To Treasure an Heiress

Title: To Treasure an Heiress
Author: Roseanna M. White
Series: The Secrets of the Isles, book 2
Major Themes: Mysteries, Archaeology, Treasure Hunts, Romance
Synopsis: As she hunts for famed pirate treasure, Beth must figure out how to protect those she loves while staying one step ahead of those with less-than-noble intentions who are also searching for it.

Having enjoyed Roseanna M. White’s books for a good five-plus years now, it was a no-brainer to pick up To Treasure an Heiress when I had a chance to read it. I love the way she writes her mysteries—gripping, but not too full of the icky stuff that often comes along with mysteries. This series, especially, is almost what I’d call “cozy” mysteries—there are higher stakes at times, but nothing bordering the suspense line. It’s a treasure hunt, and watching the characters grow to know themselves and each other better while hunting for treasure is both fun and entertaining.

Beth Tremayne is a determined island woman. She doesn’t dream of staying here all her life—no, one day she will travel the world and discover all the sights she can only dream of now. But right now, she’s got a quest to take, and treasure to find. All her life, she’s heard stories from her parents, grandparents, and other villagers of the treasure hidden in the Isles of Scilly, and now she’s determined to find them—if she doesn’t, the greedy Scofields will find and take it all, and the treasure will be lost forever. Beth has spent too much time searching now to give up the fight, even if the Scofields were to be trusted—but what should she do about an overeager archeologist who is determined to help her, but has only managed to cause havoc so far? With trouble brewing and the Scofield’s net thrown even further than she anticipated, time may just be an obstacle they can’t overcome.

To Treasure an Heiress isn’t my favorite of White’s books, although it wasn’t for lack of strong characters or a good mystery. I was hoping for more of a focus on the mystery and historical period, but the romance became more dominant at times. That was tastefully done, and I wasn’t ever tempted to skip pages because of the description . . . but romance just became more of a focal point than I generally prefer. In saying that, though, the way one character handled the romance (especially in the beginning) kept me cracking up. They were so serious about it—and oblivious at the way it came across!

If you enjoy sweet romance combined with a gripping (but not gruesome) mystery, I’d recommend this book. The world-building was excellent, the characters clever, the writing style spot-on, and the setting delightful. I’m glad I got to read it, even though it doesn’t top my favorites by White, The Number of Love and On Wings of Devotion. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: There’s a kiss in the prologue (a married couple), and an unmarried couple kisses in ch. 12 (also an arm around the waist). A man takes a woman’s elbow in ch. 16, a hand in ch. 17, there’s a kiss in ch. 18, a woman lands on a man’s lap in ch. 21 and there is more kissing, more kissing in 22 (including neck) and 25, a man strokes a woman’s fingers in ch. 26, a couple hold hands and kiss in ch. 27, a man catches a woman around the waist in ch. 28, and a couple hold hands and kiss in ch. 30. A woman thinks about how she gave herself to a man after he seduced her in ch. 3, 12, and 26; this is a reoccurring memory and sometimes a discussion through the book. Women are seen wearing dresses that draw attention to their figures in ch. 23.

“By Jove” is used in ch. 1; blast or a variant is used in ch. 1, 4, 5, 7, 9 (twice), 12, 14, 21, 22, 24, 27, 29 (twice), and 30; dratted or a variant is used in ch. 2, 14, and 16; gracious is used in ch. 3, 4, 7, 8, 21, and 23; “for heaven’s sake” is used in ch. 6; blighted or a variant is used in ch. 6, 9, 12, 13, 18, and 24; “to the devil” or a variant is used in ch. 6, 9, 24, and 27; swear or swore is used in ch. 8, 16, 17 (twice), 21, and 24; “good Lord above” is used in ch. 8; crikey is used in ch. 9; curse is used in ch. 12 and 30; blimey is used in ch. 12 and 26; blazes is used in ch. 24 (twice); goodness is used in ch. 28; and “good heavens” is used in ch. 28. There is lying in ch. 3, 17, and 29. There is a fight in ch. 7 and a woman gets trapped and could have died in ch. 16.