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The Gem Thief
Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond. But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.
Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancée. From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other. What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.
Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancée. From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other. What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.
267 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
45 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Sian Ann Bessey
39 books1,093 followersSian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S., where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
January 20, 2021
I'm bowing out at 25%. I can't take any of these people seriously, though it's the result of lots of little things rather than anything big. Like being incredibly successful incredibly young (mid-twenties and one is a top jewelry designer, another is a CEO and a third a mid-tier FBI agent with oodles of free time on his hands). Or like how they feel like Mormons in drag (one can't stand coffee so she's forever drinking hot chocolate, another had an alcoholic dad so won't drink alcohol). And sure, there are certainly people who do these things. I mean, the alcohol thing was a characteristic of President Trump and nobody is calling him a Mormon in drag. It's just that it all felt a bit surface. Add a thin plot and writing that is a little too preoccupied with stage managing and I found myself disengaged enough not to want to bother going forward.
One star for not holding my interest. I'd like to give it two because it isn't awful. But I can't quite bring myself to go that far.
Example of what I mean by stage managing
One star for not holding my interest. I'd like to give it two because it isn't awful. But I can't quite bring myself to go that far.
Example of what I mean by stage managing
He opened the door of the coffee shop, and she stepped inside, wrinkling her nose at the pungent smell.
“What would you like?” he asked. “I’ll go place the order, and you can choose a table.”
“Just a regular hot chocolate would be great,” she said. “No whipped cream.”
“Sounds good.” He started toward the counter.
Gracie watched him go, then turned to find somewhere to sit. There was a vacant table against the window, so she headed that direction, pulled out one of the chairs, and sat down to wait.
July 16, 2021
This romantic suspense book was just my speed. The author did a great job of letting me get to know the characters while also jump starting the plot. Gracie has a pretty amazing job as a fine jewelry designer in New York City, but she is also down to earth and genuine. I loved the world travel and seeing it through the eyes of Gracie for whom it's a first time experience. There is a perfect balance between the progressing relationship of Gracie and Quinn, and following the mystery of who is behind the stolen jewelry and forgeries. Quinn is a high-powered attorney, but appreciates Gracie for who she is and learns to bring some more balance into his life. I loved Quinn's aunt and her compassion and generosity. It was neat to see her and Gracie form a friendship throughout the journey as they support each other's vulnerabilities with their own strengths. There was a steady pace throughout the book with various climaxes as they draw closer to solving the case and the attraction between Gracie and Quinn blooms into romance. I was glued to the pages and finished the book with a happy sigh :)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)
November 4, 2018
After reading this book, I really want to go to Greece and take a cruise. The descriptions from the heat of the day to the color of the water is so alluring! Hopefully, if I ever get there, I will never have to have the suspense that the characters in the book had! But the romance from the place, I certainly wouldn’t mind experiencing!
Gracie is an easy going, unselfish, and kind person. She loves her job designing jewelry settings. She has been wanting to do that since she was a little girl. She works at a prestigious jewelers in New York.
Quinn is a junior partner at his insurance firm. His aunt Dorcas (who is a widow from a wealthy husband who created a cruise ship line) owns several pieces of jewelry that is insured with his company. He has a sort of girlfriend, who just doesn’t get the hint and is very selfish.
When Quinn’s aunt goes to Gracie to get a ring adjusted, she learns that the ring is a forgery and the gem inside is a fake as well. Dorcas does not want to call the police, she doesn’t want the publicity it brings and decides to have Quinn and his FBI friend Steve to find her jewelry. When it is discovered that many other of her jewelry is a fake as well, they add Gracie to their hunt to find the missing jewelry. I learned a lot about the jewelry world. It is really interesting! It’s also a little scary and I am glad to have my own costume jewelry and not worry about it!
Quinn and Gracie pose as an engaged couple and go to Greece to buy an engagement ring and see if they can figure out how the past three years someone has been replacing her jewelry that she had bought in Greece. So, the crew of them goes to Greece to do the same as she has done year after year and with FBI Steve to help, and find the thief and hope to find her missing jewelry. It’s not about the money for Dorcas but the sentiment that it has with her late husband and her love for him.
Quinn and Gracie had a very rocky start. But they find they are alot alike and their caring natures make it easy for them to find themselves falling for each other. Add in a little jealousy in the book also gives a little laughter to the romance as well.
The story is believable and the characters have depth to them. I liked that this book’s story line was kind of unique. At least to me, as I knew nothing about jewelry in the high society world. I also have never been on a cruise either.
