Book 1 in the Golden State Treasure series introduces you to a cast of characters as well as tells the story of Brody MacKenzie and Ellie Hart. As will Mary Connealy books, I was drawn into the story.
After attending college back east, Dr. Brody MacKenzie is searching for his younger brothers after both his parents passed away. This search leads him to Two Hearts Ranch where he meets Ellie Hart. The boys run away in search of the MacKenzie treasure. What soon follows is a race against time as outside forces are also searching for the treasure.

I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment to this series.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest opinion.

[Thank you to @netgalley and to Bethany House Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

What a fantastic kick-off to a new series by Mary Connealy! I discovered Mary Connealy last year and have been really enjoying catching up on all of her blacklist titles. This book came out in February, and the second book of the series, Legends of Gold, comes out next month–I’m currently reading and loving it!

This book has it all–family, love, suspense, mystery, treasure. I loved Brody and Ellie and the brothers. The setting felt so real, and there were so many incredible characters surrounding the main characters–many of them will be familiar to you if you’ve read previous works by this author!

Read this title for:

-1874 California
-Treasure hunting
-Clean/sweet romance
-Family
-Christian faith themes
-Cross-over characters
-Three-part series
-Suspense/mystery

Absolutely adored this book! Looking forward to finishing the next two!

Highly recommend.

Whispers of Fortune is the first book that I’ve read by Mary Connealy and I really enjoyed it!

We have a treasure hunt, a family secret, scheming criminals and a sweet romance. There are also strong family bonds and a bit of found family, which is one of my favorite tropes.

My favorite part was probably the relationship between the three brothers, even though I loved the Hart Family (the FMC’s, Ellie’s family) almost as much. The adventure, which gets more intense toward the last part of the book, really captivated me and I just wanted to find out which secrets lay behind this sought after family treasure.

When Brody finds his two runaway-brothers - which leads to a rather awkward but funny meet-cute between him and Ellie - he eventually starts working as a doctor on the Two Harts Ranch.

Working with Brody not only helps Ellie to get to know and understand him better, she also realizes that while she might not be a born teacher, she definitely has talent and maybe even a calling as a nurse.

The romance, especially the kissing, came a bit too fast and sudden for me, but I was definitely rooting for Brody and Ellie as a couple near the end of the book.

It’s a book where adventure, suspense, mystery, family bonds, romance and faith are well woven together. It is a standalone, but I am definitely looking forward to reading book 2!

* I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing (Early Reviewers) via NetGalley. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

Whispers of Fortune is the first in a new series, Golden State Treasure. What better than a hunt for gold to keep a reader turning pages in this intriguing story? The dynamics between Brody and his two brothers are believable, and the light romance will satisfy the fan of historical romance books. This reader has enjoyed Ms. Connelly’s Western Light series, and this new series is off to a great start. Readers looking for character and plot-driven stories will surely enjoy the inaugural entry in this new series. Fans of Mary Connelly will be satisfied and wait eagerly for the next entry.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.

I’m always excited for a new series by this author, and I am pleased to say this one was beyond my expectations.
Strong female characters, young children who add so much to the story. I loved the descriptive scenery, a little mystery and excitement of what they hope to find in their treasure hunt.

An exciting storyline, family dynamics and a wonderfully written storyline.
All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy.

3.5 stars. This was a pretty good story. I could tell it was a spin-off, but I never felt like I was missing anything not having read those books. I liked the ranch setting, and the family running it. Ellie and Brody were both written well, but I thought their romance was underdeveloped (no sparks or build-up). I also didn't like the other POVs that barely connected (Tilda's and Cord's). They're obviously there to set up the next book, but it felt too random to follow them throughout the story. Still, the treasure mystery was fun, and I liked how it ended, with some closure but more intrigue to set up the next book. I'll probably continue the series. I think the next book will probably flow better, with how things are set up.

As I started reading this historical romance, I traveled back in time to 1874. In California, The Two Harts Ranch provided an adventure filled setting and characters that I enjoyed.

As a young doctor searched for and found his missing brothers, he also found a place to belong. His skills were needed as babies were born and sutures were sewn.

My favorite storyline involved a treasure hunt, complete with clues, maps, old journals and luck, both good and bad. The bad involved danger and some rather dastardly enemies.

The romance storyline was light and sweet. I enjoyed the family storylines, especially the ones between siblings. I also loved how teamwork and cooperation were a huge part of everyday life on the ranch.

I received complimentary copies of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Austen Prose and NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book had several things that drew me to it. Who hasn't dreamed of finding treasure? It's easy to understand why Brody's brothers are drawn to find it. I have read a lot of books about the orphan trains so that was a plus. And I loved seeing how the Harts provided for so many children. Finally, I like when characters from other series make an appearance as well.

