Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone

In her delightful second novel, Patrick once again imbues objects with magic. In her first book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, bracelet charms transform a widower’s life. Here, gemstones—their singular qualities head every chapter—take on special meaning for jeweler Benedict Stone (yes, “Stone”). His bleak life—Estelle, his wife of nearly 10 years, is taking a “time out” from their marriage—is upturned when Gemma (yes, “Gemma”) the teenage daughter of his estranged brother, Charles, shows up from America on the doorstep of his home in Noon Sun, a small English village. Although instinct tells him Gemma may be running from something, Benedict allows her to stay and shows her something dear to him: his late father’s notebook about gems and their meanings, to which Gemma adds additional comments. It’s particularly poignant for Benedict to connect with his niece because his temporary separation from Estelle was provoked by their being unable to have children of their own. Gemma comes up with some ideas for him to win Estelle back (“WEB”) and, in the process, gets him on an exercise and better eating routine, helps renovate his tired store, rejuvenates his passion for work, and alters the lives of countless Noon Sun villagers. More importantly, a long-held secret is divulged, a feud ended, and the varied meanings of family explored. (May)