Armando's Treasure

Second Chances #6

by Melody Carlson

Dora Chase is an eighty-year-old widow whose family finds her frustratingly independent. Armando Garcia is a young man who has a propensity for taking the easy way--even if it means flirting with crime. When they meet, neither realizes how much their lives will be changed. Together this unlikely pair journeys toward hope and healing.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Fiction

418 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2012

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quickie Review

I've never mentioned this on Goodreads before, but...I often call elderly people from my church--including some shut-ins--to check in with them and see how they're doing. Most of them are very sprightly and fun to talk with. I mention that because the character of Dora reminded me of those folks; she didn't let her age or condition bring her down! Armando is also a admirable character; one who has spent his whole life trying to shake off his rough past. Fans of Christian fiction will definitely enjoy this one; I know I did!

Score: 4/5

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written book. Enjoyed the story line. This book is a good for anyone to read that may be struggling with their faith, questioning their faith and just wondering if there is something else out there. I liked how the author was able to write the story without all the usual swearing that so many books have in them. You actually rooted for Armando when he was struggling between right and wrong. Got a little upset with Dora when she would call him "boy" after he asked her not too. But, these two came to trust one another, lean on each other and respect each other as time went on. But, when it all hit the fan, he did what so many do, instead of staying and facing the truth, knowing that perhaps no one would believe the truth, he took off. But, because people did believe in him and wanted to know the truth, they came to look for him and help him face the troubles that were facing him. In the end, he, Dora and Olivia, Dora's granddaughter, all learned to renew their faith even though they had it all along, but was questioning so much. I would recommend this book to anyone that maybe having trouble. I would like to read more about Armando and Olivia, their life together, if his landscaping business took off. Perhaps sometime down the road, the author may come out with a book about them.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this story begins, Armando Garcia, who has been hitch-hiking from Los Angeles to make a fresh start in Treasure, OR, comes upon an old beat-up truck and considers hot-wiring it. He's stopped by an 81-year-old grandmother who has spent much of her day in the emergency room getting a cast on her broken arm.

Due in part to the influence of his deceased grandmother, Abuela Maria, Armando ends up staying a while with the temporarily disabled Dora, taking care of her and running interference with Dora's son Charlie (who wants to send Dora to a nursing home and sell her farm).

At first Armando looks on this arrangement as only a way to get meals and a place to lay his head at night; but he becomes increasingly interested in gardening/farming, and agrees to a lengthier stay with Dora.

Along the way, Armando deals with people treating him in a stereotypical way ("dirty Mexican") and helps Dora deal with her family problems (a son who was never interested in farming and seemed to loathe his deceased father, and a granddaughter with a drug problem. Armando and Dora both come to know Jesus and lean on him for help, and Dora learns to forgive her family and realize her own part in their troubles.

A very interesting book -- with a surprising ending...

[Elizabeth Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time not blasting through Armando's Treasure, because I was caught up in the character's lives. The characters were written as everyday people and the plotline happens all over America, everyday.
I'm not sure when Armando's Treasure was written, but it is relevant to today's political climate.
Starting out, I did not realize the book had Christian themes, but appreciated how honest Melody Carlson wrote.
Armando's Treasure values Christianity, but at the same time calls out Christians for overt racism. Are illegal immigrants welcomed in mainstream churches? How are people treated in church or by churchgoers who don't speak English? When church goers see "Spanish looking people" do they even try to include them in the general community or do they look down on them?
Melody Carlson also included an interracial love story, which of course I enjoyed!
Kudos Melody Carlson!

[Lisa Monroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story but dropped a star for the simple fact that I was irritated at the verbiage used by Armando and that of his Tio Pedro. I’m Mexican-American from Ca. Lived in Bay Area and LA area my whole life. Coincidentally, My son’s name is Armando which drew my eye to this book. That being said, I never ever heard a Mexican or Mexican American use words like “she’s loco” “gracias no” and worst of all “ vamoose!” Just to name a few. If your gonna write about someone of a different culture please do the research . Although laughable it could have been more believable. Overall a good story.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story. Prejudice and pain, but second chances and forgiveness. I read it on vacation and it was an enjoyable, easy read.

[Angela Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much!!!!!!

[Tracy Mbemba Bidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story about friendship and forgiveness.

[Amy Roelant]

Always enjoy this writer. A little too CF even for me.

[PottWab Regional Library]

E

[Arna Peelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming book about an elderly woman (Dora) who still lives on the small farm that her husband worked when he was alive. A young, troubled Hispanic guy (Armando) trying to escape his own problems wanders onto Dora's farm and ends up helping her in many different ways. Through it all, Armando also discovers things about himself that change his life. Another part of the story involves Dora's estranged son and her beloved granddaughter.

You can't help but love feisty Dora as well as young Armando as he struggles with following his old way of life or becoming the person he knows he should be. A wonderful story.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dora Chase is an independent 80-year old widow living on a farm in Treasure, Oregon. She has recently fallen and broken her arm and her son wants to move her to a care facility.
Armando Garcia is a young man on the run from California and ends up in Treasure. Through an encounter over attempting to steal Dora's truck, neither realizes how much their lives will be changed by this event.
Years ago I read several books by Melody Carlson so I picked this one up for a beach read in Kauai. It was well written, faith-based but it was a bit predictable and a little to Hallmark-ish for my taste. BUT, a good vacation read.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not bad. I liked how it wasn't as preachy as some Christian fiction can be, but I knew how the story would end after reading a couple of chapters into it. I guess I mainly finished the book to make sure I was right, and yep, sure was. I would give this 2.5 stars if I could, but I can't. It filled up some time I had during lunch and it wasn't too over the top with the romance relationship that you knew was coming. Quick read when nothing else catches your eye.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book by an author that I really love right now. It was different then her diary of a teenager books but still good. The main character is on the run from the law in California and ends up in Oregon. He thinks about stealing a truck. Until an old women catches him and he helps her out. They both help each other in the end and they both fulfill their dreams. It was a nice story.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about the friendship of a young man and an old woman. I loved that the story took place on an old farm.

[Fartun Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story. Filled me with hope.

[Camie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a little slow but I just had a feeling if I hung in there I would be rewarded. You will need tissue for the end....

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an AMAZING book! I would highly recommend it. Very touching and inspiring

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think both men and women would enjoy this story equally. I highly recommend it.

[Greg Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is an absolute must read ! i loved it and have read it four times.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about second chances, family interactions and forgiveness. Most characters were likeable. Minus one star for being too "preachy" in places.

[Mary Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit predictable, but enjoyable. A pleasant diversion.