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The Secrets of the Isles #2

To Treasure an Heiress

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Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. As an adolescent, she dreamed of love in London's ballrooms. Now, stumbling across an old map on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever craved in the hunt for pirate treasure. Unfortunately, Beth can't escape the attentions of her family's guest, Lord Sheridan.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests caught his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his favorite pirates of history, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But the true surprise is the treasure they discover in each other.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

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About the author

Roseanna M. White

60 books3,820 followers
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
see also Roseanna White

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Profile Image for Grace Johnson.
Author 14 books401 followers
January 7, 2022
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Stars: 5+

Synopsis: Beth Tremayne has one goal: find the rest of the infamous pirate John Mucknell’s buried treasure before Lord Theodore Howe, Marquess of Sheridan does. And, if in the process, she happens to insult Sheridan into complete silence (because when does he ever stop prattling on?), as well as avoid his obvious machinations to steal her heart—I mean, her treasure—then, well, that’s simply the icing on the cake!

Favorite Quote: Just a note here that I’m not going to add my favorite quote to every review I do...suffice it to say that I had such a hard time picking a favorite from this book that I simply threw them all into the review itself. You’ll get over it. *winks*


I could’ve left my review as the simple “Sheridan,” and, believe me, y’all, that would’ve been enough. I know several people were concerned about Sheridan from the first book—he was such an exuberant and eccentric character—and even I pondered just how White was going to pull off his character...but, guys, Sheridan is simply fabulous. He is on a whole new level of hero—a bit of a classic, but exuding a modern air; as posh as any lord, minus the arrogance; humorous and insightful and wise and compassionate and endearing. To be honest, he reminded me some of Lord Rule from The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer, which is very much a good thing. I adored Rule.

“Reason is greatly overrated.”

If anything, Sheridan is unique, wholesome, ever so comedic, and the sweetest fellow you’ll ever meet! If you don’t fall as hard and fast for him as I did, I can at least assure you that he’ll make you laugh, make you think, and perhaps even make you tear up!

“She hadn’t immediately told him to leave. That was something. Progress. At this rate, she’d be Lady Sheridan in a decade, at the most.”

Seriously, though, if he wasn’t saying/thinking something positively hilarious, he was giving the most delightful nuggets of wisdom—in his own way!

“Perhaps love isn’t a word, then. For that first strike, I mean. Infatuation. Attraction. Though, too—there could a knowing. Yes? The thought, from the first glance, that this is the one for me. Perhaps the deep love has to dig in over time. Chisel itself in. To one’s heart, that is. Or rather, chisel the heart its shape. But sometimes lightning does strike.”

ALSO. The man made constant references to Pride and Prejudice. That right there is enough to make me love him forever! Oh, and we mustn’t forget his precious list and his botched proposals. Y’all, this man is such a bumbling buffoon and that is somehow the most romantic thing ever.

Well, except for one thing…

“Nothing more romantic than a library by lamplight, is there?”

Now, I know some reviewers have brought up Sheridan’s spirituality, terming it “spiritual deconstruction.”

Allow me to explain. Sheridan was not “deconstructed.” Spiritual deconstruction is when an individual who once claimed to be a Christian up and renounces the faith. (For example, Joshua Harris, author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and Kevin Smith of DC Talk.) Sheridan didn’t renounce or denounce or claim anything at all.

Which, I suppose, could bring up a different concern. If Sheridan didn't go to church or have a clear standing on such, was his a model faith? I would say so, because I come from a rather similar standpoint as Sheridan. He and I both aren't the stereotypical Christian who follows all the rules and checked all the boxes, so I really appreciated how he didn't confine his faith to the walls of a church building and not accept the truth that God revealed to him both through His Word and His Holy Spirit.

Yes, my Pentecostal, Apostolic self found Sheridan’s faith absolutely beautiful. Why? Well, not only because I don’t go to church every single Sunday, but because he actually had faith. One that he practiced. One that he struggled with. One that he grew. One that would falter. One that he quite obviously placed in Jesus Christ.

“Drawing closer to the Lord, being directed by Him, used by Him to help someone else...that was quite a feeling. Heady and humbling all at once. To think that they served a God who could and would do such things—and use them to accomplish it.”

He wasn’t simply a cardboard cut-out character who only went to church and blessed his meals. No, Sheridan lived out his beliefs, and whether you agree with them or not, that is something you can admire.

So, before anyone starts bashing Sheridan (fingers crossed no one sets off to do just that) for his not-Christian-enough Christianity, remember that people you know and love share a similar walk to him (*waves hand*), and think of all the “Christian” novels out there in which the main characters didn’t display any faith at all. No prayers. No reading the Bible. No seeking the Lord. All they did was attend Sunday service (not that church in its essence is bad; it’s simply that one cannot live off church alone), and that was plenty enough to keep anyone from complaining.

*takes in a deep breath* I know that was a rant, for which I apologize, and I’m sure I stepped on some toes, so if you disagree or misunderstand (which you’re bound to), I’d be happy to expound upon my opinions privately and show you some Scriptures to back them up!

ANYWAY. Enough about that! Let’s get into the good stuff!

Oh, but first. On top of your Sheridan concerns, a lot of readers picked up on some evolutionary ideals (personally, I completely missed those) in The Nature of a Lady, in which case, allow me to assure you that no such thing exists in To Treasure an Heiress! If anything, you’ll have to deal with Sheridan’s lack of respect for nature and whatnot, being an architect and all.

Unlike Libby, our quiet and unassuming young botanist, Beth is full of energy and has a definite penchant for trouble. To be quite honest, I saw her as being a wee bit immature in TNOAL and perhaps with potential to be rather bothersome...but she was positively lovely! Which I rarely ever say about a heroine, so y’all savor this moment.

As crazy as it seemed, I did indeed enjoy Beth’s character. She was so fun and unique, so vicarious and adventurous, but she was also deep and realistic. She did retain a portion of that youthfulness, but paired with her loyalty and love, as well as her sharp mind and tongue, she didn’t seem immature at all. There was definitely growth on her part that I loved, and come to think of it, a bit of that was reminiscent of Elizabeth Bennet’s arc and how she let go of her prejudice.

Actually, if I were to pick a character that Beth most reflected, it would be Elizabeth. She had all of Elizabeth’s finer points and flaws—from her stubbornness and judgmental attitude to her unending devotion and lively spirit. With characteristics such as those, how could you not love Beth?

“Then she whispered, ‘I love you too,’ and he was pretty sure his heart would just give out then and there.”

On that note, hers and Sheridan’s romance was just. so. precious. They were simply perfect for each other, and I loved how they had their moments of conflict—it breeds the most intense chemistry, I might add—but what I loved the most was how Sheridan became so integrated in Beth’s family and their lives, and how she seemed to complete him, you know? And vice versa, of course. It was positively beautiful!

