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The Chocolatier's Wife #1
The Chocolatier's Wife
“a fine piece of fiction with some murder, mystery, magic and fantasy”
----Front Street Reviews
ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY…. AND CHOCOLATE
When Tasmin’s bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn’t have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William’s own family, who all resent her kind – the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose – and he is intent on ruining William’s family at all cost.
The Chocolatier’s Wife is a truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.
----Front Street Reviews
ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY…. AND CHOCOLATE
When Tasmin’s bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn’t have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William’s own family, who all resent her kind – the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose – and he is intent on ruining William’s family at all cost.
The Chocolatier’s Wife is a truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2008
About the author
Cindy Lynn Speer
17 books279 followersCindy Lynn Speer is the author of several short stories, book reviews, books and interviews.
And she finds talking in the third person boring, so...
Hello! Let's see, what else is interesting? I write for many reasons...to make people happy, to explore further the worlds in my head (day dreaming can be sloppy...and jumpy. One moment, you're at a stop light, day dreaming about riding dragons, the next moment you're at work, pretending that you're a CSI specializing in filing systems. Not a very disciplined way of seeing stories through to the end.) and to just celebrate the joy of words.
My library contains books on ships, chocolate, swords, murder mysteries, folk lore, myth, fantasy and all sorts of things. I am a jackdaw. I love to read about a lot of different things.
And she finds talking in the third person boring, so...
Hello! Let's see, what else is interesting? I write for many reasons...to make people happy, to explore further the worlds in my head (day dreaming can be sloppy...and jumpy. One moment, you're at a stop light, day dreaming about riding dragons, the next moment you're at work, pretending that you're a CSI specializing in filing systems. Not a very disciplined way of seeing stories through to the end.) and to just celebrate the joy of words.
My library contains books on ships, chocolate, swords, murder mysteries, folk lore, myth, fantasy and all sorts of things. I am a jackdaw. I love to read about a lot of different things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 4, 2018
This delightful light fantasy novel is one of the reasons I still give into the urge to download Kindle freebies. I read it about a year and a half ago, but something reminded me of it yesterday, and I started looking at it again and realized that I'd forgotten what a treasure it is. It reminds me of one of Sharon Shinn's fantasies, and it's worth reading, even if it isn't a freebie. Also because CHOCOLATE!
In the kingdom of Berengeny, couples are chosen by a magical spell that shows you the person who is your best possible match. Tasmin and William have known since they were children that they were a match. Tasmin comes from Tarnia, in the north, where magic is a normal part of life; William from the South, where magic is regarded with deep suspicion and is used only by Wise Women. Despite the disapproval of both their families, Tasmin and William exchange letters over the years and develop a friendship, and are actually looking forward to meeting each other and getting married. William, who has been a sea captain, returns to his home town and opens a chocolate shop, planning to send for Tasmin as soon as his business is well-established.
Then William is arrested, accused of murdering the local bishop -- with poisoned chocolates. Tasmin is given the chance to break the engagement, but instead flies (literally, using magic) to William's side to see what can be done to help him, and to try to find out who has framed him. So they meet for the first time, with William in jail.
There were four cells in this section, and only two were occupied. She knew immediately which one must be her intended, simply because she knew that William was not sixty years old, nor, she thought, prone to babbling madly about puppies....I really love both of the main characters: they're sensible and intelligent, and they don't do stupid things that make me want to hurl the book at the wall (and since the book is on my iPad, that would be not a good thing). Tasmin has a group of invisible wind sprites that have adopted her, that add a nice note of whimsy to the story. Each chapter begins with one of the letters William and Tasmin wrote to each other over the years, which helps us get to know their characters better.
[S]he decided she rather liked his smile. It took him from being a bit plain to being rather handsome. She had no illusions about her looks, so hoped, despite her resolve not to care, that she did not disappoint his eye, either. She put her hand through the bars, and he took it, pressing a hard kiss on the back, and an equally fierce one in the palm, and her toes curled, and she knew, like she knew right from left, that she had made the right choice.
This is a charming, well-written tale that's part magical fantasy, part murder mystery and part love story, with some nice humor. It's sweet with just a little bit of an edge to it, like chocolate with a bit of pepper.
