Pearls

by Lisa Mills

When graduate student Isabel Palmer moves to her mother’s native country of Venezuela to finish her Masters degree, her grandmother presents her with a priceless piece of family history—the journal of her ancestor, a sixteenth century Spanish sailor, one of the first Europeans to walk Venezuela's Pearl Coast. Fascinated by the eloquent entries and romantic story within its pages, she begins translating the journal with the help of Archaeologist Manuel Santiago, which leads to a brush with romance and a search for stolen treasure. But the closer she gets to the pearls, the more danger she encounters. Her partners’ questionable motives and personal agendas keep her guessing about who she can trust right up until the expedition’s climactic ending.

Genres: Romance, Adventure, Contemporary, Christian

252 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Lisa Mills spent ten years working as a freelance writer, penning devotions, book reviews, a biography, and much more. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as “Today’s Christian Woman” and “Brio.” She’s also contributed short stories to several anthologies aimed at encouraging families of special-needs children.

She has three novels published with more under contract.

She lives in the Michiana area with her husband and their blended family of five kids, who come and go at random, a fat cat, and a large dog with an over-abundance of personality, and a flock of spoiled chickens.

Reviews

[Sarah]

I gave up at 45% even though I was enjoying aspects of this book. There had already been a few references that I felt were unnecessary (although historical facts). While the writing was pretty good and the historical mystery was interesting, the romance ended up making me throw in the towel. Isabelle starts out dating a guy who ends up being no good and then she is kissing another guy and letting him hold her hand and such and wondering if she likes her. This kind of thing in books has bothered me for years but since getting married, I can't stand it. I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be kissing and romantically touching each other if you aren't even thinking about a relationship. I understand some people's standards are different than mine, but as a Christian, I feel that going around kissing and touching when you aren't even dating is a problem.

[Tracy Krauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearls by Lisa Mills is everything a good book should be. Romance, intrigue, mystery, buried treasure – this is one book I’d like to see made into a movie. It has all the right trappings for it. Isabel Palmer has moved to Venezuela to discover herself. Her mother, a native Venezuelan moved to the US for love. Now Isabel wants to discover her roots and is living as an exchange student. Her maternal Grandmother gives her a precious gift – a five hundred year old diary that has been in the family for centuries. Isabel becomes intrigued with the mystery surrounding her ancestor, Rodrigo Valesquez and begins the task of translating the ancient document into modern language. She manages to acquire the help of local professor of archeology, Manuel Santiago. What they discover set them on a quest for buried treasure and a discovery about love and faith. To complicate matters, Isabel’s boyfriend Raul, a wealthy business man, sponsors the expedition. But danger lurks and soon Isabel isn’t sure which man she can trust. This book was excellent on so many levels. Not only was it well written, but I loved the way the actual story from the journal was woven into the modern day story. I highly recommend this book and I’ll be the first to recommend it as the next romantic suspense blockbuster.

[Patricia Strefling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start Lisa Mills draws you in for an adventurous ride through the dusty streets of Venezuela. Isabel finds herself caught up with two men, one treasure and plenty of action! If you want to experience intrigue and romance in one sitting...this is the book for you. Great descriptive scenes...an excellent read.

[Jennifer Layte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite genre, but I got drawn in anyway. Kind of a Christian mash-up of Romancing the Stone (without the cannabis) and Indiana Jones (without Harrison Ford). I agree with Jen below that it's a bit "naive" or maybe just a little self-censored, which makes certain things somewhat less believable. But it was a fun read, and I liked the setting.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 500 year old Spanish journal describes the love between a Spanish sailor and a woman captured as a slave whom he rescues. This book has
everything-- a family's tale, hidden treasure, a naive young woman, a dashing man, a grumpy professor, members of the mob, and God..

No sex
Violence mentioned in passing

[Jen_C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This woman was TSTL & too naive for my taste but fans of Christian fiction will probably enjoy this book.

[Alison]

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