A Treasure Concealed

Sapphire Brides #1

by Tracie Peterson

Bestselling Author Tracie Peterson Launches Exciting New Series Set in 1890s Montana

Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian, Fiction, Christian Romance

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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ADDED REVIEW: 12/5/2019
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A Treasure Concealed is the introductory book in the series 'Sapphire Brides' written by Tracie Peterson. When the book commences, we zoom in on the adversity and misfortunes Emily Carver is ensconced in as she follows her father from job site to job site, never able to settle down in a permanent home. Along comes Caeden Thibault to their Montana cabin intent on cataloging minerals indigenous to the state of Montana.


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Tracie Peterson Launches Exciting New Series Set in 1890s Montana

Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

Almost instantly, a bond is formed between these two and it seems the start of something special is ignited. ExceptCaeden and Emily are two stubborn individuals intent on avoiding any kind of relationship. These two broken individuals battle difficulties with trust, forgiveness, and faith. Will they finally put their faith in God and let him shower them with the healing and hope they need to move on?

When we step out in faith, God uses our pain to help mankind become the individuals he knows we can be. Consequently, pain is not a punishment, but a tool that teaches us lessons and helps us grow.

This book was able to stand on its own, delivered a clean and wholesome story with a H.E.A. So, of course, I would recommend it!

..

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite good; I really enjoyed it. The narrator (Melissa Hurst) took some getting used to, but she wasn't bad. (I can be a bit picky when it comes to narrators...)

Since I don't have the time to write a nice, long review... I thought I would share a few things that I particularly enjoyed about this story:
1) The family dynamics and the contrast of Emily's and Caeden's upbringing.
2) The Christian truths and the faith of the characters.
3) The growth and development of the characters, especially Emily and Caeden.
4) The relatability (yes, that's a word) of Emily in particular.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series! :)

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. It was neat that Emily was working on her habit of complaining, to turn that around to positivity. I loved that she was caring for her dying mother. The romance was sweet, grief palpable, and standing up for what was right was significant.

My only complaint is that the cover model was a brunette but the leading lady of the story was actually a redhead. I wish the cover design team would have paid more attention to the details to match the story the author had written.

Content: saloons, alcohol

[Dana Kamstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of honesty first: I wasn't sure if I wanted to pick this book up. The last couple of times I've picked up new novels by Tracie Peterson, I found myself disappointed. The story just didn't sing or come alive. And I ended up putting the novel down around the halfway point. But this one? Well, I enjoyed it so much.

A Treasure Concealed takes readers to a rough country of gold mining camps in Montana. There are some rough characters and then there are the type of neighbors that really do look out for one another. The characters in this book are wonderful. The main characters have shining personalities, side characters are distinctive in their own rights, and the bad guys are turly slimey. The setting is picturesque and easy to imagine and the plot is intriguing.

But, I'm only giving it four stars. I did have a couple of issues with the story. First of all, as for the romance storyline, I wish there was just a bit more. We know the characters are spending time together, but we don't see it. So when love starts to show up, it's believable, but I felt like I missed out on some of those sweet moments.

The second issue was the big finale of the book. Everything was in place. The tension was high and I knew something was going to happen... and it did, and then it was over--quickly. The final moments of the book just came and went to quickly. Things were resolved much too easily. I didn't even have time to fear for the characters before it seemed like things were done.

But despite those two problems, they felt minor in the overall scope of the book. I still enjoyed it immensely, and I'm planning to pick up the next book of this series.

**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I really like Tracie Peterson. I don't think I have read one of her books and not liked it. The characters in this book are so likeable, except for a couple. I loved Emily, she was a dutiful daughter, but also longed for her own independence, and love. Caeden was the complete opposite of Emily, privileged, dutiful to his mother, detested his father, and vowed never to make a woman feel the way his father did -- until he met Emily. As my dad says, "God works in mysterious ways". You can't help but love these two characters and see how they overcome those trials of if God really loves them because of the hardships they have had to endure. I had never heard of Yogo sapphires before and I love how Ms. Peterson brings that little bit of history into her books. After reading about them, the first finder of the Yogo sapphires was a pretty familiar name. I would definitely recommend this to other readers, I have ordered the next two books and can't wait to continue on this trilogy.

[Deb Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson brings readers the first book in her new Sapphire Brides series, A Treasure Concealed. Peterson is well known in the Christian fiction genre, but her books are also full of historical detail and romance. Readers looking for a novel steeped in history, yet fortified with faith and grace will love this one. Peterson once again shows her versatility and amazing knack for detail and description. A great new effort from a trusted favorite.

