SPARKLES

Author: Louise Bagshawe ISBN: 0452288142 4/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: PLUME

Fabulously wealthy, internationally adored, the aristocratic Massot family owns one of the last great jewelry firms in Paris. But seven years have passed since the disappearance of the patriarch, Pierre Massot. With hope of his return all but extinguished, his beautiful young widow, Sophie, reluctantly declares her husband dead and takes control of the family business. But even as Sophie begins to look to the future, forces are conspiring to destroy the Massots—by unearthing the devastating secret from their past that Pierre may have died trying to protect. Bagshawe’s sweeping story takes readers from the murky diamond mines of Soviet Russia to the cultural whirl of modern-day Paris, unraveling the mystery of Pierre Massot’s fate and the scandal and deceit that lies behind the Massot family fortune.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SPARKLES is the ideal title for this novel, because it does, indeed, sparkle. Louise Bagshawe has crafted the ultimate in summer reading with this book. It is one of those peek-into books. By that I mean it offers a glimpse of a world many never see for themselves first hand, but with novels like this one, who needs first hand? I enjoyed sitting back and peeking into the world of the rich and famous without having to ever leave my chair!

This book is a delight on so many levels. The story, which is steeped in imagery, is compelling. I never lost interest as the tale of a wealthy missing husband unravels. The characters are realistic and the dialogue hints repeatedly at secrets yet to be uncovered—all things I love in a book. The grandmother in this is a such forceful figure that she is frightening at times. She's written so well that I actually felt my insides quiver when she spoke! And through it all, there is a love story that kept me hooked. Yes, this book is definitely a very, very good read.

SPARKLES by Louise Bagshawe is a perfect summer reading choice. And it's so good that even if it's winter where you are, it's still a great choice!

Kay James