Thursday, February 20, 2025

WHISPERS OF FORTUNE by Mary Connealy, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

Set in the hills of California in 1874, Mary Connealy’s newest book, Whispers of Fortune, starts a new series, Golden State Treasure. Connealy takes a couple of runaway boys, a worried brother who is looking for them, an orphanage director, and various other intriguing characters and mixes them up together, plops them down in riveting situations, and then proceeds to bring them all out—mostly safe and sound. With the most dastardly of villains and the most heroic of main characters, the reader can boo, hiss, sigh, and swoon to their heart’s content.

Ellie Hart is a compassionate, intelligent heroine who operates the orphanage at Two Harts Ranch. When doctor Brody MacKenzie comes barging to the ranch looking for his two runaway brothers, Ellie talks him into staying for a while to act as the ranch doctor. The two boys have their MacKenzie grandfather’s old journal with clues to where treasure is hidden. They figure it’s somewhere in the vicinity of the Two Harts Ranch and want Brody to help them find it. Of course, some villains are involved in trying to find the treasure, also.

With Connealy’s signature wit and humor, this book was a treat to read. It can be read as a stand alone, but it does have a bit of a hanging thread which continues to the next book. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from her other series popping up in this one. I’m looking forward to Josh Hart’s story coming up next.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own. 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
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.


Bethany House Publishing, February, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy WHISPERS OF FORTUNE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest