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A Beleza dos Dias Simples
Zoe Copeland e a filha adolescente, Florence, precisam de um recomeço. Sem meios para grandes voos, a jovem mãe arrisca tudo ao adquirir uma velha casa no Maine para restaurar, um autêntico diamante em bruto, cujo potencial está soterrado por décadas de camadas de lixo.
Enquanto Florence se apaixona de imediato pelo novo lar repleto de memórias alheias, Zoe sente-se intimidada face à quantidade absurda de tralha que ali encontra. Para piorar a situação, Jake, um vizinho mal-humorado, trata-a como se fosse louca por querer aquele pardieiro – embora a ajude tantas vezes que começa a parecer-lhe impossível viver sem ele.
À medida que as obras avançam e os segredos da antiga proprietária vêm à tona, a nova dona da casa não consegue evitar comparar a sua história à dela, perguntando-se até que ponto pode alguém construir um futuro sólido quando sente a ameaça do passado sempre à espreita.
Com o coração em jogo, conseguirá Zoe reconstruir a sua vida e, enfim, render-se ao amor?
Enquanto Florence se apaixona de imediato pelo novo lar repleto de memórias alheias, Zoe sente-se intimidada face à quantidade absurda de tralha que ali encontra. Para piorar a situação, Jake, um vizinho mal-humorado, trata-a como se fosse louca por querer aquele pardieiro – embora a ajude tantas vezes que começa a parecer-lhe impossível viver sem ele.
À medida que as obras avançam e os segredos da antiga proprietária vêm à tona, a nova dona da casa não consegue evitar comparar a sua história à dela, perguntando-se até que ponto pode alguém construir um futuro sólido quando sente a ameaça do passado sempre à espreita.
Com o coração em jogo, conseguirá Zoe reconstruir a sua vida e, enfim, render-se ao amor?
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Zoe Copeland is a single mum of Florence, they live in a one bedroom apartment and she wants the security of owning their own home. Via research she has come up of a way of achieving her dream, buying a treasure house and she finds a cottage in a small seaside town of Oxeye, Maine. There is a catch, the house is run down, and full of junk and the gardens are over grown and gone wild.
They drive to have a look, Zoe needs to collect the key from Jake Abernathy, a grumpy man who owns the hardware store and Lobster Shack. Despite his and her misgivings Zoe buys the cottage and Florence is excited. The house is full clutch, her foster parents visit for a week, and they clear and clean enough space so she and Flo won’t catch any diseases and have somewhere to sleep.
The tale does have a dual timeline, its set in present time and back in the 1950’s when Oxeye was a popular holiday town and so was the nearby resort called Saint-Cyr and the cottage owner Marly was a teenager.
Slowly they make headway, Zoe discovers some diaries written by the elusive Marly and she tries to piece together what happened to her and how did she end up being a hoarder?
I received a copy of The Treasure House by Amy Matthews from Simon & Schuster Australia and NetGalley. The characters are wonderful and diverse, Zoe is a great mum, Flo is inquisitive eleven year old and Jake might be grumpy and he’s also a very attractive and hot single man.
A story that covers topics such as being a single parent, wanting to build a life and a home, being a foster kid, a child of an addict, inherited medical conditions, overcoming adversity, families come in many forms, taking risks and hope.
I felt so many emotions reading The Treasure House, from interest, concern (I cared what happened to the characters) and all while working out the mystery, secrets and history. I bawled my eyes out a couple of times, it was so engaging, meaningful, funny and heart-warming and I didn’t want it to end.
Five stars from me and a must read.
They drive to have a look, Zoe needs to collect the key from Jake Abernathy, a grumpy man who owns the hardware store and Lobster Shack. Despite his and her misgivings Zoe buys the cottage and Florence is excited. The house is full clutch, her foster parents visit for a week, and they clear and clean enough space so she and Flo won’t catch any diseases and have somewhere to sleep.
The tale does have a dual timeline, its set in present time and back in the 1950’s when Oxeye was a popular holiday town and so was the nearby resort called Saint-Cyr and the cottage owner Marly was a teenager.
Slowly they make headway, Zoe discovers some diaries written by the elusive Marly and she tries to piece together what happened to her and how did she end up being a hoarder?
I received a copy of The Treasure House by Amy Matthews from Simon & Schuster Australia and NetGalley. The characters are wonderful and diverse, Zoe is a great mum, Flo is inquisitive eleven year old and Jake might be grumpy and he’s also a very attractive and hot single man.
A story that covers topics such as being a single parent, wanting to build a life and a home, being a foster kid, a child of an addict, inherited medical conditions, overcoming adversity, families come in many forms, taking risks and hope.
I felt so many emotions reading The Treasure House, from interest, concern (I cared what happened to the characters) and all while working out the mystery, secrets and history. I bawled my eyes out a couple of times, it was so engaging, meaningful, funny and heart-warming and I didn’t want it to end.
Five stars from me and a must read.
September 30, 2026
This is just the most gorgeous of stories, it was recommend to me by a friend and I dived into it and didn’t want to put it down, when Zoe single mum to Florence who is nearly twelve decides that after the life she has had growing up she wants a home of her own for her daughter a house that will give them a yard and separate bedrooms and when Zoe discovers what they call the treasure houses she searches madly for one that she can afford and of course Flo has her say one where this house should be, after all these houses are very affordable for a reason, they are not in big cities and they are sold filled with junk and when they find one on the coast in Maine they make the trip and decision to move.
They need to pick up the key from neighbour Jake who owns the hardware/lobster shack store and he is not only good looking but he is grumpy and when showing them around the house that is filled to the brim with junk he is doing his best to talk them out of buying it but that does not deter them and soon Zoe and Flo are the owners of a treasure house.
It is the end of summer and Zoe has her work cut out for her cleaning up the place to make it livable before the colder weather sets in, the things they discover along the way are amazing not all of it is junk and Jake is becoming a great handyman and friend as well as the other residents of this very small town, but Zoe has found lots of things that belong to Marley who apparently was the previous owner but no one is giving her much information about her but she is discovering a lot about her as she cleans up and feels a closeness to her.
So many things are coming together for Zoe in this beautiful coastal town her heart is opening up, Jake and her are really getting closer and her and Flo have settled in with cats and so much more, but when her past arrives could this destroy it all or has this town and the people here as well as her foster family helped Zoe see her future better?
I loved this book so much I highly recommend it, it is witty, heartwarming and heartbreaking in so many ways there were many tears from me, smiles and laughter along the way as Zoe, Jake and Flo make a HEA together, learning about Marley and Jake’s connection and the past lives of the people who lived in this house had me turning the pages, this is a story not to be missed it is fabulous.
