Hold on for a fast and furious love story/treasure hunt/mystery! Legends of Gold picks up right where Book 1 Whispers of Fortune leaves off. (These definitely need to be read as a set, more like one long story divided into three parts!) Tilda and Josh fall in love at warp speed, but gosh are they cute together, all awkward and sweet. Offering to protect Tilda from her questionable family by marrying her swiftly and decisively, Josh can’t believe his good fortune when she says yes. And his love awakens dreams long buried in Tilda’s heart. The quest for the MacKenzie Treasure takes them all on an adventure. We also discover how Brody and Ellie are doing, what Brody’s rascal brothers are up to now, and for fans of the Lumber Baron’s Daughters series, we get a nice dose of Zane and Michelle in this one too.

Fun and fast-paced, Legends of Gold is another great read from Mary Connealy and I love that this series follows up the Lumber Baron’s Daughters story arc with stories for all of Zane’s siblings. Looking forward to the finale.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours via NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

Josh doesn't know a lot about women or marriage as evidenced by this statement, "Then let me do the thinking. In fact, let's have that as a rule for the rest of our lives. That how marriages are supposed to be" (location 816). Thankfully, he didn't press in on that. Still, I appreciated how far he was willing to go to protect Tilda.

Tilda has some gumption. I liked her. She had an awful past and now part of that past is catching up to her. She has to figure out what is right and true.

The hunt for treasure continues in this book. I enjoyed watching them track down leads. The story ended too soon for me. I'll look forward to continuing the adventure in the next book.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

After meeting all the players in Whispers of Fortune and the launch of their old Spanish treasure hunt in the rugged California mountains, I was eager to press on with next installment, Legends of Gold. Mary Connealy combines down home tone, fascinating western historical setting, inspirational values, and intriguing character growth and relationships in her tales.

Legends of Gold is book two of the Golden State Treasure series that introduces the next romance pair with former sailor, Josh Hart and orphaned Tilda Muirhead while continuing the ongoing story of the Mackenzies and Westbrooks’ search for treasure. The Golden State Treasure is connected to the Lumber Baron’s Daughters trilogy and share the same world with Michelle Styles and Zane Hart the romance pair of Inventions of the Heart being strong secondary characters in this newer series.

Tilda and Josh were secondary characters in the first book. Tilda followed the two youngest Mackenzie brothers west on an Orphan Train and felt responsible to find them. She herself was an orphan picked up off the streets of New York and eventually adopted by a family looking more for free labor than a daughter. Her tender heart tracks the boys to the Two Hart Ranch where she learns of the generous family who run a school and training program for orphans to live country life and gain knowledge and skills in a wholesome environment. Tilda no sooner sees the program than she feels at home and welcomes the chance to be part of it. Josh Hart, former sailor turned cowboy and orphan wrangler, has stood her protector and friend and she welcomes the attraction they share as well.

Alongside Tilda’s settling in continues the scampish Mackenzie young brothers’ need to press forward and follow their grandfather’s treasure map. They are joined in their excitement by their grandfather’s old partner, Mr. Westbrook and his grandson, Cord, a very pregnant Michelle, and Josh and Tilda.
Brody and Ellie promised to help before they must fulfill his duty to the retiring man who sponsored him by partnering him in his Boston medical practice, but Brody is struggling to recover from a bullet wound received in the earlier effort to find the family treasure and thwart thieves. Josh and Tilda step in for Brody.
Tilda is a history buff and Michelle knows Spanish so they help decipher the clues within the artifacts already found, the map, the journal, and the extra pages of notes. The treasure hunt looks to move forward, but again, complications come when Tilda gets a stunning surprise from her past and a ruthless person determined to have their way.

Legends of Gold expands to include Brody and Ellie’s ongoing story while also adding in Josh and Tilda’s part with her needing to learn the truth of her past while let go bitter feelings about her past even as Josh wisely promotes the ‘trust but verify’ version of thought. Strong additional plot threads are present with the younger Mackenzie’s dangerous fixation on the treasure like their obsessed father that threatens to put Spanish gold in priority over their family, Michelle’s pregnancy, and a rising whiff of attraction between two more characters, Annie Hart Lane and Cord Westbrook. The historical elements of Conquistador treasure hunt are a rich and tantalizing central plot thread I really enjoyed.

