A Love to Treasure

Sunriver Dreams, Book 1

By: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Narrated by: Sorrel Brigman

School teacher Nicole Davis is on summer break, but this vacation is unlike any other. Her beloved grandmother's final wish has landed Nicole smack in the middle of her favorite destination, Sunriver, Oregon, following Grams's clues on a mysterious scavenger hunt. Unexpectedly, Nicole finds more than just a fellow sleuth in a handsome police officer, Mark Stone. But Mark must return to his job in Portland at summer's end, and Nicole must guard her heart. Mark is hoping for a quiet summer in Sunriver as he contemplates his future in law enforcement, but a string of burglaries draws him from his self-imposed break from detective work and thrusts him into the middle of the investigation. To complicate matters, Nicole is in jeopardy, and he knows his growing feelings for her could cloud his judgment. Will their differing career goals be the end of their summer romance, or just the beginning of forever after?

©2016 Kimberly Rose Johnson (P)2016 Mountain Brook Ink

Loved the Scavenger Hunt Aspect

Would you listen to A Love to Treasure again? Why?

I really enjoyed the story line, but the narrator was not really my favorite, so although, I would possibly read the book again, I probably would not listen to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Love to Treasure?

I think my favorite part of the book was the thoughtfulness and adventurous spirit of the grandmother who conjured up a scavenger hunt for her granddaughter to follow after her death. I also loved it when she finds her grandmother's Bible. I know how much a Bible of my grandmother's would have meant to me.

What didn’t you like about Sorrel Brigman’s performance?

I can't really put my finger on explaining what I didn't like about the narrators style, but it just didn't suit my taste. At times I kind of wondered what the book would be like if I were reading it instead of listening to it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't have any extreme reactions. The story was nice. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't overly emotional for me.

Any additional comments?

This is what I thought about the book:

I think it would be awesome to go on a "treasure hunt" left by your grandmother for you before she passed away. That is exactly what Nicole Davis encountered. Her teaching job over and the summer ahead, she took off to a small town where she had special childhood memories. Her grandmother left clues for her to follow and some pretty amazing stuff. Nicole also ends up smack in the middle of some criminal activity - likely not part of her grandmother's plan, but certainly something that helped her grow and rethink some things in life.

Meeting Mark Stone was also not part of the plan, but as feelings develop, both he and Nicole must decide what the future holds for them and their relationship. They both have past challenges to work through that may affect their relationship. Mark is new in town too, and just planning on taking a break from his regular job and spending the summer doing something different. Although, plans don't usually go as expected.

This is the first book in the Sunriver Dreams Series. I enjoyed this book, which I listened to on audio, although, I, personally, wasn't thrilled with the narrator, but the story itself is worth reading and quite interesting. I really enjoyed the spiritual aspects of the story and how the grandmother incorporated those important qualities into her scavenger hunt. I enjoyed seeing Nicole's growth and working through her trust issues, as well as, reconnecting with God on her journey. This is the first book I have read by this author, and would love to read another.

I was gifted the audio book from the author/publisher free to review. I was not asked or required to review it positively.

Sweet Story

I thought this was a nice story. I enjoyed the idea of a grandmother leaving her granddaughter an encouraging scavenger hunt. I liked the story and characters.

The narration did not do this story justice. I found the narrator's accent/cadence to be distracting. Two specific character voices grated on my nerves.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

Sweet yet Suspenseful!

This is such a sweet, clean story, it starts off with Nicole being sent on a summer vacation Scavenger hunt set up by her recently deceased grandmother. Grams could not have foreseen the handsome policeman working in Sunriver for the summer or the blossoming romance between Nicole and policeman Mark. The scavenger hunt was fun. There are many twists and turns in the story including a 12-year-old boy with a knack for finding trouble and the mystery and danger of the home robberies. There is also a softer side of Mark taking an interest in young Connor and wanting to protect Nicole. Nicole's faith re-awakens in the process, gently guided by her grandmother's clues. This was very well told without being "preachy"
The author gives very detailed descriptions of everything and the narrator does a good job of bringing those details to life. I felt as if I was watching a movie while listening to this audiobook. Needless to say, I enjoyed this audiobook very much! I will definitely listen again. I look forward to more from this author.

What I needed

When sick, I was able to listen and found this an awesome book that raised my spirit and and helped me forget how I felt!

A Mixed Review

Good storyline, terrible narration. Voice was high pitched, too sharp, unnatural in conversation and grating!

A fun story with a grandma's dying wish fulfilled

I enjoyed this story, which is the first I have read by Kimberly Rose Johnson. I love how the main character, Nicole, has come to this small town to fulfill her grandma's dying wish, following a series of clues. Nicole is likable and relatable. It was fun to see where her grandma's clues led her. There were a few surprises along the way, including Mark, who comes with issues of his own.
I would like to read more from this author.

Nice but predictable little love story.

Narration like listening to a valley girl, very sing-song. Annoying. Would not buy another book narrated by her.

Poor narrator

The narrator is not good on this audible
Very clipped and unnatural, I couldn’t finish it

Sweet Story, Pleasant read. Unfortunate narrator.

Pleasant, sweet story. I read the book, as I found the narration unlistenable. Narrator over acts. My advice is enjoy reading the book. Remember the narrator as a lesson in whom to avoid.