Mica Mihailescu grew up under the harsh communist rule of Ceaușescu in Transylvania. Her parents are active in covert activities, making them a prime target for the Secret Police. When Mica is seventeen, Mica's father tells her of a way to get out of the country and a hidden treasure of diamonds that will help start a new life. When her father's plan goes awry, Mica makes an amazing escape with the diamonds that her father warned her might be cursed. After escaping, Mica now must figure out who to trust with the diamonds and how to help the country and people she abandoned.

When I think of Transylvania, Dracula is the first thing that comes to mind. However, later in history there was a man who is even more terrifying and whose awful deeds are well documented. A Gift of Diamonds is an engrossing and hopeful story of resistance and survival. Mica's character grows up under these harsh conditions. I have never really thought much about Romania and Transylvania history past Dracula. Through Mica, I was able to see the terror and that Ceaușescu was able to impose through creating hysteria and then implementing order. Mica's character showed immense willpower and bravery as well as a good moral compass. I was very interested in the history of the diamonds and how they found their way from Auschwitz to Mica's father. the diamond's story was so tragic, Mica felt a responsibility to use them for good. I was impressed by her willingness to use them to create a better situation for her country.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eARC.

this was an enjoyable read. a bit too predictable at times but entertaining nonetheless. i liked the characters but sometimes they felt a little like they were acting for the sake of the plot? however the writing was good and i expect more!

From start to finish, this book practically had me holding my breath! I absolutely loved the Transylvanian history, the writing, the characters, the secrets, the escape...and though grim, the realities of war make it feel like nonfiction in places. And though the subject is difficult, this certainly is not a dreary or bleak book; rather, it is full of hope and determination. The author mentions her inspirations in her notes. Romania has fascinated me for years so I was thrilled to discover this gem. Finding out this is the first of a trilogy is very exciting!

Mica is a 17-year-old girl who lives in Romania during the reign of Nicolae Ceausescu where conditions aren't much better than those of the Great War. Many other countries didn't even realize what went on in Romania then...it must have seemed so very distant. Even listening to Radio Free Europe could mean death. Mica's dear parents were anti-communist and as such visited by the Secret Police. Subsequently, the family had a plan in place, should the inconceivable happen. And it does. Mica must leave her home and country on her own to get to Hungary. But she shelters a secret. She is also held up in Hungary and in the interim works as a translator. As with human nature, not all her choices are wise but she seeks to make a difference for the good. After a lengthy wait, she eventually makes her way to her father's brother in America. What happens from Point A to B to C is told here, all incredibly interesting. The vivid descriptions are brilliant. As someone who lives in Central Europe part time I can relate to differences in cultural mentalities, outlooks and priorities. So, I really connected.

What a unique storyline as well. Historical Fiction readers should definitely include this on their to read list because it really is that good and well worth your time. General Fiction and Women's Fiction readers would find a lot here to enjoy, too.

My sincere thank you to Wayzgoose Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this enthralling book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated. Am already anticipating Book 2!