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The Treasures We Seek
Architect Kensington Ashbury loves her career and quiet life. Thanks to a rough breakup a year ago she has hunkered down in her comforts-mostly work, books, movies in her living room, and a glass of wine with her besties.
We're supposed to be happy, though, right? So we should fill our time with what we love ... even if it keeps us stuck in our comfort zones. Luckily, Kenzi's friend Lauren decides to shake up Kenzi's world even if she has to throw her on the plane herself. Together, they trek to Castel Gandolfo, Italy, to take part in an archaeological dig, right before Kenzi's work and family obligations are set to send her screaming for the safety of her couch. (But that's pretty standard around Christmas, right?)
Together in Italy, they mine the Roman Empire's past as Kenzi struggles to master her anxiety surrounding the upcoming family holiday and a huge project at work-the new headquarters for designer Divya Shanti.
Will the history buried in the earth help Kenzi make peace with her past and bravely step into a bigger, bolder life?
"Cori Wamsley's novel effortlessly transports readers to a time of genuine self-discovery, when we experience revelations about life as we are living it. With a vibrant and energetic tone, Wamsley imparts the thrill of introspection, gracefully sharing life's insights without prescription. The narrative beautifully weaves history, culture, and architecture together with a thread of serendipity, into a rich Italian tapestry that mirrors the multi-dimensional experience of individual exploration and adventure. Wamsley's blend of wisdom and wit creates an engaging, educational, and enchanting treasure well worth digging into."
Amy Hooper Hanna, CEO of AhHA! Coaching & Consulting, and Co-author of For She Who Practical Wisdom for Living Hope
"When Kenzi decides to take a whirlwind trip to Italy-to work at an archeological site-she has no way of knowing that she'll dig up far more than just priceless artifacts. She'll also unearth a more authentic version of herself. The Treasures We Seek is a warm, thoughtful, and powerfully quiet story of self-actualization. Readers who struggle with prioritizing their own needs instead of everyone else's will find much to love in this book. So will readers who appreciate breaking out of routines and trying things that are wholly and thrillingly new. The Treasures We Seek shows how letting our insecurities crumble like shards of pottery can be the first step in seeing everything finally come together."
Stacey Elza, Author of Falling Lessons
We're supposed to be happy, though, right? So we should fill our time with what we love ... even if it keeps us stuck in our comfort zones. Luckily, Kenzi's friend Lauren decides to shake up Kenzi's world even if she has to throw her on the plane herself. Together, they trek to Castel Gandolfo, Italy, to take part in an archaeological dig, right before Kenzi's work and family obligations are set to send her screaming for the safety of her couch. (But that's pretty standard around Christmas, right?)
Together in Italy, they mine the Roman Empire's past as Kenzi struggles to master her anxiety surrounding the upcoming family holiday and a huge project at work-the new headquarters for designer Divya Shanti.
Will the history buried in the earth help Kenzi make peace with her past and bravely step into a bigger, bolder life?
"Cori Wamsley's novel effortlessly transports readers to a time of genuine self-discovery, when we experience revelations about life as we are living it. With a vibrant and energetic tone, Wamsley imparts the thrill of introspection, gracefully sharing life's insights without prescription. The narrative beautifully weaves history, culture, and architecture together with a thread of serendipity, into a rich Italian tapestry that mirrors the multi-dimensional experience of individual exploration and adventure. Wamsley's blend of wisdom and wit creates an engaging, educational, and enchanting treasure well worth digging into."
Amy Hooper Hanna, CEO of AhHA! Coaching & Consulting, and Co-author of For She Who Practical Wisdom for Living Hope
"When Kenzi decides to take a whirlwind trip to Italy-to work at an archeological site-she has no way of knowing that she'll dig up far more than just priceless artifacts. She'll also unearth a more authentic version of herself. The Treasures We Seek is a warm, thoughtful, and powerfully quiet story of self-actualization. Readers who struggle with prioritizing their own needs instead of everyone else's will find much to love in this book. So will readers who appreciate breaking out of routines and trying things that are wholly and thrillingly new. The Treasures We Seek shows how letting our insecurities crumble like shards of pottery can be the first step in seeing everything finally come together."
Stacey Elza, Author of Falling Lessons
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2026
About the author
Cori Wamsley
11 books13 followersCori Wamsley is a sweet romance author, writing coach, and publishing consultant who specializes in emotional arc storytelling and character driven fiction. Her novels explore identity, healing, and the courage it takes to begin again, blending heartfelt relationships with themes of personal transformation.
As the founder of Aurora Corialis Publishing, she helps authors develop clear, compelling narratives and build sustainable writing careers. With a background in editing, coaching, and small press publishing, Cori brings a holistic understanding of both craft and industry to her work. She is the author of Ashes and Other Inheritances, the upcoming Exactly What It Looks Like, and several earlier titles.
Cori lives in Pennsylvania with her family, where she continues to write stories that invite readers into emotional clarity, hope, and connection.
Connect with Cori at www.coriwamsley.com or on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
As the founder of Aurora Corialis Publishing, she helps authors develop clear, compelling narratives and build sustainable writing careers. With a background in editing, coaching, and small press publishing, Cori brings a holistic understanding of both craft and industry to her work. She is the author of Ashes and Other Inheritances, the upcoming Exactly What It Looks Like, and several earlier titles.
Cori lives in Pennsylvania with her family, where she continues to write stories that invite readers into emotional clarity, hope, and connection.
Connect with Cori at www.coriwamsley.com or on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 25, 2024
The best books are the ones with passages that hit me so deeply that I have to stop and reread them in order to reflect further. The Treasures We Seek is THAT kind of book.
Kenzi is a young woman who finds friendship, self-awareness, and courage when she steps out of her comfort zone and spends 3 weeks at an archeological dig in Italy. Author Cori Wamsley cleverly ties in themes about pain, loss, betrayal and tricky family dynamics both in the present and in the ancient past as Kenzi and her cohorts discover clues about the secret life of the troubled Roman queen, Domitia, who once inhabited the house that is now in ruins.
“Sometimes the treasures we seek aren’t the treasures we need.”
This passage may be simple, but it is going to stick with me for a long time because even simple words can teach profound lessons.
Highly recommend.
Kenzi is a young woman who finds friendship, self-awareness, and courage when she steps out of her comfort zone and spends 3 weeks at an archeological dig in Italy. Author Cori Wamsley cleverly ties in themes about pain, loss, betrayal and tricky family dynamics both in the present and in the ancient past as Kenzi and her cohorts discover clues about the secret life of the troubled Roman queen, Domitia, who once inhabited the house that is now in ruins.
“Sometimes the treasures we seek aren’t the treasures we need.”
This passage may be simple, but it is going to stick with me for a long time because even simple words can teach profound lessons.
Highly recommend.
March 9, 2026
Just finished reading this book after having purchased this recently at a local author event. I loved it. Interesting story about friendship and family, a dig in Italy, Pittsburgh home and a budding romance after recovering from a bad relationship. I admit that I was getting really frustrated with the main character’s insecurity to the point that I was rolling my eyes, but she redeemed herself….finally. Very nice story to read anytime of year despite referencing the Christmas holiday. I wanted to smell the lemons in Italy!
June 24, 2026
I've read several of Cori's books and I always enjoy her quirky characters and the adventures they get to go on. I related strongly with Kenzi as someone with anxiety who constantly second-guesses EVERYTHING. The lessons she learns as she steps out of her comfort and joins her friend on an archeological dig in Italy resonated a lot with me, and descriptions of all of the food and the locations made me feel like I was right there with her. All in all, this was an enjoyable read, and I'm excited to read more from Cori!
November 13, 2023
This is a gorgeous book about a woman's journey from overly self-conscious an anxious to discovering that she can not only trust herself to soar when she's using her talents but also trust others. She learns that it's ok to fail and ok to try again. I loved following Kenzi's story as she traveled halfway around the world to dig deep into herself!
March 15, 2026
I enjoyed this story a lot! I really related to the FMC in this book with her lack of confidence, overthinking and people pleasing. I loved her journey of self discovery set in beautiful Italy. I also loved how there was so much depth to the supporting characters! I always enjoy archeology stories so this was a great mix of that and friendship/family and a touch of romance!
March 12, 2025
Book Review: The Treasures We Seek by Cori Wamsley ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Treasures We Seek is a heartwarming, introspective journey that seamlessly blends history, self-discovery, and a touch of adventure. While I initially struggled to get into the story due to its slower beginning, by the end, I was thoroughly captivated and found myself really enjoying the ride.
The book follows Kenzi Ashbury, a woman who’s been hiding from her past and anxieties after a difficult breakup. Her best friend, Lauren, pushes her out of her comfort zone by sending her on a trip to Italy to participate in an archaeological dig. It’s in Italy, surrounded by history and ancient treasures, that Kenzi begins to dig deeper into her own life, confronting both her fears and her potential.
The first half of the book is a bit slow, but I appreciated how the pacing gradually picked up. Wamsley’s writing shines when exploring Kenzi’s internal struggles with anxiety, work pressures, and relationships. The setting of Castel Gandolfo, Italy, is absolutely enchanting and really brought the story to life. The picturesque location serves as the perfect backdrop for Kenzi’s personal journey.
The theme of self-discovery is beautifully woven throughout the narrative. I found myself rooting for Kenzi as she learned to break free from her past, face her fears, and embrace new opportunities, both professionally and personally. The added layer of holiday cheer and the romance of a charming Italian town provided the perfect touch to make the book feel even more special.
By the end, I felt deeply connected to Kenzi and her story of transformation. It’s a book about digging up the treasures within yourself, and it resonated with me on a personal level. The Treasures We Seek is a wonderful, uplifting read for anyone looking for a story filled with heart, history, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone.
If you enjoy women’s fiction with a dash of adventure and introspection, this book will definitely be worth the read, even if it takes a little time to find its stride.
The Treasures We Seek is a heartwarming, introspective journey that seamlessly blends history, self-discovery, and a touch of adventure. While I initially struggled to get into the story due to its slower beginning, by the end, I was thoroughly captivated and found myself really enjoying the ride.
The book follows Kenzi Ashbury, a woman who’s been hiding from her past and anxieties after a difficult breakup. Her best friend, Lauren, pushes her out of her comfort zone by sending her on a trip to Italy to participate in an archaeological dig. It’s in Italy, surrounded by history and ancient treasures, that Kenzi begins to dig deeper into her own life, confronting both her fears and her potential.
The first half of the book is a bit slow, but I appreciated how the pacing gradually picked up. Wamsley’s writing shines when exploring Kenzi’s internal struggles with anxiety, work pressures, and relationships. The setting of Castel Gandolfo, Italy, is absolutely enchanting and really brought the story to life. The picturesque location serves as the perfect backdrop for Kenzi’s personal journey.
The theme of self-discovery is beautifully woven throughout the narrative. I found myself rooting for Kenzi as she learned to break free from her past, face her fears, and embrace new opportunities, both professionally and personally. The added layer of holiday cheer and the romance of a charming Italian town provided the perfect touch to make the book feel even more special.
By the end, I felt deeply connected to Kenzi and her story of transformation. It’s a book about digging up the treasures within yourself, and it resonated with me on a personal level. The Treasures We Seek is a wonderful, uplifting read for anyone looking for a story filled with heart, history, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone.
If you enjoy women’s fiction with a dash of adventure and introspection, this book will definitely be worth the read, even if it takes a little time to find its stride.
January 6, 2025
Thank you to @coriwamsley_author and @bookwormbookspr for the #gifted copy of this e-book.
After a heartbreaking breakup, Kenzi struggles with self-doubt and hesitance to embrace new opportunities. Encouraged by her supportive boss and friend, Lauren, she leaps into adventure by joining an archaeological dig in Italy. There, she uncovers not only historical treasures but also the inner strength to transform her perspective and empower herself.
This story beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Kenzi’s internal dialogue resonates with anyone who has faced uncertainty about their choices. The vivid descriptions of Italy—its rich history, tantalizing food, and enchanting landscapes—transport you right into the heart of the adventure. The friendships she forms introduce her to a vibrant new world, helping her establish healthier boundaries and liberate herself from past constraints.
A powerful quote encapsulates her journey: “Sometimes the treasures we seek aren’t the treasures we need.”
This book is part of the captivating Soul Sisterhood series and is available now.
After a heartbreaking breakup, Kenzi struggles with self-doubt and hesitance to embrace new opportunities. Encouraged by her supportive boss and friend, Lauren, she leaps into adventure by joining an archaeological dig in Italy. There, she uncovers not only historical treasures but also the inner strength to transform her perspective and empower herself.
This story beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Kenzi’s internal dialogue resonates with anyone who has faced uncertainty about their choices. The vivid descriptions of Italy—its rich history, tantalizing food, and enchanting landscapes—transport you right into the heart of the adventure. The friendships she forms introduce her to a vibrant new world, helping her establish healthier boundaries and liberate herself from past constraints.
A powerful quote encapsulates her journey: “Sometimes the treasures we seek aren’t the treasures we need.”
This book is part of the captivating Soul Sisterhood series and is available now.
May 16, 2025
I loved this book. Wow.
The Treasures We Seek is a well-written, engrossing, and introspective story about a young woman who embarks on a journey to become more secure in herself. The world-building was so beautifully constructed that I found myself fascinated by Italy and archaeology.
The main character was so uniquely and purely HUMAN, and I just loved that about her. Not only that, but her internal struggles were realistic, universally relatable, and inspiring from start to finish. It was a joy to watch her develop throughout the book.
I highly recommend!
The Treasures We Seek is a well-written, engrossing, and introspective story about a young woman who embarks on a journey to become more secure in herself. The world-building was so beautifully constructed that I found myself fascinated by Italy and archaeology.
The main character was so uniquely and purely HUMAN, and I just loved that about her. Not only that, but her internal struggles were realistic, universally relatable, and inspiring from start to finish. It was a joy to watch her develop throughout the book.
I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews