“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whoever possesses it.”
Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille must allow a mysterious stranger to come to her aid.
Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content to work as the village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may be the answer to his many questions.
Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, they will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for “The Heiress of Winterwood.” She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
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I generally don’t pick up historical fiction. It’s not that I don’t enjoy a good historical, I’m just rarely in the mood for one. But I’d been hearing nothing but praises about Sarah E. Ladd for a while, so when The Curiosity Keeper came up for review on LitFuse, I thought I’d give it a try.
I was NOT disappointed.
Not only does Sarah E. Ladd know how to deliver an excellent story, she also creates an exceptional cast of characters I couldn’t help but love (and hate). The swoon-worthy Jonathan Gilchrist. The independent Camille Iverness. The grumpy but lovable Mr. Gilchrist, Senior. Mr. Iverness, Camille’s villainous father who made me want to pummel him through the page. I was engrossed from page one, soaking up reading time whenever I could.
I loved that Camille was a female heroine I could root for. While she definitely had an arc, she was still strong from the beginning, wanting to vouch for herself and stand on her own two feet. And I know I said this already, but I have to mention the hero, Jonathan Gilchrist, again. Oh man, he left my heart thumping. So much so that I can’t wait to get my hands on another book by Sarah E. Ladd, if only to meet more Jonathan-like male leads.
The mystery of the missing ruby intrigued me. I was definitely trying to solve the case right alongside the characters. Overall, The Curiosity Keeper was simply fabulous. This book has it all. It’s one of those can’t-put-it-down, I-need-to-know-what-happens, when-is-he-finally-going-to-kiss-her? reads.
Recommendation…
Ages: 15 and older
For fans of:
I give The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd 5 out of 5 hearts.
Have you read The Curiosity Keeper? Want to? Let’s chat it up in the comments, or tweet to me @SaraEllaWrites. I love hearing from you! Until then, happy reading!
Oooh! I’ve been wanting to read this one! Whenever a YA fan gives a historical romance 5 hearts, I read it! I love a faster pace, but I love the era, too, which usually makes a slower read with description.
Thanks for reviewing! Can’t wait to pick this one up!
Thanks for commenting, Natalie! It really was a fab book. Hope you enjoy it!