Before they go on the trip to Greece, Quinn and Gracie would talk on the phone every night to learn more about each other to make their “cover” believable. I loved this little part of the conversation:
And this conversation comes to life for them too, so you really need to read it to see how that happens!
If you love stories with the fake engaged couple, very expensive jewelry, fancy cars, cruises, Greece, swimming pools, jealousy, hit and run scenes, suspense, and falling in love with someone that you didn’t expect to then this might be for you!
Gracie is an easy going, unselfish, and kind person. She loves her job designing jewelry settings. She has been wanting to do that since she was a little girl. She works at a prestigious jewelers in New York.
Quinn is a junior partner at his insurance firm. His aunt Dorcas (who is a widow from a wealthy husband who created a cruise ship line) owns several pieces of jewelry that is insured with his company. He has a sort of girlfriend, who just doesn’t get the hint and is very selfish.
When Quinn’s aunt goes to Gracie to get a ring adjusted, she learns that the ring is a forgery and the gem inside is a fake as well. Dorcas does not want to call the police, she doesn’t want the publicity it brings and decides to have Quinn and his FBI friend Steve to find her jewelry. When it is discovered that many other of her jewelry is a fake as well, they add Gracie to their hunt to find the missing jewelry. I learned a lot about the jewelry world. It is really interesting! It’s also a little scary and I am glad to have my own costume jewelry and not worry about it!
Quinn and Gracie pose as an engaged couple and go to Greece to buy an engagement ring and see if they can figure out how the past three years someone has been replacing her jewelry that she had bought in Greece. So, the crew of them goes to Greece to do the same as she has done year after year and with FBI Steve to help, and find the thief and hope to find her missing jewelry. It’s not about the money for Dorcas but the sentiment that it has with her late husband and her love for him.
Quinn and Gracie had a very rocky start. But they find they are alot alike and their caring natures make it easy for them to find themselves falling for each other. Add in a little jealousy in the book also gives a little laughter to the romance as well.
The story is believable and the characters have depth to them. I liked that this book’s story line was kind of unique. At least to me, as I knew nothing about jewelry in the high society world. I also have never been on a cruise either.
Before they go on the trip to Greece, Quinn and Gracie would talk on the phone every night to learn more about each other to make their “cover” believable. I loved this little part of the conversation:
He said. “What are your top three movies?”
“Uh, Pride and Prejudice (as long as it’s the one with Colin Firth), While You Were Sleeping, and Tangled.”
“You’re a romantic.”
“Maybe,” Gracie said. “But have you ever considered what great ‘how to’ movies they are? They’ve got the answers every woman needs on how to avoid interacting with socially awkward men, how to drop and roll to escape an oncoming train, and how to wield a frying pan as a weapon. Those movies are full of all sorts of life skills”
Quinn laughed. “I’ll never watch them the same way again.”
And this conversation comes to life for them too, so you really need to read it to see how that happens!
If you love stories with the fake engaged couple, very expensive jewelry, fancy cars, cruises, Greece, swimming pools, jealousy, hit and run scenes, suspense, and falling in love with someone that you didn’t expect to then this might be for you!
January 13, 2019
4.5 Stars
Gracie Miller moved to New York when she got her dream job of designing jewelry for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world. When one of her wealthy customers brings in a ring she designed for an adjustment, Gracie discovers that it's been replaced with a fake.
When Quinn West receives a frantic call from his aunt Dorcas needing to see him right away, he drops what he's doing and heads over to her favorite jewelers. Upon his arrival, he's informed that her jewelry has been stolen. He immediately wants to call the police but his aunt refuses. She does not want cops or the press involved. The only thing he can think of to do is contact his old college roommate, Steve, who works for the FBI.
Together they narrow down the timeline and concoct a plan that will hopefully bring the culprit to justice. But the plan involves Gracie and Quinn going undercover as a newly engaged couple.
Before heading to Greece, Gracie and Quinn take a chance to get to know each other better. They have to be able to pull off being engaged. While on the cruise they both start realizing their feelings for each other are growing. But they can't afford to act on them. They need to stay focused so they can catch the jewel thief.
Just as their trip is coming to an end, they discover who's behind the theft. But Quinn can't shake the feeling that they're still missing something. Once they're back in New York, all the pieces start to fall into place and Quinn quickly discovers that Gracie could be in danger.
Will he be able to get to her in time to stop anything from happening to her? Will they be able to catch whoever's behind the attempt on her life before they succeed? Will Quinn and Gracie have a chance at their HEA?
Over the last year I have become a fan of romantic suspense. I have read some duds but I have also read some really good ones. This was one of the good ones. It had me guessing throughout the book who was behind the theft and why. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another curve ball was thrown and had me second guessing "whodunit".
