The Gilded Talisman

The Gilded Talisman sweeps readers into an opulent world of international travel, set against the dazzling backdrops of Venice, Paris, and Istanbul. Gifted art restorer Maren Bennett's ordinary-and slightly dull-life is upended by a broken engagement, a dark tragedy and a single cryptic message: "Come to Venice as soon as possible-trust no one." Drawn into Venice's shadows, Maren encounters mysterious jewels, an unsolved code, and a haunting trail that leads her deeper into the city's mosaic of secrets.

Tasked by the enigmatic Marquise de Saint-Clair to recover Roxelana, a priceless Ottoman talisman necklace, Maren's journey becomes a race between protectors of the Talisman's legacy and ruthless rivals who will stop at nothing to seize its power. Her quest leads her onto the legendary Orient Express, where luxury conceals danger and every passenger hides secrets. Designer fashions, opulent mansions, snowy sleigh rides, and glittering ballrooms make for a novel as beautiful as it is thrilling.

Complicating her mission is a devastatingly handsome, impossibly wealthy aristocrat tied to the Talisman's dark history in ways he refuses to admit. As sparks fly and trust wavers, Maren must decide if he is friend or foe. Betrayal and heartbreak threaten everything, as centuries-old loyalties and ambitions place her and those she loves in the crosshairs. Woven throughout is a nuanced story of reinvention and transformation, as Maren navigates mysteries across Europe, and in her own life.

Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Beatriz Williams, Natasha Lester, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Mary Clark, Victoria Holt, Phyllis A. Whitney, Danielle Steel, and Judith Krantz.