitely times when the inner laugh was not enough, and I laughed out loud, so I enjoyed the dialogue during those times. Now, there is a suspenseful event here, and that is Jamie's quest on finding her Lover from ten years ago, and I don't want to give too much, but I believe the story ended perfectly. I felt really good with how things went, and I think you will too! You will have a crazy/unpredictable/twisty type of ride with this lovely story, with definite laughs in between, and I now really look forward to reading more of Bailey's work, so this is a Novel I recommend!
August 17, 2012
Have you ever thought of a love from your past and wondered what could have been? Maybe you were too young or your lives split to pursue an education or career. Or maybe things were too good and you ran or you just didn't think that person was right for you at the time. This is what Jamie finds herself asking after breaking up with her boyfriend of five years, Derek. What would have happened if she stayed with Lucas and would they still have a connection if she found him ten years later?
Jamie is funny and sarcastic but has gone into emotional shutdown when it comes to relationships. She initially thought she had everything she wanted with Derek and maybe she did but Derek changed into a stuffy, mommy-pleasing, businessman that cared more about his appearance than he did about Jamie's feelings. Now Jamie must regain some of her confidence because she doesn't see herself as a catch; her chest is too flat, her butt is too big, her hair is stringy and there is really nothing pretty about her face. That is just what she thinks but others see her as beautiful.
Jamie doesn't see how lucky she is; she has parents that love her and an adoring sister and friends. Yes, her mother now has a girlfriend and her father donated some of his fellas to her mom after their divorce so she could have her sister but weirdness aside, she is a lucky girl.
Lucas always made her feel like she was enough, like she was beautiful. Then Lucas told Jamie he loved her and then she ran. That was ten years ago and now that she is single again, she wonders what could have happened. She works as an associate producer on a Jerry Springer-like show and gets assigned to work on a show on reuniting with past loves and takes that chance to search for Lucas.
Her new boss Andrew works with her on the project but doesn't know that in addition to locating guest's love interests, she is looking for Lucas. Andrew has been in a relationship for twenty years with someone who is trying to change him in much the same way that Derek tried to change Jamie. He is such a sweet, caring, and funny guy and he and Jamie develop a very close friendship.
As the reunion show approaches, will Jamie realize that what she was looking for may have been in front of her all along? Will Lucas still be the same guy that she knew? Will Jamie end up alone forever?
The supporting characters in this were fantastic. I loved Leah and Katie (Jamie's mom and her girlfriend); they were caring, had great intuition, and made me laugh with the home remedies and pills. Hanna, her OCD best friend with relationship issues, and Lucy, her lesbian co-worker friend who isn't afraid to speak her mind were great additions! Jamie's sister Rachel is a spitfire and really a complete opposite of her. Oh, and then there are her roommates, Amy and Chris, whose occupation is shocking:)
This book is full of humor, life lessons, break-up kits, break-up bills, and crazy characters. I can't say it is steamy or angsty but just an overall good, funny chicklit book!
Jamie is funny and sarcastic but has gone into emotional shutdown when it comes to relationships. She initially thought she had everything she wanted with Derek and maybe she did but Derek changed into a stuffy, mommy-pleasing, businessman that cared more about his appearance than he did about Jamie's feelings. Now Jamie must regain some of her confidence because she doesn't see herself as a catch; her chest is too flat, her butt is too big, her hair is stringy and there is really nothing pretty about her face. That is just what she thinks but others see her as beautiful.
Jamie doesn't see how lucky she is; she has parents that love her and an adoring sister and friends. Yes, her mother now has a girlfriend and her father donated some of his fellas to her mom after their divorce so she could have her sister but weirdness aside, she is a lucky girl.
Lucas always made her feel like she was enough, like she was beautiful. Then Lucas told Jamie he loved her and then she ran. That was ten years ago and now that she is single again, she wonders what could have happened. She works as an associate producer on a Jerry Springer-like show and gets assigned to work on a show on reuniting with past loves and takes that chance to search for Lucas.
Her new boss Andrew works with her on the project but doesn't know that in addition to locating guest's love interests, she is looking for Lucas. Andrew has been in a relationship for twenty years with someone who is trying to change him in much the same way that Derek tried to change Jamie. He is such a sweet, caring, and funny guy and he and Jamie develop a very close friendship.
As the reunion show approaches, will Jamie realize that what she was looking for may have been in front of her all along? Will Lucas still be the same guy that she knew? Will Jamie end up alone forever?
The supporting characters in this were fantastic. I loved Leah and Katie (Jamie's mom and her girlfriend); they were caring, had great intuition, and made me laugh with the home remedies and pills. Hanna, her OCD best friend with relationship issues, and Lucy, her lesbian co-worker friend who isn't afraid to speak her mind were great additions! Jamie's sister Rachel is a spitfire and really a complete opposite of her. Oh, and then there are her roommates, Amy and Chris, whose occupation is shocking:)
This book is full of humor, life lessons, break-up kits, break-up bills, and crazy characters. I can't say it is steamy or angsty but just an overall good, funny chicklit book!
January 22, 2014
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
I purchased this book after I finished reading A Girl Like You and wanted read something similar. Let me just start by saying that Finding Lucas was no way near as entertaining as A Girl Like You.
My problem with this book was the MC. She's everything I hate in MCs. She's a pushover, doesn't have any ambition, kind of a slob (her feet habit was disgusting), has no self-esteem. Bottom line, it was a nightmare being stuck in her head for over 300 pages. Don't you hate characters who are beautiful but for some whacked reason think they're ugly? I get it, even gorgeous people are insecure about certain things, but Jaimie was over the top insecure. I understand that in this type of novel, the point is to have character growth, so we can't have the MC being perfect. But the problem for me is that I didn't see a gradual changing in Jaimie. No, she spent 85% of the book being her whine, insecure self and her major transformation happened out of the blue, in an instant. Give me a break!
Besides the MC being insufferable, the plot was extremely slow. There was too much emphasis on Jaimie's bad relationship with Derek. I kid you not, it took 30% of the book for her to finally break up with him. Come on, you don't need to spend 30% of the book beating around the bush for us to get that her relationship sucked. Gosh, I couple of chapters would have sufficed.
Then comes the myriad of plot holes. First, the author keeps telling us that the MC is insecure, that she likes her privacy, that she doesn't make friends easily because she doesn't trust people. Whatever. But the MCs actions contradict what the author painted. Let's take a look at one Jaimie's best friends, Hannah. She met Hannah at a DMV and they bonded over some stupidity. Come on! The Jaimie the author described would never become friends with a total stranger. Likewise, Jaimie would have never taken a job as a producer in a trashy TV show where she had to constantly meet strange people.
Another thing that bothered me were the inconsistencies, like the age difference between Jaimie and her sister. Her sister is 18, Jaimie is 32, so do the math and you get a 14 year difference. But we got Jaimie saying that the difference between them is 13 years. Also, Jaimie keeps referring to music in the 80s but she was in high school during the 90s. How hard is it to find out what kind of music teens listened in the 90s?
Let's talk about the unbelievable grand finale. Jaimie is insecure, she can't stand being the center of attention. But when she has to go on her own TV show to possibly humiliate herself she suddenly turns into a bubbly, confident woman that captivates the entire audience. Yeah, right. Oh, and Derek, her snob ex-boyfriend would definitely be in the audience. Yeah, right again.
And to finalize my rant, the title is completely misleading. The MC spent maybe 25% of the book actually looking for Lucas, and he wasn't even her HEA.
I purchased this book after I finished reading A Girl Like You and wanted read something similar. Let me just start by saying that Finding Lucas was no way near as entertaining as A Girl Like You.
My problem with this book was the MC. She's everything I hate in MCs. She's a pushover, doesn't have any ambition, kind of a slob (her feet habit was disgusting), has no self-esteem. Bottom line, it was a nightmare being stuck in her head for over 300 pages. Don't you hate characters who are beautiful but for some whacked reason think they're ugly? I get it, even gorgeous people are insecure about certain things, but Jaimie was over the top insecure. I understand that in this type of novel, the point is to have character growth, so we can't have the MC being perfect. But the problem for me is that I didn't see a gradual changing in Jaimie. No, she spent 85% of the book being her whine, insecure self and her major transformation happened out of the blue, in an instant. Give me a break!
Besides the MC being insufferable, the plot was extremely slow. There was too much emphasis on Jaimie's bad relationship with Derek. I kid you not, it took 30% of the book for her to finally break up with him. Come on, you don't need to spend 30% of the book beating around the bush for us to get that her relationship sucked. Gosh, I couple of chapters would have sufficed.
