Golden State Treasure Series by Mary Connealy

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... moreIn 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. less

On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds? After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure... moreOn a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds? After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben's sudden interest in finding her. When Ben's motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map's secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead. A clean, witty, action-packed Western romance highlighting the bonds of family and the quest to belong. Fans of cowboy heroes, frontier romances, and hijinks adventure will be captivated. less

When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie's family's ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance... moreWhen an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie's family's ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance.The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family to Two Harts soon has everyone focused on what other precious finds might await at the end of the legendary two-part map. As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more perilous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods.This riveting conclusion to Mary Connealy's Golden State Treasure series is a rousing California wilderness adventure filled with danger, deception, and second chances. less