Two jewel thieves, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris, and a quest for answers in a decades-old murder…

Colette Marceau has been stealing jewels for nearly as long as she can remember, following the centuries-old code of honor instilled in her by her mother: take only from the cruel and unkind, and give to those in need. Never was their family tradition more important than seven decades earlier, during the Second World War, when Annabel and Colette worked side by side in Paris to fund the French Resistance.

But one night in 1942, it all went wrong. Annabel was arrested by the Germans, and Colette’s four-year-old sister, Liliane, disappeared in the chaos of the raid, along with an exquisite diamond bracelet sewn into the hem of her nightgown for safekeeping. Soon after, Annabel was executed, and Liliane’s body was found floating in the Seine—but the bracelet was nowhere to be found.

Seventy years later, Colette—who has “redistributed” $30 million in jewels over the decades to fund many worthy organizations—has done her best to put her tragic past behind her, but her life begins to unravel when the long-missing bracelet suddenly turns up in a museum exhibit in Boston. If Colette can discover where it has been all this time—and who owns it now—she may finally learn the truth about what happened to her sister. But she isn’t the only one for whom the bracelet holds answers, and when someone from her childhood lays claim to the diamonds, she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past as never before. Against all odds, there may still be a chance to bring a murderer to justice—but first, Colette will have to summon the courage to open her own battered heart.

This was my first time reading a novel by this author, and it certainly will not be my last. After finishing this book, I immediately wanted to explore everything she has written. One of the things I appreciated most was how skillfully real historical details were woven into a fictional story, which made the entire narrative feel richer and more meaningful. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator delivered an outstanding performance. Her use of distinct voices and subtle accents made each character feel unique and helped draw me even deeper into the story.

I do not usually gravitate toward stories about theft, thieves, or elaborate heist schemes, but this novel completely won me over. The premise of a jewelry thief was surprisingly compelling, and the story blended historical fiction with elements of mystery and romance in a way that felt both exciting and heartfelt. It also explores family relationships and the beauty of found family, which added an emotional layer that I truly loved.

The story moves between two timelines. One takes place during World War II, while the other follows Colette in the present day when she is nearly 90-years-old. Over the course of her life, Colette has secretly funneled more than 30 million dollars’ worth of stolen jewels to organizations that help those in need. When one of the bracelets resurfaces at the Diamond Museum, it brings painful memories rushing back. Determined to learn where the bracelet originally came from, Colette gathers her strength and begins searching for answers. I found myself completely invested in both timelines, which is rare for me. Usually, one timeline stands out more than the other, but here I was equally captivated by both stories.

Colette views herself as something of a modern-day Robin Hood. Throughout her life, she has taken jewels from cruel and corrupt individuals and redirected that wealth toward meaningful causes. Every time she attempted a theft, I found myself holding my breath. The tension was palpable, and the relief when she succeeded was just as powerful. The chapters set during World War II are especially moving. The story does not shy away from portraying the devastating impact of the Holocaust, showing how families were torn apart during one of the darkest periods in history. It also highlights the courage of resistance groups who risked everything to help others.

There is no language and no spice in this story, but it is deeply emotional. You may want to keep tissues nearby because this book is truly a tearjerker. By the end, I was sobbing. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and I never quite knew what would happen next, which made the reading experience even more engaging. I also appreciate that every time I read a novel set during World War II, I come away having learned something new. This book uncovered several fascinating historical details that expanded my understanding of that time.

If you enjoy fast-paced historical fiction with a touch of mystery, surprising twists, a bit of romance, and a lot of heart, this is absolutely a book to add to your list. Readers who loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah may especially enjoy this story, as it gave me a similar emotional experience. It is powerful, memorable, and incredibly moving. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to read more from this author.