What inspired me to really want to read this one, was two fold. First, just the title drew me in, and second was the idea of a great historical romance taking place between the employee of a curiosity shop and an apothecary. Just right there was enough intrigue to make me want to pick this one to review. Not to mention, there hasn't been one book written by Sarah E. Ladd that I didn't LOVE!
Imagine the darkened streets of London, in some of the poorest places. Not one you would want to venture out alone as the lamp lighters begin their tarry of lighting the streets. A worn down curiosity shop sits at the end of the street lit only by candle within as Camille Iverness is finishing up the books for her father. She hopes that one day, she might leave this dreaded part of town and instead head to the countryside for a fresh start at a new life. Once again her father is pushing the finances of what they take in by bringing back paintings which rarely ever sell, but she knows far better than to question how he runs this shop. Ever since her mother left them both, it seems as if her father is lost and feels perhaps that Camille might be the one to blame. Nevertheless, she hopes for a better life one day.
When she hears what appears to be her father at the front door, she attempts to open the door for him, and instead, finds a man who forces his way inside. Asking her where her father is, Camille attempts to convince him, that she doesn't know where he is. The man thinks she is trying to hide his whereabouts and draws a knife on her. Her life is only spared when Jonathan Gilchrist arrives to thwart his attempt. The only drawback is Camille is injured and the reason for Jonathan being there is now invalid. He was hoping to find the man who had stolen a rare ruby known as the Bevoy from his father's home. Legend has it that whomever possesses it is either blessed with curses or blessings. Without it, his father and sister will lose their estate and force them all out on the street. For now, his only concern is for Camille and thankfully, as an apothecary, he can help!
I received The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a free copy of the novel and the opinions contained are my own. This is such a great novel, because the way it is written, really transports the reader to London, England in 1812. You can feel the sense of the town so accurately described, you aren't just reading this, you are actually there. I love that both of these characters have a past that keeps them from doing what they truly want in life, something I think reader will be able to relate to. Lovers of romance will find this one completely dreamy and you might just need a box of tissues as well, but I will leave it at that. This is the first novel in the Treasures of Surrey series and I can't wait for the next one. There is also discussion guide questions included at the conclusion at this one, just perfect for book clubs. For me, a wonderful 5 out of 5 stars and was something to take my mind off of dealing with a long hospital stay for my daughter.
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