The Hope Keeper

by Heather Webb

1919, Washington D.C. Elisabeth Beaumont comes from a renowned jeweler family, but after the untimely death of her twin brother, she's left on her own to run the failing family business. Desperate for work, she approaches the affluent crowd her brother Julien once courted to expand Beaumont Jewelers. Their ringleader is wealthy socialite Evalyn McLean, owner of the world's most infamous gemstone, rumored to curse all who travel within its orbit. 

The Hope Diamond.

As Elisabeth is swept into Evalyn's toxic world of dark opulence, the lines defining who she is and where she belongs begin to blur, leading Elisabeth to question all she once believed. She's no longer certain she wants to take over the family business and be beholden to the wealthy elite of D.C. But she can't fathom leaving her father in the lurch. There's also Evalyn to consider, and the Hope Diamond, which beckons Elisabeth to admire it, touch it, care for it, despite every warning she's been told.

When tragedy strikes one night, not only is Elisabeth's fragile friendship with Evalyn put to the test, but her carefully constructed glamorous new life comes crashing down. Now Elisabeth must face the truth about her brother's death and decide what matters most. 

 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Adult Fiction, Young Adult

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Heather Webb is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of historical fiction, including Strangers in the Night, The Next Ship Home, Last Christmas in Paris, Meet Me in Monaco, Rodin's Lover, and more. In 2017, Last Christmas in Paris won the Women's Fiction Writers Association award, and in 2019, Meet Me in Monaco was shortlisted for both the RNA award in the UK and also the Digital Book World Fiction prize.

Heather's currently hard at work on a novel releasing in early 2024 called Queens of London about a true-to-life, all-female gang led by the most notorious criminal, Diamond Annie, set in grimy and glamorous 1925. Also, look for her fourth collaboration with her beloved writing partner, Hazel Gaynor, Christmas with the Queen releasing in the fall of 2024

When not writing, Heather flexes her foodie skills, geeks out on pop culture and history, or looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world.

***Heather's review policy on Goodreads is to only rate books that she enjoys. She believes there's enough negativity in the world and would rather share the positive with her reader friends. The negative she lets swirl down the drain of her bathtub.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Webb and I thought it was such a great historical fiction book. Our main character, Elisabeth Beaumont, comes from a family of jeweler's in DC in 1919. After the death of her twin brother, she is on her own to try and build her failing family business. But when she meets and befriends Evalyn, who's the owner of The Hope Diamond, she learns that the diamond is known to curse its owners and that her brother was involved in some secrets that she wasn't aware of. Wow…..this book was so compelling. I thought the author did a fantastic job with the characters development and the plot had some unexpected twists. I found the history of The Hope Diamond really interesting and it was such a unique aspect for a historical fiction book. I really enjoyed it and how everything came together. Definitely recommend!!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope Keeper
By: Heather Webb
Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Webb always gives her readers a beautiful story.
💎
The Hope Diamond and its cursed past and how through the years its fascinated so many makes for a captivating historical fiction plot.
💎
Step back in time filled with mansions, styles of the times and family intrigue.
💎
Thank you Sourcebooks for this mesmerizing and beautiful novel.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful histfic novel about the Hope Diamond and its cursed history. Immersive and well written!

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story combines historical fiction and fantasy, a cursed diamond.

It’s a very gripping story, heart wrenching and is very hard to put down. While reading, you expect that things aren’t what they seem and it’s all too perfect! But the twist is still outstanding!

I was touched by this book and will probably read it again!!!

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1919. Washington, D.C.

Elisabeth Beaumont is fighting to save her family's three-story home and the Beaumont Jewelers storefront in Logan Circle, as her father, Gérard Beaumont, has been unable to work since an accident six months ago that claimed her brother Julien's life. Without her father's unique jewelry designs and Julien's salesmanship, the business's reputation is fragile, and foreclosure looms if she fails. She doesn't possess her twin's charismatic personality or her father's design talent. Although she has started her own collection, she knows it lacks the creativity of her father's work.

