The Engagements

The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

Diamonds are forever.

Have you ever wondered where that expression originated?

It was actually penned in 1947 by Frances Gerety, a young copywriter working for the advertising agency N. W. Ayer.  DeBeers controlled the world's supply of rough diamonds at this time.  The company wanted to create a slogan that would epitomize a man's devotion to his beloved significant other. And so this beautiful gemstone became the symbol of everlasting love.

Sullivan interconnects five individual stories in this novel about love, commitment, heartache and despair, forgiveness and hope. Fact and fiction combine in the segments about Frances and her eloquently written words.  She never married.  She never wore a diamond.  Even with all her success, Frances knows that the passage of time is inevitable.  Yet sometimes it seems that "it is only happening to her". 

James, a paramedic on the graveyard shift, longs to give wife Sheila everything she deserves yet knows such dreams are beyond his reach.  She could have done so much better.  Perhaps a pricey diamond will make up for all those broken promises.  He vows that his sons will not follow in his footsteps.

Kate and Dan have been in a relationship for ten years. They don't believe in the institution of marriage and certainly not in spending two months salary on an opulent diamond.  When Kate's favorite cousin, Jeff, and partner Toby announce their plans for a fairy tale wedding,  she finds it hard to celebrate. The extravagance of fourteen thousand dollars in diamonds takes on a whole new meaning when one of them is lost.    

Evelyn and Gerald share forty years of happiness.  Unfortunately, their son Teddy continues to disappoint them.  He has chosen to leave wife Julie and Evelyn's heart breaks each time she thinks of never seeing her granddaughters again.  The family diamond heirloom Evelyn wears with pride signifies her love for Gerald.  How can Teddy one day inherit this beautiful jewel when he has failed in so many ways? 

Delphine makes the decision to leave France and  staid, somewhat boring Henri. She follows the passion and excitement renowned violinist  P.J. offers in New York City.  But such a love affair is fleeting, especially to a much younger man.  A woman scorned leads to unimaginable destructive fury.  If only she hadn't lost her precious diamond.   

Sullivan flawlessly connects these stories. The reader will be in awe of her ability to tie it all together.  Her research is superb.  Surprises await you. 

After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend........