I was looking forward to reading this book but unfortunately it did not meet my expectations. The editing is not up to par, the plot is inconsistent and the character is not well developed. There are mistakes with respect to the time period that the book is set in and overall it just fell short..

I am reviewing this book for Library Journal, it will be published at a later date so you can see my full review there

Cartier’s Hope is a fascinating story about the Hope diamond. Set in New York City in 1910, M J Rose’s slice of historical fiction features not only the world’s most famous diamond but an intriguing cast of characters. The protagonist, Vera Garland, is from an influential family; her father owns the fictitious Garland’s Department store. Her family mingles with the rich and influential of Fifth Avenue; her mother is from high society, while her father worked hard to escape his working-class roots.

Vera is a well educated, high strung unmarried thirty-year-old woman, caught up in the current women’s movement. Encouraged by her father, but dissuaded by her mother, Vera works as a newspaper reporter; one of the few women in the field. Her column, entitled Silk, Satin, and Scandals, focuses on the rich and famous. Secretly, Vera writes a second column under the nom de plume Vee Swan. As Vee Swan, our heroine is an undercover reporter ousting crimes against women and children.

Hope_DiamondThe Hope diamond, purchased by the celebrated jeweler, Pierre Cartier, is up for sale. Rumors are afloat about the ‘bad luck’ that surrounds the illustrious diamond. Are these rumors true, or just a ploy to keep the gossip and publicity about the grand diamond alive? Or is Cartier using these vicious tales to somehow raise the price of the prominent stone? Vee Swan is intrigued and sets about to flush out the truth behind the outlandish stories. But who will be the victim here; Vee, Cartier, or the handsome and dashing Russian jeweler, Jacob Asher, who works for Cartier?

M J Rose has written an exceptional story and I loved every word.

If you love books filled with luxury, beautiful gems, and exquisite tailoring, you'll love "Cartier's Hope". Rose blends emotions with compelling storytelling in an historical setting that sparkles like the Hope diamond she describes in her story.

Although I've enjoyed other books by this author, I simply could not connect to Cartier's Hope, which seemed a bit all over the place (in terms of story/editing). The inconsistent storyline was difficult to keep my interest, and as much as I liked Vera/Vee, the style of this book was not one I wanted to finish. DNF.

NetGalley provided me a copy of this book for a fair review.

I really enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when the author has done considerable research into the era being depicted.

Set in an era where women's rights were constantly being challenged, we are given a front row glimpse into the challenges women in the field of journalism needed to overcome. One can certainly understand how these women added their own voices to the suffragette movement at the time.

However, for a book based on historical facts, I found there were too many modern sensibilities and lines of thought incorporated into the plot which really thinned it out.

This is exactly what I want in a book! And I never thought I would say that about a book that’s not a mystery.
Teach me more about life in the early 1900s. Add the Hope diamond, Cartier’s, Tiffany’s and women journalists fighting for their right to work. Characters from all levels of society interact and deal with what life sends their way, both good and bad. All done in the best storytelling.
Yes, this book made me very happy.

Cartier’s Hope by M.J. Rose is a fictional story about the famous diamond and a journalist, Vera Garland. Vera comes from a wealthy family and yearns for a career instead of the expected future of marriage. Under a pen name to escape her upper class life, and so as not to embarrass her family, Vera/Vee Swann establishes herself as a lower class investigative reporter.

The fascinating Hope Diamond history is recounted, and the premise is that Cartier exploits the diamond’s bad luck history to increase its value.

While the story is good and M.J. Rose does a nice job of writing about the time, I think it falls short for the billing as a “romantic historical mystery”. The Garland family secrets were abundant and provided some unexpected twists, and I was glad when the early pace of the story eventually picked up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eGalley of Cartier’s Hope, and this review of my opinion is freely given.

This book is a very satisfying read. Set in 1910, the heroine is a wealthy woman who also works as a newspaper reporter trying to right the wrongs of society. Her efforts to avenge her father’s death, create a better world and find personal satisfaction are timeless.
I enjoyed this book very much.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is set in Manhattan,early 1900's. The Hope diamond and a young woman journalist are the main characters. M.J.Rose will lure you through the book with mystery,love, family,money and loss. Well written and once I started to read,could put the book down.

This is a historical fiction story about the Hope Diamond. Not only that it is also about women's rights. It is about the fight for equality I pay and also equality in the job force. Here it is about being a reporter. Vera is a woman of wealth. She comes from a high class family. She however does not conform to her class. Thus as a reporter, she disguises herself and reports as Vee. She is able to keep both personal separate as who would expect anyone of high class to lower themselves and live as a lower class person.
In her life as a reporter she decided to write a story of Cartier and his Hope Diamond. She writes about his theatrics and endeavors in telling stories about the bad luck that comes to anyone who owns or touches the diamond. This in turn causes the price of the diamond to escalate. The stories of misfortune in this book are in actuality true.
An informative story about semi-precious stones, diamonds, love, theft and revenge. Everything needed to make an incredible read!

#Cartier’sHope #NetGalley
“She’s got spunk” were the words Lou Grant often said to Mary Tyler Moore on the sitcom and they are certainly appropriate in MJ Rose’s new novel, Cartier’s Hope. Vera Garland, alias Vee Swann lives two lives in New York, one as a wealthy socialite and another in disguise as a mousy “bespectacled” writer for a newspaper. Women’s rights play an important part.
The Hope diamond is a centerpiece for the story with all its rumors of causing misfortune to anyone who touches it.
A mysterious key is found. It will reveal secrets that set off a series of events.
This book draws you in and keeps you there. Pretty people, pretty places, romance and intrigue!
Did you know that back in the early 1900’s women discovered they could use hatpins to fight off unwanted attention?

An intriguing story of mystery, love and hope set around early 20th century NYC and the Hope Diamond. Rose pulls in social injustice through her character’s journalism career, while also addressing some issues that are still prevalent today. There’s also a bit of love and lore surrounding the Hope Diamond that is rather enchanting for the main character, and reader, to experience.
Another unique and riveting book by M J Rose.

Would you purchase something that had great material value even if it might bring bad luck? It seems that many people would do so if that something is the Hope Diamond. M.J. Rose uses the mystery of the Hope diamond as a backdrop for her latest novel, Cartier’s Hope. Though the Hope Diamond, Cartier, and wealth in the Gilded Age are the shiny objects that draw you in, her novels also come with heroines you can root for, history, family complications, love and a mystery – always a mystery. This story follows the life of heiress Vera Garland who has an alter ego, Vee Swann, an investigative reporter when women were not well thought of in newsrooms. When her beloved father dies, the two parts of her life converge when she hatches a plan to exact revenge on the man she feels was responsible for her father’s death. Though the plots of Rose’s novels may not be so believable, even if some of it is true, there is substance in the history. The Gilded Age is complicated, of course, but Cartier’s Hope also exposes how the other non-gilded half lived, how all women were ill-treated but particularly women who wanted to work for a living. All in all, the book held my attention and it was a very enjoyable read and learning something along the way is just a bonus.

The title alone grabbed me. The story is set in the early 1900’s, my favorite era to read about. It’s a story of deceit, love, jewels, the Holocaust, and Manhattan. I also loved the reference of Nellie Bly, as well as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. All of these historic happenings are mentioned in Cartier’s Hope. It’s a quick read and also a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ePub! I must say, Atria is one of my top publishing houses. Their books and stories are consistently good!

Historical drama mystery about the Hope Diamond.
A lot of background about the curse of the Hope diamond and the rich and their life during the early 1900..
Some family drama ,mystery and slight romance.
Wasn't one of my favorites.
Voluntarily reviewed

Wonderful historical novel about the Hope diamond and around the 1900 - 1910. Romantic and interesting plot. The dialogue could be better though doesn't take away the story arc. Strong and very sincere female character / protagonist. I enjoyed reading this book and it was well paced.

Cartier’s Hope by M.J.. Rose. A story about the diamond. And how the jeweler made it more appealing.

The background of the Gilded Age New York and people's fascination with jewels including the Hope Diamond makes for an entertaining read. With a little mystery thrown in and the sleuthing by the female journalist, this historical read was enchanting and fast-paced. A little romance blossomed which makes this a romantic historical novel. This was a delightful read about life during the 1910s among those who were fortunate and some not so fortunate.

I’m not going to lie - the legend of the Hope Diamond is beyond fascinating to me. If you know nothing about the legend of the Hope Diamond you will find out and jump down the rabbit hole. Greek mythology is interwoven with secret language of gemstones with rich descriptions throughout. The storyline is a simmer that never quite boils over. However, it does have a little bit of everything - mystery, blackmail/extortion, a woman who won’t let society slap a label on her, a little romance, and a jewel thief.