Elisabeth believes it is crucial to secure the business of wealthy socialite Evalyn McLean, even though she knows her father would strongly oppose her becoming Evalyn's exclusive jeweler. It would put Elisabeth in proximity to the Hope Diamond, a gem shrouded in mystery and, according to legend, associated with bad luck, a belief her father firmly holds. For Elisabeth, there's a deeper motivation. She needs to uncover how her brother's connection to this family contributed to his untimely death, driving her pursuit of truth amidst growing danger.

My fascination with the atmospheric writing began with the first sentence,

"I am born of fire and earth."

With the Hope Diamond a character in and of itself, the history starts, and I wondered if the diamond would have more to tell. Thoughtfully developed characters and their dialogue, each vital to the storytelling, reveal the cultural attitudes: society separated by financial status and class. The attitudes of men toward women, of women toward men, of men toward men, and of women toward women hold firm. Above all, it is a riveting, creatively crafted portrayal of the legend of the Hope Diamond.

This captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, legend, and thriller is an exceptional experience, whether you are already familiar with the legend, the period, or the gemstone, or if this is your first introduction to any or all of them. Just as the beauty of a cut and polished diamond lies in its unique character, the allure of this historical fiction novel is found in its clarity, making the events feel entirely plausible. Once you step between the pages, you may genuinely believe that every creative element transpired.

At the novel's end, additional meaningful features include the Author's Note, which offers inspiration for the novel, "Fact Versus Fiction," and "The Smithsonian Institution and Its Women." Book clubs will appreciate the Reading Group Guide, and all readers will enjoy the Q&A format of "A Conversation with the Author."

Thank you to Heather Webb, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Colleen Maclennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book centred around the Hope Diamond and the supposedly curse attached to it . The death of Elizabeth’s brother Julien , a promising jeweler brings anguish to herself and her father . The Beaumont jewelry business suffers and to help alleviate growing debt Elizabeth befriends some rich society women . This part of the book is boorish and repetitive This book is a.sad commentary on a woman trying to make it in a man’s profession , the life of the rich and how relationships often suffer for various reasons and circumstances.
.

[Jennifer Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Hope Keepers and absolutely loved it from beginning to end. I was captured by the main character and their connection to the Hope diamond. Of course, the intrigue around the legend of the diamond, and the curses on those own or touch it makes for some interesting twists. The story blends history and real characters with a well crafted fiction to keep the reader dazzled to the end. Definitely makes me want to visit the Smithsonian and see the diamond in person again! #TheHopeDiamond #HeatherWebb #NetGalley #Bookstagram

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating story! This novel just floats along with the exceptional prose of Heather Webb. I loved it from cover to cover and felt transported to the setting and time of 1919. The characters were well drawn and developed and they took me on an unforgettable journey of both tears and joy. The author gives us a chance to see both sides of the gem world but through one character’s eyes. One in their role as a jeweller but also as an observer who gets an inside view of a collector’s life of rare jewels. To see the rich and famous lifestyle of the real Evalyn McLean, a wealthy socialite, was quite a treat.

The Hope Keeper starts with the gentle whispers of Hope Diamond itself. The magical allure of science and superstition are spun together into a fantasy approach as we get the point of view of Hope Diamond discussing how it was created ‘born of fire and earth.’ Next we learn how it was found, its value and meaning. And the stories that began from the strange events that occurred around its various owners/ keepers/ holders/ onlookers. For hearts and lives are changed when they are mesmerised by its unique brilliance. It becomes a symbol of power—for those who want to flaunt its presence in their lives. But this power is dangerous for it seduces. This talisman, a keeper of secrets, proclaims there is a curse that hangs over its ‘dark blue depths’. We wonder: is Hope Diamond really cursed? In answer to that question, we are sent on a fact finding journey with people who have been part of its sphere of influence. There have been serious mishaps in its caretakers’ lives but have these been caused by a curse on the diamond as some say or just coincidence? The novel leaves us to decide, once all the stories are told. And it also ends with a message from Hope Diamond again. To beware. This stone is legendary: a true mix of lies and truths. Does it carry the darkness some claim? Again, the reader is left to make his/her own conclusion.

I read more on Hope Diamond and those who once were keepers of this legendary stone, and I marvelled at its varied voyages. It is obvious Heather Webb has done an incredible amount of research as we get an accurate portrait of Hope Diamond’s history while it was in the hands or around the neck of Evalyn Walsh McLean. American mining heiress and socialite, flaunted her ownership of the rare diamond. Known as a big spender, she threw extravagant parties and surrounded herself with people of position. Heather accurately portrays this woman’s personality of being an attention and thrill seeker, who moved in influential circles. It was easy to imagine who she was, in her social circles, as a friend, enemy, wife and mother. She was a wealthy woman in her own right and married a wealthy man. But her marriage was anything but perfect as her husband had wandering eyes.

Elisabeth Beaumont is a fictional character created by the author to help tell her story of the Hope Diamond’s adventures in 1919. What better angle to tell this tale from but through a renowned jeweller family that Evalyn could have become involved with. Then create an accident that would leave suspicion. Did the man die because of an angry drunk who wanted to scare his opponent or because of his involvement of the Hope Diamond? This fateful accident happened to Elisabeth Beaumont’s twin brother, Julien, who had an active part in the family’s jewellery business and tended to the rare diamond for Evalyn.

Heartbroken, Elisabeth’s loss leads her to Evalyn’s doorstep while her father is bed- ridden dealing with his  own grief. All three family members worked in the family business but now with her father out of commission and her brother dead, Elisabeth is left to pick up the pieces of their failing business and try to keep it going. So her purpose in approaching Evalyn McLean is two-fold: she needs to make a sale to survive and she wants answers to what happened to her brother. For he worked in this rich environment selling and caring for the wealthy owners’ jewels. It is a strange transition for Elisabeth but when she is swept into Evalyn’s realm, she learns of wealth’s seduction and folly. And observes the dangerous race to the top for status and jewels. Caught in the madness that surrounds her, she stops and takes account of who she is and what she wants to be, while learning shocking truths that enlighten her.

This riveting tale spun from fact and fiction is mesmerising. I could not stop reading once I started. I was moved, jarred and enlightened. Heather Webb has captured perfectly the aura, mystery and mayhem surrounding this stone. Yes, there are sad outcomes for many of the characters but not all. Elisabeth’s transformation is uplifting, while the rich heiress’s downfall is tragic. This historical fiction novel will leave you with more questions than answers concerning Hope Diamond’s power or lack of. No questions here, though, for a rating. 5 Glittering Stars without doubt! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for my review copy.

[MeganLikesToRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Elisabeth Beaumont is on a quest to save the family store, Beaumont Jewelry from going under after the loss of her brother, Julien, to a terrible car accident, and the decline in her fathers ability to work and create new designs in his grief. Through this, she meets the wealthy socialite, Evalyn McLean, who wears the hope diamond around her neck. While knowing her father wanted her to leave Evalyn and the cursed hope diamond alone, Elisabeth believes befriending Evalyn will help the shop stay afloat although, the shop was her father’s and brother’s passions, and not her own. Through this, the story goes for a ride following Elisabeth’s story through her new status, her quest to save the store, and her journey through grief as well as Evalyn’s and the hope diamonds story.

This story centers around the curse of the Hope Diamond, the mystery of her brother’s untimely death, keeping the shop afloat, and the shifts in relationships throughout. The atmosphere surrounding the Hope diamond was maintained so well throughout this book linking all bits of the story together. People are enamored by this breathtaking gem and willing to push aside the supposed curse to stay in Evalyn’s socialite circle despite the many hardships observed whether cursed or coincidental.