I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Gracie and Quinn develop. I had no problem rooting for them from the very beginning. I loved that they became friends first. It helps make the relationship more believable. This was definitely a fun book! Not only did I love the story, I loved the supporting characters as well. Dorcas and Steve made the book even better. I wouldn't mind seeing Steve get his own book... ;)
If I had one complaint it would be that the book just ended. I really, really hate that! An epilogue would have been perfect!
This is my very first book be Ms. Bessey and I'll definitely be looking into reading more by her.
And can we take a moment to admire these two? I think they make a perfect Gracie and Quinn!
Gracie Miller moved to New York when she got her dream job of designing jewelry for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world. When one of her wealthy customers brings in a ring she designed for an adjustment, Gracie discovers that it's been replaced with a fake.
When Quinn West receives a frantic call from his aunt Dorcas needing to see him right away, he drops what he's doing and heads over to her favorite jewelers. Upon his arrival, he's informed that her jewelry has been stolen. He immediately wants to call the police but his aunt refuses. She does not want cops or the press involved. The only thing he can think of to do is contact his old college roommate, Steve, who works for the FBI.
Together they narrow down the timeline and concoct a plan that will hopefully bring the culprit to justice. But the plan involves Gracie and Quinn going undercover as a newly engaged couple.
Before heading to Greece, Gracie and Quinn take a chance to get to know each other better. They have to be able to pull off being engaged. While on the cruise they both start realizing their feelings for each other are growing. But they can't afford to act on them. They need to stay focused so they can catch the jewel thief.
Just as their trip is coming to an end, they discover who's behind the theft. But Quinn can't shake the feeling that they're still missing something. Once they're back in New York, all the pieces start to fall into place and Quinn quickly discovers that Gracie could be in danger.
Will he be able to get to her in time to stop anything from happening to her? Will they be able to catch whoever's behind the attempt on her life before they succeed? Will Quinn and Gracie have a chance at their HEA?
Over the last year I have become a fan of romantic suspense. I have read some duds but I have also read some really good ones. This was one of the good ones. It had me guessing throughout the book who was behind the theft and why. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another curve ball was thrown and had me second guessing "whodunit".
I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Gracie and Quinn develop. I had no problem rooting for them from the very beginning. I loved that they became friends first. It helps make the relationship more believable. This was definitely a fun book! Not only did I love the story, I loved the supporting characters as well. Dorcas and Steve made the book even better. I wouldn't mind seeing Steve get his own book... ;)
If I had one complaint it would be that the book just ended. I really, really hate that! An epilogue would have been perfect!
This is my very first book be Ms. Bessey and I'll definitely be looking into reading more by her.
And can we take a moment to admire these two? I think they make a perfect Gracie and Quinn!
November 7, 2018
***4.5 stars***
What is not to love about this book? You have quirky/lovable characters, mystery, humor, travel, and romance in one book!
The book starts off as Gracie Miller is on her way to work. A rude skateboarder barrels down the street forcing her to move quickly, spilling her hot chocolate and getting sprayed by muddy water as the cars drive by. That is the first page of the book. For me, when something like that happens, I know that it is the book for me.
Gracie is a jewelry designer who finds herself involved with investigating the jewelry theft of one of her customers. She is professional and trustworthy. She is paired up with Quinn, the wealthy widow's nephew, as they try to track down the thief. It begins in New York, and goes to Greece by a cruise.
The dialogue is well done. I loved learning about the characters and journeying with them.
I give this book a high recommendation.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own
What is not to love about this book? You have quirky/lovable characters, mystery, humor, travel, and romance in one book!
The book starts off as Gracie Miller is on her way to work. A rude skateboarder barrels down the street forcing her to move quickly, spilling her hot chocolate and getting sprayed by muddy water as the cars drive by. That is the first page of the book. For me, when something like that happens, I know that it is the book for me.
Gracie is a jewelry designer who finds herself involved with investigating the jewelry theft of one of her customers. She is professional and trustworthy. She is paired up with Quinn, the wealthy widow's nephew, as they try to track down the thief. It begins in New York, and goes to Greece by a cruise.
The dialogue is well done. I loved learning about the characters and journeying with them.
I give this book a high recommendation.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own
November 8, 2018
I actually did a video for this book. (on my Facebook page for Getting Your Read On) I guess the video is less about the story and more about the actual book, but still. I call the video The BEST Cover because I wanted to show it to you instead of just talk about it. This cover is a very good reason for loving print books and the picture just doesn't do it justice. The publisher did a perfect job of making the cover fit the story inside.
For the official written review, I enjoyed this book. The story was a good blend of mystery, characters and travel (which I love in books). I really want to go to Greece some day but not on a cruise ship. Because I get sick.
The story has great build up, slowly and steadily increasing until that pow moment at the end. It was fun!
Content: clean, kissing, mild violence
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
For the official written review, I enjoyed this book. The story was a good blend of mystery, characters and travel (which I love in books). I really want to go to Greece some day but not on a cruise ship. Because I get sick.
The story has great build up, slowly and steadily increasing until that pow moment at the end. It was fun!
Content: clean, kissing, mild violence
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 19, 2020
I actually requested this one on NetGalley because of the stunning cover. I’m always skeptical about new authors from publishing houses I have little experience with, and this one was a definite winner! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as Gracie and Quinn race (literally around the world) to figure out who’s stealing high-end jewelry. There are so many layers in this mystery with all the different people required for the crime and I loved how they got peeled back a little at a time.
I found the romance to be very believable and often even humorous, and it was easy to root for this couple to realize they needed to be together permanently.
Squeaky clean and though written by an LDS author it doesn’t contain any LDS theology. (Important to me as an evangelical reader) I’ll definitely be picking up more books by this author!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I found the romance to be very believable and often even humorous, and it was easy to root for this couple to realize they needed to be together permanently.
Squeaky clean and though written by an LDS author it doesn’t contain any LDS theology. (Important to me as an evangelical reader) I’ll definitely be picking up more books by this author!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
August 2, 2019
I have always enjoyed Bessey's writing. She is a good author and writes a good story. Nothing too crazy or too deep, just a nice read. This pulled me in from the start, I was immediately loving Gracie, her character pulled me in and kept me reading. This is a contemporary proper romance with a bit of violence and a couple kisses.
November 7, 2018
I was so excited to hear that Sian Ann Bessey had a new book coming out! I really enjoy her writing style and it seems like forever since I've read something from her. Plus, this new book was partially set in Greece, one of my favorite places on earth, so I was doubly excited.
The Gem Thief starts out with poor Gracie Miller getting hot chocolate spilled on her clothing, and then muddy water sprayed over any part that the hot chocolate missed. She has an important meeting at the upscale jeweler that she works for and can't go home to change so she tries to make the best of it. But during that important meeting with a billionaire client named Mrs. Katsoros, she meets Quinn, who takes one look at her and doesn't want to shake her hand. It's a quirky start to the romance and so fun to see the first impressions and how wrong they can be sometimes. But Quinn and Gracie are quickly pulled into the mystery of who is stealing Mrs. Katsoros' jewelry. In order to draw in the thief, they have to take a cruise to Greece and Quinn and Gracie must pretend to be engaged, which brought some laugh out loud situations and some sweet and sigh-worthy moments as feelings and impressions changed.
I loved the slow burn of the romance as Gracie and Quinn got to know each other and I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded with so many suspects that it was hard to guess who the culprit truly was. (And there was a really nice twist that I didn't see coming, too!) The setting was spectacular and the author captures the essence of how it feels to be in Greece. (I would love to go back someday, but until then, I'll just have to re-read books like this one.) The romance seamlessly merges with the suspense and Ms. Bessey truly outdoes herself in creating a reader experience that will take you through the beauties of Greece and the fun of a cruise all the while wondering who the villain truly is and if Quinn and Gracie will make it out of this alive! I really enjoyed this one and I hope we see more from this cast of characters. (I wouldn't mind seeing Steve get a story of his own!) Well-researched and well-done, The Gem Thief is definitely going on my keeper shelf.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
The Gem Thief starts out with poor Gracie Miller getting hot chocolate spilled on her clothing, and then muddy water sprayed over any part that the hot chocolate missed. She has an important meeting at the upscale jeweler that she works for and can't go home to change so she tries to make the best of it. But during that important meeting with a billionaire client named Mrs. Katsoros, she meets Quinn, who takes one look at her and doesn't want to shake her hand. It's a quirky start to the romance and so fun to see the first impressions and how wrong they can be sometimes. But Quinn and Gracie are quickly pulled into the mystery of who is stealing Mrs. Katsoros' jewelry. In order to draw in the thief, they have to take a cruise to Greece and Quinn and Gracie must pretend to be engaged, which brought some laugh out loud situations and some sweet and sigh-worthy moments as feelings and impressions changed.
I loved the slow burn of the romance as Gracie and Quinn got to know each other and I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded with so many suspects that it was hard to guess who the culprit truly was. (And there was a really nice twist that I didn't see coming, too!) The setting was spectacular and the author captures the essence of how it feels to be in Greece. (I would love to go back someday, but until then, I'll just have to re-read books like this one.) The romance seamlessly merges with the suspense and Ms. Bessey truly outdoes herself in creating a reader experience that will take you through the beauties of Greece and the fun of a cruise all the while wondering who the villain truly is and if Quinn and Gracie will make it out of this alive! I really enjoyed this one and I hope we see more from this cast of characters. (I wouldn't mind seeing Steve get a story of his own!) Well-researched and well-done, The Gem Thief is definitely going on my keeper shelf.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
December 30, 2018
A long time ago, in a galaxy of my teenage life, I discovered an author by the name of Sian Ann Bessey. I picked up her book and fell head over heels in love with the story, the characters and most especially the setting...Wales. My sister bought the book, Forgotten Notes, by this author. We both read it, then reread it, and years later reread it. So much so that the binding fell completely apart. I still have it. My sister ended up giving it to me and I still read it. I know, I should probably just give up and get a new copy but there's just something about this old, worn and well read copy that has great memories and sentimental value to me. Some might say it's just a book and to move on. But I know fellow readers and bibliophiles understand. I can't get rid of it. I'll read it, even with many sections that are just individual pages that I have to carefully handle, over again and share my love of that story with my daughters. I still share books with that sister of mine, mostly digital now since we live so far away from each other. But occasionally when we're together I take her books to borrow and we mail them back and forth.
When I saw this book was being released I was so excited. Again, it took me back to that first book by Sian Ann Bessey. I couldn't wait to read it. But with the busyness of life right now, I wasn't sure when I would get that chance. Let me just tell you I was all squeals and giggles when the audiobook became available to listen to as part of my membership to Deseret Bookshelf Plus. Wooohooooo! Yes, I instantly downloaded it and couldn't stop listening until I'd discovered every last detail and enjoyed every moment of it.
Gracie's character is one that readers can easily connect too. Especially when all the mishaps happen to her in the first few chapters. I just loved her. She was so down to Earth and fun to learn more about.
Quinn, was a little aloof and comical at first. Especially with his perception of Gracie when they first met and knowing all the mishaps that had recently happened to her. Oh heavens, too funny!
Another novel that I loved and will look forward to enjoying again and again. My daughters didn't want me to listen without them around so I really tried to wait until we all could listen but I may have listened ahead a time or two. I love that we can enjoy these great reads together and that they love the same stories that I do.
Thanks so much for such wonderful stories Sian Ann Bessey! I am truly grateful, especially as a teenager years and years ago, for finding your beautiful story that pulled me into a love of reading and exploring. The harp and the notes and Wales in Forgotten Notes spoke to me. I'm a musician (not the harp but I always used to dream I'd learn the harp long before I read your book), and have many ancestors who came from Wales.
If you're looking for a fun suspense story with some sweet and clean romance, grab this one and dive right in. See if you can figure out who the Gem Thief is before it's too late and all the jewels are gone! Hee Hee!
Content: Clean
I listened through Deseret Bookshelf.
Happy Reading!!!
When I saw this book was being released I was so excited. Again, it took me back to that first book by Sian Ann Bessey. I couldn't wait to read it. But with the busyness of life right now, I wasn't sure when I would get that chance. Let me just tell you I was all squeals and giggles when the audiobook became available to listen to as part of my membership to Deseret Bookshelf Plus. Wooohooooo! Yes, I instantly downloaded it and couldn't stop listening until I'd discovered every last detail and enjoyed every moment of it.
Gracie's character is one that readers can easily connect too. Especially when all the mishaps happen to her in the first few chapters. I just loved her. She was so down to Earth and fun to learn more about.
Quinn, was a little aloof and comical at first. Especially with his perception of Gracie when they first met and knowing all the mishaps that had recently happened to her. Oh heavens, too funny!
Another novel that I loved and will look forward to enjoying again and again. My daughters didn't want me to listen without them around so I really tried to wait until we all could listen but I may have listened ahead a time or two. I love that we can enjoy these great reads together and that they love the same stories that I do.
Thanks so much for such wonderful stories Sian Ann Bessey! I am truly grateful, especially as a teenager years and years ago, for finding your beautiful story that pulled me into a love of reading and exploring. The harp and the notes and Wales in Forgotten Notes spoke to me. I'm a musician (not the harp but I always used to dream I'd learn the harp long before I read your book), and have many ancestors who came from Wales.
If you're looking for a fun suspense story with some sweet and clean romance, grab this one and dive right in. See if you can figure out who the Gem Thief is before it's too late and all the jewels are gone! Hee Hee!
Content: Clean
I listened through Deseret Bookshelf.
Happy Reading!!!
October 29, 2022
Loved this romantic suspense! Sian Bessey always delivers a captivating story and this one involves jewelry thieves, a Mediteranean cruise, suspenseful scenes, a fake engagement, and some seriously sweet romance.
I can't believe it took me so long to pick up this book. If you a fan of the genre, this book needs to be on your list!
I can't believe it took me so long to pick up this book. If you a fan of the genre, this book needs to be on your list!
November 5, 2018
Romantic suspense is one of my very favorite categories to read. I love the suspense/mystery aspect. Trying to figure out who the thief was in this one was so fun! And who doesn’t love a touch of romance?
I loved Gracie in this book! Gracie is a jewelry designer working at a prestigious jewelry store in New York City. She’s about as down to earth as they come. She doesn’t seem to care if she shows up looking muddy and wet when she gets rained on/soaked in hot chocolate. Or if she’s just been out for her run and gets picked up by an FBI agent needing info right away. She’s also super comfortable flying first class or staying in 5 star hotel rooms. I LOVED her!
Then there’s Quinn. I liked Quinn too. I did think his choice in women needed some improvement. But he grew on me as the story went on.
This book takes place in tons of different places. There’s New York, of course. But also the beautiful islands of Greece. After reading this one, I know I need to go to some of them, Santorini, being the first!
I loved that I wasn’t sure who the thief actually was until it was revealed to the characters. That makes the book so much more fun! Not knowing. Then when the reader and the characters do know and they’re all just waiting for the thief to make their move is great too!
This book is full of suspense. It’s an easy read that kept me reading far later than I should have been!
I loved Gracie in this book! Gracie is a jewelry designer working at a prestigious jewelry store in New York City. She’s about as down to earth as they come. She doesn’t seem to care if she shows up looking muddy and wet when she gets rained on/soaked in hot chocolate. Or if she’s just been out for her run and gets picked up by an FBI agent needing info right away. She’s also super comfortable flying first class or staying in 5 star hotel rooms. I LOVED her!
Then there’s Quinn. I liked Quinn too. I did think his choice in women needed some improvement. But he grew on me as the story went on.
This book takes place in tons of different places. There’s New York, of course. But also the beautiful islands of Greece. After reading this one, I know I need to go to some of them, Santorini, being the first!
I loved that I wasn’t sure who the thief actually was until it was revealed to the characters. That makes the book so much more fun! Not knowing. Then when the reader and the characters do know and they’re all just waiting for the thief to make their move is great too!
This book is full of suspense. It’s an easy read that kept me reading far later than I should have been!
January 18, 2019
High stakes robbery, mystery & a sweet romance - I really enjoyed this Mediterranean journey from Sian Ann Bessey. Such a great mix of characters - wealthy widow, high end NYC jewelry designer, the CEO nephew, plenty of arrogant wealthy step-kids, snotty ex-girlfriend & the down to earth FBI agent.
The travel begins in Venice and takes you on a Greek cruise in the Med. This mystery will keep you guessing right to the end. Very well researched and beautifully description you’ll hear the waves lapping against the ship and feel the heat in Olympia.
Combining everything I love in a story, I was thoroughly engaged from the very first page.
Gracie & Quinn make a great pair with a chemistry that’s felt & believed.
Thanks to Covenant & Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
The travel begins in Venice and takes you on a Greek cruise in the Med. This mystery will keep you guessing right to the end. Very well researched and beautifully description you’ll hear the waves lapping against the ship and feel the heat in Olympia.
Combining everything I love in a story, I was thoroughly engaged from the very first page.
Gracie & Quinn make a great pair with a chemistry that’s felt & believed.
Thanks to Covenant & Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
October 9, 2025
4.5 stars for this romantic suspense! I had some time between ARC reads and decided to read this one from my TBR pile. I've always loved the cover—it's amazing, and the story inside is a wonderful blend of mystery, romance, and adventure with a twist I didn't see coming.
Gracie Miller is a small-town girl with big-city dreams who’s worked her way into the elite world of high-end jewelry design. Her life takes an unexpected turn when one of her creations—a one-of-a-kind diamond ring—is swapped for a fake. What begins as a professional nightmare quickly escalates into a high-stakes mystery involving a reclusive billionaire widow, a handsome fake-fiancé, and a trip that takes us from New York’s luxury showrooms to the coastlines of the Mediterranean.
Gracie didn't look her best the first couple of times she and Quinn met, but as he found out—looks can be deceiving. The chemistry between them felt natural with enough tension to keep things interesting without overshadowing the mystery. I liked the supporting characters, especially Quinn’s FBI friend Steve and Mrs. Katsaros.
