The Treasure House - a woman seeking a fresh start relocates with her daughter to a small town in Maine.

Life has not been easy for Zoe Copeland. Her mother's battle with addiction forced her into the foster system. An unexpected pregnancy caused Zoe to leave college, but her daughter Florence, “Flo,” now eleven, is the light of her life. To secure an affordable place for them, Zoe purchases a "treasure house." Located in the seaside town of Oxeye, Maine, which has few residents in the off-season, the cottage was previously owned by a hoarder and sold "as is," with rooms filled with items ranging from junk to possible hidden treasures. As Zoe cleans and renovates her new home, she is embraced by her neighbors, including the grumpy yet incredibly attractive Jake Abernathy, who owns the Oxeye Hardware Store which also serves as a souvenir shop and Lobster Shack. While working on the house, Zoe begins to uncover details about Marly, the former owner. The story alternates back to the 1950s as Marly's story unfolds.

The Treasure House by Amy Matthews touched my heart. Zoe is a wonderful mother who wants the best for Flo, yet she has not come to terms with her feelings about her own mother, who is in prison. Marly's story starts as a mystery that intrigues Zoe. What happened to her, which led to leaving behind a house in such disarray, filled with so much clutter? This moving book explores the true meaning of family. As someone who enjoys visiting antiques shops and flea markets, the idea of acquiring a "treasure house" was very appealing. I highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to Dell for the advance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: September 1, 2026.

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