The author does well in blending historical fiction, mystery, myth/lore, and friendship/family throughout this story. The atmosphere and descriptions are beautiful. I felt that the pacing was a bit uneven in places. I wished at time, that I could have learned more about the relationship with her father or with Henry (family friend), and maybe less on her relationship with the socialite circle. However, in all it was a fairly solid story. The author also included a fact vs fiction section at the end which I can always appreciate when molding a story around real life events / people. I think many will enjoy this story and I’m interested in reading another story by this author.


Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks landmark for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hope Keeper by Heather Webb is a historical novel set in Washington, D.C., during the late 1910s. The story follows Elizabeth Beaumont, a young jeweler dealing with the recent death of her twin brother, Julian. While trying to help rebuild her family’s jewelry business, Elizabeth becomes connected to the wealthy McLean household and the famous Hope Diamond. As she spends more time among Washington’s elite, she also begins reflecting on the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death and the complicated world of high society that surrounds the diamond.

The novel spends significant time exploring the social atmosphere of the period, particularly the divide between working professionals and wealthy social circles. Through Elizabeth’s experiences, the story highlights the transition away from older Victorian social traditions while still showing how rigid class expectations remained. The book also looks closely at friendship, reputation, and the pressures that come with moving through elite social groups.

I found the social commentary interesting, especially the way the book shows how lonely wealthy society can be despite the constant gatherings and connections. Many of the relationships in the story feel competitive or strained, and even friendships sometimes come across as transactional rather than genuine. That contrast between outward glamour and private isolation was one of the stronger elements of the novel.

However, I personally felt the pacing moved quite slowly. Much of the book focuses on conversations, social visits, and reflection, which sometimes made the story feel repetitive. While those scenes help build the atmosphere of the time period, they did not always move the plot forward in a way that kept me fully engaged.

Overall, The Hope Keeper offers an interesting look at grief, class dynamics, and social life during the late 1910s. Readers who enjoy slower-paced historical fiction centered on social settings and character observations may appreciate the story, even though it did not fully connect with me as strongly as I hoped.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an advance copy.

[TsarinaTyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about life in the early 1900s in Washington, DC. Elisabeth Beaumont is the daughter of a renowned jeweler who finds herself thrust into the world of the wealthy elite after the untimely death of her twin brother. The family business has been struggling since her brother, Julien, is not there to help not only with the jewelry designing but also as the public-facing marketing person for Beaumont Jewelers. She has to step into Julien's shoes and her life soon becomes entangled with Evalyn McLean who holds court over all the other socialites in her orbit. Evalyn takes Elisabeth under her wing but Elisabeth feels out of her league and out of place in this world. She does her best to fit in not only to try to obtain clients for the family business but also to find out more about her brother's life in this same socialite world prior to his death. Does the Hope Diamond, which is nearly always dangling around the neck of Evalyn McLean, and its famed 'curse' have anything to do with what happened to her brother? Elisabeth is willing to take the risk being near it to find out ... but is she really ready for the answers that await? This is a wonderfully written book filled with vivid descriptions of the homes, clothing, jewelry, opulence, and habits of the wealthy of that time.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisabeth Beaumont, the daughter of a jeweler, found herself in a precarious situation. After the tragic death of her brother and her father’s deteriorating health, Beaumont Jewelers faced the brink of closure. Determined to save her family’s legacy, Elisabeth embarked on a quest to win over Evelyn McLean, a wealthy socialite and the owner of the Hope Diamond. Despite the widespread belief that the Hope Diamond was cursed and brought bad luck to its owners, Elisabeth remained skeptical of such superstitions. As she delved deeper into the diamond’s history and its rumored curse, Elisabeth grappled with the possibility of succumbing to the same fate as her brother.

Heather Webb’s storytelling prowess is evident in her meticulously researched and captivating narrative. This time, she takes readers on a journey through the captivating world of the Hope Diamond and its enigmatic curse. Webb’s inclusion of author’s notes, which distinguish between fact and fiction and provide further insights into the Hope Diamond, adds depth and authenticity to the story. For those who relish historical fiction, this book is a must-read addition to their TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Cindi_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope Keeper by Heather Webb is an amazing story written by one of my favorite authors.
I really enjoyed this one. The Hope Keeper is a fascinating historical fiction story about the cursed Hope Diamond through the ages. It was believed to bring bad luck to all who owned it. We meet Elizabeth Beaumont and her family of jewelers. We read about their tragedy, fears and their exceptional skills as jewlers. The characters were complicated and brilliant. I especially enjoyed reading about Evalyn Walsh McLean. It was easy to visualize the clothes, the jewels, the mansions and her extravagant soirees. The author states "Flamboyant lives filled with important people and nothing important at all". And this kind of describes the flamboyant lifestyle Evalyn lived.
I really enjoyed how the author has the Hope Diamond speak to us in this book. That was incredible. I loved it!!!
I'd like to read more about the Hope Diamond and its history. This was a fantastic journey through time. I'm going to miss these characters I've grown to love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Soucebooks Landmark for an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope Keeper is a gem of a book. Ha!

 

Truly, this historical fiction set in 1919, Washington DC and follows Elisabeth Beaumont as she navigates grief, a struggling business and the social complexities of catty socialites, particularly Evalyn McLean. Threaded through the novel is the Hope Diamond and its rumored curse.

 

Author Heather Webb weaves a complete picture of socialite DC with several interesting characters. The story succeeds in building the tension of Elizabeth's desperate attempts to find work. Interspersed with the chapters about Evalyn and Elisabeth are inserts from the diamond's perspective. This helps build a sense of malevolence..  hence the curse.

Full disclosure: my favorite was the Author's note.

The Author's note was particularly satisfying to learn about the women of the Smithsonian and the fate of the Hope Diamond. Living near the Smithsonian and visiting the Hall of Minerals and Gems really is a treat, just like this book.

Thank you to the Publishers and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions are my own.

[Miruna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Emotional, Atmospheric, and Well-Written, but Not Fully Immersive for Me

The Hope Keeper is a beautifully written historical novel with strong emotional beats and a great sense of place. Heather Webb captures the tension, danger, and hope of occupied France with vivid detail, and the characters’ resilience is genuinely moving. It has that reflective, intimate style that Webb does so well.

That said, while I appreciated the story, it didn’t completely pull me in. Some pacing felt uneven, and a few sections seemed to drift rather than build momentum. I liked the characters, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to them—almost as if the emotional punch stayed just out of reach.

Still, it’s a solid and heartfelt read with beautifully crafted moments. For fans of WWII fiction and stories of quiet bravery, it’s definitely worth picking up. A good book, not a great one, but memorable in its own gentle way.

[Suzanne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Webb’s THE HOPE KEEPER is a fast-paced whirlwind of intrigue, mystery, and romance steeped in Great Gatsby glitz! I loved seeing how intrepid heroine Elisabeth Beaumont evolves through the book, and the plot's surprising twists and turns. Elisabeth's determination to help her father's floundering jewelry business leads her into inadvertent friendships with some of Washington DC's wealthiest socialites, including Evalyn McLean, the Hope Diamond's owner. As Elisabeth is lured deeper and deeper into Evalyn's glamorous world, she discovers unsettling truths about herself and the McLeans, and the Hope Diamond's curse starts to feel less like legend and more like a horrifying reality. Every character is well-drawn and memorable, and Elisabeth is utterly relatable in her sorrow over her lost brother and her determination to uncover the secrets surrounding his tragic death. Treat yourself to this book's page-turning secrets.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨I just went on the most epic historical women’s fiction binge, and I’m not even sorry.

Reading All in Her Hands, The Woman and Her Stars, Sweetbitter Song, and The Hope Keeper back-to-back reminded me why I love stories about women carving out their own destinies. From Dr. Nora Gibson fighting cholera in 1849 London, to Caroline Herschel defying societal limits and finding her place among the stars, to Melantho and Penelope’s forbidden love in ancient Greece, to Elisabeth Beaumont navigating the glittering danger of D.C.’s elite and the Hope Diamond, these books were packed with courage, passion, and resilience. Each story left me inspired, emotional, and utterly captivated by women refusing to be confined by the rules, expectations, or tragedies of their worlds.

✨️Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, Heather Webb, Rosie Hewlett, Penny Haw, Audrey Blake and Netgalley for sharing these books with us!

[Lea Columbus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I was interested in this premise, a story of Evalyn Walsh McClean , and the Hope Diamond. It is peppered with real life characters, Alice Roosevelt, Florence Harding etc. The story is told though the eyes of a fictional character, Elizabeth Beaumont, a jeweler, who is drawn into the orbit of Evalyn McLean and the Hope Diamond through some tragic circumstances.It is the story of the diamond, and its supposed curse. It is also the story of Washington DC Society, post World War 1, and pre prohibition. It is a story of privilege, and money and betrayal. I enjoyed the story ,and it was well told. One thing that was a bit off putting, to me at least, was that the sections that explained the history of the diamond, were told in the POV of the diamond. It was not labeled as such and quite frankly was a little jarring.All in all, it was a good story.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Heather Webb is a must-read author. Her historical fiction books are so realistic, and the characters are relatable and true to the era. The Hope Keeper is a great story set around the Hope Diamond. I enjoyed that the diamond told it’s own story during parts of the story while most of the story is told by those around the diamond.

The story had its slow moments, parts that I felt the book dragged and I was not sure if I would finish the book. I am so very glad that I stuck with it, I enjoyed seeing Elisabeth interact with Evalyn and her friends while trying to put together what happened to her brother Julian.

The Hope Keeper is a fun look at the Hope Diamond and the life of the elite in Washington D.C.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I really enjoyed this story which is about the last personal owner of the Hope Diamond and the jeweler who maintained it. The early history of the diamond is touched upon but the story centers on Elisabeth Beaumont, the jeweler, her relationship with Evalyn McLean, the owner and the curse of the diamond. The characters are well drawn and Elisabeth, especially, grows and matures throughout the story. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the houses and clothes. I definitely did more research about the diamond after reading this book and look forward to going to see it at the Smithsonian.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Arlene L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 1919 Washington, D.C. , this historical fiction story follows Elisabeth Beaumont, a struggling young jeweler determined to save her family's once-respected business after the sudden death of her twin brother. When Elisabeth attracts the attention of Evalyn McLean, a wealthy, flamboyant socialite who is in possession of the infamous Hope Diamond, she is drawn into a glittering world of power, excess, and danger. As Elisabeth works closely with Evalyn, repairing, redesigning, and guarding extraordinary jewels, she becomes increasingly entangled in the diamond's dark reputation and the emotional instability of its owner.

I was so hoping to be moved by this story more than I was. It got repetitive and a little too slow and restrained.

[Jenna]

3.75 ⭐️

A story about the curse and coveted hope diamond. With injected parts of fiction while keeping to the rumours and facts strung together. It’s the story of a jeweller and her father… and the wealthy clients that she has to inject herself into to save the family business after a sudden loss.

The story reads like a beach read of “women behaving badly”, while serving up some of the history of this famous gem. I have to say, the women drove me nuts. Obnoxiously catty and deceptive while plastering a smile on their faces. The gem is the spotlight but the socialite world is the story.

A quick read by an author that I’ve come to enjoy over the years. And a story that had me googling the diamond myself as I finished the book.

[Louise Fein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fascinating story wound so convincingly around the mystique and allure of the Hope Diamond. I loved the maleficent voice of the diamond itself which added to the intrigue and mystery of the novel. The author brilliantly portrayed the contrasting lives of those who had the privilege of money and power, and who so abused it, and those who did not. Set in 1919, just after the great war, when women were on the cusp of gaining more opportunities outside the home and in the work place, Webb has created complex characters who may not always be likeable but are certainly believable. This, combined with intrigue, mystery, well-researched historical detail, and a creeping, foreboding atmosphere combine to make The Hope Keeper a wonderful, compelling and page-turning novel.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the E-arc.
The story centers around Evalyn Walsh McLean and The Hope Diamond. Evalyn befriends and hires Elizabeth Beaumont from Beaumont Jewelers to clean and service her jewelry collection. She invites her into her social circle and introduces her to all her high society friends after Elizabeth’s brother Julien dies.

The intrigue of The Hope Diamond curse is legendary. The story blends the mystery of Julien’s death with historical fiction and the curse of The Hope Diamond. The story was very interesting but I did feel like parts were a little too slow paced and repetitive. However, overall I did enjoy the book. At the end Heather Webb has a fact or fiction section which was interesting to read.

[Cory Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC. Elizabeth Beaumont is trying to keep their family business Beaumont Jewelers afloat after her twin brother is killed in a hit and run and her dad is ill with depression. Her first stop is the owner of the Hope Diamond, Evalyn McLean to offer to inspect and clean her jewelry collection. As it is said that the diamond is cursed, she is fascinated by the privileged life Evalyn lives. However, when tragedy after tragedy strikes for those around the owner's world, maybe the curse is true. I enjoyed this read of the side of the diamond I did not know. Its origin is shocking and danger has followed it! #TheHopeKeeper #HeatherWebb #Sourcebooks #May2026

[Shraddha Sahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! A fascinating historical fiction about the cursed Hope Diamond through the ages, the story centres around the young Elisabeth and her family of jewellers. Their tragedy, their skills and their fears are palpable throughout the book. The characters were complicated and real - especially Evalyn - and I could visualise the clothes, the parties and the mansions. The author has a wonder way with words and before you know it, your'e in another time. The story moved me to read up more about the Hope diamond and its history. I read an advance copy and this is an unbiased review. Will definitely go back and read all of this author's books!

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book that follows the history of the Hope Diamond, it's origins, it's supposed curse to anyone who owns it and where it is now. The story opens with a young woman coping with the loss of her brother in a freak hit and run accident. Her family makes and sells jewelry. With her brother gone, she must find a way to keep the business going. By becoming involved with the latest owner of the Hope Diamond, she discovers how her brother was involved in a society that was unknown to her. What happened to him and to the owners of the Hope Diamond are revealed in this must read book!

[Carol Deegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected when I requested this book but I was a bit disappointed. At times the book was very slow moving. The main character was the only one I could connect with and at times I was thoroughly disgusted with her. I did enjoy the information segments with history of the Hope Diamond but I felt they should have been labeled as such. I’d start reading one and think I missed something until I realized what it actually was. I received a copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was tough to get through. I hadn't read anything by Heather Webb before and I was surprised to find that this wasn't her debut book. Something about the way it's written made it feel very immature. The story felt like a high school drama with a bunch of mean girls. The FMC did some things that made her not likable to me and I didn't care what happened to her.

And the story ended in a way that made me think "what the heck was the point of this story???"

I received a printed ARC from the publisher.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this one, but it was really slow for me. I enjoyed the story, I felt like i could related to Elisabeth, being a woman who works for a living. Something about it just didn’t hold my attention and it took me longer to read than i expected.

The premise is great and I really like the characters.
The settings were great, and the little mysteries within the story were unexpected.

It’s a good read, I do recommend it but when you have time to take your time with the story.

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy, in exchange for my honest thoughts!