Overall, The Gem Thief is a delightful romantic suspense. It’s an enjoyable escape for readers who love a smart heroine, a slow-burn romance, and a mystery with just the right amount of danger.
Gracie Miller is a small-town girl with big-city dreams who’s worked her way into the elite world of high-end jewelry design. Her life takes an unexpected turn when one of her creations—a one-of-a-kind diamond ring—is swapped for a fake. What begins as a professional nightmare quickly escalates into a high-stakes mystery involving a reclusive billionaire widow, a handsome fake-fiancé, and a trip that takes us from New York’s luxury showrooms to the coastlines of the Mediterranean.
Gracie didn't look her best the first couple of times she and Quinn met, but as he found out—looks can be deceiving. The chemistry between them felt natural with enough tension to keep things interesting without overshadowing the mystery. I liked the supporting characters, especially Quinn’s FBI friend Steve and Mrs. Katsaros.
Overall, The Gem Thief is a delightful romantic suspense. It’s an enjoyable escape for readers who love a smart heroine, a slow-burn romance, and a mystery with just the right amount of danger.
April 21, 2023
Nice, easy read. Lightly romantic, but with a little mystery to add some substance to the story. I like that every time Gracie sees Quinn she looks a mess and he doesn't even recognize her the first time he sees her put together!
February 16, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable! I'm always up for a good mystery, and this one kept me guessing. I really liked the premise and was intrigued by the concept. I know nothing about jewelry design, so I felt like I learned some things in this book, which is always a win. I had a few different suspicions of the villain throughout the story, but I ended up being totally wrong!
The romance added that little something extra that I just adored. Gracie and Quinn are a great couple, and I liked watching them get together. I appreciated that they took the time to get to know each other and learn about each other's likes and dislikes, which made it feel that much more believable. Their connection and chemistry really came off the page, and I just loved them. Overall, this was a book that I couldn't put down!
*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
The romance added that little something extra that I just adored. Gracie and Quinn are a great couple, and I liked watching them get together. I appreciated that they took the time to get to know each other and learn about each other's likes and dislikes, which made it feel that much more believable. Their connection and chemistry really came off the page, and I just loved them. Overall, this was a book that I couldn't put down!
*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
January 28, 2021
Well, this was a treat of a mystery wrapped up in romantical bliss! Absolutely loved the exotic Mediterranean setting. I don't think I've read anything quite like it. Bessey does an amazing job of making a reader feel like she's been on a cruise too so if you like to armchair travel, this is definitely a book that will interest you.
The mystery is unique, as is Gracie's occupation. It boggles the mind that people actually pay those exorbitant prices for jewelry but I loved reading about the artistry Gracie brings to her crafting. And then there is the jet-setting chase to catch a thief!
But what I love most about The Gem Thief is that it is unapologetically romantic. Quinn and Gracie kept my toes in permanent curl mode from their first rocky meeting right through to the swoon-inducing conclusion. I'm still in a giddy euphoric state basking in the afterglow of their love story.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Aubrey Warner who did a great job of showcasing these characters and their compelling story.
The mystery is unique, as is Gracie's occupation. It boggles the mind that people actually pay those exorbitant prices for jewelry but I loved reading about the artistry Gracie brings to her crafting. And then there is the jet-setting chase to catch a thief!
But what I love most about The Gem Thief is that it is unapologetically romantic. Quinn and Gracie kept my toes in permanent curl mode from their first rocky meeting right through to the swoon-inducing conclusion. I'm still in a giddy euphoric state basking in the afterglow of their love story.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Aubrey Warner who did a great job of showcasing these characters and their compelling story.
April 15, 2021
This is the first book by this author I’ve read, and it will not be my last. I was drawn into the story from the first word and could hardly put the book down. I loved every one of the characters, even the secondary ones. All were well-developed and complex. I especially enjoyed Mrs. Katsaros. She’s someone I think I’d want to be friends with in “real life.” The premise of the mystery is original, and I enjoyed trying to solve the crime along with the characters. Intriguing plot twists kept me guessing. I learned a lot about the gem world, and description and dialogue effectively evoked the locations where the story takes place. This is a book I’ll read again, even knowing the outcome.
April 20, 2021
This is a mystery-romance set on a cruise ship. When Gracie, a jewelry designer, is called in to verify whether one of their rich customer’s pieces is a fake or not, she is disheartened to prove the beautiful piece she designed has been replaced with a fake to Dorcas. Dorcas gets her nephew involved, who insures her jewelry, and they come up with a scheme to smoke out the scammers as Gracie pretends to be Quinn’s fiancée and go with his aunt Dorcas on a cruise that she goes on every year. There is suspense, mystery, scenic settings, and danger as the list of possible culprits grows. It’s a cute read with a satisfying ending.
