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The Hope Keeper
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 261919, 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.
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.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 19, 2026
5 people are currently reading
5970 people want to read
About the author
Heather Webb
15 books1,346 followersHeather 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 14, 2025
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.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2025
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.
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.
October 31, 2025
A wonderful histfic novel about the Hope Diamond and its cursed history. Immersive and well written!
December 4, 2025
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,
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.
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.
October 30, 2025
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
November 15, 2025
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.
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.
December 28, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨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!
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!
November 13, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
I was so hoping to be moved by this story more than I was. It got repetitive and a little too slow and restrained.
Read
January 9, 20263.75 ⭐️
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.
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.
October 27, 2025
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!
November 3, 2025
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book a lot. Centering around Elisabeth in 1918 as she deals with the grief of her twin brother, she gets sucked into the affluent world of Evalyn McLean. Did I mention Elisabeth is from a family of jewelers and Evalyn was owner of the cursed Hope Diamond? I felt for Elisabeth and loved seeing the mystery surrounding her brother's death unravel. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
What a unique story idea! This book was about the Hope Diamond and the author did a great job showing how humans strive for acceptance and what they are willing to do to get it. I thoroughly enjoyed the brief instances where we heard from the Diamond itself like it was a person. Overall, it made me want to learn more about the Hope Diamond and I enjoyed the main character and her development throughout.
November 6, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this novel and truly surprised that it’s based partly on the real deal! The story was well plotted with the who and when seamlessly included that I can imagine them! It was engaging and relatable, really liked how it all panned out with the HEA ending 😘
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this novel and truly surprised that it’s based partly on the real deal! The story was well plotted with the who and when seamlessly included that I can imagine them! It was engaging and relatable, really liked how it all panned out with the HEA ending 😘
December 16, 2025
The Hope Keeper
Heather Webb
The cursed Hope diamond.? Well this book is definitely amazing and full of twists and turns that follow Elisabeth and her family of jewelers . A curse or just a series of unfortunate accidents This book has some historical fiction and secrets unfolding around the high society players! Great book and keep me intrigued reading through it all !
Heather Webb
The cursed Hope diamond.? Well this book is definitely amazing and full of twists and turns that follow Elisabeth and her family of jewelers . A curse or just a series of unfortunate accidents This book has some historical fiction and secrets unfolding around the high society players! Great book and keep me intrigued reading through it all !
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am so sad that I finished this book! The protagonist is well developed and you become part of her world and the upscale social scene that she tries to navigate due to her brother’s untimely death. Historical fiction, a diamond with a curse, a queen bee, gossip, questionable behavior and more! It was hard to put down.
October 26, 2025
I was attracted to The Hope Keeper's beautiful cover, and the book itself met my expectations! Well-written, engaging, entertaining, and a page-turner. I recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy.
November 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this fish out of water story that deals with the curse of Hope Diamond. A young jeweler’s brother dies. Was he murdered? Was it the curse of the Hope Diamond? Definitely add to your list to find out!!
I really enjoyed this fish out of water story that deals with the curse of Hope Diamond. A young jeweler’s brother dies. Was he murdered? Was it the curse of the Hope Diamond? Definitely add to your list to find out!!
December 5, 2025
Glittering with history, mystery, glamour, and legend, The Hope Keeper follows a young jeweler drawn to the allure of the Hope Diamond and its rumored curse. Rich in historical detail and heart, this gripping story of family, courage, and secrets is an absolute must read.
Want to read
October 8, 2025I'm a simple girl: I see the Hope Diamond as part of a book's description, and I add it to my TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Such a great combination of history and fiction. The plot keeps you reading and the characters have a great depth!
Thank you to NetGalley for my free copy for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for my free copy for an honest review!
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