Step into the dazzling world of the Donovans series by Elizabeth Lowell, where romance sparkles as brightly as the gems at the heart of each tale! This gripping romantic suspense series follows the Donovan family, a tight-knit clan running a global gem-trading empire in Seattle. With love, danger, and intricate mysteries woven into every page, Lowell’s masterful storytelling captivates readers who crave passion and adventure.
From the misty shores of Amber Beach to the sultry depths of Ruby Bayou, each novel pairs a Donovan sibling with a precious gem, creating a thrilling blend of high-stakes intrigue and heartfelt romance. Whether you’re a fan of pulse-pounding suspense or swoon-worthy love stories, the Donovans series promises an unforgettable ride.
How How the Donovans Series Began
Elizabeth Lowell, the pen name of Ann Maxwell, launched the Donovans series in 1997 with Amber Beach. A prolific author with over 70 novels, Lowell drew on her love for detailed research and vivid settings to craft this series. Inspired by the allure of precious gems and international intrigue, she created a family whose business and bonds are as complex as the jewels they trade. Her shift to romantic suspense in the 1980s set the stage for the Donovans, blending her knack for mystery with her flair for romance, earning her a Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Heart of the Donovans Series
The series spans four novels, each spotlighting a Donovan sibling and a unique gem. Amber Beach (1997) kicks off with Honor Donovan searching for her missing brother Kyle, teaming up with the enigmatic Jake Mallory to uncover secrets buried in the San Juan Islands. Jade Island (1998) follows Kyle Donovan as he navigates a stolen jade treasure and a dangerous attraction to expert Lianne Blakely. Pearl Cove (1999) centers on Archer Donovan, who joins forces with Hannah McGarry to find the missing Black Trinity pearls, facing peril and passion. Finally, Midnight in Ruby Bayou (2000) sees Faith Donovan, a jewelry designer, entangled with gem expert Owen Walker as they chase priceless rubies and evade a Russian assassin.
Lowell’s themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption shine through, set against exotic locales and the fascinating world of gem trading. Her meticulous research into pearls, jade, and rubies adds depth, making each book both a love story and a crash course in gemology. The Donovans’ fierce family loyalty and sizzling chemistry keep readers hooked, while the suspense keeps pulses racing.
Why the Donovans Series Resonates
The Donovans series has left a sparkling mark on romantic suspense, earning praise for its blend of steamy romance and intricate plots. Fans adore Lowell’s ability to craft strong heroines and complex heroes, making the Donovans feel like family. With over 30 million books in print, Lowell’s work, especially this series, continues to inspire readers to seek love amid danger. Its vivid settings and gem-centric mysteries make it a timeless escape for romance fans.
- Publication Years: 1997–2000
- Number of Books: 4
- Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
- Notable Award: Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award (Lowell, 1994)
Ready for a thrilling adventure? Grab Amber Beach and dive into the Donovans’ world of gems, love, and danger!