Finding Anna

by A. E. Brouhard

Twenty-five year old Anna had it all...well, almost. Two years ago, she was dumped in a way she thought only existed in movies. She picked up the pieces of herself and moved back to her hometown to open a coffee shop. She felt pretty good about what she was doing, until her ex-fiance walked into her shop with his new, pregnant wife, causing all the feelings of self-doubt she fought desperately to avoid to creep back in. She needed to get away, alone. She needed to prove to herself she was fine without him, or any man for that matter. And, lucky for her, her sister, Sarah, gifts her with a getaway trip to a cabin up north.Nearing thirty, Matt Briggs still isn't sure what to do with his life. Thanks to a pretty hefty inheritance, he didn't need to have it all figured out. He split his time between work in the city and his beloved cabin on the Gunflint Trail. He'd all but sworn off dating, thanks to a string of ridiculously bad Tinder dates, and one failed setup attempt by his best friend, Jake. Everything changes when Jake and his wife, Sarah, enlist Briggs' help in secret.The two of them are not supposed to meet. She's there to prove she doesn't need a man. He's there to secretly keep an eye on her. So why do they keep bumping into each other? Why can't he stop thinking about running his fingers through her long, auburn hair? Why can't she stop thinking about the way he raised a brow over his ocean blue eyes or the dimple on his chin? Maybe a little fling wouldn’t be so bad. But when real feelings get involved, what will happen when she finds out who he really is?

189 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Courtnee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Finding Anna by A.E. Brouhard, Anna's ex-fiancé left her at the altar, but Anna thinks she's pulled her life back together. Convinced she doesn't need a man, she runs her coffee shop and spends time with her dog, Oakley. After she sees her ex and his wife, Anna decides she needs some time to discover more about herself. Her sister and brother-in-law gift her with a canoeing trip in the mountains, and it provides the needed excuse for her to get away. Once there, she keeps running into an attractive stranger, but she keeps her sight on completing her adventure without a man's help. Matt is skeptical about watching over Anna for her sister, but he tries to keep her from dangerous situations without revealing the reason he always is nearby when she needs him. A sudden storm pulls them together, and Matt has to decide if Anna is the only one who is finding herself on the canoeing trip.

Told from Anna and Matt's perspectives, A.E. Brouhard captures the inner thoughts of both of her characters and lays them bare for her readers. Matt's protective urges and Anna's "word vomit" and the need to do things on her own give the story a realistic feel. I love the idea that Anna is searching for herself, but Matt finds something he may not be able to live without. The emotions from the embarrassing and heartbreaking situation that leads Anna to reevaluate her life create an emotional experience for the reader. When you see the hopeful lover rush through the chapel doors to stop a wedding, you may not think about what happens to the jilted person after their almost-spouse runs away with the other person. In Finding Anna, Brouhard supplies a story about the life of the individual who was left at the altar and what romance looks after that heartbreak.

[Julia Shein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book in ONE day! I couldn’t put it down! It had a little bit of everything, it was light, but had very serious issues embedded in it. It was funny and had me laughing out loud at moments. And it had some saucy scenes! The romance was exciting and suspenseful! It was impossible not to root for the main characters to end up together. Overall, this book was amazing!! I can’t wait for the next book this genius author writes! I’ll be first in line to read it!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!

I couldn’t put this book down! It was engaging from start to finish and not as predictable as I was expecting! I love this author and can’t wait for more!

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!!

Such a sweet story and perfect description of the Minnesota Northwoods and Gunflint trail, I felt like I was there!

[Stephanie Woitynek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a feel-good romance read, and this was it! I could barely keep the book out of my hands! A little spice, an ADORABLE ending! Highly recommended read!!

[Jewel maurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed. A good romantic, get you in the feels, kind of book.