Title: Finding Lucas by Samantha Stroh Bailey
Publisher: Samantha Stroh Bailey
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 367 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author
Summary:
Can you ever really go back to the past?
After five long years of living with Derek, her former bad-boy-turned-metrosexual boyfriend, Jamie Ross finally reaches her breaking point. She’s had enough of his sneering disdain for her second hand wardrobe, unusual family and low-paying job as the associate producer of Chicago’s sleaziest daytime talk show. When her new boss plans a segment on reuniting lost loves, Jamie remembers Lucas, her first love and the boy she’d lost ten years earlier. Spurred on by her gang of quirky friends, Jamie goes on a hilarious, disastrous and life changing hunt to track Lucas down. But are some loves best left behind?
The Review:
Finding Lucas is a fabulously entertaining debut romance by Samantha Stroh Bailey. It is a funny and reflective novel about friendship, love and starting over.
Jamie Ross is a delightfully flawed yet immensely appealing protagonist. She is refreshingly down to earth and easy to relate to. Jamie drinks, smokes and has a complicated relationship with her very unique but lovable family. Her fear of being alone and low self-esteem leave her clinging to her relationship with Derek despite her growing dissatisfaction. Her decision to look for her high school sweetheart, Lucas, finally gives Jamie the impetus she needs to leave Derek.
The secondary cast of characters is eclectic and equally well-developed. Best gal pals Hanna and Lucy are loyal and provide Jamie with much needed emotional support. Jamie finds an unexpected connection and easy friendship with her new boss Andrew. She has a few nemesis to deal with and while their characters are a little over the top, it is very satisfying when Jamie finally gains the upper hand with them.
While there is plenty of humor in Finding Lucas, there is also an underlying seriousness that gives the story depth. The storyline is well-developed and while there are a few predictable plot twists, Samantha Stroh Bailey does throw in a few unexpected curveballs. All in all, an excellent novel that is quite engaging and easy to read.