What do you think?
Rate this book
Cartier's Hope
From the New York Times bestselling author of the “lush, romantic historical mystery” (Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale) Tiffany Blues, a gorgeously wrought novel following an intrepid female journalist in Gilded Age New York as she chases the story of the Hope Diamond.
New York, 1910: A city of magnificent skyscrapers and winding subways, where poor immigrants are crammed into tenements while millionaires thrive in Fifth Avenue mansions. Vera Garland is a thirty-two-year-old journalist, fighting alongside hundreds of women for a place in society, only to meet hurdles around every turn. Most female journalists are delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages but like her hero, Nellie Bly, Vera is a fighter.
When news of the Hope Diamond—a jewel whose infamous legends and curses have captured the world’s attention—arrives in the city, Vera is fast on its trail. She’s certain the fabulous jewel will help jumpstart her career but she’s determined to seek revenge against her current employer, a magazine owner whose greed and blackmailing schemes led to the death of her beloved father.
Set against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and grit, this enchanting historical novel explores the very human desire for truth, equality, and retribution.
New York, 1910: A city of magnificent skyscrapers and winding subways, where poor immigrants are crammed into tenements while millionaires thrive in Fifth Avenue mansions. Vera Garland is a thirty-two-year-old journalist, fighting alongside hundreds of women for a place in society, only to meet hurdles around every turn. Most female journalists are delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages but like her hero, Nellie Bly, Vera is a fighter.
When news of the Hope Diamond—a jewel whose infamous legends and curses have captured the world’s attention—arrives in the city, Vera is fast on its trail. She’s certain the fabulous jewel will help jumpstart her career but she’s determined to seek revenge against her current employer, a magazine owner whose greed and blackmailing schemes led to the death of her beloved father.
Set against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and grit, this enchanting historical novel explores the very human desire for truth, equality, and retribution.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2020
190 people are currently reading
9499 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Rose
89 books2,291 followersNew York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.
Her most recent novel, The Last Tiara, will be published Feb 2, 2021
Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com
The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
February 22, 2020
I love it when a book surprises you, not just with how compelling the story is but also with how layered the plot is, that it's so much more than you expected. That was definitely the case with M.J. Rose's newest book,
Cartier's Hope
.
New York, 1910. Vera Garland is the headstrong daughter of the owner of one of leading department stores. Much to her mother's chagrin, she has chosen to pursue a career as a journalist, a field that has not historically been amenable to women, paying them much less than their male counterparts, taking prime story assignments away from them, and relegating them to the traditional "soft" subjects like fashion and gossip.
But Vera has taken a different track, working under a pseudonym and wearing a disguise, and her undercover work on controversial topics such as abortion have received admiration from other female reporters, who could never imagine that the courageous reporter is actually Vera.
With New York City abuzz due to the arrival of the Hope Diamond at Cartier's jewelry store, society elite are mesmerized by the stone and the legends of bad luck that surround those who have possessed (and even touched) it. Still reeling from the death of her father, who always championed her bravado and willingness to fight for what she believed in, Vera discovers deep secrets and a blackmail scheme which appears to have led to her father's death. Devastated and angry, she vows revenge.
Determined to make the blackmailer, a ruthless magazine publisher known for blackmailing businessmen into buying advertising to guarantee his silence, pay for his sins, Vera decides to use the legends of the Hope Diamond's curse to her advantage. She creates a scheme which she hopes will "uncover" a scandal that the publisher can use to blackmail the famed jeweler, Cartier—and then the scheme can be turned on its head to expose the blackmailer.
It's a complicated and dangerous plan which requires keeping secrets from many she cares about. In order to succeed, she turns to a charismatic Russian jeweler for help. Yet as she does her research and pulls her facts together, she finds herself drawn to this man who has secrets of his own. For so long she's guarded her heart from love and the need for a man in her life; how ironic that her feelings are changing because of a man from whom she has to hide the truth about her plans and her identity?
Cartier's Hope is an utterly fascinating novel of historical fiction with a little bit of mystery thrown in for good measure. It's a fascinating look at a time just before the world changed dramatically, with World War I and women getting the right to vote both on the horizon. I also loved the look into New York society during that era and the role of women in journalism.
I've often said that I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, yet every time I've read a book in this genre lately, I've loved it. I loved the complexity of Cartier's Hope , the family dynamics, the secrets, the issues that would have been so controversial during that time. But more than that, I just loved the way M.J. Rose writes, and how she immediately pulled me into this story and didn't let go until the book's conclusion. Vera is a fascinating character I wouldn't mind seeing again.
I'm honored to have been part of the blog tour for Cartier's Hope . Atria Books and Get Red PR provided me an advance complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
New York, 1910. Vera Garland is the headstrong daughter of the owner of one of leading department stores. Much to her mother's chagrin, she has chosen to pursue a career as a journalist, a field that has not historically been amenable to women, paying them much less than their male counterparts, taking prime story assignments away from them, and relegating them to the traditional "soft" subjects like fashion and gossip.
But Vera has taken a different track, working under a pseudonym and wearing a disguise, and her undercover work on controversial topics such as abortion have received admiration from other female reporters, who could never imagine that the courageous reporter is actually Vera.
With New York City abuzz due to the arrival of the Hope Diamond at Cartier's jewelry store, society elite are mesmerized by the stone and the legends of bad luck that surround those who have possessed (and even touched) it. Still reeling from the death of her father, who always championed her bravado and willingness to fight for what she believed in, Vera discovers deep secrets and a blackmail scheme which appears to have led to her father's death. Devastated and angry, she vows revenge.
Determined to make the blackmailer, a ruthless magazine publisher known for blackmailing businessmen into buying advertising to guarantee his silence, pay for his sins, Vera decides to use the legends of the Hope Diamond's curse to her advantage. She creates a scheme which she hopes will "uncover" a scandal that the publisher can use to blackmail the famed jeweler, Cartier—and then the scheme can be turned on its head to expose the blackmailer.
It's a complicated and dangerous plan which requires keeping secrets from many she cares about. In order to succeed, she turns to a charismatic Russian jeweler for help. Yet as she does her research and pulls her facts together, she finds herself drawn to this man who has secrets of his own. For so long she's guarded her heart from love and the need for a man in her life; how ironic that her feelings are changing because of a man from whom she has to hide the truth about her plans and her identity?
Cartier's Hope is an utterly fascinating novel of historical fiction with a little bit of mystery thrown in for good measure. It's a fascinating look at a time just before the world changed dramatically, with World War I and women getting the right to vote both on the horizon. I also loved the look into New York society during that era and the role of women in journalism.
