Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi

Title: Treasure Me
Author: Christine Nolfi
Publisher: Self-published
Source: Received an ebook from the author (this did not affect my review)

What's the Story?:

From Goodreads.com: "Petty thief Birdie Kaminsky has arrived in Liberty, Ohio to steal a treasure hidden since the Civil War. She’s in possession of a charming clue passed down in her family for generations: Liberty safeguards the cherished heart. 

The beautiful thief wants to go straight. She secretly admires the clue’s author, freedwoman Justice Postell, who rose above the horrors of slavery to build a new life in Ohio. According to family lore, Justice left South Carolina at the dawn of the Civil War. Heavy with child, she carried untold riches on her journey north. As Birdie searches for the treasure, she begins to believe a questionable part of the story: a tale of love between Justice and Lucas Postell, the French plantation owner who was Birdie’s ancestor.

If the stories are true, Justice bore a child with Lucas. Some of those black relatives might still live in town. Birdie can’t help but wonder if she’s found one—Liberty’s feisty matriarch, Theodora Hendricks, who packs a pistol and heartwarming stories about Justice. Birdie doesn’t know that an investigative reporter who has arrived in town will trip her up—as will her conscience when she begins to wonder if it’s possible to start a new life with stolen riches. Yet with each new clue she unearths, Birdie begins to discover a family history more precious than gems, a tradition of love richer than she could imagine."

My Two Cents:

This book is a little bit of mystery, a little bit of history, and a little bit of romance. When the story opens, there are two characters running from their past. Birdie has ruined yet another chance for home with her thieving ways. Hugh is almost left without a job after screwing up his latest journalism job by getting involved with a woman he shouldn't have been involved with. When Birdie and Hugh both blow into Liberty, Ohio, the stage is set for extreme tension of all sorts as they are forced to share an apartment above the Second Chance Grill (whose inhabitants I fell in love with).

Birdie is a really interesting character. She didn't have much of a childhood (she was basically used by her mom in her various schemes all through her childhood) and was out on her own by the time she was 16 years old.  She goes to Liberty to find the treasure mentioned in a legend passed down through her family. She ends up falling in love with the small Ohio town and its residents. Slowly through the book, Birdie realizes that there is more that she could do with her life than being a drifter and a thief. She could have a home. However, I found myself wanting to know a little bit more about why Birdie hadn't broken the thief cycle before. She's a smart character. Why not go clean earlier?

I love stories about family secrets and family intrigue so I really enjoyed this book. I found myself wanting to know more about Justice and her history. I would have liked to know more about the various motives of the other characters. 

Bottom line, this book is a fun escape. I'd love to read more about the characters!

My Review:

3.5 out of 5 stars


Does this book sound like you'd like? Want a copy? Stop by tomorrow for a giveaway of an ebook of Treasure Me!