“This was a man she could imagine exploring her way through life beside. A man she knew she could count on to cherish her, who would always treasure the right things. A man who would seek adventure with her in whatever neighborhood they found themselves, here or the Lake District or Antarctica.”

Whilst I’m speaking of characters, we must make mention of how lovely Libby and Ollie were….how I craved more of Mabena and Casek...how Emily and Telly are perfect for each other...how Mamm-Wynn was as golden as always...and how absolutely amazing Abbie and Millicent—Sheridan’s older sisters—were! They—or, more specifically, their relationship with Sheridan reminded me a bit of my great-aunts Fannie Lou and Ruth, as they were much older than my papa and always treated him as their “play pretty,” and of myself and how I mother my three-year-old brother. Of course, that kindred spirit vibe there made me love Abbie and Millicent all the more, but regardless of their relationship with Sheridan (which was the most precious thing), they were absolutely splendid! As hilarious as their brother with as many eccentricities!

“But family wasn’t created by seeking your own good. Family was created by doing good for others.”

An unexpected surprise was Ainsley and Senara. Now, I wasn’t at all shocked to find Senara played such an important role in this book, nor Ainsley, for that matter, as White has a tendency to give us that upstairs-downstairs feel (somehow even wi’ de po’ folks from de isle) that adds such a depth to the story. But the significance and the beauty of Senara’s story (and hers and Ainsley’s relationship) wasn’t something I’d anticipated at all!

“Every time we make a mess of things, every time we take a wrong step, it’s just an opportunity for the Lord to meet us in an unexpected way.”

I will be honest, Senara didn’t act her age at all. I’d’ve had her pegged at anywhere from sixteen to twenty-six...not in her thirties. But apart from that, I actually liked her and her arc, and I ADORED how White wrote it and all the biblical truths she poured in! (Prepare for an overload of quotes…)

“Sins committed together are also committed against each other. And against the Lord. Repenting to Him is sometimes the easiest part. But He asks us to make right what we can too. That generally means facing those we’ve wronged.”

First of all, White didn’t let Senara’s sin go unnoticed, ignored, or glossed-over (as fornication is today). She dealt with it biblically and gracefully, which I am actually impressed by! You simply can’t find Christians who will deal in grace and truth anymore. We tend to have too much tolerance and acceptance and no—you guessed it—shame.

“But shame, Senara...it’s for a purpose. It’s there to strike our consciences, to remind of the standard of the Lord. It’s there to let us know we’ve sinned.”

I love how White describes and implements shame, something most people see as wrong and dirty, something you should never feel. But shame, as Mamm-Wynn says, has a purpose and place. Shame, you could say, is a journey, and it leads you to repentance.

“You must learn how to let the shame go. It has its purpose, a right and needful one. It can take us to life and repentance and return us to God. But if we’re not careful, it can just as easily carry us away and drown us. Others will try to force us to live in it still ever after we’ve repented, after Christ has washed us clean. They will try to push their guilt and shame upon us, if we let them. Guard against that. But only after you are once again clean.”

Then Ainsley steps in, speaking more truth into Senara in such a gorgeous way that I could’ve teared up (if I were the emotional sort, that is)!

“He makes us with great worth. Creates us that way intrinsically. Our sins, our bad choices, perhaps they coat us like mud. But the mud cannot take away the value He instilled in us. Mud does not make a pearl any less valuable. If it did, they why would Jesus have deemed us worthy of the sacrifice of His life? Because He loves us, as does the Father. Because we are valuable. And the blood of Christ, when it washes us clean, fully restores us to what He created us to be. A pearl cannot be stained. No matter how many centuries it sits in mud, wash it in a bit of water and it’s gleaming again.”

This is just one element of To Treasure an Heiress that I loved. It wasn’t just one theme, one arc, one story—it was a realistic mesh of so many lives and stories and messages and themes, and that was such an amazing experience!

So...if you find you abhor Sheridan (which is impossible) and despise him for his walk with God...or if you find you simply can’t accept the spiritual elements White weaved in through Mamm-Wynn and her intimacy with the Holy Spirit...then you can at least appreciate the lovely redemption of Senara Dawe!

“You are a pearl of great price, Senara Dawe. I could see that as soon as I met you. You are a woman of deep heart, of great love, or beautiful spirit. It is an honor to be counted among your friends.”

Seriously, there is something for everyone in this book. There’s adventure and intrigue, mystery and suspense, humor and heart, romance and passion, and a whole lot of faith! What’s not to love?

Nothing. Exactly.

Well, except for the villains, of course.

Long story short...you must read To Treasure an Heiress. Regardless of your preconceived notions. Regardless of your mixed feelings for The Nature of a Lady or Roseanna M. White. Regardless of what other people say. Just...give it a try. If anything, I know you’ll like Beth, you’ll love Senara’s arc, and you’ll laugh at Sheridan’s strange sense of humor! (I call it strange, possessing the same sort of humor. *winks*)


Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Heather Wood.
Author 7 books254 followers
December 9, 2021
2021 was a rough year to be a Roseanna White fan, but To Treasure an Heiress returns to what a lot of fans like about her books. I was looking forward to Sheridan and Beth falling in love since the Nature of a Lady, and it delivered.

Most of what made this book delightful was the humor, especially Sheridan's internal monologue. Both he and Beth have arcs of making their faith a central, not sidelined, part of their lives. Although I didn't appreciate the addition of a servant's POV because it was not necessary for the plot, ultimately I liked the lessons she learned, which felt more concrete to me than the main characters'. Ainsley, who does not have a POV here, was my favorite character. There are a lot of players in this book, so you'll want to read the first book first.

Sheridan's "deconstruction" views were a bit concerning- always tread carefully when talking about disregarding the church - it's obviously not infallible (hello, Reformation), but there must be something to it if so many people who love Jesus hold to it. But it seems in line with the author's new trajectory of inserting obviously concerning views into her books. Whether or not she agrees with her characters, I have no idea. The majority of the "I love Jesus but not the church" people are, like Sheridan, not the strongest Bible-readers and holy-life-livers that I know, and therefore are not the ones I believe should be telling the religion how to relig. After you've surrendered your life to Jesus, then we'll talk. Sheridan did have a come to Jesus moment but I don't remember his views on the church really being resolved, just like the evolution in Nature of a Lady kind of faded away for me and I missed what came of it.

There's a couple of surprising ways things were handled, and I always appreciated when a story has a unique turn instead of following the expected path. There's also the promised pirate treasure hunt and adventure, more of the beautiful island setting history. By the way, am I the only one who doesn't love when prologues are about someone else? It really didn't seem necessary to the story and now I know why people skip them.

I know this is coming across as mostly negative but I really did enjoy the read because I liked the characters, their developments, and that no females were threatened with sexual assault in it. I was provided a copy of the ebook from the publisher through Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,355 reviews165 followers
January 10, 2022
. . . .. "you're an heiress of the only thing that matters - an amazing family".

"And clearly the blow had knocked something loose in his head for him to have spouted that nonsense yesterday. What had he meant he wasn't going to propose? Why would he have? They barely knew each other." Fumbly, bumbly Lord Theodore Sheridan rarely made any sense, and in all honesty Beth Tremayne didn't expect him to, for she barely tolerated the man. But after rising to Beth's defense against a nefarious member of the Scofield family who was obviously trying to steal her treasure, she began sneaking peeks at the nerdy, geeky, titled explorer in a slightly different light. Just a little, mind you, just a little.

She was a dream come true, this island girl of his heart. Beth Tremayne loved adventure and digging in the dirt as much as he did; she just didn't like him . .. . always muttering something about "stealing her box". He had paid for that box, thank you very much. But the more time they spent together trying to find hidden treasure, the more convinced Sheridan becomes that he has already found it.

Readers will absolutely adore returning to the Isles of Scilly, where they will happily reunite with beloved characters from the first installment in the series, while enjoying the opportunity to explore brand new relationships. The banter between Beth and Theo is totally worth the read, but don't be surprised at how much affection develops for some of the other members of this little island family.

"She actually liked him. She laughed in all the right places . . . . He caught her looking at him at odd moments. . . . . He'd convince her." Our dear Theo. Always the optimist!!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. I also purchased a copy.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,137 reviews163 followers
February 10, 2023
This series is wonderfully rich in history with a lovely setting and great characters that are in each book. I read them out of order, #1, #3, and then this one, #2, and it was fine but ideally would be better in order. Set in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of England in the early 1900's, we meet a group of friends and family set on searching for antiquities and treasures left behind by pirates and a prince. But it is a race to beat out other people with the same goal in mind. And these people can be dangerous for those who get in their way. Beth Tremayne and Lord Sheridan started off on the wrong foot, but their banter and ongoing dialogue is so funny and sweet as their relationship develops. And they both have a love of adventure that brings them together. I think their story may be my favorite of the series. Highly recommended for history lovers with suspense, romance, adventure, sprinkled with faith and great spiritual thoughts.
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
712 reviews1,014 followers
dnf
November 19, 2024
just a soft DNF for now, not in the headspace for this book for some reason. maybe it's the narrator not keeping me interested? maybe I am just not in the head space for historical fiction - we will see - I think I need to physically read it and not listen. I listened to half of it and honestly can't tell you whats going on and thats bad lol - I think its just a lot of characters mixed with I dont love the narrator so I will be back on this one maybe next year.
Profile Image for Victoria Lynn.
Author 9 books1,059 followers
February 15, 2022
This book was quite possibly my favorite installment from Roseanna, and that’s saying a lot as I’ve read pretty much all of them and it’s super hard to beat her Shadows over London series.

But this had a tone all it’s own full of humor, characterization that was unparalleled and gave me all the cozy adventure/friend group vibes all while sticking within one of my favorite time periods of all times and including references to pirates.

If you didn’t get super excited and want to go impulse buy this lovely book based on that description alone, I’m not sure what’s wrong with you.

And this book also did what not many do. It told a redemptive storyline of a topic that many people do in ways I don’t appreciate. I won’t tell you what without spoiling it, but in a world where the oversexualization of our culture seems to be winning the war, I’m OBSESSED with authors who take on these topics in God honoring ways and tell a story of repentance, God’s love and forgiveness without sharing too many details or scenes that should be left unshown. Her tact and care for how she told this story wasn’t just appreciated from my perspective, but was marvelously done.

AND THE CHARACTERS! If the next book isn’t about Telford, I will revolt. But that being said, every single one of these characters positively SHONE. It’s not often that such a large cast can distinguish themselves and make you fall in love with them all… even the troublesome ones. Sheridan absolutely made this book and the somewhat antagonistic relationship that existed between him and our heroine Beth brought so much joy and feeling to this story giving it a tug-o-war effect that was positively delightful. Roseanna has an absolute knack for writing large casts and I was swept off my feet by the effortless characterization that took place within these pages. The characters made this book…

But the storyline full of punchy, top-notch action beats, new horizons and a treasure hunt for the ages was the most delightful romp through the Scillies that I have to say, even if you didn’t fall in love with the first book, you will fall head over heels for this one!

Go get yourself a copy! You won’t regret it!

*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,408 reviews120 followers
January 13, 2022
This was one of my most anticipated books of 2022 and it lived up to what I had imagined it to be.
The eloquent writing style of this author has me hooked on it. Her books are sumptuous, I love the descriptions and can vividly imagine myself there .
It was a delight to be reunited with characters in the previous book in the series and see the progression they made and also meet new characters that I hope to meet up with again in a future book.
The characters are relatable and I enjoyed reading the faith thread throughout the book.
I can't wait to see what's next from this author!


Pub Date 04 Jan 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Christine.
103 reviews38 followers
January 17, 2022
I just enjoyed yet another delightful trip to the Isles of Scilly, thanks to Rosanna M. White’s latest series. In To Treasure an Heiress, readers get to enjoy this beautiful, historic region of England from Beth’s perspective and I must confess she is my favourite protagonist in this series so far. I say this, however, admitting I loved every character in this story. Do I then sound repetitious when I tell you this is very much a character driven story? I can’t help it. Everyone was so well thought out, unique, and developed very well. For those of you who need to connect with good characters in order to enjoy a novel, fear not, you will not be disappointed. No, you will be impressed. Roseanna’s creativity flows so well here and it is easy to see why she is a favourite author of mine. She even threw in a pirate prince! How can you resist that?! More importantly, the faith elements in this story shine bright with biblical truth, which I very much appreciated. I’m looking forward to the final edition to this series. 5/5 from me.

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
971 reviews106 followers
November 15, 2021
Oh my gosh, LOVED this story! I don't even know where to begin. Absolutely, delightful writing! I fell in love with Sheridan. I loved his sweet, charming, and funny ways. He and Beth are a match in every way. And he was lovely with her grandma too. It was completely enjoyable watching their relationship unfold (she hated him at the start) in this fantastic page-turning story by Roseanna M. White. Adventures, danger, treasure hunts, humor, family, and love make this a book I just couldn't put down!

I cannot tell you how many bookmarks I have marked in this story! Such great conversations and quotes. I highlighted so many.

Except for the "odious" bad guys, the entire cast of characters is delightful, they are authentic, charming and relatable. I loved the gentle faith arc throughout the story. I can't remember when I enjoyed a book so thoroughly.

