"Entertaining and lighthearted"

Erica Leitner moved to Rockwell, New Hampshire to escape the big city in Boston and to have a peaceful, quiet life. Erica plans to put down roots in Rockwell, plant zucchini and learn to cook and be part of the community. While digging in her garden, Erica and one of her former students, Randy find a box that has been buried at the boundary line of her property and the home next door. Pretty sure that the box is an antique, Erica and Randy don't open the box immediately. Erica calls her old Harvard Professor that specializes in antiques to come and see the box. Erica doesn't want to open the lock in case it damages the value of the box and puts it away for safe keeping. Young Randy begins telling everyone in town that he and Erica found a box buried in her garden and that it could contain one million dollars. Much to Erica's chagrin and shock, news reporters from the big cities come to do exclusive interviews with her. Erica can't believe the interest of so many people over a simple box that might only be an antique and that Randy's father hires a lawyer to be sure Randy gets his share. Erica feels overwhelmed with reporters, calls at home at all hours, lawyers and wishes the whole thing would just disappear except the one man that she shouldn't want around.

Jed Willetz came back to his hometown of Rockwell to bury his grandfather's ashes and then he is determined to leave the boring town fast. But his trip might be more exciting than he thought when he meets the lady that his grandfather sold his property next door to, Erica Leitner, whom he is attracted to instantly. When Jed hears about the box that was found on the property he checks to be sure that the box wasn't exactly on the property that his grandfather left him, but there is confusion on exactly where the boundary line falls, and his quick trip becomes longer than he expected. While the town becomes media hounded, Jed begins to spend more and more time with Erica and their attraction to each other becomes much more. Both Erica and Jed know that it is not a good idea for the two of them to become involved since Jed is just passing through town but that doesn't stop either of them from caring for each other.

Judith Arnold brings us a humorous and delightfully intriguing story with a whole lot at stake. The town and it's citizens are comical and touching, all interested in protecting Erica, but all wanting to catch a few moments of fame themselves. I fell for Rockwell, New Hampshire instantly, young Randy and the quaint and simple life that Erica was seeking. Watching Erica's world become turned upside down with new found fame, reporters, lawyers, suspense and the gorgeous Jed was humorous and enlightening. The romance that develops between Jed and Erica is sweet, fun and lighthearted. Ms. Arnold presents us with an entertaining and fun read from beginning to end, with a little added suspense. This reader was eager and impatient to find out what was in the box! HIDDEN TREASURES was a wonderful story, masterfully written and leaves one wondering.....where their hidden treasures might be hiding.

Reviewed by Tracey West
Posted February 22, 2003

Read an Excerpt

Erica Leitner's life turns upside-down when she unearths an antique box in her garden. Suddenly, everyone in the sleepy town of Rockwell wants a piece of the action--her neighbors, researchers, the media, and Jed Willetz, the sexy bad-boy who left Rockwell years ago but came back in time to discover that his old home town is hiding a few interesting treasures.

Summary

Wanna-be earth mother...

Erica Leitner knows all about big cities and culture — after all, she grew up in Boston and went to Harvard University. But her idea of the good life is owning a small farm in New Hampshire and digging a garden. So she''s come to the town of Rockwell to plant roots — and zucchini — and make this place her home.

...meets rebel with a cause!

Jed Willetz got his fill of Rockwell as a teenager and fled as soon as he could. He''s back only temporarily to wrap up some family business. But his stay may be more exciting than he thought, because Erica Leitner — whom Jed is instantly attracted to — has found an antique box buried on land that used to belong to his grandfather, and Jed as thinking that the box and its bounty belong to him.

Hidden treasures are at stake. And not just the kind inside the box!