They need to pick up the key from neighbour Jake who owns the hardware/lobster shack store and he is not only good looking but he is grumpy and when showing them around the house that is filled to the brim with junk he is doing his best to talk them out of buying it but that does not deter them and soon Zoe and Flo are the owners of a treasure house.
It is the end of summer and Zoe has her work cut out for her cleaning up the place to make it livable before the colder weather sets in, the things they discover along the way are amazing not all of it is junk and Jake is becoming a great handyman and friend as well as the other residents of this very small town, but Zoe has found lots of things that belong to Marley who apparently was the previous owner but no one is giving her much information about her but she is discovering a lot about her as she cleans up and feels a closeness to her.
So many things are coming together for Zoe in this beautiful coastal town her heart is opening up, Jake and her are really getting closer and her and Flo have settled in with cats and so much more, but when her past arrives could this destroy it all or has this town and the people here as well as her foster family helped Zoe see her future better?
I loved this book so much I highly recommend it, it is witty, heartwarming and heartbreaking in so many ways there were many tears from me, smiles and laughter along the way as Zoe, Jake and Flo make a HEA together, learning about Marley and Jake’s connection and the past lives of the people who lived in this house had me turning the pages, this is a story not to be missed it is fabulous.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Treasure House is a heartfelt and touching story about Zoe, a single mother who purchases a “treasure house” in the tiny town of Oxeye, Maine. These homes are sold at a substantial discount because they are filled with years’ worth of accumulated belongings that the new owner must clear out. Zoe works incredibly hard to give her daughter, Flo, a happy and stable life, especially because Zoe’s own mother, Tina, is an imprisoned drug addict. Zoe chooses to keep Tina’s existence a secret from Flo, believing she is protecting her daughter.
The incredibly handsome hardware store owner who lives across the street tries to dissuade Zoe from purchasing the home. But once she moves in, the sparks start to fly.
As Zoe begins cleaning out the house, we learn about Marly and the family history connected to the property, which has been passed down through generations. Zoe assumes the house must have a tragic and disturbing history, but as the layers are gradually peeled away, the truth turns out to be much more complicated.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was its exploration of addiction and the devastating impact it can have on families. It also raises thoughtful questions about what really makes a family—biology, love, loyalty, or simply the people who are there for you when you need them most.
My biggest pet peeve was the author’s attempt to create suspense surrounding the previous owner and the history of the house. I found this difficult to believe because Zoe had to sign a contract with the seller before purchasing the property and would have received a deed at closing. It seemed unlikely that she could know so little about the home’s ownership history. I am giving it 4-stars instead of 5 because this drove me crazy.
The incredibly handsome hardware store owner who lives across the street tries to dissuade Zoe from purchasing the home. But once she moves in, the sparks start to fly.
As Zoe begins cleaning out the house, we learn about Marly and the family history connected to the property, which has been passed down through generations. Zoe assumes the house must have a tragic and disturbing history, but as the layers are gradually peeled away, the truth turns out to be much more complicated.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was its exploration of addiction and the devastating impact it can have on families. It also raises thoughtful questions about what really makes a family—biology, love, loyalty, or simply the people who are there for you when you need them most.
My biggest pet peeve was the author’s attempt to create suspense surrounding the previous owner and the history of the house. I found this difficult to believe because Zoe had to sign a contract with the seller before purchasing the property and would have received a deed at closing. It seemed unlikely that she could know so little about the home’s ownership history. I am giving it 4-stars instead of 5 because this drove me crazy.
July 15, 2026
I couldn’t tell you the last time I stayed up to read…I’m normally in the bed by 9:30!
But I just couldn’t put this book down. It was such a sweet story. It has two timelines and I absolutely LOVED the one set in the 1950s/1960s. It takes place in Maine and is the perfect late summer/early fall or even Christmas read. It’s not a mystery, but it kept me guessing until the very end and when I made it to the last few chapters I was bawling.
Highly highly recommend! The Treasure House by Amy Matthew’s released 9/1!
But I just couldn’t put this book down. It was such a sweet story. It has two timelines and I absolutely LOVED the one set in the 1950s/1960s. It takes place in Maine and is the perfect late summer/early fall or even Christmas read. It’s not a mystery, but it kept me guessing until the very end and when I made it to the last few chapters I was bawling.
Highly highly recommend! The Treasure House by Amy Matthew’s released 9/1!
October 9, 2026
Que leitura perfeita esta. O livro certo, lido na altura certa. Adorei cada detalhe deste livro!
"A Beleza dos Dias Simples" é um romance que aquece o coração. Tem personagens que gostamos de gostar, tem história e ainda tem um mote muito interessante!
Zoe e a sua filha Florence (a pequena Flo, uma personagem cativante!) estão a braços com um problema, vão ter que abandonar a casa onde vivem agora e o que Zoe ganha não lhes permite alugar um outro lugar com espaço e dignidade.
Quase por acaso (ou destino?), deparam-se com a possibilidade de comprar uma Treasury House, muito em voga no Tiktok, casas que foram de acumuladores e que, por isso, perdem valor no mercado.
Assim que visitam uma dessas casas, Flo fica de imediato apaixonada por ela e por tudo o que contém e Zoe, embora muito assustada, vai acabar por aceitar mudar de estado e aventurar-se no desconhecido.
A partir daqui é toda uma nova realidade, uma descoberta de quem foi a pessoa que viveu naquela casa e porque a deixou chegar ali. Pelo caminho vão ser acolhidas pelos poucos habitantes daquela terra, que é incrível de assistir! E ainda teremos direito a uma história de amor, claro!
Um livro que nos deixa o coração quentinho, que nos dá vontade de viver uma aventura semelhante! Adorei!
Opinião mais detalhada em vídeo:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
"A Beleza dos Dias Simples" é um romance que aquece o coração. Tem personagens que gostamos de gostar, tem história e ainda tem um mote muito interessante!
Zoe e a sua filha Florence (a pequena Flo, uma personagem cativante!) estão a braços com um problema, vão ter que abandonar a casa onde vivem agora e o que Zoe ganha não lhes permite alugar um outro lugar com espaço e dignidade.
Quase por acaso (ou destino?), deparam-se com a possibilidade de comprar uma Treasury House, muito em voga no Tiktok, casas que foram de acumuladores e que, por isso, perdem valor no mercado.
Assim que visitam uma dessas casas, Flo fica de imediato apaixonada por ela e por tudo o que contém e Zoe, embora muito assustada, vai acabar por aceitar mudar de estado e aventurar-se no desconhecido.
