The brief prologue to FINDING ME introduces readers to David Waters, a not-so-happily married guy who can’t stop himself from patronizing a local diner every day --- not because he loves the food, but because it allows him time with the long-legged beauty who waits on him. The scene sets the stage for the current events to unfold.

Twenty-six years later…

Kelli Huddleston was raised by her loving father, Don, and stepmother Mimi. Her dad told her that her biological mother and two siblings perished in a house fire when she was an infant. FINDING ME opens with Kelli grieving her dad and stepmom, who have just died in a horrible car accident. While sorting through some of her father’s things, Kelli comes across documents and photos that suggest the story he’d told her was not true. That her mother, brother and sister may still be very much alive.

After consulting her best friends and conducting a bit of research that turns up evidence that her dad was really a man from Tennessee named David Waters, Kelli sets off to find the truth. Her initial intentions are simply to find her family and learn the details of what happened, not to disrupt their lives. She doesn’t want to reveal her identity --- only get close enough to see where she came from and uncover the reason her father lied to her.

"Author Kathryn Cushman is known for her touching tales with creative plot lines and interesting characters, and FINDING ME is no exception.... Overall, FINDING ME is an entertaining and moving story that focuses on forgiveness, grace, and making peace with the past."

Once in Tennessee, Kelli stops at a general store and meets Kenmore, a man she has never met but knows had been one of her father’s friends. Kelli plans to do a simple walk-through of the store and maybe ask a few generic questions. She is stunned when Kenmore practically offers her a job on the spot. She is even more shocked to find herself accepting the offer.

Kelli doesn’t have to wait long to meet her family. Her sister, Beth, is quirky, outspoken and a bit flighty, but makes her laugh. Beth is pregnant, and she and her husband, Rand, couldn’t be more thrilled. And Kelli is in awe at the thought of being an aunt. Kelli is immediately drawn to her mother, who seems to be a wonderful, kind and godly woman. At first, she wondered if her mother had somehow driven her dad away, leaving him no other choice than to take his infant daughter and flee to a new life. But after meeting Alison, Kelli can’t find one logical explanation as to why her dad would have lied to her all these years. Over the next few weeks, through a series of unforeseen circumstances, she not only gets immersed in the lives of the family she just met, but finds herself falling in love with them.

Now Kelli needs to decide whether to leave the past behind or confront it head-on, knowing it will affect her future and the lives of her family forever.

Author Kathryn Cushman is known for her touching tales with creative plot lines and interesting characters, and FINDING ME is no exception. The premise is unique. The idea of discovering, upon your parents’ death, that your whole life has been a lie, and then setting out to find the truth is certainly intriguing. The story starts off slowly but picks up steam from the moment Kelli heads to Tennessee. Although most people would probably be bursting to publically reconnect with their family if faced with a similar situation, Kelli’s desire to withhold the truth for their sake is noble. It is also necessary in order to keep a bit of tension going. But her need for answers --- as well as her desire to make amends for her father’s sins --- is completely understandable and drives the story, holding the reader’s interest as the truth unfolds.

The relationships that develop are heartwarming, and there is even a thread of romance included for extra measure.

Overall, FINDING ME is an entertaining and moving story that focuses on forgiveness, grace, and making peace with the past.