What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas Fortunes Trilogy #1
Diamond Duo
Lose yourself in this gripping historical romance, where an alluring stranger incites passion, betrayal, and murder.
288 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2008
71 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Gruver
15 books25 followersMarcia Gruver, author and creative writing teacher, lives in Texas, and has published various articles, poems, and devotionals. Her novel, Love Never Fails, won third place in the 2007 ACFW Genesis Contest. She is a member of ACFW, Fellowship of Christian Writers, and The Writers View."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 7, 2016
There were some really good parts about Diamond Duo by Marcia Gruver; but overall, it just wasn't my type of book. I got too frustrated with the POV characters. The author did present some thoughtful themes though, and the story kept me interested so that I just had to finish it.
For people who love stories of different family dynamics, with some romance and a little bit of suspense/adventure, set in the western era, you might want to pick up Diamond Duo!
For people who love stories of different family dynamics, with some romance and a little bit of suspense/adventure, set in the western era, you might want to pick up Diamond Duo!
October 19, 2008
Usually when I don't like a book I can write a scathing review--it is too preachy, the writing is horrible, the plot is trite etc. I really didn't care for Diamond Duo, but I really can't say why--none of the reasons mentioned above fit. It just never grabbed me I guess, but you might like it.
April 9, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in three days. It was a book you could not lay down. What I liked about it was you felt like you were walking through the book together hand in hand with the characters. There is murder, faith, love and wedding, hardships to name some of things you find in book. I read this book and found inspiration no matter how hard things get. Sure was a God send when I then was spun into praying all night for my brother-in-law who is in hospital because of a brain anyurism. We are expecting a miracle.
I would recommend this book to everyone. The story of Thad and Bertha and how unsure they are that each loves the other is so much like when I met my husband. To the day I married him I still kept wondering but I have been married 30 years in June.
The struggles between race I experienced when living in my home town. But with God's love there is no race barrier and I wonder if people will ever realize this.
This book is annointed of God.
I would recommend this book to everyone. The story of Thad and Bertha and how unsure they are that each loves the other is so much like when I met my husband. To the day I married him I still kept wondering but I have been married 30 years in June.
The struggles between race I experienced when living in my home town. But with God's love there is no race barrier and I wonder if people will ever realize this.
This book is annointed of God.
January 1, 2020
Diamond Duo is the story of Diamond Bessie and the effect she left on a small town in Jefferson, Texas. Not only is the story about her, but also about the characters that she meets. The story mainly follows Bertha and her friend Magda, as they meet Bessie and her so-called "companion" The story also takes you along the journey of Sarah and her husband as they face racism and many decisions that may change their lives.
I was a bit confused at first with all the different storylines, some of them join together at the end, and some of them barely intertwine with the main storyline. It made the story different from most I had read, is that there were really two main storylines instead of one.
Bertha is a wild young woman longing to be free of propriety and social graces. One day when she is in town she sees Bessie, a rich young woman with diamonds and gorgeous dresses. Bertha decides right then to befriend her and have her teach her how to catch a certain man she wants. Her "man" is Thad, also smitten with Bertha but too shy to tell her of his real feeling before he must leave for military college. While Bertha befriends Bessie, she drags her best friend Magda along for the ride, not listening to her wisdom about getting into trouble. Will Bertha be able to change Bessie before it's too late, or will Bessie change Bertha? Will Thad be able to tell Bertha of his feelings or will he make the mistake of leaving?
Sarah is a little bitter about leaving her hometown, where people treated her kind and were not racist. But Sarah loves her husband more and is determined to make him happy and be happy no matter what. Her husband does not see the problem with the small town of Jefferson, even though he and his wife are treated differently. But one day they are tested and are not sure of their survival and what they are meant to do. Will Sarah be strong enough to stand against the pain and will she, her husband, and the rest of the town learn a valuable lesson?
I was very surprised to learn at the end of the book that it was based on a true story. I did like this book, it was just so different from what I was expecting and also a different writing style. I found the book to be a pleasant read, but there was nothing that jumped out at me that made it go from an ok book to a great book. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series Chasing Charity and hoping that is getting a little better!
I was a bit confused at first with all the different storylines, some of them join together at the end, and some of them barely intertwine with the main storyline. It made the story different from most I had read, is that there were really two main storylines instead of one.
