Finding

"For her second novel Linda Fifer takes her readers to the Aghan War – and its consequences. Like the deceased old King in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the memory of Dave (who lost his life in Afghanistan) oversees the action from beyond the grave. Izzy, naturally, feels she must do all in accordance with his wishes and plans. We are also shown the friendship and camaraderie that exists between those who have seen action in time of war, even if terrible memories are awakened, which those who have not served in the military cannot fully share. As the novel progresses, we are given more clues about the real Dave, but the full truth is not divulged until the final chapter. In the context of her novel, Linda explores many aspects of life which we all find ourselves to be involved. It is another triumph for her, and we look forward eagerly to her third book."

Linda Fifer’s novel Finding the Grain artfully navigates the complex themes of grief, healing, and the mysteries of life, all set against a backdrop of deep-rooted friendships. The protagonist, Izzy Stark, a soldier who has recently returned from Afghanistan, finds herself on the cusp of a new civilian life, eagerly awaiting her husband Dave’s discharge from the army. However, their shared dreams are abruptly shattered with the news of Dave’s death. In a state of profound shock and despair, Izzy relocates to a small town in Colorado. Here, she immerses herself in renovating a house that was meant to be their civilian abode. Her mission is tinged with poignancy – she aims to complete it by Dave’s birthday as a tribute to their love and dreams. This task, initially undertaken in solitude, gradually involves the help of the community, symbolizing the slow reawakening of Izzy’s connection to life and others. As Izzy navigates her grief, an unexpected reconnection with Tom Biddoe, a fellow army friend, unveils new layers to Dave’s death, challenging her perceptions of their relationship. Fifer’s narrative is rich with emotional depth, capturing the essence of grief with a palpable yet elusive quality. The portrayal of memory is particularly striking, offering readers a vivid sense of Izzy’s internal struggle and resilience. The novel excels in its depiction of healing processes, portraying a range of experiences, from the therapeutic value of staying busy to the unexpected joy found in community and new relationships. The character development is nuanced, encompassing a wide array of personalities – from those etched in memory to those actively reshaping Izzy’s present. The backdrop of war serves as a contrasting element, highlighting the characters’ personal battles and growth. Fifer’s writing style is both elegant and accessible, weaving poetic descriptions into a narrative that is engaging and relatable. The story’s exploration of human emotions is subtle yet profound, avoiding melodrama while still conveying the intensity of the characters’ experiences. Finding the Grain is a captivating and intricately woven tale that delves into the aftermath of loss. The novel takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey of rebuilding, both physically and emotionally, through the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. The author’s skillful use of language and vivid descriptions paint a picture of a world in turmoil, as the characters navigate their way through the challenges of life. The result is a beautifully crafted story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

In Fifer’s novel, a veteran of the Afghanistan War embarks on the next chapter in her life while recovering from the death of her husband. Izzy Stark, a former Army soldier, has relocated to the sleepy Colorado town of Whistle Canyon, where her husband, Dave, spent idyllic summer weeks as a child with his uncle. She and Dave were to begin new lives there, but just weeks before he was due to return from Afghanistan, he was killed in a roadside bomb blast. Now Izzy is adrift, suffering the deep psychological scars of combat and overwhelmed by heartache: “The sunsets were reminders that Dave was not coming back. The sunrises brought a fleck of hope that he was. Nothing quite fit. What she wanted slipped through the chilly holes in her.” Meanwhile, Izzy is distraught over the absence of Dave’s wedding ring, which was never returned to her, and is shocked to find his late uncle’s house in disrepair. Izzy, sensing her late husband’s presence there, vows to restore it in his honor. During trips to the hardware store, she meets a cast of warmhearted townsfolk, including furniture-making shop teacher Ben McCully, who suggests his students help her construct a new roof. Izzy soon learns that Ben is also widowed, and a tight bond of friendship develops. Izzy also finds solace in Bix, Dave’s bomb-sniffing dog, whom she receives through an Army program. While improving the house, Izzy slowly rebuilds herself—and her future. But when an old Army friend arrives with boxes of Dave’s belongings and troubling secrets, Izzy is forced to question everything she once believed about her former life. While readers will be moved by the author’s touching prose, and by the aching humanity Fifer has woven into her skillfully crafted characters, some may wish for deeper subtext in the generally straightforward dialogue. Overall, the novel is an intimate and compassionate examination of the complexities of war, marriage, and loss, and it serves as a touching reminder that one can find one’s home—and one’s heart—in the unlikeliest places.

A beautiful, fragile and raw story of mourning.

Finding the Grain is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, mystery, and emotive writing subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience owing to themes of death and grief. Penned by author Linda Fifer, the story follows Izzy Stark, a returning soldier from Afghanistan, who faces the ultimate heartbreak when her husband dies just weeks before his discharge. Haunted by memories and surrounded by a neglected home in Whistle Canyon, Colorado, Izzy's life takes an unexpected turn. Ben McCully and fellow soldier Tom Biddoe offer support. A mysterious box arrives, unraveling secrets about Dave's death that sends Izzy on a new mission of discovery. The narrative weaves through grief, friendship, and the pursuit of truth, exploring Izzy's journey to healing.

Author Linda Fifer has crafted a poignant reading experience that delves into the complexities of grief, loss, and the fortitude of the human spirit. Izzy's emotional journey, set against the backdrop of an atmospherically described small-town setting, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The plot, rich in mystery and self-discovery, keeps us engaged, with pacing that offers us subtle clues and moments of suspenseful consideration before the next unexpected revelation rears its head. The characters are beautifully nuanced, and I appreciated the narrative work on their speech and thought presentation. It makes it feel as though we’re sitting on Izzy’s shoulder and piecing the mystery together right beside her. The theme of finding healing amidst tragedy resonates deeply as a result of this close attachment to the protagonist. This develops the novel beyond a simple story into a touching exploration of life's struggles and finding the strength to overcome them. Overall, I would certainly recommend Finding the Grain for fans of strongly emotive dramas that also offer an intricate and interesting plot.

Author Linda Fifer gently navigates sensitive subjects like grief and post-traumatic stress disorder with a nuanced and empathetic touch. More than a few tears will be shed along Izzy's journey—from Izzy and the reader both. Something about Finding The Grain resonated with me profoundly; witnessing her resilience was not just inspiring but also deeply moving.

The novel's standout feature lies in its vivid setting, transporting readers to the enchanting Whistle Canyon. The town becomes a character in itself. As I neared the end of the book, I didn’t want to leave this world. It feels like coming home, the same way it starts to feel for Izzy. Secondary characters, such as Earl from the hardware store, the high school kids who jump at the chance to help Izzy with a project, and Neil, the veteran and local legion head, add depth and provide glimpses into life in Whistle Canyon both before and after Izzy's arrival.

Fans especially of Virgin River and Nicholas Sparks will love Finding The Grain. Linda Fifer delivers a compelling, emotionally fulfilling read—a journey that every romance enthusiast should undertake.