Treasure of the Heart

Polwenna Bay #4

by Ruth Saberton

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Arrive a stranger in Polwenna Bay, the picturesque Cornish fishing village full of drama and surprises, and leave as a friend.


The heart is a deep ocean of treasure…

For twenty-two years Issie Tremaine’s wild behaviour has driven her family to distraction. Now, with the future she’d dreamed of in tatters, she’s returned home to try and forget the past. When a huge winter storm and the arrival of a handsome stranger cause upheaval in the village there is an even greater tempest in Issie’s heart. Dare she trust again? Or will she only face more betrayal?

As a professional treasure hunter, American Luke Anderson can’t risk any distractions. With his reputation hanging in the balance he’s staking everything on a major find in England and daren’t let anyone get in his way. Not even the passionate and free spirited girl he can’t stop thinking about.

Alice Tremaine’s world has been her family. Since the death of her daughter-in-law she’s single handedly raised her grandchildren, often at the expense of her own happiness. Now they are grown up, Alice is resigned to a quiet life in Polwenna Bay until her past returns to challenge her and awaken a love she’d thought long lost …

With a stormy start to the New Year, secrets and fears are swept away with the crashing tides and long forgotten truths are laid bare. What treasure lies beneath the ocean and in the hidden depths of hearts? And who will be brave enough to claim it?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2016

About the author

Ruth Saberton is a bestselling British author with over 25 books written under her own and pen names. Her books feature romance and secrets and are set in beautiful Cornwall.
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton

www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book set in Cornwall is always going to be a winner for me- and Ruth creates such a vivid setting in Polwenna Bay that you can imagine living there among all the locals. Added to that the magic of Cornish folklore and smuggling history around the fishing villages and you really have a wonderful bubble of Cornishness to lose yourself in.

Issie is one of the 22 year old Tremaine twins- and she's returned to Polwenna Bay after giving up her degree course. She's always been fascinated by family history and the treasure they are sure must be around the village somewhere. A bad storm reveals the shipwreck and a professional treasure hunter sees Issie on the BBC news and knows that he has to make the trip over to search and get to know Issie.

Alice is the mother hen around her grandchildren and she quietly watches wondering how she can ease their path through life's troubles. She sounds such a wonderful character - the real gem.

You get a real sense of the village community- the resistance to incomers, but throwing their homes and businesses open to cash in on the renewed interest in the treasure.

It is my dream to live in Cornwall one day and I really enjoyed this trip - I could hear the seagulls and smell the seasprey. Ruth is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I look forward to returning to Polwenna Bay in the very near future, hopefully!

With many thanks for Ruth for generously offering pre publication copies in exchange for reviews.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4. 5 Stars

I can't believe its been under a year since I was first introduced to Polwenna Bay, and now this is book 4, and the series shows no signs of slowing down, in fact I'd argue it keeps improving, with each book having a completely different theme to it, as well as a different member of the Tremaine family to focus on.

Each book in the series is definitely readable as a standalone, and this is no exception, although since the series is so great, I would be surprised if you didn't want to start at the beginning.

This time around the focus is on Issie Tremaine, who is at the heart of the trip to Polwenna Bay, and during the night of a big storm, she is convinced she has found a shipwreck,which would prove a legend about missing treasure is true. She announces her find and the press, tourists and amateur treasure hunters all come to the town, to try and see if its true.

At the same time handsome American Luke Dawson arrives in town, claiming to be researching a history paper, and attracts Issie's attention. Of course the reader has already been introduced to Luke, and know both sides of the story.

We also get to see more of Alice Tremaine in this book, and in particular her lost love from her childhood, and although she is getting a bit older, she is wondering if it is too late for love. Her natural shrewdness does mean that she is wary of Luke, and also of a new incomer to Polwenna Bay who is running the beachside cafe.