So much is going on, but it winds together perfectly in one cohesive story. I am eager to press on to the final stage of the story for the extended Hart and Mackenzie families. The light inspirational blended with historical and romance hit the spot and I recommend others stake their claim on this latest Mary Connealy series.

I really like this series. This one started slow for me but that could be because I was fairly distracted and had a hard time getting hooked into it. After that it gets better and the characters are fun. I had a hard time reading this on my NetGalley app. I have a hard time changing the font size and that could be part of my problem as well. I will continue to read the books in this series.

I loved this book by Mary Connealy! It is the second in the Golden State Treasure series. This book follows right after the events of the first book. I couldn't put it down! I love the loyal, intertwined, big family that embraces new family members with open arms and love. (To learn more about the Stiles, Hart, and Mackensies check out Mary's previous series)

Connealy once again provides a humorous, romantic adventure; this time combined with a treasure hunt. I am impatiently waiting for the next book!

This is a clean, Christian, romance, historical fiction novel. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC from Baker Book House. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Legend of Gold is the second in the series and is a satisfying sequel, and readers who enjoy investing in characters will surely enjoy this read. The continuation of the great treasure hunt continues, and new romance ensues. This reader was certainly excited to get back to the Two Harts ranch and see if the treasure had been discovered. Readers of the first entry of this series will not be disappointed and will eagerly await the conclusion this Fall. Recommended for romance fans and those who like a little treasure hunt. This reader is eagerly awaiting the conclusion!

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

Are you ready for another romantic cowboy comedy from Mary Connealy? A chance to travel back to a time when the Western frontier was still untamed, when good guys wore white hats and villains deserved to wear black. This book's for you! Legends of Gold continues the treasure hunt that began in "Whispers of Fortune", as a New York teacher arrives at the Two Hearts Ranch looking for the orphaned brothers who escaped an Orphan Train to search for their grandfather's lost treasure. What follows is an adventure filled with danger, suspense, and a sweet connection between Tilda Muirhead and Josh Hart. Would it be possible for a big-city teacher to adapt to life on a California ranch?

Connealy's female characters are always strong and capable, but Tilda's past contains an unknown secret. Looks like she needs protection from a strong hero, and Josh appears to be the man! I also enjoyed that several characters from previous books are mentioned in Legends of Gold. I loved this reunion with the Stiles sisters, aka The Lumber Baron's Daughters!

Looking for Western adventure with humor, romance, a treasure hunt, and pure inspiration? Grab a copy of Legends of Gold, the second book of the Golden State Treasure series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

Tilda Muirhead, fresh from New York City, takes a teaching job at Two Harts Ranch, where she finds herself caught up in the mischievous treasure hunt of two young brothers and the sudden appearance of a man claiming to be her long-lost sibling. As doubts about his intentions grow, Tilda joins rancher Josh Hart and the boys on a journey through the wilderness to uncover the truth behind a mysterious map. The second book in the Golden State Treasure Series, readers might want to check out the first book, Whispers of Fortune, in order to appreciate this second installment more thoroughly. Blending romance, danger, and the search for belonging, this Western adventure is perfect for fans of historical fiction about frontier life and treasure hunting.

The treasure hunt continues in book 2 of this series. Definitely a series where you need to read each book as they build on each other. I look forward to the conclusion in book 3 this fall!

Thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for the ARC--all opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored everything about this book. I actually liked it better than the first one in the series.

Returning to Two Harts Ranch, reconnecting with characters from the first one and meeting Tilda and new characters was exciting.. I mean the excitement that Tilda brings is nonstop, not always in a good way..

I loved how the love between her and Josh grew so quickly and actually necessary.

Overall, this one has me hooked from beginning to end. Do yours a favor and grab both books before the third one Iis released.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Wow!!! Runaway’s, hidden maps, and treasures oh my!
Tilda Muirhead has left New York to search for the missing boys Thane and Lochlan MacKenzie from the Orphan Train she was supervising. Her search lands her on Two Hart’s Ranch in CA. The boys are continuing their search for their missing treasure found within the pages of their grandfather journal.
Tilde plans to return to NY are changing when offered a teaching job on the ranch.
Josh Hart is not the man she thought she would ever be interested in but she is learning there is more than Josh than just a cowboy. Turns out he is the best tracker around!
An interesting turn is Tilde is not the orphan she has been told she was but her family is rather sneaking and suspicious in their unusual interest which makes for some trouble.
Will the boy’s find the treasure and Tilde the truth and can Josh help them all?
Pick up a copy and see!!!!
Definitely best 2nd in a series edition I have ever read!
I was issued a ARC by NetGalley and the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All views expressed are solely mine.

