In her first novel, Diamond Duo, Marcia Gruver gives us a look at the historical town of Jefferson, Texas and it’s rather unusual citizens. When a beautiful young woman named Bessie steps off the train in this small town, Bertha Biddie decides then and there that the woman would be the perfect one to help Bertha charm Thaddeus Bloom into proposing. The friendship grows into a close relationship that Bertha’s friends don’t understand. Thaddeus is confused by Bertha’s behavior, and even though he wants to proclaim his love for her, Bessie’s needs keep getting in the way by calling Bertha away. A subplot along the way also make for interesting reading with Sarah and Henry, freed slaves who are trying to make a life in Jefferson. Marcia weaves all these lives together in an engaging story that will have you laughing and crying all the way through.