Member Reviews

I love books that include a lot of talk about books and libraries, so I found this one very enjoyable! The Finders Keepers Library is a sweet & heartwarming story. It is a second-chance lover's book set in the small town of Bloom. It reminded me a lot of a Hallmark movie. The characters are very charming, and the romance is clean. I really love the beautiful cover, too!

Thank you to Net Galley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

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I really enjoyed Through the Snow Globe by this author, so i had high expectations for The Finders Keepers Library. This book isn't bad, it is just not my cup of tea. It is a very sweet story and the book equivalent of a Hallmark movie. Those have their time and place, but for me that time wasn't now.

The story was very predictable, but what set it apart to other similar books is the refreshing inclusion of characters who aren't your cookie cutter characters. Some are differently abled, one is a single dad, and two more are seniors who are rediscovering love.

If you like sweet and charming characters, second chance love stories, the comfort of small town settings, and no spice, you'll really enjoy this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advance copy of this book.

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This was such a cute book to read! It also dealt with some very sensitive topics gracefully as well. I love reading books about books and the love of reading. The relationships in this book was fantastic and I love a small town trope!

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I ADORED this second-chance romance so much. It was like reading a Hallmark movie!

The Finders Keepers Library is my first book by this author and I know it’s not my last. It was so well written and kept me engaged.

Each chapter started with a book quote and so much “bookish” talk was sprinkled throughout the book. I loved it!!

I fell in love with the characters, especially Aunt Eleanor. I recently dislocated my elbow and I connected with her and her fear of an accident happening again. Oh and sweet little June!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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5 stars. I absolutely loved this first book in Annie Rains' new series, Love in Bloom. I've been reading Ms. Rains, since shortly after she started her 1st series. I loved all of the characters in this one. I just love Ethan and Charlie and Eleanor's story was great and they made the book even better! You can always expect a sweet, clean romance from Annie Rains.

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A cute story of Savannah returning to Bloom, NC to visit with her Aunt Eleanor and the friends she made each summer. A sweet romance and coming to terms with an auto immune disease, made for an uplifting story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

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Absolutely loved this book. One of the best books I have read in 2024!

Annie Rains did it again...she wrote a book that pulled me into the story right from the start. I have yet to dislike a book from Annie Rains. Her writing is amazing and her characters are wonderful. I had a hard time putting my tablet down.

What I liked about the characters was they felt real...later in life instead of 20 or 30 something year olds...characters I could relate with. I related more with Eleanor even though she is older than me but losing the love of her life and living her life alone. Not sure if she wants to start another relationship with someone else. I can relate though the love of my life will be me last. He was my one and only. I feel everything Eleanor is going through and to continue with the little library that her husband built and allowing people to just come onto her property to get a book is amazing. I really like Eleanor the best but all the characters were amazing. I felt what they felt...I guess you can call me cheesy because I go through the emotions when reading.

Run don't walk to your nearest bookstore, computer or library and read this book you won't be disappointed. While you are at it check out some of Annie Rains other books because you won't be disappointed.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

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This is the exact kind of story I want to read in the spring/summer and if you are looking for a love story minus all the crass language and open door scenes, you will love this one too.
It is full of literature references as one of the characters is a retired librarian whose house is full of books and would give her niece and childhood friend a summer reading list.
It deals with chronic illness and what it means to love someone who deals with physical and mental challenges as well as courage and facing fears.

Charlie and Aunt Eleanor were the best characters!! "Charlie didn't used to be a reader but Eleanor had fixed that. She'd refused to accept his flowers unless he accepted a book to read in return."

So many great quotes!

"I can do hard things"
"Fear will suck the life out of you faster than any illness."
"Life is too short not to be there for the ones you love."
"If you ask me, a cup of tea and a good book is the best kind of medicine."

Highly recommend if you are looking for an uplifting, refreshing read.



Thank to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts!

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So it really doesn’t get any sweeter than this. This is exactly what I needed right now. Savannah went home when her world imploded. She packs her her life and returns back to the place she always felt safe and loved with her beloved aunt. This book is filled with great characters, a wonderful small town that is kind, supportive and loving, but not too nosy, annoying or judgmental, second chance romance, older romance, the love and sharing of books, people coming together to help each other out, a parent child relationship trying to find its equilibrium, health issues and some really cute pets. It’s well written, fun, sweet, emotional and has the most delightful satisfying happily ever after.

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Finder’s Keepers Library is a very cute, hallmark-like love story about a brokenhearted woman going back to her aunt’s little town where she spent her youthful summers to pull the pieces of her life back together. In that little town, Savannah immediately rekindles the friendships she’d neglected after going away to college, and finds romance, familial bonds, support, and her dream job.

