Quick Synopsis

Two estranged best friends find that their 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.

Publisher’s Synopsis

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.

Book Review

After loving Sarah Adler’s previous novel, Happy Medium, I was excited to dive into her newest book. Finders Keepers is a second chance romance about two childhood friends and neighbors, Nina and Quentin, who are reunited after 17 years of silence. Nina’s life has just fallen apart, and she has to resort to moving back in with her parents. Quentin returns at the same time, asking Nina to finish the treasure hunt that destroyed their friendship.

Despite liking both Nina and Quentin, I found something major missing from the characters and the narrative. While the premise is intriguing, Adler’s execution was lacking. Sadly, the treasure hunt felt rather minor, making the plot drag. A good portion of the narrative relied upon miscommunication while the chemistry between the protagonists did not even simmer. I do not mind a romance that is a little cheesy, but if it is combined with an unrealistic story and a try-hard humor, the inauthentic romance just makes me uncomfortable. These issues along with one of the worst spicy scenes did not leave a positive lasting memory of Finders Keepers. I do not think it is a horrible story, but I know Adler can do so much better! Perhaps instead of having a rough second novel, Adler simply had a rough third. I will of course give her another chance after loving her previous books.