Book Review: Treasure by Christine Nolfi

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  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 Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this feel-good story!  It was a fast and easy read and kept me entertained the entire book!

Birdie is a thief and is searching for a family treasure.  She meets Hugh, a reporter while trying to find the family heirloom in Ohio.  They must share the only rental in town and so Birdie has a hard time hiding her secrets.

I loved Birdie's character!  She was sassy and really just wanted to have a normal a.k.a. legal life. I loved reading about how Birdie was beginning to learn to trust people and trying to make amends for the life she led.  Birdie is really a good person and wants to show people that side of herself.

I wasn't crazy about Hugh right away.  He was so confusing with first warming up to Birdie and then being angry with her but I guess that's what helped provide the tension in their relationship. 

My favorite characters were the ladies from the Second Chance Grill.  Theodora was so much fun and fiesty! I loved that she carried a pistol around with her and she really wasn't afraid of anything!  They kept me entertained and I want to read more about them for sure! 

I thought the mystery and all the history in the book was amazing!  It kept me guessing and was completely entertaining the entire book!

This book captivates you from the beginning and you fall in love with each and every character and the town of Liberty.  It is a fast and easy read that makes you feel good when you finish it.  I think this would make a great Christmas present for those who love mysteries and chick lit!