"The Curiosity Keeper" by Sarah E. Ladd

The latest Regency novel from Sarah E. Ladd had me enchanted from its first pages. Our heroine, Camille Iverness, is tender but capable as she works in her father's curiosity shop in London, where they import treasures from all over the world for people looking to expand their personal collections. Having spent several years growing up on her grandfather's country estate, Camille is more cultured than the average Londoner and has a good, genuine heart.

Jonathan Gilchrist is a country apothecary who came in line to inherit his family's fortune when his older brother died. His father has never approved of his vocation, and Jonathan has never been especially interested in managing the estate. But when his father confesses that he's gambled away the lion's share of their money and that a valuable ruby has been stolen, Jonathan is tasked with recovering the ruby and attempting to save their home and reputation. Hiring an old friend of the family to assist him, they soon suspect that the ruby has found its way to the Iverness Curiosity Shop.

Recent events have left Camille with some concerns for her safety as she works for her father, but things are so much worse than she suspects. When she finds herself desperately in need of a helping hand, Jonathan Gilchrist is there with a steady kindness and a promise to help her find a new place to live and work. She is very grateful but also a little uncertain of his motives, and decides to stand on her own as much as possible as she tries to move beyond the disappointment of the past and into a future bright with possibilities.

There was so much I enjoyed about this novel! Camille's personality reminded me so much of my own, and I believe she might be an ISTJ like me. Her determination reminded me of Jane Eyre at times. Jonathan is a wonderful hero, very sensitive and compassionate towards the needs of others. The plot was solid and held just the right amount of twists and turns, keeping me guessing until the end. This book is my new favorite by Sarah E. Ladd, which is saying something because I have greatly enjoyed her others. I'd highly recommend this for all fans of Regency stories.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.