Hidden Treasures

Rating:
Summary: A bit of lighthearted fluff - Recommended
Review: Wannabe earth mother Erica Leitner forsakes her Harvard background for peaceful Rockwell, New Hampshire. She has traded the big city for gardening and baking, and if her skills are a bit limited, that does not dampen her enthusiasm. But then, Erica has never seen zucchini take over a garden before, either. While planting said zucchini in precise rows six inches apart, she and her eleven-year-old helper Randy, who works for cookies that are preferably store bought, discover a hidden treasure. Someone buried a wooden box in her garden. When Erica cannot open the box, she invites a former professor from Harvard who specializes in antiques to have a look. The discovery sets the small town on fire.

Jed Willetz returns to his hometown only to dispose of grandfather's ashes, planning a quick departure. When he stops at one of the town's eight bars to track down his father, Jed overhears news of the big discovery in Erica's backyard. Interested because it was his grandfather who sold Erica the property, Jed decides to investigate. Soon Randy's father hires a lawyer to insure his son's share, and tensions escalate. Jed finds himself defending Erica's claim even as media feeds the frenzy as t-shirts are printed, souvenirs planned as, of course, the grand opening of the box is anticipated.

Author Judith Arnold admits to playing a delightful "what if" game with HIDDEN TREASURES. The small town of Rockwell springs to life with a varied and eccentric cast of characters. With eight bars, one on every corner, gossip spreads quickly! Erica's charming belief that she can learn baking and gardening from a book leads to wonderful touches of humor. While remaining on the slightly silly side, HIDDEN TREASURES provides a delightful escape from reality that readers will truly enjoy. Recommended.