Okay, so blame this analogy on the fact that this month I’m deprived of all my sports, so I’m left with baseball. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books I’ve read of Sarah E. Ladd, but I have to say The Curiosity Keeper, knocked it out of the park. I absolutely loved it!
“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whoever possesses it.”
Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille must allow a mysterious stranger to come to her aid.
Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content to work as the village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may be the answer to his many questions.Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, they will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.
What a book to kick off her latest series! I enjoyed this book from the first page until the last. I didn’t want it to end and this will be one I re-read in the future and makes the “Favorites of 2015” list. She continues to become a solid and trusted voice in the Regency genre. Don’t you just love experiencing this kind of book?
One of the reasons this book was so fabulous is how you felt reading this book. I felt the pain of rejection some characters felt. Instead of unconditional love, it was rejection. She just didn’t tell you how they felt, you felt it too. You’re engaged from beginning to end.
This book is a perfect blend of London and countryside, mystery and suspense, friendship and love and sacrifice, intrigue and betrayal. Truly her best book yet.
Have you had a chance to read any of Sarah’s books? Do you have a favorite?
(Thank you to Litfuse and Thomas Nelson for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
