Sarah E. Ladd
352 pages
kindle edition
From the Publisher:
“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.
Review:
I found Sarah E. Ladd in late 2013 and and quickly read her Whispters on the Moors series, and really enjoyed her writing. It’s clean, and beatifully written. I know they are books I can read and always enjoy and not worry that something is going to offend me halfway through.
This is Ladd’s 4th book, and the start of a new series. Although I think I should use the word series loosely. With her Whispers on the Moors series, the characters were connected together but they could be stand alone books as well. Those are like double bonus points for me, beause I don’t have to worry about remembering every detail while I wait for the next book, but I get a glimpse of the characters in the next book as well.
Writing about this book without a spoiler is so hard!
I really liked Camille’s character in this book. I related well with her. She was strong and independent and didn’t want to rely on anyone, although she did receive help too. There were some plot developments that were page turners, and events that I didn’t see coming. While I knew it would all end well in the end, I was surprised at how it turned out. Some characters at the end really surprised me! I was happy with how some relationships were on the mend in the end, while other relationships were severed completely.
If you enjoy historical/regency romance and haven’t read anything by Ladd I highly suggest her books. All four books I have read and enjoyed. I’ll be anxiously waiting the next book from her!
Final Score:
