In this episode, the hilarious and heartfelt Mary Connealy shares the inspiration behind her newest release, Legends of Gold, the second book in her Golden State Treasure series. From orphan trains to long-lost journals, this story dives deep into adventure, found family, and faith with Mary’s signature cowboy romantic comedy style.



Mary unpacks the heart behind her themes—what it means to lay up treasure in heaven, why family (biological or chosen) matters so deeply, and how God uses broken stories for beautiful purposes. Plus, we chat about Tilda and Josh’s sizzling (and slightly chaotic) start, the troublemaker brothers with gold fever, and all the historical twists that make this Western romance unputdownable.







Listen to the episode here.















Meet Mary Connealy















Bestselling author Mary Connealy, who is renowned for her unique blend of Western romance and humor, unveils the first book in her highly anticipated GOLDEN STATE TREASURE series, Whispers of Fortune. Transporting readers to the frontier of 1875 California, Connealy weaves a gripping narrative of family bonds, hidden treasures, and an unlikely love story that blooms amid the rugged landscape of the Wild West.







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Bible Verse for Encouragement








Matthew 6:20 (NKJV)“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”








Mary Connealy's New Book: Legends of Gold















On a risky treasure hunt in the rugged wilderness, can love trump all odds?After years of solitude, Tilda Muirhead's life takes an unexpected twist when she accepts a teaching position at Two Harts Ranch following her cross-country pursuit of two brothers obsessed with a treasure map left by their grandfather. Tilda is now tasked with educating those mischievous MacKenzie boys, who are bent on remaining out west with the rest of their family until they find the hoped-for treasure. Then a man named Ben arrives, claiming to be her own long-lost brother. Raised as an orphan with no memory of her past, Tilda is both fascinated and wary of Ben's sudden interest in finding her.When Ben's motives grow increasingly suspect, rancher Josh Hart suggests Tilda and the young MacKenzies set off on a quest with him that aims to protect Tilda while unearthing the map's secrets. As they explore the wilderness, Tilda becomes captivated by the history behind the map, though she doubts it leads to anything more than old artifacts. Yet danger looms ever closer, and Tilda and Josh must rely on faith and their blossoming love to navigate the treacherous path ahead.







💞 Tropes in Legends of Gold




Marriage of convenience



Found family



Enemies-to-lovers (with a twist of frenemies!)



Treasure hunt / Lost gold mystery



Orphan train backdrop



Grumpy vs sunshine (Josh & Tilda vibes)



Brother’s best friend-ish



Wounded hero