I've often said that I'm not a big fan of historical fiction, yet every time I've read a book in this genre lately, I've loved it. I loved the complexity of Cartier's Hope , the family dynamics, the secrets, the issues that would have been so controversial during that time. But more than that, I just loved the way M.J. Rose writes, and how she immediately pulled me into this story and didn't let go until the book's conclusion. Vera is a fascinating character I wouldn't mind seeing again.
I'm honored to have been part of the blog tour for Cartier's Hope . Atria Books and Get Red PR provided me an advance complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
March 3, 2020
This fictional story, set against the backdrop of NYC’s Gilded Age, brings the glitter on the outside including Cartier’s jewelry store and his rich clientele, and corruption hidden inside, including mysterious diamond, causing much havoc and mistreatment of less privileged and their injustices. Poor immigrants crammed into tenements contrast drastically with millionaires living in mansions on 5th Ave.
NYC, 1910: Vera Garland is the daughter of one of the wealthiest merchants in the city. And she is very ambitious. She chooses profession over marriage. As if married, it was expected of a woman to leave her position (if she had any) behind. And that was not what she wanted to do.
She takes a pseudonym of Vee Swann and works as an investigative journalist. Those positions are very limited for women. Women journalists are seen as accidents in the industry, only to be tolerated. Still considered second-class citizens, paid less and treated unfairly in regards to assignments and promotions. She and other brave women fight to change it.
Her assignment on illegal abortion puts her article on the first page, which is a double success for a woman. Her career takes a giant leap forward.
Now, a family situation gives her an idea for a new assignment, which would avenge her uncle’s and her beloved father’s deaths. It is an assignment involving Mr. Cartier’s overblown sales techniques. In the process of investigating Mr. Cartier, she develops feelings for his assistant Jacob Asher. But Mr. Asher turns out to be much more than just a jeweler.
The story beautifully comes to its end. The disagreements are better understood, what or rather who seemed perfect turns out to be with flaws, secrets revealed make more sense - all that happens, when you get to know someone better. And in some situations if you only let your heart be open. After the death of her father, Vera finds a letter from him, which is very heart-warming.
Well-developed protagonist, who defies conventions. She is focused on a career, rather than motherhood and meeting man’s expectations of a wife. She speaks out. She argues. She could be too challenging for a man, who most likely would like to tame her. She is a free spirit and bohemian breaking conventions.
Enjoyed many aspects of historical background including: the short story of the French Blue (Hope diamond) and how it changed owners; short introduction of Cartier family; about a paste copy to make imitation gems; the contrast of those less fortunate and those very fortunate; and women’s movement for equality at work.
Typically, I don’t read mystery, as the mysterious tone is not necessarily an engaging read for me. Therefore, the five stars is a testament to very skillful and talented writing.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
NYC, 1910: Vera Garland is the daughter of one of the wealthiest merchants in the city. And she is very ambitious. She chooses profession over marriage. As if married, it was expected of a woman to leave her position (if she had any) behind. And that was not what she wanted to do.
She takes a pseudonym of Vee Swann and works as an investigative journalist. Those positions are very limited for women. Women journalists are seen as accidents in the industry, only to be tolerated. Still considered second-class citizens, paid less and treated unfairly in regards to assignments and promotions. She and other brave women fight to change it.
Her assignment on illegal abortion puts her article on the first page, which is a double success for a woman. Her career takes a giant leap forward.
Now, a family situation gives her an idea for a new assignment, which would avenge her uncle’s and her beloved father’s deaths. It is an assignment involving Mr. Cartier’s overblown sales techniques. In the process of investigating Mr. Cartier, she develops feelings for his assistant Jacob Asher. But Mr. Asher turns out to be much more than just a jeweler.
The story beautifully comes to its end. The disagreements are better understood, what or rather who seemed perfect turns out to be with flaws, secrets revealed make more sense - all that happens, when you get to know someone better. And in some situations if you only let your heart be open. After the death of her father, Vera finds a letter from him, which is very heart-warming.
Well-developed protagonist, who defies conventions. She is focused on a career, rather than motherhood and meeting man’s expectations of a wife. She speaks out. She argues. She could be too challenging for a man, who most likely would like to tame her. She is a free spirit and bohemian breaking conventions.
Enjoyed many aspects of historical background including: the short story of the French Blue (Hope diamond) and how it changed owners; short introduction of Cartier family; about a paste copy to make imitation gems; the contrast of those less fortunate and those very fortunate; and women’s movement for equality at work.
Typically, I don’t read mystery, as the mysterious tone is not necessarily an engaging read for me. Therefore, the five stars is a testament to very skillful and talented writing.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2019
Historical fiction set in New York City in 1910 - the Gilded Age. Vera comes from a wealthy merchant family and on the surface is a socialite; but, she has a secret life as journalist, Vee Swan, at a time when women aren't taken seriously.
This was an interesting story depicting the social structure during the period and the situation women were supposed to happily inhabit in the male dominated society. The story is interwoven with the mystery of the Hope Diamond - the history and the curse. I enjoyed the character Vee especially, as she is feisty and strong-willed, as well as morally grounded. The history surrounding the Hope Diamond is fascinating. It was a fun story that I would recommend to someone who likes mystery and historical fiction.
Thanks to M.J. Rose and Atria Books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting story depicting the social structure during the period and the situation women were supposed to happily inhabit in the male dominated society. The story is interwoven with the mystery of the Hope Diamond - the history and the curse. I enjoyed the character Vee especially, as she is feisty and strong-willed, as well as morally grounded. The history surrounding the Hope Diamond is fascinating. It was a fun story that I would recommend to someone who likes mystery and historical fiction.
Thanks to M.J. Rose and Atria Books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2020
I love books that are set in New York, especially those that are historical fiction, and that setting did not disappoint me in Cartier's Hope by M.J. Rose. I read Tiffany Blues last year and loved it so I knew I had to read this book as well and I am so glad I did.
I listened to the majority of Cartier's Hope on audio and I have to say I really loved using that medium to devour the book. I am also happy I had a physical copy, but the audio was solid, and I really enjoyed the narrator which is Tavia Gilbert. She did a great job with the accents and I liked listening to her voice as well. There is so much history in this book, and I just loved learning more about the Hope Diamond. I also wasn't familiar with how much women struggled for equality in 1910 and this book was very eye opening in that respect as well.
Vera was such a wonderful character, and I absolutely loved her. The story of her and her family, as well as the bit of romance and her journalism coverage was so interesting for me, and I enjoyed it all. I am having a hard time expressing my feelings for Cartier's Hope the way I wish I could, but if you are a lover of historical fiction that has a dash of romance I am going to recommend this to you for sure. Audio or book, both will be a trip back to New York 1910, and an eye opening and educational experience!
