Chocolate Maker's Wife, The

by Karen Brooks

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, British Literature, Audiobook, 17th Century

MP3 CD

First published February 18, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1600s England, Rosamund Tompkins is the “illegitimate” daughter of a nobleman working as a servant in a country inn. Her stepfather is abusive, and she works under him at the inn, so when the Restoration under Charles II is happening, it’s not on her day-to-day radar.

Sir Everard offers her a way out and into a new life, one where she will be part of a luxurious London chocolate house where only the wealthiest men come to eat sweets and drink.

Rosamund thrives in this environment. She is talked about, desired, and respected.

There are secrets tied into her new role, and with the threat of them being exposed, Rosamund may lose everything. With a backdrop of the Plague and London’s Great Fire, Rosamund is fighting for her life. There’s revenge and darkness to behold…and chocolate!

Much happened during Rosamund’s life. It was a busy time in history and provided for lots of intrigue and interest. I enjoyed Rosamund as a character, and the role chocolate played in the story was fascinating.

Overall, The Chocolate Maker’s Wife was an engaging story set during an interesting time during history with charming characters. It was a lovely historical fiction read!

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
The story follows 17 year old Rosamund Ballister in a Cinderella style tale when she is married to Sir Everard Blithman and taken away from her home where she is treated like a servant and abused by her step-father and step-brothers. However Sir Everard has plans for Rosamund and those plans are mainly as a source of revenge.
Sir Everard is kind and courteous. He encourages Rosamund to take an interest in his new chocolate house. Drinking chocolate was new to England and was professed to cure ailments. Rosamond had a flair for chocolate making and her beauty and easy manner drew many customers.
As time went on cracks began to show and doubts set in as to Sir Everard’s benevolence.
Set in 1660’s London The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is a fascinating portrayal of that era. Brooks’ descriptions of the chocolate making and the different additives used to enhance it were enthralling. With this period in time going through some shocking upheavals such as political and religious unrest, suppression of the press, the great plague and the fires of London it makes for a compelling tale.
The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is a story filled with treason, deceit and lies all centred around a delicious chocolaty heart.
Thank you to Beauty & Lace for my copy to read. You can read the original review at Beauty & Lace book club.

[✨ Gramy ✨]

…
This book commences with hints of abuse and cruelty that reside in the depths near hell, if not inside of it. And then the profanity was introduced. After only one chapter, I was disheartened to discover that there were more disreputable characters in the story than reputable ones. Personally, I feel the unnecessary cruelty is abominable and I don't feel the need to relive it for someone else.

I soon checked other reader's reviews to either confirm my reluctance to continue the read or determine if I was being hesitant too soon.

There are many readers who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the historical aspect of the research evidence in this 565-page book, with the exception of the repetitive phrases, too many cultural causes supported by Rosamund for that day and age, way too many characters, and excessive descriptions.

I do not enjoy or appreciate filthy language, revenge, betrayal, excessive descriptions, prolonged angst, outrageously shameful conditions, and other negative interpretations brought to light. So, I made a decision to close the book and move on. I actually yearn to be inspired by literary adventure! I find no pull to be drug through the mire of traverse circumstances - from the past, current, or future times.

Robin Ennis Willson Review: "I did not like the rough, filthy language and felt that it was not necessary at all to the story. Even though there is a Christian influence throughout the book, I cannot classify this as a clean story."

NOTE: This cannot be deemed a clean read and those that would be offended should take that into consideration before reading such.

[Bookish Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t decide whether I really liked this book or not. It’s based off historical characters and happenings ~ I liked that. I learned something by reading it~ I liked that. Main character had a decidedly modern perspective ~ I didn’t like that.

At times I felt too much happened in this book, but then, it was like this at the time this book was set- too much was going on.

Bit of a mixed bag ~ 3.75 stars

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Chocolate had seeped into her blood.’

As you all know by now, historical fiction is my best and favourite. I’ll read all sorts of genres within an historical setting that I’d not even crack a cover open for with a contemporary one. This year is already shaping up to be an incredible year for historical fiction. Two months in and I’ve read so many great titles with even more beckoning from the pile on the bedroom floor. Even though I like all historical fiction, I do have some favourite eras and one of them is Restoration England, the mid to late 1600s. The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is set in the years between 1662 and 1667. For those of you who are not familiar with the era, the author neatly sums up everything I love about it in her author note in the back of the book:

‘England in the 1660s and the Restoration, was a naughty, violent, politically and religiously fraught, dangerous, cruel, exhilarating, and incredibly sensual time. Poverty and wealth existed side by side, resentments, racism and xenophobia ran deep, and so did plots. Increasingly literate people stretched their religious and other rights and sought to be free of the constraints the King imposed on them in a variety of ways. Arts and theatre flourished as did the sciences. But war was omnipresent and fear of a return to the chaos of the Civil War dominated many people’s minds and motivations. Women began to make their presence felt in science, literature, arts and business — so much so, as one historian has noted, the rights and liberties enjoyed by the women of the Restoration would not be seen again until the suffragette movement of the twentieth century.’ – Author Note

Karen Brooks has encapsulated all of those things in The Chocolate Maker’s Wife. She writes with an intimacy that draws you right into the novel itself, and with such atmosphere! This is a novel firmly anchored by its history, with an eclectic mix of fictional and non-fictional characters. The year 1666 features heavily, and for good reason. It was the year that opened with the Great Plague of London, which was followed closely by the Great Fire of London, all occurring against the backdrop of the second Anglo-Dutch civil war. In the Winter of 1665, Halley’s Comet appeared brightly in the sky, and it was viewed as some as a harbinger of doom, particularly given that the following year contained the foreboding triple six ‘1666′, which seemed to herald the Apocalypse. Given the whole plague, fire and war events that unfolded, you’d probably have been forgiven for jumping on the bandwagon of hysteria that was travelling around back then. It’s really such a remarkable period of history though. The Great Fire was a catastrophe of Biblical proportions that came on the heels of significant loss from plague. Approximately three quarters of the city burned. That London recovered is rather incredible. Oh, and also, this point in history is regarded as the birth of journalism as we know it – no wonder everyone thought the world was ending. The paparazzi were in town, whipping everyone into a frenzy of ‘too much information’. Life must have been so much quieter in the dark ages. I mentioned above how atmospheric this novel is. Here’s an excellent example of this, as Karen puts her characters smack bang into the middle of the Great Fire:

‘As the afternoon wore on, it was evident that, despite all the reassurances, London was burning.
By mid-afternoon there were no more visitors and the light was dimmed by choking clouds of Stygian smoke. Scintillas of ash and molten sparks pirouetted in the hot wind, landing on eaves, the cobbles, people’s clothing, threatening to spark. Birds had long taken wing, dogs ran barking up the street, chasing those fleeing, while cats slinked into dark voids. Instead of rushing to help put out the flames raging by the river, people were intent on looking to their own wellbeing —and, Rosamund noted wryly as cart after cart bumped down the road, their material goods as well.
The sky was a furious tempest, as if demons writhed in an eternal struggle, raining glowing embers and ash upon the city, indifferent to the frightened mortals below. The world had been turned upside down and hell was now above — where heaven existed, God only knew.
When St Paul’s finally erupted in flames at nine of the clock — all the books stored in its cellars providing marvellous fuel for the hungry fire, ruining all but a few booksellers in the city, and the lead on its roof raining down into a river of mellifluent marvel through the streets — she watched without shifting, even when the stones erupted like canon, shooting up into the air and landing with loud cracks.’