Fans of historical fiction will LOVE 'To Treasure an Heiress' by author Roseanna M. White. I think it may be my favorite of hers yet!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it!
Profile Image for Kristianne.
247 reviews32 followers
January 7, 2022
It’s been so long since I’ve read a Roseanna White book that I’d forgotten just how much I enjoy them! A whimsical adventure with a hint of the swashbucklery of Treasure Island, To Treasure an Heiress explores the wonder of everyday life in the Scillies through the eyes of the delightful Tremayne family.

I adored each of the characters so very much. Mamm-wynn was such a dear and the perfect mentor for Beth. Oliver was kind and supportive, Ainsley thoughtful and gentle, and Senara an admirable role model. Telford provided plenty of comic relief, and Sheridan’s sisters were adorable and hilarious and not at all what I was expecting (a.k.a. the garden scene)! Oh, and I haven’t even gotten started on Beth and Sheridan.

Beth managed to be an adventurous, independent woman without falling off the edge into the stereotypical strong female trope. I loved her affinity for fairytales and her love for a good treasure hunt. I admired her spark. She wasn’t afraid to be outspoken. And I could certainly sympathize with her desire to keep her discoveries all to herself. Perhaps it’s an introverted tendency to want to keep secrets? Either way, she was a delightful character to tag along with.

Ah, Sheridan. He really is what made this book so good. I wasn’t sure what to think of him at the start (what with his instant attraction to Beth and all), but I slowly fell in love with him over the course of the story. It’s not very often you find such an energetic, outgoing, and just regular good-natured fellow with a zest for life like Sheridan among the too-often-used dark, introverted, mysterious heroes. The way he was always going off on rabbit trails and saying too much made me laugh! And his sense of humor was really so entertaining . But it was his love for Pride & Prejudice that really made me fall for him. (Don’t try to dissuade me. It’s hopeless now.)

I always love a good enemies to lovers story, and this one did not disappoint! Beth’s hostility toward Sheridan and their banter made me chuckle. Like I said above, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Sheridan’s instant attraction to Beth, since I’m not a huge fan of the instant love trope. But Roseanna did a great job pulling it off in such a way that it didn’t feel rushed or superficial. Really, Sheridan’s eagerness to marry her quickly became endearing and made me like him all the more. I loved how even though he was smitten with her from the start, he slowly sought to win her over and give her time to feel the same way about him.

As for the plot, I was slightly confused at first about all the characters and their relations, but I suspect that’s because I haven’t read the first book. But I was able to puzzle most everything out after a few chapters, so that wasn’t too much of a problem. Overall, the plot was well-paced and even though it was a little slower than your typical high-stakes adventure, somehow Roseanna managed to bring out the magic of ordinary life in early 1900s Scillies.

Roseanna’s strong point is, well . . . everything, but her historical details are always on point and so well woven into the fabric of the story that you hardly feel like you’re getting a history lesson. The Cornish culture and mannerisms punctuated the story so well and make me want to visit Scilly and experience it for myself!

I loved how the Christian theology was always present, but didn’t overshadow the story in the least bit. Instead, it added depth and richness to the story. I loved the strong family and hospitality themes that came out in Beth’s supportive, close-knit family, despite the intense loss they had endured. I enjoyed watching Beth learn to work with others and put them above herself. And most of all, to open her heart up to Sheridan and invite him into her adventures.

All in all, this is a book that will keep you captivated long past midnight, chuckling until your sides hurt, and desperately wishing for more of Sheridan and Beth. You won’t be able to put it down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Kelly (The_CozyBookworm).
128 reviews30 followers
January 12, 2022
Goodness, did I love this story! I was giggling from the get-go at Sheridan’s antics and Beth’s back and forth banter with him. The plot itself was fun, kept me turning pages and left me wanting more story for book three. I absolutely adored the secondary storyline going on here with Senara and Ainsley. Heavy biblical themes of what real repentance is and looks like, living forgiven and moving on from our sinful choices. All of my favorites from book one were here and just as charming as ever. This one was a delight from start to finish!
Profile Image for Dawn.
Author 7 books806 followers
June 11, 2022
This is literally, and quite sadly, only the second or third book I’ve made time to read in 2022. There’s a reason I don’t read so much anymore… and that’s because books like this one—and I was pretty sure before I even started that this was going to happen—have a way of making me stay up until 3am for days in a row. Even when I know my hyper boys are going to wake me up between 7 and 8. It’s worth it! It’s worth it! It’s worth it! I’ve read Roseanna M. White ever since she was publishing her own books years before signing on with Bethany House. The hero and heroine in this novel were perfection. Everything was perfection. ❤️
Profile Image for ✧*̥˚ Jordyn *˚✧.
147 reviews
May 26, 2023
❝ I think too often we compare our souls and our sins to a grass stain. We think that His grace is suffienct enough to knock off the clumps and the blades clinging to the outside of us, but not quite strong enough to get rid of the stain in the fabric..."
"... We're not fabric, Senara. We are pearls. ❞


This series is my unoffical kickoff to the 2023 summer and boy has it already taken me on a vaction.

Roseanna M. White has a serious skill with writing that is quite realistic and her books are filled with beautiful characters and lessons worth knowing.

To Treasure an Heiress is located on the islands of Sicily starting somewhere around 1906, and charms us with the entrance of Lord Sherian.
All be honest, I was disappointed with the lack of Libby and Mabena in this book as they are characters I'd like to hear from again, but this book had it's own charm to it.

What I enjoyed:
🏝 Island life
🏝 Sheridan 🦋
🏝 The hunt for treasure
🏝 Senara's battle with her past mistakes
🏝 Anisley's wisdom
🏝 That scene in the library & the pearl scene ✨✨
🏝 Telford & Sheridan's friendship

What bugged me:
🏝 The lack of follow-up with Libby & Mabena
🏝 It was hard for me to stay interested around the halfway point (I think that was just me personally bc I ended up having to take a trip then, and lots of life stuff went on and I forgot abt it)
🏝 Lack of action (I LOVEDD the action in The Nature of a Lady)
🏝 There was a point where Sheridan seemed a little girlish but only once and I realized he was raised by sisters and *cough* my brother has 3 sisters and is a bit girlish bc of it so it's warranted

Ahhhhh this book was SO CUTE!! I literally LOVE, LOVE, LOVED Anisley's "pearl scene" and goodness that library scene might've just killed me. I thoroughly enjoyed the cleanliness but still romance content of this book. Totally a cute summer pirate treasure hunt read, and I'm looking forward to the finale!

