Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler Book Review

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The publisher kindly provided me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Two estranged best friends find that a long-abandoned treasure hunt might be the key to a fresh start—for both their futures and their feelings, from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler.

Last week, Nina Hunnicutt was a professor about to move into a gorgeous new apartment with her long-term boyfriend. Now, she’s single, unemployed, and living with her parents. Even more surprising is the fact that Quentin Bell, her childhood neighbor (and okay, fine, crush), is also back in town—and wants to resume the treasure hunt that ended their friendship almost two decades ago.

Hoping the reward promised to whoever finds the rumored riches left behind by the town’s eccentric turn-of-the-century seltzer magnate will help her get her life back on track, Nina agrees. Granted, last time the search resulted in a broken heart and seventeen years of silence. But Nina’s older and wiser now—surely things will be different.

Except, Quentin is also older and wiser … not to mention distractingly handsome. As they resume their hunt, Nina and Quentin begin to rediscover all the things they once loved best about each other. But unlike the treasure, the secrets that left them empty-handed the first time refuse to stay buried. If there’s any hope of finding what they’re looking for—and for a future together—Nina and Quentin will have to be brave enough to excavate their past as well.

Finders Keepers Book Review

I’ve been wanting to pick up a book by Sarah Adler for a while, and I’m so glad I finally did! Finders Keepers is a sweet and charming romance with heart.

Finders Keepers follows Nina, who returns home after losing her job and breaking up with her boyfriend. While there, she reluctantly reunites with her childhood best friend turned frenemy, Quentin. When Quentin suggests they resume a treasure hunt from their youth, the two team up to solve the mystery—and reconnect along the way.

Nina and Quentin are both enjoyable characters. They’ve each faced tough situations that lead them back to their quirky hometown for solace, and I loved seeing the growth in both of them as they navigated the changes in their lives. Watching them reconnect after years apart is so sweet and definitely gave me all the warm, fuzzy feelings. It’s one of those slow-burn romances that takes its time, and because of that, it feels earned. You can’t help but root for them the whole way.

What initially drew me to Finders Keepers was the treasure-hunting premise. I was so ready for hidden maps and maybe a dash of Indiana Jones energy. While the actual hunt is more grounded—focused on archival digging, interviews, and exploring local landmarks—it still adds a fun layer to the story. I’ll admit I wanted more from that element, but the mystery surrounding the Sprangbur Estate kept me intrigued. The clever inclusion of interview transcripts throughout the book added a nice touch and made the investigative side feel a bit more immersive, even if it leaned more toward historical sleuthing than action-adventure.

The writing itself is lovely—Sarah Adler has such an easy, compelling style that pulls you in without trying too hard. It’s the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and keep turning the pages.

Overall, Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler is a feel-good read with a sweet second-chance romance, a hint of mystery, and a whole lot of heart. It’s a cozy and charming story with adorable characters and relatable, real-life problems. If you love small-town stories with emotional depth and a light mystery, this one’s for you!

Rating: ★★★☆☆

About Sarah Adler

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and very mischievous cat. When not working, you can find her attempting to course-correct an ill-advised late afternoon nap with an equally ill-advised late afternoon coffee, as she is incapable of ever learning a lesson.