As someone who adored Mrs. Nash's Ashes and enjoyed Happy Medium, I was excited for Sarah Adler's book with the treasure hunting premise. Unfortunately for me, this book fell a little flat.

The relationship between the two main characters felt strained, especially in the first half of the book where all of their conversations would be filled with charged eye contact and the FMC overthinking every interaction, just for the two of them to talk vulnerably through their windows like they did as children. I feel like the mistakes that both characters made when they were younger that made their friendship blow up weren't things they learned from because they both still lied to each other, even after knowing how poorly that went for them seventeen years ago.

I was really drawn to the treasuring hunt elements of this story because I've done work in my local archive, but I felt like the hunting and research the characters did was minimal at best. I wanted more scenes of them doing research considering the whole book revolved around that premise.

Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of Finders Keepers, this will not deter me from reading Adler's books in the future!

When Nina loses her job, her fiancé, and her apartment, she moves back home only to discover her estranged best friend is living next door. Nina is determined to stay away from Quentin after he broke her heart twenty years ago, but Quentin wants to resume the treasure hunt that destroyed their friendship. With the possibility of a financial reward, Nina reluctantly agrees. While searching for Fountain's treasure, Quentin and Nina learn to rekindle their friendship and maybe more.

This was the first book I read by Sarah Adler (Happy Medium keeps staring at me from my bookshelf) and I loved it. Nina and Quentin's characters are perfect for this book, and I loved their comedic banter as they try to find Fountain's treasure. I especially enjoy Nina's character. Not only is there anxiety representation, but I also loved the character growth shown as Nina tries to figure out what is next for her future.

If you are a fan of second-chance romances that also has a mystery of missing treasure, I would recommend Finders Keepers.

Finders Keepers is out June 24th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review Finders Keepers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨. “𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙖. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣.”

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗:
Nina returns home after losing her job & her boyfriend, only to find that her childhood best friend & first crush Quinton has also returned home. Together they decide to pick back up the treasure hunt they did when they were kids to see if they can not only find the missing treasure, but also repair their friendship.

𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎:
This was my first book by this author, and while I thought it was a cute, light-hearted read, I felt like it was a bit too introspective. Like, everything happened in Nina’s head? I felt like I was waiting and waiting for dialogue. There was just chunks of pages where she thought about things in her head, which is fine, but I was craving interaction with other characters.

& although I hate miscommunication, I actually really liked what the author did with it. It made sense for two teenagers to behave as they did & for the misunderstandings that caused the rift between them.

Nina was a mess & Quinton was adorably quirky, but the “its always been you” vibes had that tension feeling THICC & it.was.delicious.

Overall this is a super cute, light read! I loved the underlying story of the mystery / treasure & the letters at the end were sooo sweet.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
✨childhood friends to strangers to lovers
✨second chance
✨treasure hunting
✨quirky & goofy MCs
✨anxiety rep

Thank you so much to Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Even though I struggled with the pacing in this, I thoroughly enjoyed the romance. It was sweet and so, so romantic. I've read all of Sarah Adler's backlist so I am used to her beautiful writing. This was a great novel with a strong focus on the plot.

Finders Keepers was such a cute book! I loved Quentin and his yearning for Nina; a man who yearns is a man who earns.

Nina and her desire to change herself for the sake of being what other people need is a quality I possess, as well, and deeply related to her because of it. I am grateful that Quentin’s desire for her to remain as she is super-ceded that quality.

Definitely pick this story up if you enjoy a romcom with a little mystery (or if National Treasure was a favorite of yours growing up like it was for me).

This was a good, classic, treasure hunt adventure romance. The-one-that-got-away isn't always my favorite trope, but I was rooting for them the whole way!

I kind of randomly picked up Happy Medium a couple months ago, only to discover that it’s basically one of the best books ever written. So, of course, I IMMEDIATELY read Mrs. Nash’s Ashes—don’t even get me started on how much I loved it—and you can’t even imagine my delight when a couple weeks later, I got approved for my first ever Berkley ARC, thus completing my Sarah Adler binge.

FINDERS KEEPERS rocks. This has the quirky humor and heart wrenching romance of Sarah’s other books, plus the added delight of a treasure hunt. This is a must-read.

When Nina loses her job and her relationship mere days apart, she moves home—only to discover that her estranged childhood best friend, Quentin, has ALSO moved home after a dramatic breakup. Reluctantly motivated by the prospect of a financial reward, Nina agrees to spend one last summer hunting for a famed local treasure, even though this treasure hunt forced them apart 20 years ago. But this time, Nina has a PhD in history and a desperate need for funding to get the heck out of town. She can handle being around Quentin for a few weeks, even if she’s still mad at him. My girl Nina knows how to hold a grudge!!!!

Little things I found delightful that you’ll understand once you read this book:
✨Star gazing
🪟Windows
🧩Puzzles
📜Historical documents
🎇Fireworks
🗣️Accents

FINDERS KEEPERS is out on June 24th!

#bookstagram #romancereader #bookrecommendations #bookish

4.25⭐️ “There it is. That’s the look I’ve always loved most,” he whispers. “The one on your face right now. Like you’ve just conquered the world. Hard to mind you beating me at anything when it always put that look on your face.”

This was my first book by the author and now I am wondering why, I loved her tone and wit right away. Nina is a mess. Quentin is adorable and quirky (my favourite part of him are his moon impressions 🥰 🌝). Add in the National Treasure vibes and the whole setting was just perfect. So charming.

Nina is returning to her parent’s house with her tail between her leg in her 30s. Unbeknownst to her so is Quentin her next door neighbour, childhood best friend and first crush. Before Quentin disappeared from her life back in high school they had spent their last summer together searching for a treasure hidden by an eccentric old man. Finding themselves back home they pick up the search again on Quentin’s prompting in an effort to repair their friendship.

They both were hurt in the past but clearly still care so much about each other. It’s one of those « it’s always been you » situation. The tension between them and build up was truly delicious.

The treasure hunt added to the fun and came together perfectly in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and the author Sarah Adler for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.

its always a blast to read a Sarah Adler book!!! I enjoyed the second chance aspect, it was a fun and quick read. this story had such great banter between the characters and I really loved the interview portions throughout the chapters, I found that rather unique, easily one of the best books dropping this summer!

Sarah Adler’s Finders Keepers is a delightful rom-com that combines the charm of a small-town setting with the thrill of a treasure hunt and the warmth of a second-chance romance. Set in the picturesque town of Catoctin, Maryland, the story follows Nina Hunnicutt, who returns home after a series of personal and professional setbacks. There, she unexpectedly reconnects with Quentin Bell, her childhood friend and former crush, who proposes they resume a treasure hunt they began as teenagers. As they embark on this adventure, old feelings resurface, leading to a heartwarming and humorous journey of rediscovery.​
PenguinRandomhouse.com
+2
Goodreads
+2
Goodreads
+2

Adler's writing is infused with wit and warmth, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The chemistry between Nina and Quentin is palpable, making their evolving relationship both believable and engaging. Supporting characters, particularly Nina's mother, add depth and humor to the story, enhancing its charm.​

The inclusion of excerpts from historical interviews with the magnate who hid the treasure adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, blending mystery with romance. While some readers may find Nina's internal monologues repetitive at times, they effectively convey her emotional journey and growth.​
PenguinRandomhouse.com
+2
Goodreads
+2
Goodreads
+2

Overall, Finders Keepers is a captivating read that offers a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and humor. Adler's ability to craft relatable characters and an engaging storyline makes this novel a must-read for fans of contemporary romance

really cute romance ! i find a little bit of it wasn't fully resolved, but the romance was completely captivating and the style was great. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

Adler's book Mrs. Nash's Ashes is, to me, one of the most perfect books I've read in years, so I have pretty high expectations when it comes to her work, and this didn't disappoint! It didn't top Mrs. Nash's Ashes, but I still really loved it. Nina Hunnicutt is, very unexpectedly, moving back in with her parents and her long-term relationship implodes and her contract as an adjunct professor doesn't get renewed. She's embarrassed and maybe a bit depressed and it only gets worse when she learns that her childhood best friend/secret crush/next door neighbor is also back in town to fix up his dad's old house and put it on the market. Quentin bailed on Nina when they were both 15 and hasn't spoken to her in the 17 years since, so she's shocked when he asks her to spend her unexpected summer at home helping him finish the treasure hunt they started when they were teenagers. Like Adler's previous books, there's a really nice historical thread running through this book - this time in the form of a WPA interview with local seltzer magnate and eccentric rich guy who left behind a castle and a mystery in the small Maryland town to which Nina and Quentin have both returned. As they work together to finish the treasure hunt they started almost 20 years ago, they rekindle their friendship and mutual crush, all while Nina rediscovers the archival research that she loves and the charm of the town she left behind. I laughed out loud several times, which is pretty much all I can ever ask for in a book.