Bertha is a wild young woman longing to be free of propriety and social graces. One day when she is in town she sees Bessie, a rich young woman with diamonds and gorgeous dresses. Bertha decides right then to befriend her and have her teach her how to catch a certain man she wants. Her "man" is Thad, also smitten with Bertha but too shy to tell her of his real feeling before he must leave for military college. While Bertha befriends Bessie, she drags her best friend Magda along for the ride, not listening to her wisdom about getting into trouble. Will Bertha be able to change Bessie before it's too late, or will Bessie change Bertha? Will Thad be able to tell Bertha of his feelings or will he make the mistake of leaving?
Sarah is a little bitter about leaving her hometown, where people treated her kind and were not racist. But Sarah loves her husband more and is determined to make him happy and be happy no matter what. Her husband does not see the problem with the small town of Jefferson, even though he and his wife are treated differently. But one day they are tested and are not sure of their survival and what they are meant to do. Will Sarah be strong enough to stand against the pain and will she, her husband, and the rest of the town learn a valuable lesson?
I was very surprised to learn at the end of the book that it was based on a true story. I did like this book, it was just so different from what I was expecting and also a different writing style. I found the book to be a pleasant read, but there was nothing that jumped out at me that made it go from an ok book to a great book. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series Chasing Charity and hoping that is getting a little better!
May 8, 2024
There are a number of things in this book that made me give it only three stars. It was hard to tell which characters were black and which were white until much later in the story. Even then I had questions. Men and women, both, often used endearments such as love and sugar. It seems totally foreign language to use in Texas in the 1890s. All the characters seemed uneducated but used some pretty sophisticated language. It seemed out of place. The main character, Bertha, seemed rather immature and demanding of her own way no matter the consequences. All in all it seemed to fall short of being a well written novel.
June 15, 2019
The year of 1877, and one wonders who this woman, with diamonds, is, coming to this small town. She knows how to act toward men, and has that special assurance to her. A man escorts her, and one wonders what hold he has on her. Bessie is intrigue, and wants to know her secrets, especially toward men. A feeling that Thad and her have,yet uncertain what it is. He is sent to military school by his father. A good account of the history and people during that time, and the beginning of the series.
April 14, 2023
Another author I have never read, but i will definitely be reading more. Very good
August 24, 2012
Be prepared to be dropped right into 1877 to Jefferson, Texas, and experience the life, times and characters of that day, with this inspirational and historical romance tale that's also filled with plenty of drama and suspense! The story weaves around what was an actual murder that has left its mark on the town of Jefferson even to this day, but told with a creative license to fill in some of the blanks, and which works to create an unforgettable story!! Marcia's writing has such a palpable atmosphere and her characters have so many layers to their depth; that along with her steep historical research of that era, one truly does feel like they've stepped back in time.
The story begins with the very attractive and diamond encrusted Bessie Monroe aka Annie Moore, stepping off a train and entrancing half the town, including Bertha Maye Biddie, by her striking beauty. Bertha, who is in love with Thad (Thaddeus Bloom), sees this captivating woman as someone she can acquire help from, in her desire to make Thad do more than just simply notice her. Bertha soon became fast friends with Annie, not realizing at first that it was putting a strain on her close friendship with best friend Magda. Though Bertha soon discovers that all is not as it seems with her new friend and is shocked and disturbed by what she sees and hears from Annie. Things change as Bertha switches from wanting Annie's help to wanting to help her new friend... but not knowing how to, she tries to introduce Annie to the One that can help. Annie doesn't feel worthy however, not realizing we don't need to be worthy before we come to Christ. Bertha's new friendship with Annie exacts a great cost from her at times, but her decisions were made in obedience to God regardless of the price she had to pay.
Thad, who actually is quite smitten with Bertha, feels he cannot act on his feelings and court Bertha, because he believes he must follow his father's dream for him, and go off to a military college. Nor does he think that after declaring his feelings he should then ask her to wait for him. It's interesting to watch Thad on his journey of self-discovery and growth, and to see him finally make a stand for what he truly desires.
