Stacy Wray is not a new author to me. As a matter of fact, I have a review handwritten I need to type up of Libra Rising, her other story I’ve read. Can I also say this is a fantastic cover for this story. I love how original it is and where it ties in the story at. The blurb on Finding Karma is what drew me in. I was curious how it would all play out. I consumed this book, and quickly. I also found it left me hard pressed to find another good book to read after I finished this one. This story was one of the best coming of age, finding yourself stories I’ve read in a long time. Stacy kept the actions, reactions, and feelings relevant for the age of the characters.
Karma is a teenager that is used to being a wallflower. While a genuinely great person, she definitely preferred to not be the center of attention. All of that changes when the boy who haunted her past comes back. Karma had a lot of growing and soul-searching to do. I really enjoyed the stages we could see as a reader where her world was rocked and how she put it right again. She started out as a teenager with a level head, most of the time, and wonderful parents, who grew into a fabulous young woman attaining her dreams. The road trip section was probably one of my most favorite parts for this character. The author captured all the inner turmoil and changes so beautifully.
Braden, the boy who has secrets from his past and never forgot a girl, returns to his hometown where everything changed. When he sees Karma again, his world stops. Literally. He knew at that moment, the tender young age of 17, that Karma would be his end game. Braden had some amazing growth in this story. His character had a lot to overcome and it didn’t happen in a day or even month. You really got to see how he took the long way around to figure out what was truly important in his life. Stacy captured his thoughts and they were palpable. You could feel his anguish, strife, regret, love, and hope. Even as a young adult, seeing him continue to grow was an enjoyment for me as a reader.
Jeremy played a pivotal role in Karma’s life, and I liked how their dynamic grew and changed with the times in their life. Forever the brother she never had, Jeremy will always have a place in Karma’s heart. Their unlikely friendship was so fun to read about. The yin and yang working together. Karma’s parents were a welcome addition to this story. They supported and loved her to no end. I always love stories when parents are involved and in a positive way. It’s heartwarming to me. Braden’s parents were an interesting twist that sometimes is the reality. I enjoyed how she closed the loop on their feelings and interactions with Braden and Karma. The other secondary characters were perfectly placed in this story to aide Karma and Braden in this thing called life.
Overall I fell in love with this story. It really did have everything I could want as a reader. The plot moved along and I didn’t once feel like there was a lull. The subplots only aided in the storytelling didn’t overshadow the main plot, and were closed up in a seamless way. I enjoyed this coming of age, second chance romance, and would definitely recommend it to people. I laughed, felt the tug on my heart, and relished in the ending. From cover to cover, this book was wonderfully done and would be on my reread list. I am giving it 5 pointe shoes for originality, personality, writing, plot, and overall completeness of a fabulous story.
Find Stacy M. Wray here: http://stacymwray.com