The Chocolate Maker's Wife

Title: The Chocolate Maker’s Wife

Author: Karen Brooks

Publisher: Harlequin Australia, HQ

Pages: 608 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Australian bestselling novelist Karen Brooks rewrites women back into history with this breathtaking novel set in 17th century London—a lush, fascinating story of the beautiful woman who is drawn into a world of riches, power, intrigue…and chocolate.

Damnation has never been so sweet...

Growing up in an impoverished household with a brutal family, Rosamund Tomkins is both relieved and terrified when her parents all but sell her in a marriage of convenience to a wealthy nobleman, Sir Everard Blithman. Though Rosamund will finally be free of the torment she’d become accustomed to in her childhood home, she doesn’t know if she’s traded one evil for another. But much to her surprise, Rosamund soon discovers that her arranged marriage is more of a blessing than curse. For her new husband recognizes not only Rosamund’s unusual beauty, but also her charm and vibrancy, which seem to enchant almost everyone who crosses her path.

Sir Everard presides over a luxurious London chocolate house where wealthy and well-connected men go to be seen, exchange news, and indulge in the sweet and heady drink to which they have become addicted. It is a life of luxury and power that Rosamund had never imagined for herself, and she thrives in it, quickly becoming the most talked-about woman in society, desired and respected in equal measure. But when disaster strikes, Rosamund stands on the brink of losing all she possesses. Determined not to return to poverty, Rosamund makes a deal with the devil that could preserve her place in society—or bring her the greatest downfall.

Set against the decadent, chaotic backdrop of Restoration London, the plague, and the Great Fire, The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is a tale of revenge and redemption, love and hope—and the sweet, sinister temptation of chocolate.

My Thoughts

‘Today, my lady, you also became a chocolate maker’s wife.’

The Chocolate Maker's Wife was quite hard to get into, but once I did, I enjoyed it. The setting for this story is Restoration London, between 1662 and 1667. London in 1662 is still coming to terms with the return of Charles II to the throne. By 1667 London will endure both the Great Plague and the Great Fire.

The main protagonist is Rosamund Tomkins. She was born into poverty and treated badly by her mother, step father and step brothers. She seems condemned to a life of drudgery in her step father’s inn, but an accidental meeting changes the course of her life. Sir Everard Blithman recognises Rosamund as someone to be treasured, strikes a deal and then marries her. Could it be a dream come true?

Sir Everard Blithman opens a chocolate shop. Rosamund quickly becomes his greatest asset, she is beautiful as well as being very clever, so the chocolate shop is very popular. But Sir Everard Blithman has secrets and Rosamund is drawn into a life she didn't expect.

What I enjoyed most was the descriptions of the historical detail of the time. I  did enjoy the story, but found it quite hard to get into. It had enough interesting twists and turns to keep me interested and the mix of fact and fiction made it good too.

This is an enjoyable and entertaining read that lovers of romance and historical fiction will enjoy.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.