The Diamond Keeper

The Jewel Thief #2

by Jeannie Mobley

A thrilling tale of the elusive Hope Diamond's journey across Europe during the French Revolution, with gorgeous, absorbing writing from Jeannie Mobley!

Eighteen-year-old Claudie Durand's future is planned. She'll take over the family inn, watch her much prettier younger sister, Mathilde, married off to the butcher's son, and live out her days alone, without the hope of finding a love of her own. Her mother ran off to the cloister when she was young, and her gruff, abusive father has deemed her unmarriageable, a nuisance, and only good for hard labor.

But outside their small village in Brittany, a revolution is brewing. When the Army of the Republic seizes their town, and Claudie finds herself at the center of the conspiracy, she and Mathilde must flee their sheltered life and take up a cause that, up till now, had always seemed like a distant conflict. As the sisters carry out a dangerous mission for the resistance: delivering a precious item to the mysterious Rooster of Rennes--Claudie's conscience is torn between the longing to return to her predictable, lonely existence and the desire to carve out a new future, reaching for the life--and love--she never dared dream of but knew deep down she truly deserved.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Adventure, Romance

384 pages, Hardcover

First published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Amelia Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Not bad, but it certainly wasn't top notch writing.

[Haley The Caffeinated Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun and quick historical romance read. I really enjoyed it for what it was the only 'complaint' I had is that I wish i could have more of our couple/MC in general.

Overall it was enjoyable and you don't need to have read the first book in this 'series' to read it. (There's no connection between characters aside from the Hope diamond itself)

It's nice seeing a French counterrevolution for this and set elsewhere aside from Paris. So we get a breath of fresh air in that regard and seeing all the other 'players' in the game of the revolution really made this read stand out for me.

3.75/5 rounding up to 4 however because it was a super good read, I just wanted more of our characters.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Domestic violence recounted
Dead bodies
Gun violence
Murder by stabbing & bayonet
Physical assault
Riots

[Sue (BeautyBookCorner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars — I liked how the story began but by the time I got to the middle, I started skimming and putting it down. Ultimately, I felt like the plot was weak. The French Blue diamond is supposed to be central to the story, but we barely got any details about it. It could have literally been any other item, and the story would have been the same.

The counterrevolution perspective was refreshing, especially as it involved the countryfolk in Brittany and Rennes. It’s removed from the suffering and tension between the urban poor and rich nobles living in Paris. If you know the history, you know how events ultimately end, but it liked learning about the counterrevolution. This was probably the best aspect of the book for me, but I'm a bit of a history geek so I like reading historical details. 

Claudine was a great protagonist at first. She’s strong, capable, smart, and devoted to those she loves, and for much of the story, that devotion is to her younger sister, Mathilde. But she would constantly compare herself to her sister, who has always been praised for her beauty. If Mathilde was valued for her beauty, Claudine was valued as a good worker - for being useful. 

And I get why this could impact her self-esteem, but the constant comparing, resentment, and insecurity got annoying. Whenever anyone showed her kindness, if they simply smiled at Mathilde, Claudine would feel bitter thinking, “of course, they want to talk with Mathilde more. Why would they want me?” All her happiness she felt in the moment would go away. It got tired real quick. 

Mathilde was insufferable. She had a few moments where her passion and bravery that made her slightly more likable to me. However, I couldn’t stand her throughout the book. She runs headfirst into dangerous things risking her entire group’s lives - simply because she can’t wait or think of the consequences. I get that she’s young, but it was more than that. The author tried to set her up as this character who wants more than being appreciated for her beauty and to be valued like Claudine is, but this was poorly developed when 99% of the time she's incredibly selfish. She’s more of a caricature and there to pull Claudine into new dangerous situations and circumstances so the story can progress. 

Overall, this needed stronger characters with better motivations as to why they’re continuing to follow the counterrevolutionaries. More mystery and awe surrounding the diamond. I wanted to be shown why they felt this dazzling diamond was the key to their success. 

Instead, we got a story that had too many threads the author tried to focus on: sister rivalry, unresolved hurt from their mother’s abandonment when they were children, counterrevolution politics, the romance between one of the sisters and a leader of the cause, etc. 

Overall, this was disappointing compared to the charm of The Jewel Thief. I did enjoy the historical details of the counterrevolution and how many in the countryside were against the revolution happening. It was an interesting perspective. 

[Nicole N. (A Myriad of Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to PenguinTeen for giving me a free early copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Content warning: physical abuse

I was a bit indifferent going into this novel. While I liked the first book in the series, THE JEWEL THIEF, well enough to request this book which is more of a companion novel than a direct sequel, I felt myself…rathe frustrated and ready to give up on some occasions.

I mainly grew tired of Claudie’s constant comparison of herself to her 15-year-old sister—Mathilde as the pretty one who captures all the boys while Claudie sees herself as plain and set to run her abusive father’s inn while Mathilde marries. Of course that takes a wide turn when they’re tasked with carrying the bags of a deceased young man to someone named the Rooster. The constant bickering between the two sisters really weighed the story down, and it felt rather cringey to read Mathilde simply accepting the touches and eyes of lecherous older men in her father’s inn if it just earns them a few extra coins. There were definitely moments that I (internally) threw up my hands and rolled my eyes at Mathilde’s childish ideals and views. But then I had to remember that she’s only 15… So yeah, take that however you will. I was a bit sad that Claudie never felt real confidence in herself until she discovered she could be useful to the Rooster.