This is my new favorite of Sarah’s and that says a lot because all of her books are five stars for me!

I think the fact that Nina is stuck in a rut after losing her boyfriend and her job will really resonate with readers. She is a very realistic character. Starting over and healing from trauma isn’t always pretty and Nina definitely showed that side of things. Quintin was such a little golden retriever and was so patient with Nina. They were just perfect.

I also really enjoyed the plot- I was pretty much hooked from the beginning and I loved the epistolary style tie in of the interviews with the man who buried the treasure they were hunting for.

This was overall fine, but the characters really should've learned from their childhood mistakes and stopped lying to each other. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

Unfortunately, this was my least favorite of Adler's books. The lack of communication and honesty between the MCs frustrated me. I did love the FMC's journey to loving herself.

“For the last f***ing time, Quentin, my grandmother is not trying to seduce you!” - this scene got me 🤣

Fun and funny second chance / childhood friends romance. Loved the treasure hunting and twists that I saw coming and didn't see coming. Great banter/chemistry between the MCs and some good spicy scenes.

PS - the Jon Bon Jovi rest stop is my fav 🤣

Friends to lovers is ALWAYS a great time!! The plot was easy to read and follow a long with. Some parts were slow but overall it was so good!! I’ve been wanting to go back and read her other books and this is what’s going to make me finally do it!!

Thanks to Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

I absolutely loved the premise of this book! I felt instantly drawn to the idea of two estranged best friends reconnecting over a treasure hunt from their childhood—it’s such a fun and heartwarming setup. I enjoyed the way Nina’s life took an unexpected turn and brought her back to the town she thought she left behind, and I could relate to her desire to get back on track after things fell apart. I loved the chemistry between Nina and Quentin. I felt like their dynamic was filled with tension, nostalgia, and charm, and it was so satisfying to see them rediscover what made their friendship special. I thought the author did a great job showing how both characters had grown older and wiser, but still carried the weight of their unresolved past. I found myself rooting for them both to find closure and happiness.

Overall, I thought this book was a charming and heartfelt read. I loved the mix of romance, nostalgia, and adventure, and I appreciated the way the author balanced humor and emotion. It’s a story that made me smile and reflect on the power of forgiveness and second chances.

Welcome home to your parent's house, Nina Hunnicutt! That's where catching your long-term boyfriend with someone else just as they're supposed to be moving in together will get you. Rock bottom.

But wait! Her once-best-friend is in the same boat at the same time. Burned by his ex-fiancé and home from abroad to sell the house next door, Quintin Bell might just be there to secure Nina's own version of personal hell. Once upon a time, Nina and Quintin were as close as two friends can be, bonded over talking through their open windows, which face one another. In their last summer after high school graduation, they undertook the task of finding real-life treasure from an eccentric rich dude in town. They never found it, instead, it ended up breaking whatever connection they might have had at the time just before he left town. The wounds have calcified since then, but are not forgotten, and when Quintin brings up hunting for the treasure again now, as adults, she wants no part of it. That is, until she finds out there's money in it no matter what, and that, just now, as an unemployed dweller in her parent's metaphorical basement, is not something she can say no to.

This is a fun little summer adventure story. It's not often one has real treasure to hunt for, and Nina and Q have to work together to make progress. This of course is perfect fodder for all sorts of rom-com shenanigans.

There were a lot of cute moments between Nina and Quintin. It was very clear that they had a long-standing friendship as kids that felt very authentic. Personally, I didn't get as invested as I like in the romance of it. Maybe the treasure hunt took away from it for me, but it is still a fun summer read I would recommend if you're someone who enjoys rom-coms.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'm always a fan of second chance love stories. I loved all of Nina and Quentin's habits and quirks coming out again. They were adorable. They also had great banter. But the storyline was slow-moving and flat. I just couldn't bring myself to really care about what was going. I also got tired of Nina's overthinking and poor-me attitude really quick. That being said, I would give Sarah Adler's previous books a chance, I've heard so good things.