My thoughts: I always delight when a new "Mary Connealy" book comes off the press. Her books are set in the mid to far west of the United States during the early years the area was being settled. Connealy has a terrific sense of infusing her stories with light-hearted wit that brightens the reader's day.
In the first book of the "Golden State Treasure" series, Whispers of Fortune recounts the heart breaking stories prevalent of the period when back East families fell into the throes of poverty, children orphaned and sent West by orphanages to settle with other families, and mean-hearted culprits intent on illegal means to gain riches.
In Whispers of Fortune, the author weaves well loved characters of a prior series into the background as supporting cast. They are connected family with the owners of the Hart Ranch where much of Whispers of Fortune takes place.
I love the characters in this story and they are well developed by the author fleshed out so that you feel you know them yourself. Strong minded, well educated Brody is searching for his two missing younger brothers. I found the two younger boys (older teens actually) loveable and admirable for their ability to make their way from East to West in pursuit of an old dream of their deceased father and grandfather.
I look forward to reading more in this series and following new characters Mary Connealy has deftly woven into this book.
About the book: In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at Two Hearts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he finds 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 own options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of the ranch's 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 the ranch.
In her exhilarating series starter, Mary Connealy weaves an exciting adventure of courage, danger, and love in the Wild West.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
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