If that combination sounds good to you, I highly recommend this novel.
Now where's the rest of that chocolate bar I was eating last night?? Dang kids.
February 20, 2015
4 and a half stars, I think - really lovely.
.................................................
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program, so huge thanks to LT and the author.
In the world where The Chocolatier's Wife is set, marriage is not left up to chance: every newborn is brought to a Wise Woman, who casts a spell to find out who that child's destined spouse is to be. This doesn't guarantee Twoo Wuv; it also doesn't guarantee happiness. In fact, I think I need to go back and read that bit again to see if it guarantees anything. Regardless, it's considered binding; it just isn't done to marry someone other than the person who shows up when that spell is cast.
When small William of Almsley is brought for the spell … nothing happens. Not to worry, his mother is told; his wife-to-be hasn't been born yet. It's when this sequence is repeated year after year that everyone does begin to worry… And when I settled in happily, pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book: "This did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with." Heh.
William's not impossible, though; stubborn, yes, and not Speshul, but not impossible. He's rather sweet, as is revealed through his reaction to the eventual discovery that his intended is from - *gasp* - the barbaric North. Everyone knows how wild and bizarre those people are – they use magic, and probably eat their dead, and oh dear, couldn't you try the spell again?
Meanwhile, a good ways North in Tarnia, the parents of a baby girl named Tasmin are having much the same reaction as the same spell is cast for their daughter: Not - *gasp* - the barbaric South! Why, everyone knows how uncivilized and bizarre those people are – they have hardly any magic at all, and they probably eat their dead, and … oh dear.
William, however, is sanguine about the whole thing, and starts off by writing to his wife-to-be right away (even though she won't be able to read it for a while). And this begins a correspondence (one-sided until Tasmin is able to respond) that lasts some twenty-four years as William grows into his place as the eldest son of a well-to-merchant, eventually captaining a ship of his own through pirate-filled waters, and then – to the bafflement and indignation of his family, gives over his place in his father's company to his younger brother Andrew in order to open a shop selling chocolates ("I've never liked anything half so well as I like chocolate." – See? He's not impossible! He's wonderful). Meanwhile, in the North, Tasmin grows into her abilities as an Herb Mistress – and waits for William to send for her.
Which he doesn't. Years pass after she comes of age, and their letters continue back and forth, often accompanying gifts both large and small, but he doesn't call for her to come and marry. And then suddenly gossip reaches her family that – lucky girl! You're off the hook! Your barbarian intended is sure to be hanged for murder, so – such good fortune! – now you never have to go into the wilds and marry one of them!
Far from the relief of her parents, Tasmin's reaction is to pack a couple of bags and enlist the aid of the tribe of air sprites who have adopted her to whisk her southward. The William she has come to know from his letters can't be a murderer – and she plans on proving it.
There were some minor typos (I remember "gigging" instead of "giggling" (which I kind of liked), and a minor amount of punctuation abuse), but all in all far better than most Kindle books I seem to be reading lately. The writing is just this side of lyrical, with a sense of humor underlying it that reminded me – yes, it did: it reminded me of Robin McKinley. If you take a look at the ratings I've given Ms. McKinley's books, you'll see that this is high praise indeed.
Cindy Lynn Speer was able to make characters unpleasant and unlikable without turning them into cardboard cutouts or one-note things constructed of a few ugly tics and nasty characteristics strung together. William's mother, for example, is thoroughly un-live-with-able, but there's something behind it, a love for her family and reasons for her crankiness ("still, that don't make it right") which rounds out her character and gives her weight and depth in the narrative. The Bad Guy of the story could easily have been two-dimensional, but is neatly saved by clever writing. On the flip side, Tasmin isn't perfect, and nor is William, and the doubts and pettinesses and impatient moments and so on make them more three-dimensional as well, and I was very fond of both of them.
Ms. Speer is also very good at keeping things from her readers. It's a skill, that, or an art; it takes a fine touch to reveal a little bit of something, pique a reader's interest, and then evade the topic for a while without ticking the reader off – and then do it again a couple more times before paying off the built-up suspense. That happens here: there's a reason William gave up the sea besides a deep and abiding love for chocolate, and it's not told until William is good and ready to explain it to Tasmin.
And that takes a little while, because (skip this part if you want to remain utterly spoiler-free, because this might impact your enjoyment of their relationship, and I don't want to do that >>>) …
… these two don't succumb to Insta-Love. I love the way their relationship is handled. They have been writing back and forth for years now, and may – may, mind you – have fallen in love through the correspondence. If so, neither is about to admit it, being as nobody's ever confessed to loving the other, and so neither is really sure how the other feels. Also, Tasmin is at least a little injured by the fact that it's taken so many years for William to send for her, and while she admits even to herself that she was happy at home doing good work that she loved, still: he could have sent for her when she turned eighteen, and that was a while ago, and it went unacknowledged. And that he made a major life decision without telling her first. He is a little uncertain about how she feels about leaving that good work that she loved – does she really want to give it up to come live an unmagical (or at least less magical) life with him? And then of course the whole circumstance of their finally meeting face to face – through the bars of a jail cell – are … awkward. He says he didn't do it. She says she believes him (and that's why she's there). Does she? He says she can consider herself released from their contracted betrothal, and go home and fulfill her potential free of the shame of being attached to an accused murderer… She says she'll do no such thing. But why? I was so happy with the landmine these two had to negotiate before they came anywhere near a happily-ever-at-all.
And here's something I haven't said much lately: I like the cover very much.
.................................................
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program, so huge thanks to LT and the author.
In the world where The Chocolatier's Wife is set, marriage is not left up to chance: every newborn is brought to a Wise Woman, who casts a spell to find out who that child's destined spouse is to be. This doesn't guarantee Twoo Wuv; it also doesn't guarantee happiness. In fact, I think I need to go back and read that bit again to see if it guarantees anything. Regardless, it's considered binding; it just isn't done to marry someone other than the person who shows up when that spell is cast.
When small William of Almsley is brought for the spell … nothing happens. Not to worry, his mother is told; his wife-to-be hasn't been born yet. It's when this sequence is repeated year after year that everyone does begin to worry… And when I settled in happily, pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book: "This did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with." Heh.
William's not impossible, though; stubborn, yes, and not Speshul, but not impossible. He's rather sweet, as is revealed through his reaction to the eventual discovery that his intended is from - *gasp* - the barbaric North. Everyone knows how wild and bizarre those people are – they use magic, and probably eat their dead, and oh dear, couldn't you try the spell again?
Meanwhile, a good ways North in Tarnia, the parents of a baby girl named Tasmin are having much the same reaction as the same spell is cast for their daughter: Not - *gasp* - the barbaric South! Why, everyone knows how uncivilized and bizarre those people are – they have hardly any magic at all, and they probably eat their dead, and … oh dear.
William, however, is sanguine about the whole thing, and starts off by writing to his wife-to-be right away (even though she won't be able to read it for a while). And this begins a correspondence (one-sided until Tasmin is able to respond) that lasts some twenty-four years as William grows into his place as the eldest son of a well-to-merchant, eventually captaining a ship of his own through pirate-filled waters, and then – to the bafflement and indignation of his family, gives over his place in his father's company to his younger brother Andrew in order to open a shop selling chocolates ("I've never liked anything half so well as I like chocolate." – See? He's not impossible! He's wonderful). Meanwhile, in the North, Tasmin grows into her abilities as an Herb Mistress – and waits for William to send for her.
Which he doesn't. Years pass after she comes of age, and their letters continue back and forth, often accompanying gifts both large and small, but he doesn't call for her to come and marry. And then suddenly gossip reaches her family that – lucky girl! You're off the hook! Your barbarian intended is sure to be hanged for murder, so – such good fortune! – now you never have to go into the wilds and marry one of them!
Far from the relief of her parents, Tasmin's reaction is to pack a couple of bags and enlist the aid of the tribe of air sprites who have adopted her to whisk her southward. The William she has come to know from his letters can't be a murderer – and she plans on proving it.
There were some minor typos (I remember "gigging" instead of "giggling" (which I kind of liked), and a minor amount of punctuation abuse), but all in all far better than most Kindle books I seem to be reading lately. The writing is just this side of lyrical, with a sense of humor underlying it that reminded me – yes, it did: it reminded me of Robin McKinley. If you take a look at the ratings I've given Ms. McKinley's books, you'll see that this is high praise indeed.