March 30, 2019
This is a good book. It combines a good mystery with a budding romance to keep the reader entertained. The characters are well written with enough back story to make them come to life. The story moves quickly, keeping the mystery element ever changing. The writer gives us enough clues that the options of "who done it" remain a mystery until the end. It's obvious Sian Ann Bessey enjoys her craft and can make her readers fall into her stories. I'll definitely look for more of her books.
August 16, 2021
This book was quite entertaining to me. I enjoyed the mystery, the travels, and the romance. You have to just love Aunt Dorcas. She is a sweet woman with money that came from humble origins. Quinn first appears to be stuck up and a bit jaded. Gracie is just a kind young woman that gets along well with Dorcas. This story is about the mystery of Dorcas’s jewelers being switched out for fakes. Great read.
November 5, 2018
This was a very engaging read. I sat back and enjoyed everything about it. Who wouldn't love a Mediterranean cruise. It was fun to read about an industry I really know nothing about, and to learn about it mixed with suspense, romance, and the location, you can't go wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to travel with some romantic suspense in the mix. I will be looking into more books by this author.
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 10, 2018
I loved "The Gem Thief"! This was a busy week for me being a teacher and having Parent Teacher Conferences.I didn't have time to read it earlier, so I picked up the book this morning and finished it in a few hours. Honestly, I couldn't put it down. It has so many wonderful elements that I loved. Of course it has an exciting mystery, an exotic setting on a fancy cruise ship touring Italy and Greece, endearing characters including main characters Quinn, Gracie, and Aunt Dorcas, and of course a slow burning romance that was icing on the cake of this fantastic novel.
I have really liked Author Sian Ann Bessey's other books I've read, but this one is now my favorite. Also, the cover art is gorgeous! It fits the novel perfectly. The only thing I didn't like is when the book ended. I wanted so much more with the characters I grew to love. I almost wish that there could be another novel with all of the same characters. It's not often that I like the characters so much that I feel I'll miss them when the story is over.
I highly recommend this 5 Star book to readers that love a great mystery mixed with a nice romance and fantastic characters. This one is a true winner!
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I have really liked Author Sian Ann Bessey's other books I've read, but this one is now my favorite. Also, the cover art is gorgeous! It fits the novel perfectly. The only thing I didn't like is when the book ended. I wanted so much more with the characters I grew to love. I almost wish that there could be another novel with all of the same characters. It's not often that I like the characters so much that I feel I'll miss them when the story is over.
I highly recommend this 5 Star book to readers that love a great mystery mixed with a nice romance and fantastic characters. This one is a true winner!
****Come follow me & my reviews at:
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April 9, 2019
Fun story
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, flowed well and had a little mystery. It was easy to like the main characters, Gracie, Quinn and Dorcas. Of course a little love story between Gracie and Quinn couldn’t hurt either. This would be the perfect beach or vacation read.
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, flowed well and had a little mystery. It was easy to like the main characters, Gracie, Quinn and Dorcas. Of course a little love story between Gracie and Quinn couldn’t hurt either. This would be the perfect beach or vacation read.
April 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this fun and faced paced mystery-romance. It felt like the perfect follow-up after reading "The Necklace." Although the topics were related (both being jewelry) the similarities end there. This was light, escapist reading...which is just what I needed. It was well-written and engaging.
September 17, 2024
Probably 3.5 stars. Fun balance of clean romance and suspense. Not a literary masterpiece, just a quick, light chick lit type of book. The audiobook narrator, however, bugged me. What were some of those accents? And CAD is pronounced “cad” not C-A-D.
April 4, 2025
Missing jewels, a Mediterranean cruise, and an undercover op to find a brilliant, high end jewelry thief made for an intriguing read! The mystery isn’t as fast paced as I usually like but was still an enjoyable read for me!
January 7, 2019
What a fun and engaging story! This is one of the best I've read lately. Readers will definitely enjoy this one. Adventure awaits!
April 30, 2022
Part of this book took place on a cruise - I'm ready to travel again after our mission. I think a cruise is a good place to start.
I did enjoy this story. I never thought of a gem designer or a gem show. It would be interesting to learn more about it.
I did enjoy this story. I never thought of a gem designer or a gem show. It would be interesting to learn more about it.
May 7, 2022
A good story. I plan to read other books by this author. Loved this book.
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