The Tobacconist's Wife

by AnneMarie Brear

1855 York, England
Having lost her father, Thea Goodson is alone in the world.
It is true she has a husband, but Ernie is a brutal man, more inclined to use his fists to keep Thea in line than to build on their marriage. And besides, Ernie Goodson has secrets – secrets that even his wife cannot share.
But in Victorian Yorkshire, appearances must be kept up, so Thea goes on powdering her bruises and forcing a smile as she toils in Ernie’s home and tobacco shop. There seems to be no other option.
That is, until a handsome and well-bred stranger arrives to set up shop next door…
Can Thea escape her misery and break from the conventions of society? Or will the clutches of her abusive husband confine her forever?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, 19th Century

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2021

About the author

Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 3 out of 5]

England Yorkshire 1855. When Thea's father dies her only option is to get married and her father’s friend Ernie Goodson proposes she gracefully accepts. He owns a shop selling tobacco, she has a place to live and her life should be comfortable. Unfortunately Ernie is not at all what he seemed, he’s a nasty bully and extremely violent as well. Like many women Thea is too ashamed to tell anyone what her brute of a husband does to her, she keeps quiet and tries to hide the bruises. She has no other choice, it’s horrible and what could she do?

Adam Fitzwilliam rents the shop next to the tobacco shop, he’s a gentleman, and he makes and sells fine furniture. Thea notices how attractive her new neighbor is, he's caring as well and she’s unfortunately married. When Ernie gets himself into trouble, Thea hopes she might escape her abusive marriage and she has no idea what her husband has been up to?

The Tobacconist’s Wife is a story about life in Victorian England, it highlights how single women had very few choices, if life didn’t go as planned, and a family member passed away and they had no option but to marry. Marriages were often for convenience, not for love, and will Thea get a second chance at happiness?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, a quick and easy read and three stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Victorian Engkand: Thea is married to Ernie Goodson, a violent man who doesn't mind using his fists.to keep Thea in line. He owns a tobacco shop and Ernie has secrets, secrets even his wife cannot share. But when a handsome stranger sets up shop next door, can Thea escape her violent life?

The story is told from Thea and Adam's perspectives in this slow burner. Ernie Goodson is a violent bully. Adam Fitzwilliam is a gentleman who opens a shop to sell the furniture he makes. Appearances must be kept so Thea has to cover up her bruises. This is a quick book to read. The characters are well rounded and believable. This is an Intriguing romance story.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #LumeBooks and the author #AmnemarieBrear for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea Goodson is trapped in a loveless marriage to an abusive, violent man. Her husband, Ernie has secrets and carries out his clandestine activities at night, with Thea becoming increasingly suspicious of his under-the-counter operations. When Adam Fitzwilliam, a furniture craftsman opens a shop next door to the Goodson's Tobacconists, it is love at first sight for Adam and Thea. Thea must decide to either leave her brute of a husband and escape her suffering or follow her heart.

Set in Victorian Yorkshire, the story initially moves at a gentle pace but gathers momentum later as matters become more perilous. Elements of danger and a continuing threat of menace help to make it a compulsive read and I liked AnneMarie Brear's portrayal of Thea. Though The Tobacconist's Wife contains some difficult themes it is ultimately a compelling and engrossing story.

I read The Tobacconist's Wife in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. A special thank you to Lume Books, AnneMarie Brear, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

[Pheadra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was average at best. The writing was poor and filled with Over The Top Scenarios and implausible happenings. The main character was idiotic and instead of inducing sympathy in me, she irritated me. This will appeal to those who like a happy ending despite the odds. 3 stars.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thea Goodson is the wife of Ernie who is a brutal bully and also engaged in criminal activity. However this is 1855 and Thea has no family to turn to for help and no money either so has to powder her bruises and carry on. Adam Fitzwilliam comes from a well to do family who are not impressed with his desire to become a cabinet maker. He moves into the shop next door to Ernie's tobacconist shop and inevitably he and Thea are attracted to one another. This was an easy read if very predictable but there are a lot of typos and even a name change at one point for the main character which was quite distracting.

[Gail Wylde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow paced read with heart. Thea is married to the tobacconist Ernie, a despicable wife beater. Adam, a wealthy would be high end furniture maker, with a mother who has had her heart removed and replaced with granite, moves into the neighbouring shop. Now add romance, some nasty men and you have a lovely read. This is a book to read when you just want to sit back and enjoy.

Thank you to Pigeonhole and the author AnneMarie for the chance to read it.

[Kim Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just finished reading The Tobacconist’s Wife by AnneMarie Brear stave by stave with The Pigeonhole. I did not know what to expect, as this is not my usual choice of book. The style of writing, the many typos and grammatical errors in the opening chapters were off-putting, but I decided to persevere with reading as I liked the setting (I love York) and found the characters interesting. The plot was very predictable, and I worked out the ending as soon as Adam Fitzwilliam was introduced.

[Mags Schofield · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, predictable love story with an odd twist that I didn't see coming. Otherwise this is cliched and predictable. Nice easy read but nothing to stand out from other books of the same genre.
Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a melancholy sort of story with Thea Goodson trapped in a loveless marriage to an abusive man. With clandestine nighttime deliveries and "special" inventory held in the back of their tobacco shop, Thea is increasingly suspicious of Ernie's activities. 

When a furniture craftsman opens a shop next door, to the embarrassment of his upper class family, it is love at first sight for Adam Fitzwilliam and Thea. But leaving Ernie is not a safe or easy thing, and as the story progresses so does the longing Thea feels for Adam.

While this story starts slowly and continues at a relatively gentle pace, the reader's perseverance is rewarded when the stakes grow higher as danger and love both grow. With interesting characters and an interesting plot, this is a well researched and well written story set in Victorian England. Though at times a bit difficult (domestic abuse, infidelity), The Tobacconist's Wife is ultimately a lovely and engrossing story. 

This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily received and read. A positive review was not required and these are simply my own honest opinions.

[Excel Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book. Firstly, I was upset at the amount of domestic violence and abuse Thea had to go through in her marriage.
I really wanted to rescue her.

The plot was captivating even though it was slow paced. It felt good turning page after page and wishing nemesis will catch up with Ernie.

This author writes well. The characters in this book are interesting.

I am giving it 4 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lume Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

[Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly readable Victorian romance. I enjoyed this, but it is definitely on the lighter side of the books I usually read, despite a rather horrible domestic violence strand to the story.
I liked the protagonist, Thea, hated her husband and liked the smouldering hero; a dashing aristocrat who has decided to follow his dreams of cabinet making. This was a nice easy read.
Read with The Pigeonhole.

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars. Light, easy-to-read, historical romance. Predictable plot. Characters, actions and events were not completely credible. Some loose ends and unanswered questions remained by the end of the story. This is a pleasant book to read but unremarkable. Could be better with stronger characterisation.

[siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart sang for Thea, a main character, to get a good ending. And you’ll have to read it to discover if she did. If you like romance novels this is a book that should proudly be on your shelf!

[Amina Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea, the cobbler's daughter, married Ernie, the Tobacconist's shop owner, after her father died. Ernie seemed like a nice guy to Thea because he was a friend of her father's and helped her to look after her father after he became ill.

Only, after the two of them get married, it turns out Ernie's not such a good guy afterall and nothing at all like the person he made himself out to be. Unfortunately, Thea has no money so she finds herself trapped in an awful marriage with no sight of escape. But this all changes when a new shop owner and cabinet maker turns up at the shop next door.

Now, some might find this book cliched, but I personally really enjoyed it, especially since despite being lighthearted and a romance, there was an underlying threat of menace throughout the story.

I also thought it was well written and had a good pace to the story.

Thank you to Pigeonhole and AnneMarie for the chance to read this book.

[Angela Vaninetti-dupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little book , Thea is a survivor that’s for sure , married to an awful man he treats her terribly , he deals in illegal trade and is constantly abusing her .. Adam the aristocratic gentleman is trying is luck at being a hands on man and running is furniture business . Full of intrigue, romance and heartache AnneMarie Brear spins a captivating tale

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am shocked by the 4 star reviews.. This book was........truly awful. The writing was haphazard and lazy. None of the characters were the least bit likable with the exception of a young boy and his school teacher that just....disappear for no reason. The herione, if you can call her that ,was less than likable and weak. I did not like her at all. The hero is weak and milktoast. Love scenes were boring. Can I have my 5 hours back please?

