"Undiscovered Treasures” by Carol Brown is one of those sleepers that could be as romantically endearing on the big screen as While You Were Sleeping.
Caro has two suitors, including her dream suitor. The other is, of course, the boy she grew up with,
Andy, who is a rising painter. Caroline seems like a very spoiled, rude person much of the time. I tired of her character’s behavior fast, because she was so desperate to be rid of Andy that she was downright insufferable. Andy is such a great communicator, but Caro’s got her mind made up.
I enjoyed the light mystery mixed with the romance. While the romance drives the book, the mystery fills it up with extra flavor.
I liked Brown’s low-pressure presentation of truth. She set up the character’s temptation; supplied an applicable Bible verse, accompanied by a couple of sentences of contemplation; and boom, she was done! No over- preaching or dragging out a long-winded sermon. Yet it seemed much more powerful.
Jealousy is a powerful card to play, and Andy plays his card like a pro. Lauren Stephens, the red-headed heiress, is everything Caro is not, including attentive. The line from Big Yellow Taxi comes to mind here, ... « don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. »
The novel stands well by itself, although I got a hankering to know more about Toby and his girlfriend’s story.
This book is a treasure. For those single, it may help you look at people differently. For those long-married, it can be a walk down memory lane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )

What I think you should know:
Undiscovered Treasure is an Appleton WV, Romantic Mystery Book Three, while it can be read as a standalone mystery this is such a fun series that I would recommend that you go back and start at the beginning.

What you might want to know:
Carole Brown has written a wonderful series ,the books have characters feel like they could be someone you know and each book includes many of the same characters with focus on different friends in each book.

What I enjoyed about this book:
I LOVED Andy in this book, he was loyal, friendly and fun. His character was such a great contrast to Caro. She was a bit of a hard character for me to relate to, even if you don’t appreciate someone’s work there is no reason to be rude to them. Appleton WV seems like it would be a fun town to visit, if it didn’t have so much crime. I am looking forward to the next book in series.

Who will enjoy this book ( just to name a few):
Fans of Mystery
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Christian Romance

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

The author does a great job writing stories that have suspense, faith and a hint of romance that keep readers coming back to her books. In this story we focus on Caro and Andy. Each one is searching for their destination and look to God for answers. Caro was quite interesting as she writes plays for church groups. I remember all the times I would get ready to put on the Children's Christmas play every year at church. I would spend at least a month searching for just the right one. It must have been exciting for Caro as she is approached to write a play for a very large church. She was thrilled but perhaps had a bit of butterflies dancing in her stomach as she undertook the big challenge.

I loved the mystery surrounding Andy's paintings. Someone was stealing them and it was becoming a real puzzle as to why and who? Can you imagine spending time painting and then all your work is gone in a spit second? I found it funny that Caro didn't quite get the popularity of Andy's work. As I got more into the story I wondered what Caro had against Andy. He was so sure they would be a team forever but she was sending out vibes that she didn't share his dream.

Andy needs help finding out who is stealing his work and turns to Caro for help. At times I think she was a bit snotty to him and I wanted to tell her to adjust that big chip on her shoulder. The story is fun to read and the mystery does take on a few surprises. We all desire to know what God has planned for us, but sometimes we miss it because we are too busy being stubborn and prideful. It's a great lesson in waiting on God and trusting Him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion ( )

This is the first of Carole Brown's books I've read. It is the third volume of An Appleton. WV Romantic Mystery. I can't wait to read the other four books in this series and have already downloaded them: Sabatoged Christmas (volume 1), Knight in Shining Apron (volume 2), and Toby's Troubles (volume 4). As a stand-alone book I loved it and look forward to reading the entire series.

Carole Brown has a wonderful writing style and her descriptions of characters and scenes are great!

The relationship between Caroline and her brother Toby tugged at my heart strings as it reminded me of my relationship with my two brothers (now deceased).

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing from Carole Brown. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in “My Two Cents” are my own opinion. ( )

Another Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery that keeps you reading until the end! The author has done a fabulous job of keeping you guessing who is stealing Andy’s paintings as well as wondering if Caroline (Caro) will ever find the man of her dreams. It seems that life in Appleton is never very quiet and mundane. Appreciation for art certainly is in the eye of the beholder, but was Caro looking at Andy’s paintings with a jaded eye, or were they really that uninteresting? Perhaps looking at them with new awareness would help her understand what others were seeing!

Imagine the man of your dreams walking into your antique store, only to forever be comparing him to your brother’s best friend. Reason might indicate that your ideal was already right in front of you! I had to chuckle as I read about the sparks in the relationship of Andy and Caroline. Has familiarity bred contempt or will they both learn to listen to the Lord and the future He has for them?

This is a most enjoyable story, and while it does refer to individuals from the previous two books, you can comfortably grasp what a wonderful place Appleton is without having read them. I am looking forward to further development of these characters in upcoming works.

I received a copy through CelebrateLit with no obligation for a favorable review. The five star rating, impressions and opinions are my own. ( )