What is To Treasure an Heiress all about? Here’s the scoop:
Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family’s property, she’s found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.
Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth’s search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can’t help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.
As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise–the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?
To Treasure an Heiress is the most fun historical fiction story I’ve read in a long time! With a long-lost pirate treasure and the race to find it by titled characters on a tropical English island, you’d think this story would be nothing more than a fun beach read – but description couldn’t be more wrong.
Because it is definitely fun. I love the way that Beth and Sheridan play with words. I love Mamm-Wynn’s mysterious knowledge and the way that she cares for people. I love the way that the unique assortment of British titles and beachy islanders work together to solve the clues left behind by this long-lost pirate and friends.
But it’s also much more than that. There are really important life lessons that everyone should know inside – whether because they’re needing to learn them personally or simply because they’re important truths. Things like: God’s forgiveness and redemption is complete. Sin can’t permanently stain the sinner unless allowed to do so. God’s plans are loving, forward-looking, and for our good. Listen to those internal whispers – it might be the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God works in mysterious ways, ways beyond our comprehension. Choose your friends, family, and mates by what’s inside – not by the beautiful packaging. Truth and kindness are always right.
What really makes To Treasure an Heiress shine like all that piratical gold is the way that White packages these lessons. The characters learn their lessons from their experiences within the story, from conversations with each other, and from self-reflection. There are so many quoteable lines in the book – but it isn’t preachy. There’s never a time where one of these people are lecturing another on what they should do, but there are natural conversations that flow from the story. There are moments of self-reflection, of prayer, and I love the way that these convey the message while moving the story forward.
Because this story really moves. With men overboard, boat races, treasure hunts, archeological discoveries, fist fights and martial arts, you’ll never be bored – and that’s not accounting for the emotional drama and spiritual lessons that unfold rapidly throughout the pages.
So whether or not historical fiction is your thing, To Treasure an Heiress is definitely a top read of 2022 – and a favorite in this genre. Give it a try – you’re going to love it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Read my full review of The Nature of a Lady, the first in The Secrets of the Isles, here.