Content: (This literally took me a month to read & I can't rly remember the beginning so forgive me)
Langauge: Two or three 'what the devils'
Sexual: Lots of innocent kisses, one mention of a past where a man and woman had 'love' before marriage and it turned wrong, an 'evil' man flirts with our mc, mentions of an illegitimate child
Violence: A character is trapped and their life is threatened, a character is in a fistfight and ends up bloody (non-descriptive unless queasy of blood), a character barges into a home and destroys property
Drugs/Alcohol: None
Age recommendation: 13/14 years & up
Profile Image for Saraina Whitney.
Author 4 books79 followers
January 17, 2023
For some reason, I never wrote a review for this, even though I finished it a while ago! Perhaps later, I'll write a long, satisfying one, but for now I'll just say...IT'S DELIGHTFUL. Okay, fine: Sheridan is delightful. One of the most unique, amusing characters I've read about in a while. His character voice...impeccable! His romance with Beth had me alternatively laughing and melting. I also have to mention Ainsley and Senara, whose romance was honestly JUST as wonderful as the main characters'. The themes drawn out through that side plot were so powerful. "But we're not fabric, Senara. We are pearls." I was most definitely crying during that part - dear Ainsley's words were so heartfelt and true and healing. So, all in all, I adored this and need to read the next book soon! (And one day I'll write a proper review! This one is so scattered. XD)
3,924 reviews1,763 followers
June 23, 2022
Buried pirate treasure, you say? That comes with island adventure along the Cornish coast? Action, excitement, danger....love?! Eeeeepppp, To Treasure an Heiress is the epitome of 'perfect summer read'. I really need to visit the Isles of Scilly and breathe in that tangy salt air, and see the sights for myself. Seriously, google it -- I've never seen so many shades of blue! Love when an author's descriptions breathe life into a place I've never been and send me on a travelogue research trip! And Roseanna M. White definitely does that here.

This is the second book in her Secrets of the Isles series and I definitely think it would be best to read the books in order. There's quite a bit of plot and character 'spill over' from The Nature of a Lady, as this story picks up where the first left off.

Beth is back home now, still gathering information on the notorious pirate who once lived on the island, still looking for the rest of that illusive treasure. But this time she's not doing it on her own. She has a 'posse' of helpers to add chaos and charm to the quest. Including one annoying Lord 'Arrogance Personified' Sheridan -- the enemies to more trope plays out beautifully here. A hysterically funny and touching and toe-curling delight.

And so much action and adventure! Treachery and danger! All tangled in a twisty-turny plot so I best issue a 'Paper Cut from Furious Page-Turning' warning. Might want to keep bandaids handy, along with your smelling salts and comfort chocolate. :-)

Super excited for Worthy of Legend to release in September -- it has a King Arthur tie-in. Double eeppppp!!!!
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews84 followers
February 13, 2022
Roseanna White is an auto-buy author for me, and once again she proves why. She provides vivid settings, wonderfully written characters, intriguing plot lines, and makes me never want to leave the pages of her books. The Secret of the Isles series has been fantastic to read, and I love how the characters have intermingled between these first two installments.

My favorite character is still Mamm-Wynn. She always says the right thing at the right time, and boy she can be spunky. I love her quirky sayings, and how she just kind of inserts herself everywhere. But if I had to pick a favorite main character, well honestly I have to go Sheridan here. He's got this kind of bad, arrogant vibe to him. But then White let's you hear some of his thoughts, and they were so surprising. Not ones I would expect from someone like him, and it really just melted my heart at times.


Along with great characters, a beautiful setting, and some chuckle moments, White added a layer of mystery here with the treasure hunt. It was so fun, and a great way to bring our leading people together. I wouldn't quite call it enemies to lovers, but it sure was close. And the way White wrote their slow burning romance was spot on! Historical fans will love all the deep layers of history in the novel, and romance fans will love seeing Beth and Sheridan come together. I highly recommend the latest from Roseanna White!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,320 reviews74 followers
January 17, 2022
“You should marry me, Beth, so our compasses can be friends.”

What an enchanting historical romance brimming with side-splitting humor, treasure-hunting mystery, unforgettable characters, tender romance, beautiful faith lessons, and breath-taking scenery! This has to be the funniest book that Roseanna M White has penned; I have not laughed this much while reading a historical fiction in a long time. Sheridan is so incredibly funny yet completely oblivious to his quirky charm. But Sheridan is more than just humorously odd and clumsy mannerisms and speech; his considerate thoughtfulness toward all people - from his beloved sisters to strangers - and his innocent sweetness make him quite the memorable hero. Beth’s loyal love toward family and friends is well-balanced by her free-spirited desire for adventure. Their relationship is a combination of enemies-to-lovers and one-sided love and it’s so much fun!

Ainsley, Sheridan’s valet, and Senara, daughter of Beth’s housekeeper, provide the second romance in the story. They’re both steady calming influences in the major characters’ lives and their subplot is achingly tender and redemptive. I hope to see more of them in the next book.

Magical folk lore, heady treasure hunt, evil men causing mischief, heart-stopping romance, and tight bonds of family all in an adventure of a lifetime? You don’t want to miss this book!

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa.
403 reviews27 followers
January 19, 2022
Oh. My. Word! I think this might be my favorite Roseanna M. White book yet, and that's saying a lot! This review could be wrapped up in one name...Sheridan! Lord Sheridan was perfect. He's witty and fun, adventurous and romantic, wise, loyal, and protective. I could go on and on, but trust me when I say, Theodore Howe, Marquess of Sheridan is an absolutely delightful hero who had me literally laughing out loud!

Then we have Beth, Miss Elizabeth Tremayne. If you haven't read The Nature of a Lady, go back and do that! There's where we first get glimpses of her. She is an absolute delight in this book. Her energy, spunk, and desire to follow the Lord are contagious. I loved how she vowed to do better in her spiritual walk, then would mess up and have to start again. Aren't most, if not all, of us like this??

On top of all of that, the history, the treasure hunt, the supporting characters...oh Sanara, Ainsley, & Mamm-Wynn! I'll leave those there for you to find out for yourself. Because I definitely recommend you do that!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
832 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book for the witty banter between Beth and Lord Sheridan (who by the way, reads Jane Austen with his sisters), the inspirational arc for Senara, the loyal and wise valet Ainsley, and of course, (grandma) Mamm-wynn. I thought the prologue had value in setting the stage for the legend of the pirate prince and the treasure hunt. I loved how Beth wrote a fairy tale about her adventure in The Nature of a Lady. It was a great way to remind me of what happened in the first book. All of the characters from book one are on hand again and Beth and Sheridan are perfect as enemies to allies to love. Sheridan’s internal (and sometimes not so internal) monologues were so much fun. He really was the star of this one for me. I’m already looking forward to book three with Emily and Bram (Lord Telford has hidden depths, I just know it).