Then comes the myriad of plot holes. First, the author keeps telling us that the MC is insecure, that she likes her privacy, that she doesn't make friends easily because she doesn't trust people. Whatever. But the MCs actions contradict what the author painted. Let's take a look at one Jaimie's best friends, Hannah. She met Hannah at a DMV and they bonded over some stupidity. Come on! The Jaimie the author described would never become friends with a total stranger. Likewise, Jaimie would have never taken a job as a producer in a trashy TV show where she had to constantly meet strange people.
Another thing that bothered me were the inconsistencies, like the age difference between Jaimie and her sister. Her sister is 18, Jaimie is 32, so do the math and you get a 14 year difference. But we got Jaimie saying that the difference between them is 13 years. Also, Jaimie keeps referring to music in the 80s but she was in high school during the 90s. How hard is it to find out what kind of music teens listened in the 90s?
Let's talk about the unbelievable grand finale. Jaimie is insecure, she can't stand being the center of attention. But when she has to go on her own TV show to possibly humiliate herself she suddenly turns into a bubbly, confident woman that captivates the entire audience. Yeah, right. Oh, and Derek, her snob ex-boyfriend would definitely be in the audience. Yeah, right again.
And to finalize my rant, the title is completely misleading. The MC spent maybe 25% of the book actually looking for Lucas, and he wasn't even her HEA.
June 19, 2012
I received a copy of Finding Lucas from Samantha Stroh-Bailey in exchange for an honest review. This book opens to Jamie Ross celebrating her five year anniversary in Montreal with her boyfriend Derek. A weekend that should be filled with romance and feelings of happiness, it turns out to be the opposite for Jamie. Since when have her Derek been so off with one another? What happened to the laid-back guy with long hair she first met – and how did he become a metrosexual with too much hair gel and only caring about climbing the corporate ladder? Jamie realizes that she is unhappy, but she just can’t make that jump from safe relationship to being alone and starting over. When the TV show she works for devises a plan to reunite lost loves, Jamie starts thinking about her first love- Lucas. Perhaps this is a sign, telling her to get rid of Derek and find Lucas. Jamie dives head-first into hunting down her past love and hoping he still thinks about her, without realizing the one she really wants is right in front of her.
I loved this book! And here’s a strange thing – I’m pretty meticulous about editing, and this book did have a lot of instances with the quotes inside the punctuation, which drives me crazy. Also, the book was a bit long, which sometimes frustrates me as well. But even with those two things, once I finished reading I knew this was a 5 star book. Very rare for me, and just shows how much I truly loved the writing and plot. Jamie was such a fun and unique heroine. Her lifestyle and family is a bit different, and I found both her and the supporting cast really intriguing. I also liked the romance parts. It was clear Derek and Jamie were not meant to be, but I was never really sure who she was going to end up with, and I liked the mystery. Also – I was totally laughing yet seething when Derek and his mom gave Jamie a “breakup bill” – oh man, that was good! I really loved this book and it is going on my Favorites List!
I loved this book! And here’s a strange thing – I’m pretty meticulous about editing, and this book did have a lot of instances with the quotes inside the punctuation, which drives me crazy. Also, the book was a bit long, which sometimes frustrates me as well. But even with those two things, once I finished reading I knew this was a 5 star book. Very rare for me, and just shows how much I truly loved the writing and plot. Jamie was such a fun and unique heroine. Her lifestyle and family is a bit different, and I found both her and the supporting cast really intriguing. I also liked the romance parts. It was clear Derek and Jamie were not meant to be, but I was never really sure who she was going to end up with, and I liked the mystery. Also – I was totally laughing yet seething when Derek and his mom gave Jamie a “breakup bill” – oh man, that was good! I really loved this book and it is going on my Favorites List!
September 14, 2012
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It was a quick, easy read that kept me entertained. I read it every free chance I had.
The main character, Jamie, was an average girl who didn't see herself as anything special or beautiful. Her boyfriend, Derek, was a big ass. I would have dumped him so much sooner in their 5 year relationship. He also seemed borderline abusive - mentally, not physically. Derek also had some ego issues. Andrew, Jamie's new boss, was great. He and Jamie are so much alike and had gone through some of the same things. Jamie's roommates - all I can say is, oh my! But Amy was such a sweetheart.
There were so many moments in this book that made me laugh out loud. I laughed so loud that my son asked me what was so funny. The scene in the hotel when Jamie is talking to her parents made me chuckle. My favorite scene was the talk show segment at the end. That was fantastic! I loved it and it had me smiling until the end of the book.
The one part that didn't sit that well with me was Jamie's post-breakup makeover. She did basically what Derek had wanted her to do all along. Why now? Why after the breakup? That was my thought during that process. But all-in-all, this is a great chick lit read with a happy ending.
Would I recommend it: If you like chick lit and want to have a quick, fun read, then definitely pick this book up!
Will I read it again: I may not.
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The main character, Jamie, was an average girl who didn't see herself as anything special or beautiful. Her boyfriend, Derek, was a big ass. I would have dumped him so much sooner in their 5 year relationship. He also seemed borderline abusive - mentally, not physically. Derek also had some ego issues. Andrew, Jamie's new boss, was great. He and Jamie are so much alike and had gone through some of the same things. Jamie's roommates - all I can say is, oh my! But Amy was such a sweetheart.
There were so many moments in this book that made me laugh out loud. I laughed so loud that my son asked me what was so funny. The scene in the hotel when Jamie is talking to her parents made me chuckle. My favorite scene was the talk show segment at the end. That was fantastic! I loved it and it had me smiling until the end of the book.
The one part that didn't sit that well with me was Jamie's post-breakup makeover. She did basically what Derek had wanted her to do all along. Why now? Why after the breakup? That was my thought during that process. But all-in-all, this is a great chick lit read with a happy ending.
Would I recommend it: If you like chick lit and want to have a quick, fun read, then definitely pick this book up!
Will I read it again: I may not.
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January 24, 2013
This is one of those books that I knew I would love from page one, and I was so, so right. The whole time I was reading this book, I kept thinking, Why is this not a NYT bestseller? Why is Samantha Stroh Bailey's book not sitting on a front table at Barnes & Noble next to Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella? Because, trust me, this book is every bit as good as your favorite chick lit classics. First of all, Stroh Bailey's writing is hilarious. I mean, there were so many times I nearly rolled out of bed laughing while reading. Secondly, the plot is really well-crafted to keep you guessing just what the heck is going to happen next. And lastly, the characters were all so well-drawn that they truly felt like living, breathing, people. From her evil co-worker to her posh BFF to her "alternative" family, every character had a thoroughly developed personality and backstory, which were both expertly revealed in the writing. What impressed me most, however, is that even though the main cc is SO completely different from me, I was still able to connect and empathize with her and her journey toward self-discovery and ultimately self-awareness and self-acceptance. But more than anything, Finding Lucas was simply a really great read and I enjoyed it so thoroughly that I took my time reading it, not wanting to finish it in too much of a hurry, but to savor every word of it.
January 2, 2013
I think every girl has had the experience of being trapped in a bad relationship well past its expiration date, as well as a period of being somewhat lost in life, and then "coming of age" well beyond the typical age of coming of age. Oh--and also believing there's maybe some misstep from the past that once corrected, can make things right again. That's what makes this story really resonate. I was 100 percent behind Jamie in her quest to find Lucas. (Well, until... Oh forget it!) The characters really drive this book home. Quirky, flawed, and fun! Samantha Stroh Bailey did a great job weaving this story together, a story that on the surface seems light and playful but there's so much more going on here. I worry about writing too much because I don't want to give anything away, but I have to say the opening line of this book is one you will never forget. And if you've ever felt out-of-place in a dance club, you're going to squirm with delight over one of Jamie's crazier "freshly single" adventures! Finding Lucas will find you laughing, cringing, and crying--sometimes all at the same time. A really great read!
July 23, 2013
Finding Lucas is a gem for chick lit lovers. Filled with quirky, funny, offbeat characters, and an unconventional family, author Samantha Stroh Bailey takes the reader on a crazy and laugh-out-loud journey with her heroine, Jamie Ross. Thirty-two year-old Jamie breaks up with her boyfriend of five years, Derek. Although she never regrets the decision, she is left with a void in her life that needs filling. When the TV talk show that she works for decides to do a story on finding old loves, Jamie decides that finding her first love, Lucas, will be just what the doctor ordered to bring true love back into her life.
