Book Review: Finding Joy

Buy it Here
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for mild romance
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Description: Sometimes, what looks like a dead end, is really a new beginning. 
A horrific accident changed everything for Parker Wilson. Unable to find solid footing in his disrupted life, he returns to his family's ranch, a place he thought he'd left behind for good. The scars on his face are a daily reminder of all he's lost, yet his mom still insists he needs to stop hiding and live his life again. The beautiful new employee she hires is the last thing he needs, despite his mom's best intentions, and he'll do whatever it takes to make the girl quit and regain the peace and quiet he prefers. 
Nothing short of desperation would force Chelsea Blake to work on a local cattle ranch. But if she's going to avoid her parents' judgment when they arrive in three weeks, she must turn the temporary job into a permanent one. Between dodging mud, feeding longhorn cattle, and dealing with a handsome boss who keeps giving her the cold shoulder, staying gainfully employed is proving to be a challenge. Chelsea may not be cut out for ranch life, but her determination to succeed is stronger than Parker's efforts at forcing her to leave.  
Unprepared to discover all they have in common, if they set aside their initial dislike, they just might find joy beyond measure.

I like deep books that make me think and inspire me. However, every once in a while it is nice to take a break and read something that is just light and fun. Finding Joy is one such book. I received a copy for review and curled up on a sick day to read. It was a good companion that left me feeling happy.

The setting was one that I know well, as I live in central Texas and we actually have a longhorn farm not too far from us. The author, I am happy to say, knew her stuff and took some time to give the reader a little of an education, without making it obvious that was what she was doing.

Both Chelsea and Parker were lovable and believable characters. They each have their own issues and struggles that help the reader feel connected to them. However, none of those issues are weird or so heavy that they keep the book from being enjoyable.

The romance was very sweet and not to overdone. Personally I thought there was one scene where Parker had his shirt off that wasn’t great, but the author didn’t go overboard, so it wasn’t an issue. The kisses were not drawn out to the point I was rolling my eyes or felt embarrassed. They were sweet, and then the characters moved on.

The faith aspect was there. It was not a major part of the story, nor do I think the story would have been the same without it. It felt as if it was just part of the normal rhythm of life, which is a good thing.

Overall, I thought the book was nice. I look forward to picking up more books by this author.


I recived this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All the thoughts are entirly my own.

Melanie D. Snitker on Finding Joy

Melanie, welcome back to Homeschooled Authors. Tell us what you have been up to since you were last here?
Thanks so much for the opportunity to come back and visit! A lot has happened in the last year and a half. I’ve published a handful of books, with my seventh novel, Finding Joy, coming out tomorrow. I did take several months off from writing last summer so I could focus on some other aspects of my life and family. It was a wonderful decision, and when I came back to writing, I felt refreshed and ready to jump back in.

How has writing the Love's Compass series impacted you?
Writing this series has grown into so much more than I originally imagined it would. When I wrote the first book, Finding Peace, I had hope that I’d be able to stretch the series into three books. But with each of them, the characters came alive, secondary characters begged for their moments in the spotlight, and I quickly discovered that the series had a life of its own. Finding Joy is now the fifth book with at least one more planned for later this year.
I think what keeps inspiring me to add to this series, and what keeps readers looking forward to the next book, is the connection between the characters. For example, I briefly introduced Chelsea in Finding Peace as Laurie’s sister. Now Chelsea finally gets her own story in Finding Joy, but we get all kinds of fun updates on Tuck and Laurie. We see brief glimpses of other members of the Chandler family as well.
All these characters have become so real to me and I have a hard time imagining writing the last book, because, in my mind, their stories and lives just keep building. I love it when readers tell me they feel the same way.

Were any of the events in Finding Joy based on your life?

Truthfully, who Parker and Chelsea are and where they’ve come from in life is nothing like what’s happened in my own life. lol But the setting for the book is loosely based on a place I had the opportunity to visit in person.
Parker and his family live on a ranch that includes a small herd of Texas longhorns. I’d personally seen longhorns from time to time traveling through Texas, but that was as close as I’d gotten. I’m incredibly blessed that one of my friends owns the Whining Bull Ranch and her family invited me to come by for a tour. Having the opportunity to witness the herd run together or feed a range cube to a longhorn just like Chelsea does in the book was an experience I’ll never forget.
I was thrilled to be able to take that one-of-a-kind experience and share it with my readers.

If you were given an opportunity to hang out for a day with either Parker or Chelsea which would you choose and why?
It would have to be Parker, and almost entirely because of the ranch. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to ride horses, watch the cattle, and be surrounded by that kind of beauty every day?

