The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rae Cobb ~ A Review

The Sound of Diamonds
Rachelle Rea
Copyright 2015
WhiteFire Publishing
ASIN: 1939023599

The Story:
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.

Meet the author and learn more about the story on her website!


My Thoughts:

Historical fiction is the genre I read when I'm craving an escape. No texts, no Facebook, no snaps, just romance…Hopefully. When I had the chance to grab up this book by relatively new to the scene author, Rachelle Rea, I jumped on it. It's not everyday a novel comes around set during the Iconoclastic Fury. For a debut novel, The Sound of Diamonds, is impressive in its scope covering topics from murder, faith, mistaken identities, and romance among other things.  

Gwyn’s and Dirk’s relationship had a rocky start both in the book and in my heart. There is no world in which I support a romance with a guy who is supposedly responsible for making the heroine an orphan. Yikes! Gwyneth's feelings towards Dirk for the first third of the story were "off". However, we, as readers, learn the truth about Dirk fairly early on. The romantic aspects just did not mesh for this reader. By themselves, these two, as well as the secondary characters are fine. I like them even. Both are fighting for their faith and the lives of those they love, which is honorable.

I highly respect that such a young writer has put together a better story than a lot I have read from writers with twice as much experience. While this book may not be a romance I'll read again and again, I am happy to have had the chance to escape in a story that is still fraught with danger and intrigue at every turn --  a real adventure! 

~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~

*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

Happy Reading!