Thomas Nelson, July 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
4.5 stars~ (No Spoilers!)
Riveting Regency!
In The Curiosity Keeper, Sarah E. Ladd takes the reader on an unforgettable Regency adventure—of a young woman's journey from the dank, overcrowded, noisy streets of Somerset, London, to the flowering orchids that patchwork lush, verdant forest land, ponds laden with majestic swans, and cobblestones paths of Surrey, England.
Abandoned by her mother, Camille Iverness runs a shabby curiosity shop with her father in a rough area in London. After a brutal attack and betrayal, Camille is rescued by Jonathon Gilchrist, heir of Kettering Hall. Jonathan had been sent by his father to the curiosity shop to recover the Bevoy, a valuable, massive ruby said to bring blessings or curses to the owner. Convinced Camille knows nothing of the stolen Bevoy, Jonathan arranges a way of escape for her to the beautiful countryside where his family resides. Amongst treachery, greed, and deceit will Camille find a gem far more valuable than a priceless ruby?
Sarah Ladd has proven herself to be a masterful writer of Regency fiction! Her stories are filled with angst, romantic tension, multi-faceted characters, and mystery. The Curiosity Keeper is an unpredictable read full of twists and turns—prepare yourselves for a real shocker near the exciting conclusion! I truly found this one hard to put down until the climactic ending...as I do with all of Ms. Ladd's novels. Highly recommended!
Abandoned by her mother, Camille Iverness runs a shabby curiosity shop with her father in a rough area in London. After a brutal attack and betrayal, Camille is rescued by Jonathon Gilchrist, heir of Kettering Hall. Jonathan had been sent by his father to the curiosity shop to recover the Bevoy, a valuable, massive ruby said to bring blessings or curses to the owner. Convinced Camille knows nothing of the stolen Bevoy, Jonathan arranges a way of escape for her to the beautiful countryside where his family resides. Amongst treachery, greed, and deceit will Camille find a gem far more valuable than a priceless ruby?
Sarah Ladd has proven herself to be a masterful writer of Regency fiction! Her stories are filled with angst, romantic tension, multi-faceted characters, and mystery. The Curiosity Keeper is an unpredictable read full of twists and turns—prepare yourselves for a real shocker near the exciting conclusion! I truly found this one hard to put down until the climactic ending...as I do with all of Ms. Ladd's novels. Highly recommended!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A special thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of The Curiosity Keeper in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstores.
GIVEAWAY: Author Sarah Ladd is generously giving away a paperback copy of The Curiosity Keeper to one blessed commenter!
I am looking forward to reading the twists and turns. As a Regency fan, I just had to pre-order this book but am only on the first chapter.
ReplyDeleteI own her previous three books so please don't enter me.
Just wanted to stop by and read the review-- Her book covers are all lovely!
I love her book covers as well and just HAD to post the next one, JANELLA! Sooo pretty. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did and thank you for coming by and sharing!
DeleteI've read multiple positive reviews on this book and I'm super intrigued by it! Would love to read it!!!
ReplyDeleteFROM SNOWFLAKES TO HOTCAKES, you just helped me to decide what I want for breakfast this morning! And it sure isn't snowflakes! lol Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteOh, I hope you get to go for a dive, KATE! lol If you love Regency, you're sure to love The Curiosity Keeper!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely GORGEOUS covers on those books!! Thanks for that intriguing, and very beautiful review too I might add, Diana! Sounds great!! :)
ReplyDeleteAren't they, though? Thank you for your kind words, NOELA! I love these regency era books!
DeleteBeautiful review, Diana. Now you've whet my appetite. I just love this cover. It's exquisite. The tone, the shades, her dress looks like it's floating off her. Just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you, KAV! Sarah Ladd is always so blessed with lovely covers...they make my mouth water. AND whet my appetite as you so aptly put it!
DeleteSqueeeee!!!!!!!!!! Diana, thank you for this splendid review. I am so excited for the release of THE CURIOSITY KEEPER. The cover is so breath taking.
ReplyDeleteOh, it is, CARYL! And so is the new one! Thank you for your sweet words and perhaps you'll win a copy!!
Deletebeautiful cover.. love all her books
ReplyDeleteThank for coming by, MIA! I do as well! Lotsa luck to you!
DeleteGreat review, Diana! I will definitely have to put this on my must read list.
ReplyDeleteYes, you must read it, REGINA! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteHow exciting! I received an e-copy of this novel to review on my site for NetGalley. I would love a print version though. This is a MUST read!!! I loved Sarah's other series, but I would have to say this is her best novel yet. I would highly recommend it. Full of romance, adventure, and intrigue. Thanks for offering this giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteHi, SYDNEY! Thanks for your high recommendation! I know Sarah Ladd appreciates it and so do I!
DeleteI would love to be entered! Sarah Ladd is an excellent author and I always enjoy her stories. Entertaining but also thought provoking. Can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteesterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
Yes, she is, CHARITY! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've got you entered!
DeleteThe Curiosity Keeper sounds like another book that I MUST READ!! Love the review. Thank you for this opportunity to try and win. CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, CHERYL! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteLove the review, Diana! I am very sure this one would be hard to put down!! I would love to win.
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
It was indeed, BETTI, and I finished it pretty quickly! I've got your name in my cyber-hat here. ;)
DeleteWell, let's try again. (Thanks for letting me know!) I agree wholeheartedly about the covers, they're beautiful. I really enjoyed reading the first few books and cannot wait to read her more recent one and ones to come.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were finally able to post, CHERRYBLOSSOMMJ! Blogger acts up from time to time. :/ In the meanwhile while you were trying to re-post, my PC decided to freeze. ugh Glad we both made it back Lol I, too, have enjoyed Sarah's books immensely...haven't read a bad one yet. Looking forward to the next one with the pretty blue dress and intriguing title!
DeleteGreat review Diana! I love books that are hard to put down and this one sounds like one of those. I always enjoy Sarah Ladd's books. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of The Curiosity Keeper. Beautiful book covers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net
Thx, so much, TINA! I read this one rather quickly in spite of all my busyness here of late, so yep, hard to put down! They are beautiful covers. Good luck, my friend!
DeleteThank you for the chance to win. Sounds wonderful and the cover is beautiful. God bless
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, LUCY! It is a wonderfully written story and I so hope you get the chance to read it ASAP! Blessings back!
DeleteBeautifully descriptive review, Diana, thank you!! Sarah is one of those authors whose books are on my TBR list, I've read nothing but wonderful things about her novels and her covers are always beautiful!! "The Curiosity Keeper" has an unusual and invitingly curious story line.
ReplyDeleteBONNIE, thank you! I hope you get the opportunity to become acquainted with Sarah's books soon...all the wonderful things you have heard are so true!
DeleteGreat review! I'm super excited to read this book. I'd love to win so I can get started. :) It sounds wonderful. I've loved the other Sarah E. Ladd books that I've read. I'm sure this one will be just as great! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThx so much, WINNIE! I just reviewed a wonderful book on this blog with a character named Winnie. Sarah is a wonderful author and I'm sure you will be happy with this one as well. Good luck!
DeleteI read her first series and loved it. This one looks like another winner and the covers are BEAUTIFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteDiane
dianemestrella at gmail dot com
The other series was the BoMb, DIANE! I believe you will enjoy this one, too, and I'm really looking forward to reading the next one in the series! Especially after seeing that lovely cover!
DeleteGreat review Diana. I have always admired the covers of Sarah's books and tried to win one. Up till now I never won but will try again. I'm not very smart when it comes to knowing which books are what genre. I don't know just where each begins. Do love most different kinds tho it seems. And, love my OWG girls very much. So glad I found this blog. GOD has given me a blessing in meeting each of you. (((Hugs))) Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteMAXIE! What a blessing you are to each and every one of us here on OWG as well! Usually at the beginning of a book it gives the year and where the story is taking place, so that gives you a clue as to the genre. Reading reviews are a great tool as well! I like just about every genre except sci-fi & horror, and they must be Christian fiction.
DeleteYou had me at Regency........
ReplyDeleteMy want-to-read list is already out of control, but I simply MUST add this one to it!!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
TRIXI, I can totally identify! Lol One can never have too many books in my opinion!
DeleteNo never in my opinion either.....in spite of what my hubby says....lol!! It's almost time for me to buy a new bookshelf since I almost have one entire one filled!! Guess I'll be checking Goodwill or some other place like that for one (or two, or three)....lol!!
DeleteYou're too funny! Or garage sales! You just gave me a splendid idea...thx, TRIXI!
DeleteI'm wanting to read more about this story that's an unpredictable read full of twists and turns!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely on my wanted list :)
dkstevensne AToutlookD OtCoM
Our poor heroine doesn't know who to trust, DEANNA! Here's hoping you get your wanted list fulfilled. Lol
DeleteDon't you all just love this cover ? I know I sure do. The cover drew me in first, then when I saw what it was about I said to myself this is a defininate must read. The cover for the next one os gorgeous as well. I can't wait ! Love your review, Diana, you do such an excellent job of drawing me into the story !
ReplyDeleteDeanne Patterson
Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
Thank you, DEANNE! I feel like I have done my job then! ;) And what a fun job it is! Yes, I love this cover and also the next one! Good luck in the giveaway! :)
DeleteOH OH OH I've been REALLY wanting to read this one! :) It sounds SO good and I've really enjoyed Sarah's last series!!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom
OH, OH, OH, I so hope you get the chance to read this ASAP, AMADA, before you burst! You are so cute! Lol
DeleteLOL! Hey it could happen! ;) HAHAHAHAHA!
DeleteHAHAHAHAHA You are so funny...and cute! I HOPE you don't burst! (gasp)
DeleteI like your review of this book a lot. It makes me want to read it right now. I love Sarah E. Ladd's books. The covers of her books are beautiful. I have three of her other books. They were well written and had great storyline. I like how her books are from two perspectives, the female and male view. I like reading books during the regency period by her and Julie Klassen.
ReplyDeleteI love the regency era, too, ROSA. I read hers and Julie's back to back and I started to get them mixed up! The storylines weren't the same, but the time frame was. Lol Both great authors! I'm glad you enjoyed the review!
DeleteThanks for this review. I'm glad to know The Curiosity Keeper has lots of suspensful twists and turns besides the romance. I've read Sarah's last two books and thoroughly enjoyed them so I expect to love this book as well. The covers are always lovely on her books. Thanks for showing us the cover of her next release. There are always so many books to put on my "wish list." I'd love to win this one! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteHi, PAM! You're so welcome!! I know what you mean about that ever growing wish list! Lol I wish I had two heads for reading. If you enjoyed Sarah's other books, I'm sure you will this one as well. Good luck!
DeleteAnother one to add to the tottering pile, and all because u write such wonderful reviews! :)
ReplyDeleteAww...thank you, ANNE. You're the sweetest. Is it my reviews or the fact that it's a Regency? Lol
DeleteDefinitely BOTH! :-)
DeleteRight answer. hahaha Love you, ANNE! <3
DeleteA shocker of a twist - I'm ready.
ReplyDeleteGreat review thank you.
I wasn't quite ready for that one, MARY. Lol Thx for your kind words!
DeleteOh, boy! This one sounds like a must read! Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Indeed it is, MELANIE! Thx for stopping by and you're entered in the giveaway!
DeleteI am looking forward to reading this one. My "curiosity" is aroused about the shop and Camille. I recently finished The Whispers on the Moors series by Sarah Ladd and she is such a talented writer. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed The Whispers on the Moors series, LORAINE. Sarah does such a great job with descriptive imagery which is something I failed to mention in my review. She is indeed a talented writer! Thank you for coming by!
DeleteThe Curiousity Keeper sounds wonderfully mysterious and romantic. I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
It definitely is, MERRY! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteHi, KIM, and welcome to OWG! Just tossed your name in the hat -- good luck!
DeleteI adore Sarah's books and can't wait to read this one. The Whispers on the Moors trilogy were so fun to read, but the first was, arguably, my favorite. ~Kari
ReplyDeleteI agree, KARI! I loved that series! I think I would cry if Sarah started writing something other than Recency. Lol She's so good at it!
DeleteI have not read any of Sarah's books, but this one sounds like a winner!
ReplyDeletePATTY, I so wish you would try her first book in the Whispers on the Moors series! I think you'll be totally hooked! This one is the first book in her Treasures of Surrey series, so this would also be a good place to start. Blessings!
DeleteI have never read one of her books -- I will definitely purchase this if I am not the lucky winner :-) Thank you for the great review!
ReplyDeleteOh, CHRISTINE! You are in for a treat! The Whispers on the Moors series is her first and they often go on sale, so I'd keep a lookout on Amazon! This one that I reviewed is the 1st book in her Surrey series. Hoping you get to read one of Sarah's books soon! Thank you!
DeleteI love the covers of both books--I am not familiar with Sarah's books, but they look like ones that I would choose for myself.
ReplyDeleteCATHY, welcome to Overcoming With God! I would love for you to go to Amazon and take a look at Sarah's wonderful books! This is the first one in her 2nd series...the first series was Whispers on the Moors. I hope you get the chance to read them soon. Good luck!
DeleteI have really wanted to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, RACHEL! Lots of luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI love the cover art! As an avid reader of historical fiction, I'd love to add The Curiosity Keeper to my book shelves! Thanks for the lovely review.
ReplyDeleteAll of Sarah's covers are truly lovely, J. M. This one would look wonderful on your bookshelf! Hoping for a win for you and thx for stopping by OWG!
Delete