Review of 'House of Clubs' by Amber Jakeman

REVIEW OF ‘HOUSE OF CLUBS’

BY AMBER JAKEMAN

From the first moment I saw the appealing cover of House of Clubs with Cynthia Huntley dressed in her stylish burgundy skirt and white blouse with clubs/shamrocks— standing amidst deep pink roses against an enticing Parisian skyline, I had a great feeling about the fourth novel in the House of Jewels series. In fact, from the opening paragraph I was hooked and never once during the reading was I disappointed. Well, except maybe when I came to the last page but that was because I did not want the story to end! The saga definitely did not feel finished and Amber left me standing at the closing scene with my mouth open and my heart anxious to read more in the next sequel. 

Cynthia is a very warm and generous lady and the mother of James, Will and Nicole that we meet in the previous novels of the series (if you have been reading the books in order). She is a lover of all things French with a desire to live in France. After the death of her husband, Jimmy, the love of her life, she decides to leave Australia and the Huntley’s jewellery business to start afresh in the country of her dreams. 

With my own previous background in the French language, I really enjoyed the French lines that were appropriately sprinkled throughout the story. I felt at home in the culture and settings that Amber delivers so well. I could easily feel and see everything the characters saw and experienced. It is obvious Amber loves France and has spent time there. From the intriguing design of the front door of the old homestead that Cynthia buys, to the unique furniture and fittings (like a special chandelier) she pursues in her renovations of her new home, this move to another country opens up many interesting avenues and adventures for her. 

Through a few time line flashbacks, we get a solid picture of Cynthia’s life in her younger years: how she enters the Huntley family and the kindling of her romance with Jimmy. In the current timeline we see that a new man, Emile, enters her life as soon as she lands in France. He is an interesting likeable character and Cynthia falls for him. But he is secretive about his past and this makes Cynthia uneasy. Her reservations, though, keep her on her toes and as revelations come, surprises bring about satisfying change.

There are some lovely scenes in this novel: particularly the castle ones. And from the description of Cynthia’s magnificent dress, I could picture its stunning design. There’s lots of drama with Emile but also Cynthia’s two sons who come to visit her (each at different times) and stir up some concerns. Conflicts abound that keep us turning the pages as we cheer Cynthia on in her new endeavours. Amber leads us carefully up to the end where ‘feel good’ elements rise to the surface. But we know the story is not finished and more will come in the fifth and possibly final book. I have to wonder if Nicole will get a chance to tell her story?

Thanks again to Amber for a copy of House of Clubs. I thoroughly loved it and recommend this one along with books 1-3. It is a consistently strong and uplifting series. I think she deserves 5 Stars for all her hard work! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

To read more about Amber and her books check out her website and Amazon.