A partir daqui é toda uma nova realidade, uma descoberta de quem foi a pessoa que viveu naquela casa e porque a deixou chegar ali. Pelo caminho vão ser acolhidas pelos poucos habitantes daquela terra, que é incrível de assistir! E ainda teremos direito a uma história de amor, claro!
Um livro que nos deixa o coração quentinho, que nos dá vontade de viver uma aventura semelhante! Adorei!
Opinião mais detalhada em vídeo:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
September 25, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up.
The Treasure House was a solid read. I enjoyed a lot about it. The two timeline storylines were both rich with complex broken people. There was depth in the characters, which I always love. The idea of a house full of treasures was fun and interesting. The romances were heartwarming for the most part. Some unexpected awkward spice for what seemed more like a cozy small-town escape.
I did find a few things a bit off-putting. The overuse of the word culch was one of them. But that's a minor annoyance. The other was how wise the pre-teen character of Flo was written. Like she carried the advice of a fifty-year-old, who had lived through some rough times, been in therapy for five years, and now provided selfless guidance to others.
Overall, I think it's a good escape read! I recommend.
The Treasure House was a solid read. I enjoyed a lot about it. The two timeline storylines were both rich with complex broken people. There was depth in the characters, which I always love. The idea of a house full of treasures was fun and interesting. The romances were heartwarming for the most part. Some unexpected awkward spice for what seemed more like a cozy small-town escape.
I did find a few things a bit off-putting. The overuse of the word culch was one of them. But that's a minor annoyance. The other was how wise the pre-teen character of Flo was written. Like she carried the advice of a fifty-year-old, who had lived through some rough times, been in therapy for five years, and now provided selfless guidance to others.
Overall, I think it's a good escape read! I recommend.
Did Not Finish
October 24, 2026DNF 45%
Trochę meh, mimo niby ciężkiego życia głównej bohaterki to jakoś lekko jej to wszystko idzie. Nie zaciekawiła mnie wystarczająco, żeby dalej kontynuować.
Trochę meh, mimo niby ciężkiego życia głównej bohaterki to jakoś lekko jej to wszystko idzie. Nie zaciekawiła mnie wystarczająco, żeby dalej kontynuować.
September 17, 2026
The Treasure House is truly an inspiring, charming, delightful well...treasure! An uplifting yet heartbreaking story set in a small town in Maine with beautiful scenic images of a seaside which feels so breathtaking as you read, you too want to live there. The plot involves two different families, their hardships and loves, their tragedies and accomplishments and wonderful quirky characters who are there to support.
All Zoe Copeland has ever dreamed of was owning a home of her own. Being able to have her own bedroom and one for her young daughter Flo. A single mother, like her own, she has desperately tried to right all the wrongs she has carried from her own childhood. She will not make those same mistakes with her daughter. She unfortunately was in and out of foster care until finally her own mother ended up in prison. But those buried memories sometimes resurface as she tries to lovingly parent the love of her life.
So, when a work friend mentioned she should look into treasure houses, she had no idea what those were. Come to find out it's not only a house which you can buy dirt cheap and needs a great deal of love and care, but it could actually fit into her budget.
She discovers a house in a sleepy town in Maine which overlooks the ocean and yes, is filled with what she likes to think of as treasures. Completely dilapidated, the handsome hardware store/lobster shop owner Jake tries to talk her out of the purchase, but something she sees, perhaps the over twenty ceramic cats, makes her feel like she could make this their home. So, with a very hesitant daughter in tow, she uproots them to this "fixer upper".
With the help of Jake and it seems his endless relatives, and the few full-time residents, Zoe and Flo begin to make their dream come true. But for Zoe, as she begins to look through all the "clutter" she wonders what happened to the owner she only knows as Marly. Jake seems to change the subject every time she brings up her name. Then she finds a box with old letters and begins to see the picture of a real person who loved and lost.
The treasure house holds so many secrets, but one thing is for sure, it was well-loved. But what happened?
The Treasure House is filled with warmth, mystery, life-lessons and hard choices. Most important it is packed with not only so many memories, but with so much love hopefully for generations to come.
Thank you #NetGalley #Dell #AmyMatthews #TheTreasureHouse for the advanced copy.
All Zoe Copeland has ever dreamed of was owning a home of her own. Being able to have her own bedroom and one for her young daughter Flo. A single mother, like her own, she has desperately tried to right all the wrongs she has carried from her own childhood. She will not make those same mistakes with her daughter. She unfortunately was in and out of foster care until finally her own mother ended up in prison. But those buried memories sometimes resurface as she tries to lovingly parent the love of her life.
So, when a work friend mentioned she should look into treasure houses, she had no idea what those were. Come to find out it's not only a house which you can buy dirt cheap and needs a great deal of love and care, but it could actually fit into her budget.
She discovers a house in a sleepy town in Maine which overlooks the ocean and yes, is filled with what she likes to think of as treasures. Completely dilapidated, the handsome hardware store/lobster shop owner Jake tries to talk her out of the purchase, but something she sees, perhaps the over twenty ceramic cats, makes her feel like she could make this their home. So, with a very hesitant daughter in tow, she uproots them to this "fixer upper".
With the help of Jake and it seems his endless relatives, and the few full-time residents, Zoe and Flo begin to make their dream come true. But for Zoe, as she begins to look through all the "clutter" she wonders what happened to the owner she only knows as Marly. Jake seems to change the subject every time she brings up her name. Then she finds a box with old letters and begins to see the picture of a real person who loved and lost.
The treasure house holds so many secrets, but one thing is for sure, it was well-loved. But what happened?
The Treasure House is filled with warmth, mystery, life-lessons and hard choices. Most important it is packed with not only so many memories, but with so much love hopefully for generations to come.
Thank you #NetGalley #Dell #AmyMatthews #TheTreasureHouse for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Life has not been easy for Zoe Copeland. Her mother's battle with addiction forced her into the foster system. An unexpected pregnancy caused Zoe to leave college, but her daughter Florence, “Flo,” now eleven, is the light of her life. To secure an affordable place for them, Zoe purchases a "treasure house." Located in the seaside town of Oxeye, Maine, which has few residents in the off-season, the cottage was previously owned by a hoarder and sold "as is," with rooms filled with items ranging from junk to possible hidden treasures. As Zoe cleans and renovates her new home, she is embraced by her neighbors, including the grumpy yet incredibly attractive Jake Abernathy, who owns the Oxeye Hardware Store which also serves as a souvenir shop and Lobster Shack. While working on the house, Zoe begins to uncover details about Marly, the former owner. The story alternates back to the 1950s as Marly's story unfolds.