I'm not sure how she does it, but every time I read a Polwenna Bay book, while on public transport, Ruth Saberton has the ability to make me completely forget where I am, where I am going, and almost miss my stop, as I am so absorbed in the story. This absorption point in Treasure of the Heart arrived quite early on in the book, with an event that got my heart pumping, and had me worried for various characters.

Treasures of the Heart is a story of treasure hunting, Cornish folklore and legends, romance, new beginnings and also a continuation of all the characters stories from the previous Polwenna Bay books. It is a wonderful new addition to the series, and as always I can't wait for the next one.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the 4th book in this series and loved it just as much as the first she never lets you down Ruth. Lovely to go back to the Cornish village and hear more from different people. We learn about secrets and different treasures and a man arrives as a stranger in the village and doesn't know anyone but can he find a life and get friendly with someone. Well worth reading has you wondering what will happen next.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth instalment of the Polwenna Bay series and I feel very happy to be going back to Cornwall. Ruth Saberton has created such an idyllic setting for her Polwenna Bay series, the characters are well balanced, relatable and full or Cornish charm. It feels like going home when joining the Tremaine’s at their kitchen table in Seaspray.

This story focuses on Issie, one half of the twin siblings in the Tremaine household. Issie is very likeable, she’s fun, vivacious, impulsive, a beautiful young 22 year old with a head full of dreams and a huge heart. Issie has recently returned home after quitting her degree course at uni. Her reasons for quitting are very well guarded and Issue refuses to reveal the truth behind her decision and her current state of behaviour which is starting to go out of control. When Issie uncovers a secret the village has been hiding for decades the future of the village and villagers is put at risk.

Luke Dawson, a young American, who works alongside his father as a professional treasure hunter by chance sees a news report regarding this great find in Cornwall. At first he is captivated by the beautiful face of Issie on the TV screen but when he sees the word ‘lost treasure’ on the screen his heart starts beating fast with the expectation of a prospective new hunt for the loot that was lost long ago. Luke on a whim and with the backing of a wealthy bored American housewife flies to England and lands in Cornwall on a damp, grey, cold January day.

When Luke bumps into Issie in the village he can’t help himself and delve Issie with questions about the find and the history of the village. A mutual interest in the history brings the youngsters together and chemistry between them soon develops. Can Issie forget her past and move on with the future or will the prospect of wealth hidden within the village be too much of a draw?

I loved this story it held a magical quality to it; of forgotten folklore involving wonderful characters from long ago and smuggling. Were these well loved stories of times gone by a myth or fact? The novel also has some wonderful, beautiful, touching moments with Alice, the hardworking, caring grandmother to the Tremaine siblings. Alice is the head of the house and has worked hard all her life looking after the family. It was wonderful to hear more about her and her past. There is one particular scene that was so beautiful I could feel tingles of emotion comforting me.

Another wonderful story of love and family and believing in your heart and soul. 5/5*

This book can be read as a stand alone novel but to appreciate all the characters I would highly recommend reading all of the Polwenna Bay series:

[Ursula Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful read. Ruth Saberton is one of my favourite author’s and never fails to disappoint.
I thoroughly love reading this series of Polwenna Bay and in turn spending time with each of the by now very familiar characters.
In this book you are instantly whisked back to the beautiful village of Polwenna Bay. I absolutely love being transported back here and instantly feel like I have come home. Ruth immediately helps you to visualise the most beautiful surroundings and make you feel like you are right there with the characters.
This story focuses on Issie this time. Issie is a very likeable and fun loving character but we see a more serious side to her in this novel too when we find out the real reason why she left Uni. There is also drama and love when the mysterious Luke Dawson arrives from America. Has she found her true love or does he have an ulterior motive?
This story is fun and full of adventure as we see Issie trying to solve the mystery of Black Jago’s missing treasure.
If you have already started to read this delightful series you won’t need any encouragement to read this latest book. If you haven’t already started them do not hesitate in downloading the first book Runaway Summer and finding out what you have been missing. You will not be disappointed.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you’re engrossed in a really good book, you don’t want it to end. That’s how I feel every time I read one of Ruth’s books, so it’s been a huge joy to have a series. Readers have come to know and love the Tremaines, Penalligans, Jules the Vicar, and many more great characters, all with their own stories to tell.