This book had a good pace. Ellie is a sweet woman and it was nice seeing her figure out a little more about who she was meant to be. Brody was a honorable, vibrant character. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book. Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was such an enjoyable book! It has the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance. Just so good. I cannot wait for book 2! I will be checking out more from this author in the meantime!

I miss the days of Connealy's trademark cowboy humor, but still mostly enjoyed this first book in her new series. There's a delightful tie into the The Lumber Baron's Daughters series.

Whispers of Fortune was such a delight! It is another frontier romance which Mary Connealy is known for! This book is full of mystery and intrigue, with a sweet and gentle romance. I totally recommend this book!

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.

Whispers of Fortune is a thrilling adventure filled with danger, a treasure hunt, sweet romance, & family reconciliation. Mary Connealy starts out this new Golden State Treasure series with a bang that doesn’t let up until the end. Her endearing characters navigate a host of challenges & enemies as they search for lost gold.

After finishing medical school, Brody MacKenzie’s on a mission to find his runaway brothers & bring them home. His search takes him across the country to the Two Harts Ranch in California. Worried that the boys are being mistreated, instead he finds them thriving under the care of Ellie Hart & her brother.

The boys have their grandfather’s journal which tells of a hidden treasure in the mountains. While he tries to convince the boys to abandon their hunt, he takes on the desperately needed role of ranch doctor. He also develops a budding friendship with Ellie Hart. But when it looks like the treasure might be real & others are determined to find it, Brody, Ellie, her brother Jake & the boys take on the perilous task of finding it.

This story brilliantly captures the thrill of treasure hunting. Thayne’s & Lock’s ingenuity & persistence are amazing. They’re definitely a handful. Though their relationship with their brother is strained at first, I enjoyed seeing them reconnect & grow closer as they work together to find the treasure.

I loved the romance between Ellie & Brody. Their slow burn relationship grows as they learn to rely on each other especially with all the medical injuries, baby births, & treasure hunting. There are some nasty villains also hunting for the treasure who provide lots of heart-pounding suspense. Woven throughout is a touch of faith, reconciliation, & overcoming the past.

Highly recommend! Excited for this new series & can’t wait to find out what happens next. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

This is my new favorite adventure series! I’ll be waiting anxiously for the next book when it is released. I live close to San Francisco, so it was fun to read a book set in ranch outside of San Francisco following the gold rush.

The book follows Brody, a young doctor from Boston who unexpectedly finds his brothers in an orphan school outside San Francisco. Brody’s brothers convince him to stay with them as the ranch doctor, and they set off in an adventure to find a family treasure. The romance, adventure, and treasure made each part of the book so fun to read!

Overall this is a fantastic book. The romance is clean (kisses only), and the violence that ensues is described in a way that won’t cause nightmares. Thank you to the publisher and author for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

Share a book that has a beautiful dedication. I loved the dedication in this book, “To my cowboy husband: You’re retired now, but you’ll always be a cowboy at heart.”

Brody MacKenzie has just become a doctor in 1874 and he has headed west to find his two brothers who have runaway from the orphan train after their parents’ deaths. He finds that they are in a great situation living in an orphanage and school, but that they are obsessed with using their grandfather’s old journal to find a hidden treasure. Will they find it before others that are also hot on the trail?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a good clean, western adventure romance. It was a great start to a new series.

• I enjoyed the character of Brodie MacKenzie. I liked that he was a good man who wanted to help his brothers out while also keeping the promise to the doctor that had helped him out.

• Ellie and her brother Josh have been taking care of the two brothers on the ranch. Ellie and Brodie have a romance in the novel that is sweet. The romance is not the focus of the novel and didn’t have much build-up.

• I always love a treasure hunt and I think it made the story more exciting that there was a villain also looking for the treasure.

• There is a sneak peak at the end for Book 2 of this series and it looks great!

Favorite Quote:
“Revenge was the juice that kept his blood flowing.” – What a great description of the villain.

Overall, Whispers of Fortune by Mary Connealy is an entertaining western adventure romance and good start to what looks to be a fascinating new series.

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House Publishing as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

Runaway brothers, a treasure map, fortune hunters, reunited family, and a gentle romance in exciting post-Gold Rush California. Mary Connealy is settled in and writing strong frontier era slow-burn romance with inspirational themes and I’m there for it.

Whispers of Fortune is the series opener of the Golden State Treasure series with a tie-in with a previous series, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters. I hadn’t dipped into that series yet, but had no trouble starting in on this series though I will be getting back to that trilogy.

