Whispers of Fortune - (Golden State Treasure) by Mary Connealy

What's better than a story filled with cowboys, adventure, and a little mystery? How about a swoon-worthy romance laced with wit and humor? That's what I've learned to expect from a Mary Connealy story and this book is no exception! Whispers of Fortune takes place in California, near the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the 1870s. Two young runaway boys arrive there to search for a buried treasure that they've heard about all of their lives. Their grandfather's old journal holds the clues to finding the treasure but breaking the code seems impossible for Lochlan and Thayne McKenzie. Will their older brother Brody force them to go back to Boston, or will his heart be captured by the beauty of California and the woman who lives at Two Harts Ranch? Buried treasure is the prize for Lock and Thayne but Ellie Hart may be the true treasure for Dr. Brody McKenzie! Whispers of Fortune is the first book in Connealy's new series, Golden State Treasure. Obscure clues and determined villains may hinder the search but faith, family, and forgiveness help lighten the way. I loved that the sisters from The Lumber Baron's Daughters series are apart of the story, and I look forward to learning more about Ellie's brother, Josh Hart! I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Western romance! I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

Though this book is a stand alone, a new series by Mary Connealy, it is connected to one of her previous series, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters. I feel like it’s helpful to know that, though you can read it without that knowledge. There’s a lot of bitterness and greed that these people are coming up against. A long family feud that one side may not even have any knowledge of. But for our heroes and heroines, there’s curiosity and a sense of adventure. The hunt for treasure, whatever that treasure may be, is strong. It’s a treasure hunt with a side or budding romance. It’s a very good book that leaves you wanting the next book in the series. I was entertained and enjoyed the escape. I was blessed with a complimentary copy of this book. However, all thoughts and opinions about it are my own. I then purchased the audiobook for my family to enjoy.

Mary Connealy's books are always ones I must read. I love the blend of faith, romance, and adventure with swoony heroes and strong women. I was delighted to discover this book takes us back to the Two Harts Ranch that was a part of The Lumber Baron's Daughters series. Though not main characters in Whispers of Fortune, it was fun to reconnect with Zane Hart and sisters Michelle, Jilly, and Laura. Two Harts Ranch has been expanded into a boarding school for orphans. Two of them, Thayne and Lock MacKenzie, ages 16 and 14, left their home in New York and traveled on an Orphan Train to California. They had a journal from their grandfather that mentioned treasure which whetted their imaginations. When their older brother, Brody, returned home from college to find the boys missing, he soon was on their trail. The Hart ranch is being run by Josh and his sisters Annie and Ellie. Brody's meeting wih them was memorable. You might guess that with a rumored treasure there would be others hunting who were less than honorable, even downright despicable. Whispers of Fortune is a fun book to read. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series to continue the story. This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order and in its entirety. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Treasure and a western, what more could you ask for? This is the story of the Hart family who run an orphanage on the Two Harts Ranch and the MacKenzie brothers (two who are constantly getting into trouble). Brody comes searching for his brothers and meets Ellie who helps run the ranch and school. Together they try to solve the clues to find the treasure. Full of mystery, suspense, romance, inspiration, and humor. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I love the descriptions of the western scenery.

Going on a treasure hunt…X marks the spot. For Thayne and Lochlan MacKensie this seemed to be in their DNA. A journal handed down from their grandfather told of a wonderful treasure - you just had to follow the clues and it would be yours. Unfortunately, they were not the only ones who were searching. All the excitement and danger are only a small part of the story. Are you ready to search? The author has dangled the treasure hunting bug in front of all of us with this first book in the Golden State Treasure series. Received through NetGalley and published by Bethany House Publishers and Baker Publishing Group, these thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.