Book Review: Finding Chase

Finding Chase by Lacey Weatherford
December 5, 2012
Moonstruck Media
419 KB
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Young Adult

*Warning: Please be aware that this is the sequel to Chasing Nikki, which I absolutely loved. But if you have not read that, then I suggest you do first and avoid any possible spoilers below. But to sum up what's below, I loved Finding Chase, so you'll want to read it after Chasing Nikki.*

Goodreads Summary:

Life hasn’t been easy for Chase Walker. He’s experienced tragedy, and at times he’s not sure he wants to continue living. But he made a vow to go on with his life, and he intends to keep it.

After getting a college scholarship to play football, Chase heads off to school, hoping his time on the field will help to bury the intense emotions that still linger in his heart. Fate doesn’t work that way though, and he soon finds himself having to face all the things he’s carrying inside, or he may miss the one shot he has to learn how to love again.

My Review:

I was truly moved by this touching sequel to Chasing Nikki (CN). Lacey beautifully and heart-achingly described Chase's mourning process after losing Nikki. I could feel Chase's pain, as well as the hurt of those around him, not knowing what to do to help him, especially when Chase would try to bury his emotions and pain.

I loved the characters that we continued to see from CN. The deep comraderie and bond forged between the friends (Chase, Brett, Brittney, and Tana) continued through to this novel, revealing the true quality of those relationships. Chase's family also played a subtle yet important role in helping him move forward. The unconditional support and love from both friends and family could be felt. I also appreciated the mix of other characters as well, the other potential love interests, which helped engage Chase's mind and make him figure out what he really wanted.

Ultimately, the ability to see into Chase's thoughts and feelings was the best part of the novel. Everything was realistic, not sugar-coated or over-dramatized to make it unbelievable. I could imagine myself in the midst of his loss and where he was at completely made sense. Lacey did a wonderful job giving the readers this inside look.

There was also a great flow to the story, not too fast, not too slow. Lacey intertwined and healthy mix of drama and fun, losers and laughter, heartache and hope, loss and love. And while we may already know part of the ultimate outcome because of the epilogue to CN, it does not detract from the storyline. If anything, it made me more excited to see what would happen next and how each situation would be handled.

The ending was well done and the epilogue was a special treat. And don't forget to read Lacey's story at the end of the novel. It truly touched me.

Overall: This is a beautiful story of coping with loss, overcoming fear, striving for hope, and finding love that was a pleasure to read. Thank you, Lacey!

 

4-1/2 STARS