What I liked:

There are a couple of things that I look for when it comes to a Tracie Peterson novel. First, I know I am going to get a story that is historically accurate and very detailed. Peterson does her homework when it comes to every detail of her story. She brings the Montana gold fields to life in her latest book, A Treasure Concealed. I had no problem imagining the claims and the people who were drawn to gold mining. Peterson makes them come alive. Her books are always on point when it comes to the historical aspects.

I also know that when I pick up a Tracie Peterson novel, that the characters will be both believable and realistic. Peterson does a great job with characterization. Emily was a great heroine in this one. She has been dragged around from gold town to gold town most of her life at her fathers insistence. Her mothers health has suffered and she is feeling the strain of wanting a home of her own. She is strong in faith and knows what she wants. I found myself very engaged in her story. Peterson also does a great job with the hero, Caeden. Caeden has no intention of turning into the man his father was, and he holds women at a distance until he meets Emily. Both are great characters who Peterson brings to life so well.

As always with Peterson's books, the reader gets a message of faith in one form or another. Peterson never comes across as preachy or too overdone. Her characters live out their faith in such a way that it seems an integral and necessary part of the story. Peterson is very skilled at getting her message across to the reader in a way that will make them think about things in a deeper way.

What I didn't like:

There was definitely a bit of action in this one and I thought Peterson did a great job in the build up to the end. I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out and I wasn't exactly positive the author could pull it all off in the amount of time given for the story. Rest assured there is no cliff hanger ending in this one. But the resolution of the story comes very quickly and seemed a bit trite in some ways. It was a little too easy to suit me. Conflict is necessary in a good novel and readers get that here, but the ending was a bit rushed.

Bottom Line:

I liked this one a lot. It was a typical Tracie Peterson novel. Full of history, a bit of romance, some action and a story that had a deeper meaning than just your average fluff romance. I loved the characters and the way that Peterson was able to bring out what was deep within them. The Montana gold mining communities came to life here and readers looking for a great historical romance, and a good clean read, will love it. The ending was a bit rushed for my tastes, but everything does get resolved in a believable way.

[Chastity Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Treasure Concealed by Tracie Peterson is the first in her Sapphire Brides Series. This series is set in the late 1800's and this particular one focuses on a small mining town in Montana. If you're a fan of historical fiction, or even if you've never read this genre, I hope you give it a try.

Emily Carver has known her share of struggles. Being a girl growing up in mining camps isn't easy but now that she is grown she finds it even more difficult. Choosing to hide her feminine form rather than fend off would be suitors makes a trip to town more cumbersome by the extra layers of clothing she puts on. She still lives with her parents, but what Emily truly longs for is a life of her own. She wants a house with a picket fence and rosebushes. A husband and kids to call her own. She fears because she is tied to the mining camp tending to her ailing mother, this is all her life will be. She's not bitter, she loves her mother with all her heart, she is her best friend and confident.

That's not to say she doesn't love her father too. She does but she doesn't share his need to strike it rich. They barely make enough money to scrape by, as do most miners, and they move often. She's actually amazed that they managed to stay in Montana for as long as they have. Her dad, Henry, isn't a bad guy. He fully believes the Lord has led him here and has unimagined riches in store. He hates to see his wife suffering. No doctor can tell him what's wrong, all they can agree on is it's bad. He ekes out enough gold on his claim for them to get by and he's content with what God has given him. He's beyond blessed to have a wife and daughter whom he loves and who love him back.

Caeden Thibault isn't as lucky. He had a drunk for a father and he watched his mother suffer under his father's abuse. He couldn't wait to turn 18 and get as far away from Albany and his father as he could. He now works as a geologist for the government. Traveling from town to town inspecting mining claims. He's not close to God and isn't sure how if God can be so wonderful, why he allowed his mother to suffer so.

I thoroughly enjoyed A treasure Concealed. It reminded me of watching old westerns with my mom when I was little. I was sucked in from the moment I started this book and wasn't able to put it down until I was finished. I felt like I was a part of Yogo City. I sympathized with Emily and her need for independence. She's fiercely loyal to her parents but she wants a life of her own. She often questioned God and why he allowed certain things or didn't allow certain things? She couldn't see what she had right in front of her. Extended family who looked out for each other when the going got rough. They showed God's love to each other everyday. Whether it was Jake bringing meat from a kill he made or Millie slipping an extra can of peaches in with her purchases when Emily came in the store. The people of Yogo city looked out for each other and took care of their own.

