Finding Hope by Stacy Finz

• Title:  Finding Hope
• Series:  Nugget #2
• Author:  Stacy Finz
• Genre:  Contemporary Romance
• Published:  January 2015 – Lyrical Press
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  The small mountain town of Nugget, California, is way off the beaten path. But somehow it helps the lost and lonely find a new beginning in life—and in love…

One solitary day at a time is the only way cookbook writer Emily Mathews can restart her life—and cope with consuming loss. Still, the former city girl is finding all kinds of odd inspiration and advice from Nugget’s proudly eccentric residents on everything from new recipes to opening her heart again. Especially when it comes to her rugged rancher landlord …

His no-drama new tenant is the first break Clay McCreedy has had in a long time. He’s got his hands full enough dealing with his wife’s scandalous death and his sons’ unresolved grief. Clay can’t help but be drawn to Emily’s quiet understanding and strength. When their fragile trust turns into passionate healing, he longs for much more. And when both their pasts come calling, he’s determined not to walk away…  (publisher)

My brief take:  Stacy Finz’s story is one of people trying to move forward after experiencing life-altering loss. Separately, Emily and Clay are barely hanging on but once they get  together they find support, compassion and the possibility of a new life.

Clay’s sons figure prominently in the novel. They too are working through the fall-out from the loss of their mother. I thought Finz wrote a realistic look at grief from a child’s perspective as well as the adults.

I haven’t read the first book in the series yet but by the end of this second book I felt caught up with the previously featured characters and many secondary characters. I look forward to reading the third book in the series.