Member Reviews

Here's yet another great read from Kerry. This book is the epitome of "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" Great plot, storyline and characters who come together in most unexpected ways. Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and the Author, Kerry Lonsdale for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kerry Lonsdale has written a book about family dynamics, historical connections and shaping the future.
The characters were a little slow to connect with but as the storyline progressed, there became more depth and meaning to immerse yourself in.
Matt is not, in any way, interested in helping his grandmother, visiting her is not something he wants to do.
Julia, on the other hand, is devoted to her grandmother, she couldn’t see life any other way. Coincidentally, both grandmothers are in the same home and have more than they realise in common.
I enjoyed the emotional attachments and how change comes about, life choices and circumstances bring Julia and Matt together. The twists and turns continue to build the story into a heartwarming read, with the right amount of suspense!

Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author Kerry Lonsdale for the opportunity to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I thought this was a good read and more than just a love story - drugs, alcohol, caring for people with Alzheimer's.
There was a lot going on with different stories Intertwined, but I wanted to read on and see how it ended.
First I've read from this author and won't be the last.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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5/5 RIVETING STARS!

Find Me In California was a unique, exciting and very pleasurable read. I could not peel myself away from these pages. I was hooked. This story flowed so effortlessly and had me completely captivated. I was so invested in what was coming next.

Kerry Lonsdale writes a beautiful story with charismatic characters that hit the heart. This story has so much to offer. This author always blows me away with her books and this one was no different!

An absolute MUST read!

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Kerry Lonsdale is one of my favorite authors so I always look forward to her new releases. Meet Me in California was an enjoyable read but a bit “out there” at times. The story flowed nicely and wrapped up neatly. Matt and Julia’s, along with Liza and Mama Rose’s, stories were well written and keep me interested. I also loved the ending. Overall, a beautiful story of growth, forgiveness and letting love in.

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Find Me In California is the perfect summer read/listen. The story follows Julia and Matt who both have grandmothers that raised them living in the same assisted living facility in California. Unbeknownst to them, their grandmothers have kept a lot of life altering secrets from them that gradually unfold throughout the story. The ending gave me great joy!

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Kerry Lonsdale's newest book is one I just wanted to keep reading forever. I loved the characters and the dual timelines and wondered how everything would eventually come together. It addressed some pretty heavy issues such as child abandonment, emotional neglect, dementia, grief and forgiveness. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

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This book was not easy to follow at first not going to like but the book get better and the book is so great. There is alot of twist and turns when you think you got it, you got to think again. I definitely recommend this book.

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Loved this novel! I could relate being from California myself…I was interested! Author Kerry Lonsdale had great character development and I felt like I know these characters well. Matt and Julia, 2 people from different places but on a road essentially to the same place. Both have grandmothers in the same assisted living with stories to tell, secrets to keep and a friendship tested by fate.

What did I like: I liked that I could relate to this novel in the respect that i too recently had my mother in an assisted living and lost her to a stroke. It’s a challenge to make that decision to place your loved one in assisted living and to see them deteriorate and decline. I cried when I read about some of the scenarios that took place between Mama Rose and Julia, her granddaughter.

Favorite character: Julia! Kind , giving, compassionate and determined.

Why should you read this novel: This novel makes you appreciate forgiveness and the life that’s right in front of you. This novel has love, suspense, surprises and family dynamics. It’s about choices and opportunities we make while living our own lives.

A road trip …a hitchhiker…a masseuse, a gardener and Hollywood actor to name a few of the characters in this entertaining novel. A page turner, especially near the end. Thanks you Kerry Lonsdale for this amazing and entertaining read!

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4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story and the way it all came together in the end. There were tons of twists and questions answered. Some were a bit predictable, but I was still surprised, liked the way the mysteries were executed and I didn't mind. I loved how bizarre Matt what was going through was happening, wondering if it was all real or not (without giving away spoilers). The story felt so real, which made this story more enjoyable. It's about family secrets, grief and traumas and allowing yourself the opportunity to allow love into your life. Thank you Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to review this beautiful story.

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I have read all of her books, and have always liked the story lines.
This book has a good story line but also a tortured one. I did not really like Matt for quite awhile into the book, as he didn't seem to be a very nice person. He and Julie become acquainted through their Grandmothers, who are both in the same Nursing home. Matt's Grandmother, Liza and Julia's Grandmother, Magnolia Blue, new each other for quite awhile but this was something not realized until Julia found her Grandmothers diary.
It is a complicated story with a lot of ups and downs, assumptions and many interesting story lines of all of the different characters in the book. It is written in two different times, one when the grandparents were younger and present day.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.

