Customer Reviews

Jewel of My Heart

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

One of my most favorite authors - and with this book I so remember how much I love her characters and depth of story. The story of Madison & Jeffrod is one where you find yourself screaming throughout "don't be so stubborn listen to your heart!!" Thankfully one of them FINALLY does. These two are headstrong individuals with so much passion you cannot help but want them to find true love. The heartfelt romance of Kendra's also contributed to the emotional depth of this book. For me, this book was one I just could not get enough of, could not put down and wished it would have gone on forever! No wonder I remember Rosemary Rogers as one of my favorite authors!! Only wish she would write MORE!!

Headstrong Madison Westcott would much rather live out her days painting than attend her silly coming-out ball, but she agrees to attend the ball after her aunt Kendra, visiting from Jamaica, suggests she display one of her paintings. When the nude portrait of herself creates a scandal, Madison is whisked off to Jamaica with her aunt, beginning an exciting new life. Kendra had come to London with two male companions: the detestable Jefford Harris and the handsome, charming Lord Carlton Thomblin. Madison develops a crush on Thomblin, despite warnings from her aunt that he is not the man for her, yet it is Jefford Harris she can't seem to get out of her mind.

On their arrival in Jamaica, Jefford is met rather enthusiastically by his longtime mistress, Chantal. Madison is eaten up with jealousy, which she denies, while also learning that Jefford is Kendra's illegitimate son. Although he had missed Chantal while in London, upon his return to Jamaica Jefford finds he has tired of his mistress, his thoughts consumed with the infuriating Madison. Jefford and Madison manage to avoid each other most of the time, until the night a fiery revolt sweeps across the island and they must flee for their lives, and they discover hidden passion for one another while hiding overnight in a cave.

Having been burned out of their Jamaican home, Lady Kendra Moran takes her entire household to her properties in India, which are far grander. There she reunites with her old lover, the raja, who is also Jefford's father. More surprises are in store when Madison finds out she's pregnant, and Kendra is thrilled. Madison also learns that her favored aunt is terminally ill, but that doesn't stop her from fighting a marriage to Jefford every step of the way. The two of them just can't seem to get along, except for when passion flares between them, but eventually, they find their way and live happily ever after.

Though a far cry from Sweet Savage Love or Wicked Loving Lies, written at Rogers' peak, this was a compelling read. Rosemary just isn't putting her characters through the depths of hell that she used to, though this book was much better than some of the rather flat stories she has delivered over the past 10 years. Her characters are still quite colorful, and she still depicts locales with rich description. A reader looking for high adventure might be a bit disappointed, but as a straight historical romance, this one is a winner.

Well Rosemary, you did it again!!!! I always wait for a new book to come out and usually I am never disappointed with it!!! You took me away again to unknown places and adventures. Easy reading from the first page to the last exciting moment. Now I have to wait a year for your next book..Well, I guess I'll have to read some of your past books for the hundredth time. Well worth my time, Thank you Rosemary.

In 1888, artist Madison Westcott is painting a man in her room when her mother insists she come out to greet her Aunt Kendra visiting from Jamaica for the first time in years. Madison has her model Cundo climb out her window to avoid a scandal, but he is hurt when dogs chase him. Kendra's companion Jefford Harris takes Madison to task for risking Cundo's life and writes her off as spoiled.

Not long afterward at a debutant ball, Madison reveals a nude portrait she painted of herself. Her family is appalled and to keep the scandal somewhat under control, Kendra takes her niece back to Jamaica with her. When the island erupts into revolution, Jefford takes his two female companions to safety in India where Jefford and Madison fall in love, but danger from a maniac with a diabolical plan endangers the trio.

Around the World riding on the crest of love, JEWEL OF MY HEART is an intriguing Victorian romance with exotic locales to freshen up the exciting story line. Madison seems a bit foolish, pampered and immature, but under Kendra's nurturing, Jefford's love, and the danger they face she turns into a strong caring adult. The villain is a delightful rogue who readers will hiss at, but though incredibly written seems to pale when compared with events in Jamaica and India. Still this strong cast in several locations bring alive the late nineteenth century as Rosemary Rogers writes a rousing read.

Harriet Klausner

Another bland book from Ms. Rogers. This one, although set in exotic places, just doesn't have the excitement and larger-than-life characters of her earlier works. Guess there will never be another book like the Steve Morgan-Ginny Brandon series. This book was very predictable and about as unexciting as ice cream. Don't bother to waste your money on this mediocre book that could have been at least a 4-star had the characters been more fully developed.

THIS IS A GREAT NOVEL, SO MANY PLACES AND SO ADVENTUREOUS, A GREAT STORY AND INTERESTING AND THE ENDING IS A GOOD ONE! YA-HOO! ELLIE MILLING

Jewel of My Heart by Rosemary Rogers is a very nice historical romance. I had never read anything by this author, but I am really impressed. The characters had depth, the story had intrigue, and it was overall very interesting and unique. I found myself thinking about what would happen next while I was away from the novel. The main characters, Madison & Jefford, are headstrong and passionate; I found myself rooting for them throughout the novel. Not a dull moment in this book.

I started reading this book and I was really enjoying it until I read that Jefford was Kendra's illegitimate son, thus making him Madison's first cousin. I just couldn't deal with that because to me if you're going to have an affair with your cousin, you might as well have one with your sibling. It just isn't natural and that kind of story line is just something that I can't deal with in a book. My advice is to save your money. Luckily I found this book at a used book store and didn't pay full price for it. This was my first Rosemary Rogers book and it will definitely be my last.