Finding Isobel is a compelling story of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family.
Isobel has always yearned to uncover the mystery surrounding her birth and why her adoptive parents have refused to share what they know with her. About to enter vet school, Isobel’s life takes an unexpected turn after the death of Maggie O’Connor, Isobel’s de facto grandmother. Fueled by the pain of rejection, and willing to sacrifice her college plans and a burgeoning relationship, Isobel embarks on a quest. Her search takes her from the tranquil landscapes of Wisconsin to the untamed beauty of New Zealand and ultimately to Bosnia, where she was born. Along the way, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and stories to share. Isobel discovers that the past holds far more than mere answers, setting her up for a future she could never have imagined. Read the companion book to "Finding Isobel," A Measured Thread, to learn the story behind how Isobel started her life-changing quest. 
Women's Fiction Silver Medal Winner ~ Readers' Favorite Book Award Praise for the Novel:
Publishers Weekly: Behan expertly traces the complex web of relationships surrounding an adoption and Isobel’s conflicted emotions upon uncovering her family’s secrets. This will move readers. Read full review here. Bookview Review: This delicately crafted tale of love and loss packs an emotional punch. Kirkus Reviews: An eventful story of an intrepid adoptee discovering her background and gaining strength for her future. Self-Publishing Review: An absorbing and poignant novel about a woman's search for identity and path in life. . . Written with intimacy and realism, Finding Isobel is a probing story about what it means to belong, asking and answering deep questions about life and the meaning of family, for a truly moving work of contemporary fiction. The Wishing Shelf: The compelling story of a young woman battling to discover who she is and where she’s from. Highly recommended. Wholly original, clear-eyed, and fierce, Mary Behan’s Finding Isobel is infused with humanity’s instinctive longing for home...Behan writes with a deep sense of compassion, yet she has produced a propulsive page-turner that is global in scope, a beautiful tale of one woman’s drive and will to know. - Barry Wightman, award-winning author of Pepperland This is a fast-paced, compelling narrative that takes the reader along for the ride. - Laurie Scheer, Writing Mentor, Developmental Editor, mediagoddess Author Mary Behan explores the ripple effects of war, the complexities of parenthood, and the nuances of reconciliation and redemption. This memorable and moving tale reminds us that family is what we decide it is, and true acceptance can only come from within. - Maggie Ginsberg, award-winning author of Still True This is a heart-felt story of love, longing, frustration, and the search for answers, not only about Isabel’s past but about her future. . . . Isobel is one of those captivating characters who stayed with me long after I finished the novel. - Gregory Lee Renz, international award-winning author Finding Isobel goes beyond a riveting, page-turning story to explore what it means to be a parent, a child, and the effects that secrets and decisions cause throughout lives. As we journey along with Isobel, we discover how the past can influence the future, but more…how to find the strength to move beyond and create an authentic, meaningful life. - Kathy Steffen, author of the award-winning Spirit of the River series Readers will applaud the book’s ending and will take great satisfaction from the revealing path Isobel must tread to get there. - Larry Sommers, author of Price of Passage Death and hunger to know her origins launch Isobel farther across the world and further into self-awareness than she, or we the readers, could have expected. The journey is thoughtful and engaging. - William Ried, award-winning author of Backstory, Five Ferries and Pandion A compelling story of love and loss and the search for understanding and belonging, written in a beautiful, lyrical voice with delicious twists that are the hallmark of bestsellers. - Valerie Biel, award-winning author of the Circle of Nine series |
Winner for Outstanding Literary Fiction
Gold Medal Winner for Best Adult Fiction eBook -- Independent Publisher Book Awards.CLICK HERE TO BUY!
Paperback $15 eBook $3.99 Audiobook (For audiobook, pricing varies by retailer $10-$12) 
BookView Review:
Author Interview I was so pleased to be offered the opportunity to chat with the editors at BookView Review. Access my full interview below: 
CHAPTER BREAK
A delightful conversation with Ken Humphrey & Luella Schmidt from WWA. I recently discussed Finding Isobel on a radio show, My World and Welcome to It with Rex Owens. Listen by clicking the button below.
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