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Mrs Boots #1
Mrs Boots
A gripping historical novel inspired by Florence Boot, the woman behind the nation’s favourite chemist!
Jersey, 1885
On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop. Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more…
When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl.
Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?
Jersey, 1885
On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop. Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more…
When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl.
Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
127 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Carr
10 books182 followersDeborah Carr a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction and published by HarperCollins One More Chapter division.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 13, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and OneMore Chapter for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
As this is the first installment of a promising series, we readers are introduced to the young Florence Rowe and her family at their Jersey home in the Channel Islands. Florence is a 19th century woman who at 23 years old has a great amount of determination and desire to help others. When she is introduced to Jesse Boot, an older man vacationing on the island, Florence discovers a kindred spirit. As they continue to correspond with one another, Florence and Jesse begin to believe their feelings are something more. But is their road to marriage a happy one?
My thoughts: At this point, I think the series has plenty of potential. There was certainly enough of Florence and Jesse to have them rooting for it to all come together. But the writing was very repetitive in terms of Florence's mother's opposition to the match and often chapters ended or began with letters that summed up storylines that I was already fully informed about. But I will certainly keep an eye out for book two because I do believe Florence's story is really just beginning.
Goodreads review published 13/03/20
Expected publication 27/03/20
As this is the first installment of a promising series, we readers are introduced to the young Florence Rowe and her family at their Jersey home in the Channel Islands. Florence is a 19th century woman who at 23 years old has a great amount of determination and desire to help others. When she is introduced to Jesse Boot, an older man vacationing on the island, Florence discovers a kindred spirit. As they continue to correspond with one another, Florence and Jesse begin to believe their feelings are something more. But is their road to marriage a happy one?
My thoughts: At this point, I think the series has plenty of potential. There was certainly enough of Florence and Jesse to have them rooting for it to all come together. But the writing was very repetitive in terms of Florence's mother's opposition to the match and often chapters ended or began with letters that summed up storylines that I was already fully informed about. But I will certainly keep an eye out for book two because I do believe Florence's story is really just beginning.
Goodreads review published 13/03/20
Expected publication 27/03/20
March 26, 2020
Mrs Boots #1
Based on the true story of Florence and Jesse Boots. Florence Rowe worked in her father's book shop. She meets Jesse Boots when he visited Jersey and they fell in love. Her parents were opposed to their marriage. They finally agree that if the young couple are still together after a year of being apart, they will reconsider their decision. Their only form of communication is by writing letters.
Florence is a headstrong woman and was the who was behind the Boots empire that we know of today. But the book has little reference to the Boots empire. It's more a ,ove story than historical fiction. Theres al ot of repetition in the letters between the couple. I will read the next book in the series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins, One More Chapter and the author Deborah Carr for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Based on the true story of Florence and Jesse Boots. Florence Rowe worked in her father's book shop. She meets Jesse Boots when he visited Jersey and they fell in love. Her parents were opposed to their marriage. They finally agree that if the young couple are still together after a year of being apart, they will reconsider their decision. Their only form of communication is by writing letters.
Florence is a headstrong woman and was the who was behind the Boots empire that we know of today. But the book has little reference to the Boots empire. It's more a ,ove story than historical fiction. Theres al ot of repetition in the letters between the couple. I will read the next book in the series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins, One More Chapter and the author Deborah Carr for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2020
Mrs Boots is the first book in the Mrs Boots series by Deborah Carr. If you just want the romantic story of how the owner of Boots met and fell in love then you will be more than happy with just this book. But if, like me, you want to find out what happens next and hopefully some more fabulous factual information about the Boots company then I am sure you will be waiting impatiently for the next book to be released.
I really loved this book. Some reviewers have mentioned that it seemed slow going, but for me, the pace was perfect and highlighted just how long a courtship that Jessie Boot and Florence Rowe had to have. They were both relatable characters and I am so glad that they found each other. They truly sound like soulmates. I don't want to say any more about them because it would be too easy to give spoilers.
What I will say is that finding out the origins of the Boots company, and about Jesse and Florence who were real people was really fascinating. I also loved learning about Rowes the Stationers that Florence worked at which belonged to her father. The store was based in Jersey and although I have never been and things, of course, will have changed much since then, I would still love to go there now and see the place for myself.
So between the fabulous setting, the real historical background plus the wonderful romance between Jesse and Florence I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book and am very happy to recommend it!
I really loved this book. Some reviewers have mentioned that it seemed slow going, but for me, the pace was perfect and highlighted just how long a courtship that Jessie Boot and Florence Rowe had to have. They were both relatable characters and I am so glad that they found each other. They truly sound like soulmates. I don't want to say any more about them because it would be too easy to give spoilers.
What I will say is that finding out the origins of the Boots company, and about Jesse and Florence who were real people was really fascinating. I also loved learning about Rowes the Stationers that Florence worked at which belonged to her father. The store was based in Jersey and although I have never been and things, of course, will have changed much since then, I would still love to go there now and see the place for myself.
So between the fabulous setting, the real historical background plus the wonderful romance between Jesse and Florence I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book and am very happy to recommend it!
April 20, 2020
Living in Jersey I have always been aware of the FB Fields where children and adults enjoy the facilities and FB cottages and knew that these were given to the island by Florence Boot and that she was connected to Boots the chemist so I was interested to read about her early life. This book was charming and gave me an insight into Jersey in the 1880s. I loved Florence and Jesse and look forward to following their story in the next book. I have now learned that she also gave us Coronation Park where we played, my children and grandchildren played, the glass church and Beaufort Bay.
April 28, 2020
Deborah Carr is an author that only recently popped onto my radar with her book The Poppy Field. When her latest novel came up for review I found myself eager to read it as I hadn’t gotten around to The Poppy Field yet.
