Review of 'The Hope Keeper' by Heather Webb
Release date: May 19th, 2026
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
REVIEW
What a fascinating story! This novel just floats along with the exceptional prose of Heather Webb. I loved it from cover to cover and felt transported to the setting and time of 1919. The characters were well drawn and developed and they took me on an unforgettable journey of both tears and joy. The author gives us a chance to see both sides of the gem world but through one character’s eyes. One in their role as a jeweller but also as an observer who gets an inside view of a collector’s life of rare jewels. To see the rich and famous lifestyle of the real Evalyn McLean, a wealthy socialite, was quite a treat.
The Hope Keeper starts with the gentle whispers of Hope Diamond itself. The magical allure of science and superstition are spun together into a fantasy approach as we get the point of view of Hope Diamond discussing how it was created ‘born of fire and earth.’ Next we learn how it was found, its value and meaning. And the stories that began from the strange events that occurred around its various owners/ keepers/ holders/ onlookers. For hearts and lives are changed when they are mesmerised by its unique brilliance. It becomes a symbol of power—for those who want to flaunt its presence in their lives. But this power is dangerous for it seduces. This talisman, a keeper of secrets, proclaims there is a curse that hangs over its ‘dark blue depths’. We wonder: is Hope Diamond really cursed? In answer to that question, we are sent on a fact finding journey with people who have been part of its sphere of influence. There have been serious mishaps in its caretakers’ lives but have these been caused by a curse on the diamond as some say or just coincidence? The novel leaves us to decide, once all the stories are told. And it also ends with a message from Hope Diamond again. To beware. This stone is legendary: a true mix of lies and truths. Does it carry the darkness some claim? Again, the reader is left to make his/her own conclusion.
I read more on Hope Diamond and those who once were keepers of this legendary stone, and I marvelled at its varied voyages. It is obvious Heather Webb has done an incredible amount of research as we get an accurate portrait of Hope Diamond’s history while it was in the hands or around the neck of Evalyn Walsh McLean. American mining heiress and socialite, flaunted her ownership of the rare diamond. Known as a big spender, she threw extravagant parties and surrounded herself with people of position. Heather accurately portrays this woman’s personality of being an attention and thrill seeker, who moved in influential circles. It was easy to imagine who she was, in her social circles, as a friend, enemy, wife and mother. She was a wealthy woman in her own right and married a wealthy man. But her marriage was anything but perfect as her husband had wandering eyes.
Elisabeth Beaumont is a fictional character created by the author to help tell her story of the Hope Diamond’s adventures in 1919. What better angle to tell this tale from but through a renowned jeweller family that Evalyn could have become involved with. Then create an accident that would leave suspicion. Did the man die because of an angry drunk who wanted to scare his opponent or because of his involvement of the Hope Diamond? This fateful accident happened to Elisabeth Beaumont’s twin brother, Julien, who had an active part in the family’s jewellery business and tended to the rare diamond for Evalyn.
Heartbroken, Elisabeth’s loss leads her to Evalyn’s doorstep while her father is bed-ridden dealing with his own grief. All three family members worked in the family business but now with her father out of commission and her brother dead, Elisabeth is left to pick up the pieces of their failing business and try to keep it going. So her purpose in approaching Evalyn McLean is two-fold: she needs to make a sale to survive and she wants answers to what happened to her brother. For he worked in this rich environment selling and caring for the wealthy owners’ jewels. It is a strange transition for Elisabeth but when she is swept into Evalyn’s realm, she learns of wealth’s seduction and folly. And observes the dangerous race to the top for status and jewels. Caught in the madness that surrounds her, she stops and takes account of who she is and what she wants to be, while learning shocking truths that enlighten her.
This riveting tale spun from fact and fiction is mesmerising. I could not stop reading once I started. I was moved, jarred and enlightened. Heather Webb has captured perfectly the aura, mystery and mayhem surrounding this stone. Yes, there are sad outcomes for many of the characters but not all. Elisabeth’s transformation is uplifting, while the rich heiress’s downfall is tragic. This historical fiction novel will leave you with more questions than answers concerning Hope Diamond’s power or lack of. No questions here, though, for a rating. 5 Glittering Stars without doubt! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for my review copy.
