The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea Cobb

THE BOOK

The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 33: Guest KarenWitemeyer & The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea Cobb

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle’s castle. She doesn’t dare to trust him…and yet doesn’t dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope…or be overcome.

THE REVIEW

Today we bring you the review of a book not newly released, but an old favorite of mine.

The Sound of Diamonds centers around a young woman’s journey of discovering the closeness God desires in our relationships with Him. Gwyneth has many things to struggle with over the course of the story, but this is the heart of the story. Set against the backdrop of the Reformation, the story’s faith element is very strong and encouraging.

The prose is absolutely gorgeous, with rich historical details taking you right into the setting. Well-developed characters will have you rooting for the whole cast, along with the hero and heroine. And the adventure on land and sea keeps you turning pages. Most of the violence happens offscreen, and what is shown is tastefully handled.

The romance is sweet, only going so far as kisses. Dirk is a noble hero, seeking to do the right thing, but also in a way that will clear his name. Occasionally, those aims conflict.

If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction with plenty of danger, and enemies-to-lovers romance, pick up a copy of The Sound of Diamonds. This is the first book in the Steadfast Love series, so if you find yourself hooked, there’s more to enjoy.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

THE AUTHOR

Wife. Mama. Freelance editor. Author of six books. Voracious reader. I’m married to a man with the same name as my fictional hero, and we are living our happily ever after with our daughter in a fixer-upper by the sea. I’m a fan of chai and lemonade (though definitely not together).

Read more about Rachelle on her website.