About the Book
As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.
My Thoughts
Sylvie is our main character and I really appreciated that Laura Frantz took time to really give us a great picture of where she is coming from and what her beautiful country of Nova Scotia was like before it was overtaken. I was heart broken with her as her home was taken from her and she is left alone in a ship. At times like this is when your human self asks why did God let this happen? Where is He when all this is happening? but alas everything has a purpose and a reason and He truly is control and you see that throughout the story.
The hardships Sylvie goes through are hard but there is always light at the end. We see her evolve in this story and I would be a horrible book reviewer if I don't mention Will Blackburn the love interest in this story. He is at first an enigma but soon we see that his gentle heart is guided by God and he seeks to champion for the refugees of Acadie and immediately is pulled towards Sylvie. I'll just say there were some great swoon-worthy moments!
Overall I thought this was a great story and if you have read her previous book Heart Adrift then you will see some familiar characters as this timeline goes along with that one as well. If you enjoy Historical Fiction then you may just want to add this one to your lists!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
About the Book
Title: The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton
Series: The Treasures of Halstead Manor
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: January 16, 2024
Genre: Women's Fiction / Romance
In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart?
Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She's experienced it time and time again. But there's a silver lining to repeatedly proving herself: she's confident and self-reliant.
When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she's game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she's not about to let her guard down--especially with the other women who received the same invitation.
A strange voice on the phone tells them he's gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can't let go of: the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell.
With Everleigh's keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry's vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner's connections to the antiques world, they're bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie's nephew, Niles Butler, doesn't trust Everleigh's innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh's walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team.
Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God's love will relish this new series.
My Thoughts
Susan Tuttle has started such a great series! I was intrigued the entire time and wanted to know how it would end. Definitely a page turner.
This had Charlie's Angels/ National Treasure vibes and I loved it! There is plenty of adventure as the cast of characters are set into a hunt for a missing diamond. I absolutely enjoyed all the characters in the story but this story focuses on Everleigh. I really enjoyed the journey that we went with her. I really could relate to her introvert side and anxiety of letting others get too close to you. She truly goes through a change and her walls come crumbling thanks to the help of Gertrude and Niles.
I absolutely loved Gertrude! She was definitely my favorite character. She has this no nonsense wisdom and bits of truth bombs that were perfect additions to the story. It was great to see that even despite her disability she didn't let that stop her from being active and a big role in the treasure hunt. Her grandson Niles was overprotective but he also helps Everleigh break down those walls of letting people in. Of course it doesn't hurt that you can feel their attraction for each other jump off the page!!
The author did such a great job with the different settings and the historical aspect of the storyline. At first I thought it would turn into a dual timeline but it is not. She provides you with enough historical background to try solve the mystery of the missing diamond. I mean if you are like me, when I read these types of stories I want to solve the mystery myself. I must say I failed and I was surprised at the end.
I will not divulge too much of this story but know that this is a page turner. I cannot wait to read book 2 and learn more about these ladies that all have very different qualities and gifts they bring to the team. I also can't wait to find out more about the mystery man... Caspar! (you'll have to read the book to know what I am talking about!!)
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It had adventure, mystery, romance and a spiritual thread that focused on God's acceptance and friendships. God didn't intend for us to do life alone despite our intorverted selves. Definitely a must for your reading list!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
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