The Treasure House by Amy Matthews touched my heart. Zoe is a wonderful mother who wants the best for Flo, yet she has not come to terms with her feelings about her own mother, who is in prison. Marly's story starts as a mystery that intrigues Zoe. What happened to her, which led to leaving behind a house in such disarray, filled with so much clutter? This moving book explores the true meaning of family. As someone who enjoys visiting antiques shops and flea markets, the idea of acquiring a "treasure house" was very appealing. I highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Dell for the advance.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Treasure House by Amy Matthews touched my heart. Zoe is a wonderful mother who wants the best for Flo, yet she has not come to terms with her feelings about her own mother, who is in prison. Marly's story starts as a mystery that intrigues Zoe. What happened to her, which led to leaving behind a house in such disarray, filled with so much clutter? This moving book explores the true meaning of family. As someone who enjoys visiting antiques shops and flea markets, the idea of acquiring a "treasure house" was very appealing. I highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Dell for the advance.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
October 29, 2026
Treasure of a Book!
Rich, rich in every way, this book delivers an immeasurable treasure. Each of the characters shines in each of the timelines so beautifully braided. It is the setting of this book, of a Oxeye, a small town in Maine, a town named for a Daisy, that draws readers in and further leads them inside the overstuffed, long neglected home on Tinker Street.
It is within this community of old timer locals, indirectly related or connected to each other, that Zoe can finally claim and create a home for herself and give to Flo, her daughter, what she had spent her childhood wanting as she was shuffled from foster home to foster home.
And while initially, Jake, owner of the hardware store and lobster lunch shack, was not at all welcoming as he warned Zoe of the huge expenses of repairs, he eventually finds himself drawn more and more to this house.
As the clutter is sifted slowly, room by room, hidden stories and forgotten secrets emerge connecting the stories from generations ago. This is not a race-to-finish book. Instead, this a book to savor pausing to imagine lingering and rereading, much like Anne of Green Gables is repeatedly reread. It is a beautifully written story that seems to be part filmed in black and white as Flo would tell her mother, and part in an ever changing seasonal sensory explosion of high definition. It is a story rich as any life, complex including losses and sorrows, but also including so much laughter, joy, and love in a home with a new name, Forever Amber.
Rich, rich in every way, this book delivers an immeasurable treasure. Each of the characters shines in each of the timelines so beautifully braided. It is the setting of this book, of a Oxeye, a small town in Maine, a town named for a Daisy, that draws readers in and further leads them inside the overstuffed, long neglected home on Tinker Street.
It is within this community of old timer locals, indirectly related or connected to each other, that Zoe can finally claim and create a home for herself and give to Flo, her daughter, what she had spent her childhood wanting as she was shuffled from foster home to foster home.
And while initially, Jake, owner of the hardware store and lobster lunch shack, was not at all welcoming as he warned Zoe of the huge expenses of repairs, he eventually finds himself drawn more and more to this house.
As the clutter is sifted slowly, room by room, hidden stories and forgotten secrets emerge connecting the stories from generations ago. This is not a race-to-finish book. Instead, this a book to savor pausing to imagine lingering and rereading, much like Anne of Green Gables is repeatedly reread. It is a beautifully written story that seems to be part filmed in black and white as Flo would tell her mother, and part in an ever changing seasonal sensory explosion of high definition. It is a story rich as any life, complex including losses and sorrows, but also including so much laughter, joy, and love in a home with a new name, Forever Amber.
October 26, 2026
Very cute story!
I, along with Zoe, made some guesses about the characters in this book and it really took me on a wild ride!
Also, Flo is hilarious. May my possible future daughter have the same amount of sass 😂
I, along with Zoe, made some guesses about the characters in this book and it really took me on a wild ride!
Also, Flo is hilarious. May my possible future daughter have the same amount of sass 😂
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🍂 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵, 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦; 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 🍂
Well, this story was indeed an unexpected treasure that charmed me to my core! With vibes of Sara Goodman Confino and a dash of Gilmore Girls, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 is a warm hug of a novel.
Former foster child/ current single mom Zoe dreams of a forever home. Upon hearing of 'treasure houses' -places filled to the brim with junk and sold as is- she finds such a cottage in a tiny seaside town in Maine. After an impulsive buy, she's overwhelmed by the daunting task and cost of cleaning out and renovating. Luckily, the town residents, including grumpy neighbor/ hardware store owner/ abs of steel Jake, are quick to lend a hand.
One's trash is another's treasure, and preteen Flo treats the culch as royalty, amassing a collection of porcelain cats (which the later reveal of the meaning behind made my heart burst). She also adopts a cat with kittens, dubbing them Mac and the Cheeses, and stole every scene as well as my heart with her precociousness and wit.
The romance that builds between Zoe and Jake is inevitable, steady and sure. It's refreshing to watch it unfold without the usual miscommunication. Both have emotional baggage and the sincerity with which they let each other in is lovely.
A dual timeline appears in the form of the home's previous owner, Marly. Everyone's tight-lipped about who she was but flashbacks from the 1950s fill in the blanks as more is revealed in the present, too. Marly's story adds depth and had me equally engrossed.
Matthews does a beautiful job developing these characters, including Maine itself; between the lobster rolls and scenery, I felt my stomach rumble and heart ache to find my own treasure home there. Conversations and banter feel natural and genuine, and hard topics are handled with care. I fell in love with these people and Oxeye, ME and cherished my time spent on Tinker Street. Don't let your heart miss this one!
🍂 “𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥.” 🍂
✨️ Thank you to Dell for the ARC via NG!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 9•1•2026]
Well, this story was indeed an unexpected treasure that charmed me to my core! With vibes of Sara Goodman Confino and a dash of Gilmore Girls, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 is a warm hug of a novel.
Former foster child/ current single mom Zoe dreams of a forever home. Upon hearing of 'treasure houses' -places filled to the brim with junk and sold as is- she finds such a cottage in a tiny seaside town in Maine. After an impulsive buy, she's overwhelmed by the daunting task and cost of cleaning out and renovating. Luckily, the town residents, including grumpy neighbor/ hardware store owner/ abs of steel Jake, are quick to lend a hand.
One's trash is another's treasure, and preteen Flo treats the culch as royalty, amassing a collection of porcelain cats (which the later reveal of the meaning behind made my heart burst). She also adopts a cat with kittens, dubbing them Mac and the Cheeses, and stole every scene as well as my heart with her precociousness and wit.
The romance that builds between Zoe and Jake is inevitable, steady and sure. It's refreshing to watch it unfold without the usual miscommunication. Both have emotional baggage and the sincerity with which they let each other in is lovely.
A dual timeline appears in the form of the home's previous owner, Marly. Everyone's tight-lipped about who she was but flashbacks from the 1950s fill in the blanks as more is revealed in the present, too. Marly's story adds depth and had me equally engrossed.
Matthews does a beautiful job developing these characters, including Maine itself; between the lobster rolls and scenery, I felt my stomach rumble and heart ache to find my own treasure home there. Conversations and banter feel natural and genuine, and hard topics are handled with care. I fell in love with these people and Oxeye, ME and cherished my time spent on Tinker Street. Don't let your heart miss this one!
🍂 “𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘥.” 🍂
✨️ Thank you to Dell for the ARC via NG!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 9•1•2026]
September 23, 2026
Adorei este livro.
Não estava à espera de gostar tanto quanto gostei e acabou por ser uma das melhores surpresas dos últimos tempos.
Foi daquelas leituras que parecem um abraço quentinho. A história é extremamente aconchegante, as personagens conquistaram-me e dei por mim completamente envolvida nas suas vidas.
Gostei tanto da história como da forma como foi contada. A leitura foi viciante e só me apetecia continuar a ler mais um capítulo.
Não estava à espera de gostar tanto quanto gostei e acabou por ser uma das melhores surpresas dos últimos tempos.
Foi daquelas leituras que parecem um abraço quentinho. A história é extremamente aconchegante, as personagens conquistaram-me e dei por mim completamente envolvida nas suas vidas.
Gostei tanto da história como da forma como foi contada. A leitura foi viciante e só me apetecia continuar a ler mais um capítulo.
September 12, 2026
This book took me completely by surprise! I had no expectations going into, didn’t even read the blurb, just knew that I loved the cover! So heartwarming. And Flo has got to be the wisest pre-teen I’ve ever known. It was complicated, it was messy but so so heartwarming. I cried at the end when Zoe was opening up about her past to everyone and it all came full circle. My heart melted.
August 30, 2026
Loved this book.....
Loved this dual time line book which mostly takes place in Maine.
Zoe, a single mom of daughter Flo, looking for a way to be able to better their lives with home ownership. She finds listings for "treasure houses" ( which was a new term for me) & goes on a hunt to Maine for "the" house.
The older content brings us back to the 50's & 60's & tells about the people who used the house each summer & their story.
As it goes, the 2 story lines connect at some point.
Wonderful, mostly very likeable characters. Some deep subjects but also love.
Thank you Penguin Random house for the advance copy of this book to read & give an honest review!
Loved this dual time line book which mostly takes place in Maine.
Zoe, a single mom of daughter Flo, looking for a way to be able to better their lives with home ownership. She finds listings for "treasure houses" ( which was a new term for me) & goes on a hunt to Maine for "the" house.
The older content brings us back to the 50's & 60's & tells about the people who used the house each summer & their story.
As it goes, the 2 story lines connect at some point.
Wonderful, mostly very likeable characters. Some deep subjects but also love.
Thank you Penguin Random house for the advance copy of this book to read & give an honest review!
Read
August 28, 2026Gilmore Girls, the prequel (changes made at the grandparent level)
September 13, 2026
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
🚨Criminally under-hyped book alert🚨
I am blown away!! I picked this book up on a whim, stumbling across it knowing absolutely nothing about it, and I adored it. The writing was beautiful and the story had so much heart. I really didn’t want it to end, and when I finished, I sat in silence with my tissue box beside me, just absorbing all the emotions this story had brought out in me 🥹
Set in a cosy small town with the most perfect autumn backdrop, this is a story of fresh starts, second chances, mysterious pasts, and healing. All while finding yourself, home, and family, with a little love along the way 🍂
✨ Synopsis ✨
Zoe Copeland and her 11-year-old daughter, Florence, move to a rundown cottage in Maine hoping for a fresh start, but renovating the clutter-filled house proves more complicated than expected. As Zoe uncovers the story of the home’s former owner with help from Jake, a gruff but charming neighbour, she begins confronting her own past and discovering what it means to truly rebuild a life.
Review continued
Zoe grew up with an addict mother and spent time in foster care, so throughout the story we follow her as she strives to provide Flo with the stable childhood she never had. Zoe reminiscing about some of her childhood experiences absolutely broke my heart. I felt for her so much as she navigated single parenthood while simultaneously trying to heal from her own troubled upbringing.
The tension between Zoe and Jake made me so giddy. I loved watching him open up to reveal his tender and thoughtful side, and he even had some shy moments which always gets me!! I adored the way he was always there to help Zoe with whatever she needed 🥹
Flo was hilarious, and I loved her dynamic with Jake. The playfulness and humour she brought to the story were such a highlight.
I also really loved Marly, the former owner of the house, and the 1950s/60s flashback chapters from her youth spending summers at the cottage. She was hilarious and sassy, and I was completely invested in learning more about her story every time I reached one of her chapters. I cried so much at the end when everything finally came full circle 😭
After this book, I am honestly so excited to see what else Amy Matthews has in store. I was so impressed by the quality of the writing that I did a little research and was not at all surprised to discover that she is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing. I will absolutely be reading anything else she releases in the romance/contemporary fiction space 🫶🏼
🚨Criminally under-hyped book alert🚨
I am blown away!! I picked this book up on a whim, stumbling across it knowing absolutely nothing about it, and I adored it. The writing was beautiful and the story had so much heart. I really didn’t want it to end, and when I finished, I sat in silence with my tissue box beside me, just absorbing all the emotions this story had brought out in me 🥹
Set in a cosy small town with the most perfect autumn backdrop, this is a story of fresh starts, second chances, mysterious pasts, and healing. All while finding yourself, home, and family, with a little love along the way 🍂
✨ Synopsis ✨
Zoe Copeland and her 11-year-old daughter, Florence, move to a rundown cottage in Maine hoping for a fresh start, but renovating the clutter-filled house proves more complicated than expected. As Zoe uncovers the story of the home’s former owner with help from Jake, a gruff but charming neighbour, she begins confronting her own past and discovering what it means to truly rebuild a life.
Review continued
Zoe grew up with an addict mother and spent time in foster care, so throughout the story we follow her as she strives to provide Flo with the stable childhood she never had. Zoe reminiscing about some of her childhood experiences absolutely broke my heart. I felt for her so much as she navigated single parenthood while simultaneously trying to heal from her own troubled upbringing.
The tension between Zoe and Jake made me so giddy. I loved watching him open up to reveal his tender and thoughtful side, and he even had some shy moments which always gets me!! I adored the way he was always there to help Zoe with whatever she needed 🥹
Flo was hilarious, and I loved her dynamic with Jake. The playfulness and humour she brought to the story were such a highlight.
