Lost and Found

Sanctuary #1

by Katharine Sadler

According to Grant Holiday there are two kinds of people in the world: those who follow the rules and those who should stay the heck out of his forest.
Alone in the woods with forest ranger Grant Holiday scowling down at me is not the way I prefer to start my day. So what if he’s lean and fit and his eyes are this gorgeous shade of…

It doesn’t matter because he’s making my tough week, heck my tough month, worse. It might be true I spent half the night at a campsite without paying, but I didn’t even sleep. Shouldn’t star gazing be free?

But Grant insists on making me pay even though it’s his day off and I don’t have a cent to my name.

When I get lost in the woods and Grant saves my life, I joke that our souls are now forever bonded. He doesn’t laugh. It’s not apparent he has a sense of humor.

A smart woman would lie low, try to follow the rules, and avoid Grant Holiday, but he just keeps showing up and pointing out every rule I’m breaking, whether I’m rescuing an injured skunk or accepting a job at his brother’s bookstore.

He’s the last person I want to see every day until… he isn’t.

I’ve got trust issues, and he’s still in love with his ex. We should never work as a couple, but I can’t deny the attraction brewing between us. An attraction that might just go soul deep.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Rom Com, Chick Lit

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2023

About the author

Katharine Sadler lives with her husband in North Carolina. She’s been writing since she was ten and has wanted to be a writer even longer. When she’s not writing or otherwise gainfully occupied, she reads like it’s an addiction, exercises, skis whenever she gets the chance, and adds more books to her Amazon wish list.

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 20%.

I'm not interested in reading a romance where the guy is in love with his ex who he thinks of as his soul mate and the love of his life.

It just is one more nail in the coffin when he already came off as a pretty big jerk to the heroine.

[RavenRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost and Found is a cute light easy to read enemy's to lovers story. There is some comedy and tears but also shows the support of a small town. Dani has a love for helping animals while Grant is the local forest ranger. When you have someone who strictly follows the rules and someone who breaks them with no issues, it can be hard to learn how to navigate through their relationship.

[Rachel Hally]

I just don't think this was for me and that's alright.

[Megan » Hello Book Bird! · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had so much potential...but a 360 from hate to SOULMATE was a bit too much whiplash to be enjoyable. Shame.

[Rebecca]

Free on Kindle

[Katharine Sadler]

A brand-new small town romantic comedy set in the world of Catalpa Creek! This enemies-to-lovers romance will feature characters from the Catalpa Creek series, but it is primarily about the five Weston sisters (cousins of Brittany Oakley from The Lone in my Marriage Pact).
Available in Kindle Unlimited!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lost and Found" by Katharine Sadler is the first book of a new series featuring the five Weston sisters. It's set in the same town as the Catalpa Creek series and a few of the characters from those books return in supporting roles, but it reads as a standalone.

Dandelion "Dani" Weston recently moved to the small town of Catalpa Creek with three of her four sisters in order to fulfill the terms of their late father's will, which requires them to live there for a year to receive their inheritance. For Dani, at least, it's a good time for a fresh start; her former best friend and business partner recently cheated her out of her share of the bakery they started together, and she lost everything. Unfortunately, living with her sisters and their constant arguments brings back bad memories from childhood, sending Dani fleeing into a nearby national park for a night under the stars. The next morning, she's discovered by park ranger Grant Holiday, who threatens to cite her for failing to pay the fee for use of the campsite. On further acquaintance, Grant's impression of Dani does not improve; he's convinced that she's the type of person who believes rules don't apply to her - and he's a stickler for the rules. It becomes impossible to avoid her when she starts working as a barista in his brother's bookstore, and after he tastes her homemade cherry danish, he's not even sure he wants to. Is it possible that these opposites could actually attract?

I loved this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming story. Grant and Dani may have been complete opposites, but they were completely perfect for each other. Their banter was a ton of fun, and I particularly enjoyed the way Dani teased Grant. I also appreciated how layered each of their characters was; every time something new was revealed, it was like another puzzle piece clicked into place, and I could actually see how well the two of them fit together.

I highly recommend "Lost and Found" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

This is the first book in a new series and this is Grant and Dani's story.
This is a well written story which has emotions , engaging and realistic characters, family, friendships, drama, humour, witty banter, romance, intrigue, and love which all leads to an entertaining and thrilling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and feel good book. The main characters both had quirks and just seems something was missing but over all really liked it.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mis escenas favoritas fueron aquellas donde aparecían animales.

[Jamie Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended too quick, but LOVED 🥰

[Jadyn Right · Rating 2 out of 5]

was it a book? yea. did i like it? not particularily!

i think i'm entering a slump :( because why did this 300 page romance take me 5 days to finish??? turnaround time is getting longer and longer. i hope freida mcfadden can yank me out of this one!

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved going back to Catalpa Creek and getting to know the Weston sisters. Their circumstances are all different and I’m excited to see how they all manage to spend their year waiting for their inheritance. Dani is strong, but has been betrayed and beat down by everything. Grant is a bit overbearing in wanting to help and doesn’t realize where he’s going wrong. I love when he finally realizes what he’s doing. So far this is my favorite Katharine Sadler book.

[Mace · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5 ☆
Yikes. Should've DNF'd this when I found out the characters' names.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani and Grant don’t like each other, but when he saves her from falling off a cliff, their souls become bound and they become each others souls mates! That is just the start of their relationship with plenty of laughs and steamy moments along the way!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so refreshing to read about a couple that aren't perfectly obsessed and in love right from the get-go! At first, Grant and Dani don't like each either much, but can't help but be drawn together. Their feelings grow and they both have quirks and baggage to work through which makes this story so much better for it! I love that it's not just about the blooming romance between the main characters, but the disfunction and navigating through sisterly issues that spread out to other family members. They start to understand and accept each other how they are. I liked and disliked everyone at different points in the story and it was a refreshing change from the usual romance book. I can't wait to hopefully read the stories for the other sisters!

[Paxten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost dnf but I stayed for the animals & Lazy

Honestly Dani’s freak outs about her insecurities were insufferable, she came across so immature it was painful to read. And she didn’t really have any character development, she just kind of stopped? The “breakthrough” moment with her sisters was flat, and there was no other resolution or mention of how toxic their dad was. Y’all need therapy

Grant’s storyline of still being into his ex was boring and Kaia’s only purpose for being in the story was to have that conversation with him at dinner, which was weird af.

The irrational rage I felt whenever Goldy spoke or was mentioned. I would rather use her book as kindling than read another word about her.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hate at first sight for both of them . He is a Forest Ranger and she is trespassing into the woods and she is denying to pay the fee . She is having the week from hell but it might turn out good because she got a job at a bookshop as a barista and she will bake whatever she likes . Her boss brother happens to be the strict Ranger which happen to love her goods . Will the love and hate relationship continue ? I loved all about the theory about soulmates that he believes . She has a connection with all animals and that gift will make her open an animal sanctuary .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ali DaSilva · Rating 1 out of 5]

he believed an ex girlfriend was his soulmate just because his parents and grandparents had cute love stories (that weren’t even true) and she hit a skunk and then spent an entire chapter at the vet with it and is gonna take care of it (and has no money whatsoever but forced the vet to do anything they can to save the animal????) and also apparently she has a ✨gift✨ of talking to animals. and they go from ‘enemies’ to soulmates ……. ok

ALSO STOP TAKING IN FUCKING ANIMALS YOU HAVE NO ABILITY TO CARE FOR AND IT JUST GOES ONTO YOUR OLDEST SISTER’S SHOULDERS NO WONDER SHE DOESNT WANT TO BE AROUND YALL

[Natasha Soderberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters.

[Penelope Espinoza Hallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: opposites attract.
Part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Plot:
Dandelion (Dani) is one of the daughters of a deceased con artist whose will states his daughters must live together in a big house for 1 year to get their inheritance.

Dani has been screwed over by a past bestie/ business partner, in a partnership where she was the maker and they handled the business side. This saw her blackballed and led to gross unemployment and low confidence.

Dani has a huge, caring heart, and is not one for the rules.

Enter Grant, a park ranger who is a stickler for the rules, and has a closed off heart since being left at the altar.

Grant is the brother of her new boss, and he has a problem with the fact that she brings the skunk that she takes care of (after she hits with her car, whose injuries lead to rear leg amputation and “the little skunk is now attached to a wheeled contraption”), in to her workplace, a bookshop where she sells baked goods.

“You can’t be soul mates with a skunk”. She shrugs “first, Skidmark is a cat. Second, I saved his life, so our souls are bonded”.

“Can I get one of each? I’m starving”
“Sure”, she’s clearly still flustered, but trying to cover it up. “One of each of what?”.
“ of everything “, I say. “I want to try everything”.. “Sure, just admit Skidmark is a cat”.
I don’t want to give in and go along with this farce, but I really want those cherry flavoured doughy bits of goodness”.

“Did you meet our bookstore cat?”
“Not a cat”.

“Worried I’m going to spit in your coffee?”
“No.” Yes. One hundred percent certain she’d spit in my coffee. Probably because I wouldn’t be able to resist pointing out that her ‘cat’ is a skunk.

Dani’s big heart see’s her wanting to turn the property she is living in into a sanctuary for animals. Sam’s cousins come to help her build a fence and barn, the infrastructure she requires for her animal sanctuary. And, in true crazy, competitive extended family style, “decided they needed a day of Scottish Highlands games to break up all the hard work”.

“What the hell?”. Another man shouts as he emerges from the mud. “Is there glitter mixed in with the mud? Glitter is permanent, people.”

“Honestly, this isn’t remotely sanitary”.

Meanwhile, Grant is dealing with his ex, who is wanting to build a resort, and coinciding Bigfoot sightings, which turn out to be a woman trying to protect a marijuana crop started by her grandfather, that is in danger of being discovered if the resort goes ahead.

This author is new to be and I love the small town, quirky, strong female characters. All characters are well written, strong and flawed.

If your looking for romance, all you find here is a slow burn romance with plenty of sexual tension, sensuality, but heavily veiled, fade to black sex.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a small town enemies to lovers romantic comedy.

Totally enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and well developed. The story was funny, heartwarming and original. Highly recommend!

Dandelion/Dani Weston and her four sisters have moved to Catalpa Creek, Virginia in order to get their inheritance. Per their father's will they need to live in his mansion in the small town for 1 year before they can inherit. Dani is unemployed, broke and has had her confidence destroyed. She and her friend Abby owned a bakery in Atlanta with Dani baking and Abby managing. Abby kicked Abby out of the business after destroying her spirit and lying to her then blackballed her throughout Atlanta. Dani does not handle conflict well and goes hiking and camping in the woods to get her balance back.

Grant Holiday is a forest ranger for the National Parks service. He comes across as a hard line rule follower. His brother Lazarus/Lazy owns the local bookstore.

They meet when he finds Dani camping illegally on park land. He writes her a fine and thinks she is an entitled tourist. She cops a major attitude with him and refused to give her name to him. After taking a private moment in the woods she walks to a cliff overlooking the scenery, he accidentally startled her then saved her from falling. She later goes into town to apply for jobs and is hired by Lazy to bake goodies and be a barista for the bookstore.

Meanwhile the five sisters are trying to find their way back to being a family and are trying to see if they can do anything with the mansion and land as a business. Dani finds herself rescuing injured animals and taking them back to the house. She and her sister Honey, the potter, toss around the idea of opening a sanctuary farm. Their extended family come out to help build a fence and barn then have a Highland Games competition which Grant participates in. The two of them have a steamy encounter behind the barn. Their relationship changes as they can't stop thinking about each other. Grant asks her out but she says they are only booty call friends. They eventually realize their feelings and get their HEA. Must read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost & Found was a delightful read with so many laugh out loud moments in the interactions between Grant and Dani that I am still smiling thinking back on their story. Grant is a `By The Book` Ranger who knows not just the value of the forest but also the ease at which it can all be lost. Dani is more a `The Rules are a Guideline` kind of girl and since she is living with her sisters, all who clash, she needs her escape to the forest to get away from everything. After a particularly trying night of fighting, squabbling, and misunderstandings running rampant through the house she and her sisters are ‘forced’ to live in, Dani grabs a sleeping bag and packs the essentials for a night of stargazing in the forest behind her house. Early the next morning, Grant on his morning wilderness run literally trips over her and as the sparks fly these two become instant enemies and Lost and Found is off to a great start. This is an enemies to lovers Rom Com exploring the age old dilemma of “what will it take to make a Rule Follower see that flexibility has value?”. It simultaneously explores “what will have to happen to cause the Rule Breaker to see the virtue and sense of why rules are there in the first place”? We know a laugh riot of miscommunications and conflicting worldviews will occur … all of which helps make for a great Comedy of Errors.

Building on the wonderful characters and setting of Catalpa Creek, this self contained HEA and Book One of a new series following Dani and her sisters, you’ll find yourself looking for the next adventure. A good clean romance with a great concept of learning to look and find the real story behind misunderstandings and preconceptions, this story brings out all the best of fiction. I can see the way that Sadler is designing this book and there are already hints of who will be next to fall in love and I am also looking forward to seeing how the relationship amongst the sisters develops and grows over time. Each character is beautifully drawn with a unique personality. And don’t forget to look for Skidmark… the scene stealing skunk!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not For Me

This year I am attempting to venture out and try new to me authors. Sometimes it’s works, and unfortunately like this time, it doesn’t. I’m not sure if this was a debut novel, or that this author writes in this style each time. The story itself wasn’t bad but I’m not a fan of constant back and forth arguing or miss communication as it not only makes my eyes roll, it also shows the characters immaturity. The fmc was one that seemed to be able to do it all. She was a baker, a caring animal lover, she was sassy as well as vulnerable. It was like the author threw in every component a character can be to make her lovable but it only made me not like her because it felt unauthentic. As for the mmc, I felt for him at times with the mood swings and change of direction Dani had him going. Her relationship with her sisters felt conflicting at times, they got on well but argued repeatedly. They supported each other but then didn’t. I wasn’t sure how to take it. Lastly, I really enjoy reading along to listening to the audio. This is the first time I have tried a virtual recording instead of an actual narrator. I didn’t hate it, but I now know I do prefer a person who can hit all the emotions and tones while telling a story and not just someone reading it to me. I didn’t like that every character sounded the same, main or secondary all had the same sound. I won’t be seeking out the other books in this series, this was a once and done experience.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant and Dani's Story . . .

Grant Holiday and Dandelion (“Dani”) Weston are so good together as antagonists, primarily because their interactions kept me laughing – or at the very least, smiling! Grant, a forest ranger, is hung up on rules. And obviously Dani doesn’t let them bother her. She’s a sweet soul who just does what makes sense to her. The forest is her retreat to keep her sanity when her four sisters start bickering and fighting. And, of course, navigating the forest is absolutely full of rules. Sure, it’s for your safety. But it takes all the fun out of an impromptu night under the stars.

Needing a job – especially if Grant is going to be levying fines on her for infractions – Dani talks to Grant’s brother who owns a bookstore and he hires her to bake and provide coffee for the bookstore patrons. In the meantime, the sisters are living in a big mansion which they must stay in for a year to get their inheritance. Dani, who loves to rescue animals, was considering using the land for an animal sanctuary. How will Grant react to all these changes? What rules will be broken? Or will he learn to relax a little as he and Dani get closer? Could they possibly work on overcoming their issues together?

This was a fun story, well-written and full of interesting characters. Be sure to grab your copy and enjoy the lively action.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Katharine Sadler, but it won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and had to purposefully slow myself down to try to savour every word.

When I started reading, I didn't like Grant's character, or at least I didn't like how I perceived him through Dani's eyes. Of course that quickly changed as I continued to read and became invested in their developing relationship.

I love how stubborn they both are, and how the author brings them together in small steps. Their flaws are absolutely endearing. I connected with Dani's story, and even ended up reaching out to my cousins when she reached out to hers. She drew me in, and I cheered for her every step of the way.

My understanding is that this is the first book in a new series. The author introduced us to so many wonderful characters that I am already looking forward to the next drop.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, Rounded up to 4 Stars

Dani, our FMC, has to move back to small-town Catalpa Creek to live in a house with her 3 sisters for a year. After a year they'll each be able to access inheritance from their father. She's an amazing baker but she isn't a smart businessperson. She lost her bakery after her business-partner (and ex-bestfriend) blackballed her.

In an effort to get away from her bickering sisters, she decides to hike and spend the night at a campsite. This is where the cute meet happens (okay, not so cute meet but definitely memorable). The ranger, Grant Holiday, finds Dani. The duo obviously get off on the wrong foot and banter every chance they get.

At first it was hard for me to get into this book because of how unlikable and immature I found many of the characters (especially Dani), but I'm glad I stuck around because they all experience personal growth.

I hope you will also enjoy the spice, the animals, and the big foot encounters like I did! ;)

[Linda V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #1 in the Sanctuary series. The author is new to me and I was blown away with her work. Dandelion (Dani) has returned to her family home to fulfill the wishes of her father's will, and also because she lost her bakery business in Atlanta and was blackballed by her former business partner and friend. Dani hates confrontation and prefers to be outdoors. When Grant Holiday runs across Dani camping "illegally" on National Park land, he demands she pay the $20 fee. And things just go downhill from there. We see all of Dani's sisters, cousins, friends all come together to help her find her future. This book was funny and endearing with some quality spice thrown in. This should definitely be a movie...just maybe not on Hallmark!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pearl Shen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani (Dandelion) & Grant
Enemies to lovers
Opposites attract
Large family of sisters
Small town
Skunk with wheels for hind legs
🌶️🌶️

Dani was pushed out of the bakery partnership by her best friend and recovering the betrayal in rural Virginia. Her dad passed and left his large mansion as her and her sisters’ inheritance but they have to live there at least a year. At a loss for what do, Dani stumbles upon the idea of starting an animal sanctuary. She has a way with animals and they’re respond to her. Grant is the forest ranger who lives by the rules but is drawn to her chaos. He is actually a hopeless romantic who believes in soulmates and once in a lifetime love. He falls for her first and wants what’s best for her. He just has trouble articulating and communicating his intentions.

[Katie Merkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Read the previous series before you start this one.

While for some reason the author has marked this as book 1, in reality its book 8. This series is kind of a continuation of the previous series of 7 books. Same town, same people, just a different branch of people/family. This book even starts during the timeline of the 7th book of the last series. (Insert facepalm)
I'm not a fan of relationship spoilers (Example: You're reading about Jack and Mary and the story talks about another couple Dan and Kate and how they're newly married and expecting a baby, you let it go and keep reading. Then you get to the end of the story and the author has the blurb "Want to read about how Dan and Kate got together? Read their story here!" SPOILED!
I sound nuts, but if you feel the same - Read the other books first.