“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whoever possesses it.”

This is what the start of the description of "The Curiosity Keeper" by Sarah E. Ladd reads on the back cover. 

Isn't it intriguing? A famous and expensive stone that has a curse or blessing attached to its name.  Does the Hope Diamond come to mind for the most legendary jewel?  Well, back to The Curiosity Keeper.  Camille Iverness, our main female character runs her father's shabby curiosity shop since her mother's abandonment many years ago.  Jonathan Gilchrist is the heir of Kettering Hall since the death of his brother.  However, he is an apothecary by profession and lives in the village caring for others.  How will the cursed or blessed ruby tie them together? 


I must say, I am quite disappointed with this novel.  I find it disjointed in many levels, from the plot to the characters.  I was never able to "fall" for these characters.  True, Camille's character was well developed from her background to her current life situation.  However, it's hard to feel for her.  There were good moments, from her time with Ian Gilchrist (the patriarch of Kettering Hall) to her time taking care of the students with Scarlet Fever.   However, her interactions throughout did not tie into her personality as a whole. It felt disjointed. One minute she's scared, but another minuted, her strength is surprising.  Her interactions with Jonathan did not prove or felt like romance.  Not only were the characters not connected, I felt the storyline did not flow.  For example,  I did not understand the sudden change of attitude of Ian to his son and the whole save Ketting Hall deal.  

One thing Ms. Ladd did accomplished was the mystery aspect.  The ultimate mystery surrounding the ruby and Camille's mother sure gave readers something to speculate and with a surprising conclusion. 

Well, to answer my own question, The Curiosity Keeper did keep my curiosity up, but it was a difficult read and I was not satisfied with the journey.  

NOTE: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson for an honest review.