I was also intrigued by the fact that this book is told mostly through letters and I love epistolary novels so this book was a no brainer yes for me.
The other thing that drew me to this book was the fact that I knew nothing about this apparently well known women, Florence Boot. Before this book I hadn’t heard of her or the well known—but clearly not to me—Boots chemists. I love learning about new things so I was open to finding out more via this historical fiction novel!
So the first thing I noticed about this novel was that it would be unlikely that I would discover anything more than minimal info about the Boots empire that I already know nothing about. If you are like me and you know nothing about the Boots empire, don’t look to this book to fill in the gaps beyond the absolute basics. While that was slightly a disappointment for me, the romance between Jesse and Florence more than made up for that issue.
Plus this is going to be a series so perhaps we will know more later on in the future books about the Boots empire, but either way even if there was bits about that empire missing in this book, as I said the romance was fulfilling and made up for that bit for me. Both of the characters together were refreshing and a pleasure to read. I adored Jesse Boot and thought he was easy to love and perfect romantic interest for Florence. I was absolutely invested in their relationship and romance.
If you love historical fiction and romance this is going to be a new series you want on your radar. The only thing that I struggled with in this one was the occasional repetitiveness. For example, all the anticipation of Jesse’s letters and the disapproval of Florence’s mother in regards to their match. Over all it wasn’t horribly distracting or irritating, but toward the end I was like ok I got it. I am looking forward to continuing this series and seeing if some of my lingering plot questions will be addressed in the future books but to see what direction these lovely characters head into next!
See my full review here
I was also intrigued by the fact that this book is told mostly through letters and I love epistolary novels so this book was a no brainer yes for me.
The other thing that drew me to this book was the fact that I knew nothing about this apparently well known women, Florence Boot. Before this book I hadn’t heard of her or the well known—but clearly not to me—Boots chemists. I love learning about new things so I was open to finding out more via this historical fiction novel!
So the first thing I noticed about this novel was that it would be unlikely that I would discover anything more than minimal info about the Boots empire that I already know nothing about. If you are like me and you know nothing about the Boots empire, don’t look to this book to fill in the gaps beyond the absolute basics. While that was slightly a disappointment for me, the romance between Jesse and Florence more than made up for that issue.
Plus this is going to be a series so perhaps we will know more later on in the future books about the Boots empire, but either way even if there was bits about that empire missing in this book, as I said the romance was fulfilling and made up for that bit for me. Both of the characters together were refreshing and a pleasure to read. I adored Jesse Boot and thought he was easy to love and perfect romantic interest for Florence. I was absolutely invested in their relationship and romance.
If you love historical fiction and romance this is going to be a new series you want on your radar. The only thing that I struggled with in this one was the occasional repetitiveness. For example, all the anticipation of Jesse’s letters and the disapproval of Florence’s mother in regards to their match. Over all it wasn’t horribly distracting or irritating, but toward the end I was like ok I got it. I am looking forward to continuing this series and seeing if some of my lingering plot questions will be addressed in the future books but to see what direction these lovely characters head into next!
See my full review here
April 5, 2020
The first book in a wonderful new series, MRS BOOTS by Deborah Carr is inspired by the life of Florence Boot, the woman behind the UK's favourite chemist. It's not a history of the Boots empire but rather the beginning of a promising story.
Jersey, 1885: Florence Rowe is 23 and lives on the channel island of Jersey with her family. The daughter of a successful shop W.H. Rowe Stationers, she and her sister Amy are assistants in the family run business. A self-confident independent young woman, Florence has no intentions of ever marrying and being under the dictatorship of a man. She intends to make her own mark on the world with ambitions of owning her own shop one day.
But then she meets Jesse Boot.
Jesse is on holiday on the island of Jersey when he is invited to tea one afternoon with the Rowes in their flat above the shop. A successful man in his own right, Jesse owns and runs a string of shops on the mainland in Nottingham and has only recently branched out and employed a chemist. He had shared the responsibility with his mother until her recent death, selling herbs for various ailments which she had procured and dried herself. His sister Jane, having visited the island previously, recommended he visit to take in its sheer beauty and to call on the Rowe's who had made her stay a pleasant one.
Florence's father had spoken of Jesse to his family but she hadn't taken much notice, having no interest in marriage but rather the important matters of running the shop instead. So when introduced to Jesse, she didn't expect to feel the reaction she did. The flutter in her stomach, the twinkle in his eyes, the flush of her face.
Over the coming days, Florence is tasked with showing Jesse the marvels of their island and in doing so the two find themselves sharing a camaraderie unfamiliar to them. Despite being a small island, the vast differences between the town and the coast is striking. Jesse finds himself drawn to its wonder and enamoured with his guide.
Florence has never experienced the feelings she now does but finds herself looking forward to her outings with Jesse and being in his company again. He is not like any man she has encountered before. He listens to her, encourages her and sees her as an equal rather than someone to kowtow to his whims. Together they enjoy a friendly banter and discussions about important matters, rather than trivialities.
Suddenly Florence, who never saw a need to marry, finds herself falling in love with Jesse and he with her, despite their twelve year age difference. Then when Jesse seeks her father to ask for her hand, the couple are overjoyed that permission is granted. However, neither of them foresaw Florence's mother's reaction, who flatly refuses the union and convinces her father to rescind his permission.
Instead, Jesse is to return to Nottingham and the two are permitted to continue their courtship via letter for a further ten months until the following summer in the hope that they would both reconsider their decision. But Florence and Jesse know their own minds and their hearts and the woman who vowed never to marry, now longs to marry the man she so truly loves.
