The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann Review

 

I was so excited when I learned that there was a second book in the Speranza Team series by Connie Mann. I loved the first book, The Crown Conspiracy, which released a couple of years ago. I had hoped the author was planning more books, and that we would get to see these characters again. I have to say, I loved The Liar's Treasure even more than the first book. 

Like the first book, there was tons of adventure, danger, and suspense, with a smattering of possible romance. We get to see the story through multiple protagonists' and antagonists' points of view. However, there are a couple of people that seem to be the "main" male and female characters who are kind of drawn to each other, just like the first book.

Camille and Lucien have known each other for years, but they don't really run in the same circles, and they don't get along. Camille isn't sure if she can trust him or not, both because of past and current circumstances. More of their past relationship is revealed as the story progresses. 

I love that this book begins in the prologue with pirates and the entire story is a hunt to find treasure connected to an object that was discovered by said pirates. I was intrigued that there was a centuries old belief that this treasure could cause almost instantaneous death if the finder wasn't pure of heart. I loved that the author linked it to the story of Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts in the New Testament. This was an action-packed race against time to find multiple parts of a treasure before the bad guys could get their hands on it. And the suspense ramps up after a couple of the characters are kidnapped. 

There is danger coming from multiple, unknown villains. Characters are being murdered and threatened. There are clues to discover and follow. Bad guys to avoid and defend against. And through all this we see the strength of the ladies on the Speranza Team. Let me tell you, these are no damsels in distress. Each of the ladies on the team brings her own expertise and talents and helps where needed. 

I appreciated that this book seemed to show the characters' faith in God more clearly than the first book. And there was no mention of the main good guys cussing, which one of the things I took issues with in the first book. No, the first book didn't have foul language in it, don't misunderstand me. I'm fine with Christian authors stating that characters cussed without using the actual words. What bothered me in the first book was it mentioning that the good guys, who I assumed were Christian, were cussing. So, yes, I was glad to not see that in this second book.

I loved seeing the characters praying to God and putting their trust in him. I loved two of the quotes that the characters used to press on:

The reminder that "Faith is easy when you're standing on familiar ground" and "We have to put feet to our faith."

If you love fast paced, un-put-downable books with tons of adventure and danger and treasure hunting and mystery and faith, you will want to read this book. And though both books can stand alone, I'd recommend reading book one first so you can get to know the ladies in the Speranza Team.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.