Member Reviews
** Contains spoilers**
I absolutely adored this book! I’ve always wondered why people sold their engagement rings from a failed engagement or failed marriage. I always thought rings carried the same energy to the next wearer just as Shea did.
While I don’t condone cheating in anyway, I feel like Shea needed the adventure with Graham and I was low-key hoping she’d end up with him. At the end, I realized that John was her perfect match. I only realized that once we got more of a glimpse into their relationship.
Graham’s journalism skills made him ask questions she needed to think about and think through; however, I don’t think she needed journalism questions to make a decision, she needed therapist questions to really get to the root of the trust issues she had with love.
I’m so happy Shea was able to work through her grief issues. Also, props to her for not just accepting the promotion for the money and “stability” and finally realizing what her true passion was and what she really wanted her career path to be.
This was an enjoyable ride through an unusual, romance tinged journey. I had trouble landing in the story, which was neither quite the light romance or the deep journey of self discovery that it meandered close to. I loved the small stories we encountered and the destinations we visits, but didn’t quite find the narrative cohesive or convincing enough to be satisfying.
It was a fun, airplane ride read, but I don’t think I will be widely recommending this book to any and all friends. I think there is a small group of my friends that will enjoy this book, and I will share with them, but overall, it’s a book that serves as more of a “places in your bucket list to visit” than a cute romance.
Shea has a few strict rules in life that she inherited from her Nonna, one of which is to never get married with an heirloom ring. So Shea was a little shocked when her boyfriend, John, proposes with an heirloom ring he picked up at vintage store. Rather than give John an answer, Shea sets out on a journey to Italy to find the previous owner of the ring so she can figure out if the ring is filled with good or bad karma.
This book was definitely a page turner, but I struggled with Shea for so much of the book. I had a difficult time grappling with a character who lets herself be ruled so much by superstition that she can't trust her own gut on if she does or doesn't want to marry her longtime boyfriend. I will say, the growth we get to see her go through was worth it, but it all felt a little rushed at the end.
I will say, there was a point fairly early on in the book where I thought I knew where the plot was going and I have never been happier to be wrong. Overall, I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the journey Shea went on, but I would have liked to see Shea grow gradually throughout the book.
I loved this book! It was such an interesting concept for the book. The characters were well-developed and I loved the storyline.
This was a solid romance-adjacent book. Not quite a rom com— the story centered on self discovery more than anything. But also not NOT a romance— complete with gorgeous European landscapes with lots of mini love stories shared. A decent read if you want to be transported a bit but also don’t want anything too heavy.
Thanks to the publisher for this ARC !
It is a long reading journey to get to the end of the book but each step is an integral part of the story. Searching for the origins of an heirloom engagement ring causes Shea to travel to Europe to hunt down the original owners. Driven by superstition, she leaves behind her fiance in her desperate pursuit and gambles on her engagement. The journey leads her to analyze her inner feelings about love, marriage, and forevers. A wonderful novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
The setting in Italy was perfectly chosen for this lighthearted romance. I loved the descriptions and could imagine myself there.
.the character, Shea is believable. I found myself becoming a part ofnthe storybas she seeks to discover the love story behind her engagement ring.
The book is fast moving a great as a relaxing afternoon, beach or vacation read.
Recomnend.
This was a relatively quick, fun read about family. Family traditions, family drama, and wholesome family moments with a dashes of love stories spanning time. I liked how different stories were threaded throughout, but there were a couple characters I struggled to follow or understand fully. There were a few too many where I thought “who’s that again?” for me, especially when I had taken a little break between reading. Overall, it was cute but the amount of characters and some of the unrealistic relationship dynamics (I don’t know what it is, but parts of banter between her and her sister bugged me, along with the described relationship between her sister and brother in law) turned me off a bit.
When Shea Anderson’s boyfriend, John, proposes with an heirloom ring, she panics. Her Nonna shared her superstitions on marriage with Shea, and one of them was never to accept a marriage proposal with an heirloom ring. Shea sets on a journey to find the previous owners of the ring. This journey takes her to New York, Italy, and Portugal. With her sister and a journalist who helps her track the previous owners, Shea discovers why she is so reluctant and discovers her true self.
I loved the descriptions of Italy and Portugal, including the language. Shea’s growth, transformation, and acceptance of her history made the novel for me. I found Shea to be insightful and funny. The banter between Shea and her sister, as well as the journalist, had me laughing.
I would recommend this book. Pre-order today! The book releases May 7, 2024.
Thank you, @netgalley and @putnambooks for the e-ARC.
This was a really good book! I loved the descriptions, and the writing. I am excited to find a new author and look forward to reading more of her books!
I really loved the heirloom, it was the perfect amount of romance, adventure and superstition! Europe has been on my bucket list for years and this book did not disappoint in making me fall more and more in love with each page! You truly feel like the book just pulls you into the each location with the beautiful writing! The superstitions were wild and reminded me of my great grandma, I didn’t love some of the characters but that comes with every book.
Truly can’t wait to read more from this author - Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for gifting me with an ARC
I mostly enjoyed this book but struggled to relate to the “superstitious” beliefs of the main character. I liked the journey of learning about the heirloom even if a bit lengthy, but the burning desire for answers didn’t pique my interest much. I also was a little disappointed in the ending, I was interested to see it end differently than it did based on how some of the events unfolded throughout the story.
All in all, it was a good story with a run journey along the way.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really good book! I enjoyed the descriptions, and the atmospheric writing. I would read more books by the author.
Was a ride you soon won't forget! Superstition's are hard to forget if Grandma said. It a good book to make you think. As we ALL have stuff from growing up because of parents.
Shea Anderson’s beloved Nonna had endless rules for a happy, healthy life: avoid owls, never put a hat on a bed, and never, ever accept a marriage proposal that comes with an heirloom ring. Happily ever after is hard enough without bad karma in the mix.
Jessie Rosen's storytelling skillfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and self-exploration, making "The Heirloom" a great choice for readers who appreciate heartwarming tales with a sprinkle of magic and a dash of humor.
The journey to ensure the ring's "forever energy" becomes a metaphor for Shea's own journey to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. The Heirloom is romantic without being mushy or drippy, which was refreshing.
Plus - anything having to do with Italy is always a yes from me!
I read this book in a day and I never looked back! The twist and the plot were pretty easy to identify but the different POV's kept me intrigued to see how everything was going to unfold. A couple of the characters were so unlikable that it made it hard to feel bad or connect with them in any way. I do wish that the ending would've given a little more, I wanted to know how the characters dealt with the aftermath.
*I received a copy of this eARC via NetGalley*
Diving into "The Heirloom" is like unwrapping a piece of vintage jewelry; it's full of charm, intricate details, and a sparkle that catches you by surprise. Jessie Rosen has woven a tale that glitters with wit and wisdom, much like the heirloom ring at the heart of Shea Anderson's quirky conundrum.
Shea's adventure, spurred by her Nonna's superstitions, is a delightful romp through family lore and the lengths we'll go to for love. The book is a love letter to those who believe in the power of good vibes and the importance of a clean slate. Rosen's narrative is as sophisticated as it is heartfelt, taking us from the sunny streets of Los Angeles to the old-world allure of Italy and Portugal. It's cinematic in its scope yet intimate in its exploration of family bonds—especially the dynamic between Shea and her sister, which is as real as it gets.
The locations are more than just a backdrop; they're characters in their own right, each adding a layer of richness to the story. Whether it's the hustle of New York or the tranquil beauty of the European countryside, you're transported alongside Shea, feeling every bit of her determination and the occasional comedic despair.
"The Heirloom" isn't just about the quest for a happily ever after; it's about our journey to define what that means for ourselves. It's a diamond-sharp read that reminds us that sometimes, the best luck is the kind we create. And for those who've ever doubted the wisdom of family traditions, it's a playful nudge to look deeper.
In short, Jessie Rosen delivers a gem as multifaceted as the ring that drives the story. It's a must-read for anyone who's ever tucked a lucky charm in their pocket or crossed their fingers for good fortune. So, grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let "The Heirloom" remind you of the magic that's woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam, and Jessie Rosen for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review!
This book wasn’t for me. The storyline had potential but it failed to hook me in. I was bored and frustrated by a lot of the plot points. The novel did have some bright spots. The setting was incredible and there were moments of self-empowerment. It is a light easy to read romance that may appeal to some people.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my very own.
This was a cute story, just the right amount of romance for my taste. I enjoyed Shea’s journey through several countries to discover the history of her heirloom engagement ring. I didn’t necessarily AGREE with her journey, as she pretty much just threw her fiancé under the bus because of her wild superstitions. I’m not sure any of this would fly in the real world, so take this one with a healthy dose of fantasy. As far as characters, Shea is super annoying and probably deserved to be left behind. The older characters she encounters along her journey are far more exciting and interesting to read about.
Overall I enjoyed the story and it read quickly, Shea herself just really rubbed me the wrong way.
Thanks so much to Jesse Rosen, Putnam/Penguin Grouo and NetGalley for the advance copy to check out!