Song/s the book brought to mind: This Feeling by The Chainsmokers & Kelsea Bllerini
Final Thought: I didn't love Cartier's Hope QUITE as much as I loved Tiffany Blues but that is not because this isn't a gorgeous book with an interesting plot. Tiffany Blues may have resonated with me a bit more, but Cartier's Hope is an exquisite novel that I hope many people will read. If you have ever wanted to know more about what New York was like in 1910 for women trying to have a career or wish to know more about the Hope Diamond and Cartier but in a fictional novel, please don't hesitate to pick this up! M.J. Rose is an autobuy author for me and I love the way she intricately weaves her stories; this was no exception and I can't wait to read more of her novels.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I listened to the majority of Cartier's Hope on audio and I have to say I really loved using that medium to devour the book. I am also happy I had a physical copy, but the audio was solid, and I really enjoyed the narrator which is Tavia Gilbert. She did a great job with the accents and I liked listening to her voice as well. There is so much history in this book, and I just loved learning more about the Hope Diamond. I also wasn't familiar with how much women struggled for equality in 1910 and this book was very eye opening in that respect as well.
Vera was such a wonderful character, and I absolutely loved her. The story of her and her family, as well as the bit of romance and her journalism coverage was so interesting for me, and I enjoyed it all. I am having a hard time expressing my feelings for Cartier's Hope the way I wish I could, but if you are a lover of historical fiction that has a dash of romance I am going to recommend this to you for sure. Audio or book, both will be a trip back to New York 1910, and an eye opening and educational experience!
Song/s the book brought to mind: This Feeling by The Chainsmokers & Kelsea Bllerini
Final Thought: I didn't love Cartier's Hope QUITE as much as I loved Tiffany Blues but that is not because this isn't a gorgeous book with an interesting plot. Tiffany Blues may have resonated with me a bit more, but Cartier's Hope is an exquisite novel that I hope many people will read. If you have ever wanted to know more about what New York was like in 1910 for women trying to have a career or wish to know more about the Hope Diamond and Cartier but in a fictional novel, please don't hesitate to pick this up! M.J. Rose is an autobuy author for me and I love the way she intricately weaves her stories; this was no exception and I can't wait to read more of her novels.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 28, 2020
The story of the Hope Diamond, women journalists, hidden identities, locked bookcases, and family secrets greet the reader of Cartier’s Hope.
Vera was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, but she needed to hide this fact so she could work at being a journalist for the stories women were assigned, and according to her mother to not disgrace the family’s name because she didn’t comply with social norms of being a married woman and a wealthy woman who didn't work.
Vera was always looking for a story. The Hope Diamond would be a perfect one. What intrigued Vera was when she heard its background and its supposed curse.
Even more interesting than the Hope Diamond and what peaked her curiosity was when she found locked bookcases in her father's library and had no idea why her father would have locked books inside.
Mystery about the bookcase and the intrigue about the Hope Diamond kept Vera's journalistic mind going. Vera had been in a slump and didn't want to write any more, but after she found out why her father had books hidden behind books, the Hope Diamond story took second place but was going to help her with her father's secret. This made her realize it was time to get back to her life's work and find out why and who was behind her father's story and how to use the Hope Diamond to aid with the search for answers.
Ms. Rose made the reader aware of the challenges female journalists faced and what they had to put up with in the male-dominated profession. The female journalists had to put up with the worst stories, lower pay than their male counterparts, sexual favors if they wanted their name on a story, and not being treated the same or looked at for being as good as a male journalist.
M. J. Rose has a writing style that pulls you in along with her marvelous details and research.
Historical fiction fans will enjoy CARTIER'S HOPE as well as mystery fans and those readers who enjoy strong female characters.
And...there can't be an absence of some romance with all those gorgeous jewels, right?
ENJOY when you read CARTIER’S HOPE. It is an all-around "gem" of a read. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Vera was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, but she needed to hide this fact so she could work at being a journalist for the stories women were assigned, and according to her mother to not disgrace the family’s name because she didn’t comply with social norms of being a married woman and a wealthy woman who didn't work.
Vera was always looking for a story. The Hope Diamond would be a perfect one. What intrigued Vera was when she heard its background and its supposed curse.
Even more interesting than the Hope Diamond and what peaked her curiosity was when she found locked bookcases in her father's library and had no idea why her father would have locked books inside.
Mystery about the bookcase and the intrigue about the Hope Diamond kept Vera's journalistic mind going. Vera had been in a slump and didn't want to write any more, but after she found out why her father had books hidden behind books, the Hope Diamond story took second place but was going to help her with her father's secret. This made her realize it was time to get back to her life's work and find out why and who was behind her father's story and how to use the Hope Diamond to aid with the search for answers.
Ms. Rose made the reader aware of the challenges female journalists faced and what they had to put up with in the male-dominated profession. The female journalists had to put up with the worst stories, lower pay than their male counterparts, sexual favors if they wanted their name on a story, and not being treated the same or looked at for being as good as a male journalist.
M. J. Rose has a writing style that pulls you in along with her marvelous details and research.
Historical fiction fans will enjoy CARTIER'S HOPE as well as mystery fans and those readers who enjoy strong female characters.
And...there can't be an absence of some romance with all those gorgeous jewels, right?
ENJOY when you read CARTIER’S HOPE. It is an all-around "gem" of a read. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars
After setting down this book today, I reflected on my total reading experience. I am giving this book 3.5 stars, but since I can’t give half stars on Goodreads, I’m rounding this down to 3 stars. This was a perfectly serviceable tale about life in New York City just past the Gilded Age (1870-1900). The main character, Vera Garland narrates her story. It is 1910, in New York City and she is from one of the rich ‘400 Families’. However, she is also working incognito as a newspaper reporter. Her alter ego, Vee Swann, goes undercover to ferret out the stories of the injustices that the poor face.
Early in the book, her beloved father dies. His death propels her on a mission to destroy the man whom she thinks caused her father’s demise. She comes up with a plan to use a story about the Hope Diamond to catch the publisher who caused her father’s death. Pierre Cartier recently brought the Hope Diamond to New York. Cartier plans to use the many tragic stories about the diamond to bring more customers to the shop, and ratchet up the price of the diamond. Is the diamond cursed? Will that bring in more potential buyers? When Vera visits the Cartier establishment with her sister Letty, she meets Jacob Asher. Mr. Asher is one of the jewelers that Cartier has on staff.
The story bounces back and forth between Vera’s squabbles with her cold society matron mother; stints and excursions as Vee Swann including a march for equal rights for female reporters; episodes as Vera Garland where she and Jacob Asher fall into a relationship where both are holding secrets; and her ongoing machinations to expose the corrupt publisher. This was a book about the extremes between the haves and the have-nots during this era. Vera/Vee tries to straddle the gap between the two extremes. She tried to use her pen to help those in abject poverty. She helped organize efforts to level the playing field for women reporters. Mostly though, she used a convoluted scheme that included the Hope Diamond to try to wreak havoc on the man who caused the death of her father.
This work of historical fiction wasn’t as engaging as other books in the genre that I’ve read recently. The plot took too long to develop for my taste. After reading approximately 70 percent of the book, I was still wondering when the story would move along. I felt like the book spent a lot of time setting up the backgrounds, and then just meandered along. There were scenes all over New York, and quite a bit of talk about the newspaper reporting/publishing business, the department store business, and gemology. The story was a varied as New York City, and maybe that was part of the problem. I had a hard time swallowing the premise that a society woman could so easily pass as a hardscrabble reporter.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Atria Books; and the author, M. J. Rose for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After setting down this book today, I reflected on my total reading experience. I am giving this book 3.5 stars, but since I can’t give half stars on Goodreads, I’m rounding this down to 3 stars. This was a perfectly serviceable tale about life in New York City just past the Gilded Age (1870-1900). The main character, Vera Garland narrates her story. It is 1910, in New York City and she is from one of the rich ‘400 Families’. However, she is also working incognito as a newspaper reporter. Her alter ego, Vee Swann, goes undercover to ferret out the stories of the injustices that the poor face.
Early in the book, her beloved father dies. His death propels her on a mission to destroy the man whom she thinks caused her father’s demise. She comes up with a plan to use a story about the Hope Diamond to catch the publisher who caused her father’s death. Pierre Cartier recently brought the Hope Diamond to New York. Cartier plans to use the many tragic stories about the diamond to bring more customers to the shop, and ratchet up the price of the diamond. Is the diamond cursed? Will that bring in more potential buyers? When Vera visits the Cartier establishment with her sister Letty, she meets Jacob Asher. Mr. Asher is one of the jewelers that Cartier has on staff.
The story bounces back and forth between Vera’s squabbles with her cold society matron mother; stints and excursions as Vee Swann including a march for equal rights for female reporters; episodes as Vera Garland where she and Jacob Asher fall into a relationship where both are holding secrets; and her ongoing machinations to expose the corrupt publisher. This was a book about the extremes between the haves and the have-nots during this era. Vera/Vee tries to straddle the gap between the two extremes. She tried to use her pen to help those in abject poverty. She helped organize efforts to level the playing field for women reporters. Mostly though, she used a convoluted scheme that included the Hope Diamond to try to wreak havoc on the man who caused the death of her father.
This work of historical fiction wasn’t as engaging as other books in the genre that I’ve read recently. The plot took too long to develop for my taste. After reading approximately 70 percent of the book, I was still wondering when the story would move along. I felt like the book spent a lot of time setting up the backgrounds, and then just meandered along. There were scenes all over New York, and quite a bit of talk about the newspaper reporting/publishing business, the department store business, and gemology. The story was a varied as New York City, and maybe that was part of the problem. I had a hard time swallowing the premise that a society woman could so easily pass as a hardscrabble reporter.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Atria Books; and the author, M. J. Rose for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2020
I believe many historical fiction fans will enjoy this story surrounding socialite Vera Garland who becomes a passionate investigative writer/reporter, changing her name so she can anonymously chase a story about the Hope Diamond while also snooping on the rich and famous. I enjoyed being reminded of historical events going on in the world during that time and appreciated the author’s approach to weaving together history with fiction. Thanks to Atria books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this forthcoming novel for a quote:
“From the very first page, Cartier’s Hope plunges the reader into the fascinating world of New York jewelers, journalists, and high society at the dawn of the Gilded Age. With her signature elegance and attention to detail, M.J. Rose weaves a twisting tale of greed, revenge, and masked identities that put love and lives at risk. A fast-paced historical novel that shines with as much intrigue and mystery as the Hope Diamond itself.”
“From the very first page, Cartier’s Hope plunges the reader into the fascinating world of New York jewelers, journalists, and high society at the dawn of the Gilded Age. With her signature elegance and attention to detail, M.J. Rose weaves a twisting tale of greed, revenge, and masked identities that put love and lives at risk. A fast-paced historical novel that shines with as much intrigue and mystery as the Hope Diamond itself.”
January 29, 2020
*3.5 stars rounded up.
M.J. Rose is an expert at writing lush, romantic historical fiction and this time her story is set in New York City during the Gilded Age. At the heart of the story is the magnificent Hope diamond that Pierre Cartier offers for sale in his new American jewelry salon. The legendary gem has a history of bad luck that Cartier is only too happy to exploit to pique the interest of potential buyers.
Rose's novel is told in first-person narrative by the character of Vera Garland, a young woman of society who dearly wants to be an investigative journalist. Her mother is dead set against that so her father suggests she use a disguise and the pseudonym Vee Swann while on the job. She is most interested in writing articles that expose great social injustice, especially for women and children.
After her father's untimely death, Vera concocts a complicated plan to get revenge. Is it wrong for her to deceive and use people if her motives are pure? And what price will she ultimately have to pay for her dishonesty?
With Vera's two personas, Rose depicts both sides of life in the early 1900s, revealing the gulf between the haves and have-nots of that era, between the extremely wealthy and the struggling poor--the gulf that has widened again today with the decline of the middle class.
But what I found most interesting is the rise of feminism portrayed here, even before women were given the right to vote, as Vera and other female journalists struggle to be accepted in 'a man's world' and be given equal opportunity and equal pay for equal work. Rose even touches on abortion back then and how a desperate woman might have no choice but to seek out risky back-street doctors willing to perform such an operation.
This is an enjoyable read, filled with lovely descriptions of the dress, homes and entertainment of the wealthy, but also touches on some of the era's great prejudices and injustices. Nicely done! Lovely cover design too.
I received an arc of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!
M.J. Rose is an expert at writing lush, romantic historical fiction and this time her story is set in New York City during the Gilded Age. At the heart of the story is the magnificent Hope diamond that Pierre Cartier offers for sale in his new American jewelry salon. The legendary gem has a history of bad luck that Cartier is only too happy to exploit to pique the interest of potential buyers.
Rose's novel is told in first-person narrative by the character of Vera Garland, a young woman of society who dearly wants to be an investigative journalist. Her mother is dead set against that so her father suggests she use a disguise and the pseudonym Vee Swann while on the job. She is most interested in writing articles that expose great social injustice, especially for women and children.
After her father's untimely death, Vera concocts a complicated plan to get revenge. Is it wrong for her to deceive and use people if her motives are pure? And what price will she ultimately have to pay for her dishonesty?
With Vera's two personas, Rose depicts both sides of life in the early 1900s, revealing the gulf between the haves and have-nots of that era, between the extremely wealthy and the struggling poor--the gulf that has widened again today with the decline of the middle class.
But what I found most interesting is the rise of feminism portrayed here, even before women were given the right to vote, as Vera and other female journalists struggle to be accepted in 'a man's world' and be given equal opportunity and equal pay for equal work. Rose even touches on abortion back then and how a desperate woman might have no choice but to seek out risky back-street doctors willing to perform such an operation.
This is an enjoyable read, filled with lovely descriptions of the dress, homes and entertainment of the wealthy, but also touches on some of the era's great prejudices and injustices. Nicely done! Lovely cover design too.
I received an arc of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!
January 29, 2020
Forget the little blue box, any true jewelry connoisseur knows the way to a woman’s heart is the red box with the gold trim! When I learned MJ Rose was writing about Cartier & the Hope Diamond, I knew I had to get my hands on this book!
A 5 star read for me, Rose takes the reader on a journey of early 1900s in New York into the world of undercover journalism, beautiful gems and shady businessmen. I couldn’t turn the pages of Vera Garland’s story fast enough, needing to know more, and of course, planning to pop by the “maison de Cartier” in NYC after finishing!
Future husband, if you’re out there, don’t forget what I said about the red box!
Thank you to Atria for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
A 5 star read for me, Rose takes the reader on a journey of early 1900s in New York into the world of undercover journalism, beautiful gems and shady businessmen. I couldn’t turn the pages of Vera Garland’s story fast enough, needing to know more, and of course, planning to pop by the “maison de Cartier” in NYC after finishing!
Future husband, if you’re out there, don’t forget what I said about the red box!
Thank you to Atria for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2019
I didn't like this book. The story was okay, but there are aspects of the story I wasn't really fond of. There were several references to homosexuality that wasn't necessary to the story, and there were parts that were pretty explicit about the main couple having sex, which also wasn't necessary, in my opinion. I almost didn't finish the story, but I did. I won't be reading it again.
September 15, 2019
I really, really wanted to like this book a little more than I did! What drew me in initially was the Gilded Age and the Hope Diamond, certainly one of the most infamous jewels that has an intriguing story attached to it. What I got was also a book that was just as much about family secrets and the affects they can have. The premise of the story was interesting, but it took me quite a bit of the story to connect with Vera. I certainly understood her actions and I did eventually get a feel for her as a character. What I felt was a bigger disconnect was while some of the historical details were extremely well done, there were some descriptions, wording and actions that seemed very 21st Century, not 1910. All in all though, a book that was very well written and overall enjoyable, it just didn't "wow" me.
December 19, 2019
It is 1910 New York and the Gilded Age comes alive through the engaging storytelling of Ms. Rose. Vera Garland is the convention-defying heroine who is the center of this vibrant historical novel. Vera is determined to have a career as a muckraking journalist, eschewing the constraints of marriage and motherhood dictated by the societal mores of her time. While she is recovering from an injury she sustained during one of her investigations, Vera’s beloved father passes away and she inherits his apartment and possessions. As she is sorting through his books, she discovers a letter from a blackmailer exposing one of her father’s long-kept secrets. Vera knows the blackmailer and devises a plan to exact revenge. Vera’s plan involves the legendary Hope Diamond and its current owner Pierre Cartier. Will Vera’s plan succeed? And what about her attraction to the mysterious Jacob Asher, assistant to the famed Cartier?
Throughout the novel social issues of the early 20th century such as women’s struggle for equality at home and work; antisemitism; discrimination against gays and minorities; as well as the importance of women’s suffrage and violence against women are highlighted. This is a well-researched and intricately woven story of mystery and history; and the social issues are relevant to the headlines of today. A wonderfully, atmospheric, and well plotted story; it will be a favorite for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction and book clubs everywhere!
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Throughout the novel social issues of the early 20th century such as women’s struggle for equality at home and work; antisemitism; discrimination against gays and minorities; as well as the importance of women’s suffrage and violence against women are highlighted. This is a well-researched and intricately woven story of mystery and history; and the social issues are relevant to the headlines of today. A wonderfully, atmospheric, and well plotted story; it will be a favorite for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction and book clubs everywhere!
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
December 30, 2020
Set during New York's Gilded Age at the turn of the 20th century, Cartier's Hope by M. J. Rose is a story of opulence set against the quest for equality in women's rights. The story is told from the point of view of Vera Garland, a high society spinster who has never quite fit into that decadent world and works undercover as a journalist, using her connections to shine a light on the many injustices overflowing in New York and the country at large. As the story unfolds, the Hope Diamond, being offered for sale by Cartier, may just hold the key to her biggest story yet as her quest for justice hits closer to home than it ever has before.
M. J. Rose has a talent for setting the stage with characters and scenes that practically leap off the pages. I found myself getting swept up in the story and couldn't put it down. The time period was one of affluence and destitution with the country on the cusp of so many changes. I was absolutely fascinated following Vera on her journey. This was my first book by M. J. Rose, but it definitely won't be the last.
M. J. Rose has a talent for setting the stage with characters and scenes that practically leap off the pages. I found myself getting swept up in the story and couldn't put it down. The time period was one of affluence and destitution with the country on the cusp of so many changes. I was absolutely fascinated following Vera on her journey. This was my first book by M. J. Rose, but it definitely won't be the last.
September 13, 2019
I received an advanced copy from the publisher. I didn't like this book because I thought it was going to be more about Cartier and the Hope Diamond than it was. By page 200, I still wasn't getting much. Also, I did not like the main character. I know I am not of the majority on this one. But I just didn't care for it and would not recommend.
February 9, 2020
I love reading Historical Fiction novels that are able to take me back to the time with vivid and rich writing and dialogue! Add the Hope Diamond and Cartier, well that is every woman’s dream and this really piqued my interest and had to read this book! And glad I did because I LOVED IT!!
Vera Garland was a woman ahead of her time working as a journalist and who is also from a wealthy and well known family. As she learns more about the Diamond, she unearths shocking mystery about her own family.
This book was a fast paced and fun read that is full of intrigue and suspense. Rose certainly delivered a bold and twisted revenge story plot that had me intrigued and completely glued to this book for days.
Vera Garland was a woman ahead of her time working as a journalist and who is also from a wealthy and well known family. As she learns more about the Diamond, she unearths shocking mystery about her own family.
This book was a fast paced and fun read that is full of intrigue and suspense. Rose certainly delivered a bold and twisted revenge story plot that had me intrigued and completely glued to this book for days.
