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A Sweet, Delicious, Madness Cozy Mystery #1
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is a delectable mystery with recipes!
Lily Bilbury needs to find the remnants of the French Blue and find them fast. It’s been three long years since her Italian husband cheated on her, and she is facing financial ruin. In desperation, she teams up with fellow housemaid, Francesca -- an irascible Italian fashionista and self-proclaimed psychic. Together they search Villa Buschi for some of the most famous gems in the world, the diamonds that were cut away from the French Blue to make the infamous Hope.
But when Lily can’t find the diamonds, and nothing seems to go her way, she briefly contemplates running around ranting drivel and frightening the whole reserved population of Arona, Italy.
Follow Lily and several rambunctious rescues kittens on her quest for precious antiquities; a journey which may lead to something far better than long lost gems.
Learn more about Julie’s books at www.JulieSarff.com
Lily Bilbury needs to find the remnants of the French Blue and find them fast. It’s been three long years since her Italian husband cheated on her, and she is facing financial ruin. In desperation, she teams up with fellow housemaid, Francesca -- an irascible Italian fashionista and self-proclaimed psychic. Together they search Villa Buschi for some of the most famous gems in the world, the diamonds that were cut away from the French Blue to make the infamous Hope.
But when Lily can’t find the diamonds, and nothing seems to go her way, she briefly contemplates running around ranting drivel and frightening the whole reserved population of Arona, Italy.
Follow Lily and several rambunctious rescues kittens on her quest for precious antiquities; a journey which may lead to something far better than long lost gems.
Learn more about Julie’s books at www.JulieSarff.com
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
154 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 29, 2020
A laugh a minute
This book is hilarious from page one. The story takes place in Italy and there are numerous Italian phrases throughout the book translated by the author which keeps the reader in the Italian mood. Numerous quirky and memorable characters. It was easy to stay focused on the book and I read it through in a single sitting.
A little romance, strong and well developed plot and several fun subplots for the readers enjoyment were present.
This book is hilarious from page one. The story takes place in Italy and there are numerous Italian phrases throughout the book translated by the author which keeps the reader in the Italian mood. Numerous quirky and memorable characters. It was easy to stay focused on the book and I read it through in a single sitting.
A little romance, strong and well developed plot and several fun subplots for the readers enjoyment were present.
March 20, 2015
This charming cozy mystery is a delight to read. There's something fresh and breezy about the story and the writing style. It's easy to get pulled into Lily's life as she struggles to cope with the hand she's been dealt by a faithless husband. A single mother to twins, coping is no easy feat. The camaraderie and adventure she stumbles upon, helps. The charm of her surroundings, in the small Italian town where the tale is set so aptly described by the author, must also lighten her load. As a reader, I got a boost by reading this fun and engaging story, laced with humor all wrapped around an intriguing mystery. Five stars!
April 8, 2025
I almost didn't read this book, but I am happy I did.
After reading the 'note to the reader', I was convinced I would not be someone who would enjoy this book. And I was wrong. I truly enjoyed the story and all the characters. I highly recommend it. It was good fun. And a bit crazy, too.
After reading the 'note to the reader', I was convinced I would not be someone who would enjoy this book. And I was wrong. I truly enjoyed the story and all the characters. I highly recommend it. It was good fun. And a bit crazy, too.
September 21, 2022
Hope for love
How can one find a job, take care of twin boys , deal with a unfaithful husband who refuses to give you a divorce and makes you move out. You fantasize of love and the hope diamond.
How can one find a job, take care of twin boys , deal with a unfaithful husband who refuses to give you a divorce and makes you move out. You fantasize of love and the hope diamond.
July 7, 2017
Great book with a strong single mother Lily. I like the twists and turns of this mystery.
January 29, 2018
This is not really a mystery so much as a fun and amusing story. Lily is an enjoyable character and gave me several LOL moments.
February 25, 2019
Italy!
What fun! I recommend this book to one and all.... A great rainy day or at the beach book! Enjoy!
What fun! I recommend this book to one and all.... A great rainy day or at the beach book! Enjoy!
June 29, 2021
Enjoyable story, although it is not really a mystery. Like the characters and how they interacted.
Nice to see recipes at the end of book, enjoy cozies w/included recipes.
Nice to see recipes at the end of book, enjoy cozies w/included recipes.
March 25, 2025
Fun story full of craziness.
September 27, 2015
This is a fun if a bit short cozy mystery set in northern Italy. The narrator is an American who married an Italian and is in the process of trying to divorce him since she caught him cheating the day she delivered their twins. He is resisting the divorce since he thinks the family should stay together even though he keeps going back to the girl friend. In the meantime Lily is working as a maid in a fancy villa currently owned by an American movie star under the supervision of her husband's aunt. She also has a couple of kooky friends who form part of a mutual aid society with her as they help each other out of difficulties. Although labeled a mystery, it's really more of a chick lit with a little mystery thrown in. The mystery is spread out of several books in a series, of which this is the first. I probably would have preferred that it hadn't been split up but I liked the characters well enough to purchase the sequels to this one. An added bonus is Italian recipes at the end of each book.
October 17, 2015
This is a lovely, engaging cozy mystery about Lily, a young single mother who, like many woman, finds her self alone raising two infants. The story is set in Italy which adds to its appeal and the writing is detailed and vivid. Lily works at the estate of a well known movie star and is convinced the Hope Diamond is hidden on the estate and makes every effort to find it. The book has great appeal and good dialogue. I will read more from this author.
August 13, 2015
Realistically zany characters
The main character is egocentric, absent-minded, loving, and loyal. The setting is a lush northern Italian villa. The mystery is whether or not to believe the seer in Prada who talks with dead people about legendary jewels. Overall, this was a quirky and somehow engrossing read. It was nice to read a cozy without a murder!
The main character is egocentric, absent-minded, loving, and loyal. The setting is a lush northern Italian villa. The mystery is whether or not to believe the seer in Prada who talks with dead people about legendary jewels. Overall, this was a quirky and somehow engrossing read. It was nice to read a cozy without a murder!
August 26, 2015
Earth Oval
An enjoyable and fascinating tale with a "where is it" rather than "who done it" theme. Lily is quirky and likeable being the best mother she can be, and a good friend to both people and animals. A must read for an entertaining afternoon.
An enjoyable and fascinating tale with a "where is it" rather than "who done it" theme. Lily is quirky and likeable being the best mother she can be, and a good friend to both people and animals. A must read for an entertaining afternoon.
March 11, 2016
What FUN!
This book was so fun I could hardly put it down! And, in the end, I whizzed through it enjoying every minute. I have found a new author that I love! Sarff is a F I N D! Yay!
The protagonist was loveable and real. Her life an adventure!
This book was so fun I could hardly put it down! And, in the end, I whizzed through it enjoying every minute. I have found a new author that I love! Sarff is a F I N D! Yay!
The protagonist was loveable and real. Her life an adventure!
April 14, 2016
Wonderful Read
A very funny, interesting and imaginative book. It is full of fascinating characters and kittens plus adventure, Italian culture, food and language. I very much enjoyed the adventure and could not put the book down!
A very funny, interesting and imaginative book. It is full of fascinating characters and kittens plus adventure, Italian culture, food and language. I very much enjoyed the adventure and could not put the book down!
June 27, 2015
A hilarious read
Get ready to laugh with Lily, this book is so much fun. One incident after another and a happy ending to boot.
Get ready to laugh with Lily, this book is so much fun. One incident after another and a happy ending to boot.
July 6, 2015
Good
the woman who was married to an to a man from Italy and wanted a divorce from this person .surprise.
the woman who was married to an to a man from Italy and wanted a divorce from this person .surprise.
January 24, 2016
Fun
This book was fun read. I liked it a lot. Will be reading more. The characters seem so familiar that they could be your friends.
This book was fun read. I liked it a lot. Will be reading more. The characters seem so familiar that they could be your friends.
March 9, 2016
A good, light read.
A good read if one is in the mood for something light. The plot was enjoyable and the characters amusing.
A good read if one is in the mood for something light. The plot was enjoyable and the characters amusing.
May 31, 2016
This book is amazing. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't stop reading it. I laughed out loud many times. I recommend this book to anyone who like mysteries, romance, or comedy.
March 31, 2016
I found it boring and had a hard time finishing it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews