treasure hunt – Vegan Book Blogger

Legends of Gold (Golden State Treasure Book #2)

282 pages Publication date June 17, 2025 Publisher Bethany House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?

After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead’s life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben’s sudden interest in finding her.

When Ben’s motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map’s secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s been a few months since I’ve read the first book in the Golden State Treasure series, and this picks up right where the first left off.
There are a lot of characters and a lot going on, so much crammed into one book.
The first bit of the book is a recap of the first book and then the action picks up and goes nonstop til the end. There were a lot of surprises in this fast-paced book, but I loved it and the descriptions of the rural land, treasure hunting and family.
A clean Christian historical fiction that has me looking forward to the next exciting book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie’s daughters, and has man other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

Find Mary online at:

Her website: maryconnealy.com

Her blog for aspiring writers: Seekerville

Her blog for lovers of western romance: Petticoats & Pistols

Mary is on Facebook at facebook.com/maryconnealy

And Twitter at twitter.com/maryconnealy

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Whispers of Fortune: (A Western Christian Historical Romance Book Series with Adventure and Treasure Hunting) (Golden State Treasure)

304 pages Bethany House Publishers F4b 4,2025 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a land of gold and grit, can two hearts uncover the true treasure?

In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at the Two Harts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he discovers them thriving at the ranch’s school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. His options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of ranch doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who’s kept a steady eye on Brody’s two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.

With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of those at the ranch.

Whispers of Fortune is a kisses-only western historical romance with plenty of witty banter, action-packed adventure, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. It’s the first book in the Golden State Treasure series and can be read as a standalone.

MY THOUGHTS

Such an exciting start to the newest series by Mary Connealy, the Golden State Treasure series. This takes place in 1875 in California on the Two Harts Ranch.

I see this has a great mix of characters with a variety of personalities. They mix together to form an interesting and exciting book.
A nice blend of faith, brotherly love, a bit of a mystery and romance kept my attention.

I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by the author. There’s a bit of western ruggedness with a bit of hardship that you have to keep reading to see if things will improve.

I loved the concept of the treasure hunt which occupied a good bit of the book. I loved the reunion of the brothers, and the teen brothers are rascals for sure, but I can see them settling down in future books.

This book is the perfect set up for the upcoming books in the series and I can’t wait to read them.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.