Picking in the wake of the previous book in the series, the Mackenzie boys are still searching for the treasure, and Tilda accepts a teaching position at Hart Ranch.

A full cast of characters and storylines with a lot going on a building on the foundation of the previous book, so you miss a lot if you skip to this book. Tilda has never known her family, so when someone comes into her life claiming to be a long lost family member, she is intrigued. Josh Hart is worried about Tilda, and that the promises she is being made are not true, but I liked how he stood by her and helped her search for answers. There are also strong themes of faith and family throughout.

I liked that it includes the couple from the previous story, and continues their story as well. There is a lot going on, and a lot of characters with connecting threads. I'm excited to see how it all turns out in the final book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Second in the Golden State Treasures series, this book is best read after book one because it continues the quest for a treasure that the MacKenzie brothers are hunting.
The brothers and friends are following a map that their grandfather left them but that leads to trouble and injuries that stall their search. Home base is Two Harts Ranch which is a refuge for orphans including a school run by familiar characters from other series by Ms. Connealy.
Tilda Muirhead has agreed to teach at the ranch but trouble arrives on the train in the form of an unknown, long-lost relative. Josh Hart steps in to rescue this damsel in distress. The author deftly weaves connections together in interesting ways and more than one romance is furthered in the process all with a good dose of her signature humor and solid spiritual representation.
I cannot wait for the third book when finding the treasure is sure to be another impressive story.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

"Men are honorable...They face up to trouble. They help when the family needs help."

I loved this book, it was the second installment in the Golden State Treasure series. Mary Connealy writes fantastic books set in the west, and this one lives up to her reputation. The last book (Whispers of Fortune) ended with a treasure hunt, and the second book picks up right where it left off. Tilda, who you meet in Book 1, reveals more of her past in the book and I found it very fun to read. I loved the comments (see the quote above) that Josh made about being a man, and this guided the rest of the book as different characters faced their individual challenges. This, combined with Tilda and her tenuous relationship with someone trying to connect her with her birth family, made for a fantastic story!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

Some treasures don’t glitter. They’re not locked behind puzzle pieces or buried beneath the ground.
They’re found in calling. In community. In the unexpected welcome of a family who wasn’t chasing riches — just living faithfully. And that? That’s priceless.

Tilda Muirhead wasn’t seeking fortune. She wasn’t even seeking a future — just trying to do the next right thing. “I felt like I had a true calling from God to ride on the orphan trains. He put it in my heart to care for orphans after I became one.”

That calling runs through Legends of Gold like a steady current — even when the road is dangerous, her past gets tangled with her present, and trust is hard-earned. This story entertained me and it stirred something in me. Because how often do we think we need to be bold or brilliant, when what God really asks for is quiet obedience?

“She didn’t want to be shoved into this perfectly lovely room and left alone.” That line is lingering in my soul. Because haven’t we all been there? In a place that looks beautiful on the outside… but our heart just isn’t ready to rest?

Tilda’s journey isn’t flashy. It’s faithful. And it reminded me: God doesn’t waste our wandering. Her hesitations, her prayers, her questions — they’re all held. And Josh Hart? A quiet, steady, God-honoring presence. Protective. Funny. The kind of man who doesn’t try to steal the spotlight… just points the way toward peace.

“Loving and forgiving your enemies surely wasn’t the same thing as trusting your enemies, was it? She’d have to pray about that.” Real. Honest. Impactful.

This book made me smile more than once. It made me pause. And it made me remember — sometimes the greatest treasures aren’t gold or maps or mysteries. They’re the people who choose you. The calling God whispers into your heart. And the faith that carries you when you don’t know what’s next.

Legends of Gold is about the deeper discovery: the greatest treasure we’ll ever find is the One who never stops pursuing us. The one, true, living God who is worth seeking, sharing, following, and holding onto with all your heart.