[Diane Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The Tobacconist’s Wife is a gritty, intriguing Victorian romance by AnneMarie Brear. It is a story of working-class struggle and severe domestic abuse (trigger warning). It sympathetically portrays the plight of a women without resources and the choices she must make to survive.
After her parents’ deaths Thea has no real option but to marry a man who had been her father’s friend. He seemed kind, but is soon revealed to be a wife beater with many secrets. Thea cares for the household and the tobacco shop he runs while trying to avoid his anger. When Adam Fitzwilliam rents the shop next door for his furniture making business Thea finds a friend and maybe a romance. Adam is from a wealthy family (landed gentry?), but chooses to use his talents to create fine furniture.

Every romance novel is built around conflict and this couple has some major roadblocks. Not only is Thea married, she is being controlled and abused. Adam’s parents are openly hostile about his choice to work in trade. One reviewer compared Brear’s writing to that of Catherine Cookson, an author I greatly admire. It is an accurate comparison. Both write stories of people in harsh, difficult situations that still manage to find love. This was a compelling book with a hero and heroine that deserved the happily ever after they finally achieved. I love that not all historical romances are about the aristocracy. Love can happen to people in the most desperate circumstances. In The Tobacconist’s Wife love gave them hope for a better life and that’s the recipe for a good romance.

ARC provided by the author

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first I have read by AnneMarie Brear, which is incredible as I do have a few of her previous books sitting waiting to be read on my kindle shelf, and after reading this beautiful I will definitely be reading them now. I can’t believe it has taken me so long to read one, I have definitely been missing out on something here.

I was instantly drawn to this book, the cover alone made me want to read it, I am a very visual reader and I do like pretty covers. Think of me as a Magpie who collects shiny pretty things, I’m the same with pretty covers. Then there was the back blurb, I loved the sound of it but what especially caught my attention was the last line; ‘Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson’, Yes, I am a Cookson fan, and finally it is set in my part of the country certainly made it even more appealing to me. I do love a Yorkshire set historical.

When her father passed away, Thea married a man whom she thought was good and kind, but once he had that ring on her finger his true colours showed through and she realised she had made a mistake. She was stuck in a hostile, unhappy marriage with a man who took his frustrations out on her with his fists. He was aggressive, moody and secretive all he wants from her is to be his little live-in slave and when needed to be the biddable little wifey on his arm to show off.

Thea is lonely and living in constant fear of what he will do next, of the neighbours finding out what she lives through, but yet she is determined she will make this marriage work in some way. But when handsome, charming Adam, a wealthy man who wishes to make his own way in the world, moves in next door there is suddenly lightness in her world. Adam gives her just what she is so desperately in need of; true friendship and kindness.

I must add a content warning, this does have some shocking domestic abuse scenes, which some may find unsettling as Thea is treated awfully by her vile husband, but please don’t allow that to put you off reading it as there is much more to the story, there is so much to love and there is happiness. I can’t really say too much as the way this is written even a slightest wrong word from me will give far too much about the plot away, but just know this is well worth a read if you love historical fiction, I would entirely categorise it as a historical romance as there is far more strife than full-blown romance, again I will refer to what it says on the back blurb think Cookson.

The Tobacconist’s Wife is a gentle paced, captivating, emotional, riveting and beautiful book all about survival, second chances and finding true happiness. I love the edgier grittier feel to it, I can only describe this as a proper Victorian historical, it’s not light, sweet and full of sweetmeats and candyfloss there is real meat on the bone.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tobacconist's Wife is a historical novel set in 1855 Yorkshire. Thea Goodson marries in haste after her father's passing. She thought that Ernie Goodson was a kind man but after their marriage she discovers that he is an abusive brute who is also involved in thievery. She struggles to keep their tobacco shop running when Ernie suddenly goes away. During this time she also discovers an unexpected connection with Adam Fitzwilliam, who sets up a custom furniture shop next door. Thea longs to find peace and happiness in her life and a way forward.