Ruth has a brilliant writing style, full of humour and feeling, and she describes everything so well – places, people, situations. Real-life issues are covered accurately and sensitively, whilst still retaining that feel-good factor that we’ve come to expect from Ruth.

Each book in the series focusses on a different person or family, but everyone else gets at least a mention, so you feel you're back amongst friends.

I love Ruth’s books and can’t recommend them highly enough! If you haven’t read any of the Polwenna Bay series yet, hurry up and buy them all – you won’t be disappointed 

I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Jane Chipchase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read by this intelligent author!
I read this book after reading the previous 3 in the series - I can't rate them highly enough.
This book, like the others, has made me feel part of the family and the stories transport you to this idyllic Cornish village with it's lovely community. It is uplifting and fresh and I recommend you treat yourself to the series (especially as it is Easter weekend).
This book tells the story of Issie as well as her Grandmother Alice, which is an added bonus.
I don't want to give too much away but I have found out since that some of my previous reads, that I have loved, have been by the same author and I hadn't realised!
Well done, again, can't wait for Book 5!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th in the Polwenna Bay series and follows Issie's story of love but includes all the other members of the Tremaine family as well as other wonderful characters from previous books.
It is a warm, feel good tale of smuggler's treasure and Luke, the gorgeous American who comes to Polwenna Bay. Not is all as it seems for either Issie or Luke and Ruth keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
I was really pleased that Alice, the grandmother who has looked after the family since their own mother died, also has her own story, which is just as heart warming as that if her granddaughters.
Thank goodness Ruth is writing about the Tremaines; with so many siblings there are hopefully lots more stories to come!

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh...

I found the premise of this book very intriguing, however it didn't really deliver. For a book about treasure hunting there are very few historical details that are included. I would have liked the past to have been more developed. The story mostly centers around the 3 main characters and their internal struggles.

I also was slightly perturbed by Luke's character in his first couple chapters. For someone who has never traveled to England, he had quiet a few English phrases and vocabulary words. They just threw me off a bit and took me right out of the story.

Overall, I found the story to be just ehhhh. Probably not something I would read again or recommend to anyone.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given a preview copy of this and I have to say, it's the best in the Polwenna Bay series to date. I keep thinking it can't get better, but it does. We learn about Issy Tremaine in this book and the mysterious story of the missing treasure and Cornish smugglers from a bygone age. The mystery surrounding this kept me hooked, and I struggled to put the book down. We catch up with some of the other characters from the previous books in the series too and also learn a bit more about grandmother Alice's life. It's a brilliant read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful visit to Polwenna Bay and the Tremaine family. Wonderful to be back in this cornish fishing village reuniting with the family members whilst focusing on Issie, and meeting the handsome newcomer Luke Dawson who hides the real reason for being in Polwenna Bay. I couldn't put this book down and just hope Ruth transports us back to Polwenna Bay many more times in the future

[Ann Cator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Ruth Saberton
The Polwenna series are a feel good read , each book is focused on a character from Polwenna Bay a lovely Cornish fishing village.
Treasures of the heart involves mystery, folklore and tested loyalties with a couple of love stories.
A must read for anyone who Loves Cornwall .

[Susan Kasza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story, but she should have gotten someone from the US to proofread it. We don’t use the words “air con” or “vest” (not in that context, anyway), and would not express the temperature in Celsius. Interestingly, she did get the elevator/lift terminology correct.

