THE SAPPHIRE WIDOW BY DINAH JEFFRIES


BY Cheryl Till

Having read all but one of Dinah Jeffries’ earlier publications, it is little surprise that I fell in love with her new historical fiction The Sapphire Widow.

Set in 1935 Ceylon, Louisa, the daughter of a wealthy gem trader and wife of 12 years to Elliot Reeve, a thrill-seeking businessman, finds herself with everything she could want in life – except for a child. Having suffered multiple miscarriages and an increasingly absent husband, Louisa finds herself alone to solve the mysterious secrets Elliot leaves behind after his sudden death.

With her world thrown upside down by unexpected tragedy, Louisa finds herself drawn into the company of Leo, a rugged and outdoorsy cinnamon plantation owner. And when Elliot’s betrayal is revealed, Leo is the only person Louisa can really turn to.

Following on with intertwined mentions of Gwen Hooper, the main feature of Jeffries’, The Tea Planter’s Wife, this mesmerising story brings back the enchanting imagery that featured so well in the 2015 bestseller.

The skill with which Jeffries’ is able to bring a foreign this world to life is absolutely unparalleled. Her distinctive style, marked by captivating and vivid descriptions that so perfectly set the scene, propels this poignant love story through a series of page-turning ups and downs.

With an enrapturing emotional rollercoaster that transports you into another reality this is exactly the kind of pleasurable, casual read that will capture your unwavering attention for a day or two.