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.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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.