I received an eARC from the author and publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Angeline.
736 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2022
This was such a fun book! I loved the banter between the characters. To Treasure an Heiress is the second book in Roseanna M White’sThe Secrets of the Isles series. Okay, so I loved this book! It was so funny and interesting!
Beth Tremayne has been searching for an adventure since she was a child, she dreamed of finding love in London’s ballroom. Now she dreams of finding a lost treasure. However, her dreams are interrupted by her family’s guest, Lord Sheridan. Lord Sheridan enjoys pursuing whatever archaeological interest catches his imagination. When he learns that Beth’s search for lost treasure connects to one of his favorite pirates of history, he can’t help but get involved. He also found Beth irresistible and even finds himself falling for her. As Sheridan and Beth search for treasure, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and practical adventure, but they never expected to find each other.
Sheridan was a crack up. Iloved him in this book! He was kind and funny, and I loved his little quirks. He was an Earl, but he never used his position to lord over others. He was such a sweet guy, and it was so funny to read from his perspective. I also adored his relationship with Libby’ brother, Lord Telford. Sheridan did have to learn to see those around him, and be willing to admit mistakes. He was such a real and fun character. I loved reading about his interactions with others, and it was so sweet to read about him falling for Beth.
I was a little unsure about Beth at first because of the first book, but I came to really like her. Beth was stubborn and feisty, but she also loved her family. She was always seeking adventure, but she came to find pleasure in the little things, spending time with her family and those who love her. Beth was searching for a treasure, and she didn’t know how to let others help her. However, she soon came to see the value of her friends and family. It was sweet to read about Beth falling for Sheridan. She definitely didn’t see it coming. Beth had to learn how to trust God and not let her personal feelings lead her.
Sheridan and Beth were so much fun to read about. They had great chemistry, and I loved their character development. They felt real and relatable. They were both human and they made mistakes, but they were also trying to learn from their mistakes. They had to learn what it meant to worship God and give him their best throughout everyday life. I really liked how White was able to weave in faith elements without taking away from the story. The characters’ faith felt real and yet it was not overpowering.
I also really enjoyed the side characters in this story. Sheridan’s valet was hilarious and I really enjoyed his moments, along with Telford (I hope he gets his own book). The storyline was really interesting and I could not put this book down. I was enthralled in the treasure hunt and seeing how everything would resolve itself. There are still some loose ends and I can’t wait to read the next book.
To Treasure an Heiress was a great book! I would totally recommend it! It is even better than the first book, and it has made me even more excited for the next book. To Treasure an Heiress is a clean, historical, Christian book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
December 13, 2021
Such an exciting novel and one of White's finest!
Now it makes me want to go back and read The Nature of a Lady!
This book was such fun to read that I didn't want to put it down. I loved "visiting" the Island of Scilly.
The excellent writing made me feel like I was a part of Beth Tremayne's journey along with interwoven Christian messages throughout the book.
I loved Beth's wanderlust for adventure! I feel like I am just like her because I too love adventure!
I did find myself snickering throughout the book however. I just couldn't help myself!
The cover of this book is simply gorgeous!
I shall be looking forward to the next book!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict.
384 reviews163 followers
March 7, 2022
TBH, it was a lot of overused tropes smashed together. I loved Sheridan, but he unfortunately didn't stay true to character and lost that bit of what made him loveable during the middle. Theology was a bit better than the last book. I'm kinda disappointed overall. It just didn't do it for me.

* hides face from the entire bookstagram community who's fallen in love with this book *
Profile Image for Mimi.
785 reviews114 followers
January 28, 2022
I haven't met a Roseanna M. White story I haven't loved. So far, though, Phillip Camden has been my favorite leading man of hers. That is until now. Now, Sheridan, aka Nefarious Marquess of SheriDoom, aka Lord Arrogance Personified Sheridan, and the list goes on. Oh my gosh, I'm not sure I've ever laughed in one of her stories so much! The way the author wrote what was going on inside his head was hysterical and seriously MADE the story. Sheridan is hands down, one of my favorite male leads!

Ok, that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed To Treasure an Heiress. Beth and Sheridan are a perfect complement for one another. Of course, Beth doesn't see it that way which makes their back and forth even better! The number of "highlights" I have because of their banter is very high.

While all of the characters were also in book one, I love them even more as a group in book two. They all work well together in all of the various aspects of the story. Beth is her usual adventurous self - getting into situations that she didn't mean to. I love how much Sheridan enjoys her spirit! And of course, I have to mention Sheridan's faith! While he realizes he has it, he also begins to understand that no one else realizes it. Such an important factor in our walk with Christ. Do others see Christ in us?

We also get to see Senara's struggle with sin's consequences. I always appreciate this about authors when they put in real life learning situations into their characters. None of us is too far gone to have our sins forgiven, but also that we need to ask for forgiveness as well. Ainsley, well, he's just a fine man! I adored his character fully! There's just something about this close-knit group of people that warms my heart.

Mamm-wynn is once again my favorite in this story (next to Sheridan, of course). She is the grandma I still want to be. I feel in love with her in the first story and was so tickled that she is full force in this one as well. She's such an alive character in the story. I feel like if I could just reach out and grasp her she'd tell me what I needed to hear!

So, what do I need? I need Telford and Emily to have stories so that they can live happily ever after with their friends. That's what I need. :) I can't wait for book three!

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,256 reviews33 followers
February 23, 2022
I love this series more than ever! The characters are my favorite, and what really bring these books to life.
This series by Roseanna M White, set in the lovely Scilly Isles, is my favorite of hers. I love the setting, the storyline, and yes, especially the people.
These books are filled with characters that are real. They are people I feel like I know, and would like to be friends with. These characters have a depth to them that is a bit uncommon for historical fiction like these.
This book, To Treasure an Heiress, is the second book in the series, and it is such a beautiful continuation from the first book. (If you haven't read that one yet, you will definitely want to read it first!)
This is Beth and Sheridan's story, and it is delightful to read.
Beth hates Sheridan when the story opens. Reasons abound from the first book. Sheridan, however, is smitten with her almost immediately. This definitely adds some humorous moments to the story.
Add in the fact that they are searching for hidden pirate treasure....this book is action packed and full of twists and turns.
I highly recommend this series to all who enjoy reading historical fiction.
I am eager to read Emily's story in the next book.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Kirby.
866 reviews42 followers
August 8, 2022
To Treasure an Heiress was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022, and I was excited to be back with these characters on their quest to discover an ancient buried treasure. I loved getting to hear more about Libby and Oliver, and I truly adored Beth and Sheridan as the main characters in this one. Sheridan was truly quirky, hilarious and adorable, and his and Beth's journey is swoon worthy and heart warming as they start to see each other in a different light.

I wasn't expecting the addition of Senara's character, and I thought it added another depth to developing story. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Ainsley uses the pearl as an illustration of what it truly means for Jesus to sacrifice for our sins, and it was a truly beautiful moment in the story.

So while I loved the romance, the mystery, the additional details about the Isles of Scilly, the plentiful cast of characters, and the fact that most of the story stays pretty clean, this one didn't end up being a five star read for me.

I noticed a couple of weird inclusions in The Nature of a Lady, but To Treasure an Heiress kind of took it a step further. Considering this is marketed as Christian fiction, and included many references about the importance of Jesus and trusting Him throughout everything, I was really saddened by the way that Sheridan's faith is almost represented as a deconstruction, and nothing seems to ever be truly resolved there by the end of the story. I also thought his obsession with the Druid culture kind of went a bit far, and it seemed really out of place in a Christian fiction title.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Still a wonderful story, but not without its share of problems, and something to be mindful of when choosing to pick this one up.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
January 5, 2022
To Treasure an Heiress is the second book in the "Secrets of the Isles" series and another great story. I enjoyed the first book when I read it last year, so I was eager to pick up this one and continue the journey.

Something I appreciated is that this story still featured the main characters from "The Nature of a Lady", even though this one is about Beth and Sheridan.

Speaking of Sheridan...he was such an amazing hero! He had me laughing so much with all his talk of ways to propose and such. ;) Too funny!

All in all, To Treasure an Heiress was a wonderful read and I definitely recommend it. I can hardly wait to read the third book when it releases.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Profile Image for E.F. Buckles.
Author 2 books62 followers
February 10, 2022
Okay, I really love this series. The setting of the Scilly islands is just so beautiful to imagine and the story of both the first and this second book have been just plain fun. A bit of drama here and there, but nothing too serious, and overall just a lot of fun.

Where in the first book we got to know our first Elizabeth, "Libby", in this book we get to know our second Elizabeth "Beth". Despite sharing a name, they are very different people and I liked seeing from their different perspectives in each book. Where Libby is more of a science nerd (and I mean the term nerd as a positive), Beth is a free, adventurous spirit who loves nature, for the beauty and wildness of God's creation, not necessarily to analyze and categorize it the way Libby does. That's more the way I enjoy nature too, so I related to her there even if I'm nowhere near as adventurous as she is.

I was a little surprised at first to learn that White was pairing Beth with Sheridan in this book. I was actually amused somewhat by Sheridan in the first book despite him playing a minor antagonist. And I do mean minor. Basically, Libby's brother wanted him to marry Libby even though they didn't like each other and he was kinda just going along with it without arguing, and then he made a mistake in who he paid to find some of the treasure (not knowing the person had poor morals) and THAT person became the real antagonist. But despite these things he actually seemed like a funny and overal good humored guy and I didn't hate him. Beth did hate him, though, thus my surprise. But I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since "enemies to lovers" is a thing. :p

Anyway, I thought one thing White did really well with this WAS the enemies to lovers aspect. Sheridan had to acknowledge and learn from his mistakes instead of being some perfect, idealized hero. Some of his mistakes weren't even about what he did (or didn't do) in the previous book. Some of it was that he was a Christian, but came to a realization that the fact that people didn't always realize he was a man of faith was a problem. His internal faith was genuine, but he didn't always live it "out loud" enough for others to know, if that makes sense. That's a trap I think a lot of Christians can fall into, living a "good life" but not actually letting others know why, so I appreciated it being addressed in Sheridan here. His growth felt real and well-timed, and I continued to enjoy his humor, both when he meant to be funny and when he didn't and the reader is laughing *at* him just a little. I probably laughed more in this book than any other Roseanna White book I've read!

As for Beth, I felt that her growth was well done as well. In the previous book I thought she came off a smidgen selfish, but when we see below the surface we see that she actually did what she did out of love for her family and a desire to protect them, not just to go have an adventure by herself. Some of her choices were still misguided, but she learns that in this book and realizes it can be wiser, and still just as fun to have adventures WITH the people you care about. And ultimately, I thought the way she and Sheridan came together felt natural and I liked them together in the end. They did get "kissy" a *smidgen* more than I personally feel is wise when unmarried but not so much as to actually irritate me or to become truly inappropriate.

That may honestly be my only complaint about the whole thing, though. I'm really trying to think of anything else, and I can't, but I can think of 25 minimum things to fangirl about! This series may not be as thematically weighty as some of White's other series, but it still has the depth of faith content and heart that I love even as it gives me a "safe" treasure hunting adventure in which to freely enjoy myself because I know nothing really bad is going to happen. It's a charming treasure hunt, with just enough drama to not be total fluff. I enjoyed it so much that I'm not usually one to fan cast book characters for imaginary tv shows, but I've basically already worked out who should play several of the characters AND who should be the showrunners of the tv show version of these books that I really wish would actually happen. I even have thoughts on what platform it needs to be on to be done right. XD

Anyway, I think you can tell by now that I really loved this and am so so so looking forward to the next book! I was absolutely ecstatic to learn it will be about Lady Emily. She needs a big hug, poor sweet girl. <3 Can't wait to read it!

Content Advisory:

Sexual:

As stated in the review, Beth and Sheridan do kiss somewhat frequently and their relationship is on the lighter, flirty side. The kisses are kept mildly to moderately described, though, and the majority are only described briefly, if at all.

Beth and Sheridan both make note of each other's physical attractiveness at various points, but not to excess, and it's clear that personality and quality of character matters more to them than looks.

Violence:
Two men get into fisticuffs, but the worst of their injuries is one of them getting kicked in the face so he has a broken nose and double black eyes.

A woman gets pinned by a large rock and abandoned by the man claiming he's going to get help. There is some fear that she might die of drowning if the hole she's in fills up with rain water, but she lives. Mention of pain from the crushing and her side being black with bruises.

Worldviews:
As always, the story is written from a Christian perspective and the characters sometimes talk about God and their faith, and pray. Unlike in the previous book, there is no mention of evolution vs. creation as Libby-the-scientist is no longer the main character and barely has more than a background role.

Sheridan clarifies a few time that just because he enjoys studying the druids, doesn't mean he's a pagan himself. (The story doesn't detail what the druids believed or did.) He does, however, state that some people have tried too hard to make Christianity "boring." By which he means that some people want to keep it stuffed inside a church building instead of letting it be living and active and exciting like in the Bible.
Profile Image for Ashton Dorow.
Author 7 books177 followers
January 8, 2022
Another fun and heartwarming romantic adventure from the expert pen of Roseanna M. White!

I can always trust Roseanna to deliver on three things: vividly crafted characters, engaging plots that deliver the perfect amount of surprises and suspense, and careful historical detail that adds to the story instead of weighing it down. And of course, she did just that with her latest installment in the Secrets of the Isles series, To Treasure an Heiress.

