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The Last Treasure
From the author of It Comes in Waves and The Guest House comes a novel of three lives entangled in the secrets of the sea and the enduring bonds of love.
As students with a shared passion for shipwrecks, Liv, Sam, and Whit formed a close bond searching for the mysterious Patriot, a schooner that disappeared off the Carolina Coast in 1812 with Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia aboard. But as the elusive ship drew them together, love would bring them even closer—and ultimately tear them apart.
It’s been seven years since Liv left Sam to be with Whit, and the once close-knit trio went their separate ways. Liv has given up her obsession with Theodosia Burr to focus on her career as a salvage diver and her passionate but troubled marriage to the reckless and hedonistic Whit. But when a diary of Theodosia’s is discovered in a collector’s estate, she is pulled back to the world of the Patriot, this time with startling new clues to what might have really happened.
Diving back into the lost history of the Patriot could be just what Liv needs to find closure to a mystery that still haunts her. But when she and Whit reunite with Sam for one last salvage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, buried romantic tensions begin to resurface, and once again Liv must choose between two men with very different hearts.
As students with a shared passion for shipwrecks, Liv, Sam, and Whit formed a close bond searching for the mysterious Patriot, a schooner that disappeared off the Carolina Coast in 1812 with Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia aboard. But as the elusive ship drew them together, love would bring them even closer—and ultimately tear them apart.
It’s been seven years since Liv left Sam to be with Whit, and the once close-knit trio went their separate ways. Liv has given up her obsession with Theodosia Burr to focus on her career as a salvage diver and her passionate but troubled marriage to the reckless and hedonistic Whit. But when a diary of Theodosia’s is discovered in a collector’s estate, she is pulled back to the world of the Patriot, this time with startling new clues to what might have really happened.
Diving back into the lost history of the Patriot could be just what Liv needs to find closure to a mystery that still haunts her. But when she and Whit reunite with Sam for one last salvage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, buried romantic tensions begin to resurface, and once again Liv must choose between two men with very different hearts.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2016
7 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Erika Marks
18 books219 followersHello, fellow reader! I am the NAL author of women's fiction set by the sea. My fifth novel, THE LAST TREASURE, follows the love triangle between three treasure hunters searching for a mysterious shipwreck on the Outer Banks, and comes ashore on August 2, 2016. I love meeting with book clubs via Skype--so stop by my website to learn how we can set up a chat!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 10, 2018
Find all my reviews on my blog: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com
Date Read: 09/02/16
Pub Date: 08/02/16
5 STARS
As students with a shared passion for shipwrecks, Liv, Sam, and Whit formed a close bond searching for the mysterious Patriot, a schooner that disappeared off the Carolina Coast in 1812 with Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia aboard. But as the elusive ship drew them together, love would bring them even closer—and ultimately tear them apart.
It’s been seven years since Liv left Sam to be with Whit, and the once close-knit triowent their separate ways. Liv has given up her obsession with Theodosia Burr to focus on her career as a salvage diver and her passionate but troubled marriage to the reckless and hedonistic Whit. But when a diary of Theodosia’s is discovered in a collector’s estate, she is pulled back to the world of the Patriot, this time with startling new clues to what might have really happened.
Diving back into the lost history of the Patriot could be just what Liv needs to find closure to a mystery that still haunts her. But when she and Whit reunite with Sam for one last salvage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, buried romantic tensions begin to resurface, and once again Liv must choose between two men with very different hearts.
I will hastily be filing this under “all the feels”, because it gave me just that. I am a hardcore sucker for southern fiction, and if you throw in a historical (fictional) mystery, you officially own me. Who doesn’t love a story involving the ocean and treasure hunters? I was lucky enough to win this off a fabulous author’s Facebook giveaway (thanks Kerry!) and knew between the cover and the blurb that I’d found a fantastic summer read. I had just finished a heavy, dark story at the beach and was craving something to cleanse the palate and make me want to get out of bed again; this was perfect! The romance thing is growing on me (although you’ll never see me pick up one of those books with a cowboy and pregnant bride on the cover), and I thoroughly enjoyed this little love triangle (another thing I typically despise).
The book almost has a feel of being split into two plots; on one hand we have Liv and her modern day life, and on the other we have the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Theodosia Burr (pet name Theo) and the trio’s obsession to find out the truth regarding such. This really worked well as it kept me in suspense for nearly the entire book. We would flip back and forth between present day and past, trying to piece together why Liv and Sam broke up and what drew her and Whit together, and along the way had pieces of Theo’s story thrown in as well. One of my favorite chapters was the one including Theo’s found diary and the journal entries. I’m one of the millions of people obsessed with all things Hamilton at the moment, and this book includes a fictionalized account of Aaron Burr’s duel with Alexander Hamilton and what happened to his family following such trauma.
The characters were well developed; I would go as far as saying this book could well be categorized as a character study with a side of historical fiction. I really enjoyed getting to know Liv and was Team Whit all the way. Even from the beginning, he could basically do no wrong in my eyes. I found myself torn on my feelings for Sam, but I won’t go into that as you should read and decide for yourself. My heart truly broke for the relationship between Liv and her father, and I thought that aspect was a nice touch to the story. I grew attached to these characters and was sad to see them go once the story was over; I still am thinking of them from time to time 4 days after finishing the novel. Erika Mark’s writing reminds me of a female Nicholas Sparks; she clearly knows the south well and writes about her surroundings with ease. The whole book just flowed exceptionally well and drew me in, so much so that I immediately checked my library upon finishing for more of her books! Highly recommended to lovers of southern fiction/women’s fiction/historical fiction mixed with romance (not the graphic or cheesy kind)! Truly adored this book and can’t wait to read more from Ms. Marks!
Date Read: 09/02/16
Pub Date: 08/02/16
5 STARS
As students with a shared passion for shipwrecks, Liv, Sam, and Whit formed a close bond searching for the mysterious Patriot, a schooner that disappeared off the Carolina Coast in 1812 with Aaron Burr’s daughter Theodosia aboard. But as the elusive ship drew them together, love would bring them even closer—and ultimately tear them apart.
It’s been seven years since Liv left Sam to be with Whit, and the once close-knit triowent their separate ways. Liv has given up her obsession with Theodosia Burr to focus on her career as a salvage diver and her passionate but troubled marriage to the reckless and hedonistic Whit. But when a diary of Theodosia’s is discovered in a collector’s estate, she is pulled back to the world of the Patriot, this time with startling new clues to what might have really happened.
Diving back into the lost history of the Patriot could be just what Liv needs to find closure to a mystery that still haunts her. But when she and Whit reunite with Sam for one last salvage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, buried romantic tensions begin to resurface, and once again Liv must choose between two men with very different hearts.
I will hastily be filing this under “all the feels”, because it gave me just that. I am a hardcore sucker for southern fiction, and if you throw in a historical (fictional) mystery, you officially own me. Who doesn’t love a story involving the ocean and treasure hunters? I was lucky enough to win this off a fabulous author’s Facebook giveaway (thanks Kerry!) and knew between the cover and the blurb that I’d found a fantastic summer read. I had just finished a heavy, dark story at the beach and was craving something to cleanse the palate and make me want to get out of bed again; this was perfect! The romance thing is growing on me (although you’ll never see me pick up one of those books with a cowboy and pregnant bride on the cover), and I thoroughly enjoyed this little love triangle (another thing I typically despise).
The book almost has a feel of being split into two plots; on one hand we have Liv and her modern day life, and on the other we have the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Theodosia Burr (pet name Theo) and the trio’s obsession to find out the truth regarding such. This really worked well as it kept me in suspense for nearly the entire book. We would flip back and forth between present day and past, trying to piece together why Liv and Sam broke up and what drew her and Whit together, and along the way had pieces of Theo’s story thrown in as well. One of my favorite chapters was the one including Theo’s found diary and the journal entries. I’m one of the millions of people obsessed with all things Hamilton at the moment, and this book includes a fictionalized account of Aaron Burr’s duel with Alexander Hamilton and what happened to his family following such trauma.
The characters were well developed; I would go as far as saying this book could well be categorized as a character study with a side of historical fiction. I really enjoyed getting to know Liv and was Team Whit all the way. Even from the beginning, he could basically do no wrong in my eyes. I found myself torn on my feelings for Sam, but I won’t go into that as you should read and decide for yourself. My heart truly broke for the relationship between Liv and her father, and I thought that aspect was a nice touch to the story. I grew attached to these characters and was sad to see them go once the story was over; I still am thinking of them from time to time 4 days after finishing the novel. Erika Mark’s writing reminds me of a female Nicholas Sparks; she clearly knows the south well and writes about her surroundings with ease. The whole book just flowed exceptionally well and drew me in, so much so that I immediately checked my library upon finishing for more of her books! Highly recommended to lovers of southern fiction/women’s fiction/historical fiction mixed with romance (not the graphic or cheesy kind)! Truly adored this book and can’t wait to read more from Ms. Marks!
September 5, 2016
The last time I read one of Erika Marks’s books, I had just driven by many of the locales in her book (It Comes in Waves) and was in North and South Carolina while I read – which heightened my reading experience.
For The Last Treasure, I was in the arid summer desert, thankful for the author’s refreshing sensory descriptions of water and surf and coastal life. A few examples:
“A warm breeze drifts through the window, salted and feathery and so achingly familiar …”
“A quartet of pelicans glides across the sky. She watches them descend, smiling at their wobbly landing on the water. The breeze that brushes past her is fragrant with the dry, herby smell of sunbaked dune grass.”
“The ocean roared beyond the whiskers of dune grass, building its strength and curling before it crashed against the sand, exploding in sizzling foam.”
Ahh –heavenly! Marks, as usual, strings together lovely descriptive sentences in what appears to be an effortless manner, making them all the more palatable to the reader. This is upmarket women’s fiction at its best – a beach read, but with sharp emotional teeth. It’s the story of a love triangle (something Marks is skilled at creating in her fiction), a daughter and father, shipwrecks and salvage, broken hearts and history.
I so enjoyed learning more about the current treasure hunting business and its operations. And my favorite: the sprinkling of historical fiction about Theodosia Burr (daughter of US Vice President Aaron Burr), told through journal entries. The parallels between both women’s lives are at once touching, fascinating, and heartbreaking. And the trio of Liv, Sam and Whit ... They are real characters – flawed – but worth rooting for. I love the adept way the author guides the reader’s sympathies and antipathies for various characters, introduces a mystery to be solved throughout, and then throws some curve balls. Fabulous.
In the author’s notes, she says, “I hope that my work of fiction inspires a deep passion for the wonder and marvels of the sea.” Indeed, for this reader, she can certainly claim success! I’m ready to get out on a boat and search for treasure… except bodies of water and boats are few and far between in my patch of dusty earth.
For The Last Treasure, I was in the arid summer desert, thankful for the author’s refreshing sensory descriptions of water and surf and coastal life. A few examples:
“A warm breeze drifts through the window, salted and feathery and so achingly familiar …”
“A quartet of pelicans glides across the sky. She watches them descend, smiling at their wobbly landing on the water. The breeze that brushes past her is fragrant with the dry, herby smell of sunbaked dune grass.”
“The ocean roared beyond the whiskers of dune grass, building its strength and curling before it crashed against the sand, exploding in sizzling foam.”
Ahh –heavenly! Marks, as usual, strings together lovely descriptive sentences in what appears to be an effortless manner, making them all the more palatable to the reader. This is upmarket women’s fiction at its best – a beach read, but with sharp emotional teeth. It’s the story of a love triangle (something Marks is skilled at creating in her fiction), a daughter and father, shipwrecks and salvage, broken hearts and history.
I so enjoyed learning more about the current treasure hunting business and its operations. And my favorite: the sprinkling of historical fiction about Theodosia Burr (daughter of US Vice President Aaron Burr), told through journal entries. The parallels between both women’s lives are at once touching, fascinating, and heartbreaking. And the trio of Liv, Sam and Whit ... They are real characters – flawed – but worth rooting for. I love the adept way the author guides the reader’s sympathies and antipathies for various characters, introduces a mystery to be solved throughout, and then throws some curve balls. Fabulous.
In the author’s notes, she says, “I hope that my work of fiction inspires a deep passion for the wonder and marvels of the sea.” Indeed, for this reader, she can certainly claim success! I’m ready to get out on a boat and search for treasure… except bodies of water and boats are few and far between in my patch of dusty earth.
July 29, 2016
Erika Marks combines love, the thrill of treasure hunting and the mystery of what happened to Theodosia Burr.
I ate this book up like a bowl full of the best gelato you will ever taste.
Full review to come later.
I ate this book up like a bowl full of the best gelato you will ever taste.
Full review to come later.
July 29, 2016
This book was a wonderful discovery. Filled with history and maritime facts, it is a delightful read that takes you on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of Liv. Obsessed with the story of Theo, the three friends bonded together for years over what Liv thought was the search for the answer to what happened to Theodosia. But in reality it was Liv that kept them bonded.
With amazing in-depth history and facts from the time, the author weaves a story for the ages. With passion and love for the sea at the center of the story, the return of Sam changes how Liv sees her life and the passion she has had for years. Then she begins to wonder how can it continue as change is inevitable.
Three lives bound together but as everyone knows, a third wheel makes it a difficult connection. The author uses a woman presumed missing at sea in the 1700’s and correlates it to life today for an engrossing read that begs you look inside for the answers. Deep and thought provoking. A wonderful summer read to enjoy anytime!
Full review http://amidlifewife.com/last-treasure...
With amazing in-depth history and facts from the time, the author weaves a story for the ages. With passion and love for the sea at the center of the story, the return of Sam changes how Liv sees her life and the passion she has had for years. Then she begins to wonder how can it continue as change is inevitable.
Three lives bound together but as everyone knows, a third wheel makes it a difficult connection. The author uses a woman presumed missing at sea in the 1700’s and correlates it to life today for an engrossing read that begs you look inside for the answers. Deep and thought provoking. A wonderful summer read to enjoy anytime!
Full review http://amidlifewife.com/last-treasure...
October 8, 2016
Intrigue, a journey of self-discovery, shipwrecks, pirates, coastal history, a love triangle; my first read by Erika Marks was a delicious treat! I was immediately drawn into the book because of the coastal North Carolina settings and my own fascination with pirates and shipwrecks as a child growing up on the Crystal Coast of NC. Erika Marks' easy-reading writing style and great pacing kept me entranced with the book throughout. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read all of Erika's backlist! Thanks to the author, I won a copy of this book, and this was my unsolicited and honest review.
August 8, 2016
A special thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice Cover!
Erika Marks returns following It Comes in Waves (2014) and The Guest House (2013) with THE LAST TREASURE, from the legends of shipwrecks of North Carolina, a novel of three lives entangled in the secrets of the sea and the enduring bonds of love.
The author writes of gems of the sea, from surfing, a lighthouse, and now in her latest, of lost treasures. From romance, mystery, history, and intrigue.
Based on the real-life story of the mysterious Patriot — a schooner that disappeared off the Carolina coast in 1813 with Aaron Burr’s daughter, Theodosia, aboard — The Last Treasure brings together three students with a passion for shipwrecks who embark on one last salvage mission.
Once a close-knit trio, Liv, Sam and Whit have drifted apart, especially since Liv left Sam for Whit nine years ago. Liv has given up her obsession with Theodosia Burr to focus on her career as a salvage diver and her fervent but troubled marriage to Whit.
But when a diary of Theodosia’s is discovered in the attic of a North Carolina beach house, Liv is pulled back into the world of the Patriot and the love triangle that will cause her to choose once and for all between two men with very different hearts.
Read more about the inspiration behind the fascinating story set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
As a North Carolina native, I always enjoy stories set in the area and the familiar landmarks. From legends, treasures, shipwrecks, with tidbits of history, to the love of the sea, Marks’ characters come alive on the pages.
Well-researched and intriguing, sprinkled with modern romance- Marks' delivers a compelling story for history buffs, and those who adore mysteries of the sea.
For those of you who have not visited the Outer Banks (OBX) highly recommend the 130-mile stretch of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina. Made up of quaint towns and sleepy fishing villages, each wonderfully weather worn to a varying degree. Even spanning hundreds of years and despite millions of visitors, each town retains its own individual character.
JDCMustReadBooks
Erika Marks returns following It Comes in Waves (2014) and The Guest House (2013) with THE LAST TREASURE, from the legends of shipwrecks of North Carolina, a novel of three lives entangled in the secrets of the sea and the enduring bonds of love.
The author writes of gems of the sea, from surfing, a lighthouse, and now in her latest, of lost treasures. From romance, mystery, history, and intrigue.
Based on the real-life story of the mysterious Patriot — a schooner that disappeared off the Carolina coast in 1813 with Aaron Burr’s daughter, Theodosia, aboard — The Last Treasure brings together three students with a passion for shipwrecks who embark on one last salvage mission.
Once a close-knit trio, Liv, Sam and Whit have drifted apart, especially since Liv left Sam for Whit nine years ago. Liv has given up her obsession with Theodosia Burr to focus on her career as a salvage diver and her fervent but troubled marriage to Whit.
But when a diary of Theodosia’s is discovered in the attic of a North Carolina beach house, Liv is pulled back into the world of the Patriot and the love triangle that will cause her to choose once and for all between two men with very different hearts.
Read more about the inspiration behind the fascinating story set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
As a North Carolina native, I always enjoy stories set in the area and the familiar landmarks. From legends, treasures, shipwrecks, with tidbits of history, to the love of the sea, Marks’ characters come alive on the pages.
Well-researched and intriguing, sprinkled with modern romance- Marks' delivers a compelling story for history buffs, and those who adore mysteries of the sea.
For those of you who have not visited the Outer Banks (OBX) highly recommend the 130-mile stretch of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina. Made up of quaint towns and sleepy fishing villages, each wonderfully weather worn to a varying degree. Even spanning hundreds of years and despite millions of visitors, each town retains its own individual character.
JDCMustReadBooks
July 28, 2016
An enjoyable love triangle that explores who we are and we pretend to be and how that affects relationships. An enjoyable summer read. After sleeping on it, I am adding a star. I was upset with one of the male characters when I rated it but that isn't fair to the book. I am glad Liv made the choice she did as he is who I would have chosen from the beginning.
July 24, 2016
The Last Treasure is an enjoyable romance read. The story begins with Liv and her husband, Whit preparing to salvage treasure from a shipwreck off the North Carolina coast. Before even leave, Whit scares off a team member and they need to call Sam, Liv’s ex, to fill in for him. When they get to the wreck site, Liv finds out Whit has really messed up this salvage and is very upset with him. Whit leaves to try to fix his mistake and then Sam tells Liv about a diary of Theodosia that has been found. Liv met Whit and Sam while researching the shipwreck of the Patriot and its famous passenger Theodosia Burr. Liv decides to leave with Sam to go read the diary. Then, the chapters alternate between about 10 years earlier when the three of them meet and the present day. Liv dated Sam first, but Whit was always around. We learn why Liv and Sam broke up and how Whit and Liv got together. Sam believes taking Liv down a trip to memory lane will win her back. Whit is trying to catch up with them and make his mistakes right. Liv is questioning her marriage to Whit and her past relationship with Sam. She feels pulled between the two men who are both in her heart.
This story could get a little slow in some parts and the characters seemed a bit stereotypical. The story is primarily a romance with a love triangle, not a story about Theodosia Burr or shipwrecks. Treasure hunting and shipwrecks are not a huge part of the story despite with the summary would lead you to believe. Once Theodosia’s diary is read by the characters, the mystery only comes into play near the end of the story. Some chapters could also get a little boring. Liv was a good character, she was realistically questioning and revisiting her life choices, but she is very dependent on the men in her life. Both Sam and Whit though are very stereotypical. Sam is an uptight, rule following rich guy and Whit is an irresponsible, partying playboy. The female side characters with annoying because most of them were rude to Liv and in love with either of the men. The ending left me a little disappointed (I would have preferred her to choose neither Whit or Sam). This book would make a good beach read for fans of romances, but not if you are looking a bit of adventure or historical mystery. I received an advance copy from Penguin’s First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
This story could get a little slow in some parts and the characters seemed a bit stereotypical. The story is primarily a romance with a love triangle, not a story about Theodosia Burr or shipwrecks. Treasure hunting and shipwrecks are not a huge part of the story despite with the summary would lead you to believe. Once Theodosia’s diary is read by the characters, the mystery only comes into play near the end of the story. Some chapters could also get a little boring. Liv was a good character, she was realistically questioning and revisiting her life choices, but she is very dependent on the men in her life. Both Sam and Whit though are very stereotypical. Sam is an uptight, rule following rich guy and Whit is an irresponsible, partying playboy. The female side characters with annoying because most of them were rude to Liv and in love with either of the men. The ending left me a little disappointed (I would have preferred her to choose neither Whit or Sam). This book would make a good beach read for fans of romances, but not if you are looking a bit of adventure or historical mystery. I received an advance copy from Penguin’s First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2016
The Last Treasure is one of those books that grabbed me from the start. I didn’t expect to read it as quickly as I did but I couldn’t stop reading. There’s the romantic triangle of Liv, Sam and Whit, a mystery that might never be solved, and diving for treasure – what’s not to love?!
The three meet in college and form a friendship that pulls in different directions over the years. Liv wants to solve the mystery of what really happened to Theodosia Burr (see description above). Sam and Whit want to help her find answers while figuring out where each is headed in life. She has real-life responsibilities that limit her choices and possibly have her feeling drawn to the wrong person.
I loved how Erika Marks’ story played out for Liv as well as Theodosia. I thought the then and now narrative revealed complex characters at a good pace and gave depth to the plot. Recommended to fans of the author and contemporary fiction. It was a perfect weekend read. *I received a review copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
The three meet in college and form a friendship that pulls in different directions over the years. Liv wants to solve the mystery of what really happened to Theodosia Burr (see description above). Sam and Whit want to help her find answers while figuring out where each is headed in life. She has real-life responsibilities that limit her choices and possibly have her feeling drawn to the wrong person.
I loved how Erika Marks’ story played out for Liv as well as Theodosia. I thought the then and now narrative revealed complex characters at a good pace and gave depth to the plot. Recommended to fans of the author and contemporary fiction. It was a perfect weekend read. *I received a review copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
July 2, 2016
I won this book on Goodreads first reads.
"The Last Treasure" was a surprisingly sweet love story with a little mystery sprinkled in.
The characters were amazingly realistic. Normally in novels the characters are exactly as they appear to be. Surface characters with a set personality you can figure out quickly. But in this story, nothing is what it seems, almost all the characters have an unexpected depth. Like most of us, they put on a face for other people but deep down they're not at all who they appear to be.
The story weaves through Liv's life, smoothly connecting the past and the present until it all comes together at the end. Liv dreams of being a diver, excavating sunken treasures but her asthma and mentally ill father handicap her dreams and leave her unsure about who she is or what she was meant to do.
Until she meets the charismatic Whit and the serious Sam during a lecture in college and they pull her towards a path she never expected. She struggles to decide where she belongs: with the serious and overprotective Sam, her college boyfriend who isn't as perfect as he desperately tries to appear. Or with Whit, her irresponsible husband, who drinks too much and doesn't take life very seriously.
All the while she hopes to solve the mystery behind the disappearance of the ship Patriot and her lone female passenger, Theo. A woman who centuries later touches Liv's life in a most unexpected way.
This story is sweet, touching, and has a depth to it I never expected. The mystery of Theo is left slightly open but in a way that's satisfying and final.
It's well worth the read, even for those of us that suffer from thalassophobia.
"The Last Treasure" was a surprisingly sweet love story with a little mystery sprinkled in.
The characters were amazingly realistic. Normally in novels the characters are exactly as they appear to be. Surface characters with a set personality you can figure out quickly. But in this story, nothing is what it seems, almost all the characters have an unexpected depth. Like most of us, they put on a face for other people but deep down they're not at all who they appear to be.
The story weaves through Liv's life, smoothly connecting the past and the present until it all comes together at the end. Liv dreams of being a diver, excavating sunken treasures but her asthma and mentally ill father handicap her dreams and leave her unsure about who she is or what she was meant to do.
Until she meets the charismatic Whit and the serious Sam during a lecture in college and they pull her towards a path she never expected. She struggles to decide where she belongs: with the serious and overprotective Sam, her college boyfriend who isn't as perfect as he desperately tries to appear. Or with Whit, her irresponsible husband, who drinks too much and doesn't take life very seriously.
All the while she hopes to solve the mystery behind the disappearance of the ship Patriot and her lone female passenger, Theo. A woman who centuries later touches Liv's life in a most unexpected way.
This story is sweet, touching, and has a depth to it I never expected. The mystery of Theo is left slightly open but in a way that's satisfying and final.
It's well worth the read, even for those of us that suffer from thalassophobia.
August 22, 2016
The history, the facts, and the story all pulled me right into the story of Theo. Liv is obsessed with Theodosia Burr and what happen to her. She pulls both Sam and Whit into her search for what happen to Theo. While the history is interesting and I learned so much about a person that I didn’t even know existed before I picked up The Last Treasure, I really enjoyed the dynamics between Liv, Sam, and Whit.
The odd trio work meet in college and end up working together to search shipwrecks. I was interested in who Liv would end up with. Would she be better matched with Sam or Whit? Erika Marks did a great job showing how a relationship could or would be with each of the guys. I am still on the fence as to who is better with Liv but I am sure there is a true love winner in this trio.
I really liked was how true Liv stayed true to herself. She grew up without a mother and with a father who was extremely demanding of her time and attention yet she was able to learn to stand up for herself, stand on her own two feet, and blaze her own trail in life. She did not let those saying she couldn’t, shouldn’t, or wouldn’t be able to dive, find out the truth, or live her own life pull her down or push her off her path.
The Last Treasure is a romance, but more than that I felt it was a mystery. A mystery of what happen to Theo and what Liv’s future is. I recommend picking it up.
The odd trio work meet in college and end up working together to search shipwrecks. I was interested in who Liv would end up with. Would she be better matched with Sam or Whit? Erika Marks did a great job showing how a relationship could or would be with each of the guys. I am still on the fence as to who is better with Liv but I am sure there is a true love winner in this trio.
I really liked was how true Liv stayed true to herself. She grew up without a mother and with a father who was extremely demanding of her time and attention yet she was able to learn to stand up for herself, stand on her own two feet, and blaze her own trail in life. She did not let those saying she couldn’t, shouldn’t, or wouldn’t be able to dive, find out the truth, or live her own life pull her down or push her off her path.
The Last Treasure is a romance, but more than that I felt it was a mystery. A mystery of what happen to Theo and what Liv’s future is. I recommend picking it up.
August 6, 2016
In college, Liv met two interesting men the same day. She began to date Sam, who seemed the dependable, logical choice. She fell hard and fast and they spent years together.
Whit was always in the picture too. He came off as a bad boy at first, but as she got to know him she learned that he was very different than he seemed on the surface.
As a child, Liv's mother told her about a famous ship and a woman named Theodosia that disappeared after boarding.
Liv loses her mom very young and she feels a connect to Theodosia, they've had similar sadness in their lives. She longs to find out what happened to her.
Current day, Liv is married to Whit. A turn of events causes Sam to come back into their lives. Sam pursues Liv.
She is given another chance to see if she wound up with the right man, and the chance to pursue the mystery of Theodosia's disappearance again.
Well written. The pages flew by. Great characters. Fun storyline. I was worried it wouldn't wrap up everything by the end, but it certainly did.
Whit was always in the picture too. He came off as a bad boy at first, but as she got to know him she learned that he was very different than he seemed on the surface.
As a child, Liv's mother told her about a famous ship and a woman named Theodosia that disappeared after boarding.
Liv loses her mom very young and she feels a connect to Theodosia, they've had similar sadness in their lives. She longs to find out what happened to her.
Current day, Liv is married to Whit. A turn of events causes Sam to come back into their lives. Sam pursues Liv.
She is given another chance to see if she wound up with the right man, and the chance to pursue the mystery of Theodosia's disappearance again.
Well written. The pages flew by. Great characters. Fun storyline. I was worried it wouldn't wrap up everything by the end, but it certainly did.
August 20, 2016
I never have expectations when I start a book, and this was no exception. What I will say is that I was definitely drawn to the cover and enticed by the synopsis. I was intrigued by the swirl of history and folklore mixed with a long-term relationship and romantic triangle that lasted years...in short, I loved it all.
This was a story that I told people about as I walked through the store, as I worked, as I chatted over lunch. This is a book that I would recommend to a book club or to my co-workers as a getaway. One that feels far away and close to home all at the same time.
It was rich in detail and sweet in story line. I connected to each character, their flaws, their environment, their raw emotions. It felt real in a surreal setting, I mean who wouldn't be thrilled about searching for treasure...both underwater and in the heart of a man and a woman.
**4 Searching for Gold, Stars**
This was a story that I told people about as I walked through the store, as I worked, as I chatted over lunch. This is a book that I would recommend to a book club or to my co-workers as a getaway. One that feels far away and close to home all at the same time.
It was rich in detail and sweet in story line. I connected to each character, their flaws, their environment, their raw emotions. It felt real in a surreal setting, I mean who wouldn't be thrilled about searching for treasure...both underwater and in the heart of a man and a woman.
**4 Searching for Gold, Stars**
August 6, 2016
Once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. The story pulled me in and didn't let me go until the last word. The combination of the love triangle, both in the past and the present, with shipwrecks, treasure hunts, and mystery was well-written.
The story is written alternating between the past and the present, showing the links between the three main characters and how they change through the years. They also show how people are not always what they seem and the characters are human with flaws and baggage. Marks explores these to their fullest.
This is not only a perfect beach read, but a perfect anytime read. I really enjoy the author's writing and story-telling style and look forward to her next offering.
**I received an advanced copy via Penguin's First to Read program.
The story is written alternating between the past and the present, showing the links between the three main characters and how they change through the years. They also show how people are not always what they seem and the characters are human with flaws and baggage. Marks explores these to their fullest.
This is not only a perfect beach read, but a perfect anytime read. I really enjoy the author's writing and story-telling style and look forward to her next offering.
**I received an advanced copy via Penguin's First to Read program.
July 15, 2016
4 stars ....
First off, I love the cover of this book. It sets the scene for some romance, some intrigue, some mystery. Kudos to the designer.
Now the story .. really enjoyed it! This was a great change of pace from my latest reading and I found myself pulled along so easily into the lives of Whit, Sam & Liv. What a great triangle. I think this story is well laid out and moves along at a great pace. My attention didn't stray one bit. I loved the flashbacks to when the three were in college and how they met.
The title of this can hold quite a few meanings. Given the setting of this book - hunting for sunken ships & their treasured cargo - one might think that's the only treasure to be found, but Liv realizes her 'last treasure' as well .. and it's not of the sunken ship variety.
Thanks to Penguin/First to Read for the opportunity to read this.
First off, I love the cover of this book. It sets the scene for some romance, some intrigue, some mystery. Kudos to the designer.
Now the story .. really enjoyed it! This was a great change of pace from my latest reading and I found myself pulled along so easily into the lives of Whit, Sam & Liv. What a great triangle. I think this story is well laid out and moves along at a great pace. My attention didn't stray one bit. I loved the flashbacks to when the three were in college and how they met.
The title of this can hold quite a few meanings. Given the setting of this book - hunting for sunken ships & their treasured cargo - one might think that's the only treasure to be found, but Liv realizes her 'last treasure' as well .. and it's not of the sunken ship variety.
Thanks to Penguin/First to Read for the opportunity to read this.
August 28, 2017
While I don't typically gravitate toward romance novels, preferring genres with a little more meat, I ended up being pleasantly surprised by this book. The story jumps back and forth in time within the lives of its three central characters to explore complex emotional and moral issues. It was interesting to learn more about shipwrecks and treasure hunting, and I liked how the existing mysteries of The Patriot and Theodosia Burr are incorporated. I wish that Marks had resisted vilifying one member of her love triangle so that the eventual final pairing would be satisfying, but figured that things were headed in this direction from the outset, so this is a minor quibble. An enjoyable beach read.
Thanks to the First to Read program for providing me with an ARC of this title.
Thanks to the First to Read program for providing me with an ARC of this title.
July 24, 2016
Typical beach read. Fast moving romance with a bit of history and chapter swaps between the past and present. I enjoyed getting to know Liv, Sam and Whit and discovering what made them friends and what drew them apart. It was interesting to read about the treasure hunt/salvage business of searching for and recovering shipwrecks. I really was interested wanted more of Theo's story. I'm a history buff and I would have much rather read more on how Theo and Liv were alike even though they lived centuries apart. If you are looking for a decent summer read, this is the book for you. Thanks first to read for the opportunity to read this book.
July 19, 2016
I had won an ARC of this. My first book by this author. Enjoyed it very much. Being from SC made it even more interesting.
This was a schooner that disappeared off the coast. Liv had been interested in this one since her Mom had got her interested as a young child. The author mades you feel almost like Theodosis is a friend that Liv is looking for.
They never give up even after finding a diary. Something just don't seem right. Still do more research. The author keeps us wondering.
Great story and could tell was written after doing lots of research. Would recommend to others.
Looking forward to reading more books by Erika Marks.
This was a schooner that disappeared off the coast. Liv had been interested in this one since her Mom had got her interested as a young child. The author mades you feel almost like Theodosis is a friend that Liv is looking for.
They never give up even after finding a diary. Something just don't seem right. Still do more research. The author keeps us wondering.
Great story and could tell was written after doing lots of research. Would recommend to others.
Looking forward to reading more books by Erika Marks.
July 8, 2016
I won an ARC through the First to Read program. I simply devoured this book. Who wouldn't be caught up in shipwrecks, treasure-hunting and a love triangle? Going from the present to the past and back in the lives of Liv, Sam and Whit, Erika Marks weaves a wonderful tale of love and the crazy things we do for that love. The book also connects to the Patriot, a ship that disappeared off the Carolina Coast with the daughter of Aaron Burr, who had an infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton. The history, mystery and romance will keep you turning the pages.
October 5, 2016
The Last Treasure: when I Just started this book, i already had a feeling it would hit a home run, on plot, and character development, the writing style is effortless and beautiful. This will most likely be added to my favourite bookshelf. I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my honest review. Please accept this as my endorsement to read this book, you will get caught up in your own adventure when reading.
August 8, 2016
An engrossing page-turner with great characterization and a compelling plot. I was completely pulled into this world and to the trio's obsession with finding the wreck of the Patriot, and with each other. I always love when I can learn something from reading a novel, and this one has great insight into and information on the world of shipwreck salvaging that is woven seamlessly into the narrative. An overall great read, especially for the summertime!
August 2, 2016
Erika Marks has a wonderful writing style. She makes you feel for Liv and all of the obstacles she has to overcome -- first her mother dying, then her father being the way he is, and finally having to choose between Sam or Whit. I have read a few books that alternate between the past and the present recently, and this novel ties everything in with this format. Would definitely recommend to my friends. I received this digital galley for free from Penguin's First-To-Read Program.
July 12, 2016
I received this advance reading copy from First To Read. I thought it was a really good book. I love the thought of lost treasure and shipwrecks. The bit of history thrown in was also interesting. This is the second book I've read by this author, looking toward to her next
July 26, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book.
October 9, 2017
Won this from goodreads giveaway. Can't wait to finish it and provide a more detailed review!
June 30, 2020
The thing that really sticks with me a few weeks after finishing this book... is how much of a royal dick Sam was. I'm not really sure Whit was much better, but he was somewhat better at least. Once I realized that Sam in particularly was such a crappy guy, my enjoyment of this book suffered majorly. I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Some other aspects of the story were sweet, and I did like the beginning of the book better.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
February 17, 2024
This book had an interesting premise, but fell short of my expectations. I was hoping that I would learn more about Theodosia Burr Alston and the missing ship, The Patriot. This is really a love triangle story about Will, Liv, and Sam. It goes back and forth in time from their college years to the present. I was disappointed in the choices made, especially by Sam and Liv. Will handsome, but full of himself and his lame-brained ideas.
February 1, 2017
I received this book through a goodreads giveaways for an honest review.
I had a hard time getting in to The Last Treasure. I did not really care for any of the characters. I did like the way the story was both current and had flashbacks. I also liked the ending.
I had a hard time getting in to The Last Treasure. I did not really care for any of the characters. I did like the way the story was both current and had flashbacks. I also liked the ending.
September 15, 2018
Great story! A little bit of adventure, romance and history makes this book hard to put down. I like that it takes place in North Carolina and that it involves a mystery surrounding a real shipwreck. Loved it!
August 20, 2020
I really wanted to like this book more. Wasn’t as obsessed with the mystery of Theodosia as much as the characters were. Typical love triangle story. Would have liked more about actual treasure hunting
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