Whispers of Fortune opens on a funny, awkward meet-cute when a woman answers the pounding on the ranch house door nearly getting punched by the hand pounding and then letting her big, gruff brother assume the young Dr. Mackenzie looking for his runaway brothers had attacked her. From there, they sort out the misunderstanding on both sides to help the Mackenzie brothers sort out their family situation and whether to go for the treasure.

I loved that Brody Mackenzie is a new doctor and there were scenes with him and Ellie Hart working together to help his patients from Ellie’s family’s ranch and the orphanage school and training center they run there.

Whispers of Fortune focused on Brody’s family history and situation, and Ellie’s backstory and current situation as she gets over a bad romance experience. Also, there was also a few other narratives happening even with the villains. A couple of these other threads didn’t entirely tie up at the end, but no surprise since this is only the first book in the series. However, with extra plot threads and narrators establishing the series world, there was a disjointed feeling to this story and the romance got a little short-shifted as a result.

I loved this historical setting of the California ranch post-Gold Rush and the beautiful mountains where the hunt for treasure happened. The treasure was tied in with early Spanish California exploration and history which was really neat. I’m eager to see where the series goes and enjoyed the hint that maybe big Josh Hart, the sailor turned rancher and the one-time orphaned orphan helper are going to get their story next. Something tells me there is more to come about the Cabrillo treasure and I’m looking forward to it.

In the end, it was a satisfying start to a series with favorite buzz elements of ‘treasure hunt’ and ‘California history’ for me. The inspirational theme of true treasure vs. greed was the driving piece to a plot featuring family healing, finding yourself, and sweet romance. Recommend to Historical Romance and Inspirational Romance fans.

What a fun start to a new Mary Connealy series! An old journal, runaway boys, a treasure hunt, a pair of outlaws, a ranch that could easily become its own town… Whispers of Fortune is truly the epitome of a western adventure, and I adored it! There’s also lots of kissing (which I loved, of course) and some complicated family dynamics (which made for some really intriguing layers to explore). Fans of Connealy’s The Lumber Baron’s Daughters, particularly Inventions of the Heart, will recognize the setting of Two Harts Ranch and the Hart siblings who factor prominently in this new series, but if you haven’t read those books yet you’ll be fine starting with Whispers of Fortune.

It might sound a bit ‘on the nose’ to say that heroine Ellie Hart has a big heart, but she absolutely does. Along with an intelligent mind, a resilient spirit, an intrinsic generosity, and an engaging personality that makes her easy to befriend. In short, Brody MacKenzie can’t help but be immediately drawn to her (even if he does at first think she kidnapped his brothers) and neither can readers. Brody’s education as a doctor comes in handy at the sprawling ranch, and I really enjoyed his calm bedside manner as he tended to a variety of patients (more than you’d expect on one ranch, but this isn’t a typical ranch). This New York/Boston guy has a lot to learn about life in the California West though, making for some amusing fish-out-of-water adjustments. And his brothers! Oh they’re a lovable handful with their treasure-hunting dreams and their determination to redeem (and discover) their family legacy. Of course, where there’s a treasure to hunt, complications inevitably surface, and the several that crop up in this first leg of the hunt add some very intriguing layers that I’m eager to watch play out in the books to come.

Bottom Line: Nobody writes witty frontier romances like Mary Connealy, and Whispers of Fortune made me smile with its sweet-and-swoony romance, layered characters, and exciting search for a mysterious treasure. I also loved the intriguing foundation it set for the rest of the series, ensuring I’ll be counting down the days until book two releases (especially because it features Josh whom I found particularly swoony even though he wasn’t the focus of this novel). Not to mention that Two Harts Ranch and the California Wild West came alive under Connealy’s talent for setting a scene and made me want to book a trip there post haste, were such a thing possible. (Albeit a quick visit though…in winter… I need my air conditioning haha!) Another fun and madcap adventure from one of the masters!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

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.

I enjoyed this story of family and hunting for hidden treasure in 1875 California. Brody MacKenzie is on a mission to find his two younger brothers, get them to stop their foolish treasure hunt, and return them to Boston so he can begin his work as a doctor. What he doesn’t expect is to find a large ranch that houses and educates orphans, his brothers happy, a community that needs his doctoring skills, and Ellie Hart. As he spends time with his brothers and the Hart family working and hunting for the treasure he realizes that his future may not be in Boston after all. This is a story of family, loyalty, helping others, and love. I liked the Two Harts Ranch and the way everyone was encouraged to discover their strengths and let it guide their future. Plus the women of the ranch were given the same encouragement and were an integral part of it. There was just the right amount of danger as they hunted for the treasure. The romance between Brody and Ellie was lovely to watch develop. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy their sweet romances to have a touch of adventure.