A Rare Diamond

by Amara Russell

From author Amara Russell, comes A Rare Diamond , her debut novel that teaches us all to use the wisdom and insight from within to learn to trust in the plan that God has for our lives. No matter how difficult our circumstances become, never give up—you have the power to make the choice to do whatever it takes to accomplish your dreams.


Readers will meet Celeste, the novel’s startling wise, kind, smart, and inspirational main character, and will follow along with her as she navigates the ins and outs of growing up, all while her faith is tested through many challenges, pain, and suffering. Having lost her mother at the age of five, Celeste was raised by her father and three older brothers. Like many of us, Celeste suffers setbacks—tragedy, broken friendships, and discovering true love, to name a few—yet she learns from her mistakes and always overcomes, as she takes on life by being the light to those around her.


As readers explore, in depth, the challenges Celeste faces, women and men, both young and old alike, will find themselves smiling, laughing, and no doubt shedding a few tears. A Rare Diamond , is a life-changing and fulfilling read and is for anyone who needs the motivation to break through life’s setbacks and sadness to the other side—where it’s possible to discover how to truly connect with life’s experiences.

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2016

Reviews

[Abantika(hiltonjenkin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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“... Relationships are about two people. You have to compromise and make sacrifices. It can’t just be about what you want. That’s what I’m hearing right now with you, with ‘my lady’ and ‘move here for me.’....”

He frowned.

“That’s not true. My sacrifices would be doing whatever it takes to make you happy.”

“But, sweetie, that shouldn’t be a sacrifice that should be automatic....” said Celeste

A Rare Diamond is the debut novel of author Amara L. Russell where she introduces us to Celeste and thereby takes us on to a journey of her growing up. The journey through which cute but quite smart baby girl Celeste grows up to be a graceful, elegant, smart nonetheless kind young lady. A Rare Diamond is about faith and God and tells you how everything eventually just turns out to be fine. It teaches you forgiveness. It teaches you acceptance. It teaches you patience. The book also teaches you love in all its form.

I loved the character development of Celeste. How her personality became stronger by age but how kindness was never lost from her soul despite all the hardships. She personified elegance and was beautiful to her soul. She motivates you to move on and take control no matter what life throughs at you.

Most of the plots and dialogues were smooth and easy to relate to. And Amara with her excellent writing skills transports you to the place of happening immediately. What amazes me is how she sets the perfect atmosphere with so less words.

It was a beautiful crisp morning! The snowflakes were still falling and sticking to the ground. Celeste had awaken with butterflies in her stomach.

And oh! She writes romance well. I mean very well. (If you are reading, please please write a romance novel next. ;))

“ I’m falling for you, that’s all. I’m not ready to see you go.” He whispered in her ear.

“I understand,” Celeste said. “But it’s not ‘goodbye,’ just ‘see you later.’ If it’s meant to be, everything will work itself out in its own time.”

She pulled away from him.

But I must say that the plot development was slow which made it hard to stay focused. The book could have been wrapped in around 300 pages which would have made it more compact.
Nonetheless, A Rare Diamond was quite a peaceful and motivating read for me.

[Chelsea Girard]

I would like to thank Amara Russell for sending me a copy of her book to review, it was a pleasure to read.
I would like to start off with saying, I am not a religious person and you don’t need to be in order to fall in love with this book.
This book was simply a piece of art and was truly captivating from beginning to end. It kind of came off as a play to me as the dialogue read and how the characters corresponded to the situations.
As Celeste is challenged through many difficult circumstances and must overcome setbacks from both her past and present she declares to never give up. The storyline screams connection and I felt that connection through every chapter.
I found this read fulfilling and easy to understand as any reader can relate to the story and the characters with every turn. Celeste writes in a journal throughout the novel and speaks to God through this. Her journal entries are soothing and kind to the heart. At some points, I want to reach for her hand and hold her close as if I'm watching a friend's life through my own eyes.
I love how the themes of passion and fate were evident throughout the novel. I loved how Celeste is torn by convention and ambition as she is tested by sadness and motivation to do what she believes is right.
I would recommend this book to those who love a good coming of age story and those who enjoy powerful reads.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love

This book is filled with so much love!!! It is a read that clearly sheds light on how you can find joy and sunshine through the rain and after pain. Truly 'A Rare Diamond'.

[Misty Irby · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A Rare Diamond – Shattered Dreams” was a quick and interesting read. This story follows the thoughts and experiences of a young girl, who lost her mother at an early age to cancer, who is being reared by her father and older brothers. Unfortunately, there were times when the book became too “chatty” but Celeste’s heartfelt journal entries covered a multitude of rookie author occurrences. What the story lacked in substance, it made up for in emotion. Most parts of the storyline were predictable, however, they are wholeheartedly true to life. This author is off to a great start and we look forward to seeing her growth within this craft. She has a lot of potential. I give this book 3.5 stars based on The Regal Sisterhood Book Club Book Review Standards.

~ Misty Irby – Regal Sisterhood Book Club
(A copy of this book was provided by the author for review purposes.)

Overall Score – 3.5 Stars

Book Presentation- includes title, cover, and synopsis.
Score: 0.5
Comment: Based on the book presentation, I would possibly purchase the book. However, I find the picture to be a bit vague and not necessarily a reflection of the storyline.

Character Development
Score: 0.5
Comment: Celeste was the only character who was fully developed. I have vague memories of the others.

Storyline
Score: 0.5
Comment: The descriptions were average. As the reader, I had to rely on some imagination.

Setting
Score: 1
Comment: The author provided just enough descriptions to help the reader “feel” the surroundings.

Book Editing
Score: 1
Comment: The book had none or very few noticeable errors.

[Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith Tested, Strength Resolved

A Rare Diamond is such a powerful coming-of-age Christian story. I truly felt for Celeste from beginning to end. Losing her mom at just 5 years old and having a father who couldn’t get himself together again with his spirituality. Then you add in her overprotective brothers and everything she was trying to navigate emotionally and spiritually… it was a lot.

Her faith being shaken felt real and relatable, especially with everything she went through. What really hit me was her journey after the assault—healing wasn’t instant, and the author didn’t rush it. It showed the pain, the struggle, and ultimately the strength it took to keep going.

Watching Celeste grow and find her way again made me so proud of her! This story is heartbreaking, inspiring, and full of resilience. Definitely a meaningful read!