I hope if you're in the mood to read something new you will give A Treasure Concealed a try. It's a great book full of awesome characters who make their way into your heart and feel like family.

I was given a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come to the wilds of Montana and meet Emily Carver and her mother Nyola and Henry Carver

I loved this book and felt like I was there with the Carvers and their friends. I could actually hear the river gurgling as it ran by the Carvers' claim. I could see the trees and imagine anything else that was there.
Emily is a giver. She is also a caretaker. I loved this about her on both accounts. Little by little her faith has also been growing especially since her mother passed on. It will take every ounce of faith throughout the story that she has.
There are bad men everywhere even back in Emily's time. They want what everyone else has been working hard for. They especially like to pick on Henry Carver. They thought they could run him out but they were in for a surprise!!! Mr. Singleton is definitely one that loves to take from people.
Caeden is my hero in more ways than one!! Caeden is a geologist who was sent by Washington to study the area and the land. Washington wanted to know more about this area. He is also a giver!! I was surprised by this because usually most men are takers. I've always imagined him tall, dark and handsome!!!
I'm so glad that Caeden didn't turn out like his parents like he was afraid that he would. I think he turned out just fine with God's help and a lot of determination. I believe that God sent Caeden to watch out for the Carvers especially Emily. There are also children who grow up without parents who turn out to be alright too.
Nyola is sort of my favorite character. I loved the insight that she has!! It's like she knows the future and what is going to happen before it does. I didn't like the way she died though. I can't imagine the horrible way she died. NO one deserves that!!!
Then we have Mr. Arnold and his daughter Catherine. I didn't like him but Catherine was ok. I didn't like Mr. Arnold because he was all bluster and liked to spend money that wasn't there.
Catherine didn't want to marry Caeden at all because she didn't love him. She loved someone else something her father didn't understand.
See, back then all the rich and well to do families wanted to marry their children to a prospective family so that their own families could do well in times of trouble. Catherine didn't want to be a part of this. Mr. Arnold didn't want to listen. People like him have to learn the hard way!!!
Jake is a pretty cool guy too. I love how he watches out for Emily and her father while Caeden is gone to do what he has to do.
This book is action packed and full of entertainment. It's like watching a western movie on TV!! Only better!!
This book was given in exchange for an honest review from Bethany House publishers

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great romance from a favorite author.

[Julie Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Tracie Peterson that I can remember reading, but it definitely won't be the last. The title of this book has a dual meaning that you don't really catch until the end. I got the first meaning fairly early on.
This is one of those happily-ever-after books I have to read every once in a while, but this one isn't all roses and sugarplums. The life of a miner was a hard one, and Peterson does a good job of depicting the hardships people who lived that life endured. You can tell her books might be fiction, but they're well-researched, so you can imagine it really happening to someone back then.
Emily grew up moving wherever her father thought the gold was. He was determined God had it in for him to strike it rich somewhere, but at what cost to his family? His wife is sick and dying; the doctors don't even know for sure what's wrong with her and can't do anything but make her comfortable. Emily wraps herself in as much clothing as possible, no matter the season, to cover her femininity. It didn't deter every man, but it kept things more bearable. In a setting where men largely outnumbered women, and single women, young women were almost nonexistent, she had to do what she could to protect herself.
The Carvers have been all over the West, following gold strikes, and they find themselves in Yogo City, Montana, seemingly after the big strike is over. The city's population is dwindling to next to nothing, and there's a swindler buying up claims from whoever will sell. Many sell, but the Carvers and a few others aren't giving up on their claims. The swindler isn't giving up on his desire to own whatever's left of Yogo City, either.
Besides the hardships of the mining life in general, Henry Carver is being sought by a brother seeking revenge for something Henry did to his brother back in California, and before it's all said and done, it'll be a wonder if any of the Carvers survive.
Enter Caeden Thibault, a wealthy geologist working for the government to study the land's natural resources and report back to Washington. He's had a rough time growing up and now, both parents are dead and he's on his own, kind of drifting, not knowing what he'll do or where he'll end up, but one thing he thinks he's sure of…he'll never marry.
He runs into Henry Carver in the nearest town and catches a ride to Yogo City with him, where he's invited to pitch his tent on the Carver property. He gets to know the Carver family and gets involved in what's going on in their lives in ways he never would have imagined.
This book transports you back to the late 1800's. You get a clear picture of what life must have been like for people living a life like that of the Carvers. It takes a lot of thorough research and a desire for what you write to at least be believable to come up with books this good, Tracie Peterson has done it well.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This was a good book, the middle kinda dragged and a couple of characters weren't the best.

Emily was really sweet and relatable at first. Then she had no progression as a person.

Her pa was really good at the beginning but he got on my nerves as the book went on, his passion cost his wife her life.

Underated characters: Millie the awesome stereotypical black lady, and Jake the best friend that always took care of them.

THE best was Caeden! Oh my gosh he was so generous, kind and gentlemanly. When he takes care of Emily after the shooting, I wanted to cry he is so wonderful.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story’s beginning was extremely flat and lacking in any element or detail that I could actually sink my teeth into, if you will. Emily’s character especially bored me. She was much too whiny in the beginning, though it would be discouraging and even infuriating to be dragged all over creation with a man like her father.
Being forced to live such a hard life out in the wilderness, having no choice but to do every last household chore and farming chore by hand, I was able to understand Emily’s frustrations regarding her father’s determination to strike it rich. How appropriate for Henry to be able to unearth his fortune with sapphires rather than gold, but this detail was made obvious in the title of the series.
I cared more about Caeden’s uncle Jasper than pretty much all of the other characters. I wish Traci Peterson had expounded more on his backstory and past than what Emily cooked for meals, her talking to her farm animals or bartering goods with her father’s friends. I hope the other books in this series are better than this one was.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Carver captured my attention from the very first page of Peterson's new A Treasure Concealed. Her rough-and-tumble exterior contrasted with her sweet spirit made her a fascinating character - because I can't imagine living through her many trials and maintaining her good outlook on the world. Emily's determination to help her parents and to find her dream in the face of so much danger is inspiring.

That's not to say that the entire story is a surprise. Like many historical fiction novels that contain a romantic plotline, the reader can spot the ultimate ending from the beginning of the book. That doesn't take away the excitement of the story, though. How Peterson walked her characters from Points A to B shocked me several times, and I was often caught off guard. Although saddened by Emily's continual personal tragedies, I couldn't wait to see how they would get turned around - and they always did.

I loved the way that Emily's outlook on life in general tinted her view of the mining camp in which she lived. I think we all tend to let our views be colored by recent events, and Emily's tendency to do the same added a layer of reality to her character. Even better, though, was her ability to redirect her thoughts with time and to find the silver lining in an unpleasant situation.

I think that reality is the best aspect of this story. I loved the characters and would love to have them as friends. The setting is fascinating and sounds absolutely beautiful. The plot kept me guessing about (most of) the final destination and contained many twists and turns for fun and flavor. The historical reality, though, makes Yogo City feel like a place to which I could travel. From accents, character development, medical knowledge, and gold fever, the historical background feels real. Peterson nailed the time period and brought it to life on each page. The variety of people and backgrounds seem to fit the salad bowl of the American West.

Although I've read the end of the story, it's hard to put A Treasure Concealed down. I'm not ready to leave Emily or Caedon yet. There is so much to know about their futures, as well as people only touched upon in this story, like Jake Hoover and Millie and Uncle Jasper. They were fascinating in their own rights, and perhaps their sideline status made them even more so. In fact, I was so determined not to leave their story that I did some research - and the second book in this series will be released in July, but it doesn't appear to have any character connections. Maybe, if they don't make a future appearance in the sequel, they'll pop up again in another Peterson book.

Please?

I received a free copy of A Treasure Concealed in exchange for an honest review.

[Natasha Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brief summary I read before requesting this book to review sounded like a lot of other Christian romance books out there - pretty much just fluffy and sappy. But the setting - gold mining in Montana in the Old West - intrigued me, so I went for it. So I was surprised when I really, really liked this book!

I enjoyed the character development immensely. Emily is a likable young lady, selfless in caring for her invalid mother, and searching for gold with her father. She longs for a home of her own, one that she won't have to pack up and leave in search of gold. Although her parent's are both strong Christians, she struggles with her own faith, wondering if God really does care about her.

Caeden, thought quite well off financially, comes from a broken family. His father was never there for him, and he hates the fact that his mother died unloved. Meeting Emily's family starts him down a path of discovery and faith.

I thought the Christian message was quite good throughout the story. The turning point for Emily was when she realized she was hanging onto her parent's faith, and hadn't accepted Christ for herself. I think a lot of us who where raised in a Christian home have a moment like that. Our salvation story isn't spectacular, but is simply the realization that we need Christ for ourselves. Caeden's turning point was when he realized he was not like his dad (abusive, greedy, and scheming), that he could use his wealth for good, and most importantly that he needed Christ.

There was still the oftentimes sappy romance...but that's not always a bad thing. :smile: Plus, it wasn't a "love at first sight" scenario. The characters grew to love each other, which is much more enjoyable for me. On the whole I found this to be a well written, charming, and encouraging read which I enjoyed for much. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

[SeekerOfGrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I had the pleasure of jumping into a Tracie Peterson book, and the opportunity to review her latest novel was a great reminder that I need to catch up her Christian historical fiction! A Treasure Concealed is the first novel of three in the new Sapphire Brides series. Set in the Montana gold mining days, Peterson provides a beautiful historical backdrop for the novel. The historical setting of Yogo City, Montana is often grounded in real people and events, I learned upon doing further web research to satisfy my intrigue.

Emily Carver is the young heroine, daughter of an invalid mother and a hopelessly optimistic father who believes the next big gold strike is around the corner. Meanwhile, they barely manage to eke out an existence during the hard Montana winters. Emily disguises herself for protection due to the dangers of being a young woman in a rough miner's world, and she dreams of a life far away from the dead end mines. Her dreams become brighter when a government worker named Caiden is sent their way to study the geology of the area, but this is not a simple romance novel. Of course Peterson brings the characters through their own journeys of faith, trials, action, suspense, and deadly danger.

I really enjoyed the dialogue as well as the character development. The characters faced real obstacles to their faith as both Emily & Caiden struggled with overcoming baggage from their fathers. I found their journeys to be inspirational. I also particularly enjoyed the thread of sapphires throughout the book. I'm intrigued to see how Peterson continues the theme through the remaining books in the series. I cannot wait to read them!

Note: I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I give it 5 stars!

http://meetthejangs.blogspot.com/2016...

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Tracie Peterson book to read, and I really enjoyed it. Of course, I have a little infatuation with things mining and old West, so the whole theme of the book drew me in.

The POV goes between Emily Carver and Caeden Thibault, both who are trying to understand how God works, basically, how their mothers had strong faith in God even though their lives were not ideal. I thought Peterson did an excellent job with explaining that God is not unjust because of circumstances He allows (brought on by wicked men).

There was a beautiful salvation message in this book, and I really think I can say that the spiritual plot of this book was strong. I'm finding that I like a lot of quotes in Peterson's books.

However, this book wasn't without a few things that made me cringe. For example, why do authors always add moments of "almost unacceptable" that were "unavoidable?" Besides that, there were illusions to men desiring to mistreat women, but it wasn't vulgar. Younger readers may not want to read this book because of that, though. There is romance in this book, but I didn't feel like the story was only wrapped around their emotions (there were moments in the story that hung only on the romance, but overall, the book wasn't just about that).

Quotes I liked:
"A house and little fence will not be what makes you happy. Don't be deceived and throw away the good things you have in search for something that doesn't exist."

"God never is the One to walk away, Caeden. Only we can do that."

"If God knows all, then how can He be disappointed?"

"Trust comes in knowing [God] better."

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange of my honest review*

[Ann Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson does it again. She writes a book that is uplifting and insnpiring with a great storyline. Escape to the Montana Territory where people have gone for the dream of wealth through gold mining. Emily Carver's dad thought that and even though his family has had nothing but poverty and continual moving, they have had the greatest treasure of familly love. But now, Emily is older, her mother is dying, and she has a dream of marriage, children, and a home. How can that happen, though, when she disguises herself in baggy men's clothing and a hat to ward off women- hungry men from the mining camps? Enter Caeden Thibaultl, a geologist studying the area who was raised with the material wealth in a family of poverty of love. His dad was an alcohol, abusing, financially successful pain and his mother was a loving God-fearing woman. Caeden feels his prayers were unanswered with his mother dying in the midst of this, and has left home and God. Now he meets this simple, beautiful woman who has so little in material goods, but who has everything in spirit of appreciation and goodness. Can they work through all of this especially since Caeden's dad arranged for him to marry a rich girl from back home?
It is a pleasure to read a book with goodness and pureness. Bethany House continues to publish top notch books, and this one ranks right up there with their others. They are one of my favorite publishers.

I received this book from Baker Publishing and this is my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana, a beautiful state and the setting for a wonderful story by Tracie Peterson. Her book is aptly named for the more you read, the more you find to keep you turning pages. Her descriptive opening reveals the heroine, Emily Carver; and we are at once, intrigued to find out more about how she survives in a mostly male environment. She and her parents live near a small mining settlement where her Dad continues to chase his dreams of finding a gold treasure. Her mother is dying of an unknown illness; and Emily finds pleasure in the few friends she has, her animals, and her garden. Enter our hero, Caeden Thibault, a geologist on assignment for the government. Emily's dad invites him home for a meal and a place to stay and sends him up to the cabin, where he walks in on Emily, having just finished her bath and clad only in her underlings. From this unceremonious beginning, they begin a fragile but budding relationship complicated by the pronouncement by Emily's Mom, that Caeden is the man God means for her daughter. This is a thoroughly entrancing read, peopled with interesting characters, and a plot with many twists and turns. You will find there is more than one treasure to be discovered. I recommend this book as worth your time to find "A Treasure Concealed". I received this book through Bethany House's Blogger Review program for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable introduction to a new series! A Treasure Concealed was a book that kept me interested in turning pages to see how everything would work out. I loved the wide variety of characters that made up the small mining town in Montana Territory where Emily Carver and her parents called home.

I couldn’t help but become attached to Emily and felt sorry for the hardships she had gone through growing up. Yet, I admired the way she put her all into anything she did and the attitude that she had about things. Caeden Thibault was also a deep character. I enjoyed watching him open up to the Carvers. Where Emily had lived with much poverty, Caeden was raised in wealth, however, the emotional trauma of his upbringing made for a complicated character that I found very interesting to read about. I am looking forward to future books in the Sapphire Brides series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of story you lose yourself in from the very first page. The historical details of life in the gold mining camps are riveting. So many men (and some women) caught 'the fever' and endured years of hardship for the dream of striking it rich. But oh, the havoc that wrought in the lives of their families!

As much as I wanted to dislike Emily's father for all he put her through, I just couldn't. Henry Carver is a complicated character who loves the Lord and believes he's following a calling of sorts. Foolishly stubborn perhaps, but he has a heart of gold (pun intended) and an affable nature. Which brings Caeden to their doorstep. And that's when the magic really begins.

Incredible first meet. Peterson knows how to lace drama with humour and witty dialogue. But she also knows how to riddle a plot with unexpected twists and turns. Not to mention conniving villains. So Emily and Caeden are in for quite a journey before they even have a hope at a happily ever. A page-turning wonder of a read.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

[Pegg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Carver wants what most young women in 1895 want, a husband and a home of her own. She's disenchanted with the life she's grown up in, following her father from mining camp to mining camp in search for a treasure of gold that never materializes. They barely survive in whatever shack or shanty they move into next.

Caeden Thibault wants to see the west and live off the land. He's disgusted with his father's money-grubbing ways. He's left New York behind and doesn't plan to go back. He has no intentions of marriage or home and no faith in a happily-ever-after.

Thrown together by circumstance, Emily and Caeden discover a lot about themselves and each other that they didn't expect. When claim jumpers show up, it'll take all their strength of wills to overcome the obstacles in their paths.

Not a bad story, but not one of Tracie Peterson's best. The problem with writing so many good books is, that readers want all of them to be that good! This one gets a little too preachy for my tastes, but the message is solid and the gospel is true.

[Kathleen Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history contained in A Treasure Concealed compelled me to do a little online research on Yogo sapphires. What a fascinating story! Author Tracie Peterson obviously dug deep (no pun intended) into the stories of the fabled gemstones to make this story feel so real.
Like the real-life miners of Yogo, Emily’s father, Henry Carver, will not give up on the failed gold claim on which he staked his family’s future, in spite of his wife’s illness and his daughter’s yearning for a real home. Henry believes he is following God’s leading, and no one can convince him otherwise.
Several heart-breaking tragedies rip the Carvers from their shack and claim, while Caeden faces his own adversaries. Their trials and journeys toward peace make for a difficult but worthy story, and I award A Treasure Concealed four stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson has written a delightful and inspiring story in A Treasure Concealed, book one in the Sapphire Brides Trilogy. With plenty of adventure and mischief, this story will have readers consumed from page one until the very end. Tracie brings to life her characters in an enchantingly and charmingly, as well as crafts a beautiful story that will engage and entice readers that enjoy historical, inspirational, Christian, romance. This story brings to life the tale of gold-seekers, and the rough life of those who went traveling from place to place looking for gold and the toll it took on the families. I would highly recommend this story to Christian fiction readers.