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely one of them loveliest series I have read. Treasure of the Heart is quite thrilling and edge of your seat while still being a lovely, romantic story set in gorgeous Cornwall.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The legend of Black Jack Jago, wrecker in Polwenna Bay in the 18th century, has fascinated Alice's youngest granddaughter Issie since childhood, and she has always wanted to find the treasure and prove the legend is more than just an old story.
But something happened to her when she was at uni, something that made her quit and has sent her into a spiral of being a party girl. After a New Years' Eve of shots and snogging, her brother and brother-in-law drag her back, where she begins throwing up as she is, by this old nurse's reckoning from taking care of alcoholics, on the verge of alcohil poisoning,. She realizes she has blacked out several parts of the night. Her brother warns her she is likely to become like their flaky father, a profligate spender of money that isn't his l, a womanizer, and a heavy drinker. They push her to go to her sister's party New Years' Day, but she is being reminded co often of what drove her from school, and in Gale
Force 10 winds, goes for a walk on the beach. She is on an old shingle beach when the storm uncovers the very ship Black Jack wrecked, the one with the accursed treasure. She ends up on BBC news, broadcast to America, and a young man sees it.
The young man, Luke, has worked salvage in the family business. When his sister dies when the boat she was dive crew on sinks off Cuba, history major Luke drops out to help his dad. But his mother leaves because he is so determined to be a treasure hunter. His father sinks into the drink, and he won't listen to his son's researched hunches on the probable location of treasure. Things come to a head when another dive crew gets a treasure Luke was sure was there while his father refused to listen and wasted a day finding nothing. He breaka it off with his dad, wanting to go off on his own, where he is sure he can find salvage. And then he sees Issie - and the nexklace that came from the treasure of Black Jack Jago - on TV. He manages to convince his current sex partner to sponsor him to find the treasure in Cornwall. When he goes into the pub, he meets Issie, who works there, and initially, pursues a relationship based on casual sex. But it goes deeper and she tells him more than she should.
On New Years' Eve, Issie had snogged Teddy St. Milton after doing shots with Little Rog Pollack, so now he is sending huge bouquets to the pub, where Issie works, daily. She doesn't want them and. neither does the owner, Adam, but the owner's wife won't throw them out and, hoping Teddy will get the message, Issie won't take them home.
Luke changes a lot for Issie, including hiw she feels about what made her leave uni...and eventually, how she feels about Luke himself when she doscovers who and what he is.
Can Ashley help Luke sort himself and his relationship with Issie? Will Alice, who was once an item with Jonny St.Milton, Teddy's grandfather, get Alice Tremaine to have dinner with him, before he collapses with a heart attack climbing the steep ascent to Seaspray, Alice's cottage?
And what will Luke do about the treasure of Black Jack Jago...will Polwenna Bay protect itself, as Jonny St. Milton claims? Or will Luke ruin it?

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Treasure of the Heart #4 - I was really disappointed with this book and I have read several of the other books in this series. The American uses a lot of British colloquialisms and wording, which I found hilarious; like we would say 30 degrees instead of 86 (F). Several things written about Americans were upsetting in their fallacy. The following shows the stereotyping and lack of knowledge presented in this story (and some of it was thought/spoken by the American):

"That wasn’t the American Way, was it? Being frightfully polite and self-effacing wouldn’t have won the frontier." (Kindle Locations 2638-2639).
"The villagers trusted each other and they were friendly. Maybe it was something to do with not carrying guns." (Kindle Locations 2641-2642).
"In his [Luke the American] world it was all about the green: nobody looked down at people for wanting money, making money or flashing it about. . . . Throw in a boat and a jet ski and it was job done." (Kindle Locations 2980-2982).

The second comment about guns (both on this list and in the story) didn't make any sense and proved the writer doesn't know anything about the USA. Our small towns are like Polwenna Bay, with gossips and people who care about and know everyone; look at what we did before and after Hurricane Harvey, just to name an example and this was in all the towns and cities. Contrary to popular belief Americans don't go around with guns out and blazing. But hey, let's roll out the stereotypes, after all it's PC to do that nowadays - knock what you don't know or like; just like it is "modern" to be without self respect, morals, tolerance or manners. Yet, two of the British characters didn't act with politeness but spite and hatefulness, but hey, they're OK, they're Brits. Well done.