While this story takes place during the French Revolution, the focus isn’t in Paris or the royalty and nobility there, but rather the people of the countryside. I thought this was an interesting side of the story to tell and I think it would be wise to read the Author’s Note in regards to this, especially about the real life historical figures and the openly genderfluid spy. The story definitely gets more interesting when Claudie and her friends arrive in England.

The diamond itself does play a role, though it appears that anyone who comes in contact with it meets a rather unhappy fate. I think this book is definitely written for a niche audience and it does have more a younger tone despite the main character’s, Claudie, age.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeannie Mobley deliver a page-turning story of the struggle of two mutually devoted sisters (though each jealous of the other in her own way) to survive after the brutality of the French Revolution wreaks its bloody destruction of their peaceful village in Brittany. Elder sister Claudie, who has always been the plainer and more sensible off the two, is determined to protect the beautiful and often foolish Mathilde - but only Claudie knows that the death of Mathilde's lover has brought into their hidden possession the most famous of the French crown jewels, the French Blue, today known as the Hope Diamond. Claudie is the one, however, who finds a heart-stopping romance in the midst of the counter-revolutionary struggle, as the sisters deepen their bond and fight - now from exile in London - for an end to the senseless violence devastating their beloved France. The romance between Claudie and the man who wins her heart is enormously satisfying, with their love story deepened by Mobley's sensitive exploration of the shifting dynamics in the relationship of the two sisters and her unflinching portrait of the staggering costs - and moral complexities - of war. A brilliant companion novel to her previous title, The Jewel Thief.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book because I wanted to know how it ended, but it was hard! I kept forgetting I was reading it... It felt predictable and kind of boring.

[Elevetha · Rating 2 out of 5]

*DNF at 110 pages*

Despite revolution, fires, murders, death, fleeing for one's life, cool giant diamonds...I was still bored and just not enjoying this.

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who dared call this a YA? She's TWENTY for Pete's sake
Also Oops I guess this is book 2? But book 1 appears to have nothing to do with it?

full review on spinebreaker

[Kaley]

I read about 70% of this book before I finally gave up. Honestly, I was just bored. The writing was good, but I couoldn't get myself to care for the characters or the plot. Not my cup of tea, but I'm sure it will be someone else's.

[Abigail Singrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever seen the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.? It's one of my absolute favorite exhibits. This book seeks to fill in some holes in its story when historians are unsure of its exact location.

This is a grand adventure tale set in revolutionary France, The Crown Jewels of France, including the stone that will become the Hope Diamond, have been stolen, and the king and his family are imprisoned. But the war seems far away from sisters Claudie and Mathilde's family inn in a tiny village, only entering through tales told by the mail courier, Jacques. But then escaping fugitives and a plotting group called the Legion bring soldiers and destruction to their very doorstep.

This galloping romp brings its characters across war-torn France all the way to the French refugee community in England. Danger lurks around every corner, whether the characters are taking shelter in a burned out village or attending an elegant ball. When they are forced from their village, Claudie and Mathilde must bargain with the enigmatic Rooster, leader of a secret organization called the Legion, to attempt to secure their future.

Claudie is a strong, sympathetic character, and the witty dialogue and electric chemistry between her and The Rooster is a delight. Mathilde is fun as the dramatic flirt who wishes she could be taken seriously every now and again.

I appreciated the historical accuracy of the ending. We all know what happened to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, so the book had to stay true to that. It was fun to speculate on how the Hope Diamond ended up where it did. Don't skip the author's note at the end. I found the additional history of the diamond fascinating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters who work in their father's small Brittany, France inn, find themselves suddenly in the midst of the French Revolution when their village is destroyed; they set out on a journey to deliver a saddlebag which houses the French crown jewels to a man called Rooster. However, Claudie, the elder sister, keeps a secret from her fifteen-year-old sister, Matilde. that the saddle bag also hides a diamond belonging to the king of France.

This adventure eventually takes them to England where Rooster gets help to transform these country girls into high society women in order to convince the kind of England to purchase the important diamond. Payment for the diamond will help finance their interests in the war in France.

I enjoyed this viewpoint of country folk in Brittany, France concerning the French Revolution, but I found it puzzling that they would support the French king and his allies rather than the revolutionaries who wanted societal change. The encounter Claudie has with the king of England was delightful. Now I want to read The Jewel Thief, #1 by Mobley.

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As satisfying and enjoyable as The Jewel Thief, this historical YA title features two sisters whose mother vanished into a convent after experiencing what were called 'visions'. Their father favors younger daughter Mathilde who is flirtatious, shallow and adept at dumping the job of running the inn on nineteen year old Claudie who is far more level-headed, but plainer in appearance. When Jacques, the postal rider Mathilde is infatuated with, is killed by soldiers after a mysterious family is housed by Claudie at the inn, it's the start of dark times for the sisters. Forced to flee, their journey takes them in search of a loyalist leader known as the Rooster. That search nearly costs them their lives, leads to hidden places, close shaves, and eventually to another country. YA lovers of historical fiction will devour this book.