As well weaving history through her narrative with absolute perfection, Karen has also crafted some pretty excellent characters. We see the whole gamut of human behaviours within this story, from the most loyal through to the most depraved. And each and every one of them holds their own. Of course, Rosamund, our main character, shines brightest of all. For what she had endured from the age of ten years through to eighteen, she was an incredibly brave, intelligent and insightful young woman, with a capacity for empathy and kindness that was amplified by her own suffering. I really loved her and her character growth throughout the novel was profound. She had a way of being able to see right through a situation and evaluate it with logic rather than emotion. That’s not to say she wasn’t fuelled by her emotions, she was, but she was able to intelligently break a situation down and act from there. She was highly resourceful. A born survivor.

‘Whatever his schemes, the very notion he was buying a bride was madness. Utterly preposterous. Rosamund sank down onto the stool and perched her hat on her head. It was also bloody marvellous.’

She was also the object of desire for many men, her beauty at times a curse for her just as much as an asset. There is a rough and winding road to love for Rosamund but it’s all the more sweet when she finally lands where she is meant to be.

‘For that’s what this woman of endless surprises, resilience and kindness had done — this fine chocolate maker had taken the raw and bitter ingredients that made up who he was and remixed them until he was altogether more palatable.’

And this brings me to the chocolate. Oh, the decadent luxury of it!

‘It’s this aspect of chocolate I believe will allow our establishment to cast others into the shade. In due course, naturally.’ He smiled. ‘While coffee clears the mind, facilitates conversation and allows insights, chocolate is for those who seek pleasure . It’s the ultimate temptation: Eve’s apple in this overgrown city garden. I intend that every man and woman will desire to bite into its flesh and drink its juices.’

Chocolate was only just in its infancy in London at this time, at the beginning of its introduction and it had a sinful reputation, which made it all the more sought after. Rosamunde begins her life in London as the chocolate maker’s wife, drawing the customers into what is best described as a cafe for men only, dedicated to chocolate drinking. But Rosamunde takes her role as hostess one step further, as her love of chocolate grows, so does her knack for combining herbs and additives into the drinks, resulting in ‘bowls of chocolate magic’ that have the patrons flocking to her door.

‘Ah, he didn’t say you were an expert, signora, but an aficionado — they are different. An aficionado is a devotee, someone with a natural gift for understanding and sharing the essence of something. Through the eyes of the aficionado, others come to appreciate and experience the joys and divine mysteries of a thing. An expert is someone with great knowledge, but who is not always able to persuade others to share it. Where one includes all who come in their compass, the other excludes. You, Lady Rosamund, are the former.’

This novel is nothing short of delicious. It’s infused with chocolate, the descriptions so vivid you can taste them. With all of that history that I mentioned above, the excellent characterisation, the chocolate making, some pertinent social issues under the microscope, as well as a family mystery and some pretty dark skeletons rattling around in the manor closets, I am truly in awe at the scope and cohesion of this novel. It’s remarkable, rather political in a very clever way, a brilliant historical fiction that has jumped right to the top of my favourite books ever list. Needless to say, I recommend it highly!

‘If there was one thing the plague had taught her, it was that people needed the familiar in times of crisis. To cling to hope, they needed to know all was not lost —‘all’ being even the simplest things. And what was chocolate if not the most complex of simple things?’


Thanks is extended to Harlequin Australia via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Chocolate Maker’s Wife for review.

[Lyn Quilty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long read that dragged at times for me. The characters were quite stereotyped and the plot too predictable for my liking. The heroine and her laugh and riveting beauty became irritating after a while. What I did enjoy were the descriptions of the plague, the Great Fire of London and the politics and social habits of the times. I am full of admiration for the author's efforts at researching the period in which the novel is set. Ok for an escapist holiday read.