Rated PG: A couple of violent scenes, some involving guns or physically protecting oneself; nothing graphic

Review copy of the book was provided by the publisher via RadiantLit.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

If you have any interest in history or gold mines, this book is definitely for you. There is just enough suspense to keep you turning pages and just enough romance to keep the romantic at heart satisfied. This book is the first in a series of books called the Sapphire Brides. Tracie sets the story for A Treasure Concealed in beautiful Montana during the aftermath of the gold rush days.

Tracie Peterson did a wonderful job in describing gold mining life in Montana. I could picture the town, the people, the Carver’s home, and the difficulties these people faced. I really enjoyed this book. I think you will like it if you enjoy historical fiction.

**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Treasure Concealed is a thrilling novel set in majestic Montana. I love the premise of the discovery of Yogo Sapphires. It is such a unique and interesting part of American treasures to dive into. Emily is a wonderful character. The way she conceals herself and knows how to handle herself because she lives in an area with a bunch of single miners gives her an added spark of interest. The romance is sweet and not overwhelming. The big tragedies in the book don’t just make you sad; they rip your heart out. The action is dramatic and pulse pounding. The story weaves its way with heartfelt moments, spiritual growth, romantic flutters, and dramatic encounters. The faith aspect is very well done, not glazing over the issue but sharing real answers to questions we’ve all encountered. I did wish the storyline with the little blue pebbles had come together sooner. After reading the book in its entirety, I do like how the little blue pebbles were presented at the end, and with the other aspects of the story, the truth about them was revealed at the proper time. However, while reading the story, it seemed like the question of the little blue pebbles kept getting pushed off or aside for other things, and I couldn’t help but think we know that these are going to be important and valuable so holding off the resolution of if they are worth anything or not seems silly. Their value is not a surprise or question so saving that revelation until the end doesn’t make it a surprise. It just ends up being a nice bonus to the happy ending for our characters. Despite this, I very much enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see where the Sapphire Brides series takes me next.

[Grace Quilty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was full of cliches and common troupes. I just felt that the characters were at times predictable and stupid. You had Caeden who was your standard rich man who didn't want anything to do with his family because they were not like him and didn't care for people. You had Emily who was poor and hoping for better circumstances and you had her father and mother who her father was fixated on the gold rush and her mother was dying. You had the cliche bad guy who wants revenge and manages to hurt the main characters but doesn't quite succeed and has to be saved from the bad guys by the main love interest of the story. You see Caeden and Emily fall in love and get married.

There was a particular part that really bothered me which was at the very end when Davies brother comes to get revenge and both Henry and Emily are aware and Millie offers them a safer place to live momentarily while Davies is still on the loose and until he is captured. They both refuse even while Henry is a invalid and Emily is a young woman who is no match to a fully grown man also who has never used a weapon before. And sure enough when he does come to attack them they are unable to withstand him. And of course Caeden comes at the perfect timing to save them. Henrys illogical refusal was just a setup for caeden to be the hero and it really bothered me because it annoys me when characters make illogical and irrational decisions to further get the authors plot points across.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel and that is no surprise to me. Tracie Peterson never disappoints. Emily Carver dreams of having a home of her own some day so she can stop roaming from mining camp to mining camp with her parents as her father searches for the mother load. The family has spent a year in one place, Yogo City, Montana. The longest they have spent in one place.

Along comes Caeden Thibault, a geologist working for the government, studying the minerals in the area of Yogo City and other places in Montana for their quality. He is also running from the pain of his past with an abusive father. While in Utica, Montana, Emily's father Henry Carver comes across Caeden and they strike up a friendship. Henry invites Caeden to camp on his claim while he studies the area's minerals.

When Caeden meets Emily, he has difficulty keeping her out of his mind. Emily as the same problem with Caeden and love begins to blossom.

This novel has, of course, your dangerous element in the form of one Kirk Davies, looking for revenge. Love, danger, suspense and faith abound in this lovely story. I believe people of all ages will love it as much as I do. Enjoy!

[Claudia {SparrowHawk} · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Treasure Concealed is a heartwarming rendered story about loss, expectation, steadfastness and impenetrable love that simultaneously gives a vivid glimpse into the living conditions and drudgery of life on the frontier. I truly enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the second installment. I really liked it!
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WHAT I LIKED
+ A Treasure Concealed takes a very pragmatic stance towards life on the frontier; more particularly, towards women and how they played a very limited role in society. I admit, I was slightly irate with some of the plotting choices and I often caught myself complaining about the drudgery of daily life for women, but then I realized that I was approaching the setting with a contemporary view on history ― not to mention, a clouded knowledge of modern-day beliefs to boot ― which only goes to show how this factor helped to build the mood and tone of the story. In any case, the plot was surprisingly well-executed; I particularly enjoyed the spin on the sapphire element, but what made the book, even more, engaging for me was its ability to bring the story to a suspenseful climax and resolution.

