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The House of Bonneau

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Sequel to bestseller "Madeleine", this novel continues the story of Madeleine Bates, after her marriage to Leon Bonneau. Elvi Rhodes' other books include "Ruth Appleby" and "The Golden Girls".

447 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 1990

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Elvi Rhodes

46 books24 followers

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5 stars
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45 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,722 reviews1,697 followers
February 23, 2021
When Madeleine Bates, ex-parlourmaid and daughter of a Yorkshire millhand, married the young French wool baron, Leon Bonneau, it seemed as if her life of tumoil was over. They knew they had a struggle of a practical manner ahead of them - trying to build the bankrupt mill into a new thriving business. But trouble and disruption were still to be part of her future - for Leon's family in France bitterly resented the Yorkshire girl who had taken their son away from them. And Hortense Murer, who had though she would be Leon's wife, resented her even more.

I was looking forward to what Madeleine had got up to and i wasn't disappointed. In fact, i think i liked this book slightly more than the last one. Filled with lots of characters, some of them were devious. This story is a bit shorter than the last book with just over 450 pages. Fans of Historical fiction will love these books.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #ElviRhodes for my ARC #TheHouseOfBonneau in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Excel Andy.
170 reviews16 followers
July 3, 2020
The House of Bonneau is a sequel to the novel Madeleine which I read and reviewed here.


I enjoyed this one more. My attention was grabbed right from the first page.


Madeleine and her quest for a child broke my heart. I could imagine how she felt the unspoken question from In-laws and society for not having a child immediately after marriage.


Sophia such a vengeful character. Bitterness has a way of clouding sane decisions.


Leon Bonneau drew me into the book. So successful and thoughtful. I love how he cherished Madeleine and the unborn child and other actions he made in the novel.


This is an interesting detailed book.


Mrs. Bates, Madeleine’s mother made me love her so much. A mother will always be a mother.


There are so much characters you will need to watch out for. I was amused by Irvine and Rose,Hortense and Henry and many more.


War is terrible, I agree.


I read this book in one sitting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine
678 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable story set in an interesting time in history. The main characters were well portrayed and full of life. A look at the part women were allowed/not allowed to play in the clothing industry.
972 reviews
July 8, 2020
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I read this book many years ago and had forgotten how good it was. Great storyline and great characters, thoroughly enjoyed it. This author never fails to impress me.
123 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2021
Great historical novel

Such a wonderful account of a beautiful and strong woman. She lived and loved fiercely. Her husband was equally as brave and strong. It was so heartwarming that he survived such hideous times of war.
303 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2021
Enjoyable

Really enjoyed reading this book. Some of the problems that came seemed to take while to resolve,but all in all left you with a very good feeling. The characters were likable and the villains put some spice into the story.
Profile Image for Rose.
49 reviews
February 13, 2026
Another great story but I'm disgusted the Leon cheats on Madeleine by sleeping with his ex girlfriend Hortense.
Hortense is such an annoying character in this book, she's selfish, devious and spoilt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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