I loved the Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning. While many books have focused on family secrets, I thought this one was done especially well. I was captivated the entire time I was reading it. I also loved the characters and their relationships with each other. While I did think this book seemed a little bit predictable at times, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

This novel is a dual timeline story revolving around lost jewels in Cheapside. I found Essie to be a more interesting character than Kate. Kate’s story did not interest me. The plot tended to drag and was very slow moving. The mystery was very predictable. Still, everything ended nicely. I recommend this for fans of The Last Tiara, The Butterfly Room, and Secrets of Santorini!

Having never read Manning before, this was a new foray for me. I was intrigued by the mixture of Irish/English immigrant and historian storyline and to see where that would go.

Overall, I did really enjoy the character development between the modern day Kate and the 1912 Essie. Both women were well developed and had enough of a story grow over time to keep me interested and wondering where their life would go. I did find myself wishing Essie had more time dedicated to her. If say Manning ever wants to write a book solely dedicated to Essie, I would read that. I think between the life she had revealed here and the life she had after she came to the U.S. (which we got very little of), could of had been a very fascinating all on its own.

I think there's something to this story and the jewels themselves that might have been really interesting. I think what I'm coming into is why this book didn't do better in my mind. There are technically four different plot strands within this story. One I can take and leave as just supporting plot because we know what it's trying to explain. Essie and Aurelia's stories though are both done a great disservice, Aurelia I almost feel more so. Because they both hold such pivotal keys to binds this story together. Yet are given such little consideration in terms in story in the long run. Aurelia died, yes? I think so. But I'm not sure. When they find the jewels, they should have found her bones too if she died down there (bones don't burn). But we as readers don't hear of that. Even if she did die, what of her family?

I know this story on its own for Kate, works. But I almost feel like there was too much story being told. Aurelia's story and the other side story could have been told through Kate doing research. Or through exposition. Instead of actually showing the story. It would have fixed the issue above. It also lengthened the story unnecessarily because they were exposition or through research, which honestly made the book hard to finish .

Overall, I did enjoy this book in some regards, but it needed some rethinking in others.

Having recently finished “The Lost Jewels” by Kirsty Manning, I am happy to have had the chance to read the previously available e-book copy; thank you NetGalley and William Morrow!

This story followed a few different time periods, and the mystery, and history, of abandoned jewels discovered in a cellar in Cheapside, London. Throughout the pages, the gems were described so beautifully. I imagined being able to see them myself; if only Marcus' photos could magically appear for the readers. The jewels, and their journey through time, were definitely the magic of this story for me.
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"My darling, we all need to believe in something beautiful. A little magic. It's what keeps us going in the dark times..."

I was able to read The Lost Jewels as part of Netgalley. Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC.
True confessions- I struggled early on with the plot of this book. However, I wound up really liking it.

The protagonist of the story is a woman named Kate who lives in present day Boston. She deals with jewels, the history behind them, and has been asked to write a story about the mysterious Cheapside jewels of London. I had never heard of the true mysterious stash of jewels discovered in London in 1912, so this was a fun new piece of history for me to learn about.

The author chose to follow the story of the jewels from what she supposed is the origin hundreds of years ago and follow one or two pieces through the centuries. This is where I struggled early on in the story. There was a lot of movement between time frames, setting, and characters. Once I realIzed that Kate and Essie were the main focus of the story and what the author was doing with the story of the jewels and the ring- then it became easier for me to follow as a reader. I learned a lot about the journey gemstones made through the centuries to become jewelry, and I was reminded of the sad fact that some of the world’s most beautiful treasures can cost so many people much more than money. I actually really liked this book- two strong woman and learning about history and gems- what’s not to like? And now I’m off to look up photos of the Cheapside jewels! 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Pros: A definite 3.5 — Really enjoyed the imagery, the food descriptions and the straightforward scenery of the class divisions, poverty and hardships of the working poor. Interesting topic of the Cheapside jewelry. Thought the characters were well developed and sympathetic. Great job in handling the 3 time lines. Key words: Golconda diamonds of India

Cons: Had a hard time believing the Yarwoods rented out their garden flat in such a derelict shape. They allegedly loved the girls, yet were okay with letting them live in squalid living conditions? Also, thought the relationship between Kate and Marcus went from 4 to 10 in about four sentences. Found it hard to believe that Essies’ and Niall’s relationship was so quick.

Cover art: 5 out of 5 — can actually see the models face!!

I honestly don't know why I waited so long to read this one because I absolutely loved it. Told mainly in a dual POV of Kate and her great grandmother Essie in 1912, The Lost Jewels is the fictionalized story of the Cheapside Jewels which was a hoard of buried jewelry found by workers digging up a basement. Kate is called in to write an in depth story about the jewels and begins to unravel a connection between her great grandmother and the pieces.

It is 1912 and Essie Murphy is struggling to provide for her siblings and mother as an Irish immigrant in London. When she goes to visit her older brother one day at his job site her life is forever changed. Essie's story of strength and love is truly amazing.

Another thing that I absolutely loved about this story is that you get to follow the story of one diamond from is beginning the whole way to the basement. There is just so much heart break but also love scattered through out this story that I feel like any lover of historical fiction will love this book!

Kirsty Manning based this historical fiction novel on the real "Cheapside Hoard" jewels that were dug up in a construction project in London in 1912. Manning develops a story around the poor Murphy family that is quite believable as to how the jewels could have been found and what it means to the family that finds them. She moves away from this strong narrative when she adds the upper and lower classes mixing plot line. Personally, I could have also done without the addition of the jewelry historian love story. All in all, it's still a well-researched, good read. Thank you to the author and publisher Allen and Unwin.

I was disappointed in this book. I thought it would be a mix of adventure and romance with an airy atmosphere but what I got was a book that was clearly trying to hard to be something that it is not capable of achieving. The cover is stunning and it drew me in, The book itself it a bit on the silly side. I will not be recommending this to anyone.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

i really didn't except that ending, I was glad that the book had surprises with great characters and a interesting plot.

In exchange for a digital and paperback copy of this book, I am writing a review on Goodreads. Kate Kirby, a celebrated jewelry historian from the U.S., receives a phone call about the Cheapside jewels. She travels to London to explore the secrets and hoard of the lost jewels. While in London, she learns of many secrets that her great-grandmother, Essie Murphy, kept for decades. In 1912, Essie, an Irish immigrant, is spending time with her brother when a workman discover a plethora of jewelry from the Ottoman Empire through to the Jacobean period. Kate Kirby explores the colored history of the Cheapside jewelry and discover more information about her family and a small enamel ring that could hold the key to unknown secrets from her family and associated with the Cheapside jewels.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first title I have read by the author Kirsty Manning and I was not disappointed. Manning presents a unique story with this new release that should appeal to all lovers of historical fiction. The transition between timelines is cohesive and not at all jarring or disruptive. Several good plot twists at the end make it a delightful page turner. Very enjoyable.

The Lost Jewels By Kirsty Manning

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Publication Date: 8/4/2020

** Thank you to Netgalley, William Morrow, and of course, Kirsty Manning, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful and interesting take on historical fiction! I knew I was going to love it from the beginning of the first chapter.

“Life is full of messy edges” - like uncut gems, imperfectly perfect.
By basing her story on the true story of Cheapside Hoard, Kirsty Manning creates a beautiful story and world you don’t want to put down.

The story focuses on Kate Kirby, a Jewelry historian from Boston. After she takes a trip to London, she moves down a path which unearths family secrets, specifically those of her great-grandmother who was a suffragette (our other perspective)/ In 1912 Essie is an Irish immigrant who is in the perfect setting when jewels are discovered near St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. How can the jewels impact Essie’s life, and Kate’s in the future?

An absolutely wonderful novel which I did not want to put down! One of the best historical fictions I’ve read recently, especially when it comes to an oversaturated genre!

Great job Kirsty!

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An interesting duel-timeline historical story of a granddaughter searching for answers to her family’s history through antique jewels. The story of her grandmother’s past is rich and beautifully written, and the history of the jewels throughout the centuries is quite interesting. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to readers who love a story that brings the past and present alive.

“Life’s full of messy edges.”

As soon as I read the first chapter I literally said out loud to myself “I’m going to love this.” I’m not a jewelry person at all, but I found myself fascinated by the journey gem stones take from being dug up to being worn by someone. Googling images of the places Kate went and the process of mining also added a great deal to the story for me. I thought Manning’s imagined scenario of the discovery of the Cheapside Hoard was very believable written. I loved Essie and could have just read her life story and felt fulfilled.

There were a couple of things I wish could’ve been done better. For instance Freddie... his death is mentioned early on but never brought up again. What happened? When? I know it would’ve affected Essie, but it’s never mentioned. Also, the ‘present’ story had too many unnecessary characters. Only a couple were essential to the story. Surprising myself by saying this but I really wish this had been longer. Kate’s romance and the ending felt rushed... but, again, I did really, really love Essie and would’ve been happy for another 100 pages devoted to her later life. Overall, I did enjoy this quick read. 4 stars.

Thank you for this eARC to read and review! First, I was so drawn in by the synopsis - historical fiction, family histories, a potential romance, and a mysterious jewels?! I love that this was inspired by a true story, and I quickly went to read up on the Cheapside Hoard after finishing the book.

Despite all the things to love, it never truly grabbed me! I loved learning about Essie and her character, but I wasn't really invested in Kate and her story. The present day storyline was just a bit dull - nothing too much was happening, I wasn't invested in the characters, and I felt like it added very little - other than to highlight the mystery and intrigue behind Essie's story.

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would recommend it to those that love historical fiction.

This novel has two basic timelines that we follow:

Present: Kate Kirby is asked to write a piece about a horde of jewels dug up in 1912 called The Cheapside Jewels (an actual historical event). After finding some sketches that may link her beloved great grandmother to the jewels, Kate realizes that writing this article may also uncover some deeply buried family secrets.
Past: In 1912, when Essie Murphy is visiting her brother at his worksite, a stash of jewels is discovered by the men working there. Unbeknownst to Essie, this discovery would change the course of her life.

The interweaving of Kate and Essie's stories is well done. On a whole, I enjoyed Essie's character much more than Kate. Essie just felt like a much stronger and more fleshed out character. In addition to these two timelines, there are also little micro-stories peppered throughout the narrative that followed the history of how some of the pieces in the collection came into being. I loved these little glimpses of the past even though in terms of the story it just seemed like background the author wanted to show you because the stories themselves didn't seem to be things Kate uncovered in her research. They were interesting though and led you deeper into the history of the jewels.

Overall I had a good time with this story. I found all the past timelines more interesting than the present one, but Kate's timeline wasn't bad, just uneventful. I'd recommend to those who enjoy stories that interweave timelines, or lovers of historical fiction.

Historical fiction can combine a real event or thing, and create a story around it, as did this book with the jewels called the Cheapside Hoard. Kate is a jewelry expert, called in to figure out the background of pieces. After finding a picture in her great grandmother’s belongings, of a rare button similar to others exhibited in the Museum of London, Kate’s exploration begins. As chapters jump between time lines relevant to the jewelry, the provenance of the pieces will slowly be uncovered, as Kate also begins to move beyond her own personal tragedy. I did feel there were a lot of characters and time periods to wrap your head around, but I really liked the character of Essie, her strength and dedication to her family. I would recommend for lovers of historical fiction covering different time periods. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.