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.
My Thoughts:
This story started out with Ellie dropping her favorite bowl at the banging of a fist on her door and the angry shouts of a man. That man was Brody MacKenzie, a man trying to locate his two runaway brothers. I have to say that was quite a beginning sentence, and sets up a story full of treasure hunting, familial bonds, danger, and of course, romance.
Ellie and her family run a ranch and orphanage to give orphaned kids an education and teach them a skill so that they have a chance in life. This is where newly minted doctor, Brody finds his brothers thriving after running away from their abusive late father. Intent on taking them back home to Boston to fulfill a promise and pay back a debt, Brody never imagines he would be up against Ellie and her family. They actually care what happens to his wayward brothers despite their mischievous ways and treasure hunting. And if Brody was willing, they also have a need for a doctor.
I liked both Ellie and Brody and knew they would make a great match. Brody is a loving older brother, cares for the patients, and is a man of his word. Ellie has a servant's heart and loves unconditionally. Brody and Ellie agree to help one another in the doctoring and the treasure hunting and in doing so the inevitable happens and they fall in love. However, neither one of them are aware of a danger lurking in the shadows, watching and waiting to strike.
This is a great start to a new series. I was a little confused at first as there seemed to be some stories that I missed concerning some of the characters, like this wasn't the first in the series. I had to check and sure enough this seems to be following another series that I haven't had the pleasure of reading yet. Once this story gets going it stands well on its own.
I was provided a copy of this novel by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
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