Josiah’s Treasure by Nancy Herriman was a most enjoyable historical novel that was also filled with a great deal of inspiration. In San Francisco in 1882, Sarah Whittier has a desire to open an art studio that will be run by immigrant women who have a talent for art or a talent for running the business. She has been the caretaker and companion of Josiah Cady who amassed a fortune in the gold fields and at his death he left everything to Sarah. Josiah rescued Sarah from her past and loved her like a daughter and he left everything to her for he thought that all his family was dead and he died never knowing the truth. Daniel Cady, Josiah’s son, finally arrived in San Francisco from Chicago after a lengthy search to find his father. He thinks that his father deserted the family and is determined to take the inheritance from Sarah. Daniel is very bitter toward his father but when the truth is finally revealed as to why Josiah left his fortune to Sarah instead of his family, he decides that he must help Sarah and try to keep her safe after rumors circulate in the town that gold nuggets are hidden in the house. Daniel knows that overturning his father’s will is going to be difficult, but after meeting Sarah his heart is torn between caring for his twin sisters and the attraction he is starting to feel for Sarah.

The author did an excellent job writing the story with a well plotted mystery and lots of exciting action. The characters were so well done that they seemed to leap off the page and become real. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance in the story as the author took us on a journey of faith for both Sarah and Daniel. Both had fought to find faith and then worked to keep it and not lose it when troubles came. In their search for the hidden gold, they both found that the greatest treasure to be found in life was love. The story was very inspiration and gave me something to think about after the story was finished.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an historical novel set in the West in the nineteenth century, has a really good romance story line, a great deal of mystery, and that is also a Christian story.

I received this book free from Worthy Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

Author: Nancy Herriman
Published by: Worthy Publisher
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Josiah's Treasure" by Nancy Herriman was a historical, romance, inspirational with a little mystery all rolled up into one good read taking place in San Francisco, 1882. You will find "Josiah's Treasure" filled will a journey of "secrets, faith, deception, betrayal, hope and love." In this read we find that Sarah Whittier(who had been a nurse companion to Josiah Cady) has been left a inheritance, but before she could claim it, Daniel Cady shows up claiming to be Josiah's son. Josiah Cady thought that his family had died. What will become of all of this? We will find that Daniel even with 'his vengeful heart' he will try to save Sarah...there was a rumor that Sarah has a treasure chest full of gold nuggets. Was there gold nuggets in Nob Hill?

Sarah had "dreams of having a art studio run by immigrant women and she had planed to use the house left to her family friend Joshia Cady as collateral for her studio." Now, what was going to happen now that Josiah's son as returned as the legal heir along with his ten year old twin sisters. Will Daniel be able to get this treasure for his sisters?

There will be many questions that will need to be answered in this read...like... "Was Josiah a father who left a wife and children behind to search for gold? Was Sarah’s past filled murder and deceit? Does Daniel stand to inherit a bulk of money after a long journey to find his long lost father? This author did a wonderful job with bringing out this issue of forgiveness definitely "letting go of the past that heals and nourishes the heart."

All of the characters were well developed and really push the story line along only making it even more interesting as you move along in the read...for you have the heroine, hero, heroine's friend, group of daughters, meddlesome reporter to name...with Sarah, Daniel, Cora, Minnie, Mrs. McGinnis and Charlotte among a few named.

"Josiah's Treasure" was truly a wonderful and well written novel that gave a real description along with the knowledge of San Francisco during this time in the 1800's. Would I recommend this novel? Yes, as a excellent read. ( )

JOSIAH'S TREASURE by Nancy Herriman is a inspirational historical Fiction set in 1882 San Francisco. A fast paced story filled with hope and promise. Sarah Whittier and Daniel Cady are on a journey of secrets,faith,deception,betrayal,hope and love. Daniel has a vengeful heart until the truth is revealed about his father,Josiah,who left his inheritance to Sarah. Sarah has a desire to help others,a past filled with secrets,and mistakes,and a desire to own an Art Galley. When rumor places Sarah in danger, because,someone thinks she is has a treasure chest full of gold nuggets, Daniel must let go of his vengeful heart to help save Sarah. Josiah,not only rescued Sarah,but loved her unconditionally,he thought his precious family was dead to him. He died not knowing the truth. Daniel learns far more than he wanted to about his father,his family and love. Josiah's treasure is far more than gold,love may be the greatest treasure of all. A must read for anyone who enjoys Christian reads,historical fiction,Americana reads,early 1800 Art world,and a wonderful story of hope and promise. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Wynn-Wynn Media,LLC.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING:SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

Sarah Whittier loves to paint and dreams of opening her own art studio in order to help several girls who come from difficult situations. After all Sarah knows what's it like to be in a difficult situation and to make foolish decisions. That was her life until the kindness of Josiah Cady. He left her some money and his home on Nob Hill. Then Josiah's son, Daniel, shows up. His anger burns against a father who left to hunt for gold and never returned. Now Sarah finds her inheritance challenged by him. Daniel and Sarah are drawn to each other but are at a stand-off. All she's planned just might be lost. Then rumors spread of gold nuggets being hidden in the house and it endangers Sarah's life. Daniel finds himself wanting to protect her. Sarah's torn by her feelings for Daniel. A guy who will likely steal her dreams. Will all be lost for Sarah? Will Daniel find peace in getting what is rightfully his?

Josiah's Treasure was an enjoyable story with very likable characters. It's setting was San Francisco during the gold rush era in 1882. I enjoyed getting to know Sarah. She was a very refined woman but had lots of backbone! Daniel is really a great guy. I liked that he was torn in his decisions about what to do. It was very realistic. Though this is not a fast-paced story, it does move along at a steady pace, all the while spurring the reader on to find the answer as to why Josiah never returned home to his family. You'll see the greed of man, the ugliness of sin and unforgiveness, how love and mercy can change a life and how God is faithful even when we're not. If you enjoy a good historical with a touch of romance then check out Josiah's Treasure.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Worthy Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing (April 16, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1936034794
ISBN-13: 978-1936034796 ( )