I also really loved Marly, the former owner of the house, and the 1950s/60s flashback chapters from her youth spending summers at the cottage. She was hilarious and sassy, and I was completely invested in learning more about her story every time I reached one of her chapters. I cried so much at the end when everything finally came full circle 😭
After this book, I am honestly so excited to see what else Amy Matthews has in store. I was so impressed by the quality of the writing that I did a little research and was not at all surprised to discover that she is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing. I will absolutely be reading anything else she releases in the romance/contemporary fiction space 🫶🏼
June 3, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded up
I sat down with this book hoping for an engaging, comfortable read, and this book gave me that and so, so much more. From the moment I met Zoe and Florence I was pulled into their story. I was completely unfamiliar with the concept of treasure houses so watched a few videos by one TikTok creator who bought a hoarder house. I love that this story was based on this concept and how it helped us gradually get to know characters in the book, especially Marly and Freddie.
Matthews did a beautiful job of developing each of the main characters in the book and letting each person’s story unfold throughout the book. Each of the characters eventually became a rich tapestry of a story in themselves, which made the whole story so much more satisfying. Zoe’s courage, Jake’s reticence, Florence’s boldness and Suní and Wayne’s love were palpable as the story built. I felt that the romance was a secondary storyline, despite the tension between Jake and Zoe. And I did feel that it had a sort of abrupt start.
And even better, this book hits on some deep topics without shying away. Child neglect, foster care, addiction, poverty, early-onset dementia and full-blown Alzheimer’s. The author does an incredible job of weaving them into the story without taking a preachy tone. The topics flow naturally with the storyline and each is addressed with gentleness and care without blame.
I read this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t bear to part with any of the characters and I absolutely had to know what was coming next. I laughed out loud. I cried. I cared so deeply about Zoe and Florence and their new life. The characters felt so real. Not one of them was perfect or too good. They had flaws and challenges and unlikable moments. And I loved them the more for it. This is a book I won’t hesitate to recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Treasure House.
I sat down with this book hoping for an engaging, comfortable read, and this book gave me that and so, so much more. From the moment I met Zoe and Florence I was pulled into their story. I was completely unfamiliar with the concept of treasure houses so watched a few videos by one TikTok creator who bought a hoarder house. I love that this story was based on this concept and how it helped us gradually get to know characters in the book, especially Marly and Freddie.
Matthews did a beautiful job of developing each of the main characters in the book and letting each person’s story unfold throughout the book. Each of the characters eventually became a rich tapestry of a story in themselves, which made the whole story so much more satisfying. Zoe’s courage, Jake’s reticence, Florence’s boldness and Suní and Wayne’s love were palpable as the story built. I felt that the romance was a secondary storyline, despite the tension between Jake and Zoe. And I did feel that it had a sort of abrupt start.
And even better, this book hits on some deep topics without shying away. Child neglect, foster care, addiction, poverty, early-onset dementia and full-blown Alzheimer’s. The author does an incredible job of weaving them into the story without taking a preachy tone. The topics flow naturally with the storyline and each is addressed with gentleness and care without blame.
I read this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t bear to part with any of the characters and I absolutely had to know what was coming next. I laughed out loud. I cried. I cared so deeply about Zoe and Florence and their new life. The characters felt so real. Not one of them was perfect or too good. They had flaws and challenges and unlikable moments. And I loved them the more for it. This is a book I won’t hesitate to recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Treasure House.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked the premise of The Treasure House. A single mother and her young daughter buying a neglected house overflowing with decades of accumulated belongings has all the ingredients for a cozy, emotionally satisfying story. Watching someone slowly reclaim both a home and a life can make for a compelling read.
For me, though, the execution made it clear that I'm probably not the target audience. This is a perfectly pleasant romance, but many of the obstacles are resolved so easily that the story never felt especially grounded. Zoe sees the house, makes one phone call to the owner, another to the bank, and suddenly she's a homeowner. The many challenges of rehabilitating a rundown house are similarly smoothed over with the help of an endlessly supportive circle of friends and neighbors. Even major jobs, like putting up storm windows during a coastal storm, seem to come together with surprising ease.
The romance was equally predictable. As soon as the somewhat taciturn owner of Jake's Hardware and Lobster Shack appeared, it was obvious where that storyline was headed. Predictability isn't necessarily a flaw. Sometimes it's exactly what you're looking for in a comfort read, but there weren't many surprises along the way.
I did enjoy the small mystery surrounding the previous owner, Marly, and the parallels between her life and Zoe's added some emotional depth. Florence was also a charming presence, bringing warmth and optimism to the story.
Overall, The Treasure House is an easy, feel-good novel that offers a comforting escape. While I wanted a little more realism and complexity in both the home renovation and the relationships, readers looking for a cozy romance with a hopeful message and a satisfying happy ending will likely find plenty to enjoy and a welcome respite from the news.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dell for providing me with a copy of the book. It will be published on September 1, 2026.
For me, though, the execution made it clear that I'm probably not the target audience. This is a perfectly pleasant romance, but many of the obstacles are resolved so easily that the story never felt especially grounded. Zoe sees the house, makes one phone call to the owner, another to the bank, and suddenly she's a homeowner. The many challenges of rehabilitating a rundown house are similarly smoothed over with the help of an endlessly supportive circle of friends and neighbors. Even major jobs, like putting up storm windows during a coastal storm, seem to come together with surprising ease.
The romance was equally predictable. As soon as the somewhat taciturn owner of Jake's Hardware and Lobster Shack appeared, it was obvious where that storyline was headed. Predictability isn't necessarily a flaw. Sometimes it's exactly what you're looking for in a comfort read, but there weren't many surprises along the way.
I did enjoy the small mystery surrounding the previous owner, Marly, and the parallels between her life and Zoe's added some emotional depth. Florence was also a charming presence, bringing warmth and optimism to the story.
Overall, The Treasure House is an easy, feel-good novel that offers a comforting escape. While I wanted a little more realism and complexity in both the home renovation and the relationships, readers looking for a cozy romance with a hopeful message and a satisfying happy ending will likely find plenty to enjoy and a welcome respite from the news.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dell for providing me with a copy of the book. It will be published on September 1, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story made me realise how big irony and dryness are right now, and how much I miss books like The Treasure House, which are unabashedly sincere, when I go too long without reading them.* This is peak humanism — Amy Matthews’ understanding of people is akin to that of George Eliot in my opinion, so insightful and on-point in her explorations of characters, and so wonderful in her care for the reader. This book is all about psychological wounds and the mistakes we make as we try to heal them (though we are always trying our best!). Expect intergenerational trauma, dual-timelines, mystery, and beautifully slow-burning love stories.