[Shelly Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moberly, Jeannie—The Diamond Keeper Viking Press copyright 2021
Intro: Set in a picturesque town in France during the beginning of the French Revolution, two young girls, Claudie and Mathilde, must turn their lives upside down and face new journeys to complete an unexpected mission…

The Author: Jeannie Mobley not only tells an adventurous tale with twists and turns but also gives young people a glimpse into the lives of young adults centuries ago and a new appreciation for what opportunities young women have today.

Summary: Claudie and her sister Mathilde were stuck in the notion of what their lives would look like…until the fateful event that changed everything for them…the Revolution. With changes in the air, they were off on an adventure…to help save themselves and their country!

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual way of looking at the French Revolution. Enjoyable and fascinating.

The diamond is a McGuffin that brings the plot together, and the protagonist's commitment to making sure her and her sister are looked after is refreshing. Girls who feel that they need to work to be valued will find recognition and moments of feeling seen here.

Mobley occasionally mixed up "rebels/revolutionaries" and "royalists." Never quite explained why the peasants were so devoted to getting the King re-installed.

The protagonist isn't terribly introspective about the role gender plays; she never hits the reaches of today's feminism in understanding that you can be pretty and flirty and also keen of intellect and strong of will. She's competent and clever but plain, and her sister is pretty and royalist but impulsive and a bit dumb, which are, of course, the two main versions of "girl."

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Diamond Keeper by Jeanne Mobley is a story about the counterrevolution in France at the start of the war. It was a wonderful read, and provided a history of the French Blue diamond, know now as the Hope Diamond. I found the tale to be interesting, the characters, especially the heroine Claudine Durand, to be both brave and bold, while still showing the insecurities that many women feel. This made her so likable, and the hero Yannig was wonderful, because he saw Claudine for the person she was inside. This was a great read!

[Elisa (The Overflowing Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers were first introduced to The Hope Diamond, and author Jeannie Mobley, in 2020 with the release of Mobley’s debut YA novel The Jewel Thief. Her newest novel, The Diamond Keeper (which was released in November 2021), follows The Hope Diamond to France during the French Revolution and one girl’s resolve to protect her sister and their freedom.

Jeannie Mobley wonderfully weaves fact and fiction together in this historical fiction YA novel set during the French Revolution. Despite knowing how bloody the French Revolution was, I was so inspired by Mathilde, Yannig, and eventually Claudie’s hope that they could restore their country to the way it was before. Those feelings, alongside the action-packed plot, interesting characters from history and a little romance, made this reading experience so wonderful!

I fell in love with Mobley’s previous book, The Jewel Thief, and I was very excited to see where the Hope Diamond would travel to next. As with her debut novel, Mobley is able to craft an engaging and entertaining story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Her writing style is easy to dive into and make you feel as if you are traveling throughout Europe alongside the characters in the book.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading whatever Mobley decides to write next!

*I received an ARC from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Eric Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing an historical novel set in Europe when your first language is American English is no easy task . The author makes a bold attempt , but I confess to smiling each time she referred to places being two blocks away , given the setting of 18th Century France . The story is about 2 young sisters from an inn in Brittany finding themselves in possession of some of the French crown jewels during the revolution .A series of adventures both at home and in England follow as the Blue Diamond is used to find support for the rescue and re-instatement of their king . A perfectly readable YA novel .

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book in the series even though it's book 2. It stands alone.

I appreciate the strength of the main character and the growth of her bratty younger sister. She seemed so clever. And at times I got frustrated with her internal self doubt. Like why doesn't she know how great she is?! Ugh.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting and the alternative perspective on the French Revolution, but found Claudie's constant comparisons to her sister very annoying. The whole last third of the book felt rushed and unconvincing. Knowing what I know about the war in the Vendee, it was very much not happy ending.

[Gabi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was SOOOOOO boring. It practically crushed my will to read. The plot dragged on forever and ever without anything interesting or exciting happening, the characters were flat and unbearable (all of them), and even the ending was like the writer just decided to give up.

[Leah Portz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An interesting look at the French Revolution and how it impacted rural regions vs. the typical Terror/guillotine spotlight on Paris. This is a re-imagined look at the history of what is now called the Hope diamond. Some romance, but focused on a strong female character.

[Stan Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down, even though I listened to the audiobook ;) Gripping, funny, touching, highly recommended!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and well thought out. Love her books

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

C. fiction, historical fiction, Hope Diamond, France, series, (Jewel Thief; #2)

[Ayesha Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. Didn't feel like I was obligated to just finish it already. Makes sense. Perfect. When it was over, I wished it wasn't. Enraptured me till the end. Love it.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I enjoyed the view of how the French Revolution affected the people away from Paris.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

mathilde was so annoying i almost couldn’t get through this… everything else was lovely though!

[Chloe Noland · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf 35% through.... couldn't get into it

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet and interesting book on a historical perspective I had never considered