The Lost Sapphire

What is the fascinating secret of a long-lost sapphire ring?Marli is staying with her dad in Melbourne, and missing her friends. Then she discovers a mystery - a crumbling, abandoned mansion is to be returned to her family after ninety years. Marli sneaks into the locked garden to explore, and meets Luca, a boy who has his own connection to Riversleigh.A peacock hatbox, a box camera and a key on a velvet ribbon provide clues to what happened long ago . . .In 1922, Violet is fifteen. Her life is one of privilege, with boating parties, picnics and extravagant balls. An army of servants looks after the family - including new chauffeur Nikolai Petrovich, a young Russian emigre.Over one summer, Violet must decide what is important to her. Who will her sister choose to marry? What will Violet learn about Melbourne's slums as she defies her father's orders to help a friend? And what breathtaking secret is Nikolai hiding?Violet is determined to control her future. But what will be the price of her rebellion?

At about the age of eight, Belinda Murrell began writing stirring tales of adventure, mystery and magic in hand-illustrated exercise books. As an adult, she combined two of her great loves - writing and travelling the world - and worked as a travel writer, journalist and public relations consultant. Now, inspired by her own three children, Belinda is an award-winning, internationally published children's author with a history of writing in her family that spans over 200 years. Her previous titles include The Golden Tower, her fantasy adventure series The Sun Sword trilogy and her award-winning time-slip adventures, The Locket of Dreams, The Ruby Talisman, The Ivory Rose, The Forgotten Pearl, The River Charm, The Sequin Star, and The Lost Sapphire.For younger readers Belinda has her popular Lulu Bell and Pippa's Island series.Belinda lives in Manly in a gorgeous old house overlooking the sea with her husband Rob, her three beautiful children - Nick, Emily and Lachlan - and her dog Rosie. She is an Author Ambassador for Room to Read and Books in Homes. Find out more about Belinda at her website

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