The Finding by A.M. Porto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Finding is the first book in the Berrycreek Heights series. It is a YA thriller that centers around the characters of Victoria and Logan and told from each of their POV. The two first met when Victoria was five years old, and Logan was aged seven. The two were neighbors and became fast friends, spending almost all their time together. Victoria’s mom passed away when she was young, and she was left with her abusive, alcoholic stepfather Zach. As Victoria got older, she reminded Zach more and more of her mom and he became increasingly more violent towards her. Logan swore to protect her but when the unthinkable happens he feels tremendous guilt, sadness, and remorse for being unable to protect Victoria when she needed him the most. Twelve years go by, and Logan has never stopped thinking about Victoria or what happened to her. He has never stopped looking and vows to seek out justice for those responsible. Will Logan ever find out what really happened to Victoria?

The author did a phenomenal job with this story, and it captured my attention from the first few pages. I was riveted by the storyline and unable to put it down until I completed it. The characters are wonderfully written, lovable, and relatable. Victoria is sweet, kind, loving, smart, and courageous. The abuse that she suffers at the hands of her stepfather and numerous others is deplorable and unimaginable. It made me cringe to read as she was subjected to horrific things that no person should ever have to endure. Yet, despite it all she never gives up and continues going. Victoria is a fighter who never gives up hope and looks to a brighter future away from the abuse and cruelty. Logan is sweet, kind, loving, and courageous. He has loved Victoria since practically the first moment he met her. He made it his mission to protect her from harm and keep her safe. When Logan feels that he failed at that he vows to find out what happened to her. After twelve years he never gives up, even though many others would have given up searching for answers. It was heartbreaking to think about how helpless Logan felt to protect the woman he loved and how he felt that he had let her down. It is heartwarming to see that the love between Victoria and Logan still holds strong no matter the time or distance. Their story really pulled at my heartstrings, and it took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Their story was filled with love, loss, betrayal, grief, sorrow, abuse, tragedy, drama, and suspense. I seriously cannot recommend this book enough! Looking forward to reading more by this author!

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