Cindy Lynn Speer was able to make characters unpleasant and unlikable without turning them into cardboard cutouts or one-note things constructed of a few ugly tics and nasty characteristics strung together. William's mother, for example, is thoroughly un-live-with-able, but there's something behind it, a love for her family and reasons for her crankiness ("still, that don't make it right") which rounds out her character and gives her weight and depth in the narrative. The Bad Guy of the story could easily have been two-dimensional, but is neatly saved by clever writing. On the flip side, Tasmin isn't perfect, and nor is William, and the doubts and pettinesses and impatient moments and so on make them more three-dimensional as well, and I was very fond of both of them.
Ms. Speer is also very good at keeping things from her readers. It's a skill, that, or an art; it takes a fine touch to reveal a little bit of something, pique a reader's interest, and then evade the topic for a while without ticking the reader off – and then do it again a couple more times before paying off the built-up suspense. That happens here: there's a reason William gave up the sea besides a deep and abiding love for chocolate, and it's not told until William is good and ready to explain it to Tasmin.
And that takes a little while, because (skip this part if you want to remain utterly spoiler-free, because this might impact your enjoyment of their relationship, and I don't want to do that >>>) …
… these two don't succumb to Insta-Love. I love the way their relationship is handled. They have been writing back and forth for years now, and may – may, mind you – have fallen in love through the correspondence. If so, neither is about to admit it, being as nobody's ever confessed to loving the other, and so neither is really sure how the other feels. Also, Tasmin is at least a little injured by the fact that it's taken so many years for William to send for her, and while she admits even to herself that she was happy at home doing good work that she loved, still: he could have sent for her when she turned eighteen, and that was a while ago, and it went unacknowledged. And that he made a major life decision without telling her first. He is a little uncertain about how she feels about leaving that good work that she loved – does she really want to give it up to come live an unmagical (or at least less magical) life with him? And then of course the whole circumstance of their finally meeting face to face – through the bars of a jail cell – are … awkward. He says he didn't do it. She says she believes him (and that's why she's there). Does she? He says she can consider herself released from their contracted betrothal, and go home and fulfill her potential free of the shame of being attached to an accused murderer… She says she'll do no such thing. But why? I was so happy with the landmine these two had to negotiate before they came anywhere near a happily-ever-at-all.
And here's something I haven't said much lately: I like the cover very much.
December 29, 2017
This is a romance set in a fantasy world, with a bit of mystery as well, so if any of those things fail to appeal, you probably won’t get on with it. I found it delightful, though: the world isn’t incredibly rich or anything, but there’s enough there to give a solid background to the story and prevent it feeling paper-thin. The romance is sweet, and the characters are enjoyable: the way they deal with their situation right from the start, the way they write to each other, the way they take care of one another.
There are a few instances of stupid misunderstandings which mostly just serve to drag out the tension, which is a little annoying — my least favourite trope or way of spinning out a story ever. Still, it wasn’t too painful, and the way they worked out their issues and actually communicated actually kinda made up for it.
I’m definitely planning to read more of Speer’s work in future.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
There are a few instances of stupid misunderstandings which mostly just serve to drag out the tension, which is a little annoying — my least favourite trope or way of spinning out a story ever. Still, it wasn’t too painful, and the way they worked out their issues and actually communicated actually kinda made up for it.
I’m definitely planning to read more of Speer’s work in future.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
January 15, 2013
Oh, this was fun. It's probably the very definition of a 'nice' story: well-written, well-grounded, omitting a great deal of the emotional angst that seems so popular, and exploring real-world concerns and dangers in a way almost gentle. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to read a book that runs so counter to current publishing norms — If you've been anywhere near as sick of reading stories of how Teenage Girl 1 will inevitably choose Sexy Boy A but only after wangsting for 300 pages on Sexy Boy B, this is the book for you.
I found the world this novel was set in extraordinarily interesting. I really liked how Speer characterized her protagonists, and her explorations on her magical marriage law — how it worked and how it didn't — was deeply fascinating to me. The Chocolatier's Wife is a solid, stand-alone novel, but I think there's a lot of room there for more and further stories. I really hope I get to read them.