I will admit it took me a little longer to get into this story than I normally do with one of Roseanna’s books, but I’m not sure that it’s the story’s fault due to the fact that I was trying to read it during the hectic Christams season. It wasn’t often that I was able to sit and read for long stretches of time, so I think that was more the problem than anything. Because when I did have a chance to read for longer than a few minutes at a time, I did really enjoy the story. It was exciting to return to the Scillies after so thoroughly enjoying my first “trip” there in book one. I also loved seeing familiar faces (especially Mamm-wynn!) and watching some story threads continue from the first book, since this one picks up almost exactly where that one left off.

I wasn’t sure what to make of Sheridan when he was introduced in the previous book–I could kind of sympathize with Libby’s reluctance to marry him. But even with that, Beth’s initial “hatred” of him began to wear on me–I mean, just give the poor guy a break! Seeing things through Sheridan’s eyes (and hearing his hilarious inner monologue) soon won me over and I couldn’t wait for Beth to finally realize how foolish she was being. Once she warmed up to him, their witty banter and Sheridan’s relentless teasing about marriage was a hoot to read! While Sheridan hasn’t dethroned Phillip Camden as my favorite of Roseanna’s heroes, he is one of her most endearing and certainly most hilarious leading men.

As always, Roseanna’s secondary characters are just as great as her MC’s. I enjoyed Senara’s story (and isn’t that a lovely name?), and oh my goodness–Sheridan’s sisters! They were so much fun to “meet” and their personalities explain much about why Sheridan is the way he is.

I loved seeing how the treasure hunt from book one carried over into this book. Roseanna really took it up a notch and made the race to find Mucknell’s pirate treasure even more exciting. It was incredibly satisfying how everything was resolved, though it’s hard to say exactly why without giving away spoilers! I am curious to see where things will go from here–what part of Mucknell’s treasure the Tremaynes and friends will discover next and how things will finally be resolved with the dastardly Scofield’s.

If you love historical romance filled with humor, wit, and a healthy dose of adventure, then get your copies of both The Nature of a Lady AND To Treasure an Heiress. This series makes the perfect armchair travel anytime of year! 5/5 Stars.

PS: I couldn’t help but think of how AMAZING it would be to have a spinoff novella or something with Sheridan and Beth teaming up with Ara, her father, and Cam from On Wings of Devotion! Just picture it–it’s shortly after the end of WW1 and Sheridan and Ara’s father, who I imagine would make great friends, plan an expedition to South America! Cam can pilot their plane and all five of them go on this wild, hilarious adventure to find some treasure in the jungle. If you’re reading this, Roseanna, please at least consider something of the sort! LOL! 😂😍

**I received a copy of this book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Monique.
709 reviews90 followers
February 15, 2022
To Treasure an Heiress is the second book in the Secrets of the Isles series, and we follow the “original” Beth, not her accidental doppelganger lol, as she continues to search for pirate treasure. I recommend reading The Nature of A Lady first, you’re gonna feel very lost in this book as it features a lot of characters from book 1. I’m very thankful for the recap that’s woven seamlesly into this book and it might actually work if you’re a new reader, but still, please read book 1, it will make your experience all the better.

It’s been a while since I read a book that was so much fun! I laughed out loud a lot, lord Sheridan’s inner voice is just THE BEST. I kinda want to marry him now. He is very funny, in an endearing way and he doesn’t really care when he looks silly, and is quick to forgive. I have to say, I really didn’t like him in the first book, as Libby doesn’t like him, but I have to say she totally misread this guy. He’s awesome. And Beth needs to find out that he’s awesome, but it’s kinda hard when he’s kind of the reason she got in trouble and he still has her jewelry box that was stolen from her and sold to him. But there seems to be no other choice than to include him into the search for more pirate treasure, as it’s far from over and they need to keep it out of enemy hands, and working together might prove how Sheridan is not who she thought he was.

There might be more romance brewing, or not, when another island girl returns home, and I’m here for a secondary romance line! Especially one that has much spiritual meaning and depth about redemption and starting over. Yeah, this book is both funny and in depth, and I dig that combination! In fact, there is some literal digging too. Mamm-wyn is still the best, and even though the house is kinda bursting at the seams, she takes all the newcomers in and loves them in her own unique way, with loads of wisdom and quirkiness.

The only thing that was a bit hard, was to keep everyone apart, as some people have both titles, and are referred mostly as their titles, but also first names and last names that are different from their title name. It was a bit confusing at times and it took me half the book to remember who was who, but that’s really the only downside to this book.

The story itself was very engaging, the treasure hunt is fun, the villains are really evil (yet complicated too), and the many spiritual gold nuggets in between make this book epic. I have to say, I liked it a lot better than book 1, but of course that’s mainly because of Sheridan. Did I mention he’s the best?

I received a free e-arc but it hasn’t influenced my opinions.
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1,608 reviews174 followers
February 8, 2022
I've read several books by this author that have become favorites. The Shadows Over England and The Codebreakers series in particular are favorites, but unfortunately this book just didn't work for me. I read the first book in this series and gave it 3 stars because I liked quite a few things about it, even though I found the overall story slow and a little boring at times. This one is not only slow to progress, but I also found the characters to be annoying. From the beginning, the main character, Beth is very angry with Sheridan, who is obviously going to end up being the love interest at some point, and I totally get why she's so angry with him. Despite the fact that I get it, she still comes off a bit bratty at times.

Then there is Sheridan, who doesn't return something to Beth that, in all honesty, he should return. He also thinks he's in love with her and going to marry her one day, after knowing her for a very short time, and it seems based solely on the fact that he finds her to be so beautiful. At one point in the book, they decide to go treasure hunting together, and it ends disastrously, with Sheridan mad and jealous, and Beth purposely dumping him in the water from the boat on the way back, because he won't listen to her side of things. I really didn't blame her for doing it, even if she probably shouldn't have, because Sheridan's behavior was out of line.

To top it all off, Sheridan's inner monologue about the whole incident kind of infuriated me. He starts telling himself that he won't marry her one day, because she is probably the kind of girl that will just lead him on and then dump him. Um, what?? Beth has never once indicated that she even likes Sheridan in that way. She's been angry with him the whole time. But this guy builds up this fantasy in his head, and suddenly it's the truth. It also bothered me that Beth gets reprimanded for her behavior several times in the book when I think others should be as well, and they are not.

I kept trying to push myself to get through this book, because I figured it would get better, but the characters start out unlikable, the story is slow and uninteresting, and at this point I just can't bring myself to care anymore. So, I'm abandoning it, and I'm not even halfway through. Overall, this book just doesn't have the feel to it that this author's other books have, and I think that's true, so far, of the whole series, even though book one was more likable to me.

Since this is a companion series and the characters and stories are linked, I doubt I will read the last book in the series. Hopefully, the next series the author writes will be a better fit for me.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
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