I wanted to read The Tobacconist's Wife because I was intrigued by the Victorian setting and was particularly interested in the lives of shop owners during this time.

The period details in this book are fascinating! I especially found the tobacco shop and small Victorian town details interesting. The author does a wonderful job at setting the scene with descriptions like:

"A large window looked out onto Coney Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in York, but it was the interior that easily drew her attention. On both sides of the shop were floor to ceiling shelves of glass and timber, showcasing boxes of imported cigars, snuff boxes and pipes. Leather chairs were placed in the corners of the shop, for customers to sit and ponder the selections. A highly polished timber floor and matching countertop gave a warm welcome to the discerning customer. Shelving ran the length of the back wall, behind Thea, and beneath the counter was a large glass display area full of everything a man might need to enjoy his tobacco: pipe cleaners, pipe stands, engraved silver cigar cutters, matches and flints, cigar cases, leather pipe cases, crystal ashtrays" (Kindle location 137).

The descriptions of Thea's abusive marriage were at times difficult to read. Ernie was a thoroughly horrible person; I kept reading, pulling for Thea to find a way out to safety.

There were a number of twists and turns in this novel, and they kept me up reading long after my bedtime. I really liked Adam, who was seeking his dream to become a cabinetmaker in the midst of his own family issues. The scenes with Thea and Adam were my favorite in the book.

I would recommend The Tobacconist's Wife for fans of historical fiction, especially anyone who enjoys Victorian settings and stories of women overcoming - with some historical romance as well.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical novels are always books I look forwards to read and explore more. This isn't the first book of the author I have read, since I read and enjoyed "The Promise of Tomorrow", and I was very excited to expand more my knowledge of her stories.

In "The Tobacconist's Wife" we follow Thea and learn about her life and everything that happen. If you read the blurb it won't be a surprise certain things, but where will Thea go next? Will she be happy finally? That's something what you uncover.

The book was an emotional one that may not be for everyone since it does talk about domestic abuse and that may be a trigger, so keep that in mind. Nevertheless, if you do read it, be ready for emotion.

The fact that this is a historical just gives us a different context and time period for a society that still deals with these topics today. It's an eye opening in a way, and I liked that because it made me reflect.

A story about the reality for women back then, about marriage and second chances. A story that was emotional and thought provoking. A book with realistic character and an MC that we can empathize with. Every moment of the story, every event and every character we met and learn more about, made the storytelling so much more.

Overall, it was definitely a page turner, with unexpected truths and moments. I do love historical romances that I can just escape to and learn more about that time period. But this one ended up also being a moment to think, something I absolutely am grateful for.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and AnneMarie Brear for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite not being in love and with no other option now that both her parents are dead, Thea Mullins marries Ernie Goodson, the owner of a thriving tobacco shop. She believes he is a kind and caring man, and that her future is now secure. Thea soon realises that marriage to Ernie is the biggest mistake she has ever made, for her husband is a violent bully, quick to use his fists at the slightest perceived misdemeanour on her part. All she can do is hide the bruises and the shame of what is happening to her from her neighbours. When Thea is offered an escape, she is tempted but decides to stay with Ernie and make the best of things. She enjoys serving in the tobacco shop and is eager to play a greater role. Ernie doesn't want her involved, and when the police come calling, Thea suspects that the reason why is because his business dealings are illegal.

Adam Fitzwilliam is an upper class gentleman who designs and makes fine furniture. His ambition is to open a shop where he can display and sell what he creates. His parents, especially his hard hearted mother, believe that this will reflect badly on their status, and urge him to either work in the family business in London or join the Royal Navy. Adam is determined to follow his dreams with or without their support and rents premises next door to the Goodson's tobacco shop.

When Thea and Adam first meet, they are instantly attracted to one another, but both know they can only be friends. Adam soon becomes aware of how Thea is being treated by Ernie and urges her to get away. Without any money of her own or friends to go to, Thea knows this is impossible. Left in charge of the tobacco shop while Ernie is away for several months, Thea's friendship with Adam develops into love and they begin to plan a future together. Their happiness, however, is short-lived when Ernie returns unexpectedly and Thea's life is endangered.

The Tobacconist's Wife is a very engaging story despite the domestic violence that makes Thea's life such a misery. How she escapes her abusive marriage takes the reader on an emotional journey through heartache and loss, finally giving Thea that well-deserved second chance at happiness with Adam.

This is the first romance I've read by AnneMarie Brear and will definitely be reading more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a participant in a book blog tour.

[Joanne Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've come across this author, but I'll certainly be looking out for more books from her in the future!

Set in Victorian Yorkshire, this is a compelling historical tale in which the main protagonist, Thea Goodson, is determined to make the best of her life, despite her difficult living circumstances at the hands of an abusive and unloving husband.

What I loved most about this story was how Thea's strength shone through throughout. This is a woman determined not to just accept her lot in life; she has ambition and drive and knows that she deserves better.

The relationship that develops between Thea and Adam Fitzwilliam is subtle, yet touching. The attraction between them is instantaneous, but both are wary due to their individual circumstances.

Adam is an interesting character and another who is determined not to conform to the stereotypes and expected behaviour of a man of his heritage. He defies his somewhat unpleasant parents to pursue his own dreams and this makes him extremely likeable and an ideal ally for Thea.

The author's description of the time is historically accurate and based on research of the area at the time. This helps to lend an authentic atmosphere to the narrative.

My only constructive criticism was that the ending feels slightly rushed and leaves you needing an epilogue, although maybe this means there's a sequel in the pipeline!

If you're a fan of historical fiction, make sure you add this to your 'to be read' pile!

With thanks to the author for the ARC

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea, a young woman who marries a man she thinks is good and kind, finds out quickly that she has been duped. Knowing she has few options with no family to help her, she endures the poor treatment and tries to get on with her life. She can see there is another world out there, evidenced by her parent's marriage. When a handsome furniture maker purchases the space next door, she is drawn to him, physically and emotionally.

When her husband is thrown into prison for cheating another crook, she realizes she doesn't need to be frightened any longer and her feelings for Adam, the furniture maker, move forward.

I enjoyed the book that at times was fast paced and exciting, but other times it just dragged. I thought the end was too abrupt. After all of the fabulous descriptions of the tobacco shop, the living quarters above it, and how the town looked and felt, then it just ended. I wanted to know how Adam and Thea went forward. Kind of a letdown after a very good story.

I am so glad I'm a woman living in this century. The beatings that Thea endured were horrific. If physical spousal abuse is a trigger for you, you might want to pass on this book.

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tobacconist’s Wife is a story about life in Victorian York, and at heart it is a story about how working class women had few choices and were often expected to marry in order to secure their future, and that often a marriage was for convenience/security not for love. Without marriage, women like Thea would be left with nothing after the death of her parents – no home, no job, no security, no money.
I liked the setting in York, and the use of a tobacconists shop as the primary setting is slightly unusual. The story starts quite slowly, but something about it keeps you engaged. There are significant elements of domestic violence/abuse that make it uncomfortable at times but overall, this is an easy & engaging read and I would recommend it for anyone who likes the sort of “ordinary person” Victorian story.
I did feel that the ending was quite abrupt, it is crying out for a sequel!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book via ThePigeonHoleHQ. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#BookReview #TheTobacconistsWife @ThePigeonholeHQ

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A enjoyable tale set in Victorian Yorkshire, England. The story kept me reading, even though it was fairly predictable. The situation brings to light how hard the lives were of women in Victorian England, in that they had almost no autonomy. The main character, Thea, is a woman whose father dies and leaves her with no prospects, so she agrees to marry a man who had befriended her father in his later years, who owns a tobacco shop in York. He turns out not to be a good man at all; he beats her and treats her in a demeaning fashion when he’s not beating her. He also turns out to be a criminal. You are left wondering why she doesn’t leave him, but you realize she doesn’t have any other good options, a sad situation many modern women still find themselves in. When a young upper-class man opens a custom furniture shop next door, things start looking up. As expected, the book eventually has a happy ending.

Thank you to Pigeonhole who provided me with the opportunity to read this book in daily installments.

WARNING: Descriptive scenes of domestic abuse

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea is trapped in a repetitive cycle of violence and her fate being controlled by men, as was usually the case in this particular era. Every day she tries to prove her worth to a man, who is neither interested in her or in any profit he could make from her or in her as a wife. She is merely a burden. A favour to her, as he often reminds Thea, saving her from the streets.

Is a roof over her head, food and clothing worth the physical and verbal abuse and resentment she receives. When it comes down to making a choice Thea isn't brave enough to choose what is best for her personally.

She doesn't realise how much her life is going to change when a new neighbour takes over the shop next door. One can only hope it gets better than the humiliation and pain she already has to endure.

Brear writes a story of determination, survival, pain and endurance. The slim shiver of hope on the horizon of a bleak existence, and yet with it a blossoming friendship and love. Fighting against what society considers to be the norm and thereby ignored.
*I received a courtesy copy*

[Helen Lucy Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodson or Goodman?

I enjoyed the story and it gripped my attention. The historical aspect was well researched. Other reviewers have given a story outline, so l shall refrain.
l had two issues which reduced my rating from 5 stars to 4: one was the main character's change of name. Thea and Ernie began as Goodson, changed partway to Goodman, then after a couple of chapters, reverted to Goodson. Continuity is important, especially in two of the three main characters.
The second issue was the beating Ernie gave Thea at the plot climax - a grown man kicked, punched and knife cut a woman, with vicious hatred - she should have been much more severely injured than bruises, a split lip, and sore ribs. She should have been hospitalised as a result of the brutality written about. Yet she was talking, walking, thinking clearly, able to get around and operate with normality. I found that stretched my credulity.
Apart from those two things, l was interested, engaged and found Thea and Adam to be likeable characters. A worthwhile read.

[Yannick Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea is married to a violent man, Ernie running a tobacco store. After her father’s death she agreed to married him thinking that she could move on in her life. But she is forced to endure his insults and outbursts.

When Adam Fitzwilliam their new neighbour, arrives, she struggles to keep hergrowing feelings for him, she is married, but her husband also has is secrets.

Secrets that will throw him into jail, leaving Thea to fend for herself.She didn’t have an easy life but she was not afraid to say what she thinks, to fight for herself and for a better life. After all the pain she went through.

She found love and fought for the relationship till the end. Adam and Thea grew up in two different world. Adam comes from a wealthy family and is not afraid of hard work and long to have a simple life despite his mother’s disapproval.

From the beginning, you can see that they were meant for each other.

It was an interesting story well-written. It was just a little sad sometimes to see all Thea has to endure.

I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review.

[Jacquie Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked as soon as I started reading this book, it depicts everything good and bad about the victorian era. Poor thea, she marries a man she does not really know, he owns a tobacconist shop, she expects love and affection from him but he turns out to be violent and abusive. Unbeknown to Thea her husband is also carrying out illegal business on the side and she is trapped with no means of escape from the situation. Then along comes a gentleman in the shape of Adam Fitzgerald who buys the shop next door to set up his furniture making business. He recognises that Thea is being abused by her husband and he is compelled to rescue this young girl who he is immediately drawn to. The depiction of violent abuse that Thea suffers at the hands of her husband is quite harrowing and I found myself turning the pages frantically hoping that Thea escapes and eventually finds her true love. I enjoyed this book and I give it 5 🌟

[Pearly Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story of courage, bravery, and love. Enjoyed reading The Tobacconist's Wife right from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down, all the while hoping that Thea, in the story finds the happiness she deserves.

The main character, Thea is well described and easy to relate to. Thea marries Ernie Goodson after the death of her father. And from the onset regrets her decision. Ernie turns out to be an abuser and deals in illegal trade. Just when Thea thinks there is no hope for happiness in her life, her knight in shining amour appears. But the big question arises, can her knight save her and give her the happiness she deserves?

Summary: A wonderfully written novel, a tale worth reading. I highly recommend picking up this book.