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Two very close friends had a falling out. They end up in the same nursing home. One is almost at the end of her days and decides to summon her grandson to reveal her last secrets. Matt the grandson is bitter, distrustful of the grandmother who was forced to take him in but treated him horribly and does not want to go back. We have Julie who is the grand daughter of the other old woman, now with dementia, not knowing that Julie is her grand daughter who is in contrast devoted to her.

There are many strands in this story. Family secrets (which family hasn’t got them), a touch of magic which seemed out of place, dementia and the effect on families, romance and the problem of forgiveness and moving on. Sometimes the story got too complicated and intense and blurred as well.

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I'm a huge fan of her books. This one is no exception. I read it in one sitting, because I could not put it down.
Find Me in California by Kerry Lonsdale was amazing from start to finish. I couldn't put it down! I was surprised so many times during the story and the ending completely caught me off guard! 
Like her other books, these characters are all too real. Their story is so in depth and engaging.
I really enjoyed reading it.

Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

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Find Me in California is a story of family drama. Matt and Julia both have grandma’s who are in an assisted living center. I knew they were connected somehow and could not wait to see it all come together.

Kerry Lonsdale wrote a great book about family drama, finding self-worth, and opening up to love. I was so invested in this book and the characters. I found myself needing the characters to find their way and hoping for the best outcome. I love that neither character was perfect but they were not so flawed that they could not find their way to happiness.

Find Me in California is a phenomenal book of Alzheimers, elder care, and childhood abandonment. Yet, with all these tough topics I found myself smiling and enjoying every word.

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I could NOT put this book down! Kerry does it again with the complexity of life, family, and emotions. Matt, Julia, Elizabeth, and Magnolia each have their own questionable pasts, but can the present day happenings make them understand all that has happened? Let me tell you, this book will have you on an emotional rollercoaster.

"..... sometimes we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves."

#findmeincalifornia #amazonpublishing #kerrylonsdale

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Kerry’s writing is always great! Find Me in California takes us on quite the adventure with mystery and secrets….. so great! Her stories always have unique twists built in that keep the reader wanting to know more! Highly recommend checking out her other books too. All of them are so fantastic and SO well written!

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An enjoyable read I devoured in an afternoon. Twists and unexpected turns kept me interested. While I didn’t like this book as much as others Kerry has written, it’s definitely worth reading. You’ll want to hug and smack the characters, sometimes both at the same time! A solid four stars recommend this book.

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I enjoyed reading Find Me in California by Kerry Lonsdale. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

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"Find Me in California" by Kerry Lonsdale is a captivating exploration of family, friendship, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of secrets, aging, and the complexities of life. The novel follows Julia Hope and Matt Gatli - both with aging grandmothers residing in the same assisted living facility (each harboring their own family mysteries.) Lonsdale expertly weaves together their stories, delving into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the search for identity.

What makes "Find Me in California" so great is Lonsdale's adept handling of multiple perspectives, seamlessly intertwining present-day events with flashbacks, diary entries, and letters. Through these narrative devices, the author reveals the intricacies of her characters' lives, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs.

Lonsdale tackles a myriad of important topics, from dementia and Alzheimer's to addiction, with sensitivity and nuance. Yet amidst the darker themes, there is also hope and resilience, as the characters navigate their way through life's challenges, ultimately finding strength in connection and understanding.

Overall, "Find Me in California" is a compelling page-turner that will resonate with fans of family drama and emotional storytelling. Lonsdale's skillful storytelling and rich character development make this novel a truly memorable read, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and deeply moving read.

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Beautifully written, Find Me in California Introduces us to Julia and Matt whose lives are about to interject with heartstopper consequences. Kerry Lonsdale has provided us with a heartbreaking story that keeps us engaged up to the brilliant ending.

Each raised by a grandmother Who now reside in the same elder care facility. Julia works wherever she can in order to maintain her grandmothers lifestyle. All the while morning, her absent mother. Matt, on the other hand, must become responsible for a grandmother for whom he has nothing but contempt. The two young people bond and are shocked to learn of their grandmothers shared past.

They subject of Alzheimer’s and its impact is treated with understanding. Having dealt with a parent who suffered from this for years I related to Julia’s concerns.

Well, the subject matter does touch on some varied topics, (drug use, infidelity, and abandonment)the reader is engaged from the first page. To the hopeful ending.

Thank you to Kerry Lonsdale, Lake Union Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel.

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