A marvelous star-crossed caper that jets from Los Angeles to New York and across Europe, Jessie Rosen's The Heirloom is perfect for readers who can't resist a dash of globe-trotting drama in their romance novels.
Italian American Shea Anderson works in marketing for a film festival and lives in Los Angeles. Shea was raised under the influence of her beloved Nonna and inherited many of her grandmother's superstitions, including one advising brides against wearing heirloom jewelry lest any negative karma from the item's previous owner adversely impact their own marriage.
So when John, the man of Shea's dreams, presents her with a stunning heirloom engagement ring he bought at a quaint New York jewelry store, what should be the best moment of her life turns into a "personal proposal nightmare" for poor Shea. Determined to unearth the ring's history so that she can assuage her superstitious fears, she embarks on a whirlwind European adventure that takes her to Florence, Rome, Lisbon, and beyond in search of the ring's original owner.
The ring's provenance turns out to have more intriguing layers than Shea could have imagined. Adding to the adventure is Graham, a handsome journalist whose investigative skills turn out to be invaluable to Shea's search. But the longer she's away from John, the more confused she feels about her upcoming nuptials. It doesn't help that Graham is utterly charming, and they have a great deal in common. Meanwhile, the usually patient John isn't feeling so patient anymore.
The Heirloom is an impressive debut with a gorgeous, heartfelt ending. --Shahina Piyarali