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bargainsleuth's review
4.0
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I absolutely love the way Rose weaves historical fact into fiction, this time with a magical twist. I’ll admit that I wasn’t crazy about the use of psychometry simply because I didn’t understand it at first, but as the book progressed, it became clearer. And I love that the author uses jewels to tell the story of history. Just a few months ago, my sister and I went through my mother’s extensive jewelry collection, and I remember some of the stories of a piece of jewelry’s provenance; those were the pieces I picked over the more modern baubles.
I love dual timelines and appreciate the fact that the “modern” timeline was the 1980’s, when many people who survived World War II were still alive. Sometimes when you read dual timelines, one of them is lacking, usually the more modern one. I loved Rose’s writing in making both worlds come to life and the 1980’s timeline was as vibrant as the 1940’s one.
In the author’s notes, the reader finds out that Belperron was a real person, well-known to those who know jewelry, and her work is seen as some of the best of the time period. Interesting to note that her apartment was left intact after her death, and all her designs and drawings were found in 2007.
I absolutely love the way Rose weaves historical fact into fiction, this time with a magical twist. I’ll admit that I wasn’t crazy about the use of psychometry simply because I didn’t understand it at first, but as the book progressed, it became clearer. And I love that the author uses jewels to tell the story of history. Just a few months ago, my sister and I went through my mother’s extensive jewelry collection, and I remember some of the stories of a piece of jewelry’s provenance; those were the pieces I picked over the more modern baubles.
I love dual timelines and appreciate the fact that the “modern” timeline was the 1980’s, when many people who survived World War II were still alive. Sometimes when you read dual timelines, one of them is lacking, usually the more modern one. I loved Rose’s writing in making both worlds come to life and the 1980’s timeline was as vibrant as the 1940’s one.
In the author’s notes, the reader finds out that Belperron was a real person, well-known to those who know jewelry, and her work is seen as some of the best of the time period. Interesting to note that her apartment was left intact after her death, and all her designs and drawings were found in 2007.
whatnolareads's review
4.0
I absolutely adored "The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams" by M.J. Rose. From the moment I picked it up, I was transported to the enchanting streets of Paris. The author's vivid descriptions brought the city to life, making me feel like I was right there alongside the characters. The story itself is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and intrigue, keeping me guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and secrets. I found myself deeply invested in their journey and rooting for them every step of the way. Overall, "The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams" is a captivating read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive escape.
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
beastreader's review
4.0
I have read numerous books by M.J. Rose. I love how she weaves historical fiction with nonfiction. Every time that I read one of her books, i learn something new. Like for example, I was not familiar with the name Suzanne Belperron. Who happened to be a real jewelry designer during WWII. So, getting to hear her story was very fascinating.
Then, there is Violine Duplessi. She is fictional but she has an incredible gift. She gets visions when she is in physical contact with jewelry. For example, when she was a little girl, she had a vision of her mother with a mystery man. Years later she discovers the truth.
If you are a fan of M.J. Rose or just looking for your next good read then you need to pick up a copy of this book to read today!
Then, there is Violine Duplessi. She is fictional but she has an incredible gift. She gets visions when she is in physical contact with jewelry. For example, when she was a little girl, she had a vision of her mother with a mystery man. Years later she discovers the truth.
If you are a fan of M.J. Rose or just looking for your next good read then you need to pick up a copy of this book to read today!
bosko's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 due to an incredibly rushed ending, apart from that it was pretty enjoyable.
kdvassar's review
5.0
This book follows to Ladies, one in the 1940s, and the other in the 1980s.
A story of love, love lost, and perseverance with some mystery and suspense.
This historical fiction was a beautiful story, in a time of turmoil for one character and a time of discovery for the other.
If you Enjoy Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this book for the History and the Story.
Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end of the book, for more information about the history!
A story of love, love lost, and perseverance with some mystery and suspense.
This historical fiction was a beautiful story, in a time of turmoil for one character and a time of discovery for the other.
If you Enjoy Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this book for the History and the Story.
Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end of the book, for more information about the history!
motherhenofdeath's review
4.0
This was a fun read for me, a little different than my usual reads. The beginning was a little on the slow side, but once I got to know the characters and the connections between them I was very much invested in how it was all going to come together. It's told going back and forth between the past and present time in the book which is pretty fun. Suzanne's story is set against the backdrop of WW2 era Paris and is a story of love and friendship and hope and finding beauty in the small things even when the world around you is in a dark, dark place. With a sprinkling of magic, Violine, unravels the mystery of Suzanne's life while also learning about herself coming to accept her own gifts.
nsa101's review
5.0
5 star read and a must read of all that enjoy historical fiction!