November 7, 2019
Cartier's Hope by M.J. Rose is a novel of Historical Fiction that manages to blend both the old and the new world in its subject matter. The bulk of the story takes place in 1910 yet tackles subjects such as women's rights, homosexuality and abortion which are very much concerns from today's world. Yes, they were certainly issues from that period of time also but you won't find them addressed as freely in the literature written from that era. This is all centered around a story involving the famous Hope Diamond which was in possession at that time by the famous jeweler, Pierre Cartier, of the the House of Cartier.
Legend has it that there is a curse attached to the Hope Diamond declaring that if one were to touch the diamond, that bad luck would come to the beholder. Our protagonist, Vera Garland, the daughter of a very successful department store magnet, goes undercover to research these claims. While the legend itself is not her primary intention, she is using it as a ruse to investigate corruption in the publishing world by a certain local newspaper owner. Being a member of New York City's upper crust, Vera decides that she must work under the pseudonym, Vee Swann, and pursues her passion of investigative reporting in what was, at that time, a man's world.
Vera must deal with many different conflicts along the way, usually involving other people's expectations, as well as interpersonal conflicts with how she chooses to live her own life. Of course, there's also the difficulty of trying to keep her two personas separate without being outed or causing other unintended problems. There are several different family, social and romantic dynamics she must always try to balance as she delves into her quest for what she believes and knows is her personal calling to do something good for the world.
The plot and the various details of the book were interesting and I found to make a good story. On another level, personally, I found the storytelling, as a whole, rather cheesy. So much of it was very transparent and too predictable. A little more mystery and surprise twists would have kept my interest for much longer. There were many details yet, at the same time, a certain depth seemed to be missing. Many of the angles were too simplistic and worked out too perfectly to the point that I just wasn't buying most of the story as being believable. As much as I wanted to like this book, all in all, I found it to be only so so. Easy to read, an interesting plot, lots of subjects interwoven within, yet a glossed over presentation that, I'm sorry to say, did not impress me all that much. I'm sure that many others would like this book but I guess that I just wasn't the proper audience.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the eBook for a fair and honest review.
Legend has it that there is a curse attached to the Hope Diamond declaring that if one were to touch the diamond, that bad luck would come to the beholder. Our protagonist, Vera Garland, the daughter of a very successful department store magnet, goes undercover to research these claims. While the legend itself is not her primary intention, she is using it as a ruse to investigate corruption in the publishing world by a certain local newspaper owner. Being a member of New York City's upper crust, Vera decides that she must work under the pseudonym, Vee Swann, and pursues her passion of investigative reporting in what was, at that time, a man's world.
Vera must deal with many different conflicts along the way, usually involving other people's expectations, as well as interpersonal conflicts with how she chooses to live her own life. Of course, there's also the difficulty of trying to keep her two personas separate without being outed or causing other unintended problems. There are several different family, social and romantic dynamics she must always try to balance as she delves into her quest for what she believes and knows is her personal calling to do something good for the world.
The plot and the various details of the book were interesting and I found to make a good story. On another level, personally, I found the storytelling, as a whole, rather cheesy. So much of it was very transparent and too predictable. A little more mystery and surprise twists would have kept my interest for much longer. There were many details yet, at the same time, a certain depth seemed to be missing. Many of the angles were too simplistic and worked out too perfectly to the point that I just wasn't buying most of the story as being believable. As much as I wanted to like this book, all in all, I found it to be only so so. Easy to read, an interesting plot, lots of subjects interwoven within, yet a glossed over presentation that, I'm sorry to say, did not impress me all that much. I'm sure that many others would like this book but I guess that I just wasn't the proper audience.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the eBook for a fair and honest review.
January 24, 2020
Cartier’s Hope does a fine job transporting the reader to New York City, 1910 where the wealthy live charmed lives filled with jewels, high-fashion and culture while the poor immigrants are subjected to sub-human work and living conditions. Vera Garland, a woman ahead of her time, rebels from her society upbringing seeking greater meaning as a journalist exposing injustices. After discovering a family secret, Vera uses the public’s fascination with Cartier’s newly acquired Hope Diamond to help in her quest for revenge. This was an enjoyable read which should captivate fans of historical fiction and lovers of old New York.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and M.J. Rose for an advance copy.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and M.J. Rose for an advance copy.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
February 13, 2020
A 3 Star Sparkling Gem of a Book
Would you like to learn more about gems within a setting of New York City in 1910? The protagonist, Vera, dwells in two worlds. She is one of the social elite as well as an undercover reporter who strongly believes in equal rights for women, workers, and all people. She has written exposes that have helped to improve conditions for workers, identify healthcare issues for women and document life in the dangerous tenements. Her father supports her independence and her mother, while proud, just wishes her daughter would turn her pen to more genteel aspirations, find a husband and have a family.
The story is an easy-to-read historical fiction that traces Cartier's ownership and sale of the mysterious Hope Diamond, set against a contrasting backdrop of fashion, luxury jewelry and operas as well as suffrage marches, equal pay for women, sexual harassment, blackmail, and the morals and beliefs of the day. Vera is an interesting and believable character, and the other characters enhance the storyline as well. There is a central theme of society's acceptance of homosexuality that underlies the story, not graphic in any way. There is also a central theme of finding one's self, what truth-telling is, and honesty in relationships. There are a few (non-graphic) love scenes.
I kept finding myself looking up the jewels along with the Tiffany artworks that are mentioned, and wishing for links within the story (wouldn't that be awesome?!) This would be an excellent book for high school students studying this period of time, which although fiction, would certainly give insight into what it was like to live in 1910. The pacing of the book was solid and engaging.
Thank you to #NetGallery and to M.J. Rose for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #CartiersHope.
Would you like to learn more about gems within a setting of New York City in 1910? The protagonist, Vera, dwells in two worlds. She is one of the social elite as well as an undercover reporter who strongly believes in equal rights for women, workers, and all people. She has written exposes that have helped to improve conditions for workers, identify healthcare issues for women and document life in the dangerous tenements. Her father supports her independence and her mother, while proud, just wishes her daughter would turn her pen to more genteel aspirations, find a husband and have a family.
The story is an easy-to-read historical fiction that traces Cartier's ownership and sale of the mysterious Hope Diamond, set against a contrasting backdrop of fashion, luxury jewelry and operas as well as suffrage marches, equal pay for women, sexual harassment, blackmail, and the morals and beliefs of the day. Vera is an interesting and believable character, and the other characters enhance the storyline as well. There is a central theme of society's acceptance of homosexuality that underlies the story, not graphic in any way. There is also a central theme of finding one's self, what truth-telling is, and honesty in relationships. There are a few (non-graphic) love scenes.
