A treasure hunt is set to begin in Sugarcreek and the surrounding countryside, and Cheryl Cooper is eager to sign up. Not only does she think it is a fun way to learn more about the area, but the winning team will win a thousand-dollar prize. Levi Miller is her pick for a partner, and he readily agrees to takepart in the competition.
Once the hunt gets underway, she begins to wonder if there is more to the game than meets the eye.
After a series of unfortunate events, it is evident someone is out to sabotage the competitors. Cheryl is determined to get to the bottom of it, but once the field is narrowed down to five teams, one of the participants goes missing. Can she uncover the culprit of these sinister schemes and thwart his or her plans before tragedy strikes?
Annalisa Daughety won first place in the Contemporary Romance category at the 2008 ACFW Genesis Awards. After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University, she spent time working as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Originally from McCrory, Arkansas, Annalisa now resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Read more at www.annalisadaughety.com. "
Someone is setting up a treasure hunt and Cheryl is excited to join it especially since she is getting Levi to be her partner. The hunt is being sabotaged, Cheryl is trying to get to the bottom of it before the hunt is spoiled. She finds a private treasure hunt is going on between two cousins, who are in the middle of a feud started years ago by their grandparents. A good message about letting bygones be bygones and working things out.
There is just something so comforting about this series and its gentle, not-a-murder mysteries. I am always a bit impressed with how many unique cases they can put in Cheryl's path. And because none of them involve loss of life, the sheer volume of them requires far less suspension of disbelief. After the last mammoth novel I undertook, I needed something less taxing that would read quickly. Unfortunately for me, real life demands cut into my reading time a bit more than anticipated, but that was no fault of the book's.
What I liked about Earthly Treasures: The way it inserts faith - As always, very organically and it feels real rather than over-the-top. When Cheryl's niece is struggling, Cheryl suggests praying on it. That's what Christians do when our loved ones are faced with challenges; it's the reminder we need ourselves. Two mysteries for the price of one - There is a primary mystery but also something else that was curious and needed explanation. I appreciate that Cheryl didn't spend the book with a singular focus. Progression of long-term plot - I like that there is some forward motion, be it ever so small, in one area of Cheryl's personal life. It was enough to up my anticipation for what must surely be coming. Sneaky red herring - I was totally fooled. When the reveal was made, I realized I had fallen for the red herring. That always gives me a bit of a chuckle. Red herrings that are too obvious make me eye-roll-y but this one fit right in like a missing puzzle piece. I enjoyed the setting - Not just Sugarcreek, but the circumstances of this particular case. Fun and original, at least for me, which I appreciate. Some more interaction with Cheryl's extended family - It always appeals to me when we get an encounter with people in Cheryl's life who exist outside Sugarcreek. It creates additional depth and nuance to her character.
What I didn't care for: The high tension scene - There was a gun involved, which is just...out of character for this series. I remember that there was one other mystery in this series where the author (it's a revolving list of authors that round robin the writing of these books) used a gun as well, and it felt "off" to me. I looked back at my reviews, and sure enough, it was this same author! This book didn't have the sinister undertones of the first contribution Ms Daughety made to the series, so my overall rating was higher this time, but nonetheless, I could have done without the deviation from what is typical fare for a Sugarcreek Amish Mystery.
This was a well-constructed extra-cozy mystery with a Christian fiction base. That is a super specific sub-genre that will either be your thing or not. It's definitely my thing. I continue to look forward to my next opportunity to visit Sugarcreek, and to see what escapades will plant themselves in Cheryl's path, much to the dismay of Levi, Seth, and Chief Twitchell.
Two ladies are changing their lives. Cheryl has broken up with her long time boyfriend, quit her well paying job, moved to Sugarcreek to manage her Aunt Mitzi's shop, Swiss Miss and live in her aunt's home with her cat, Beau. Aunt Mitzi is living her dream as a missionary in New Guinea. Her husband of forty years is dead, leaving Mitzi to become a missionary.
Cheryl has found a man she likes very well, Levi. Levi is Amish, Cheryl is an Englisher. But the two are friends. Naomi, Levi's stepmother, is a good friend of Cheryl and helps her with her sleuthing. Cheryl keeps Chief Twitchell wondering, but she is good at solving problems. Naomi brings home made Amish jellies and bread to be sold at the Swiss Miss, helping both ladies.
There is to be a geocaching slash treasure hunt. Sounds like fun. Cheryl invites Levi to go with her. The game is done in pairs. There are rules, people are weeded out. There are clues, participants are given a sheet of paper containing clues as to where the next clue will be found. The teams are left to five, Cheryl and Levi are one of them. Cheryl has met many good friends in this town. The winning pair will win one thousand dollars.
Her cousin, Julia, is coming to spend a short time with Cheryl. Julia will be going off to Ohio State, so wants to take a short vacation in Sugarcreek. She is interested in Amish life, especially Amish cooking. Julia is an excellent cook, likes to try different recipes plus make up her own. Cheryl loves all the good food. When her cousin leaves, she will have to go on a diet. Julia is going on nineteen, but very mature for her age.
The book gets exciting at the beginning of the end.
There is much about forgiving others who have wronged us.
Earthly Treasures is an intriguing mystery written by Annalisa Daughety in the Sugarcreek Amish Mystery series. This is book 13 in this series. The author has taken the cast of amazing characters and developed another mysterious story. Cheryl Cooper who runs the Swiss Miss gift shop definitely has her crime solving skills put to the test in this story. With a special treasure hunt being conducted in Sugarcreek Cheryl teams up with Levi to hunt the treasures and possibly win a big cash prize. But wait each clue gets harder and then mysterious events prevent everything from running smoothly. When one contestant goes missing Cheryl is determined to get to the bottom of what is happening. The end result will leaving the reader in awe. This story will really put the readers crime solving skills to the test.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Another great mystery set in Ohio Amish country. I love how problems are resolved in this series, it's like a how to on handling your problems in an emotionally mature and adult fashion. Something I'm still figuring out. ;) It's always good to read about Cheryl, Naomi, and Levi as well as the rest of the by now familiar charcters, and I love that these books aren't just murder after murder. I had forgotten that a mystery does not have to include a murder. So if you're looking for a mystery book about treasure and family secrets instead, dive into this. Very cozy, very sweet, highly recommend.
I really enjoy this series. I have read other series books but this is my favorite. The people are so real. I have passed the hard back books on to other church members and everyone enjoys them. I like how they write about how God is involved in their lives. We need more people to read these.
This story wad different from the rest and that is a good thing! An unusual storyline with the geocaching but it works. New friends and family members are introduced to Cheryl's group. Nice read.
I really enjoyed this book! I got it for $1 at our second hand store, and didn't even pay attention that it was a series book! I now want to go back read the books before this one. It kept my attention, it was a warm cozy mystery with a tad bit of romance thrown in there, and a whole lot of good home town fun.
Cheryl teams up with Levi on a geocache treasure hunt in Sugarcreek. It's fun but then turns dangerous. Also, her little known cousin, Julia, comes to stay with her awhile before leaving for college. Great story.