However, they are restricted to writing and with every letter they confide in each other, growing closer and develop a love and respect that only deepened. Florence sought Jesse's advice with her ideas in implementing changes in the shop to helping those less fortunate. It's then that she soon discovers that she values Jesse's thoughts when seeking his opinion on things that trouble her. Just as he values hers.
It's then one day when a bedraggled young girl comes running into the open door of their shop to escape the angry man pursuing her, that Florence sees something in her frightened eyes. Lily Buttons comes from the poorer side of town, living hand to mouth with a father often in the local jail. But Florence soon learns that Lily has dreams...and potential. It just needs nurturing. Realising she has opportunity where others have none, Florence desires to make a difference in the life of others. An attribute Jesse admires in her.
Their love story and courtship is a sweet and hopeful story. And despite a year of separation when their love is tested, it is clear that their love will survive and all will end happily. Or will it? Will Florence's father grant his permission after the year has passed? Will her mother finally accept Jesse as her choice in husband and give her blessing?
Set in the Victorian era of the late 1800s, a time when the opinion of a woman wasn't permitted, where parent's wishes were obeyed and respected and social expectations were strictly adhered to, MRS BOOTS is like a breath of fresh air. It is captivating and romantic and I devoured it long into the night.
A gentle romance, MRS BOOTS is an easy read with an upbeat feel that is engaging and delightful. Some reviewers have said that they found the pace slow but not me. I was enthralled from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. For me, the pace was perfect. It was like a gentle stroll in the park with that feel of anticipation building fit to burst at times. It was the excitement felt in a courtship that just leaves you wanting more. It was perfect.
With the fabulous setting, the background, the supporting characters and the gentle romance between Florence and Jesse, MRS BOOTS is a beautiful captivating story I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of historical fiction and I cannot wait for the second in this wonderful series "Mrs Boots of Pelham Street" released in May 2020.
I would like to thank #DeborahCarr, #NetGalley and #HarperCollins and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #MrsBoots in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Jersey, 1885: Florence Rowe is 23 and lives on the channel island of Jersey with her family. The daughter of a successful shop W.H. Rowe Stationers, she and her sister Amy are assistants in the family run business. A self-confident independent young woman, Florence has no intentions of ever marrying and being under the dictatorship of a man. She intends to make her own mark on the world with ambitions of owning her own shop one day.
But then she meets Jesse Boot.
Jesse is on holiday on the island of Jersey when he is invited to tea one afternoon with the Rowes in their flat above the shop. A successful man in his own right, Jesse owns and runs a string of shops on the mainland in Nottingham and has only recently branched out and employed a chemist. He had shared the responsibility with his mother until her recent death, selling herbs for various ailments which she had procured and dried herself. His sister Jane, having visited the island previously, recommended he visit to take in its sheer beauty and to call on the Rowe's who had made her stay a pleasant one.
Florence's father had spoken of Jesse to his family but she hadn't taken much notice, having no interest in marriage but rather the important matters of running the shop instead. So when introduced to Jesse, she didn't expect to feel the reaction she did. The flutter in her stomach, the twinkle in his eyes, the flush of her face.
Over the coming days, Florence is tasked with showing Jesse the marvels of their island and in doing so the two find themselves sharing a camaraderie unfamiliar to them. Despite being a small island, the vast differences between the town and the coast is striking. Jesse finds himself drawn to its wonder and enamoured with his guide.
Florence has never experienced the feelings she now does but finds herself looking forward to her outings with Jesse and being in his company again. He is not like any man she has encountered before. He listens to her, encourages her and sees her as an equal rather than someone to kowtow to his whims. Together they enjoy a friendly banter and discussions about important matters, rather than trivialities.
Suddenly Florence, who never saw a need to marry, finds herself falling in love with Jesse and he with her, despite their twelve year age difference. Then when Jesse seeks her father to ask for her hand, the couple are overjoyed that permission is granted. However, neither of them foresaw Florence's mother's reaction, who flatly refuses the union and convinces her father to rescind his permission.
Instead, Jesse is to return to Nottingham and the two are permitted to continue their courtship via letter for a further ten months until the following summer in the hope that they would both reconsider their decision. But Florence and Jesse know their own minds and their hearts and the woman who vowed never to marry, now longs to marry the man she so truly loves.
However, they are restricted to writing and with every letter they confide in each other, growing closer and develop a love and respect that only deepened. Florence sought Jesse's advice with her ideas in implementing changes in the shop to helping those less fortunate. It's then that she soon discovers that she values Jesse's thoughts when seeking his opinion on things that trouble her. Just as he values hers.
It's then one day when a bedraggled young girl comes running into the open door of their shop to escape the angry man pursuing her, that Florence sees something in her frightened eyes. Lily Buttons comes from the poorer side of town, living hand to mouth with a father often in the local jail. But Florence soon learns that Lily has dreams...and potential. It just needs nurturing. Realising she has opportunity where others have none, Florence desires to make a difference in the life of others. An attribute Jesse admires in her.
Their love story and courtship is a sweet and hopeful story. And despite a year of separation when their love is tested, it is clear that their love will survive and all will end happily. Or will it? Will Florence's father grant his permission after the year has passed? Will her mother finally accept Jesse as her choice in husband and give her blessing?
Set in the Victorian era of the late 1800s, a time when the opinion of a woman wasn't permitted, where parent's wishes were obeyed and respected and social expectations were strictly adhered to, MRS BOOTS is like a breath of fresh air. It is captivating and romantic and I devoured it long into the night.
A gentle romance, MRS BOOTS is an easy read with an upbeat feel that is engaging and delightful. Some reviewers have said that they found the pace slow but not me. I was enthralled from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. For me, the pace was perfect. It was like a gentle stroll in the park with that feel of anticipation building fit to burst at times. It was the excitement felt in a courtship that just leaves you wanting more. It was perfect.
With the fabulous setting, the background, the supporting characters and the gentle romance between Florence and Jesse, MRS BOOTS is a beautiful captivating story I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of historical fiction and I cannot wait for the second in this wonderful series "Mrs Boots of Pelham Street" released in May 2020.
I would like to thank #DeborahCarr, #NetGalley and #HarperCollins and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #MrsBoots in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 20, 2020
If you like historical novel this is a book for you. It is a historical novel based on the true story.
This is the first book of a promising series, set in Channel Islands, Jersey. We get to know about Florence Rowe, 23 years old, who leaves with her family and works at her father’s stationers.
In this book Florence is introduced Jesse Boots who is staying on the island during his vacation, Jesse is an older man , Florence’s father told her a lot about Jesse before they met, and if that’s true she could say that she has never seen any one as successful as him.
Despite the age difference, the more they talked about different topics they felt more connected. The courtship and how she was always waiting for Jesse’s letter to arrive was very interesting.
They were in love and wanted to be together. But Florence mother disapproved this marriage, and eventually promised them to reconsider their decision in a year.
Knowing that this is the true story behind the Boots Empire made the book even more interesting to me.
I enjoyed the perfect pace of the book; the well-developed characters were relatable. The book starts with Florence life and her father’s stationer, still towards the end it is focusing on the Rowe family, which made it more amusing for me to learn a lot about the future Mrs. Boots Background.
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC.I can’t wait to read book#2
You can see the more reviews on:Bookoholiccafe and @Bookoholiccafe
This is the first book of a promising series, set in Channel Islands, Jersey. We get to know about Florence Rowe, 23 years old, who leaves with her family and works at her father’s stationers.
In this book Florence is introduced Jesse Boots who is staying on the island during his vacation, Jesse is an older man , Florence’s father told her a lot about Jesse before they met, and if that’s true she could say that she has never seen any one as successful as him.
Despite the age difference, the more they talked about different topics they felt more connected. The courtship and how she was always waiting for Jesse’s letter to arrive was very interesting.
They were in love and wanted to be together. But Florence mother disapproved this marriage, and eventually promised them to reconsider their decision in a year.
Knowing that this is the true story behind the Boots Empire made the book even more interesting to me.
I enjoyed the perfect pace of the book; the well-developed characters were relatable. The book starts with Florence life and her father’s stationer, still towards the end it is focusing on the Rowe family, which made it more amusing for me to learn a lot about the future Mrs. Boots Background.
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC.I can’t wait to read book#2
You can see the more reviews on:Bookoholiccafe and @Bookoholiccafe
March 27, 2020
When I saw the author's name on this book, I couldn't wait to read it! A great decision as this promises to be an excellent series.
Florence Rowe lives on Jersey; born there, she loves her home and her family. Working in the family business, life is good, but Florence dreams of more. Then she meets Jesse Boot, visitor to the island and, for the first time, feels the stirrings of love. But when Jesse approaches her parent for her hand in marriage, they refuse their permission. Can Florence accept their decision?
A gorgeous tale, very appropriate to the time it's set and the writing upholds this, maintaining the period all the way through. I'm so glad this is the beginning of a series, and I can't wait to read the rest! In these days of everything instant, it's good to be taken back to bygone times. The characters are beautifully drawn; the descriptions of Jersey are charming and it is a lovely read from beginning to end. Wonderfully written, I was completely captivated all the way through and am already looking forward to the next book. A full four stars, and worth every one of them!
Florence Rowe lives on Jersey; born there, she loves her home and her family. Working in the family business, life is good, but Florence dreams of more. Then she meets Jesse Boot, visitor to the island and, for the first time, feels the stirrings of love. But when Jesse approaches her parent for her hand in marriage, they refuse their permission. Can Florence accept their decision?
A gorgeous tale, very appropriate to the time it's set and the writing upholds this, maintaining the period all the way through. I'm so glad this is the beginning of a series, and I can't wait to read the rest! In these days of everything instant, it's good to be taken back to bygone times. The characters are beautifully drawn; the descriptions of Jersey are charming and it is a lovely read from beginning to end. Wonderfully written, I was completely captivated all the way through and am already looking forward to the next book. A full four stars, and worth every one of them!
March 27, 2020
A breath of fresh air! This is a historical fiction novel with an upbeat feel. I read this in two days as I couldn’t put this one down.
Florence is a sweet soul and I just adore Mr. Boot.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Thank you NetGalley and Deborah Carr for this ARC I exchange for my honest review.
Florence is a sweet soul and I just adore Mr. Boot.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Thank you NetGalley and Deborah Carr for this ARC I exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2022
This story should have everything I enjoy in historical fiction novels. What made the book difficult was the letters, too many letters back and forth. The letters were needed for the story showing time passing. Florence and Jessie had to wait a year before they could marry. The story developed to slow.
January 9, 2025
Ii always love books by Deborah Carr, but I was so disappointed with Mrs Boots. The edition that I read was an e-book. It appeared that it had not been edited. There were so many errors throughout the book. I found it so distracting. There wasn’t much of a story to this book and it was very repetitive in time. I found the reading of the letters back-and-forth to be more or less the summary of the chapter and totally unnecessary. This was not Deborah Carr at her best. I’d like to try the other books in the series in the hopes that they are better.
April 26, 2021
Excellent read. Based on the lady that married Jesse Boot (Boots the Chemist founder).
December 22, 2022
Lovely historical fiction book that talks about love and the start of boots the chemist.
April 17, 2022
I could not finish this book. It was described as "a page-turning" novel and "gripping". I thought it was written for early teens which might be an insult as I also thought it was written very simplistically and pedantically. Sorry to early teens.
I didn't get in far enough to care for either Florence or Jesse. She seemed to be mostly dodging people in town she thought were gossipy or boring or mean or all three. I did not know it was the beginning of a series and definitely will not be reading the following books.
I didn't get in far enough to care for either Florence or Jesse. She seemed to be mostly dodging people in town she thought were gossipy or boring or mean or all three. I did not know it was the beginning of a series and definitely will not be reading the following books.
March 11, 2020
You are not infallible and need to know your limitations. We all do. I, as a woman, am reminded of mine constantly, by my parents, my friends and societies parameters. You don't have the same barriers to overcome because you are a man. Your own restrictions. We each have them, just in different ways and some are more obstructive than others.
Florence Rowe's life was changed when Jesse Boots stepped into her father's store. Florence a 23 year old woman, living with her parents in Jersey Island United Kingdom. Set in the early 1900, Florence was a self-confident young woman who saw no need to be married but saw a promising future as a business woman who desired to make a difference in the life of others. She realized that she had opportunity where others had none.
Jesse visiting Jersey Island from England was quite taken with Florence and pursued her. Florence saw a difference in Jesse as he took her as his equal and valued her opinion. Their love story is sweet and hopeful. However, their love was tested when they were set apart for over a year. It is this year of separation that they thru letter writing, developed a love and respect that deepened.
This historical fiction hits on several points that I found appealing. One is the devotion to each other and Florence's resolve to remain true to what is right. She was very caring and devoted to family, co-workers and friends and the man known as Jesse Boots. I didn't realize that this was based on the Boot Empire and how the couple were a power house in the industry. I am assuming there will be more on the life of Jesse and Florence and I can't wait to see what they bring.
A Special Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Florence Rowe's life was changed when Jesse Boots stepped into her father's store. Florence a 23 year old woman, living with her parents in Jersey Island United Kingdom. Set in the early 1900, Florence was a self-confident young woman who saw no need to be married but saw a promising future as a business woman who desired to make a difference in the life of others. She realized that she had opportunity where others had none.
Jesse visiting Jersey Island from England was quite taken with Florence and pursued her. Florence saw a difference in Jesse as he took her as his equal and valued her opinion. Their love story is sweet and hopeful. However, their love was tested when they were set apart for over a year. It is this year of separation that they thru letter writing, developed a love and respect that deepened.
This historical fiction hits on several points that I found appealing. One is the devotion to each other and Florence's resolve to remain true to what is right. She was very caring and devoted to family, co-workers and friends and the man known as Jesse Boots. I didn't realize that this was based on the Boot Empire and how the couple were a power house in the industry. I am assuming there will be more on the life of Jesse and Florence and I can't wait to see what they bring.
A Special Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 27, 2020
I really wanted to love this book, which is set in my favourite historical period and seemed to offer the promise of finding out more about the woman behind Jesse Boot. I was looking forward to following the development of his empire and experiencing the lovely setting of Jersey. Unfortunately, the delivery didn't match my expectations.
This was a very slow-burning story with a lot of repetition of mundane events in the Rowe shop, Florence's developing interest in Jesse and her mother's opposition to it. Even the letters didn't add much to it because very little was happening. There was such a missed opportunity to bring colour to the narrative by evoking the sights and sounds of the island in much more detail. The events covered in this book is could easily have been conveyed as back story in subsequent volumes, which I presume will cover their life together (as I'd hoped this one would).
The style of writing was pleasant, but my main reason for such a rare (for me) very negative review is the poor standard of editing, which was very distracting. It's titled Mrs Boots but as she is single for virtually the whole book, all the references are to Mr Boot. A find and replace has obviously been done between boots and Boot, because you get phrases like these: 'find a pair of Boot for Lily' and 'take off her Boot'.
Other notable issues were not knowing the difference between 'peek' and 'peak', and typos/poor phrasing such as: 'he seemed to reduce in statute and confidence', 'She tapped her stick against the maid's skirt Florence had just noticed had come in behind her', and 'unfortunately her father, like most of the shopkeepers whose shops the woman frequented, were not in a position to refuse to serve her'. A final proofread can't possibly have been done.
I hope the next volume has a competent editor, but I'm afraid I won't be reading it.
This was a very slow-burning story with a lot of repetition of mundane events in the Rowe shop, Florence's developing interest in Jesse and her mother's opposition to it. Even the letters didn't add much to it because very little was happening. There was such a missed opportunity to bring colour to the narrative by evoking the sights and sounds of the island in much more detail. The events covered in this book is could easily have been conveyed as back story in subsequent volumes, which I presume will cover their life together (as I'd hoped this one would).
The style of writing was pleasant, but my main reason for such a rare (for me) very negative review is the poor standard of editing, which was very distracting. It's titled Mrs Boots but as she is single for virtually the whole book, all the references are to Mr Boot. A find and replace has obviously been done between boots and Boot, because you get phrases like these: 'find a pair of Boot for Lily' and 'take off her Boot'.
Other notable issues were not knowing the difference between 'peek' and 'peak', and typos/poor phrasing such as: 'he seemed to reduce in statute and confidence', 'She tapped her stick against the maid's skirt Florence had just noticed had come in behind her', and 'unfortunately her father, like most of the shopkeepers whose shops the woman frequented, were not in a position to refuse to serve her'. A final proofread can't possibly have been done.
I hope the next volume has a competent editor, but I'm afraid I won't be reading it.
March 23, 2020
Mrs Boots is book one in a new historical series inspired by Florence Boot, the woman behind the Boots empire. I devoured this story, it was so captivating, interesting and beautifully romantic. Florence is a headstrong young woman who wants to help those in need. She never wanted to marry but when she met Jesse Boot, the son of the founder of Boots the chemist, she found a kindred spirit with him. However, their friendship was frowned upon by her family. Her mother in particular made her opinions quite clear and as a mother myself I could see her point of view but I also knew to stop the power of love is impossible.
Deborah Carr's words took me to an era were social etiquette was prevalent, religion and belief were very strong and the beliefs of Florence's mother were true to her character and faith. The atmosphere of the storyline was perfect, I could sense a time and place. Hearing about the life in the stationery shop in Jersey sounded wonderful and it brought back pangs of nostalgia of visiting small independent shops receiving personal customer service with my grandparents. Just hearing that shop bell indicating a new customer brings back pangs of warm, fuzzy emotions.
The budding friendship between Jesse Boot and Florence was lovely, especially as it took Florence by surprise how her feelings soon changed.
When you start a new book series and so wish the other instalments were instantly available to enable you to binge read them all; this is how I felt about Mrs Boots. As soon as I finished reading I felt compelled to research both Jesse and Florence Boot and the legacy they've left behind is inspiring.
A gorgeous start to a new historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me.
Deborah Carr's words took me to an era were social etiquette was prevalent, religion and belief were very strong and the beliefs of Florence's mother were true to her character and faith. The atmosphere of the storyline was perfect, I could sense a time and place. Hearing about the life in the stationery shop in Jersey sounded wonderful and it brought back pangs of nostalgia of visiting small independent shops receiving personal customer service with my grandparents. Just hearing that shop bell indicating a new customer brings back pangs of warm, fuzzy emotions.
The budding friendship between Jesse Boot and Florence was lovely, especially as it took Florence by surprise how her feelings soon changed.
When you start a new book series and so wish the other instalments were instantly available to enable you to binge read them all; this is how I felt about Mrs Boots. As soon as I finished reading I felt compelled to research both Jesse and Florence Boot and the legacy they've left behind is inspiring.
A gorgeous start to a new historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me.
March 29, 2020
Florence, aged 23, is happily living with her sister and their parents in Jersey, and working in her father’s stationery shop. She is independent and has ambitions to run her own shop one day, she sees no need to marry and consequently these ideas mean she is a worry to her mother.
When she is introduced to Mr Boot, on the island for a holiday from Nottingham where he runs a number of chemist stores, she is surprised to find a man whose company she enjoys and who converses with her as an equal, despite the thirteen years age difference between them.
This book is set in the late 1800’s, a time where women didn’t have opinions, where young women obeyed their parent’s wishes and social expectations were strictly adhered to. Despite their growing feelings for each other, Florence and Jessie are forced apart and must rely on a postal relationship for the better part of a year. They use this time to learn more about each other and Florence especially seeks advice from Jessie about her ideas, both to help those less fortunate than her and to implement changes in her father’s shop.
This book is a gentle romance and I enjoyed the slow pace of their developing relationship and as each letter arrived, I was as excited as Florence to read it. It was a great window to a forgotten era, where passion and emotions are tastefully and correctly portrayed.
Florence is a remarkable woman who never let the fire within her die, despite the many obstacles and injustices she faced. I would have loved for this book to have continued and followed more of her life, but maybe Deborah has left it purposefully at this point so she can continue the story in another book (I certainly hope so).
If you enjoy historical novels based on real life characters, you will enjoy this one.
When she is introduced to Mr Boot, on the island for a holiday from Nottingham where he runs a number of chemist stores, she is surprised to find a man whose company she enjoys and who converses with her as an equal, despite the thirteen years age difference between them.
This book is set in the late 1800’s, a time where women didn’t have opinions, where young women obeyed their parent’s wishes and social expectations were strictly adhered to. Despite their growing feelings for each other, Florence and Jessie are forced apart and must rely on a postal relationship for the better part of a year. They use this time to learn more about each other and Florence especially seeks advice from Jessie about her ideas, both to help those less fortunate than her and to implement changes in her father’s shop.
This book is a gentle romance and I enjoyed the slow pace of their developing relationship and as each letter arrived, I was as excited as Florence to read it. It was a great window to a forgotten era, where passion and emotions are tastefully and correctly portrayed.
Florence is a remarkable woman who never let the fire within her die, despite the many obstacles and injustices she faced. I would have loved for this book to have continued and followed more of her life, but maybe Deborah has left it purposefully at this point so she can continue the story in another book (I certainly hope so).
If you enjoy historical novels based on real life characters, you will enjoy this one.
December 15, 2019
I enjoyed my advanced copy of this biography of Florence Rowe, until I realized quite suddenly at the end that it's part one of a series. The story about London's drugstore founder Jesse Boot and Florence Rowe of the isle of Jersey is compelling and quite adorably romantic; they are admirable characters concerned with philanthropy, courtesy, and community well-being. I'd never heard of the Wesleyan Church before, or wedding banns, and found it interesting that in the late 1800s one could simply marry in a Protestant church if your mom forbids you to do so at your own. I wonder whether the couples' letters presented here are fictional, or if author Deborah Carr actually found them?
Carr's description of the Jersey is colorful although I wish she'd given more examples of the local patois that she mentions. The Victorian-era dialogue was convincing enough, with the exception of Miss Lily Button, the poor waif whose cause Florence champions. I feel silly bringing up plot holes or lingering questions I have, since they will probably be addressed in subsequent books in the series. But I have to say it was irritating when Florence Rowe's mother was adamant about "not expecting rude behavior from" her daughter, and then went on to exhibit the rudest performance of anyone and for no defensible reason? If she was so fixated on becoming mother-in-law to her friend's son Albert, she should have pushed her younger daughter Amy towards him, rather than jeopardizing her relationship with Florence over it. I don't think I'll read the rest of this series but I do hope the retribution due Mrs. Rowe does arrive.
Carr's description of the Jersey is colorful although I wish she'd given more examples of the local patois that she mentions. The Victorian-era dialogue was convincing enough, with the exception of Miss Lily Button, the poor waif whose cause Florence champions. I feel silly bringing up plot holes or lingering questions I have, since they will probably be addressed in subsequent books in the series. But I have to say it was irritating when Florence Rowe's mother was adamant about "not expecting rude behavior from" her daughter, and then went on to exhibit the rudest performance of anyone and for no defensible reason? If she was so fixated on becoming mother-in-law to her friend's son Albert, she should have pushed her younger daughter Amy towards him, rather than jeopardizing her relationship with Florence over it. I don't think I'll read the rest of this series but I do hope the retribution due Mrs. Rowe does arrive.
August 24, 2021
Mrs Boots is an historical novel inspired by the true story of Florence Boot, wife of Jesse Boot son of John Boot founder of Boot company in 1849 a Pharmacy chain in the United Kingdom.
Florence lives in Jersey she works in the familly store with her sister. She has an independant mind and have no intention to marry until she meets Jesse Boot. Jesse is older than Florence, because of the age gap and the fact that Jesse suffers from rheumathoid arthritis her mother disapprove of their relationship. Despite her mother reluctance they relationship continue to grow and strengthen. Florence will have to focus on her future with the man she loves and move on.
I like florence character she has a vision for a life and for other people. She wants to be useful, own a business, in a time where woman mostly stay at home. I like how she took Lily a young teenage girl from a disadvantaged familly under her wings and gave her the confidence she needed by encouraging her to have a goal in life and find her a job.
Florence Boot was a woman with a great heart, generous and kind. I can't wait to read the second book! I really enjoy her story!
Florence lives in Jersey she works in the familly store with her sister. She has an independant mind and have no intention to marry until she meets Jesse Boot. Jesse is older than Florence, because of the age gap and the fact that Jesse suffers from rheumathoid arthritis her mother disapprove of their relationship. Despite her mother reluctance they relationship continue to grow and strengthen. Florence will have to focus on her future with the man she loves and move on.
I like florence character she has a vision for a life and for other people. She wants to be useful, own a business, in a time where woman mostly stay at home. I like how she took Lily a young teenage girl from a disadvantaged familly under her wings and gave her the confidence she needed by encouraging her to have a goal in life and find her a job.
Florence Boot was a woman with a great heart, generous and kind. I can't wait to read the second book! I really enjoy her story!
March 11, 2020
***I received an advanced e-copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
This novel is inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire. Florence Rowe works in her family's stationary shop, but she has always wanted to own a shop of her own. She has never cared about marriage and family, but when she meets Jesse Boot she changes her mind. They have like minds, aligned values and the same goals in life. They have a whirlwind courtship and he soon proposes. Florence's father gives his blessing but then rescinds it when her mother refuses to agree to the marriage as well. Her parents agree to reconsider the proposal in a year if they remain apart for the entire year, and only communicate by post. The book chronicled the year of correspondence while the couple anxiously await their reunion.
This book was fascinating. Florence and Jesse were generous and thoughtful people who wanted to make things better for the poor people in their community. This is a great book for anyone who has an interest in historical fiction.
This novel is inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire. Florence Rowe works in her family's stationary shop, but she has always wanted to own a shop of her own. She has never cared about marriage and family, but when she meets Jesse Boot she changes her mind. They have like minds, aligned values and the same goals in life. They have a whirlwind courtship and he soon proposes. Florence's father gives his blessing but then rescinds it when her mother refuses to agree to the marriage as well. Her parents agree to reconsider the proposal in a year if they remain apart for the entire year, and only communicate by post. The book chronicled the year of correspondence while the couple anxiously await their reunion.
This book was fascinating. Florence and Jesse were generous and thoughtful people who wanted to make things better for the poor people in their community. This is a great book for anyone who has an interest in historical fiction.
September 5, 2020
This book was based on a true story. I had never heard of Florence Boot, so this was an interesting read for me. However, you don’t really learn anything about the Boots chemical empire. Though hopefully the author will provide more details as the books in this series are written.
As I’ve said many times recently, I love historical fiction, but am not a romance fan. So the historical fiction of this book was very appealing, but I did not care for the romance aspect. The characters were well developed and the author does a wonderful job in taking you back in time and experiencing life in a simpler time.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
As I’ve said many times recently, I love historical fiction, but am not a romance fan. So the historical fiction of this book was very appealing, but I did not care for the romance aspect. The characters were well developed and the author does a wonderful job in taking you back in time and experiencing life in a simpler time.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
May 14, 2020
A fascinating story based on the real life events of Florence Rowe and how she came to be Mrs Boots.
During this book you get to know Florence for her loyalty and generousity and feel the passion she held for her family business. She was a character who wanted to be known as more than just a wife who keeps home and during this story you get to see why Jesse Boots and young Florence fell in love.
A wonderful story set in Jersey where she was born and raised where you gain an insight into her life and where she most loved to visit on her home island. I can't wait to read the next book as this one held me captivated from beginning to end.
During this book you get to know Florence for her loyalty and generousity and feel the passion she held for her family business. She was a character who wanted to be known as more than just a wife who keeps home and during this story you get to see why Jesse Boots and young Florence fell in love.
A wonderful story set in Jersey where she was born and raised where you gain an insight into her life and where she most loved to visit on her home island. I can't wait to read the next book as this one held me captivated from beginning to end.
March 25, 2020
More a romance than the story of Boots but this is still an interesting historical novel. Florence meets Jesse Boots when he visits the Jersey Islands. Her parents are violently opposed to their match but love prevails. Of course it does! I loved the setting and think the characters are forming up nicely. There's a lot of years to go in this story so imagine there will be multiple installments. I wish that this had been edited more tightly to pull out the repetitive sections, which drag on the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm holding out hope for the next installment!
June 8, 2020
A truly magnificent read.
A brilliantly written and researched story set on the beautiful island of Jersey.
The courtship of Florence Rowe and Jesse Boot, the owner of Boots the Chemist, is not smooth sailing due to objections from her parents.
I love the way the author has woven fact and fiction together, and I also enjoyed her writing style; I could vividly imagine being in the late 19th Century.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I anxiously await the sequel.
Very highly recommended.
A brilliantly written and researched story set on the beautiful island of Jersey.
The courtship of Florence Rowe and Jesse Boot, the owner of Boots the Chemist, is not smooth sailing due to objections from her parents.
I love the way the author has woven fact and fiction together, and I also enjoyed her writing style; I could vividly imagine being in the late 19th Century.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I anxiously await the sequel.
Very highly recommended.
March 27, 2020
A deeply evocative historical novel that perfectly captures the social and financial mores determined by social status and the class structure on the island of Jersey in the 1880s.
This is a fascinating insight into life on Jersey at this time.
I particularly enjoyed the changing relationship between Florence and her family as her independence grows and the challenges faced by ordinary people to receive medical and social care in a world before state support.
A perfect escapist read.
This is a fascinating insight into life on Jersey at this time.
I particularly enjoyed the changing relationship between Florence and her family as her independence grows and the challenges faced by ordinary people to receive medical and social care in a world before state support.
A perfect escapist read.
April 12, 2020
An.excellent read
Most of us know Boots the Chemist as I knew it during my early childhood. Therefore it is interesting to read how the shops became established and how the two main characters met and married. It is good to read books with a mixture of fact and fiction and how the story is interwoven. This author is good at writing a book to hold your attention and I, trust that book 2 will follow soon
Most of us know Boots the Chemist as I knew it during my early childhood. Therefore it is interesting to read how the shops became established and how the two main characters met and married. It is good to read books with a mixture of fact and fiction and how the story is interwoven. This author is good at writing a book to hold your attention and I, trust that book 2 will follow soon
March 29, 2020
Florence lives on the channel island of Jersey in the late 1800s. She is the daughter of a stationery shop owner. She and her sister Amy are assistants in the shop. She is 23 and has planned not to marry, but to one day have a shop of her own. Enter Mr. Jesse Boots, an older man who has worked with his father and mother to develop his chemist/pharmacy business. He is here on vacation on the recommendation of his sister who had visited Jersey the precious year. Florence and Mr. Boots have an instant connection which is developed as Florence shows his some of the sites of the island before he is called home on business. But Mr. Boots returns and asked for Florence to marry him. Her father gives permission, but her mother coerces him into withdrawing his permission. They require Florence and Mr. Boots to wait until the next summer before he can propose again. In the meantime, they may correspond.
The majority of the book is about their correspondence. Florence helps a girl, and gets her Dad to hire her in the shop. She writes to Jesse, He writes back. The reader hears about activities three times -- when it happens and in each of their letters. All of this repetition gets a little tedious. The Mother's stubbornness and refusal to even attend the wedding, it a bit much. The book ends abruptly and makes me think there will be a sequel. If there is one, I probably won't read it.
I was allowed to read Mrs. Boots by Deborah Carr on NetGalley.
The majority of the book is about their correspondence. Florence helps a girl, and gets her Dad to hire her in the shop. She writes to Jesse, He writes back. The reader hears about activities three times -- when it happens and in each of their letters. All of this repetition gets a little tedious. The Mother's stubbornness and refusal to even attend the wedding, it a bit much. The book ends abruptly and makes me think there will be a sequel. If there is one, I probably won't read it.
I was allowed to read Mrs. Boots by Deborah Carr on NetGalley.
February 2, 2020
Review
So this was advertised as “inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire”. Therefore, i would expect the reader to learn of the work that takes place to build Boots with the support of Mrs Boot.
This is not the case. There is very little reference to the Boots Empire. In fact it’s a love story about Florence Rowe who works in her father’s stationers and Jesse Boot; their meeting and courtship, her mother’s disapproval and day trips around the island of St Helier, Jersey.
It’s nice, but that’s all! There’s too much emphasis on waiting for Jesse’s letters, then a repetition in these letters detailing Florence’s last few days that we’ve already heard about. We hear everything twice. So much was given to rearranging the table and display of books in the shop as an example. I could not see that the letters were actually taken from their courtship or whether they had been fabricated.
Sadly, I could not finish this book. It dragged for me too much and i started to get irritated by it. I only read one third.
I wouldn’t recommend this book and rate it 2 stars 🌟🌟
Thanks
Thank you to the author and publishers, Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an independent review.
So this was advertised as “inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire”. Therefore, i would expect the reader to learn of the work that takes place to build Boots with the support of Mrs Boot.
This is not the case. There is very little reference to the Boots Empire. In fact it’s a love story about Florence Rowe who works in her father’s stationers and Jesse Boot; their meeting and courtship, her mother’s disapproval and day trips around the island of St Helier, Jersey.
It’s nice, but that’s all! There’s too much emphasis on waiting for Jesse’s letters, then a repetition in these letters detailing Florence’s last few days that we’ve already heard about. We hear everything twice. So much was given to rearranging the table and display of books in the shop as an example. I could not see that the letters were actually taken from their courtship or whether they had been fabricated.
Sadly, I could not finish this book. It dragged for me too much and i started to get irritated by it. I only read one third.
I wouldn’t recommend this book and rate it 2 stars 🌟🌟
Thanks
Thank you to the author and publishers, Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an independent review.
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