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, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Adult Fiction, Ebooks

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published 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

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog


⭐⭐⭐
The Hope Keeper
Heather Webb
Publication Date: May 19th, 2026
Sourcebooks Landmark
368 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

I have never read anything by this author before. While I enjoyed this book for the most part, it didn't wow me. It's set in the exclusive world of Washington, D.C., in 1919. The story is about the Hope Diamond and the supposed curse that follows it. Elisabeth's brother has died in an accident; her family are well-known jewellers, and Elisabeth now has to save their family business. Elisabeth then joins the social circles her brother used to belong to. It is there she meets Evalyn, who owned the Hope Diamond. Elisabeth then becomes Evalyn's jeweller. This is when Elisabeth starts to learn about her brother's secrets and the dark side of the upper-class D.C. elite.

I loved entering the Jazz Age and the way the author brought it to life. Elisabeth was a character I liked, especially when she had to enter what was mostly a man's world. She is trying to get over her brother's death while saving the family business at the same time. She was amazing in trying to find answers about her brother's death. I did not like Evalyn at all, but the author did a good job showing the working class versus the spendthrift. The diamond of all diamonds is sort of a character as well, and I enjoyed reading about its history and the curse. I found the so-called friendship of Elisabeth and Evalyn a little unrealistic; it was very toxic, and Evalyn and her behaviour got to be a bit repetitive. I also found the middle of the book and getting to know the social circles of D.C. a tad drawn out, and then the answers about Julian's death felt rushed.

Overall, this would be a good read for historical fiction fans who enjoy a story around true events with a touch of mystery and suspense. Because of the uneven pacing, it isn't always as great as it could be, but the emotional needs of the protagonist and the interesting look into the history of the world-famous diamond make it worthwhile.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes resourceful women like Heather Webb. Her latest historical heroine is budding jewelry designer Elisabeth Beaumont, reeling from the recent death of her twin brother and desperate to shore up the family jewelry business in post-WWI Washington DC. Elisabeth courts the patronage of mercurial socialite Evalyn McLean, owner of the famous blue Hope Diamond, and finds herself swept into Evalyn's intoxicating world of parties, jewels, and secrets. But the Hope is rumored to be cursed, and as bad luck mounts all around Evalyn, Elisabeth is forced to reckon with the possibility that the curse may have deadly implications for her own family. THE HOPE KEEPER sparkles, just like the gem at its heart.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather Webb transports her readers to Washington, DC, during the Jazz Age and immerses us in an intriguing story centered around the lure and legend of the Hope Diamond.

I absolutely loved the unique intro and conclusion - the diamond’s POV!

While Webb gives us the essential facets of the Hope Diamond legacy, her story is centered around a choice. Elizabeth Beaumont, of a renowned jeweler family, is torn between keeping her father’s business afloat after the death of her twin brother and the opportunity to care for the mysterious diamond. As Elizabeth works out her allegiance, readers are introduced to a wealthy socialite, Evalyn McLean (the Gilded Age heiress who actually owned the diamond for years in real life) and her posse, and are swept away by the dark legacy of the jewel. Just as this gemstone is surrounded by majesty and mystery, so is the mystery of what happened to Elizabeth’s twin.

As the novel closes, you’ll feel like you have more questions than you started with! Is the beauty of the world’s most expensive and most famous diamond truly shrouded in misfortune, or has it become a cursed object as a result of perpetuating legends?

This slow-burning mystery will keep you turning pages!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[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, author, and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Alanna Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a four star read for me. Books I rate 4 stars are books I will continue to recommend! It was an enjoyable read. If this author writes another novel,I will pick it up! I will be over on my social channels discussing this book and all the others!

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Diamond Stars

Historical fiction centering around the mystique of the Hope Diamond. Does the owner fall into bad luck? Is the diamond cursed? This tale is set in 1919 Washington and centers around the Beaumont Jewelers. Elisabeth Beaumont is trying to keep the family jewelry business alive after the death of her twin brother. Her father, their main designer, has fallen into a deep depression.

To save the family business, Elisabeth tries to get into Evalyn McLean's circle, the diamond’s wealthy current owner. She’s drawn into the world of socialites, politics, and money. She’s hoping that Evalyn and her friends will buy some of the family’s pieces. As Elisabeth begins to find success with the circle, she starts to change and becomes enchanted with the idea of cleaning and caring for the Hope Diamond. Will she also uncover the truth about her brother’s death? Will her own designs finally take off? What about her interest in mineralogy?

This one was interesting, although it was a bit of a slow burn in the middle. I’ve seen the diamond, now on display at the Smithsonian. It’s interesting to read another take on the piece's history. I also enjoyed the author’s notes at the end and more of the history of women employed at the Smithsonian.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hope Keeper opens with the Hope Diamond changing hands. It then settles on the current owner, Evalyn McLean in 1919 Washington DC. Reeling from the death of her twin brother, Julian, Elisabeth Beaumont decides to court Evalyn and her elite friends for business as her brother had. Her father is incapacitated with grief and is unable to conduct any business or create any jewelry.

What follows is a propulsive and engaging story. I was riveted by the lavish lifestyle of the McLeans and Elisabeth becoming included in their circle. As time goes on, she finds herself wondering what she really wants and if the Hope Diamond really is cursed. What is most intriguing is that this is based on a true story. Evalyn McLean was the last owner of the Hope Diamond before it entered the Smithsonian. Highly recommend for those who love historical fiction and for fans of The Great Gatsby.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Heather Webb for the gifted advance reader's 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.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Captivating and Mesmerizing Story

I absolutely loved The Hope Keeper. Elisabeth Beaumont is a wonderful main character—strong, compelling, and easy to root for throughout the story. I became fully invested in her journey and found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished the book.

The narration was outstanding and added so much depth and emotion to an already beautifully written story. Every scene felt vivid and engaging, making it difficult to stop listening.

Heather Webb crafted a captivating story filled with heart, hope, and memorable characters. From beginning to end, I was completely engrossed. This was a five-star read for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong female protagonist.

5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Bernadette Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Heather Webb, Sourcebooks, and net galley for allowing me to read this latest release. This book was a mystery and fast paced book. Elizabeth is the lead female character who has to solved the mystery of her brothers death and try to keep the family business running. The epilogue of the book was worth reading til the end.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely

[Cara Elizabeth | justanotherbookishgal · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this one was sadly a let down. I was excited about a story so unique as to center around the hope diamond and its supposed curse. While I really expected this book to center more about the death of the main characters brother and the mysterious curse of the Hope diamond, it was really about a group of socialites from this time period. To say I was a little bored was an understatement. The book dragggedddd. And oh my god did Lizzie and her incessant whining about not fitting in and not being a good enough jeweler and not knowing what she’s going to do with her life and about money to pay off debts… it was so repetitive and too much. And then Evelyn… dear lord that woman. All those socialites were bitches. I just didn’t care about them and their snarky attitudes and the storyline much at all. I finished and kind of thought to myself, so what was the point of the book? Because I think I kind of missed it….

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope Keeper is a fascinating and unique historical fiction centered around the famous Hope Diamond! At the center of the story is Elisabeth Beaumont who has just lost her beloved twin brother in a tragic accident. As her father sinks deeper into despair over his loss, Elisabeth knows she need to keep the family's jewelry design business afloat and approaches her brother's most influential client, the wealthy and influential Evalyn McClean who is the current owner of the Hope Diamond. She is soon swept up in the whirlwind of society and wealth that surrounds Evalyn. She is overwhelmed and excited but becomes plagued with doubts about what really happened to her brother. Swirling around everything she is experiencing is the shadow of the Hope Diamond and its curse. Heather Webb has written captivating novel centered on the resourceful fictional character of Elisabeth to weave a story based on the very famous Hope Diamond and the wealthy socialite Evalyn McClean and her circle of family and friends. Of all the characters, fictional and real, the most fascinating of all was the Hope Diamond itself as the diamond recounted his/her past lives throughout time. That was a brilliant writing technique by Heather Webb and really added to my enjoyment of the book! The Epilogue and Author's notes at the end are a must-read part of the book. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of the book. The opinions of this review are my own

[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!!!

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a word: disjointed

It seemed like this book didn't really know where it was going, and instead of the story being about Lizzie, it felt like Lizzie constantly changed to fit the narrative. This was a hard one to get into, and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot at the juvenile antics and dialogue of the characters.

Gave Mum and me some good buddy reading discussion, but otherwise "meh"

[Deanna (she_reads_truth_365)]

My mood affected me not finishing this one. It was too slow for me but this story has great promise and there are too many books to read to continue a book that is not holding my attention.

[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.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mean girls are mean girls in any era, and while I wish this book had been more about diamonds and jewelry making and less about pettiness amongst a group of women, it reads well and satisfies in the end.

Our protagonist is the middle class outsider attempting to make her way among a group of society women. Initially attempting only to drum up sales for her family’s jewelry making business, she takes a predictable but intriguing turn into the allure of friendship with a bunch of women who really only see her as the help.

To that end, I found all the petty infighting amongst the women sort of grating, not because it has no place in the story but because it takes over a story that should have been about diamonds and jewelry making and curses.

Still, I always appreciate a bit of women’s historical fiction that doesn’t devolve into romance, and when the book is actually leaning into the jewelry making business and the history of the Hope diamond, it’s loads of fun to read.

Most of all, I loved the little interludes where it appears the diamond itself (or perhaps the curse?!) is narrating. Exceptionally clever and unique.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Hope Keeper immediately captured my attention with its connection to the Hope Diamond. Having previously worked in the jewelry industry, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the diamond’s fascinating history and the legendary curse said to follow it.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the inclusion of chapters narrated by the Hope Diamond itself. This unique perspective added depth and intrigue to the story and made for a memorable reading experience.

The story centers around a young woman reeling from the devastating loss of her twin brother in a hit-and-run accident. As she struggles through her grief, her father is also drowning in loss, and the family’s business begins to suffer. Forced to set aside some of her own heartbreak to help keep her family afloat, she finds herself drawn deeper into the mystery surrounding the Hope Diamond. But could she be stepping into the same curse that may have claimed her brother’s life?

Filled with grief, family bonds, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, The Hope Keeper was an engaging and emotional read that kept me turning the page.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I Loved This Book would be an understatement! After the last 2 disappointing 3 Star reads for me, this book more than restored my faith that there are good books out there! This is the story of The Hope Diamond and the wealthy socialite who owned it in the early 1900s. Evalyn McLean hires and befriends Elisabeth Beaumont of Beaumont Jewelers to care and clean her vast collection of jewels, not the least of which is the Hope Diamond. She draws Elisabeth into her social circle. While enjoying all the fuss & muss that goes with Washington DC elite, all Elisabeth really wants are answers. Her twin brother died in an “accidental” hit and run. He was employed by the McLeans… what do they know, are they keeping secrets, does the Hope Diamond really curse the people that wear it, touch it, are around it? Its history might lead you to think so.

[Kristy Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a free review copy.

This story follows Elisabeth Beaumont, the daughter of a renowned jeweler in 1919 Washington DC. The family jewelry shop has been struggling since the death of her twin brother, which has crippled her father with grief leaving Elisabeth to handle the business on her own. Elisabeth attempts to drum up business by cozying up to the very socialites that her father blames for his son’s death, but she feels like there a no choice since rent is due and the bank is knocking.

These socialites flutter around center Evalyn McLean, the owner of the supposedly cursed Hope Diamond, and Elisabeth hopes to become the jeweler who routinely cleans the McLean jewelry and to sell more pieces to their wealthy friends. While I enjoyed parts of Elisabeth’s journey to maintain the family jewelry business and figure out what happened to her twin, these socialites were awful people and watching her put up with their distasteful treatment was difficult. I also wished for a bit more history and context with the Hope Diamond.

It was a good story, and I’d recommend it to historical readers curious about The Hope Diamond and American socialites of the early 1900s. The Next Ship Home remains my favorite by this author, so if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend.

[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.
.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of Heather Webb’s books, so I knew I was in for a treat the moment I started this one.

Not only does she write fascinating historical fiction inspired by real events, but she also has a way with words that completely draws you in through her immersive storytelling.

This time, the story centers around the Hope Diamond and its legendary curse, and of course I immediately went down the rabbit hole to do my own research.

I loved this book, beautifully written, rich in history, and another fantastic story from this author.

[Dottie Legatos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting historical fiction tale about the “cursed” Hope Diamond. Set in Washington DC in 1919, Elizabeth is mourning the death of her twin brother. Trying to find answers and also keep the family’s jewelry business from collapse, she enters into the world of the elite of DC. It was hard for me to like some of these frivolous and pretentious characters, although I’m sure this was the author’s intent. Thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Webb writes another fascinating historical fiction novel that blends fact with a bit of legend to create an elegant escape to another time along with a delightful learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with these intriguing characters and the mystery that surrounds the Hope Diamond. My favorite part of her books is always the author's notes at the end. For as much as I love her stories, how she arrives at them and the journey she takes to complete them always provides the perfect closure for me.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alison Chorney-Dubien · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Carrie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read and much of the story was surface level. But I enjoyed this story and learning about the Hope Diamond. Things wrapped up a little too neatly, but overall I can recommend. Also highly enjoyed the epilogue.

[Susan Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic and myth

This reader found as a periox piece that the book was like an old movie with detailed descriptions. Overall, i gound it a bit silly.

[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.