I kept finding myself looking up the jewels along with the Tiffany artworks that are mentioned, and wishing for links within the story (wouldn't that be awesome?!) This would be an excellent book for high school students studying this period of time, which although fiction, would certainly give insight into what it was like to live in 1910. The pacing of the book was solid and engaging.
Thank you to #NetGallery and to M.J. Rose for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #CartiersHope.
June 8, 2020
I hate not finishing books, but this one I've had to firmly put into my DNF pile. I was so looking forward to reading it, but once I cracked open the pages I felt like I was duped. What was supposed to be a mystery filled with intrigue about the infamous Hope Diamond had very little to do with the gem and more about pandering to social justice issues by the modern mindset amidst a plot that was yet to be found by the time I finally put it aside in frustration. Such a disappointment because the premise, if the book had stuck to it, was fascinating.
January 31, 2020
I feel like I timed this read just right. I had just finished reading a Sebastian St Cyr mystery that featured the Hope Diamond or the French Blue and I was eager to read this one because it too featured the diamond I had been reading about.
I have been a fan of M. J. Rose for a long time as well and it’s been a long time since I’ve read a book by her and as soon as I dove into this one, I remembered how much I loved her books and I can’t believe it’s been so long since I read one!
If you have any interest in the gemstone/diamond industry this book has lots of little details that will excite you and draw you in…..I confess I spent a lot of time on the internet lost in research of the Hope Diamond while I was reading this book and I to me that’s a hallmark of a fabulous book!
So let me start by saying that I loved this one. I am absolutely fascinated by the diamond industry as well as the Gilded Age not to mention this cover is drool worthy. Needless to say, I was primed to love this book even before I started it.
This book easily transported me to its setting. I thought Rose did a fantastic job creating a realistic world of glitz and glamour and romanticism which was just what I was expecting when I opened this book. I also enjoyed the lore and details surrounding the Hope Diamond that the author included in this book. Much of the lore I was unfamiliar with beyond just my own research and I thought that the way Rose brought the history of the diamond to the story made it all the more exciting to read.
The only thing that I thought was a little disappointing was I felt a little disconnected with Vera who was the main character. On one hand I really liked her—eventually. I didn’t like her right away mostly because I couldn’t quite get a read on her until later. I am not sure why but I just didn’t connect with her right away—she had to grow on me. I was surprised because usually I don’t have any problem connecting with Rose’s heroines but in Vera’s case, I did. That was the only thing that kept me from giving this one a 5 star review. Overall it was a fascinating novel with lots to love and learn about in regards to the gemstone industry, but would have liked to connect more with Vera right away rather than later on in the story.
See my full review here
I have been a fan of M. J. Rose for a long time as well and it’s been a long time since I’ve read a book by her and as soon as I dove into this one, I remembered how much I loved her books and I can’t believe it’s been so long since I read one!
If you have any interest in the gemstone/diamond industry this book has lots of little details that will excite you and draw you in…..I confess I spent a lot of time on the internet lost in research of the Hope Diamond while I was reading this book and I to me that’s a hallmark of a fabulous book!
So let me start by saying that I loved this one. I am absolutely fascinated by the diamond industry as well as the Gilded Age not to mention this cover is drool worthy. Needless to say, I was primed to love this book even before I started it.
This book easily transported me to its setting. I thought Rose did a fantastic job creating a realistic world of glitz and glamour and romanticism which was just what I was expecting when I opened this book. I also enjoyed the lore and details surrounding the Hope Diamond that the author included in this book. Much of the lore I was unfamiliar with beyond just my own research and I thought that the way Rose brought the history of the diamond to the story made it all the more exciting to read.
The only thing that I thought was a little disappointing was I felt a little disconnected with Vera who was the main character. On one hand I really liked her—eventually. I didn’t like her right away mostly because I couldn’t quite get a read on her until later. I am not sure why but I just didn’t connect with her right away—she had to grow on me. I was surprised because usually I don’t have any problem connecting with Rose’s heroines but in Vera’s case, I did. That was the only thing that kept me from giving this one a 5 star review. Overall it was a fascinating novel with lots to love and learn about in regards to the gemstone industry, but would have liked to connect more with Vera right away rather than later on in the story.
See my full review here
October 30, 2019
My rating: 3.5 Stars
Where there is money to be made, greed and ego will often bring corruption. In the glamor and glitz of high end jewelry sales in an age of overindulgence one fiery woman will strive to make a mark for women everywhere through her insightful and hard-hitting investigative journalistic skills.
Wealthy, yet living a separate life, Vera Garland writes under a pseudonym and discovers something dark and tainted in the history of the prized Hope Diamond, as its owner, Cartier attempts to build it a tale of mystery and intrigue.
In a land and era where the masses struggle daily, the wealthy and privileged preen and scheme for a greater share of the spoils of commerce. One woman will fight for equality, integrity, honesty all while finding a way to impose retribution against those with no concern for the laborers beneath them. Will Vera create a way to bridge the injustice between the haves and have-nots grows.
CARTIER’S HOPE by M.J. Rose contains a brilliant heroine who is the true gem within this tale. The atmosphere is heavy, dark and there is no sense of “action,” those who are looking for a rapid-fire pace. The action lives within Vera, who made this otherwise slow moving book for me.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Atria Books! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Atria Books (January 28, 2020)
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Historical Women's Fiction
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Where there is money to be made, greed and ego will often bring corruption. In the glamor and glitz of high end jewelry sales in an age of overindulgence one fiery woman will strive to make a mark for women everywhere through her insightful and hard-hitting investigative journalistic skills.
Wealthy, yet living a separate life, Vera Garland writes under a pseudonym and discovers something dark and tainted in the history of the prized Hope Diamond, as its owner, Cartier attempts to build it a tale of mystery and intrigue.
In a land and era where the masses struggle daily, the wealthy and privileged preen and scheme for a greater share of the spoils of commerce. One woman will fight for equality, integrity, honesty all while finding a way to impose retribution against those with no concern for the laborers beneath them. Will Vera create a way to bridge the injustice between the haves and have-nots grows.
CARTIER’S HOPE by M.J. Rose contains a brilliant heroine who is the true gem within this tale. The atmosphere is heavy, dark and there is no sense of “action,” those who are looking for a rapid-fire pace. The action lives within Vera, who made this otherwise slow moving book for me.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Atria Books! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Atria Books (January 28, 2020)
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Historical Women's Fiction
Print Length: 336 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 23, 2020
The glittery world of famed jeweler Pierre Cartier, the early days of the women's rights movement along with family drama/secrets and a young woman's search for justice and inner peace all combine for a well done multi-layered story.
