Wow, what a harrowing and hopeful tale. I'm a big fan of Samantha Johns' writing, having loved all 3 books in her "Repentant Demon" trilogy, so I trusted I would find similar high-level plotting, story and character development in Finding Jayda. I was richly rewarded! The writing soars, and the character of Jayda is a winning, well-defined woman we come to relate to, root for and suffer with throughout the novel. Along the way there are great scenes including romance, courtroom drama, and relationship and family drama.

Her journey is a punishing one, and it wasn't long into it before I was wishing miracles upon poor Jayda. The author shows us is many small ways what it is like for a person to live with PTSD and to operate on the survival level while praying for more. I liked it that Jayda struggled because I really related to it, and it made her redemption so emotional. She fell into a shallow relationship without feeling truly connected to that man, but he had a profound impact on her life nonetheless.

Her self awareness and attempt to take care of her self added even more danger to herself. I see her as a heroine, trying hard to rid her life of snakes while finding her spirit and her way to grace and miracles. That's the real "finding" in the title, and it had me cheering loudly, even if I had to gasp and worry here and there along the way. Samantha Johns has done it again! ( )

Jayda Parrish, a middle class young woman from St. Louis decides to finally leave her alcoholic/abusive boyfriend to start a new life. She is desperate to flee and even fakes her own death. Her life is about to change. The police are slowly tracking her down but she does meet some nice people along the way.

As she tries to figure out what to do with her life, where to settle down she finds herself falling in love. Will her life ever be normal? Will she be able to put her past behind her?

A fast past romantic/suspense. Filled with secrets, twist and turns. I loved Jayda and I found myself anticipating the events in her life and wanting her to achieve true happiness. Most of the characters were likable, some were not so desirable. But overall I was left fulfilled by the time I finished Finding Jayda ( )