I unfortunately had to DNF at about 50%. Though the premise started out well and it was an interesting read, the plot took a turn to where I couldn’t connect with the believability anymore. I personally am not very superstitious so it was hard for me to connect with the main character on her journey

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Heirloom by Jessie Rosen in exchange for my honest review and opinion. The cover alone made me so excited to read this. I found it to be an interesting read about a family heirloom engagement ring. At times it was a bit slow but I stuck with it and was thrilled with the ending.

I didn't love this ... There were good vibes in the writing and the settings but something about the plots just didn't sit perfectly with me. A fun story of self discovery but nothing amazing.

The Heirloom is about a woman who goes on an unexpected travel adventure as a result of an Italian family superstition around an heirloom ring goes so much deeper into women's feelings about getting married in general. I love how Rosen wove in Shea's parents' relationship, and the choices her own mother made, into Shea's present-day story. Shea, on a journey as she searches to understand the possible karma that an object might hold. When John proposed to Shea, he presented her with an heirloom ring. Unfortunately, she had made it clear to him that heirloom rings were one of her greatest fears because Nonna believed they may hold bad karma if the previous owner was not in a happy relationship. The previous owner’s daughter can not help her but suggests a trip to Italy, where her aunt may know more. From Italy to Portugal and back to New York, Shea discovers that the ring had three previous owners, and she discovers each of their stories. She is accompanied by her sister Annie and Graham, a young reporter who hopes to write a story of the search. As they travel together, Shea begins to question her relationship with John and becomes closer to Graham. John’s patience is wearing thin, and Shea can not understand why he would give her an heirloom when she had previously expressed her feelings about the superstition. Rosen examines the issue with humor, wit, and wisdom. Shea channels the ever-so-relatable struggle to push forward in one’s thoughts to satisfy their needs and desires, even when others may disagree. The journey is fun, thoughtful, and exciting from cover to cover, and makes this unique storyline a treat to read.

The story itself was told well, but this was a premise that was a little hard for me to get behind. I get a superstition about an heirloom ring— stuff does hold energy and I think it’s a common enough occurrence to believe that. But to go around the world basically to hunt down its previous owners to see how their marriages ended up before you could say yes? Definitely leads to some self-reflecting I think.

Which yes is what the book was about but I felt so bad for John. Like should he have known better than to get her an heirloom ring when that was one of her rules? Yes. But on the same token, maybe it was an adventure they could have gone on together— like say yes to the man and maybe to the ring and “hey I want to find out its history before I wear it”. But instead she goes off on her own, leaves the more guy wondering what’s happening, has some tension with a new guy — who I did like but I just was already feeling bad for John— goes from country to country tracking down the history of this ring… girl was having a crisis.

I think John was very forgiving because I would have had some major trust issues after that. And I get where she was coming from with her parents’ history and all— that stuff does traumatize you. But I just couldn’t be on the main character’s side for this one.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

I went into this knowing it wasn't really my thing, so when I neglected to get fully on board, I didn't blame the author. The plot is different from a lot of other current releases, and I support a swing like that.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was another that I don't think was for me. I appreciated the character development and the MC's growth. The familial trauma and therapy used for working through issues was very nice to see. However, I cannot get on board with basing your entire life, marriage, decision making about a HUGE decision, on a SUPERSTITION. The FMC was ridiculous and I was constantly flabbergasted about her approach and attitude about the entire thing. Literally made bad decisions ON PURPOSE and just thought everything would be okay???? Idk I don't follow the process so I didn't really vibe with this one or the plot. I enjoyed the travel aspects and the writing was wonderful in showing the readers Italy. But that was probably the highest point of the book for me.

The premise of this one was fun but ultimately I was disappointed by the way the story played out. I didn't believe the superstition the way the FMC did, and that made it feel farfetched to me. This one also should come with a bit of an infidelity warning, I didn't know where the romance was going and personally was not a fan of the way the FMC handled events.

It was a well written novel and I'm sure many will enjoy but it was not for me personally.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one wasn't for me personally, but it's mostly because I own a vintage engagement ring and I didn't want to be talked out of believing that it has good vibes.

I love a good adventure through Italy, and this one did not disappoint! With stops in Boston and New York as well, the story weaves together a journey that is heartwarming and uplifting. It is filled with charm and adventure. An overall great read!

This story was an interesting story from an author I don’t know or haven’t read before! Will look at finding other things by this author. I am grateful for the early access, thank you to those that allowed it!

I loved the premise and setting of this book, but the whole storyline just fell flat for me. I appreciate the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I had the hardest time picking this book up. The story did not grip me.
I would consider reading more from this author but this particular plot was not engaging enough for me.

Nonetheless, thank you NetGalley & the publisher for this copy.

This author is not for me. I was not drawn into the story and was disappointed by the plot. Sorry to say!

I went into this one blind and found a wonderful surprise!

Shea's Nonna had endless rules for a happy, healthy life: avoid owls, never put a hat on a bed, and never, ever accept a marriage proposal that comes with an heirloom ring. Happily ever after is hard enough without bad karma in the mix.

But then her boyfriend goes against one of those rules and proposes with an heirloom ring.

This was a fun, unexpected read for me--thanks so much for the gifted copy!

Sadly, this was a DNF for me. I didn’t care for the main character and she felt ungrateful for her engagement ring when her fiancé picked it special for her. This book just didn’t pull me in like I hoped it would. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own. Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

I thought the premise had great potential but the execution fell a little flat for me. I found Shea’s obsession/superstition regarding heirloom rings to be a bit much. Unfortunately, her character was borderline annoying, but I did enjoy the way the story wrapped up.

3.25 stars

The book is emotional, heartfelt, and even has a few twists as the author takes us on an adventure from New York to Italy, Portugal, and back to Boston. The main character Shea is relatable as she tries to learn the story behind her heirloom engagement ring, which she told her fiancé that she absolutely did not want. I enjoyed that ultimately the story centers on her self-understanding and personal growth.

I was so happy to be approved for this ARC as I am about to head off to Portugal myself. I found Rosen's descriptions to be idyllic and perfect if you are a reader who also loves to travel. I was so interested in the concept of the book but to be honest, I did not expect to love this book as much as I did!! I look forward to her next book!

**Thank you to Penguin / G.P Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the ARC and chance to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own**

The Heirloom was an interesting read that truly made me think about the backstory of vintage or heirloom jewelry. The book follows Shea, who is recently engaged, and her fiance proposed with an heirloom ring. Something she did not want as she was raised thinking it was bad luck. What ensued was her quest for the original owner of the ring to learn if the ring was associated with anything negative in the marriage. I really liked how her quest took her all over the place, including Italy, where she unearthed interesting facts and stories associated with her ring.

Most importantly, the book takes an object and helps Shea realize what she wants in life and what matters to her when it comes to love, friendship, and family.

It's a good read that kept me entertained. I did find Shea a bit annoying at times, especially when she was putting her ring's backstory before her relationship, otherwise it was a good book.

Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Heirloom offers a unique and engaging premise centered around superstition, love, and self-discovery. Shea, who has long adhered to a superstition about never accepting a ring previously worn by someone else, is thrown into a dilemma when her boyfriend, John, proposes with an heirloom ring. While the plot is intriguing, Shea’s obsession with the ring’s history and her decisions throughout the journey can feel selfish and at times frustrating. Her quest to understand the ring’s past leads to an unexpected path of self-discovery, but her fixation on the superstition creates tension in her relationship with John, who grows increasingly impatient. While I appreciated the exploration of personal beliefs and insecurities, I found myself wanting a more balanced perspective, especially for John’s character. Overall, it is an enjoyable read, though it may not resonate with everyone.