+ There’s a lot to be said about the world building in A Treasure Concealed, but first a brief disclosure: For reasons unbeknownst to me, I am radically infatuated with the state of Montana. It could be the romantic picturesque landscapes or the hope of living in a log house on the plains somewhere ―Texas, I’m looking at you― but in any case, I wholeheartedly loved every bit of detail that was given to portray an 1800’s Montana. We were given meticulous everyday countryside sceneries (swoon), a vivid glimpse into a life without access to running water, electricity, vehicles, and common amenities of life. Most affecting for me, though, was the way folks in this era pursued community and how they graciously gave without having anything to begin with; it was simply beautiful and convicting.

+ One of my absolute favorite qualities about Tracie Peterson is her extraordinary ability to fashion these fictional characters that are distinct in their own right and remarkably witty all the same; it’s truly the one aspect that keeps me coming back for more! That said, the overall development of the characters and their integration into the story arc was skillfully carried out. However, it was namely the mystery surrounding the ominous antagonist and the legitimate plights our characters faced on the frontier that exuded a genuine connection and palpable concern that helped keep me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

+ Timeless too is the story’s romantic take ― another endearing quality I love about Tracie Peterson’s books. It’s the sort of romance that does not build upon silly clichés but saturates the air with an overwhelming expectancy that keeps the reader engaged and fully immersed. I truly enjoyed seeing how all the obstacles set before both Emily and Caeden served as a testing of their mettle and love for one another.


THINGS THAT MADE GO HMMM. . .
- Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Montana, it behooves me to say that our protagonist, Emily Carver was not necessarily a memorable character; however, there were redeeming qualities to her character arc that did pepper the story with an endearing appeal. Take, for instance, her matter-of-fact repertoire which was utterly amusing, but to be frank, I felt there could have been more layers to her lukewarm character arc. Even so, I was still intrigued by the challenges and responsibilities she face on the homestead ― how she labored and managed to defy the trials that challenged her role as a woman, how she and her family managed to endure extreme weather conditions and the famine such conditions evoked, how she succumbed to incurable diseases and the inevitable loss it accentuates, how at times it was necessary for her to take on men’s duties; it all seemed insurmountable, to say the least, but that’s exactly what I love about historical fiction, how you manage to fall in love with this idea that starts out simple, but instead, you walk away appreciating the beauty and importance history has left for us to grasp

- The narrative’s only weakness is the pacing, which only seems to complement the wide-open lazy summer Montana afternoons the book is set in. There is also a bit of subtlety in the prose where oftentimes some important points of a particular scene are the ones that go unsaid. To boot, I must confess that I didn’t really get into the story until a quarter into the book. Even so, the characters and plotline eventually grew on me and by the end, I liked the overarching story.


AFTERTHOUGHTS
All in all a lovely well-written narrative made all the more special because it was set in Montana. I’ll definitely be back for more, I simply cannot get enough of Tracie Peterson’s impeccable storytelling and uncanny characters.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review, it was not required of me to give a positive review, but to solely express my honest thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story set in the late 1800s about a young woman, Emily, who lives in Montana with her parents. Her life has been hard as her father has continually uprooted them in search of a gold strike. She fears she will never see the fulfillment of her dreams to have a home & family of her own as hardship after hardship strikes them.

The other half of the story is about Caeden, a young & wealthy geologist who is befriended by Emily & her father when he is sent to Montana for his job. Although he hasn't suffered the physical hardships and poverty that Emily has, he has his share of emotional pain. What he sees in Emily is someone who seems so much more thankful for what she has, although it is so little, than he ever has with his abundance.

It is also a story of finding God and His love. A Christian message, no profanity, no sex but plenty of romance.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy moly, where to begin. Probably deserves two stars but I found too many of the plot points unforgivable.

The story was... convenient? Contrived?

Much is made about the main character’s beauty in a way that implies that all her other good qualities should be explained by or summed up in superficial beauty.

I found it hard to believe that a woman raised by a woman of such strong faith had never even heard the plan of salvation... which is conveniently told to her by a minister who magically appears at just the right moment...

I could go on but here is the bottom line: I do not for a minute believe that God would “call” someone to the frontier equivalent of playing the lottery. Among other reasons, it would be a waste of the God given talents and spiritual gifts which God indeed would call someone to use and grow.