Book Blurb:
Gilt by Jamie Brenner: 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.
My Review: 4 stars
Gilt by Jamie Brenner proves that this author excels at creating complicated family drama in the women’s fiction genre. The setting of this book in both the hustle and bustle of Manhattan versus the slowed down pace of Provincetown, Massachusetts made for perfect places to fictionally visit.
Honestly, I’d never thought about diamonds as engagement rings having an official beginning. I just thought it was what it was, so this story opened my eyes in that regard. I loved the jewelry that Gemma is making and selling on Instagram to stay afloat. It seemed so hip and trendy. I also felt awful for her estrangement, which seemed ridiculous, but families will be families…always complex.
The romance element was sweet and the way the secrets unfolded into the story was well done. Great summer book!
Quotes I liked:
I believe the future of jewelry is gifts to ourselves. I want us to mark our own milestones, big and small.”