The story is well done and very cute, and the references to one-liners from famous books throughout is a nice touch. If you like a good, sappy romance, this is a great book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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3.5stars—THE FINDERS KEEPERS LIBRARY is the first instalment in Annie Rains contemporary, adult LOVE IN BLOOM romance series focusing on the people of Bloom, North Carolina. This is teacher / single father Evan Sanders, and botanist Savannah Collins’ story line.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Evan, Savannah, Eleanor) THE FINDERS KEEPERS LIBRARY follows Savannah Collins return to Bloom, North Carolina where she spent summers with her Aunt Eleanor but Savannah is struggling in the wake of a broken engagement, a life-threatening illness, and the discovery that her aunt is battling with her own recovery following a fall. Reconnecting with Evan Sanders whose own life is nothing like Savannah remembers gives Savannah thoughts of something more but damage from a summer storm, and the impending wedding of a childhood friend pushes Savannah, Evan and the small town of Bloom, North Carolina together to make repairs before the big day, including repairs to Aunt Eleanor’s Finders Keepers Library. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Savannah and Evan, and the potential fall-out when Savannah pushes Evan out of her life.

The world building follows several paths, focusing on numerous scenarios: Savannah’s heart break and broken engagement: her ongoing illness, and her search for a job; Aunt Eleanor’s struggle to move forward; and Evan’s battle with, not only his twelve year old daughter but, the grandmother who is threatening our story line hero.

The relationship between Evan and Savannah is a frenemies to friends to boyfriend and girlfriend but Savannah continues to battle a life-threatening illness, and refuses to be a burden to anyone else. Pushing Evan out of her life means another heart break for everyone, including Aunt Eleanor and Evan’s twelve year old daughter. There are no $ex scenes.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a numbers of small town locals. We are introduced to Aunt Eleanor, Evan’s daughter June; sisters Mallory and Madison, and their grandfather Charlie Blue, and Evan’s friend Hollis.

THE FINDERS KEEPERS LIBRARY is a story of secrets, illness, family and friendships, The premise is sweet and entertaining; the romance is mostly implied; the characters are charming but mostly two-dimensional.


The Reading Cafe: https://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-finders-keepers-library-love-in-bloom-by-annie-rains-review/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6467196845

AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/review/R38KR3PYSXLM0L/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8


BOOKBUB; https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/408523836


iBooks (Sandy Sch) posted

GOOGLE PLAY (Sandy Sch) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO (Sandy@thereadingcafe) posted

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Savannah was recently diagnosed with Lupus - as a result of this, her fiancé broke up with her (talk about a jerk).

She returns to Bloom, the small town where her aunt lives, to help fix up her garden for a small wedding in a few weeks and take a little time to figure out what she is going to do next. What she finds is community, new and rekindled friendships, and maybe even a couple of reasons to stay in Bloom.

This was a sweet, heartwarming story. Again, I loved all the bookish references - Savannah’s aunt has a huge “little free library” called the Finders Keepers Library in the middle of her garden. Her aunt measures time by how many books a person can read, and started the local book/plant club “the Books and Blooms Club” (but seriously how cute is that. How do I start my own chapter here in MS??)

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Olivia and I read The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains and enjoyed it! It's a very heartwarming story about a woman who has recently experienced heartbreak, a medical diagnosis, and a job loss. During the summer, she heads to North Carolina to live with her Aunt Eleanor and brings along her rescue kitten and plants.

I very much enjoyed how cute this romance was! And, of course I enjoyed every time her cat was on the page. Like her previous books, Annie Rains highlights the importance of community in small towns. While I enjoyed the book overall, the romance and the main male character were sometimes flat and sometimes I wanted more. But overall, very good read!

I recommend this if you enjoy cute, small-town romances!

Numerical Rating: 3.5 stars
Thank you to @NetGalley and @ReadForeverPub for the advanced digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

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I find so much comfort in Annie Rains' books. She writes small town, sweet romances with heart and depth that drives me back to her communities without question every time. Finders Keepers Library is no different. Savannah grew up spending summers at her Aunt Eleanor's house. Suddenly after some unexpected life changes, she is back there again indefinitely. What she thinks will be a few weeks of getting back on her feet turns into a summer of finding herself, finding family and finding love while also gaining the community and path she has longed for. The romance is low angst and sweet. The side characters are fun but have heart. I will always click read on Annie's books!

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Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I did not realize this was part of a series, but it did not detract from the story. I will definitely go check out this author's other works. One of my favorite parts of this book was each chapter began with a quote from another book. There was lot of literature talk (both current and past) scattered throughout the book. So much fun for my literary heart!

This book had a lot going on...second chance romance (more than one!) dealing with health issues and grief, family and friendship dynamics and not only finding your people but letting them in to help!

I loved the detailed setting and the sense of community in the book. Even the side characters had a way of drawing you in. The book reminded me of a Hallmark movie...but this is not a bad thing!

A delightful read even with the predictable outcome and ending.

4 stars

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A book lovers book and the cover is perfection! This is a later in life second chance romance with a wonderful mix of characters . A heartfelt and emotional story of hope, healing, moving on, family, friendships and second chances at life and love. A summer of change becomes rediscovering love and the beauty of new beginnings. I loved Bloom, NC and hope there are manymore books to come in this series. This book was a touching and inspirational journey you don't want to miss. Absolutely loved this book!

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I loved all the characters in this book and the different romances. I liked that June the daughter was in the book just enough. There are many sweet stories that all wrapped up nicely. I really enjoyed this book.

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Thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy of The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains in exchange for a honest review.This is a wonderful feel -good book about getting a second chance at love and incorporating a love of books into your life.Savannah, recently diagnosed with lupus has returned to her childhood summer home after suffering a heartbreak.Her aunt , Eleanor has suffered a fall earlier in the year and did not tell her family so Savannah is totally unaware that her aunt needed help.Now housebound, Eleanor refuses to leave her house because she is afraid she will suffer another fall.Her neighbor , Evan who was Savannah’s childhood friend has been taking care of Eleanor and is mad at Savannah for not coming sooner.Can each of these characters heal and find love? Read the book and find out.Lots of action, drama, love and great quotes.

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The Finders Keeper Library is a heartwarming book that takes us on a journey through the heart of a small town where love, hope and second chances share its name. Welcome to Bloom, NC.

Savannah Collins finds her life at a crossroads. After being dumped by the man whom she thought she would be with, she found herself trying to pick up the pieces. Single, unemployed and practically homeless, seeking comfort, she decides to go to the one place filled with love that would renew her heart and soul. With a car full of plants and her new rescue kitty Fig, she heads out to Bloom, NC to spend the summer with her Aunt Eleanor. A former librarian, full of comfort, life and wisdom to await her with loving arms to soothe her broken spirit.

The book unfolds around the charm of the Finders Keepers Library. A beautiful gem, tucked away in her beautiful garden full of roses, serves more than just stories on a page. This beautiful place, where anyone can read a book or leave one, has been the heart of the community for some time. This little haven connects and heals the souls for the many facing life’s challenges as well as bringing joy, warmth and comfort for those seeking a quench to their literary thirst. When a storm passes through and the damage threatens an upcoming wedding, the community shows up by coming together to show what determination and love can do for someone they love.

While they come together to repair, in the process, Savannah forms an unexpected bond with her neighbor Evan Sanders. Now as these two go way back, all they ever was were friends. As they reminisce going though the books, their mutual friendship places them on a journey leading to comfort and strength in the company of each other. While her time here was only intended for a short visit, life has a way of bringing you to the right place at the right time to throw a wrench in your intended plans.

Through the amazing characters in the book, their story weaves together love, family and the power of community. As Savannah deals with the uncertainties of her life, she discovers that homes is a feeling of belonging, acceptance and love. Her journey with Evan was slow but deliberate. Integrated with their journey was his relationship with his daughter. The evolution of their relationship dealing with loss, self discovery and healing was a delicate, beautiful balance. My favorite was Eleanor. She represented and brought something to the book that left a warm impression. Not to mention her second chance of love in life, is always beautiful to see but her wisdom and unconditional love was soothing. Her books as a conduit to heal and soothe and what that beautiful little library brought to the book made a special experience surrounding the characters and their journey.

From the first page to the end, this book leaves you feeling so wonderful. Selfishly, I didn't want it to end and deliberate read it slow. Out of all the books that I've read from Annie thus far, this one definitely hits different. I can't express it into words but it's just a feeling that just hugs you and leaves you feeling good.

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I really wanted to love this story. The title was incredibly intriguing, but ultimately didn't provide me with the romantic butterflies and investment in either the characters or story. There were many cheesy lines and bland character developments with a lack of plot. The character galavant through a summer of indecision and nothing really happens. It was always clear that the main characters would end up together, but there was a lack of build up to their ultimate romance. The secondary characters seemed like side story lines that tied up a bit at the end, while others, like Mallory, never had any closure. It was an easy read, and did shine a light on a chronic illness that allow the reader to learn a bit about it. Overall, it didn't have me hooked and eager to get back to reading. It was very vanilla and could easily adapt into a hallmark movie. Sometimes, this type of book is what you need. It just didn't have me like I'd hoped. Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book.

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