Told from the perspective of Vera Garland, a member of elite New York society, Vera has two identities. She is also Vee Swann, an investigative reporter. Vera chafes against the societal mores of the day . Her alternate identity allows her to follow her natural inquisitive nature and help forge a way forward in the women's rights movement.
The Hope Diamond has arrived in New York housed with famed jeweler Pierre Cartier. Supposedly cursed, bringing bad luck to those who touch it, the beautiful stone is the stuff of legend. Everyone in New York society is fascinated by it and it is for sale!
All this brings together colorful and engaging characters with a fascinating look at early twentieth century New York City. And it looks into the tricky relationships in families, where things are not always as they appear.
I enjoyed this very much and recommend it.
Told from the perspective of Vera Garland, a member of elite New York society, Vera has two identities. She is also Vee Swann, an investigative reporter. Vera chafes against the societal mores of the day . Her alternate identity allows her to follow her natural inquisitive nature and help forge a way forward in the women's rights movement.
The Hope Diamond has arrived in New York housed with famed jeweler Pierre Cartier. Supposedly cursed, bringing bad luck to those who touch it, the beautiful stone is the stuff of legend. Everyone in New York society is fascinated by it and it is for sale!
All this brings together colorful and engaging characters with a fascinating look at early twentieth century New York City. And it looks into the tricky relationships in families, where things are not always as they appear.
I enjoyed this very much and recommend it.
March 10, 2020
dnf
zzz
zzz
November 21, 2020
A wonderful novel about the hope diamond in the time of Cartier, Louis Comfort Tiffany etal. Gets into the historical aspects of the curse of the hope diamond, jewelry making, social caste and women's rights. A gem of a read
January 29, 2020
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
*Newest book by M.J. Rose is a thrilling story of historical fiction, sure to please many!*
In the latest novel, a confident and bold young woman, growing up in the early 1900s, tackles inequality and injustice in a brave and trail-blazing way, as only she can. While I don't want to give away any spoilers, I *will* say that this book was very enjoyable, from its first page to its last, keeping me wanting to know what was beyond the next page. There were a couple of surprises, and a twist towards the end that neither I - or the main character - saw coming!
Overall I really loved this book, maybe even slightly more than her prior book, "Tiffany Blues", which I thoroughly enjoyed. I may just need to check our local library and see if they have any of her other works.
In closing, I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for the wonderful opportunity to read their book in the form of an ARC. I give this *honest* review of my own accord.
*Newest book by M.J. Rose is a thrilling story of historical fiction, sure to please many!*
In the latest novel, a confident and bold young woman, growing up in the early 1900s, tackles inequality and injustice in a brave and trail-blazing way, as only she can. While I don't want to give away any spoilers, I *will* say that this book was very enjoyable, from its first page to its last, keeping me wanting to know what was beyond the next page. There were a couple of surprises, and a twist towards the end that neither I - or the main character - saw coming!
Overall I really loved this book, maybe even slightly more than her prior book, "Tiffany Blues", which I thoroughly enjoyed. I may just need to check our local library and see if they have any of her other works.
In closing, I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for the wonderful opportunity to read their book in the form of an ARC. I give this *honest* review of my own accord.
June 12, 2020
A very slow build, but a wonderful story of mystery and intrigue.
This story captures the almost taboo of women journalists in the early twentieth century. Vera, forced to take a pseudonym to protect her identity and family's pride. Still reeling from her father's death, Vera discovers dark clues that hint to his death not being .an accident, but a result from black mail. Black mail that could destroy her family and father's reputation. Vera concocts a clever scheme using the "cursed" diamond to uncover the black mailer. But along the way, she starts to fall for the jeweler that happens to help her along.
A beautiful mystery and romance in this historical tale.
Thank you for the ARC.
This story captures the almost taboo of women journalists in the early twentieth century. Vera, forced to take a pseudonym to protect her identity and family's pride. Still reeling from her father's death, Vera discovers dark clues that hint to his death not being .an accident, but a result from black mail. Black mail that could destroy her family and father's reputation. Vera concocts a clever scheme using the "cursed" diamond to uncover the black mailer. But along the way, she starts to fall for the jeweler that happens to help her along.
A beautiful mystery and romance in this historical tale.
Thank you for the ARC.
August 9, 2019
An excellent book!
January 31, 2020
Vera is from a wealthy New York family. But, she does not let this hold her back. She has an alter ego… Vee Swann. Vee is actually a journalist. During this time period of the gilded age, this is a huge, out of the norm, job for a female. When Vera runs across a family secret plus a family “suicide”, she is determined for Vee to get revenge and crack the mystery of the Hope diamond.
This is not my favorite M.J. Rose story. But, that is not to say it is not good. It is delicious! I just actually figured this out. Unusual for me. And let me add…no doubt in my mind…no one does better female characters than this author. And Vera is the best! She does not conform to the women of the day. This stresses her mother beyond belief, which is an added side story. (Had me laughing in places).
There are so many twists and turns in this tale. M. J. does and excellent job with all the unique aspects. I was hooked from the start. The setting, the time period, the mystery and of course…the love interest…you must read this to find out!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
This is not my favorite M.J. Rose story. But, that is not to say it is not good. It is delicious! I just actually figured this out. Unusual for me. And let me add…no doubt in my mind…no one does better female characters than this author. And Vera is the best! She does not conform to the women of the day. This stresses her mother beyond belief, which is an added side story. (Had me laughing in places).
There are so many twists and turns in this tale. M. J. does and excellent job with all the unique aspects. I was hooked from the start. The setting, the time period, the mystery and of course…the love interest…you must read this to find out!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
February 17, 2020
This was such an unexpected gem. I went into it with no knowledge of the story and was very pleasantly surprised. I always love stories with a strong female protagonist and then to hear the author’s note at the end confirm this was based on research made my heart even happier. I love that women were starting to stand up this early on, and love that a small few were trying to do meaningful things like go undercover to expose bad practices such as tenements.
The writing was excellent, I was hooked from the beginning, I enjoyed learning about the Hope Diamond, about female journalists and women’s fight for equality in general, and of course the insights into the Cartier family were appreciated. This was released at the end of January, and I highly encourage you to pick it up, it is quite the historical fiction read and was right up my alley.
Thank you to Get Red PR and Atria for the free copy to review!
The writing was excellent, I was hooked from the beginning, I enjoyed learning about the Hope Diamond, about female journalists and women’s fight for equality in general, and of course the insights into the Cartier family were appreciated. This was released at the end of January, and I highly encourage you to pick it up, it is quite the historical fiction read and was right up my alley.
Thank you to Get Red PR and Atria for the free copy to review!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews