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Diamonds Deceit At Somerton Leila Rasheed Books

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Diamonds Deceit At Somerton Leila Rasheed Books

My Thoughts

Diamonds & Deceit is the second book in the At Somerton book series (the first being Cinders & Sapphires). This second story picks up where the first left off, it once again sweeps you back in time to the earlier 1900’s. Rasheed picks up weaving the story of the Averley family and their staff in this thrilling estate drama. Once again, we are drawn into the intricacies of the “upstairs” and “downstairs” world and entangled within the dreams, schemes, and scandals as those involved make their way forth into a rapidly evolving society and world.

This was another light, engaging read that I quickly whipped through in only a day. The story this time focused more on the “upstairs” characters as Rose has now joined their ranks. Rose however is trying to negotiate this change and so we do get a very interesting plotline from that alone. As I’ve said before, I am a huge fan of period piece dramas – so for me this was an excellent read. I loved the whole premise, and how Rasheed seamlessly moved the story from the first book to this one. The story hummed along, and I found myself whisked away to another time with “seasons”, society balls, and exquisite manners. I felt wrapped up in the story and each character’s drama.

For fans of historical dramas, English Estate dramas, and of Downton Abbey – this book is for you (but make sure you read Cinders & Sapphires first!).

Highlights:

I enjoyed a great many things about this story, not the least of which was the fact that it was reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I loved the romance and the time period of the story, and found myself truly invested in a fair few of the characters. I truly enjoyed seeing the growth in a fair number of the characters over the course of the two books. I also loved that Rasheed did not shy away from showing multiple sides to her characters, giving them dreams, wants, needs and most importantly flaws. I like that you could see the good and the bad in the characters, which of course made them feel more realistic and sympathetic.

Another highlight for me was the fact that Rasheed chose to have the character focus (and often the place) change from chapter to chapter. I liked seeing and experiencing the world from multiple perspectives, and learning more about each character. This provided a nice flow to the story, pulling me in more and helped me to appreciate each character and to understand each more fully.

Finally, I really enjoyed the exploration of relevant world issues of the time: women’s right to vote and to education, the changing roles in society, family dynamics in this time frame, Indian Independence, interracial relationships, etc. I especially enjoyed the exploration of family roles and the implications of a blended family at this time. It was an interesting addition to the plot line around the limitations of women in “high society” at the time and familial duty.

Wishes

One area that I might make a wish about would be in the transition. While I was able to easily fall into the story and pick up where the last story left off, I think it would be harder for someone who had not just finished the previous book. It might have been nice to have some transitioning/ease in for those who might have gone awhile in between readings and/or is picking this book up to read first. With so many characters and interwoven storylines, I think this would be helpful, even in the form of a few pages of character introductions before the start of the story.

Another wish I suppose, might be for more chapters or focus and development on some of the “downstairs” characters. The second book focused primarily on “upstairs” cast, and while it was great, I still would have liked to see and/or hear a bit more from downstairs as well.

Overall, I found this to be a delightful read, and I cannot wait for the next installment – so many questions! This book left me wanting more and very sad to leave behind the beautiful world it created. The epilogue gave a few tie ups to lose ends and answers but not nearly enough! It also left us at the start of a war, all I can say is Ms. Rasheed please hurry up and get book 3 out please! If you haven’t had the chance, I would definitely recommend this breezy, splendidly fun read.

Recommendations:

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more Historical Drama type reads try:

Secondhand Charm – Julie Berry
Wildwing – Emily Whitman
The American Heiress – Daisy Goodwin
Ruby Red – Kerstin Gier
Keeping the Castle – Patrice Kindl
The Hawk and the Jewel – Lori Wick

Rating:

4 out of 5 Doxies – Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!

Jenn
Tale of Two Doxies
[...]


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Diamonds Deceit At Somerton Leila Rasheed Books Reviews

Grade B+
Release date January 7, 2014
This book was an ARC provided by Read Between the Lynes in exchange for an honest review.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly I loved how Charlotte and Georgiana developed as characters. Towards the end, Charlotte has several good moments. Georgiana has grown up quite a bit, and it suits her well. Throughout the book, I worried Celine would turn on Ada and Rose, but she turned out wonderfully. Seeing her in the epilogue was one of my favorite parts. I liked how things turned out for Rose in the end. She truly deserves her happy ending. Throughout the book, I felt like something was off with Lord Fintan, and I hate to say I was right. I was sad with how things ended there, but I think it was for the best. I hope there's at least a third book so we can see how things go for Ada. And once again I adored the dress descriptions. Finally, I think it's cool how elements of the story play into the title (like they did for Cinders & Sapphires). Chapters were very short. I think Ms. Rasheed could've combined several, and it would've flowed better. The book felt a bit devoid of any action, just the same social scene over and over again. It's also confusing, hopping between so many different characters' POVs. That works in TV shows and movies, but not very well in books. Lady Emily bothered me; she seemed so nice in the first book, but she seemed bratty and out of character in this one.
Mild language, if any. The romance stayed fairly chaste, although there were mentions of Alexander's past encounters and a character is pregnant out of wedlock (which was very scandalous for the times).

The Verdict It was a good read. I liked the first book better, but this one definitely kept me entertained and I really hope there's a third book (and a fourth and a fifth...) because I want more of the goings-on of the Averleys and Templetons and their servants.
how do I get the sequel to this book?there is one more to read and can't find it.please help me
The second book is still fairly cliche, but now you have two girls who don't really fit in and wish for things beyond the ongoing glamor of high society. Ada is still the girl who wants an education and longs for a man other than her fiance. And apparently there's something special about Rose that makes her stand apart from all the other girls that are lusting after the playboy Duke. In a nutshell, it's rather predictable. There is some development with side characters that is somewhat enjoyable though.Your reaction to the first book probably won't change with the second.
The characters were described so one could almost befriend them. I read book one first and had to have book two.
Very intriging story and juicy too.
I love this At Somerton series - I am anxiously awaiting the next addition - the romance and time period are delightful.
Book # 2 in the series -- I couldn't wait to read it -- its a bummer that the 3rd book is ONLY in e-book !! Hope they change that -- I'd love to finish this series !!!
My Thoughts

Diamonds & Deceit is the second book in the At Somerton book series (the first being Cinders & Sapphires). This second story picks up where the first left off, it once again sweeps you back in time to the earlier 1900’s. Rasheed picks up weaving the story of the Averley family and their staff in this thrilling estate drama. Once again, we are drawn into the intricacies of the “upstairs” and “downstairs” world and entangled within the dreams, schemes, and scandals as those involved make their way forth into a rapidly evolving society and world.

This was another light, engaging read that I quickly whipped through in only a day. The story this time focused more on the “upstairs” characters as Rose has now joined their ranks. Rose however is trying to negotiate this change and so we do get a very interesting plotline from that alone. As I’ve said before, I am a huge fan of period piece dramas – so for me this was an excellent read. I loved the whole premise, and how Rasheed seamlessly moved the story from the first book to this one. The story hummed along, and I found myself whisked away to another time with “seasons”, society balls, and exquisite manners. I felt wrapped up in the story and each character’s drama.

For fans of historical dramas, English Estate dramas, and of Downton Abbey – this book is for you (but make sure you read Cinders & Sapphires first!).

Highlights

I enjoyed a great many things about this story, not the least of which was the fact that it was reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I loved the romance and the time period of the story, and found myself truly invested in a fair few of the characters. I truly enjoyed seeing the growth in a fair number of the characters over the course of the two books. I also loved that Rasheed did not shy away from showing multiple sides to her characters, giving them dreams, wants, needs and most importantly flaws. I like that you could see the good and the bad in the characters, which of course made them feel more realistic and sympathetic.

Another highlight for me was the fact that Rasheed chose to have the character focus (and often the place) change from chapter to chapter. I liked seeing and experiencing the world from multiple perspectives, and learning more about each character. This provided a nice flow to the story, pulling me in more and helped me to appreciate each character and to understand each more fully.

Finally, I really enjoyed the exploration of relevant world issues of the time women’s right to vote and to education, the changing roles in society, family dynamics in this time frame, Indian Independence, interracial relationships, etc. I especially enjoyed the exploration of family roles and the implications of a blended family at this time. It was an interesting addition to the plot line around the limitations of women in “high society” at the time and familial duty.

Wishes

One area that I might make a wish about would be in the transition. While I was able to easily fall into the story and pick up where the last story left off, I think it would be harder for someone who had not just finished the previous book. It might have been nice to have some transitioning/ease in for those who might have gone awhile in between readings and/or is picking this book up to read first. With so many characters and interwoven storylines, I think this would be helpful, even in the form of a few pages of character introductions before the start of the story.

Another wish I suppose, might be for more chapters or focus and development on some of the “downstairs” characters. The second book focused primarily on “upstairs” cast, and while it was great, I still would have liked to see and/or hear a bit more from downstairs as well.

Overall, I found this to be a delightful read, and I cannot wait for the next installment – so many questions! This book left me wanting more and very sad to leave behind the beautiful world it created. The epilogue gave a few tie ups to lose ends and answers but not nearly enough! It also left us at the start of a war, all I can say is Ms. Rasheed please hurry up and get book 3 out please! If you haven’t had the chance, I would definitely recommend this breezy, splendidly fun read.

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more Historical Drama type reads try

Secondhand Charm – Julie Berry
Wildwing – Emily Whitman
The American Heiress – Daisy Goodwin
Ruby Red – Kerstin Gier
Keeping the Castle – Patrice Kindl
The Hawk and the Jewel – Lori Wick

Rating

4 out of 5 Doxies – Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!

Jenn
Tale of Two Doxies
[...]