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.
My thoughts: Sarah E. Ladd has again succeeded in crafting a story that unfolds the hearts and minds and souls of beautifully drawn characters. The Curiosity Keeper is a treasure of a young lady raised in early youth on an English estate and who has all the bearings of a lady born. She is, however, now in the back streets of London in her father's Curiosity Shop. Hence, she is the keeper of the curiosities.
We meet her father, who while raised benefiting a gentleman, has lower himself in his personality and character to rude, mean, and brutish. Enter the scene our male hero - the current heir to the Kettering Estate, but whose heart and soul belongs to the healing trade of Apothecary.
A traitorous theft, a cruel stabbing, a mad chase, a desperate escape take these unforgettable characters on uncharted paths.
There is a sweet romance that blooms amidst this trouble. And as always, we look forward to the next installment in the Treasures of Surrey and hope to see more of Camille and Jonathan.
GIVEAWAY
Begins July 17 & ENDS July 31 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the author: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance and a finalist in the Debut Author category of the 2014 Carol Awards. The second book in the series, The Headmistress of Rosemere (2013), was on the ECPA best-seller list for several months.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review by Litfuse Publicity Group. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review. Giveaway copy is also provided by Litfuse.
She is a award winning historical writer and has some wonderful looking books!
ReplyDeleteShe has 10 years of marketing experience. I love looking for treasures so, the Curiosity Keeper appeals to my love of antique/garage sale shopping!
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of Sarah's books and enjoyed them very much. It's apparent she does lots of research and knows a lot about the Regency period.
ReplyDeleteRegency period really appeals to me or anything written in 1800-1900's. Seems Sarah's books are in this time frame, so they would very much appeal to me! She had me at Historical Fiction...lol!!
ReplyDeleteAlso what I learned, she was 5 yrs in marketing non-fiction books and 3 years marketing the musical arts. And I love what she says in her introduction under the about me tab..."Every word has a melody. Every sentence has a rhythm." I bet that is her writing motto :-) I'm very much looking forward to reading her books. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "The Curiosity Keeper"...it's right up at the top of my want-to-read list!
Sarah is part of THE GROVE along with some of my all time favorite Christian authors. I purchased Sarah's first book, The Heiress of Winterwood, as soon as it was available. My love for Jane Austen drew me to this regency romance.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read! I am definitely adding it to my list and I look forward to reading the whole story! Great review. So glad I found you on Literacy Musing Monday link-up ;)
ReplyDeleteI love reading historical fiction because I love learning about the past... Mostly American history post Civil War.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fascinating! It has certainly aroused my curiosity! :) Thanks for linking up at Booknificent Thursday this week, and thanks for including a link for where to buy the book! I always appreciate that in a review.
ReplyDeleteTina