[Alexa Marmion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me standing corrected after saying I was gonna hate this book🧍‍♀️

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 raised to 4 out of 5. Set against the background of Restoration England [Charles II, latter part of 17th century] an enjoyable historical romance novel about a young woman, Rosamunde, whose mother sells her into marriage to a lord, Sir Everard Blithman, [Did such things really happen back then?] who rises from poverty and degradation to become an assertive and canny businesswoman, managing a chocolate house--we'd probably call it a café--where men come to enjoy the new drink, chocolate, spiced with various seasonings, sugar, and herbs and to discuss the events of the day. The family into which she marries holds secrets and various members reveal their true selves, hidden at first. Sir Everard is attracted to Rosamunde because of her striking resemblance to his dead daughter, Helene; because of that, he concocts his nefarious plans for revenge. She discovers pages ripped from the diary of Lady Margery, Sir Everard's first wife, which reveal the horrific events in the family after which the noblewoman had committed suicide. All London goes through the Plague and the Great Fire. The novel details how these events affect Rosamunde and those around her. Because she has lost everything in the Fire, she and her now-lover, Matthew Lovelace, face a momentous decision.

The extensive author's note was a joy to read: how she became interested in the this period, the history of chocolate and how a chocolate house probably functioned. She also included an extensive bibliography which indicates to me she researched extensively. I'm sure she included so many names of historical personages in her narrative to give some color and make it seem more authentic, but I wish she had limited her List of Characters to those who actually contributed to the action and that she'd left out those people only mentioned. I thought the epigrams at the head of each chapter a good touch; each one hinted at the action in therein.

I thank LibraryThing for an ARC. Recommended.

[Davida Chazan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Rosemund, a woman who was both literally and figuratively pulled up from the gutter to become Lady Blithman, the Chocolate Maker's Wife. See what I thought of this historical, culinary, women's fiction novel in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/08/1...

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Karen’s, ‘The Locksmith’s Daughter’, I was eager to see what her latest novel would cover. With a somewhat different approach, Karen takes you on a marvellous journey to 17th century Restoration London. This book is absolutely laden with historical detail! What I found here is that research dominates as Karen deftly weaves a tale of fiction around a mass of London history of the time.

What is not covered in this book is the question (apart from the history of chocolate obviously)? You will learn of the Restoration period, the Great Fire of London, English wars, the plague, Chocolate Houses, slavery and the first attempts of journalism! Phew! What a list! As the author herself states in a fabulous epilogue: “fiction interweaves, diverges from or collides with fact in the novel”.

“One is never really aware of the world turning. Not until it suddenly stops. Then you forget to breathe, fall to the earth and grip for dear life else you careen right over the edge into a great void.”

On top of that, you have a story of full of cruelty and revenge, loyalty and love. There is a cast of many, real and fictional that lend their influence to the story. Once again, Karen’s epilogue reveals fiction versus fact. But much like her previous novel, we have a strong female lead who is forced to confront some horrible events and defend those she loves.

“... we worked together to save a chocolate house —’ began Jacopo. ‘And we did,’ said Rosamund. ‘Only this time the stakes are higher. We work to save ourselves.”

The history of chocolate is fascinating and I just loved learning of Karen’s inspiration for this book. Simultaneously, she provides us with evocative writing that rounds out a thoroughly researched and engaging read of that period.

“The important thing is not to get swallowed by the darkness. To remember, even when the shadows grow long and you fear they will consume you, there is still light in the world. You just need to find it.”





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

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this latest historical fiction by Karen Brooks - a compelling saga with a strong female character who makes chocolate!

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

The setting for this novel is Restoration London, between 1662 and 1667. London in 1662 is still
coming to terms with the return of Charles II to the throne: there’s both frenetic gaiety and puritan sobriety. And by 1667 London will endure both the Great Plague and the Great Fire.

Enter Rosamund Tomkins. Born into poverty and treated badly by her mother, step father and step brothers, Rosamund 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 plans to open a chocolate shop. Rosamund quickly becomes his greatest asset, and the chocolate shop is very popular. But Sir Everard Blithman has secrets, and Rosamund is a pawn in a much bigger game.

I enjoyed the way in which Ms Brooks wove her fiction around the history of London at this time. Most of the characters were well drawn, and I especially liked Samuel Pepys’s appearance in the story. A well-crafted story of cruelty and revenge, of loyalty and love. If you enjoy historical fiction set in 17th century Restoration London, you may well enjoy this novel as much as I did.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 14%
First i could`nt get past about what Rosamund called the twins, because i suspect (i hope lol) they were named something else. She called them God-Fear and Glory... it would have been funny if it was Hades in Disney`s Hercules, but i didn`t find it funny much. I felt like the lanuage that was used was so unessesary and ruined it for me. I just didn`t like any of the characters and it all made me grith my teeth in annoyance.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this one, but The Chocolate Maker's Wife left me feeling conflicted. I liked it, but I didn't love it, and some things I didn't like at all.

What I liked:
- I loved learning about the history of chocolate.
- I always enjoy novels that have a romantic thread woven into the story.
- There are some timely viewpoints in here on religious tolerance, race, and the role of women,
- For me, what truly rescues this book is its historical setting. The second half of the 1600s was a tumultuous time in London as it overcomes the plague and the Great Fire, and it was interesting to read a novel set during these catastrophic events.

What I didn't like so much:
- I wasn't overly in love with any of the characters.
- The writing. Mark Twain has a great quote, "Don't use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent word will do." and I think the author could have used that advice on multiple occasions in this book. I understand that part of it is that language evolves over time, but there were many phrases where the word choice felt distracting, unnecessary, and, at times, jarring, rather than authentic.

If you think the writing wouldn't bother you, then I'd say this is a book to pick up at the library rather than purchase to keep. It's available later this month.

But that cover and title though...😍😍

Disclaimer - I received a complementary copy of this book courtesy of Harper Collins Canada for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Sherri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag for me. You can see from the book jacket and the description that this takes place in the late 1600's time period. The first 200 pages were what kept me putting it down for half a year to not read. It is a gritty, sexualized, dirty, profane time period that I do not gravitate towards.

While it has elements of God mentioned, I would not deem this a Christian fiction or clean read.

About half to three-quarters way through,there is some redemption taking place for our heroine, Lady Rosemund. Her consistency in character and over all goodness is what kept me plodding on.

Sorry, in all, this took way too long for me to get into and finish. I should know that 550+ page books are probably not my forte.

Thanks to Goodreads, William Moore, and Karen Brooks for the ARC unedited proof. These opinions are my own and not compensated.

[Dawn Emsen-Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is going to go down as one of my all-time favourite books. Set in the mid of the 1600's at the time of the plague and great flood this historical novel has it all - from tragegy to social ethics - to the rights of women - to love - to ambition, fear and heartache. I am normally a fast reader, but I found myself deliberately slowing myself down to savour the story. Couldn't recommend this enough - I'm already investigating other period novels by this author. An absolute find.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chocolate Maker's Wife by Karen Brooks, I thoroughly enjoyed ~ reading about Chocolate Houses and Chocolate in the 17th Century.

It was extremely well-written.

The scent of chocolate and spices lingered throughout the book!

Damnation never tasted so sweet...

Test your tastebuds in this new novel, The Chocolate Maker's Wife by Karen Brooks.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s



Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Willow Nash
Duration: 20 hrs, 56 min. 1.25x Speed

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being swept away from a life of poverty by her new husband, Everard, Rosamund's life is forever changed. But, is it for the better?

Well wow. This was a long book. A very long book. Thrust into her new life as a (hot) chocolate maker's wife, Rosamund quickly learns that no matter one's status in life, there are always hardships. This book is long. I enjoyed the writing style but the plot was pretty dark in some parts as characters dealt with unwanted advances, plague, fire, and more and more of the family's long held secrets are revealed. This book was long. I liked learning more about this time period as well as Rosamund's tenacity while learning how to read and run the hot chocolate shop. Overall, however, it just wasn't my cup of hot chocolate.

Have I mentioned this book is long?

Location: 1662-1666 London, England

Audiobook

[Jill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosamund Tomkins enters the world smiling. The midwives believe she will have a charmed life. Her early life living with her strict but caring grandmother Lady Ellinor Tomkins, at Bearwood Manor, are happy days. She laughed a lot then.

The story opens nine years after her grandmother dies and her mother Tilly, who had deserted her at birth, came back to reclaim her. Tilly and her husband run an Inn, Rosamund is put to work cleaning, running and serving at the Inn. Her step brothers Fear God and Glory, brutish men who take after their father Paul who often administers his own kind of punishment to Rosamund for any mistake she might make, real or invented.

Rosamund now Ballister, finds her circumstances dramatically change when running away from her stepbrothers she is knocked down by a rich man’s carriage. Sir Everard is travelling with his manservant Jacopo when they pick her up from the dirt and return her to her family. A deal is struck and she leaves the Inn and her past miseries to become ‘The Chocolate Makers Wife’.
Unbeknown to her, she bears a remarkable resemblance to Sir Everard’s deceased daughter, her benefactor has plans of his own for her. Plans to strike down his mortal enemy.

I could almost hear Rosamund’s peal of chiming laughter resonate from the pages when for a second time she becomes ‘The Chocolate Makers Wife’.

The research of the period detailing the life of a woman who was downcast and abused who becomes a woman of substance, with the history of London being the backdrop, is a credit to Karen. During turbulent times of the war with the Hollanders and fearing Civil War again while their lacklustre King reigns over the Protestant country. The discrimination of women, and intolerance of Quakers and Catholics being the setting for Rosamund and her journey.

I loved this book. I knew I would, having read ‘The Book of Night’ among others of Karen’s work.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a massive read, at 552 pages plus extras it is a huge undertaking. I have to say that it took me a while to become completely engrossed in this novel, not because I wasn’t enjoying the story, because I was, but because I got rather annoyed with being told over and over how our heroine’s beauty and laugh and smile were so wonderful that everyone around her was completely changed when she shone any of these things upon them. It got to the stage I actually started rolling my eyes. As the story progressed, we heard a bit less about these incredible qualities and I was able to enjoy the story much more, by the 150 mark I was loath to put the book down to go to bed and despite the size of it, I did indeed take it to bed to read. It was a fascinating look at a time in London’s history that I had little knowledge about and I was eager to keep reading both for the history and for the storyline itself. There were some secrets we uncover near the end that I had for the most part already figured out, but there were times I was completely on edge about what was going to befall our characters next. I really loved our heroine by the end of the story and was hoping everything would work out for her. I loved the way she treated everyone as equal and gave everyone a chance. I loved the characters who were her constant companions, I even came to enjoy her cousin Sam, despite my initial dislike of him. I really enjoyed this giant read and will definitely be looking at Karen Brooks’ previous novels.

Thanks to Beauty and Lace Club and HQ Fiction for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and its leading lady. Set primarily Restoration London it covers quite a bit of historical ground and we see Rosamond develop from a strong, sensible woman living in poor circumstances to married life to an important man and having an occupation in the chocolate house. Of course all is not what it seems. And through the course of the book we see her go through a lot, personally and professionally. The book covers the plague, the Great Fire of London and more. Rosamond is a wonderful character who endures a lot - we are always barracking for her - but all around her, lurking in the shadows is great evil. There really are some dreadful characters and there is a disturbing - but somewhat predictable - plot line. That said I do enjoy being taken away to another time and place. And I love strong, female characters who just get on with it. A good read for those of you that prefer historical fiction...

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't mind this book. It's not great literature, but the plot is pretty good. It has enough interesting twists and turns to keep you interested. Many of them are well telegraphed, but the interesting mix of fact and fiction makes it interesting nonetheless. Happily, not all of them are well telegraphed so there are a few surprises in the plot for the reader.

I think the one flaw is that the heroine is near perfect, but I'm not surprised given the genre of the book. I would say that it is a mix of historical fiction and romance. What rescues the story is that it does have some interesting things to say about women's place in the world, as well as other minority groups to a lesser degree. I guess you could also say that it examines beauty and how it can be manipulated by others.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I honestly got a copy because of the word "chocolate". Yet, this book is more than just about "chocolate". Ms. Brooks weaves a lovely story about empowerment, equality, enduring loss, survivor, love and a rich history of chocolate. Fans of time period piece books as well as fans of this author's will enjoy reading this book. I know I sure did.

Rosamund needed to go away from her family. They were kind of poison to her. Therefore, it was great that Sir Everard ended up being Rosamund's knight in shining armor. Although, Rosamund would have been fine on her own in the long run. Sir Everard treated Rosamund as an equal.

Ms. Brooks just brought to life this story with great and enjoyable characters. It was a breeze reading this book. The Chocolate Maker's Wife is a delectable read.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, but not an exceptional one. I loved the depiction of Restoration London, but ultimately much of the plot was predictable and not as satisfying as the chocolate the characters consumed.

The heroine Rosamund never felt real to me either - she was too good, to beautiful and a bit too boring. We were constantly told how wonderful and captivating she was, but I didn't feel like we were really shown that. That said, Samuel Pepys was wonderfully realised and a lot of fun.

Overall, this was a fun, if forgettable, read. 3.5 stars.

[Laurel Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 pink stars round up.

Solid historical research, but veers a bit too much into melodrama and romance for my taste. Much of her internal monologue and hand-wringing, and suppositions got a bit repetitive and could easily have been cut (i.e. "he only wants me because I resemble his first wife....") But I did enjoy much of the detail about chocolate making, and all of the drama of the plague, and the Great Fire, slavery and the New World. It is full of real historical characters, and all the vivid descriptions and historical detail might be a bit much for some but I enjoyed it. It is full of passion, intrigue, and mystery although I was expecting some kind of reveal about her true parentage that didn't really satisfy at the end. Trigger warnings for rape, incest, and suicide. But overall, I did enjoy this and I would read more by this author.

Description: Rosamund Tomkins, the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, spends most of her young life in drudgery at a country inn. To her, the Restoration under Charles II, is but a distant threat as she works under the watchful eye of her brutal, abusive stepfather . . . until the day she is nearly run over by the coach of Sir Everard Blithman. Sir Everard offers Rosamund an "opportunity like no other," allowing her to escape into a very different life, becoming the linchpin that will drive the success of his fledgling business: a luxurious London chocolate house where wealthy and well-connected men come to see and be seen, to gossip and plot, while indulging in the sweet and heady drink. But Sir Everard's plans for Rosamund and the chocolate house involve family secrets that span the Atlantic Ocean, and which have already brought death and dishonor to the Blithman name. Rosamund knows nothing of the mortal peril that comes with her new title, nor of the forces spinning a web of conspiracy buried in the past, until she meets a man whose return tightens their grip upon her, threatening to destroy everything she loves and damn her to a dire fate.

[Anita Tymkiw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really taken with this book the moment I started it. It’s set during an interesting time in British history but also a reminder of the many social constraints in place for women of the time. I was charmed by the Chocolate House and loved the insights on the introduction of chocolate to Britain. The concoctions that could be served were fascinating and made me want to step back in time in order to have been among the first to experience such a novel and tempting drink as it would have been then (I would have to be a man of wealth of course given women and commoners would never have been allowed to frequent a chocolate house).

As I progressed through the book I lost some of my initial enthusiasm as the plot became very transparent and I got a bit bored waiting for the obvious to transpire. Nevertheless the plague and Great Fire helped keep things sufficiently lively to keep me reading to the end.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

The story of The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is every bit as lush and decadent as the bittersweet confection that she learns to make – and most definitely promote and sell – in her role as the young, pretty wife of an older man who owns both a revolutionary chocolate house and an entire bubbling vat of deep, dark, but not so luscious secrets.

As ubiquitous as chocolate is in the present day – and as much as its taste, aroma and flavor are loved or even craved, once upon a time in Europe chocolate was very much a curious novelty imported from the “New World” – as, for that matter, were both tea and coffee, although both had their origin in other places.

The Restoration period in England, the 1660s when The Chocolate Maker’s Wife takes place, was a time of great upheaval, of which the introduction of chocolate was perhaps the least if not the tastiest. This was the period when the monarchy was restored after Cromwell’s Protectorate, and Puritanism gave way to the Church of England.

Over 10 years of habits of life and thought changed overnight when Charles II took the throne that his father had been forced from – and later beheaded for occupying. This was a time when the universe as they knew it changed. And did again during the course of this story when the Great Fire of London consumed the city in 1666.

Each of these world shaking events had an equally cataclysmic effect on the life of Rosamund Blishwick, nee Tomkins. And it is her eyes through which we see this world, and hers, as it changes. And most definitely sparks.

At first it seems as if Sir Everard Blishwick is rescuing Rosamund not merely from tiny Gravesend, but also from multiple fates worse than death.

But of course, all is not as it seems. What seems like a rescue is only the first step in a long drawn out campaign of revenge that sucks Rosamund deeply into its web – and launches her into a future she could never have dreamed of.

Escape Rating B-: This is very much a mixed feelings kind of review. There were aspects of this book that I enjoyed, and others that drove me a bit bonkers. The Chocolate Maker’s Wife is the kind of lush, overblown historical epic that they don’t make any more. And as much as I loved just this kind of story once upon a time, it also reminded me both of why they don’t make them any longer and why I don’t look for them either.

(Something about this book reminded me a lot of Through a Glass Darkly by Karleen Koen. Which I read decades ago. I think it had to do with the lushness of the setting, the darkness of the secrets, the disposition of the heroine and the more than occasionly repetitive and slightly overblown language. But it’s been a long, long time. Still, the impression lingers. Make of that what you will.)

The strongest part of the story is the period setting. The author’s research into the Restoration period is exhaustive – and occasionally exhausting for the reader. The early years of the Restoration were a period of great change, capped off by the Great Fire which wiped out so much of London and wiped so many slates clean – except for the ashes.

It is a fascinating period in so many ways, as the parliamentary experiment failed, the monarchy was restored and everyone tried to go back to the way things were. Except that the genie never goes willingly back into the bottle, too much time had passed and too much had changed. But this story takes place during that change and we see the effects on the ground, so to speak, through Rosamund.

She begins the story as a young woman slaving away for her stepfather, ignored by her mother and routinely sexually abused by her stepfather and two adult stepbrothers. It’s a brutal life that Sir Everard rescues her from. Her “family” seem to be trying to erase their past as loyal Cromwell supporters, even her stepbrothers’ names betray their earlier loyalties.

But Rosamund was used and abused by her family, and then used by her new husband as well. Not for sex, but in his schemes for his chocolate house and his revenge against a family he claims wronged him. That Rosamund’s advent as a woman in the public sphere invites at least attempts at abuse from every man at nearly every turn seems a bit egregious. Not that it wouldn’t have happened, but there is a point where one wearies of reading about it happening again. And again. And yet again. (Wanting to hex them all seems to be a common response.)

At the same time, Rosamund seems a bit too good to be true. Everyone who comes into her orbit either wants her, loves her, or both. The degree to which she charms nearly everyone gives her the aura of a “Mary Sue”. Her times absolutely fascinated me, but her personality just didn’t make me want to follow her through them.

In the end, as much as I loved both the concept of this book and its setting, I didn’t love the book because I didn’t find its central character compelling. Or perhaps I simply had enough of the frequent repetitive descriptions of her tinkling laugh.

Your mileage may definitely vary. Meanwhile, I’m going to have some hot chocolate.

[Beth Sponzilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had my eye on this author, as I’ve been trying to get a hold of another of her books. I settled on this one and I was glad I did! 1660’s London with the events of the plague and The Great Fire embedded in a story of a girl who rose from the ashes to find a home among a chocolate house. A kind of mystery unfolded through out and kept you wondering. I look forward to her other books.

[Elle (IG: simply.elle18) · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! 😍