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Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews
All-around "gem" of a read - Elizabeth Of Silver's Reviews
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.
Yana G. (Poway, CA)
More than just a story about a diamond
What a fascinating story! Cartier's Hope by M.J. Rose is an intricate novel is set in NYC 1910. A magnificent dive into the Hope Diamond, women's empowerment and a surprise romance. It is filled with mystery and love, intrigue and suspense, and, finally, acceptance and hope. Is the Hope Diamond real or a fake? No one is sure.
Barbara B. (Bradenton, FL)
Cartier's Hope
M. J. Rose once again, has written an attention keeping historical mystery. Set in Gilded Age New York with the infamous Hope diamond and it's legends and curses forming an intriguing story. There is also mystery and romance with a journalist heroine. Best of all is the shocking twist ending that you don't see coming. This is a must read for all M. J. Rose fans.
Chris D.
Luck may not be real, but hope is.
I enjoyed this book very much. There was so much to it! The story line was entertaining, but there was also information about the plight of women journalists and women in general in the early 20th century, the history of the Hope Diamond and the stories of other precious gems. I learned a lot by reading this book, and will certainly look for other books by this author, who was new to me.
Mary G. (Greensboro, GA)
Multi-layered historical fiction satisfies on all levels
Secrets and deception abound in Cartier's Hope, so having the intrigue surrounding the Hope diamond at the center of the plot seems appropriate. The main character is a young high-society woman who lives a secret life as a female reporter. She decides to use her alter ego to avenge a family member, with the Hope diamond as bait. It is an absorbing and entertaining read to see how all the threads of this interesting book finally come together.
Betty C. (Concord, CA)
Carrier's Hope
From the author of "Tiffany Blues" comes a story of hope, love, mystery and intrigue. Discover that love and hope can sometimes come in different forms and meanings.
Robin B. (Olmsted Falls, OH)
Cartier's Hope
I really enjoyed the book although it did move slow at some points. I really like that time of history and it did make some good points about the women's movement and jewelry at that time. There were times when the title character and her lover might not have been an ideal match and did not seem to go together. I think he needed more character development.
Rosanne S. (Franklin Square, NY)
Cartier's Hope
It has been my pleasure to read Cartier's Hope. The very beginning was questionable for me. Usually, I am all in or all out by the first 50 or so pages. Things actually started to click for me by page 71 but after that it became very enjoyable. The characters are a mix of stereotypical types along with a few unique ones. The author certainly did a good job educating the reader about gems and some of the information was pretty fascinating. As a jewel lover myself, I understood the mindset of those who coveted the beauty and opulence of beautiful stones. I certainly recommend this to those who love historical fiction with a mix of romance and mystery; Cartier's Hope has it all.