Cinders & Sapphires

February 4, 2013 Uncategorized 0

Cinders & Sapphires 

Author: Leila Rasheed
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: Jan. 2, 2013
Pages: 400
Series: At Somerton, book one
Source: ARC from publisher

About the Book: One house, two worlds…

Rose Cliffe has never met a young lady like her new mistress. Clever, rich, and beautiful, Ada Averley treats Rose as an equal. And Rose could use a friend. Especially now that she, at barely sixteen, has risen to the position of ladies’ maid. Rose knows she should be grateful to have a place at a house like Somerton. Still, she can’t help but wonder what her life might have been had she been born a lady, like Ada.

For the first time in a decade, the Averleys have returned to Somerton, their majestic ancestral estate. But terrible scandal has followed Ada’s beloved father all the way from India. Now Ada finds herself torn between her own happiness and her family’s honor. Only she has the power to restore the Averley name—but it would mean giving up her one true love . . . someone she could never persuade her father to accept.

Sumptuous and enticing, the first novel in the At Somerton series introduces two worlds, utterly different yet entangled, where ruthless ambition, forbidden attraction, and unspoken dreams are hidden behind dutiful smiles and glittering jewels. All those secrets are waiting . . . at Somerton.

My Thoughts: I can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun reading a book! I hesitate to compare books to TV  shows and such but the comparisons between Cinders & Sapphires and Downton Abbey are spot on. Not only in content but also in pacing and tone. When I closed the book I felt like I had just watched the season finale of a favorite show!

There are so many things I love about this book. First and foremost there is the time period and setting. I was sold right there. Then you add in the fact that it’s about the aristocrats AND the servants. Was it written for me?!?! Plus, plus, plus, mystery! Entrigue! Romance! Secrets! ALL THE THINGS I LOVE!!!! And Ada. Oh Ada. You can tell from page one that she is going to be trouble in the best possible way!


Basically I just can’t wait for next season… err, the next book!

Leave a Reply