Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of CARTIER'S HOPE by M. J. Rose

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of CARTIER’S HOPE by M.J. Rose, published January 28, 2020.

Blurb for 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.

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 Connie’s Review:

New York City – 1911

Vera Garland, 32, is the daughter of the wealthy owners of a large department store. Vera’s father, whom she loved dearly, has recently passed away. Vera now resides in her father’s lush apartment above the store. Her mother has always wanted her to take her place as part of elite society, but that is now what she wants to do. After Vera graduates from Radcliffe, she is intent on becoming a reporter, exposing how many charities are being run by crooked people. As her family is well known, she adopts the name Vee Swann and wears a disguise. Soon, she has a job writing an anonymous weekly gossip column.

This is the same time that the Hope Diamond just sold for $250,000 to someone in New York. It is the largest known blue diamond and has a long history of ownership, including numerous curses. Louis Cartier, an elite French jeweler, has just opened a branch in New York City and the Hope Diamond resides in his store.

As Vera cleans out some of her father’s possessions, she uncovers a secret that shocks her and could tear apart the family’s standing in society.

Can she continue to dedicate her life to journalism and ignore any private life or love for herself?

I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to all of the women of this era who worked so hard to make changes for all women.

This is good story that covers a number of situations. I admit that I became angry with Vera at times, but one has to admire her strength and determination. Once again, M. J. Rose has written a stunning novel. Don’t miss it!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

CARTIER’S HOPE by M. J. Rose, Atria Books, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.