Review: The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains

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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Review: The Christmas Village by Annie Rains

The Christmas Village by Annie Rains is the second book in her Somerset Lake series. In this book, we follow the story of Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno.

Lucy and Miles go way back. Sadly, Miles broke her heart and perhaps with their story as it unfolds can be summed up to the right person, wrong time. Only this time, he’ll have to convince her, even though time has passed, that he’s worth a second chance.

Upon return to Somerset Lake, with the death of her mother lingering in the back of her mind, Lucy Hannigan is trying to sort things out approaching the first holidays without her. Luckily after joining a book club, with the support of some wonderful girlfriends, being alone has been easier to deal with. As her mother’s financial woes continue to reveal themselves, her advertisement for a renter had gone unnoticed until an unfortunate situation happened to someone that became the answer to her dilemma. Only one problem, her only candidate was none other than Miles Bruno.

Alright, there’s more to the story about him breaking her heart before you hate him from the start. To begin with, considering currently her financial status, she can’t be selective. It’s not that they are enemies, just friends at a distance. He’s a great guy who thought he was doing the right thing before considering his circumstances then. When Lucy agrees to the rental, she lays down some rules to guard her heart and their peace. While it’s easy to forgive, she can’t forget their past. Little does she know; he wants to do all in his power to make it up to her.

When an unexpected visit from the HOA brings bad news, Lucy is overwhelmed with the possibly of losing all that she has left. With the holidays coming up, not feeling the spirit, Lucy decides she’s not up to continuing her family tradition of decorating her home. Every year her mother entered the competitive Merriest Lawn decorating contest. When it’s discovered that the winner gets a cash prize, Miles convinces her that is the answer to all her problems and is determined to help her win. As she starts to warm up not only to the holiday but opening her heart to the possibilities, will Lucy allow heart to be open for a second chance?

The journey between these two really was emotional and embodies everything about getting it right the second time around. They were the right people at the wrong time. The ups and downs, revelations and forgiveness of the past made their story worth the read. I love the friends in this series because with these two, they are very supportive and make you feel good. You just want to be friends with them also. There is always something nostalgic about the holidays and when love finds you again, there’s a pure joy in the sentimentality a redemption love story. It concludes with a sweet hea and fun epilogue.

Just on a side note, this can be read as a standalone but for continuity, I would read in order. In case you haven’t found this wonderful series, start with The Summer Cottage then move unto this book, The Christmas Village which is the second book in The Somerset Lake series. Please make sure to continue with the next book, The True Love Bookshop.

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Review: Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs by Annie Rains

About the Book

If Lacy Shaw could have one wish, it's that the past would stay in the past. And with her high school reunion coming up, she has no intention of reliving the worst four years of her life. Especially when all she has to show for the last decade is how the shy bookworm blossomed into...the shy town librarian. Ditching the event seems the best option until a blistering hot alternative roars into Lacy's life. Perhaps riding into the reunion on the back of Paris Montgomery's motorcycle will show her classmates how much she really has changed...

While growing up as a foster kid, Paris Montgomery only felt at home in Sweetwater Springs, which is why he picked the small town to start over after his divorce. He can't afford to ruin this refuge with another doomed relationship - especially one with a woman who is his total opposite. But when the town's sweet librarian offers to help him reconnect with his foster dad, he finds they have more in common than he thought. Both are about to discover that home is where the heart is.

Review

Kiss Me In Sweetwater Springs is a charming novella connected to the Sweetwater Springs series that will make you feel good. If you haven't already read the books in the series, this gives a glimpse into this sweet small town that I know you will love.

This is a short read but a fulfilling one. You can't help but fall in love Lacy and Paris. I love how they both had tough backgrounds that hurt them but they both found each other at the right place and the right time in their lives which makes you want to root for them. It was so much goodness in a small package that it would've been nice to spend more time with them but I believe their story was told as it should be. The best reward was their journey getting to their hea which no two people deserved it more.

Without giving too much away, I always love the familial and friendship supporting characters with stories such as this. It pulls on the emotion and makes you feel invited into their lives. Overall, they all brought together a heartwarming story that will make you smile.

If you haven't come across this series, make sure you check it out. If this is your first time being introduced to Annie Rains, please check out her other books because if you love charming small town romance stories, you will love her books.

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