Now for the rest of the story: I had a difficult time with Issie; I found her immature and silly. She almost destroys herself with her ridiculous behavior over a married man; gives her body and town's secrets/history to a stranger within days; and then returns to the married man in her feelings, although she's in love with the American. There was too much dishonesty between her and Luke, which was very unsettling; too much bad behavior and no sexual tension, which is more interesting that explicit sex - boring.

I did enjoy Jonny and Alice's story and their talks about the past and present. Their relationship and the history of smugglers are the only reasons to read this story. I've enjoyed all of Ms. Saberton's books that I have read, except this loser with its PC and politics and stupid Issie. Alice, my favorite character in this series, and the history infused from Cornwall's past earns 3 stars. Remember the Disney movie, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh; it started my love affair with this type of story.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a complete story, and mostly a decent one. But it is so heavily intertwined with others in series I haven't read that I ended up feeling left out of things several times. So while technically stand alone, I am sure more enjoyment would be had by reading all of them and higher rating from someone who had. 3 star

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like clean, well written romance novels with some mystery and suspense then this is for you. There are lots of characters that make up the small village and who provide laughs and really set the scene for the quaint but secret filled Cornish village.

This is a stand-alone book but definitely has a few lose ends for some of the characters.

[Josephine Choyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive

My very good friend Maureen recommended these amazing stories I have loved reading this Polwenna bay series & I can't wait for the next part. I will definitely recommend to my friends & family. Ruth has got you living & breathing Cornwall which is such a beautiful part of the world. Would highly recommend this to everyone!

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read and enjoyed the previous books from Polwenna Bay series and this one did not disappoint. Ruth’s writing conjures up a complete photographic image in my head of Polwenna Bay - without using vast descriptive passages (which I can’t stand in other books). The characters are ‘normal’ and therefore totally relatable. I found this a really lovely relaxing read to enjoy in between reading more fast-paced adventure and crime fiction - as I like to read lots of different genres.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking you back to a Cornish Village where everyone knows everybody, until a stranger comes, will he be accepted. With a young girl who has been a trouble maker back home, and a stranger who is a professional treasure hunter, will definitely stir things up, Read and enjoy.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Cornish read!

Really loved this book. As a Cornish resident I feel Ruth captured the atmosphere perfectly. If you love Doc Martin and Poldark you’ll love this. As I read it I felt I was in the little coastal village where we sometimes go for lunch.

[Leedemort · Rating 4 out of 5]

great continuation of the polwenna bay characters
the mystery mixed in with treasure hunting was very intriguing and lead you to better understand issies character
Alices story was very sweet also.
cant wait to jump into the next installment of Polwenna Bay

[June Richland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well week three of lockdown and thank goodness I've stumbled upon this fantastic series. I think with each book it's not going to be as good as the last, but of course it is!! Now on to book 5. Loving the characters the setting and the storylines. Fabulous author.

[Kris Kuebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking romance and loot

Beautiful Polwenna bay is hiding a few secrets and who better to discover them than adventure seeking Issie Tremaine with a chance at a true treasure in Luke, a treasure hunter with secrets of his own .

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

After visiting Cornwall I love reading this series set there.

[MRS M BARNES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treasure hunt

Another saga of polwenna bay and black jack jago were personal
Feelings of love are more important then money a goodread

[Sally J Boudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

As usual, very exciting, interesting plot and characters with the beauty of Cornwall shining through. Perfect for a lazy day read.

[A K Pearce-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

Fun read as pet of a series, tells the lives of a Cornish family, their friends and neighbours and how live changes through the seasons

[Nancy Waits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

You would be wise to start the Polwenna Bay series at the beginning. A very interesting setting, fascinating characters, treasure to be found.