I loved this book for many reasons. 1) The author is hilarious. 2) The book is well written. 3) Jamie evolves as she goes on her adventure to find love (and evolving is a very good thing.) 4) The author isn’t afraid to get real, and Jamie’s emotions, insecurities, daydreams, nightmares, and moments of sheer, unadulterated panic are all very relatable…and insightful.
A delightful read!
November 4, 2012
I was hooked from the opening sentence - and what an opening sentence it was! The premise of Finding Lucas is one I believe we can all relate to. I think we all wish deep down that we could try again with someone memorable from our pasts (well, those of us who are single, that is.) With all her hopes, insecurities and uncertainties, Jamie Ross is a very relatable character and one you can't help but root for.
Like other reviewers, I absolutely adored the supporting characters in this wonderfully well-written novel. They were all so unique from Evil Eva to Amy, the roommate with the very interesting business (I did not see that one coming!) and even extending as far as to include Bubba, who only has a walk-on role, really, but is still beautifully fleshed-out. Jamie's family was hilarious, of course, her friends were well-developed and likeable and Andrew is just awesome. Finding Lucas is definitely a crowd pleaser!
Like other reviewers, I absolutely adored the supporting characters in this wonderfully well-written novel. They were all so unique from Evil Eva to Amy, the roommate with the very interesting business (I did not see that one coming!) and even extending as far as to include Bubba, who only has a walk-on role, really, but is still beautifully fleshed-out. Jamie's family was hilarious, of course, her friends were well-developed and likeable and Andrew is just awesome. Finding Lucas is definitely a crowd pleaser!
August 3, 2013
I absolutely fell in love with all the characters in this book as soon as I was introduced to each of them, except for Derek and Eva, the two who were so much fun to hate! The friendships between the women were so realistic and touching. The family situations were hysterically funny but also heart-warming and sent a strong message about the beauty of all types of families, as unconventional as they may be. The romantic journey I got to take with Stroh Bailey's lovable main character, Jamie, ended in an unexpected and wonderful way that left me smiling for days. The writing is superb, flawless. Getting to go inside the mind of Jamie was a treat, reminding me that I'm not alone in so many of the insecurities and worries I struggle with daily. I highly recommend this fun and engaging read and can't wait for the author's next novel!!!
January 8, 2013
Oh wow I loved this book! Finding Lucas had me completely and totally hooked! I had a book hangover this morning because I couldn't put it down last night! This romantic comedyis a must read! I could even see myself reading it over and over! I have been waiting for this book to either come out in paperback or for me too get my kindle and it was worth the wait! Jamie is great she has major self esteem issues but watching her wrong them out with her friends and family made me laugh outloud numerous times! I could on and on about the things I loved about this book but I don't want to give anything away!
May 28, 2013
This was one of those feel good, fun to read books. It was referred to me by another friend and I was glad I read it. Right from the beginning, I was sucked in by the crazy, colorful characters. There were many of those laugh out loud moments too. Jamie is stuck in a dead end relationship with one super stuffy boyfriend who is more concerned how she looks and acts then just loving her as she is. She finally breaks it off with him and tries to find an old high school lover she hasn't spoke with in 10 years. Lots of twists and turns take place as she tries to find him. Will she finally find him and they fall back in love with each other? Or, will she find someone else along the way?
February 20, 2014
Finding Lucas tells the story of Jamie, a character as vivid and entertaining as any reader could wish to meet. I don’t normally read chicklit (although I LOVE Chiclets) because I find often find the stories heartless. Finding Lucas is anything but, and I found myself cheering for Jamie as she dumped her stick-up-the butt boyfriend and embarked on a mission to find an old flame. Really, though, she was searching for what people typically seek at her stage of life—herself. Alternate title: Finding Jamie and Having a Hilarious Time Doing It (pun intended). Samantha Stroh Bailey’s debut is a gem, full of insight and honesty, and written with a deft hand.
December 14, 2012
Totally loved it! So smart and funny!
June 18, 2013
Loved this book, it was very real, romantic, amusing and the ending wasn't predictable at all. Lots of laugh out loud moments and very easy reading, a real page turner. Highly recommended.
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