Oh the most scented, fragrant and hot countries evoked in literature.

This remarkable novel transports you to Ceylon, and allows you to discover the world of the plantations, the difficulties of the gem and sapphire industry, a troubled marriage…this novel is packed to the rafters! There’s so much to immerse yourself into and even before the second page, I felt totally lost in the world of the Sapphire Widow. There’s something very magical about Dinah’s writing, she really does paint a picture of the 1930s Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. The stunning cover is a door to a very unique and captivating world.

Against this background a mystery plays out of a woman newly widowed, having to sort out the mess her husband left behind, as well as the secrets. I felt very close to Louisa and despite her fairly charmed existence growing up , there’s an inherent sadness and as her story unfolds, there’s lots of emotions and understanding which come to the fore. Of course, these were different times and women were often kept in the dark about business affairs, but it’s more the shock that her own husband could have been someone else entirely that made me feel her pain.

Her task to discover secrets of the past, and try to put them right is admirable and as one shocking turn of events follows another, I’m not sure who was more surprised – me or Louisa! There are many twists and turns, and the setting plays a majorly important role. It was fascinating to learn about the plantations, the sights and smells of such a place, the work required to keep a business going here. A woman in a man’s world, and then the word of gemstones, where even the shine there is not what you think.

Simply gorgeous with a mysterious and revealing plot that shakes out one surprise after another. Heartfelt emotions and well developed characters. A gem of a read