During this period of history, there were still some left-over racial attitudes from the Civil War. And throughout Diamond Duo, we see the extremely likeable black couple Sarah and her husband Henry King on a very personal level dealing with these sometimes deadly attitudes throughout the story. Eventually they come to realize that they weren't alone and that they truly did have some wonderful friends in their neighbors and townsfolk. The transition from other characters to the different way this couple spoke is testament to Marcia's talent in keeping the story real... as are the varied but realistic personalities of all the characters in this engrossing and stirring story.
I absolutely loved Diamond Duo, the first in the Texas Fortunes Trilogy, and am really looking forward to beginning the next in the series, Chasing Charity!
The story begins with the very attractive and diamond encrusted Bessie Monroe aka Annie Moore, stepping off a train and entrancing half the town, including Bertha Maye Biddie, by her striking beauty. Bertha, who is in love with Thad (Thaddeus Bloom), sees this captivating woman as someone she can acquire help from, in her desire to make Thad do more than just simply notice her. Bertha soon became fast friends with Annie, not realizing at first that it was putting a strain on her close friendship with best friend Magda. Though Bertha soon discovers that all is not as it seems with her new friend and is shocked and disturbed by what she sees and hears from Annie. Things change as Bertha switches from wanting Annie's help to wanting to help her new friend... but not knowing how to, she tries to introduce Annie to the One that can help. Annie doesn't feel worthy however, not realizing we don't need to be worthy before we come to Christ. Bertha's new friendship with Annie exacts a great cost from her at times, but her decisions were made in obedience to God regardless of the price she had to pay.
Thad, who actually is quite smitten with Bertha, feels he cannot act on his feelings and court Bertha, because he believes he must follow his father's dream for him, and go off to a military college. Nor does he think that after declaring his feelings he should then ask her to wait for him. It's interesting to watch Thad on his journey of self-discovery and growth, and to see him finally make a stand for what he truly desires.
During this period of history, there were still some left-over racial attitudes from the Civil War. And throughout Diamond Duo, we see the extremely likeable black couple Sarah and her husband Henry King on a very personal level dealing with these sometimes deadly attitudes throughout the story. Eventually they come to realize that they weren't alone and that they truly did have some wonderful friends in their neighbors and townsfolk. The transition from other characters to the different way this couple spoke is testament to Marcia's talent in keeping the story real... as are the varied but realistic personalities of all the characters in this engrossing and stirring story.
I absolutely loved Diamond Duo, the first in the Texas Fortunes Trilogy, and am really looking forward to beginning the next in the series, Chasing Charity!
November 2, 2008
Perfect for : Personal reading, Book Club Read (No Discussion Questions)
In a nutshell: A nice Christian historical fiction story containing three primary plot-lines: 1 - Bertha and Thad's growing relationship, 2 - Newcomer Annie "Bessie" Monroe and her not-so-charming husband(?), 3 - racial tensions surrounding Henry and Sarah King. All three story-lines have wonderful examples of faith and God's hand in their lives. I was amazed to find that the characters are based on real-life people from Jefferson, Texas. I wish I had known that from the beginning (It is explained at the end of the book). I personally struggled with some of the racial issues (yes, I know - it REALLY did happen, but I'm glad I don't enjoy reading about the harshness), and some of the circumstances surrounding Annie. Another thing that amazed me was the author's easy transitions between different voices in the book. The King's voices are very different from the proper tone of Annie's character. I especially liked the significance of Bertha's cross necklace and her sharing of faith with Annie at the end of the book.
My Review:
A fascinating story which takes place throughout January of 1877 in Jefferson, Texas. Readers find out at the end of the book that the characters are based on real people. As a reader, we get a good look at life from that time. The physical labor, the class differences, neighborly help, significance of race, etc. I loved the dialogue, but could have done with a little less tears.
Characters: The characters were each wonderfully different from the other. I think my favorite was Bertha's father. He was a strong, loving and supportive person, with the ability to confront his wife in a loving manner. He also showed wonderful support to his daughter, while coaching her through some difficult situations.
Story-Line: I think the story-line(s) were very interesting, tying together nicely in the end. I was especially interested in the story once I learned that it was based on real people.
Readability: This book provided a nice, enjoyable read. The different speech patterns among the characters made it that more interesting.
Overall: A nice period book, written with a Christian influence. This was the first book of the series, and I look forward to watching for the upcoming sequel Chasing Charity (I sure hope we get to catch a glimpse of Bertha!)
In a nutshell: A nice Christian historical fiction story containing three primary plot-lines: 1 - Bertha and Thad's growing relationship, 2 - Newcomer Annie "Bessie" Monroe and her not-so-charming husband(?), 3 - racial tensions surrounding Henry and Sarah King. All three story-lines have wonderful examples of faith and God's hand in their lives. I was amazed to find that the characters are based on real-life people from Jefferson, Texas. I wish I had known that from the beginning (It is explained at the end of the book). I personally struggled with some of the racial issues (yes, I know - it REALLY did happen, but I'm glad I don't enjoy reading about the harshness), and some of the circumstances surrounding Annie. Another thing that amazed me was the author's easy transitions between different voices in the book. The King's voices are very different from the proper tone of Annie's character. I especially liked the significance of Bertha's cross necklace and her sharing of faith with Annie at the end of the book.
My Review:
A fascinating story which takes place throughout January of 1877 in Jefferson, Texas. Readers find out at the end of the book that the characters are based on real people. As a reader, we get a good look at life from that time. The physical labor, the class differences, neighborly help, significance of race, etc. I loved the dialogue, but could have done with a little less tears.
Characters: The characters were each wonderfully different from the other. I think my favorite was Bertha's father. He was a strong, loving and supportive person, with the ability to confront his wife in a loving manner. He also showed wonderful support to his daughter, while coaching her through some difficult situations.
Story-Line: I think the story-line(s) were very interesting, tying together nicely in the end. I was especially interested in the story once I learned that it was based on real people.
Readability: This book provided a nice, enjoyable read. The different speech patterns among the characters made it that more interesting.
Overall: A nice period book, written with a Christian influence. This was the first book of the series, and I look forward to watching for the upcoming sequel Chasing Charity (I sure hope we get to catch a glimpse of Bertha!)
October 4, 2011
3 1/2 stars.
I was intrigued by this book as it mixes fictional and factual characters together. It tells the story of "Diamond Bessie," the beautiful mysterious woman found murdered in Jefferson, Texas in early 1877. At this time, Jefferson was the second most populous city in the state, so it would not have been out of the ordinary for Ohioans Bessie and her companion Abe to have visited. For more information on the "real" Bessie Monroe and Abe Rothschild, see: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/on...
Gruver blends Bessie's story with other characters, some real, such as Sarah King, the African-American woman who discovered the body, and others fictional, including Bertha Maye Biddie, the heroine of the piece, who befriends Bessie. The romance (and I use the word loosely) between Bertha and Thad Bloom forms the third part of the novel.
What I liked about the book is the historical research Gruver did to bring 1877 Jefferson, Texas to life. Having visited Jefferson several times, I knew exactly the locations talked about in the book. I also liked the story of Sarah and Henry King, trying to make their way in a post-Civil War southern town as free African-Americans and their struggles to survive. And "Diamond Bessie" herself nearly becomes a real person here--and I say "nearly" because she's become such a legend in Texas that it's hard to separate her reality from how she's been depicted in Jefferson lore, as in "The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial," a play which is performed every year during the Jefferson pilgrimage.
The weakest part of the novel for me was the romance between Thad and Bertha. I felt that I was "told" they were in love, rather than "shown." I just wasn't feeling it. In a dramatic scene, Thad tells Bertha he must leave her to attend the new college down the road, Texas AMC, and when she rushes into his arms, he pats her on the head! What?
This is also my first read of a book marketed as Christian fiction. While most of the Christian aspect is woven seamlessly into the story (various characters praying for strength and guidance), I felt that the scenes where Bertha witnessed to Bessie were a little heavy handed and overdramatic.
I was intrigued by this book as it mixes fictional and factual characters together. It tells the story of "Diamond Bessie," the beautiful mysterious woman found murdered in Jefferson, Texas in early 1877. At this time, Jefferson was the second most populous city in the state, so it would not have been out of the ordinary for Ohioans Bessie and her companion Abe to have visited. For more information on the "real" Bessie Monroe and Abe Rothschild, see: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/on...
Gruver blends Bessie's story with other characters, some real, such as Sarah King, the African-American woman who discovered the body, and others fictional, including Bertha Maye Biddie, the heroine of the piece, who befriends Bessie. The romance (and I use the word loosely) between Bertha and Thad Bloom forms the third part of the novel.
