Chosen, Called, and Courageous

Legends of Gold

Written by Mary Connealy

Series: Golden State Treasure, Book 2

Published by: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: 06.17.25

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

4 Stars!

Some treasures don’t glitter. They’re not locked behind puzzle pieces or buried beneath the ground.

They’re found in calling. In community. In the unexpected welcome of a family who wasn’t chasing riches — just living faithfully. And that? That’s priceless.

Tilda Muirhead wasn’t seeking fortune. She wasn’t even seeking a future — just trying to do the next right thing. “I felt like I had a true calling from God to ride on the orphan trains. He put it in my heart to care for orphans after I became one.”

That calling runs through Legends of Gold like a steady current — even when the road is dangerous, her past gets tangled with her present, and trust is hard-earned. This story entertained me and it stirred something in me. Because how often do we think we need to be bold or brilliant, when what God really asks for is quiet obedience?

“She didn’t want to be shoved into this perfectly lovely room and left alone.” That line is lingering in my soul. Because haven’t we all been there? In a place that looks beautiful on the outside… but our heart just isn’t ready to rest?

Tilda’s journey isn’t flashy. It’s faithful. And it reminded me: God doesn’t waste our wandering. Her hesitations, her prayers, her questions — they’re all held. And Josh Hart? A quiet, steady, God-honoring presence. Protective. Funny. The kind of man who doesn’t try to steal the spotlight… just points the way toward peace.

“Loving and forgiving your enemies surely wasn’t the same thing as trusting your enemies, was it? She’d have to pray about that.” Real. Honest. Impactful.

This book made me smile more than once. It made me pause. And it made me remember — sometimes the greatest treasures aren’t gold or maps or mysteries. They’re the people who choose you. The calling God whispers into your heart. And the faith that carries you when you don’t know what’s next.

Legends of Gold is about the deeper discovery: the greatest treasure we’ll ever find is the One who never stops pursuing us. The one, true, living God who is worth seeking, sharing, following, and holding onto with all your heart.

I received a digital copy ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.