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams is the real-life story of Suzanne Belperron, a sought after jeweler in 1942 Paris. She was an active member of the Resistance and used her jewelry designs and gem stones to save hundreds of Jewish lives during WWII. Violine Duplessi is an appraiser for an auction house in 1986 New York. She has a special gift - she can feel an object's history by touching it. Violine and Suzanne’s life are woven together as Violine researches a mysterious trunk filled with hidden secrets. The search brings her to Paris and to Suzanne’s secret past.
There are so many stories written about WWII and I appreciate that while the author uses the time period as a setting, the was is not the main focus. I loved getting to know about Belperron and her jewelry designs as they pushed the boundaries of both color and design - she was truly a designer ahead of her time. The author does a great job of keeping your attention by weaving in some mystery, suspense and a little romance as you are taken along the streets of New York and Paris, along for an adventure as you discover, along with Violine, just how the affects of the past are never really hidden.
If you are looking for a great historical fiction read I would definitely recommend picking up this one!
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams is the real-life story of Suzanne Belperron, a sought after jeweler in 1942 Paris. She was an active member of the Resistance and used her jewelry designs and gem stones to save hundreds of Jewish lives during WWII. Violine Duplessi is an appraiser for an auction house in 1986 New York. She has a special gift - she can feel an object's history by touching it. Violine and Suzanne’s life are woven together as Violine researches a mysterious trunk filled with hidden secrets. The search brings her to Paris and to Suzanne’s secret past.
There are so many stories written about WWII and I appreciate that while the author uses the time period as a setting, the was is not the main focus. I loved getting to know about Belperron and her jewelry designs as they pushed the boundaries of both color and design - she was truly a designer ahead of her time. The author does a great job of keeping your attention by weaving in some mystery, suspense and a little romance as you are taken along the streets of New York and Paris, along for an adventure as you discover, along with Violine, just how the affects of the past are never really hidden.
If you are looking for a great historical fiction read I would definitely recommend picking up this one!
jasminegalsreadinglog's review
4.0
Based on Suzanne Belperron, who was a real jeweler and actively involved in the Resistance, The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams combines real life and fiction with a touch of magical fantasy.
Violine, a restorer and auctioneer, has a power, but to protect herself, she has closed herself from accepting her own abilities, which run in her family. During one such assignment, she finds jewels hidden in a trunk since World War II. With the help of the Midas Society, she plans to research the origins of her find. But it's not easy because someone wants to stop her.
M. J. Rose is so good at combining historical fiction and magical elements. This book is no exception. To be able to follow Violine and her powers, it's better to read this novel as a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I wanted more of this story and didn't want it to end.
Thank you AuthorBuzz, Blue Box Press and Netgalley for this book.
Violine, a restorer and auctioneer, has a power, but to protect herself, she has closed herself from accepting her own abilities, which run in her family. During one such assignment, she finds jewels hidden in a trunk since World War II. With the help of the Midas Society, she plans to research the origins of her find. But it's not easy because someone wants to stop her.
M. J. Rose is so good at combining historical fiction and magical elements. This book is no exception. To be able to follow Violine and her powers, it's better to read this novel as a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I wanted more of this story and didn't want it to end.
Thank you AuthorBuzz, Blue Box Press and Netgalley for this book.
bookapotamus's review
4.0
I always get so excited when I see a new M.J. Rose book being released. Her historical stories always teach me something I didn’t know before, and there’s always a creative vibe that the artist in me loves!
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams had me captivated from the very start. Through history, romance, magic, and mystery, we first discover a mysterious trunk which reveals a stunning secret held inside for decades, and when it connects two women - present and past - they both fight to do what is right, even though it could also be quite dangerous. Spanning decades between 1986 NYC and 1942 WW2, I loved learning about the risks women like Suzanne Belperron took during the war to courageously help Jewish people escape, and I adored Violine and her strength to uncover connections and find the rightful owners of what was lost all those years ago.
It’s a stunning tale of love and loss - and another beautiful treasure of a story by M.J. Rose.
The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams had me captivated from the very start. Through history, romance, magic, and mystery, we first discover a mysterious trunk which reveals a stunning secret held inside for decades, and when it connects two women - present and past - they both fight to do what is right, even though it could also be quite dangerous. Spanning decades between 1986 NYC and 1942 WW2, I loved learning about the risks women like Suzanne Belperron took during the war to courageously help Jewish people escape, and I adored Violine and her strength to uncover connections and find the rightful owners of what was lost all those years ago.
It’s a stunning tale of love and loss - and another beautiful treasure of a story by M.J. Rose.
kcherry's review
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0