Chloe Carlyle has always longed for the perfect family. Growing up with an alcoholic single mother, she has seen her share of heartbreak and disappointment, and is striving to build a new legacy for herself. After graduating from college, she takes a job working as a summer girl for the Reeds––a wealthy, accomplished family that personifies her American dream. Her summer takes an unexpected turn when the Reeds’ eldest son Tyler, the star quarterback for Notre Dame, shows up and turns her life upside down.
An ambitious young woman with a wry sense of humor, Chloe never imagined herself as the type to succumb to the looks and charms of the hometown hero, but she falls hard for Tyler, and is devastated when they part ways at the end of the summer. As she heads off to law school, Chloe tries to convince herself this was just a fling, but she can’t quite get over him. It’s not until Tyler contacts her out of the blue late one winter night that everything changes.
After doing everything in her power to build the perfect life, Chloe soon learns that there are things beyond her control. She must draw on inner reserves of strength as her life takes unpredictable—and sometimes heartbreaking—twists and turns, and she finds herself faced with decisions she never thought she’d have to make. Poignant, heartfelt, and emotional, Finding Bliss is a reminder that you don’t have to live a fairytale life in order to have a happy ending.
5 Star Review by Jen Hagen
It’s very rare to find a book that will leave me
speechless and unable to form a coherent thought to put to paper. This book did that for me. Two days after finishing it, and I still
cannot think of what to write to let the reader know how amazing this book is
without giving away the entire story line.
Bliss is 21 years old and is employed as a nanny for 9
year old twins during the summers and school breaks for a wealthy family. The family also includes an older brother,
Tyler, who is 20 years old and attends Notre Dame playing football and is
expected to be drafted into the NFL.
During summer break Tyler makes a visit to their summer home at the same
time that Bliss is working for the family.
Lust and heartbreak ensue.
“I like you, Tyler,
you know I do. I’ve liked you for so long, and wanted this so badly that I’d
actually convinced myself that you were capable of feeling the same way about
me. Only I just let my infatuation for you go too far— and I thought it might
end like this.”
Because of a poor decision that Tyler makes his life’s
course has been changed in an instant.
Chloe stands beside him and a relationship begins within that small
space.
“All that I know about
happiness, you have taught me, and everything good in my life can be traced
back to you. I know I act like a complete thug most of the time, but I really
don’t know where I’d be right now without your support. I love you, Chloe.”
Tyler’s parents have always strongly influenced him with
the path of his life. His mother is the
most ginormous witch I have ever encountered. The poor guy has never been able to stand up
for himself or make a decision that goes against his parents. He has learned to back down against
confrontation and this is a fault that will effect his future.
I wanted him to
stand and beg and plead and make a case for us, but I knew it would never
happen. Not because he didn’t want us to be together, but because he was
incapable of fighting for what he wanted.
Chloe is a very strong female who has had to be on her
own without the support of a father and a mother who was an alcoholic during
Chloe’s teenage years. Chloe can put up
a good fight and she is now a successful attorney. She is used to being in control. Chloe and Tyler have many obstacles in their
journey towards their happily ever after and Chloe can’t control
everything.
In a matter of
minutes my confidence, my intelligence, and the future I’d envisioned for
myself had been ripped from my grasp. I wanted to drive my car into a brick
wall. I hated myself for feeling that way and for letting that happen. How
could that have happened?!
I would love to write more, but I feel that I would be
giving away too much of the story if I continued. Very few novels have taken me upon a journey,
gutted me, but yet put me back together at the very end. I almost couldn’t believe it when I turned to
the last page and saw the words “The End.”
How could it be the end? I still
have so many questions? Luckily I turned
the page and there was a short paragraph for the epilogue that made the story
complete for me.
Ohhh! It looks awesome!!
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