What is your favorite quotable from Finding Joy?
Oh, that’s a hard one! Most of my favorites might reveal too much about the story line. How about one of my favorite short sections? Chelsea is so not used to working out at the ranch and the mud took care of her fancy shoes in a hurry. Parker suggested more appropriate footwear. So she went out, purchased some, and wore those the next day.
Chelsea intended to be downstairs early, but Parker was already waiting for her in the truck. 
“Hop on in.” There was no missing his scrutiny as he checked out her footwear once she’d climbed inside. “Those are an improvement. Not pretty. But an improvement.”
She lifted one of her boots and rested it on the dashboard. “Are you kidding? What’s wrong with them?” 
“Are they cowgirl boots or rain boots?”
Chelsea studied them and finally shrugged. 
“Exactly.” 
With a huff, she let her foot fall back down to the floorboard. Well, they were more appropriate, just like he’d asked. If he’d wanted her to wear a uniform, he should have specified. She could’ve sworn she heard a chuckle, but when she swung her head in his direction, his face was a stoic as ever.

Out of all the reviews you have received for your books, which one has touched you the most?
I’ve received many reviews that put a smile on my face and some even brought tears to my eyes. But I think this review by L. Johnson for Finding Hope is a favorite:
Having lost a Mom and a brother to cancer, it's not a subject I normally continue reading when it comes up in a book, but the author blended such dynamics of humor and hope into the storyline that I could not stop reading. She shows great talent in making the characters true to life, with all of the complex fears and strengths that people often carry, allowing them to be "real" to us and not just characters on a page. That is a real gift as a writer. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

So what is next for you as a writer?
Now that Finding Joy is on its way to my readers, I’m working on the second book in the Life Unexpected series called Someone to Trust. This is Chess and Brooke’s story and it should be out in May. I’m also participating in a boxed set this fall (more details to come in a couple of months). And, of course, the sixth book in the Love’s Compass series this winter. I’ve got a full schedule and I’m excited about every project!

Where can people keep up with your writing?
I always love to keep in touch with readers and fellow authors. You can follow me at:
Website – http://www.melaniedsnitker.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/melaniedsnitker
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/melaniedsnitker/
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/author/melaniesnitker
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8440136.Melanie_D_Snitker
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melanie-d-snitker

Any final words of wisdom?
One quote in particular struck me a few weeks ago:
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb.
That’s something I’m trying to keep in mind this year. If there’s something I want to learn how to do, or a change I want to make in my life, I want to start now instead of procrastinating. And that’s what I encourage everyone to do.
Don’t wait to eat healthier, learn to knit, or start writing the next great American novel. If you start today, just imagine where you’ll be a year from now!

Interview with Melanie D. Snitker

Melanie, welcome to Homeschool Authors! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat. I live in Texas with my husband and our two kids. I stay at home with the kids and we homeschool, which works wonderfully for us all. As a family, we enjoy going to the lake and camping, archery, and just spending time together. I personally also enjoy photography, crochet, baking, learning about essential oils, and writing.

Everyone’s homeshooling experience is different. What do you think made yours unique?
My parents began homeschooling me in the first grade and I graduated in 1996, so when I was younger, homeschooling wasn't nearly as popular as it is now. A lot of kids weren't homeschooled through high school. I remember my mom going through the roster lists for the homeschool groups we were a part of, looking for families with older kids to get to know and do things with. It took a lot of effort on her behalf, but she always had things set up for my two brothers and I. It's a very different world now. There are more groups and activities to participate in.

How did being homeschooled prepare you to write?
I loved to write and I did a lot of it. Homeschooling gave me more opportunities to write throughout the day. My parents also tried to locate more specific books for creative writing for me to help develop my writing skills.

What caused you to start writing?
I couldn't even tell you, honestly. I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Even when I was very young, I would write simple episodes for shows like Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers, tracing pictures from coloring books for the illustrations. What I write has changed through the years, but the need to express my thoughts and ideas through writing has only gotten stronger.

What inspired Finding Hope?
I have several family members and friends who have had to face cancer. While I personally have not been down that road, I know how difficult the journey was for them. I wanted to write a book that showed God's faithfulness during some of the hardest times in our lives.

Would you give us a synopsis?
Of course!
Cancer. That one word has rocked Lexi Chandler's life to the core. Her focus has always been to help others. She loves being a nurse and enjoys spending time with her family. Things had been going according to plan. Now she's struggling to pick up the pieces and make sense of the changes in her life.

Lance Davenport has cared for Lexi since they were kids. Between their age difference and bad timing, he's turned burying his feelings into an art. Now, watching Lexi battle with cancer has made him realize just how much he's missed. He doesn't know what their future holds, but he's determined to not waste another minute. 

The people closest to Lexi pull together as she tries to navigate her way down a path none of the them ever dreamed she'd have to travel. 

Who will enjoy Finding Hope?
Anyone who enjoys a sweet, inspirational romance novel. All of my books are clean with no sex, language, or excessive violence. While they all have a Christian theme, I don't preach to my readers.

Do you plan to write more books?
Absolutely! This is only the beginning. I'm working on my series, Love's Compass, right now. But I have a couple of standalone books planned plus a science fiction series for the future. Writing is such a big part of who I am, I can't imagine not continue to share more books with my readers.

Where can people connect with you online?
I would love for people to connect with me in any of the following areas:
Website (and blog): http://www.melaniedsnitker.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/melaniedsnitker
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/melaniesnitker
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melaniedsnitker/