This story is pleasing because the characters seem to live and breathe. Amethyst Goldsmith is engaged to marry Robert Stanley, her father's apprentice. The Goldsmiths and Stanleys are jewelers. Hugh Goldsmith's dream is to keep the Goldsmith and Sons Company afloat for more generations. Even though he did not have a son, he thought marrying Robert Stanley to his gifted daughter would ensure the continuation of the line. The only problem is that Robert has no intention of allowing Amy to continue being a jeweler after they marry. Amy knows this, but Hugh does not.
With the wedding drawing close, London bursts into flames and destroys 2/3 of the city. A former customer, Colin Chase, saves Amy (with her box of jewels). He also gathers up nine bereft children about being unable to find their parents. Colin gathers them all to escape the flames and misery. At the story's heart are the class differences between a jeweler and an aristocrat, especially one close to the king. Both Amy and Colin are engaged to other persons. However, they are attracted to each other, despite their knowledge that their relationship won't work.
I thought the story was rather long, but the authors filled the pages with an exciting account. This story is well-written and engaging because so much research went into this book. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
With the wedding drawing close, London bursts into flames and destroys 2/3 of the city. A former customer, Colin Chase, saves Amy (with her box of jewels). He also gathers up nine bereft children about being unable to find their parents. Colin gathers them all to escape the flames and misery. At the story's heart are the class differences between a jeweler and an aristocrat, especially one close to the king. Both Amy and Colin are engaged to other persons. However, they are attracted to each other, despite their knowledge that their relationship won't work.
I thought the story was rather long, but the authors filled the pages with an exciting account. This story is well-written and engaging because so much research went into this book. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
