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Finders Keepers #1
Finders Keepers
This first book in a contemporary romance series weaves together deep biblical truth, moving romance, and a compelling plot, revealing how a Bible becomes a common thread as it is passed among three different families.
Award-winning author Catherine Palmer presents the first novel in another HeartQuest series. Fiery Elizabeth Hayes is determined to preserve Chalmers House, the Victorian mansion next to her growing antiques business. But Zachary Chalmers, heir to the mansion, has very different plans. Together they learn that God has the best plans of all-if we will only surrender to him.
Award-winning author Catherine Palmer presents the first novel in another HeartQuest series. Fiery Elizabeth Hayes is determined to preserve Chalmers House, the Victorian mansion next to her growing antiques business. But Zachary Chalmers, heir to the mansion, has very different plans. Together they learn that God has the best plans of all-if we will only surrender to him.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
103 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Palmer
83 books287 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."
Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this small-town story about an antiques-store owner and the man who inherits her best friend's dilapidated Victorian. His idea is to raze it and build an office; hers is to preserve it as the former home of the city's founder. The inevitable clash isn't as unfriendly as you might think, though there are some sparks involved!
I loved how much the characters' Christian values played into and affected their daily lives and the small-town feel was perfect. It was also fun to read a "contemporary" firmly set in 1999: no cell phones, no computers, and kids playing outside like they were when I was growing up. And the romance was authentic and not all goo goo over body parts, as well as being a part of daily life rather than being the only thing the characters focused on.
I loved how much the characters' Christian values played into and affected their daily lives and the small-town feel was perfect. It was also fun to read a "contemporary" firmly set in 1999: no cell phones, no computers, and kids playing outside like they were when I was growing up. And the romance was authentic and not all goo goo over body parts, as well as being a part of daily life rather than being the only thing the characters focused on.
March 11, 2015
So... not my cup of tea. It was my first try in reading a Christian romance and I found that I definitely don't like it. The couple relationship is deeply intertwined with their relationship to God and the Church and the plot that should keep the story going isn't strong enough to keep my atention. It's well written, it has a couple of lovable characters (the gipsy old man and the adopted little boy, even if they are a little stereotypical), but an excess of plot twist kept driving me away from the book.
April 5, 2015
Reminded me a lot of Karen White's Tradd Street series minus the 'spirits'. Old mansion in disrepair wanted by 2 people who are at odds with each other over its renovation or destruction. Little Nikolai brings a lot of humor to the story with his total lack of ability to filter his thoughts and feelings.
November 6, 2014
This is my first book by Catherine Palmer but it definitely won't be my last. With an excellent story line, unforgettable characters, and the faith of God interwoven throughout like a tapestry, this romantic, small town, cozy story is a delight. I can't wait to read the sequel, Hide and Seek.
April 26, 2021
Loved this book! Both main characters have problems that they pray about and give it up to god. Its interesting how they are answered just not in the way they expect. I loved how the author wrote the character Nick! He was hilarious! I'm glad they made a sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2014
This enjoyable romance has endearing characters, both main and secondary. It teaches Biblical truth without being preachy as it entertains.
September 15, 2020
Cute romance with humor that made me laugh out loud.
August 25, 2022
It was a little slow….. but I am glad I didn’t stop because towards the end of the book some unexpected twists took place. Things I never saw coming.
February 23, 2022
The old Victorian mansion next door to Elizabeth's antique store was slated to be demolished by the new guy in town, an up-and-coming architect who was distant kin to the recently deceased owner. Elizabeth considered the house a treasure; she had been best friends with the older lady who lived there. It hurt her heart to think of it being bulldozed to make a new modern office building. Her adopted son, Nikolai, a Romanian orphan, is longing for a daddy to make their family complete. He settles on the new architect, Zachary Chalmers, because Zachary shares his black hair and green eyes, and sets about trying to bring his new family together. There are a lot of roadblocks: Elizabeth loves the past; Zachery is a forward, progressive-thinking realist. They bump heads about the fate of the old mansion. Elizabeth thinks that some of his architectural ideas are ugly. He thinks she has old-fashioned morals, and that her antique shop is full of ratty-looking junk.
But I appreciated the spiritual message of this novel - since both Zachery and Elizabeth were Christians, they struggled with surrendering their own desires to God. It was a long and difficult process, with several setbacks. Some secrets came to light. Will their faith carry them through the trial?
But I appreciated the spiritual message of this novel - since both Zachery and Elizabeth were Christians, they struggled with surrendering their own desires to God. It was a long and difficult process, with several setbacks. Some secrets came to light. Will their faith carry them through the trial?
October 22, 2018
Elizabeth, a single woman with a boy she adopted from Romania, owns an antique shop.
Next door is an old mansion where her friend had lived. She died & left the mansion to her nephew, Zachary, who hadn't even known her.
The fight is on when Zachary plans to raze the house to build a modern office building on
the site. Elizabeth wants the mansion to remain & offers to buy it but Zachary's not selling.
The pair become romantically involved but can't overcome their differences on what should
become of the mansion.
This is a nice, pleasant story.
Next door is an old mansion where her friend had lived. She died & left the mansion to her nephew, Zachary, who hadn't even known her.
The fight is on when Zachary plans to raze the house to build a modern office building on
the site. Elizabeth wants the mansion to remain & offers to buy it but Zachary's not selling.
The pair become romantically involved but can't overcome their differences on what should
become of the mansion.
This is a nice, pleasant story.
March 12, 2024
I bought this book at a thrift store without reading the back. I thought it was an easy mystery. Turned out to be a very sweet Christian love story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. An old mansion is left to a young architect who wants to tear it down to build a modern office building, while his neigh wants to turn it into an antique store. I won't say anymore..read the book if you like Christian novels.
April 20, 2019
Cute romance
If you've read many of my reviews, you probably know that I'm not a huge fan of romance novels, but I do read one every now and then... I think that if you are a fan of romance novels, you will enjoy this book. Catherine Palmer is a good story teller.
If you've read many of my reviews, you probably know that I'm not a huge fan of romance novels, but I do read one every now and then... I think that if you are a fan of romance novels, you will enjoy this book. Catherine Palmer is a good story teller.
August 2, 2018
Great book!
July 13, 2019
Sweet Old Fashioned Romance
A sweet Christian romance that combines old fashioned values with modern problems. A good read if you want a break from all the negativity in the world.
A sweet Christian romance that combines old fashioned values with modern problems. A good read if you want a break from all the negativity in the world.
October 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The characters drew me in right from the start and I couldn't put it down til I was finished.
June 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Clean and didn't want to put it down. Looking forward to part 2, Hide and Seek.
October 20, 2024
I loved this story! Many different personalities come together in this small town in big and small ways.
March 13, 2017
Catherine is a wonderful author with many books to her credit. Though this was not my favorite by her, it was still an enjoyable read. I loved the smaller town setting. The characters are likable. It's an easy read with a good ending. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to see how one of the secondary characters story plays out.
January 30, 2016
Finders Keepers
Book Summary
Antiques dealer Elizabeth Hayes hopes to expand her shop by purchasing and refurbishing the Chalmers House next door. Zachary Chalmers, an architect who recently inherited the house, wants to tear it down and build an office. The resulting feud drags the town into a battle of historic value vs. personal property. The only one who doesn't care is Nikolai Hayes, Elizabeth's adopted Romanian son. He's interested in persuading Zachary to be his father and in listening to Boompah's stories of the "nachos" who tyrannized Europe during World War II. Nikolai's endearing attempts to master English provide levity in a romance that tackles deeper issues than land rights.
My Review
I enjoyed the story of Elizabeth, Nikolai, Zachary and of course Boompah! This was a sweet romance with other elements to make the story interesting. Apparently Elizabeth's beloved neighbor held onto a lot of secrets before her death. As her nephew Zachary comes to claim the property she left to him, he finds out he has more on his hands than he bargained for. Young Nikolai is still adjusting to English and his mistakes with the language are endearing at first, but become a little tedious as the story goes on. I have to say this story is so typical of a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. And there is always that one person that wants to make the town modern! In the end, the characters are able to pull together and get the happy ending! Delightful story great for any age.
From a Christian Perspective
You could tell that faith was important to Elizabeth and Nikolai. It was woven throughout the story in so many creative ways! I loved how Nikolai took the bible to the park with them to help with the search. His faith as a child was so complete it really made me think. Jesus did tell us to come to Him as a child (Matthew 18:3-5) and the innocence of that faith is so pure. I think Nick could have paid a little more attention to honor their parents but I'm sure as he matured he did
Overall this was a pleasant and enjoyable story.
This was a book from my personal collection, opinions expressed are purely my own.
Blessings!
Margaret
Book Summary
Antiques dealer Elizabeth Hayes hopes to expand her shop by purchasing and refurbishing the Chalmers House next door. Zachary Chalmers, an architect who recently inherited the house, wants to tear it down and build an office. The resulting feud drags the town into a battle of historic value vs. personal property. The only one who doesn't care is Nikolai Hayes, Elizabeth's adopted Romanian son. He's interested in persuading Zachary to be his father and in listening to Boompah's stories of the "nachos" who tyrannized Europe during World War II. Nikolai's endearing attempts to master English provide levity in a romance that tackles deeper issues than land rights.
My Review
I enjoyed the story of Elizabeth, Nikolai, Zachary and of course Boompah! This was a sweet romance with other elements to make the story interesting. Apparently Elizabeth's beloved neighbor held onto a lot of secrets before her death. As her nephew Zachary comes to claim the property she left to him, he finds out he has more on his hands than he bargained for. Young Nikolai is still adjusting to English and his mistakes with the language are endearing at first, but become a little tedious as the story goes on. I have to say this story is so typical of a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. And there is always that one person that wants to make the town modern! In the end, the characters are able to pull together and get the happy ending! Delightful story great for any age.
From a Christian Perspective
You could tell that faith was important to Elizabeth and Nikolai. It was woven throughout the story in so many creative ways! I loved how Nikolai took the bible to the park with them to help with the search. His faith as a child was so complete it really made me think. Jesus did tell us to come to Him as a child (Matthew 18:3-5) and the innocence of that faith is so pure. I think Nick could have paid a little more attention to honor their parents but I'm sure as he matured he did
Overall this was a pleasant and enjoyable story.
This was a book from my personal collection, opinions expressed are purely my own.
Blessings!
Margaret
July 18, 2023
This is the second book I've read by Palmer. The first one ("It Happens Every Spring") was an enjoyable small town romance about a middle aged husband and wife rediscovering their love for each other. This one was much less enjoyable, mostly because the author went way overboard on the "enemies" part of "enemies to lovers." Elizabeth hates Zachary (at one point, she compares him to Adolf Hitler, which I've never seen in a romance novel before). The entire thing felt contrived and the Nazi jokes just made me uncomfortable.
November 12, 2012
I enjoyed this book. I do like Catherine Palmer and though her books are those with bible verses woven into the fabric or the main character is very christian, they usually have a lesson to learn too. Good Reads described the book as:
This first book in a contemporary romance series weaves together deep biblical truth, moving romance, and a compelling plot, revealing how a Bible becomes a common thread as it is passed among three different families.
Award-winning author Catherine Palmer presents the first novel in another HeartQuest series. Fiery Elizabeth Hayes is determined to preserve Chalmers House, the Victorian mansion next to her growing antiques business. But Zachary Chalmers, heir to the mansion, has very different plans. Together they learn that God has the best plans of all-if we will only surrender to him
This first book in a contemporary romance series weaves together deep biblical truth, moving romance, and a compelling plot, revealing how a Bible becomes a common thread as it is passed among three different families.
Award-winning author Catherine Palmer presents the first novel in another HeartQuest series. Fiery Elizabeth Hayes is determined to preserve Chalmers House, the Victorian mansion next to her growing antiques business. But Zachary Chalmers, heir to the mansion, has very different plans. Together they learn that God has the best plans of all-if we will only surrender to him
September 20, 2012
This book is Christian fiction. I really loved the character of the little boy, Nick. He was so endearing that, for me, he made the whole book. The premise of the book was really good, but I felt like the author didn't make the relationship of the two main characters real enough for me. Also, I didn't find as much depth to any of the characters as I would have liked. I felt like I got just a small hint of who they were inside and I would have liked to have known more. This book is geared to the Baptist/Born Again crowd as the author repeatedly says things like people going to heaven because they believe in Christ. (implying that the only people going to heaven are Christians)
I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel but it was an enjoyable and refreshingly clean book.
I'm not sure if I'll read the sequel but it was an enjoyable and refreshingly clean book.
August 3, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. It had been some time since I read a Christian romance, and I forget how nice and easy they were to read. The characters were well developed, and the author was wise enough to put some twists and turns into it. I think the only thing that would have helped it was to put it in a different time period. It seemed like the story should have taken place a hundred years ago for it to make a little more sense. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I would certainly read anything by Catherine Palmer. I would give this a four and a half star rating if I could.
January 6, 2015
Finders Keepers was free when I downloaded it to my Nook library in 2012. I appreciate the opportunity to try the work of new-to-me authors this way.
I was entertained by the distinct characters of the supporting cast in this Christian fiction romance: Nick, Grace, Boompah, Mrs. McCann, and even, Mr. and Mrs. Fox. This reader found herself rooting for Elizabeth and Zachary to find a solution to their problem of how a 100-year-old decaying mansion can best serve the town of Ambleside.
I strongly recommend it to fans of the genre.
I was entertained by the distinct characters of the supporting cast in this Christian fiction romance: Nick, Grace, Boompah, Mrs. McCann, and even, Mr. and Mrs. Fox. This reader found herself rooting for Elizabeth and Zachary to find a solution to their problem of how a 100-year-old decaying mansion can best serve the town of Ambleside.
I strongly recommend it to fans of the genre.
March 15, 2012
I was in the mood for something different and it seemed as though this free Kindle book was something to try. I'm glad I did, it's probably what I would call a Christian romance, but it was as much about the characters in a small town as it was the romance between the main characters. The heroine, Elizabeth, has an adopted son (Nikolai) from Romania and his cute little faux pas of the English language were very endearing. Overall, a very enjoyable little book for me and I'll look for more by this author (hopefully free, thanks Amazon!).
November 21, 2014
Tensions between preserving an old mansion versus modernizing a small town were prominent in this book. Could maintaining a family legacy compete with a push for upgraded parking and business space? How can a young boy from another country adjust to living with his single adopted Mom in America? Coping with these issues and revelations of family secrets were also themes that the author handled very skillfully. I also enjoyed how the characters' faith grew as they sought God's will for their lives. This is Christian fiction at its best!
January 31, 2012
I read Finders KEepers for a reading challenge to read a book that has your favorite flower on the cover. I also enjoy reading Christian fiction. This book was okay. It was a little too predictable and the message of salvation was predictable as well. I prefer Christian fiction that is a little more subtle. A book that non-Christians would read and leave them thinking. I enjoyed the story though.
March 20, 2012
Characters are so interesting, so layered and riddled with fears and doubts. Nothing about them is conventional or stereotypical. Everything about this book sucked me in. The main characters start off at odds with each other and you never imagine they could come to feel fondness for each other. There are a couple of good surprises to the plot, too! And faith in God really does play a central role, something I've seen other authors struggle with.
February 3, 2012
The only part of the book that I love dearly is Nick. Somehow I've never read anything that has a Romanian boy adopted by a single woman and it was interesting that this books has that. In addition, I enjoy the conversations Nick and Elizabeth had. I didn't enjoy the love story much but I really hope the mother-son relationship of Nick and his mom can be explored more. It's an interesting relationship. (it's free, so I'm not complaining much)
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October 29, 2012I read this book several years ago and had picked it up because of the beautiful cover. I remember not liking it as much as some of the other Christian Romances I had read. Specifically, the "Brides of the West" and the "Western Sky" series' by Lori Copeland. Since it's been a while though, I'm considering picking this book up again to see what I think of it now that I'm older and not so new to the genre of Christian Romance books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews