I have been a HUGE fan of J’nell Ciesielski ever since I read her first book and I have since read just about everything she has put out! She always tells a great romance and provides excellent historical detail. When I saw this book was coming out, it was a no brainer read for me. I have been so busy with just life in general that I have had a hard time balancing book reviews, work, and family life however this is one author that I would clear my schedule for because her writing is THAT GOOD.
For me personally, the 1920s isn’t really my era—-I know unpopular opinion! Anytime I see a book set during this time period I am always skeptical if I will like it or not, however I do know Ciesielski’s quality of writing and I knew it would be a book I would enjoy for the characters and romance even if it’s not my favorite historical time period.
If you are a fan of historical romances and want something more romantic versus sexy, then I think you will find a lot to love with Ciesielski’s books and this one in particular. She has a wonderful way of developing and writing interesting characters and romance and using the historical setting to highlight and compliment the romance and characters making it exciting and the history come alive.
Summary
After a hasty wartime marriage and an even quicker divorce, two jewel thieves risk it all to obtain the grandest prize of them all, the last Valkyrie tiara, but their hearts may have something else in mind.
It was a match made in champagne-soaked heaven, but all too soon the bubbles dried up and divorce papers were issued just in time to ring in the end of the Great War. Jewel thieves and ex-lovers Jasper and Esme find themselves circulating among the elite of British aristocracy where the diamond-lined pockets are ripe for picking. But when the last Valkyrie tiara ever created becomes the talk of the season neither will stop to obtain it, not even when they inadvertently find themselves in the middle of a game of cat-and-mouse where their lives are suddenly at stake.
Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski’s latest novel combines her signature blend of thrilling adventure, glamorous atmosphere, and sweeping romance in a story readers are sure to be thinking about days after turning the final page. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
The number one thing that stands out to me about this book was Ciesielski’s signature witty dialogue. I always love when her characters interact in the plot. They have witty banter and you really get a feel for their relationships and emotions. In this book the two main characters are Jasper and Esme, as the reader gets to know each of them, you cannot help but feel a connection and desire to see them grow throughout the story. Neither character is perfect and each have their own issues to work through, but as a reader I found it enjoyable to see what the growth looked like and how it came alive through the dialogue and story. It’s clear that they have chemistry which is echoed in the dialogue.
The book was fast paced and I attribute that to the witty dialogue. I started reading and couldn’t believe how quickly I was half way through! In the middle it got a little slow but only for a chapter or two, otherwise I felt like it was a fast read that held my attention throughout. I enjoyed the ‘heist’ elements and of course the history. Even if it isn’t my favorite time period, I enjoyed how the author let the history have some shine but didn’t make it the focus of the book. Overall I think it worked well and added a richness to the story that I think readers will like—especially those who love the 1920s time period books.
I have to say while I loved this book, I think Beauty Among Ruins is still my favorite Ciesielski book. This book is a pretty solid number two though. I loved the main characters and how they already had a history before this main story. I liked the second chance romance theme of this book and felt like readers will also enjoy how the romance played out in this one. The book is well written, great dialogue, interesting characters that grow and evolve in the story, and of course a great romance. This author is listened as a Christian author but I didn’t feel like the story had any Christian fiction elements that tend to distinguish the genre, instead what this book was, was a clean romance with great characters and beautifully told history.
Book Info and Rating
Format 352 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2024 by Thomas Nelson
ISBN 9780840721204 (ISBN10: 084072120X)
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Historical fiction, romance
Free review copy provided by publisher, Thomas Nelson, in partnership with Austen Prose book tours.
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