***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A luxurious and richly compelling new novel from the bestselling author of Blush, about a famous family jewelry dynasty and the hidden past that could topple it all.
One perfect diamond is all it takes to divide a family. Could one summer be enough to fix it?
The Pavlin family built an empire on love. As the first jewelers to sell diamond rings exclusively for proposals, they started a tradition that has defined engagements ever since. But when an ill-fated publicity stunt pits the three Pavlin sisters against one another for a famous family jewel, their bond is broken. No ordinary diamond ring, the Electric Rose splinters the sisters, leaving one unlucky in love, one escaping to the shores of Cape Cod, and the other, ultimately, dead.
Now, over a decade later, Gemma Maybrook is still reconciling the reality of her mother's death. Left orphaned and cast out by her family after the tragic accident, Gemma is ready to reclaim what should have been hers: the Electric Rose. And, as a budding jewelry designer in her own right, Gemma isn't just planning on recovering her mother's lost memento, she's coming back for everything.
From Manhattan’s tony Fifth Avenue to the vibrant sands of Provincetown, Gilt follows the Pavlin women as they are forced to confront the mistakes of the past if they have any hope of finding love and happiness of their own.
Gilt by Jaime Brenner is a dual timeline, family drama that was hard to put down. I needed to find out what happens and if these sisters and niece will ever figure out how to be a family again.
Gemma Maybrook has always known the Electric Rose diamond should be hers. It was given to her mother, Paulina, when she married Gemma’s father, Liam. But, after her parent’s tragic death, the Electric Rose was rumored to be cursed, and she never saw it again. Her mother’s family, the Pauvins own a jewelry empire, but after the death of her parents, she was sent off to live with her father’s family never to see the Pauvins again.
Now, fifteen years after the death of her parents, Gemma is determined to find the Electric Rose and reclaim her inheritance. Gemma is a talented jewelry designer in her own right and wants to start her own business. Her aunt Elodie runs the Pavlin jewelry empire now, and her aunt Celeste lives in Provincetown on Cape Cod after escaping her manipulative family. Can these two sisters, and niece find the Electric Rose and forgive each other again?
I enjoy a good family drama, and Gilt does not disappoint. With money and jewels involved the stakes are high, and these three women are harboring years-long resentment towards each other. My favorite character was Gemma, she was cast off to live with her father’s family after her parent’s death and she never knew the real reason she was cast away, nor does she know the reason her aunts no longer speak to each other. All she knows is that her mother told her the ring was hers, and that the Pauvin family will have nothing more to do with her.
This was a fast-paced book with short chapters that kept the story moving along. I also enjoyed the author’s rich descriptions of the two locations, New York City and Provincetown, Massachusetts.
I highly recommend Gilt to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Jamie Brenner
Jamie Brenner grew up in suburban Philadelphia on a steady diet of Jackie Collins and Judith Krantz novels (more on that below). She studied literature at The George Washington University before moving to New York City to work at HarperCollins Publishers, then later Barnes&Noble.com and Vogue.com before becoming an author. Her novel The Forever Summer is a national bestseller. Booklist declared her latest novel, BLUSH, “A delectable soap [that is] the epitome of escapist reading pleasure.” Her new book, GILT, will publish on June 21, 2022 with Putnam. Jamie divides her time between Philadelphia and New York City.
I saw this book when I was writing my June new release article and the cover immediately stood out to me, but I never got the chance to read the synopsis. Now that I’ve browsed through your review, I’m definitely thinking I need to add it to my TBR. It sounds like such an interesting story!
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I love when a book grabs you like that and you need to know. Great review!
This sounds really interesting. I’m going to add it to my TBR.
This sounds really interesting.
I’ve seen this one and I just know that I am going to love it! Great review Wendy.
Elza Reads
Thank you, Mareli and Elza!
This sounds very interesting. I love family drama and how family members learns to reconnect. Great review!
Thank you, Yesha!
Interesting plot line and good review!
Thank you, Linda!
Great review! I haven’t heard of this one but it does sound good.
Thank you, Joanna!
Family drama, a mysteriously vanished Diamond with a curse, and a great setting. I think I would love this one. Excellent review!
I think you would enjoy it too!
I have to admit, dual timelines and family drama novels are not my favorite, but I’m glad you liked this one so much. 🙂
Thank you, Lark! I can understand that this book isn’t for everyone!
I love a good family drama and this sounds great.
Thank you, Nadene!
This does sound like a good family drama, and I do love shorter chapters it makes a book a lot faster pace 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
I’m always into books that have a dual timeline, I just love those kinda stories so much.
Thank you, Stephanie
I saw this book when I was writing my June new release article and the cover immediately stood out to me, but I never got the chance to read the synopsis. Now that I’ve browsed through your review, I’m definitely thinking I need to add it to my TBR. It sounds like such an interesting story!
It was better than I expected! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
A lovely review Wendy! I enjoy books about family and the dual timeline is one of my favourites. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jodie!
Sounds like a good book. A great review!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Thank you, Emily!
Great review! Glad you enjoyed this one.
Thank you, Carrie!
I love a good family drama, and this sounds like one I’d enjoy. Great review, Wendy.
I do too! Thank you, Cathy!
Wonderful review Wendy!🤗📚💜
Thank you, Susan
I love a cast of female family members, this sounds so good.
Thank you, Rae! It’s a good one!