I received a digital copy ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

The Golden State Treasure series is shaping up to be a favorite series for me for Mary Connealy. I love the lost treasure elements and that we are seeing familiar faces from another beloved series of Mary’s. This installment was really intriguing with Tilda’s backstory being revealed and what that adds to the treasure hunt aspects. I can’t wait to see the conclusion in book 3!

I received a copy of this book from the author and also pre-ordered my own audiobook copy. I was not required to post a positive opinion and all thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars

I love every book I’ve read by Mary Connealy, and all the reasons can be found in Legends of Gold – her trademark wit and swoony take on ‘true-hearted cowboys falling in love with feisty women’ foremost among them. This story picks up just about right where Whispers of Fortune left off, and while you COULD read this as a standalone if you insist on doing so, you’ll enjoy it even more if you’ve read that first book … well… first. You’ll feel better oriented to the ranch, the characters, and the ongoing treasure plot right from the beginning, but the author does catch you up just fine.

The Harts and the MacKenzies have truly laid claim on my heart – this author has such a gift for creating characters that come vividly to life and feel like dear friends – and it was a pleasure watching Tilda become so easily absorbed into their family. We met Tilda in book one – the orphan train worker sent to find the runaway MacKenzie brothers – but Connealy really did save the best layers of Tilda’s story to be revealed in Legends of Gold. And boy did it take some turns I wasn’t expecting, which raised the suspenseful tension in the story (and, by default, the romantic tension too) and kept me turning the pages. Supporting her through every unexpected twist is sailor-turned-rancher Josh Hart, a character I found quite swoony in book one … and in this story too. The chemistry between Josh and Tilda sparks and sizzles from the beginning (after leaving me laughing out loud over Josh’s initial foot-in-mouth fumbles), and their developing romance had me grinning like a besotted schoolgirl through most of the story.

Bottom Line: Legends of Gold is quintessential Mary Connealy, and I loved every minute of it! History-loving Tilda adds so much to the series-wide treasure hunt arc, and the surprising drama that follows her to California keeps the stakes high when it comes to who she can or can’t trust. And while I love how independent she is, I also couldn’t ask for a better match for Tilda than Josh – he’s the perfect blend of protective and flirty while still letting her be a true equal. When I wasn’t grinning or swooning, I was chuckling at the author’s perfect comedic timing and droll humor – or holding my breath during the more adventurous and suspenseful moments. This is such a fun series and, oof, reading the teaser included at the end for book three has me very impatient for October when Annie & Cord’s story releases! Legends of Gold was a delight to read, and if you need a reason to smile these days this novel will fit the bill.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

In 1874 the legends of fantastical gold finds were the stuff dreams were made of and the young MacKensie boys were no different than any other young men with gold fever in their veins. Were there more coins out there and if there were, could they find them? All they needed was the other half of the map.

Tilda Muirhead had been tasked with finding home for the children on her orphan train, but the MacKensie boys had their own ideas. Finding them at Two Harts Ranch was just the beginning. An unknown brother turns up and sets his mind on returning Tilda to NYC - but is he really her brother?
Add plenty of excitement, an unbelievable archeological find and more and you will not set this installment of the Golden State Treasures aside before the end, and that will leave you waiting for the next one. An early copy was gratefully received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

Legends of Gold
by Mary Connealy
Pub Date: June 17, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I finished the first book in the Golden State Treasure book last week, and was so grateful that I could jump right into the next, Legends of Gold. This series is so good!~

This second book is Josh and Tilde’s story and picks up right where the first book left off. We get to catch up with Brody and Ellie and the boys, and also come to know other characters on the ranch better. On that note–definitely do not try to read this book as a stand-alone!
I wished that this story focused a bit more on the treasure hunt, but I know we will get much more of that when the third and final book of the series releases later this year in October. This story gives a lot of background on Tilde’s character and her life, which we find out is very important to the overall story and treasure. The family mystery/drama between Tilde and the family she didn’t know she had also kept me on the edge of my seat.
I highly recommend this book and series!!

Mary Connealy has done it again. As the search for McKenzie's treasure continues, we meet Tilda Muirhead and Josh Hart. This book is filled with enough drama and mystery to keep you reading until the very last page.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.