Oxeye is an idyllic town that made me think a lot about what’s missing from most modern societies (ahem, community, no surprise there). To imagine a completely different way of being, as in Oxeye, for 380 pages made my heart ache in the best way. Surely we can strive for that kind of future! I think many readers will understand all too well the loneliness and isolation Zoe is accustomed to; it’s inspiring to see how all of that changes when she moves to Oxeye. Every single character in every single Amy Matthews book leaps off the page, no matter how ‘small’ they are in the story, and in The Treasure House all are folded into the community in such a vibrant way. Every person is specific and three-dimensional.
At around the three-quarter mark I began crying and then I couldn’t stop for the rest of the novel. There are dark themes of addiction, poverty, and breaking intergenerational cycles in this book, and these are handled expertly. Even when it’s hard, it is never bleak, never hopeless. This book is full of love and comfort. It might be my favourite Amy Matthews novel (so far).
*To be clear, I love an ironic/dry/satirical novel so hard, too.
Oxeye is an idyllic town that made me think a lot about what’s missing from most modern societies (ahem, community, no surprise there). To imagine a completely different way of being, as in Oxeye, for 380 pages made my heart ache in the best way. Surely we can strive for that kind of future! I think many readers will understand all too well the loneliness and isolation Zoe is accustomed to; it’s inspiring to see how all of that changes when she moves to Oxeye. Every single character in every single Amy Matthews book leaps off the page, no matter how ‘small’ they are in the story, and in The Treasure House all are folded into the community in such a vibrant way. Every person is specific and three-dimensional.
At around the three-quarter mark I began crying and then I couldn’t stop for the rest of the novel. There are dark themes of addiction, poverty, and breaking intergenerational cycles in this book, and these are handled expertly. Even when it’s hard, it is never bleak, never hopeless. This book is full of love and comfort. It might be my favourite Amy Matthews novel (so far).
*To be clear, I love an ironic/dry/satirical novel so hard, too.
August 8, 2026
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: September 1, 2026
What a heartfelt gem! I requested this book on a whim because I was intrigued by the idea of a treasure house and wow, it delivered so much more. This was immediately captivating and I was so invested in these characters within a few pages of reading! There is so much love throughout this, showcasing the power of community and chosen family. Filled with strong, empowered women who go for what they want! This seamlessly blends a bit of mystery, trauma, romance, and whimsy all in one. Could not put this book down, loved it and the characters within!
What a heartfelt gem! I requested this book on a whim because I was intrigued by the idea of a treasure house and wow, it delivered so much more. This was immediately captivating and I was so invested in these characters within a few pages of reading! There is so much love throughout this, showcasing the power of community and chosen family. Filled with strong, empowered women who go for what they want! This seamlessly blends a bit of mystery, trauma, romance, and whimsy all in one. Could not put this book down, loved it and the characters within!
November 5, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautiful, emotional and deeply moving story that left me with a full heart and a few tears along the way. Warm, sad and hopeful all at once, this is a story about finding home, holding on to dreams, and having the courage to take a chance on a new beginning.
Set in a charming coastal town in Maine, this heartfelt multigenerational family drama follows Zoe, a single mother who takes a leap of faith and buys an old cottage, hoping to give her daughter the stability and sense of home she never had growing up. But the house holds more than forgotten treasures; it also holds the memories and secrets of the family who lived there before
Told through a dual timeline, this is a wonderful multigenerational family drama with a touch of slow-burn romance.
This is a story about motherhood, family, resilience, second chances and the meaning of home. It also explores some difficult and heartbreaking themes, including addiction and its devastating impact on families, childhood neglect, trauma, illness, abandonment and generational wounds.
The storytelling is rich, and the characters are complex. I really loved the coastal setting and the atmosphere of the little town.
I found this book both inspiring and comforting. It reminded me that sometimes taking a chance, even when life feels uncertain, can lead us somewhere we never imagined. That home isn't just about four walls, but about love, connection, safety and belonging.
A big Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Ballantine for the gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
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NetGalley
A beautiful, emotional and deeply moving story that left me with a full heart and a few tears along the way. Warm, sad and hopeful all at once, this is a story about finding home, holding on to dreams, and having the courage to take a chance on a new beginning.
Set in a charming coastal town in Maine, this heartfelt multigenerational family drama follows Zoe, a single mother who takes a leap of faith and buys an old cottage, hoping to give her daughter the stability and sense of home she never had growing up. But the house holds more than forgotten treasures; it also holds the memories and secrets of the family who lived there before
Told through a dual timeline, this is a wonderful multigenerational family drama with a touch of slow-burn romance.
This is a story about motherhood, family, resilience, second chances and the meaning of home. It also explores some difficult and heartbreaking themes, including addiction and its devastating impact on families, childhood neglect, trauma, illness, abandonment and generational wounds.
The storytelling is rich, and the characters are complex. I really loved the coastal setting and the atmosphere of the little town.
I found this book both inspiring and comforting. It reminded me that sometimes taking a chance, even when life feels uncertain, can lead us somewhere we never imagined. That home isn't just about four walls, but about love, connection, safety and belonging.
A big Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Ballantine for the gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
NetGalley
October 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was drawn to The Treasure House by Amy Mathews almost immediately, and it turned out to be exactly the kind of book I needed. I’ve always had a deep love for New England and have dreamed of living in a small coastal town like this. I’m also someone who loves old things, preserving pieces of the past, and finding ways to keep old memories alive while making new ones. This book spoke to all of that in such a special way.
More than anything, this story reminded me to keep dreaming about the possibilities life holds. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to take a chance, step outside of what we know, and discover that life might have something beautiful waiting for us on the other side. It left me thinking about the paths we choose, the ones we never expected to take, and how one decision can change the direction of our lives.
This was such a comforting, inspiring read that felt close to my heart. It reminded me why I love getting lost in books and why I never want to stop dreaming about what life could be. ❤️
I was drawn to The Treasure House by Amy Mathews almost immediately, and it turned out to be exactly the kind of book I needed. I’ve always had a deep love for New England and have dreamed of living in a small coastal town like this. I’m also someone who loves old things, preserving pieces of the past, and finding ways to keep old memories alive while making new ones. This book spoke to all of that in such a special way.
More than anything, this story reminded me to keep dreaming about the possibilities life holds. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to take a chance, step outside of what we know, and discover that life might have something beautiful waiting for us on the other side. It left me thinking about the paths we choose, the ones we never expected to take, and how one decision can change the direction of our lives.
