M.J. Rose, the bestselling author renowned for her novels rich in jewelry detail and expertise, passed away on December 10 at the age of 71. She died unexpectedly while visiting her father in Florida. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Rose, who also wrote under her birth name, Melissa Shapiro, was celebrated for her deeply researched novels exploring the world of gemstones, designers, and the stories hidden within every piece of jewelry. Her most recent work, The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams (2023), fictionalized the life of iconic designer Suzanne Belperron. In a 2023 interview, Rose reflected on her fascination with jewelry: “Each piece takes on the patina of not only its maker but each of its owners… there are endless tales that every ring, pair of earrings, necklace, brooch could tell.”
Her bibliography includes Cartier’s Hope, Tiffany Blues, The Last Tiara, and The Secret Language of Stones. With more than 15 novels to her name, Rose was also an accomplished marketing author and a pioneer in the e-book industry. Her debut novel, Lip Service (1998), was one of the first self-published e-books to be later picked up by a major publisher. Over the course of her career, she sold over 1.5 million books, with her works translated into more than 30 languages and topping best-seller lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
Marion Fasel, editorial director of The Adventurine, fondly recalled Rose’s passion for jewelry and her adventurous spirit. “She took a group of romance novelists to Paris, where they shopped at Dior, Chanel, and Van Cleef & Arpels,” Fasel shared. “M.J. admired independent jewelry design, and on her own, she charmed designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal of JAR, securing a commission for a piece she’d long dreamed of owning.”
In addition to her literary achievements, Rose was a co-founder of 1001 Dark Nights and its imprint Blue Box Press, which specializes in contemporary and paranormal romance. Her advocacy for authors, particularly self-published writers, was widely recognized. Fellow author Steve Berry described her as a “warrior” in the publishing world, offering guidance and support to writers at all stages of their careers.
Rose’s passing has left a deep void among her colleagues and friends, who remember her as an advocate, an entrepreneur, and a vibrant, wise presence in a constantly shifting industry. “She was the voice of wisdom in this chaotic, unstable publishing industry,” novelist Stephanie Cowell said.
Before embarking on her literary career, Rose worked in advertising, including a nine-year stint as creative director at Rosenfeld, Sirowitz & Lawson. A 1976 graduate of Syracuse University, she is survived by her husband, composer Doug Scofield. The couple, married for nearly 30 years, lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. Further details regarding services or burial have not been made available.
Her legacy as a writer and jewelry aficionado will continue to resonate through the countless readers and admirers who discovered the magic of her words—and the stories hidden within every jewel.
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