Finders Keepers by Nicole Lenz

Finders Keepers

Bailey Monroe knows one thing

for certain. She had to leave.

Bailey Monroe knows one thing for certain. She had to leave. With her young daughter Sophie in tow, she flees from the nightmare of her abusive husband under the cover of darkness, finding safety in the quiet Texas town of Pine Grove. There, she finds refuge in the warmth of the town folk and kindness from Ms. Lucille, a spirited widowed woman who takes them in and offers hope when Bailey needs it most.

Determined to give Sophie the stable life she deserves, Bailey begins to rebuild. But opening her heart again is another story, especially when Gavin Mitchell, the town's charming veterinarian, steps into her life. Patient and kind, Gavin sees the cracks in Bailey’s armor and is willing to do whatever it takes to earn her trust. Yet no matter how safe Pine Grove feels, Bailey can’t shake the feeling that her past is only a step behind her.

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  • Five Stars

    Absolutely loved this book!!! Nicole did such an amazing job with bringing these characters to life. Truly an incredible book about hurt, starting over, healing, fear, opening up, chosen family.

  • Four Stars

    This book takes the topic of DV and is not shy about the topic, and its psychological aftermath. Yet, everything is handled in a real yet respectful way. An emotional and powerful story about Bailey, who is trapped in the cycle of her alcoholic spouse.

    She makes the decision to leave with her daughter, and lands in a small town in Texas. She is embraced by this small town and given a chance to start again. In the background, her past lingers, with trust issues and fear of being found.
    I realize this book might not be for all. Pay attention to your own triggers. But if you do take a chance on this beautiful story of healing, hope, strength, and survival, your heart will be broken, but then mended.

  • Four Stars

    Yes, hi, I want to give Bailey a big hug, because this poor girl has been through the wringer. Bailey and her daughter leave her abusive husband and end up in the best town they could have found. I adore Ms. Lucy and the way she immediately takes them in, showing up for them in every way. I loved watching Bailey & Gavin get to know each other, especially with how patient Gavin is with her. He goes at her speed, and is the sweetest guy. I love the two of them together. This one kept me on my toes with the suspense too!

  • Five Stars

    Couldn't put it down. Love the pace to get to know each character. The suspense and love is amazing.

  • Five Stars

    Finders Keepers is such a heavy and emotional book, it dealt with a side of DV that was so raw and real that it had my heart racing as Bailey went through some of her emotions. An exceptionally well written story! The found family element was beautiful.


    Bailey was such a strong character. To pick up her life and move to an unknown place with her young daughter takes a brave person. She meets Ms. Lucy who takes them both under her wing and Gavin, a man who is attracted to her but sees she has been through something and is so patient and kind, you can’t help but fall in love with him.

    The writing and handling of this story was spot on. The way the trauma and PTSD were written were spot on.

Content & Trigger Warning

Finders Keepers contains themes and depictions that may be distressing to some readers. This story centers around a survivor’s journey of escaping domestic violence and rebuilding a life for herself and her daughter. As such, it includes realistic portrayals of trauma and its aftermath.

Warnings include:

  • Domestic violence (emotional, verbal, financial and physical abuse)

  • Gaslighting and controlling behavior

  • Stalking and harassment

  • Child abduction / kidnapping

  • On-page physical assault and strangulation

  • Panic attacks, flashbacks, and C-/PTSD symptoms

  • Hypervigilance and dissociation

  • Medical trauma and recovery

  • Law enforcement involvement and legal discussions of abuse

  • Survivor guilt and internalized self-blame

  • Custody anxiety and parental separation stress

  • Trauma-masking in children (perfectionism, emotional suppression)

  • Discussion of body image and weight loss due to stress

  • Loud noises / jump scare (surprise party)

  • Implied gun possession (off-page)

  • Emotional intensity surrounding protection, trust, and healing

This book approaches these topics with care and a trauma-informed lens, but readers are encouraged to prioritize their emotional well-being and engage with the story at their own pace.

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