This was such a comforting, inspiring read that felt close to my heart. It reminded me why I love getting lost in books and why I never want to stop dreaming about what life could be. ❤️
October 9, 2026
This book will stay with you long after finishing. It's absolutely charming, witty and heartbreaking.
Zoe is a single mum to eleven year old Florence. Currently they live in a small one bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh, PA and Zoe dreams of a house of their very own. One with separate bedrooms and a yard.
One of Zoe's hobbies is to google dream homes- then she was introduced to 'treasure homes'-that being run down properties full of junk, a renovators dream. The answer is simple- find their very own treasure house.
Luckily, a suitable home pops up in Oxeye, Maine. As soon as Zoe and Flo inspect the house, they're sold, despite reluctance from their soon to be neighbour, Jake. What's his story, and why is he hesitant in revealing it?
As Zoe and Flo sort through the junk and get to know the community, the house's history becomes clear. Who is Marly and what circumstances led to her living in such a state of despair?
Meanwhile, a blast from Zoe's past threatens her HEA...
I absolutely loved The Treasure House. I felt like I was a part of the small coastal town, experiencing the seasons change. It's captivating.
At times, this was a hard read. Zoe is a former foster kid, abandoned by her drug addict mother Tina. What Zoe experienced as a small child is something that no child should EVER have to deal with. To this day, Zoe is battling with the trauma. There's little wonder why she wants the very best for her daughter. Over the course of the book, Zoe comes to terms with these issues, liberating her.
I really liked the dual timeline. Marly is a flamboyant character, a teen in 1950s America. She's the youngest of four, the only girl, and really only wants to be seen by her mother, aunty and elder cousins. She definitely won't take no for an answer. Marly will have to make some pretty big decisions in the future, ones that shape future generations.
Amy Matthews hasn't shied away from the hard tipping topics of drug abuse, child neglect and early onset dementia. As delicately handled, they are uncomfortable to comprehend. But in saying that, the good outweighs the bad- community, found family, friends and new beginnings.
Please don't miss this treasure of a book.
Zoe is a single mum to eleven year old Florence. Currently they live in a small one bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh, PA and Zoe dreams of a house of their very own. One with separate bedrooms and a yard.
One of Zoe's hobbies is to google dream homes- then she was introduced to 'treasure homes'-that being run down properties full of junk, a renovators dream. The answer is simple- find their very own treasure house.
Luckily, a suitable home pops up in Oxeye, Maine. As soon as Zoe and Flo inspect the house, they're sold, despite reluctance from their soon to be neighbour, Jake. What's his story, and why is he hesitant in revealing it?
As Zoe and Flo sort through the junk and get to know the community, the house's history becomes clear. Who is Marly and what circumstances led to her living in such a state of despair?
Meanwhile, a blast from Zoe's past threatens her HEA...
I absolutely loved The Treasure House. I felt like I was a part of the small coastal town, experiencing the seasons change. It's captivating.
At times, this was a hard read. Zoe is a former foster kid, abandoned by her drug addict mother Tina. What Zoe experienced as a small child is something that no child should EVER have to deal with. To this day, Zoe is battling with the trauma. There's little wonder why she wants the very best for her daughter. Over the course of the book, Zoe comes to terms with these issues, liberating her.
I really liked the dual timeline. Marly is a flamboyant character, a teen in 1950s America. She's the youngest of four, the only girl, and really only wants to be seen by her mother, aunty and elder cousins. She definitely won't take no for an answer. Marly will have to make some pretty big decisions in the future, ones that shape future generations.
Amy Matthews hasn't shied away from the hard tipping topics of drug abuse, child neglect and early onset dementia. As delicately handled, they are uncomfortable to comprehend. But in saying that, the good outweighs the bad- community, found family, friends and new beginnings.
Please don't miss this treasure of a book.
October 25, 2026
It’s the next morning and I’m still thinking about this book so I’m tempted to rate it even higher. I adored this with my whole heart and never wanted it to end ❤️🩹.
Such a beautiful, unique story told across two timelines in the most charming of settings. The romance(s) was/were told in such a quiet, endearing way that made it feel so potent. Flo and young Marly would have been kindred spirits, they both had me cracking up. This somehow kept me guessing the entire time so I’m incredibly happy with how everything came together, but I’m also sitting in the silence trying to process all of my emotions.
Such a beautiful, unique story told across two timelines in the most charming of settings. The romance(s) was/were told in such a quiet, endearing way that made it feel so potent. Flo and young Marly would have been kindred spirits, they both had me cracking up. This somehow kept me guessing the entire time so I’m incredibly happy with how everything came together, but I’m also sitting in the silence trying to process all of my emotions.
October 9, 2026
Zoe Copeland has abandonment issues. Her dad left first. When her mother left and ended up in prison, Zoe was placed in the Colorado Foster System. When she married Tim and had a baby, Tim continued his education while she dropped out of college and went to work. Only he continued the college life and she was left alone to raise their daughter.
Zoe had one dream. To buy a house. She and her daughter had lived in small one bedroom apartments forever. She wanted her daughter to have stability and her own room. Scrolling online she learned about “treasure houses” for sell. Houses sold “as is.” Unkept, old, neglected homes falling apart and filled to the brim with who knows what. A hoarder’s house. She found one. In a small coastal town in Maine. After making the trip to Oxeye, Maine and purchasing the house, Zoe was overwhelmed with the work and the money needed to make the house safe and livable.
Matthews has written a feel good emotional story with a dual time line and a colorful cast of well written quirky characters. Immediately the reader is focused on 11 year old Florence (Flo) who is Zoe’s daughter. She is feisty, talkative, precocious, and at times her comments seem way mature for her age.
The dual timeline focuses on Zoe and Flo who uprooted their lives to move to Maine, buy a house, and start over. The timeline fluidly passes to 14 year old Marley Orcutt in 1953 and her family members from Boston who used to summer in the “Treasure House.” Before the hoarding. This book has so many feelings, challenges, and heart warming moments, as well as some of the heart breaking moments life brings. As Zoe’s neighbor Elton states “There’s lots of memories in old houses, good and bad, but your new home holds some golden ones.”
I loved this book and the beautiful book jacket. Five solid stars and a job well done Amy Mathews.
October 21, 2026
This was a lovely autumn read. Sometimes you find treasure in the darkest places.
October 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! So easy to read, heartwarming with very cosy vibes. It flips between the past and the present and the two come together so beautifully at the end. The writing is great and the characters are lovely. I recommend to anyone who is looking for an easy and cosy read!!
October 28, 2026
🎧 dual timelines. Family drama. All the feels!
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