The first book in the beloved Regency romance series, The Treasures of Surrey.“Regency romantic suspense at its page-turning best.” —RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, TOP PICK!“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 … 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.
“An engaging Regency with a richly detailed setting and an unpredictable suspenseful plot.” —Library Journal
“A delightful read, rich with period details.” —Sarah M. Eden, bestselling author of For Elise
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I liked this book because the setting is different. The curiosity shop caught my attention right away.
Loved this book. More action and twists than I expected, but it was well worth the read.
I loved the tenacity of the characters.
I enjoyed the whole series. This first book, “The Curiosity Keeper” is certainly an unusual story and keeps you glued to the pages. Very original story line. I especially appreciate the fact that some of the sub-characters (not all) were able to learn, to change, and to reconcile with the main characters. This doesn’t always happen in Fiction and I’d like to see more of it.
Something strange is going on in the shop that Camille Iverness takes care of while her father is away each day. In fact, her father is acting strange too. So begins the story of a young lady who gets caught in a web of deceit and intrigue. The costly stolen Bevoy ruby is at the heart of the story as Jonathan Gilchrist is charged by his father to locate it or face financial ruin for the family’s estate.
A defender, protector, and selfless, Jonathan is a man who sees beyond the social class and lifestyle his family is attempting to maintain. Helping others less fortunate and those in need make him a wonderful partner for Camille. Spunky, inquisitive, and caring, Camille is trying to find the Bevoy for her father, but as more information comes to light, she is torn in her loyalties. As Camille and Jonathan discover things about the ruby each must decide what is most important, their family or their relationship.
The mystery, romance, and plot twists made this a book worth reading more than once. In fact, I have listened to an audio version of it twice and I am sure I will read it again, I think it is that good! If you are a fan of historical novels with an element of mystery and love, I highly recommend this first book in A Treasures of Surrey series.
The details in this book sweeps the reader into two different side of English society, both done with flawless beauty. The characters and plot were layered and I loved how the story ended. An enchanting read.
This book is fantastic. The author has managed to weave many twists and turns into the story and developed layers into the characters personalities. I so enjoyed the ending because it wasn’t the perfect, typical fairytale ending.
Almost five stars. I really enjoyed reading this book. A mystery and romance in one book. I recommend.
The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd
Format: Audiobook
3 stars
Recommended: Yes
Reread: No
“Born into two different classes, James and Camille shouldn’t even know each other. But when the pursuit of a missing ruby brings them together, much more than a mere acquaintance is ignited. “
I love historical fiction and I’m always on the look out for new authors so
I’ve been looking forward to reading one of Sarah E Ladd’s books for awhile now.
I was a little disappointed in this. Its not a bad book, but its not a great book either.
I guess I had higher expectations. Its just average.
The worst thing about the book is most of the secondarily got on my nerves.
I just bought The Weaver’s Daughter at a book sale so I hope its better then this one.
For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspot.com/
Different sort of storyline. I enjoyed it.
A book I don’t think I would have normally chosen, but am I glad I did. I LOVED it. Great plot line that keeps one reading!
Curiosity Keeper is a clean, clever story written so beautifully it’s hard to realize that it was written in this century. Don’t mistake that for “dull.”
Jonathon Gilchrist is a man with a gift for healing and years of experience as the local apothecary, much to his proud father’s chagrin. A robbery at the family house in the country drags Jonathon, kicking and protesting, into a world he knows nothing about…where he meets his future.
Camille Iverness is tough and savvy, so long as she stays in the tiny world of her father’s curiosity shop. And why wouldn’t she? Aside from a few idyllic memories of life before her wealthy grandfather’s death, the shop is all she knows.
Jonathon and Camille face the challenge of finding physical and emotional safety, unraveling the mystery of the stolen item, working together, and their own growing feelings for each other.
Sweetly, gently told.
I truly enjoy Sarah E. Ladd’s writing. Her books may be from the Regency era, and I usually don’t pick up books in that era, but Ladd’s writing and her gift in storytelling make me anxious for her next books. Ladd has a unique way of transporting me to this time and place.
In her newest book, The Curiosity Keeper, Ladd transported me to the early nineteenth century with her details of downtown London. I smelt the dirt lining the streets. I heard the fight at the saloon and brothel across the street from Camille’s father’s shop. I imagined the overcrowded shop full of junk and collectables intermingling in the dusty room. I felt like I was truly there, which is what a good writer does.
James and Camille, the hero and heroine, lingered around in my head long after I finished the story. James is a man who just wants to heal people but gets caught up in the affairs of his father with the missing ruby. He is sweet, caring, and intelligent. I truly enjoyed meeting and learning more about James. As for Camille, I really liked her too. She placed her parents on this pedestal, like most children do, but realized parents can make mistakes too. Camille is caring, innocent, and brave. A great combination to fit with James.
The conflict in The Curiosity Keeper has a little mystery to it. Where is the ruby? Why does everyone want it? From the first chapter, I am drawn into the story, wandering along with Camille, where is the ruby? The story kept my attention and held on. I finished the book in less than one day. It was a great plot with a twist at the end that I did not see coming. As for the romantic tension, the romance really didn’t make an appearance to about 70% into the book. It was not the driving force of the novel until later. Which I liked, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed seeing James and Camille interact without falling head over heels on the first page.
I recommend this book for anyone who is fans of Julie Klassen’s latest book, The Secret of Pembroke Park. They are similar with the time period and the mystery. Both are great books!
Unique and thrilling, Sarah E. Ladd’s latest book, The Curiosity Keeper, has a mystery populated with a hero and heroine worth spending time with while transporting the reader to early nineteenth century London.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley and the opinions stated are all my own.
I’m not sure why, but for some reason, I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this one as much as I did! However, I found this story to be engaging and John and Camille to be endearing characters. My favorite part is how strongly Camille’s love of the countryside shines throughout the story. Ladd does as excellent job at showing the stark difference between the grit and gloom of where Camille lived in London and Kettering Hall’s beautiful gardens and rolling hills of the country. Camille herself is a study of being a woman with no options yet the assumption about her is that she chose life as a shopkeeper. Of course, she had no say, and her early life living in the country with her grandfather still calls to her heart.
The romance develops at a realistic pace, which is much appreciated by this reader. I also liked how there are several secondary characters that add to the story. One of them is a part of the twist toward the end of the story, and I honestly was not expecting that. Miss Gilchrist, our hero’s sister, nearly drove me crazy but I hope she finds happiness, too, I suppose.
The ending is very romantic and lovely. Camille has finally found her true home, and I could easily picture her there. I’m glad I have books two and three already – definitely looking forward to them!
“The Curiosity Keeper” is a regency/gothic surprising suspenseful mystery with a sweet little romance. Sarah Ladd captures her readers from the very first chapter and you cannot help but stay for the end.
The story revolves around Camille the shopkeeper’s daughter. She finds herself caught in the middle of one of her father’s schemes involving a stollen ruby belonging to the Gilchrist family. Inevitably she ends up on an adventure of a lifetime, ending with all of her dreams coming true.
I was captivated from beginning to end. All of the characters were well drawn out and I felt that I was there beside Camille throughout the book. The end left me wanting to read more books by Sarah Ladd, so keep writing as you are a wonderful story teller.
I received a complimentary arc copy of “The Curiosity Keeper” by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was so neat that the Daughter was able to get out of her home and her mean Father and find true happiness with a Guy from the “good side of the tracks!!!” The author kept the writing in the 1800’s dress and all.
This book held my interest and I hated to put it down .
Well written and an exciting read
It was entertaining.
I truly loved this story! A heartwarming read where good triumphs over evil and love saves the day!!