The Worth of a Ruby

A riveting tale of self-discovery and redemption. ~ The Prairies Book Review
This life-affirming adventure from Badgley (author of The Foreigner's Confession) follows a Seattle chef, Mallory Jones, through Burma and other enchanting Southeast Asian locales, on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected intrigue and danger. ~ BookLife Reviews
A mesmerizing novel with amazing vivid descriptions of Burma, Bangkok, the golden Pagodas, and the MC Mallory, a Seattle chef on quite the adventure. The sights and sounds were clear, and I was really immersed in the adventure and Mallory's own personal transformation. It's a page turner and a fairly quick read. I could see this as a movie! A great adventure, with great sites, smells, food, and the heart. ~ 5 Star Amazon Review
This book captivated me from the first page and never let go until the end. This mesmerizing story totally and completely transported me to Burma and led me along a harrowing adventure to Bangkok. I could see the sites, and almost taste and smell the foods. I could not put this book down. Author Lya Badgley's connection to Southeast Asia shines through in this book. Her brilliant use of perfect words draws you in and brings you fleeting back to reality at the end. I will read this book again so I can savor every word again and again. ~ Five Star Goodreads Review
A priceless Burmese ruby leads Mallory Jones on a journey from the remote mountains of Burma to the swelter of Bangkok in search of redemption.
In 1995, Mallory Jones, a Seattle chef, embarked on an adventurous trip to Rangoon, Burma, in pursuit of a dream project. Immersed in a foreign world of beauty, stifling heat, and political turmoil, Mallory's life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends a British diplomat and a charismatic French gem dealer, unwittingly becoming entangled in a treacherous plot to steal a priceless Burmese ruby. Haunted by her traumatic past, Mallory must confront her own capacity for violence and deceit, all while clinging to the elusive hope of a new beginning.
The Worth of a Ruby transports readers to the mesmerizing landscapes of Southeast Asia, where a priceless ruby becomes a powerful metaphor for Mallory's journey of self-discovery. Can Mallory finally break free from the disaster of her former life or will her inner demons consume her? The story is a riveting exploration of the human psyche and the search for one's true worth. Weaving elements of mystery, suspense, and personal transformation, this story leaves readers pondering the true value of the ruby of the heart.