Title: Diamonds & Deceit
Author: Leila Rasheed
Release Date: January 7,
2014
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Genre: YA, Historical
Drama
Pages: 432
My Thoughts
Diamonds & Deceit is the second book in the At
Somerton book series (the first being Cinders & Sapphires). This second
story picks up where the first left off, it once again sweeps you back in time
to the earlier 1900’s. Rasheed picks up weaving the story of the Averley family
and their staff in this thrilling estate drama. Once again, we are drawn into
the intricacies of the “upstairs” and “downstairs” world and entangled within
the dreams, schemes, and scandals as those involved make their way forth into a
rapidly evolving society and world.
This was another light, engaging read that I quickly
whipped through in only a day. The story this time focused more on the
“upstairs” characters as Rose has now joined their ranks. Rose however is
trying to negotiate this change and so we do get a very interesting plotline
from that alone. As I’ve said before, I am a huge fan of period piece dramas –
so for me this was an excellent read. I loved the whole premise, and how
Rasheed seamlessly moved the story from the first book to this one. The story
hummed along, and I found myself whisked away to another time with “seasons”,
society balls, and exquisite manners. I felt wrapped up in the story and each
character’s drama.
For fans of historical dramas, English Estate dramas,
and of Downton Abbey – this book is for you (but make sure you read Cinders
& Sapphires first!).
Highlights:
I enjoyed a great many things about this story, not
the least of which was the fact that it was reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I
loved the romance and the time period of the story, and found myself truly
invested in a fair few of the characters. I truly enjoyed seeing the growth in
a fair number of the characters over the course of the two books. I also loved
that Rasheed did not shy away from showing multiple sides to her characters,
giving them dreams, wants, needs and most importantly flaws. I like that you could
see the good and the bad in the characters, which of course made them feel more realistic and sympathetic.
Another highlight for me was the fact that Rasheed
chose to have the character focus (and often the place) change from chapter to
chapter. I liked seeing and experiencing the world from multiple perspectives,
and learning more about each character. This provided a nice flow to the story, pulling me in more and helped me to appreciate each character and to understand each more fully.
Finally, I really enjoyed the exploration of relevant
world issues of the time: women’s right to vote and to education, the changing
roles in society, family dynamics in this time frame, Indian Independence,
interracial relationships, etc. I especially enjoyed the exploration of family roles and
the implications of a blended family at this time. It was an interesting
addition to the plot line around the limitations of women in “high society” at
the time and familial duty.
Wishes
One area that I might make a wish about would be in
the transition. While I was able to easily fall into the story and pick up
where the last story left off, I think it would be harder for someone who had
not just finished the previous book. It might have been nice to have some
transitioning/ease in for those who might have gone awhile in between readings
and/or is picking this book up to read first. With so many characters and interwoven
storylines, I think this would be helpful, even in the form of a few pages of
character introductions before the start of the story.
Another wish I suppose, might be for more chapters or
focus and development on some of the “downstairs” characters. The second book
focused primarily on “upstairs” cast, and while it was great, I still would
have liked to see and/or hear a bit more from downstairs as well.
Overall, I found this to be a delightful read, and I
cannot wait for the next installment – so many questions! This book left me
wanting more and very sad to leave behind the beautiful world it created. The
epilogue gave a few tie ups to lose ends and answers but not nearly enough! It
also left us at the start of a war, all I can say is Ms. Rasheed please hurry
up and get book 3 out please! If you haven’t had the chance, I would definitely
recommend this breezy, splendidly fun read.
Recommendations:
If you enjoyed this book and
are looking for more Historical Drama type reads try:
Secondhand Charm
– Julie Berry
Wildwing – Emily
Whitman
The American Heiress – Daisy
Goodwin
Ruby Red – Kerstin Gier
Keeping the Castle – Patrice
Kindl
The Hawk and the Jewel – Lori Wick
Rating:
4 out of
5 Doxies – Liked it a lot, definitely worth a
read!
Jenn
Tale
of Two Doxies
