Kerry Diamonds — Jeanne Robinson

When fledging archaeologist Hillary Sullivan arrives in Ireland for her first official assignment, her anticipation is tinged with regret. She'd longed to work in Egypt, where her ex-fiance, Erik, has just obtained a post. But all thoughts of pyramids and sand dunes evaporate when Hillary meets her new boss, super-smart Michael O'Rourke.

She may deny her feelings to her crewmates, but every night she steals off to watch Michael swim in the rocky waters off Coumeenoole Beach. Everything there seems enchanted, from the cascading waterfall to the polished quartz crystals--Kerry diamonds"--that sparkle along the shore. Sometimes Michael acts as if her, too, feels the magic between them; it's those moments that Hillary lives for. But in the light of day the magic fades, and Michael is back to being boss. Is there really something between us? Hillary wonders. Or is his love just an illusion, like the "diamonds" on Coumeernoole Beach?