💎Vera Garland is a member of the upper echelons of society; she has fancy dresses and expensive jewelry, and is often attending society parties or performances at the theater.
🗞Vee Swann is a female reporter who writes a column called Silk, Satin, and Scandals, and who, along with her fellow female reporters, works towards exposing and changing conditions for workers in places such as factories.
💎Very few people know that Vera Garland and Vee Swann are the same person, but when Vera discovers that her father’s recent death may have been brought on by the actions of another—another who is blackmailing many individuals—she will do anything to uncover the truth and bring him down, even if she has to use the famous Hope Diamond and reveal her dual identity to do so.

🗞One of the things I liked the most about this novel is that it contains a strong, female main character; a female working in a male-dominated field and being extremely successful at it. It is well written and, although there were some slow spots, it mostly kept me hooked and engaged throughout. It wasn’t difficult to figure out what was going on, so there were not a lot of surprises for me, but I enjoyed watching Vera uncover the truth.

💎If you enjoy historical fiction and mysteries, I would recommend Cartier’s Hope by M.J. Rose.
🗞Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC of Cartier’s Hope, given in exchange for an honest review.

MJ Rose’s magnificently written novel is all that I love about historical fiction – A vivid setting which in this page-turner is glamorous, unforgettable characters, and a perfect blend of fact and fiction. Secrets and secret identities, intrigue, romance sprinkled with gemology, journalism and women’s rights makes this a novel not to be missed.

Cartier’s Hope is a fascinating tour of early twentieth century New York City, through the eyes of socialite, Vera Garland. Not only does the lucky reader get a glimpse of iconic places such as the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Metropolitan Opera, and the Waldorf-Astoria; but best of all, the lush descriptions of the posh department store, Garland’s Emporium, on 57th Street; in the heart of the city’s newest uptown shopping district. Vera, the Radcliff graduate, is actually an undercover reporter for the New York World and switches adeptly into the guise of Vee Swann with her wig, glasses, and unattractive dress. She pens a weekly gossip column known as Silk, Satin, and Scandals; sourcing her material by spying on her own family, friends, and acquaintances. The column becomes so popular that Vee Swann is able to “make her mark by way of exposes and raise awareness of social ills and charitable efforts under the guise of gossip.” The reader is secretly shuffled through a tunnel designed specifically to leave the Emporium undetected. Vera/Vee could depart Granville Garland’s posh penthouse unnoticed; out onto the streets of the city to march with suffragettes in protest, visit impoverished, sickly children in tenements, and plow bravely into illegal abortion clinics; but most importantly and quite intriguing, are her forays into Pierre Cartier’s jewelry shop – sometimes as Vera and other times as Vee Swann.

Pierre Cartier, the Hope diamond, and his Russian jeweler, Jacob Asher, enter Vera’s life as she begins her investigative adventures; hired by the unscrupulous Mr. Oxley, editor and owner of the Gotham Gazette. Vera Garland follows in her hero, Nelly Blye’s footsteps, as she explores the history and the curse attributed to the infamous “French Blue.” The reader will follow the twists and turns of the merchandising world, newspaper sales, women’s rights, and the heartbreaking search for love as the quest for the Hope Diamond and family secrets captures the imagination- like Vera’s perfect strand of pearls-right to the very last page. There’s a perfect clasp to every strand of pearls, but according to Jacob, “there’s no such thing as a perfectly flawless gemstone.” M.J. Rose has presented readers a breathtaking, black velvet tray with a glittering gem waiting for inspection. *****GR

It is 1910 New York and the Gilded Age comes alive through the engaging storytelling of Ms. Rose. Vera Garland is the convention-defying heroine who is the center of this vibrant historical novel. Vera is determined to have a career as a muckraking journalist, eschewing the constraints of marriage and motherhood dictated by the societal mores of her time. While she is recovering from an injury she sustained during one of her investigations, Vera’s beloved father passes away and she inherits his apartment and possessions. As she is sorting through his books, she discovers a letter from a blackmailer exposing one of her father’s long-kept secrets. Vera knows the blackmailer and devises a plan to exact revenge. Vera’s plan involves the legendary Hope Diamond and its current owner Pierre Cartier. Will Vera’s plan succeed? And what about her attraction to the mysterious Jacob Asher, assistant to the famed Cartier?

Throughout the novel social issues of the early 20th century such as women’s struggle for equality at home and work; antisemitism; discrimination against gays and minorities; as well as the importance of women’s suffrage and violence against women are highlighted. This is a well-researched and intricately woven story of mystery and history; and the social issues are relevant to the headlines of today. A wonderfully, atmospheric, and well plotted story; it will be a favorite for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction and book clubs everywhere!

New York in the Gilded Age was a city of both mansions and poverty and both sides of the city are displayed in Cartier’s Hope. Vera Garland experiences the balls and society teas as a member of the city’s wealthy elite. She also works for a newspaper as Vee Swann, reporting on society events and gossip, but also going undercover to expose labor abuse and social issues. While her mother looks down on her occupation, she was always supported by her father. After his death Vera moved into an apartment that he kept above the department store that is owned by the family. Among his possessions she finds a key that leads her to surprising revelations about her father’s life. She blames his death on a magazine publisher who uses blackmail to increase his revenue. As a reporter, she plans to expose his extortion.

On a visit to Cartier’s with her sister she has an opportunity to view the Hope diamond. The myths and supposed curse surrounding the diamond fascinate her. They also plant the idea to use Cartier and these stories in her plan for revenge. Vera befriends Jacob Asher, one of Cartier’s jewelers, to learn more but their friendship develops into something unexpected. Cartier was a friend to her father and she must decide how far she will go in using Jacob and Cartier to exact her revenge.

M.J. Rose brings her character to life. Vera comes from wealth, but as Vee she experiences the despair and the needs of the city’s poor. Her true identity is kept secret from her fellow reporters as she stands with them to protest the inequality in pay and recognition for the other women reporters. Even as she makes her plans she realizes that she will have to face the consequences of her decisions.

The description of the Hope diamond and its’ history are fascinating and Rose has an elegant writing style that makes the story flow. Readers of historical fiction will be caught up in this story from the opening pages, making this a book that is easy to recommend. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book in exchange for my review.

I loved this story so much!!!!!!! It is about a heroine that all women can identify with and enjoy and root for.
Cartiers Hope is a fiction story about the famous Hope diamond. Vera Garland is a young reporter/socialite in the early 1900's. Trying to make a name for herself in the industry of journalism. Vera has a pseudonym that she writes under because her real persona would never be taken seriously in this era sadly. In an effort to extract revenge she begins scheming & investigating the stories behind the Hope Diamond and the stories that it's new owner jeweler Mr. Pierre Cartier has told in order to make a sell. Appealing to his assistant for her scheming she actually falls in love for the first time in her love. Which was not in her plan at all. Now everything she's worked so hard for can all fall apart. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for my honest review

Historical fiction set in New York City in 1910 - the Gilded Age. Vera comes from a wealthy merchant family and on the surface is a socialite; but, she has a secret life as journalist, Vee Swan, at a time when women aren't taken seriously.

This was an interesting story depicting the social structure during the period and the situation women were supposed to happily inhabit in the male dominated society. The story is interwoven with the mystery of the Hope Diamond - the history and the curse. I enjoyed the character Vee especially, as she is feisty and strong-willed, as well as morally grounded. The history surrounding the Hope Diamond is fascinating. It was a fun story that I would recommend to someone who likes mystery and historical fiction.

Thanks to M.J. Rose and Atria Books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Yet another loves of mine - the mystery surrounding the Hope Diamond. This story follows an heiress who masquerades as a journalist at the beginning of the last century. She becomes entranced by the Hope Diamond and the buzz surrounding it as well as a family secret of her own. The story unravels around the mystery of the Hope Diamond and leads us down many different paths and the author deftly creates a world where we do not know what might happen next.

A great way to spend a few days, living the lives of the other half of society and learning about a few things I didn’t know about (the hope diamond being one of them).

This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really interested in this novel. It takes place just before WW1, and follows a girl named Vera, who is dealing with the fallout from her father's death. She works as the anonymous writer for a gossip column, using her status as the daughter of a socialite who attends galas and parties among other rich people. There's a supposedly cursed diamond, and Vera makes it her goal to investigate it.

Listen, I'm all for sleuths and investigating. The fact that it's set pre-WW1 (I'm historical fiction trash) and has a fierce, determined female protagonist is even better. But the writing was . . . a bit boring. I felt a bit detached from Vera, and I struggled to even care about the curses diamond or her investigative efforts. A pass for me, sadly.

I was not too fond of Cartier's Hope by MJ Rose. I do not think it was a read for me. I would give it two stars.

Going undercover as Vee Swan, she uncovers the abysmal conditions in the tenements on the Lower East Side. And almost loses her life in the process. Recovering from her injuries and dealing with her father's sudden death so soon after her Uncle Percy, she is taking a break from both of her identities.

While working on the mystery of her father's death as well as marching for equal rights and pay for women, she hears that the Hope Diamond is in New York at Cartier's! The rumors surrounding the stone are legendary. But how much is just hype to entice a better price?

Vera is intent on proving the bad luck theory or disproving it. It doesn't hurt that it has brought her to an obnoxious magazine publisher who is also a blackmailer and could be responsible for her fathers' death. 

For her plans to all come together she will need help. When she goes to Cartier's to visit Pierre's Russian jeweler for assistance, she finds out there is even more intrigue to come and she may not come out of this with the story she wants nor the man.

First, let's talk about this cover! Absolutely stunning. The story was so real, with all of the ugliness of the women's rights movements and the men who were violent and did their best to keep the women where they belonged. Allegedly. This is a historical fiction book that speaks to many of the same issues today. Still no equality across the board. But there will always be a Vera out there pulling us along and shouting until our voices are heard.

I loved all of the historical bits about Cartier and the Hope Diamond. It has a long and well-documented history.

Very Well Done!

NetGalley/ January 28th, 2020 by Atria Books

Cartier’s Hope does a fine job transporting the reader to New York City, 1910 where the wealthy live charmed lives filled with jewels, high-fashion and culture while the poor immigrants are subjected to sub-human work and living conditions. Vera Garland rebels from her society upbringing seeking greater meaning as a journalist exposing injustices. After discovering a family secret, she uses the public’s fascination with Cartier’s newly acquired Hope Diamond to help in her quest for revenge. This was an enjoyable read which should captivate fans of historical fiction and lovers of old New York.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and M.J. Rose for an advance copy.

well written historical fiction that educated me in areas I never knew! Enjoyed this one! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I have always been interested in the Hope diamond. Hello, it's beautiful! But this book was not as historically accurate and focused as I had hoped. Over 200 pages in and I was still confused. The resolution is wrapped up pretty by the end, but I was left feeling like I only enjoyed about 10% of the book.

Since we aren't able go give half stars... I've increased my rating from 3.5 to 4. I did like this book. I enjoyed the determination of the main character and the devistation of finding out that even those closes to you keep secrets. I've been extremely interested in the Hope diamond since I was a kid and really enjoyed getting to see it so I was excited to dive into this book. I did hope there would be more about the diamond itself, but I get that it didn't necessarily fit into the storyline. The only thing that kept me from liking it more, were the romance scenes. While I'm not opposed to general romance in a book, especially if it is needed to further the plot, I am not into romance books that essentially have detailed sex scenes. This one gave a bit more in details in that area than I wanted to read. So not a bad book just be a bit prepared if cheesey romance novels aren't your thing.

As a writer M.J. Rose is brilliant in bringing the reader into a world long past. The story is set in New York city, the timeline 1910 just ten years into a new century. We are taken into the lives of the wealthy, society and the world of glitter...all surrounding the world's largest diamond the "Hope Diamond." There is mystery and rumors of curses and mishaps that come along with this heavenly "bauble." Rumors of death for those who even touch it. The story also brings into account the schism between those that have and those who don't. The immigrants crammed into apartments that bulge with humanity in tenements and the wealthy living in mansions on Fifth Avenue. All this told through the eyes of Vera Garland, a young woman from a very well-to-do family Working as an investigative reporter Vera uses the pseudonym Vee Swann. This was an exceptional position for a woman in 1910, as convention was definitely defied by Vera...a free spirit with a mind of her own. There is a mystery to solve and Vera is determined to take it on.

Well written and entertaining this is a book I would highly recommend. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I know I am not going to be with the majority, but I just didn't like this book. I thought The Hope Diamond and Cartier would be more of a focus than it was. The story just really drug for me. Plus, I didn't care for the main character. She just got on my nerves. I would NOT recommend this book to anyone!

From the very first page, Cartier’s Hope plunges the reader into the fascinating world of New York jewelers, journalists, and high society at the dawn of the Gilded Age. With her signature elegance and attention to detail, M.J. Rose weaves a twisting tale of greed, revenge, and masked identities that put love and lives at risk. A fast-paced historical novel that shines with as much intrigue and mystery as the Hope Diamond itself.

M.J. Rose returns with another captivating historical mystery/romance, this time set in 1920s New York City and featuring one of most likable heroines yet. Vera Garland, a child wealth and privilege, longs for something more than playing the role of society matron, which her sister and mother both embrace. Vera instead spends her time pursuing social justice as an undercover reporter, living two very different lives as the pampered, privileged Vera and the tough as nails reporter Vee Swann.

Despite Vera’s privilege, she experiences several traumatic incidents, with the death of her beloved father triggering a life change that will rock her to the core. During her search for justice for her father and the man who betrayed his secret, Vera finds and loses love, and uncovers a shocking secret kept by her mother. Adding to all of this personal intrigue is the Hope Diamond and Pierre Cartier, the jeweler brave enough to sell it.

1920s NYC glam plus a cracking good plot make this one winner.

3.5 stars

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from Atria Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to M.J. Rose, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was interesting especially due to the time period and the Hope Diamond story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about women's issues that continue to this day! Things have not changed much in over 100 years.

The writing style of this author, at times, grated on me. It was very formal and filled with SAT words. That slowed down my enjoyment of the writing and storyline.

This was a nice book and I recommend!!