Finding Anna

by Katie Cross

Anna Buchanan is a freshman college student with one plan: travel abroad.

Except . . . college life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Her new roommate definitely has a quirky side. All those romantic comedies she watched growing up? Not happening. Money is harder to come by than she thought, and her first kiss is less-than-foot-popping.
Not to mention the fact that there aren’t enough hours in her day to sell blood plasma, work at the deli, and volunteer at her dream internship.

All of Anna’s hard-thought dreams tumble around her ankles when she buries herself too deep in dreams. Then the most terrifying news hits her like a slap in the face.

Can Anna salvage the time and money needed to fulfill her dreams? Or will she have to face the truth: that sometimes our greatest adventures never take us very far away.

Join Anna Buchanan in Finding Anna, a heartwarming novel about odd roommates, unattainable college boys, and the epic quest to find yourself.

150 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2019

About the author

My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.

Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com

Reviews

[Reads in Heels · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Anna, you’ve never really been a reality person, you know? That’s why your father and I have planned things out for you. You’re too much of a dreamer. You need someone to keep you grounded."

I hated Anna Buchanan.

From the beginning, I already knew I wasn’t going to be her biggest fan. Why did I hate Anna? That’s because I used to be Anna, and I bet a lot of other readers would agree that they see part of themselves in her. She is a teenager, a very idealistic one at that, despite her parents calling her Sensible Anna, and she brings the metaphorical ‘the world is your oyster‘ phrase too true and dear to her heart. Once in my life, I was unapologetic of how I planned to do the things I want, I was brave crossing the thin line to stupidity, and I was very particular with how I want my life to pan out. Likewise, Anna, to the point of obsession, is so focused on earning the money for her travel plans, that she unintentionally disregards her age and inexperience, her family’s financial state, and the overall higher rate of impossibility of the things she wants to happen to her.

Read the rest of the review here.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kellie Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna Review
This book is an amazing story that just pulls at your heart. You follow Anna as she navigates into her independence as a new college student. She has hopes and dreams way beyond anything her parents could ever imagine. Her parents are quiet, practical people who seem to just go through the motions of life, but Anna wants so much more: she wants to see the world and experience everything, she wants to break away from her parents’ boring lives (and the boring life they plan for her). When illness strikes her mother Anna begins to realize how much her life and her parents mean to her. Add in a new crush, an interesting roommate and a new job, Anna struggles with fitting it all in. She decides to put off her dreams to hold onto her parents for a little longer. This book made me feel so much, as I too have a mother with serious health issues. It made me think about how much I need my mom and how hard it would be to lose her.
Katie really knows how to bring her characters to life and make you care for them as though they are family. She always leaves me wanting more and more!!

[Jonita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna is a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, trying to break free from the confines of her family. Her mom and dad mean well, of course, but they want her to follow their path in life and Anna is determined to follow her own. With the help of a few good friends, including a BFF and a quirky room mate, Anna struggles to find her own way in the world without hurting her parents along the way.

Finding Anna is the story of one young woman determined to be as true to herself as she can be.

I loved this sweet story about a young, ambitious woman, determined not to fall in to the path carved for her by her parents, since it isn't even close to what she wants for herself. I admired her inner strength even when the going got tough and I really enjoyed meeting her new friends, especially her quirky room mate, Melanie. I was really rooting for Anna the whole time and hoping that she would be able to find her own path without upsetting too many apple carts!

This is a short and sweet read, perfect for devouring in a single afternoon with a hot cup of tea by your side and a blanket. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Katie Cross.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna is the story of a young woman who, faced with challenges, rises up and finds the courage and strength to be the hero of her own life. Anna, a struggling college student, is the underdog that doesn't stop growing, trying, and believing in herself and the people around her. Surrounded by a rich cast of equally endearing characters, Anna slowly finds the friendship, love, and family that she needs to face the reality of growing up, and facing adulthood.
Anna's story is captivating, uplifting, and one that I couldn't put down. With each page, I found myself wanting to know more. More about her quirky yet strong father and mother, more about her charming yet awkward first kiss, more about her mysterious, and slightly broken, friends. Just... more.
Finding Anna was true Katie Cross..... a celebration of the human spirit. A testament to finding the strength within ourselves to see joy and meaning in the world. But most of all, a sheer pleasure to read.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna is a sweet story about a young woman with big plans in college. She's got goals, a plan, and the will to do what she has to in order to accomplish it all- but life isn't that easy and Anna soon learns that the saying is true: "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."
An unexpected flirtation, a quirky new roommate with secrets, parents with strong opinions on how Anna's life should go (which clash with what she wants) all disrupt her perfect Excel-mapped life path. When life throws her a heartbreaking curve ball, she has to reevaluate everything. If her path to herself isn't clear anymore, who is she?
She wants to find herself, but how do you do that when nothing goes according to plan?

Love love love this book! It made me feel happy and want to hug the main character. It's a light read that leaves you smiling and wanting more (in a very good way!) I recommend it for everyone!

[Devin Berglund Joubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH EM GEEE! First off, I absolutely love Katie Cross. She has a way of pulling out all the feels. Love her books. This was such a great read and really brought me back to the college days when you are just trying to get a handle on everything.

This book was a fun and bubbly read. Perfect book to read while traveling, which I was. I totally saw a younger version of myself in Anna and her adventure through "Finding Anna." I love coming of age stories. I feel like it reminds you about your beginnings. Sometimes it's easy to think your past that and then you don't really think about it until you are reminded of it, by something like Anna's story.

I'm so thankful I received an ARC from the author. Katie. You did a brilliant job on this book. Besides I LOVE the cover. It totally matches Anna!

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this beautiful story has taken me back to when I was in college. Some how I remember being Anna once upon a time. I'm remembering how it felt to have the promise of adventure and new experiences at your finger tips. The long nights at work, crazy amounts of homework, family struggles and the reality of being a adult and it all hitting you at once. No matter what your dreams may be, or what life throws at you, you will always have a choice and the decision you make will impact how you experience your dreams later on in life. Dreams are our motivation for life and life is what we make of it. To loose that drive is to loose the light to live. Dreams are hope... Never give up hope. Remember or relate in Anna's story as you read this beautiful novel by Katie and find that light again.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a spin-off of the Health and Happiness Society that actually perfectly followed up the big finale from book five. It neatly included our dear Mira in the story, which is how it tied into the HHS series. Also, wasn’t Anna the chick from the gym that Lexie helped out in the first book? Kind of think it was. Anyways, this was a story with a good dose of happily ever after mixed in with a heavy dose of reality. Lots of trials, tribulations, drama, heartbreak, and sadness. But also a lot of happiness, overcoming adversity, great friends, and new beginnings. Really enjoyed this one, and totally sad to see the Health and Happiness Society end. How about another spin-off? Let’s focus on Melanie next! SHE is a story waiting to happen! Please?

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie has a knack for sucking you into her characters and making you feel as though you know them in real life. Finding Anna is no different.
Anna is a college girl...but this doesn't mean that older women won't enjoy the book. She's a dreamer but her parents try to bring her back to earth. She's also a hard-worker and does the right thing when push comes to shove. Melanie, her roommate, has a secret that she hides from the world. Her way of coping is through her music.
Get the tissues out for this book. You may find one of the Health & Happiness Society members making a brief cameo, so if you enjoyed that series of books, there is no doubt you'll also enjoy this one. Well worth the read...you won't be able to put it down!

[Emily Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna could be replaced with anyone's name...Finding Emily, Finding Paige, you will find yourself in this awesome, quick read. Anna immediately draws you in with all that is going on in her life. Her ups and downs, highs and lows sucks you right into her world. You will find yourself thinking "hey, that has happened to me before, or hey that is going on right now in my life." Anna's story helps you find yourself and make yourself feel better. You will laugh, maybe shed a tear and realize that life doesn't always turn out the way you plan it. And that is ok.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable, readable book. The characters come to life and are very relatable. Katie's writing style is perfect - descriptive without going overboard, and the character development is terrific. Life isn't perfect, and this book and it's ending reflect that. Anna is a typical young woman who is naive and inexperienced, but learns to face her challenges and become more adult. Her roommate, Melanie, is a secondary character, but very interesting and layered - I hope there's a book about her in the future!

[Shayla Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a tender read for me. It took me back to many of the life lessons I learned after moving away to college. Finding Anna is just that, a girl who finds herself and has her idea of reality tested in many ways. Such a fun, light read. Perfect for a one day read, curled up next to the fire! Katie Cross has such an amazing ability to make her readers feel connected to the characters in her books. I love that this book can be read as a stand alone or in conjunction with the Health and Happiness series.

[Banana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna is a fun book about an innocent college student having to deal with issues and responsibilities beyond her own. Its full of friendship, heartbreak, young love, family drama, study, work, lots of daydreaming, some fudge, and a few weird outfits. Compassionately written (as always) by Katie Cross who has a track record of making me Feel All The Things when reading her work, I’d recommend this to any student (or anyone else focussed on reaching a goal) who may need some perspective on what’s important in life.

[Loni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna was another great book done by Katie Cross! You instantly fall in love with Anna and her desires and dreams to see and explore the world the way she wants to. I enjoyed going on her journey with her as she dealt with various trials and came to realize what was most important to her. We can all relate to Anna as we all have wanted to go somewhere or do something only to have life get in the way of our dreams. Thanks again Katie, for another great book!

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun -- I loved it ! The characters were very authentic and I was immediately caught up in their stories.

I had two small problems:
> I started reading this at bedtime, and couldn't put it down until I finished it.
> I didn't want it to end !! I wanted to keep reading to see what happened in the rest of their lives.

Another great job by one of my very favorite authors! Thanks Katie !!

[Darcee Henstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna is a wonderful companion novel to the Health and Happiness Society. Anna is a young woman just starting out on her college adventure and she has big dreams. She is a fighter who struggles with some incredibly difficult cards that she has been dealt. This is a heart warming story about finding out what matters most in life and how when you put your mind to it, you can overcome any obstacle. Katie has done such a wonderful job of telling Anna's story.

[Deidre Beiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Finding Anna. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Every one of Katie's books has tugged at my heartstrings, each in its own beautiful way. Told in the first person, this book draws the reader deeper into what makes the main character "tick". This is a magnificent depiction of a deep and abiding love that families are meant to share. My eyes are wet with tears of love and gratitude. I can't wait for the next book of Katie's.

[Nati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is a daydreamer. She have just started college in her hometown, lives in a little apartment and works hard to save money to trave all around the world, her life dream. But been an adult sucks and life is harder than she expected. She will meet some interesting people and some tough will happen to her in her journey to adulthood but she will raise stronger than before. A very special story very helpful to face adultood.

[Lianne Takach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is like many college students- living on her own for the first time but home is close by. Being an only child she is thrown a little when a roommate shows up. And, she wants to share the bedroom so she can have a music room?! Who is this?! And, life throws a wrench in her scheduled plans. What does she do? Katie has given us new characters to fall in love with & I can't wait for her next story! Anna is so relatable & we have all met her parents (or grew up with them! ).

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOOOOOOOOOOVE this book! It is a sweet story about a girl with lots of goals (others consider them childish daydreams), finding her way in the world as she ventures out in the world on her own for the first time. Join Anna as she conquers college, work, roommates, dating, and learns valuable life lessons along the way. This book is the perfect blend of a light-hearted coming of age tale and finding the strength to persevere. Oh, and there's candy!

[Charly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to think there’s a little bit of Anna in all of us. Like Katie’s books in the Health and Happiness Society series, Finding Anna is relatable. There are things that hit close to home for me. It’s nice to see we all work through them in our own way. Secondly I think that everyone needs a Melanie in their life. Someone who is free spirited. If you don’t have a Melanie you need to find one ASAP! The only thing is that the books seem to end too soon. Thanks for the great book!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Anna is an easy quick read. A story you want to read about. If you have read The Health and Happiness Society books there are some cute little nods to it.
My only criticism to this book is that I would have liked to see more character development as I have read in Katie Cross’s other books. There is development but I’m very picky 🙂

[Amanda Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you need to read. Being on a journey to find yourself is difficult. The truths about yourself you uncover is part of the process of healing and being that better person you want to be. Finding Anna is yet another great book in the Health and Happiness series that Katie shares with her readers. This is one of those books I highly recommend.

[Amei Hammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Anna is a great story of a young women coming to terms with becoming an adult and having to learn the difference between needs and wants. It's a quick read and all the characters are very relatable. Parts of the story even brought me back to my college days! All in all, another amazing book by Katie Cross!

[Tabatha Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books. The girl is relatable to every day life. She isn't perfection and doesn't live a dream life. She shows that you don't get everything you picture for yourself in life but life doesn't have to be bad because of that. Definitely worth the read but leaves you wanting more to the story.

[Susan Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 I loved Anna, her friends and her family. They were all so real, so quirky, and in their own ways, extremely lovable. I enjoyed Anna's journey from a naive college student, focusing mostly on her own dreams and shortcomings, so a empathetic daughter and friend, who found strength in herself and in her tribe!

[traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional character? Because I love Anna. There are so many parts in the book where I cried, laughed, and then cried some more. She is fantastic and I loved taking the self-finding journey with her.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Cross has done it again with Finding Anna. This book is hard to put down and a page turner. She portrays Anna in a realistic way and forces Anna to address real life issues that occur. Through her actions she comes to realize herself. Fantastic book!!

[Jessica Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Katie Cross! She gets me to look within myself like no other can. This book was amazing. Powerful. Full of emotions. The perfect end to a wild, amazing Chick Lit ride. Ahh! I do not want this series to end. I love these ladies!

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Katies books, but I honestly just couldn't get into this one like I could her others and I'm not sure why. The characters were great but perhaps it was the childlike naivety of Anna that I just couldn't work my head around. I do look forward to learning more about Melanie in the future.