What I liked about the book is the historical research Gruver did to bring 1877 Jefferson, Texas to life. Having visited Jefferson several times, I knew exactly the locations talked about in the book. I also liked the story of Sarah and Henry King, trying to make their way in a post-Civil War southern town as free African-Americans and their struggles to survive. And "Diamond Bessie" herself nearly becomes a real person here--and I say "nearly" because she's become such a legend in Texas that it's hard to separate her reality from how she's been depicted in Jefferson lore, as in "The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial," a play which is performed every year during the Jefferson pilgrimage.
The weakest part of the novel for me was the romance between Thad and Bertha. I felt that I was "told" they were in love, rather than "shown." I just wasn't feeling it. In a dramatic scene, Thad tells Bertha he must leave her to attend the new college down the road, Texas AMC, and when she rushes into his arms, he pats her on the head! What?
This is also my first read of a book marketed as Christian fiction. While most of the Christian aspect is woven seamlessly into the story (various characters praying for strength and guidance), I felt that the scenes where Bertha witnessed to Bessie were a little heavy handed and overdramatic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2010
Diamond Duo was quite the delightful surprise.
My ever excellent better half picked up this book and read the end Dear Reader before I had started reading myself. His exclamation "Oh man, are you going to like this book- it's right up your alley. Quite interesting," had me fascinated to see what was in store for me.
It did not disappoint. Marcia Gruver has a real knack for re-creating the historical time period of Texas, mixing fact with beautifully written fiction. The scenes of racism were powerful. It is easy to forget there were places in our nation where the people behaved and thought like that. And Diamond Bessie was a fun character, despite her personal troubles. The chemistry between her and the strongly independent Bertha is where the real romance in this story was. Thad was a mere side side character, but redeeming in the end anyway.
I am looking forward to more from this great author. I love her writing, her story lines, the real history behind her fiction. Can't wait to dive into Chasing Charity!
My ever excellent better half picked up this book and read the end Dear Reader before I had started reading myself. His exclamation "Oh man, are you going to like this book- it's right up your alley. Quite interesting," had me fascinated to see what was in store for me.
It did not disappoint. Marcia Gruver has a real knack for re-creating the historical time period of Texas, mixing fact with beautifully written fiction. The scenes of racism were powerful. It is easy to forget there were places in our nation where the people behaved and thought like that. And Diamond Bessie was a fun character, despite her personal troubles. The chemistry between her and the strongly independent Bertha is where the real romance in this story was. Thad was a mere side side character, but redeeming in the end anyway.
I am looking forward to more from this great author. I love her writing, her story lines, the real history behind her fiction. Can't wait to dive into Chasing Charity!
November 2, 2009
My husband won Emmy's Equal (book 3 of this series) so I got book 1 & 2 from the library. This book was a little slow & wordy in some areas. I considered quitting it, but I forced myself to continue. I'm trying to decide if I really want to read books 2 & 3. I probaby will.
March 11, 2011
A really sweet read. Despite some not so nice things happening in this story, this is still a fun read, with super sweet characters who grab your heart. Great dialogue, great atmosphere, good story.
April 8, 2011
I really enjoyed reading it. My only problem was with the personality of the female lead, she was rather spoiled and it made her hard to like and relate with, but it was a good book and i am enjoying the rest of the trilogy!
June 19, 2012
I have to say I did not like this book at all. The characters were too flimsy, and there was too much switching between characters. It wasn't grasping for a reader, even at the beginning, with all of the excitement going on. It didn't seem real at all.
Read
January 20, 2009YA Gruver
Read
April 17, 2009read my review here:
http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/2008...
http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/2008...
February 8, 2013
It was awesome! I laughed all the way through it. Looking forward to reading the next one.
July 28, 2014
Book 1 of 3
August 3, 2015
I can't really say what I think about this book.. it was good but I just couldn't get into it for some odd reason! I'll continue the series though and see how the rest are.
February 12, 2016
I really liked this book! Loved it! I think the transformation of Bertha's mom was really good writting. I was impressed. This was my first reading of Gruver's work, but I really love it.
June 11, 2016
This is a very intense and suspenseful story. Involved plot line and quite enjoyable. Really enjoyed how all the characters interacted with one another. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews