Dual-timeline heroines sparkle in M.J. Rose’s latest

Using one of history’s most notorious mysteries as her backdrop, M.J. Rose tells the story of two women a generation apart as one tries to unearth secrets the other had hoped to keep buried.

Family secrets, lies, love and intrigue, all wrapped up in one neat, bejeweled package? Yes, please!

You’ll have stars in your eyes after reading “The Last Tiara,” the latest novel by New York Times bestselling author M.J. Rose. Using one of history’s most notorious mysteries as her backdrop, Rose tells the story of two women a generation apart as one tries to unearth secrets the other had hoped to keep buried.

After her mother dies in an accident in 1948, architect Isobelle Moon is left with nothing but unanswered questions. Questions about her father, her mother’s life in Bolshevik Russia and especially about the contents of a box Isobelle finds hidden in the wall of Sophia Moon’s bedroom in New York.

The tiara’s silver frame resembles nothing of its past glory, or so Isobelle imagines, but if there’s one thing Isobelle hates, it’s a secret.

When she discovers the jewels were sold to fund the furniture and art restoration business Sophia and her

Aunt Lana began when Sophia first arrived in America, Isobelle knows there’s only one thing to do. Armed with only the frame and the help of the grandson of the jeweler who purchased the stones, Isobelle sets out to discover the truth behind both the tiara and her mother’s past.

If that already sounds good to you, then you’ll love Sophia’s story. Told in alternating points of view (and with just enough mystery to keep you turning pages), this novel gives the reader a glimpse into the real story behind the tiara.

Sofiya Petrovitch’s life in Russia during World War I is anything but ideal. Serving as a nurse to injured soldiers in a war-torn country would be impossible if not for Olga and Tatiana, two of Sofiya’s friends who just happen to be the daughters of the czar and czarina. But everything changes when Sofiya meets one particular soldier, a man who has lost his memory and needs her help to reclaim his identity. As the battle rages on outside, Sofiya must fight the war in her heart and learn not only how to survive the truth about the man she loves, but also how to protect the one gift that she holds dear.

You’ll want to devour all the delicious details in this story. Rose tells us just enough in each chapter to leave you craving more and, when you think you’re finally there, she’ll throw in a gold nugget of a twist that will leave you clapping your hands in delight. Romance isn’t the subject, but rather the glue that binds the action, giving the characters breadth and depth in a way that will leave you fascinated all the more.

I’m a sucker for a strong heroine (who isn’t?), and

Rose delivers not one but two engaging female leads in her novel. Not only does Rose give Isobelle a career that’s little-held by a woman in the ’40s, but she pairs it with a kind of resilience and persistence that doesn’t overwhelm Isobelle’s sensitive nature. It’s a perfect blend that parallels similar traits in her mother.

We don’t only learn who Sophia is in her chapters, but also through her daughter’s eyes as Isobelle describes the many layers of the woman who raised her. A woman haunted by a difficult past who still managed to be present. A mother who taught her daughter how to dream with two feet planted firmly on the ground. Both women are survivors who find their way against all odds.

There are lots of things to love about this novel, but its value for me is in learning that sometimes a secret has both the power to hurt and heal. Is there buried treasure hidden at the end of this rainbow? You’ll have to read it to find out, but ultimately Rose ensures we know that uncovering the truth can be so much more precious than the finest gem.

By M.J. Rose; Blue Box Press, 276 pages, $15.99 ‘The Last Tiara’