Chesapeake Chapters: ‘Pieces of Gold’ Book Review

Ode to Annapolis

I opened the beautiful book with little background beyond the back cover’s mention of an Annapolis setting and an intimate friendship among four different women. Leah’s dedication alluded to The Capital’s 2018 shooting. Cue my visceral reaction. The Capital is where I got my first journalist gig. I mourned the tragedy deeply . . . 

I was instantly hooked by the personal connection to our city, even as I questioned whether I could handle a story that opened with a tragic mass shooting.

When I spoke with Leah — who writes under a pen name — she told me that while she never worked for The Capital, she was always a big fan. I was surprised. Her writing has a journalistic style; the short chapters and a large font made it easy to fly through. The compelling story helped too — it was a literal and figurative page-turner.

“I wanted a fiction writer in our city of Annapolis and allow the stories to take place in our beautiful town because we have so much to offer,” Leah said. “No one has ever captured that like Elin Hilderbrand captured Nantucket.”

Locals will easily connect the dots to many popular watering holes and restaurants. There’s a nod to Harry Browne’s Restaurant with Henry’s on State Circle. I’m confident Davis’ Pub, O’Leary’s, and Carpaccio’s inspired other dining spots. With references to Wednesday Night Sailing Races and the First Sunday Arts Festival, it’s easy for Annapolitans to fall in love with Leah’s book.

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Why the pen name?

To put it lightly, I was fascinated with the pen name concept, especially in today’s transparent internet stalking age. The book didn’t include the usual bio, but a link to her website, leahkellybooks.com. I had to learn more. 

Debora (yes, that’s her real name) is a lawyer and decided to keep her legal and literary lives separate. Leah Kelly the author has a different footprint in life. That includes social media. 

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The Characters

Back to the four distinct ladies. I had to know which one Leah/Debora identified with most. Apparently, there’s a little bit of her in all of them. Kate, the adventurous attorney, shares her profession. Dahlia, like Leah, is a Brazil native who came to America at a young age. Both women worked hard to blend in and learn. Winifred struggles to conceive a baby, a traumatic experience Leah feels isn’t shared enough. And last, but certainly not the least, sweet Melody holds the group together. 

Their friendship has a Sex and the City vibe — right down to the steamy romance recounts. Speaking of romance, I wasn’t sure if that was the book’s genre. Interestingly, the author classifies it as both Romance and Contemporary Women’s Fiction. So, if Romance isn’t your usual jaunt, this is a nice way to dip your toe in. 

According to Leah, a quote before her book is about all four women pursuing their talent or life’s mission. It’s also about supporting each other while maintaining independence. 
“The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” – Albert Einstein

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The Bottom Line

For our Naptown Scoop readers (aka Annapolis aficionados), this book is a must read. At its core, it’s a love letter to Annapolis.

Even better news: a sequel is in the works and slated to release in late fall 2025! 

Order Pieces of Gold now so you’re ready to roll into the next story! 

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‍About the Author: Leah Kelly was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and came to the U.S. at a young age. Originally from Bowie, she has spent most of her adult life in Annapolis, where she raised two sons and continues to practice law at a civil litigation firm after 40 years. She believes mentoring youth is an obligation and endowed a book scholarship at her alma mater, UMBC. Previously known as a children’s book author, Pieces of Gold is her first adult novel.