Four stars. I am marking this down a bit because I found the character interactions at times quite unpolished and the mystery element, while enjoyable (particularly some of the twists), seemed shallowly handled. Still. Highly recommended for pre- and young teenagers. Reminds me quite a bit of the worlds of Patricia C. Wrede (particularly her Sorcery and Cecelia); reminds me as well of a straight-forward, teenaged-friendly take on the classic Chocolat.
Speer has also published the companion novella, The Chocolatier's Journal, telling a couple additional stories set before her characters had met. I haven't read it — yet — but as it's all of a two-dollar download off Amazon, I will certainly be reading it soon.
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program.
I found the world this novel was set in extraordinarily interesting. I really liked how Speer characterized her protagonists, and her explorations on her magical marriage law — how it worked and how it didn't — was deeply fascinating to me. The Chocolatier's Wife is a solid, stand-alone novel, but I think there's a lot of room there for more and further stories. I really hope I get to read them.
Four stars. I am marking this down a bit because I found the character interactions at times quite unpolished and the mystery element, while enjoyable (particularly some of the twists), seemed shallowly handled. Still. Highly recommended for pre- and young teenagers. Reminds me quite a bit of the worlds of Patricia C. Wrede (particularly her Sorcery and Cecelia); reminds me as well of a straight-forward, teenaged-friendly take on the classic Chocolat.
Speer has also published the companion novella, The Chocolatier's Journal, telling a couple additional stories set before her characters had met. I haven't read it — yet — but as it's all of a two-dollar download off Amazon, I will certainly be reading it soon.
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program.
January 21, 2025
2025 update: Rounding down my original rating. I wasn't as charmed by this on my second reading. Still fine, but didn't love it.
Original review:
3.5 stars, rounded up. A very nice little standalone story. Part fantasy, part mystery, and part romance, though it was "lite" enough on each of these to appeal to a variety of readers.
This takes place in a time period roughly 1800s-ish, in an imaginary kingdom where no one picks their spouses, but instead a spell is cast to shortly after someone is born to reveal the other person that they're meant to marry someday. This story is about Tasmin, an herb mistress (witch) who fate has revealed to be the future wife of William, a merchant sailor's son who has decided to reject his family's business in favor of opening a chocolate shop. They're from different regions, so neither family is thrilled with this match. However, the two exchange letters over the years as they grow up, and a long distance romance-of-sorts has developed. When William is accused of murder-by-poisoned-chocolate, Tasmin decides it's time for them to meet each other, so she takes a carriage (carried by wind sprites) to ride to William's assistance. While the plot is progressing in "current" time, in between chapters we get glimpses of their long-distance romance through the letters that they'd sent each other over the years. This helped make their romance less insta-love feeling, since we see that there had already been years of sweet, flirty correspondence.
So this book has a dash of fantasy (spells, sprites, etc) but nothing too heavy. It has a smidgen of mystery (who really killed the Bishop and why) but nothing too intense. And a touch of light romance (we already know the outcome), but nothing too steamy.
I'm surprised at how much I liked this book. It was a pleasant read. I enjoyed the magical components, I liked the sweet romance, and the mystery part of it lent some direction for the plot. I can't quite put my finger on what book this one reminds me of. "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman? Something by Diane Wynne Jones? I don't know, but it's somehow familiar feeling while also being unique. The book had a pleasing tone, as if the author was smiling the whole time she wrote the book. That's the only way I can describe it.
While I really enjoyed this one, I don't know if it's a book I feel compelled to OWN. Normally I'd add this to my "reread before buying" shelf, but I had to get it from an out-of-state library. Rereading it would be more onerous than with a regular library book, unless I just bought it. So, I'll have to think on this. I can see this being a book that I'd reread again when I was in the mood for a "nice" book that doesn't require too much commitment or brain power like a heftier fantasy. That's what this is: just the definition of "nice". Not mind-blowing, but a nice little delight of a book.
(There were a couple of little editing errors in the book, but I chalk that up to this being from a smaller publisher.)
Original review:
3.5 stars, rounded up. A very nice little standalone story. Part fantasy, part mystery, and part romance, though it was "lite" enough on each of these to appeal to a variety of readers.
This takes place in a time period roughly 1800s-ish, in an imaginary kingdom where no one picks their spouses, but instead a spell is cast to shortly after someone is born to reveal the other person that they're meant to marry someday. This story is about Tasmin, an herb mistress (witch) who fate has revealed to be the future wife of William, a merchant sailor's son who has decided to reject his family's business in favor of opening a chocolate shop. They're from different regions, so neither family is thrilled with this match. However, the two exchange letters over the years as they grow up, and a long distance romance-of-sorts has developed. When William is accused of murder-by-poisoned-chocolate, Tasmin decides it's time for them to meet each other, so she takes a carriage (carried by wind sprites) to ride to William's assistance. While the plot is progressing in "current" time, in between chapters we get glimpses of their long-distance romance through the letters that they'd sent each other over the years. This helped make their romance less insta-love feeling, since we see that there had already been years of sweet, flirty correspondence.
So this book has a dash of fantasy (spells, sprites, etc) but nothing too heavy. It has a smidgen of mystery (who really killed the Bishop and why) but nothing too intense. And a touch of light romance (we already know the outcome), but nothing too steamy.
I'm surprised at how much I liked this book. It was a pleasant read. I enjoyed the magical components, I liked the sweet romance, and the mystery part of it lent some direction for the plot. I can't quite put my finger on what book this one reminds me of. "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman? Something by Diane Wynne Jones? I don't know, but it's somehow familiar feeling while also being unique. The book had a pleasing tone, as if the author was smiling the whole time she wrote the book. That's the only way I can describe it.
While I really enjoyed this one, I don't know if it's a book I feel compelled to OWN. Normally I'd add this to my "reread before buying" shelf, but I had to get it from an out-of-state library. Rereading it would be more onerous than with a regular library book, unless I just bought it. So, I'll have to think on this. I can see this being a book that I'd reread again when I was in the mood for a "nice" book that doesn't require too much commitment or brain power like a heftier fantasy. That's what this is: just the definition of "nice". Not mind-blowing, but a nice little delight of a book.
(There were a couple of little editing errors in the book, but I chalk that up to this being from a smaller publisher.)
March 12, 2016
Tasmin and William live in a country where marriages are arranged by magic: at birth, a spell is cast to see if the child's most suitable mate has been born yet. If they have, the parents make contact. If not, the spell is repeated yearly. After seven years, William's future wife has been born - unfortunately, he lives in the nearly-unmagical south, and she lives in the magical north.
Despite the fact that neither of their families are happy with the match (the author has a certain amount of fun with the fact that the north and south of the country - which were once divided by war - each believe almost identical evil things of each other) Tasmin and William exchange letters throughout their youth. We get to read the letters throughout the story, so you do have to get used to a bit of back-and-forthing in time, but it's a good touch which helps us to get to know the two main characters. William is a merchant sea captain in his family's business; Tasmin is a herb-witch with a possible high-status future in front of her at the university - but only if she manages to get out of the betrothal to William.
Then William gives up his position in the family business and buys a shop intending to sell chocolate. Swiftly after that - within the first week of the shop opening - he is accused of the murder-by-chocolate of the local bishop. When Tasmin's family hear about this, they are thrilled - of course this is a reason to repudiate the betrothal. Tasmin, however, immediately packs her bags and leaves for the south to support William and try to find out who the real killer is.
There are many ways that this scenario could have been written; as it is, in many ways this is more of a love story than anything else. There are many issues that the author touches upon: arranged marriage (the advantages and disadvantages of), the problem of being married to someone you hardly know (even if you do know that s/he is your best match), and the problems of infertility in a society that values the ability to pass on property 'down the line'. There is deceit, and the question of what is honourable conduct. However, I never really doubted that Tasmin and William would win through in the end. This is not a book that puts you through the emotional wringer. Nor is it particularly deep. But it's a pleasant read and the author has constructed an original setting. I enjoyed it, and I've now read it more than once. I'll almost certainly read it again.
Despite the fact that neither of their families are happy with the match (the author has a certain amount of fun with the fact that the north and south of the country - which were once divided by war - each believe almost identical evil things of each other) Tasmin and William exchange letters throughout their youth. We get to read the letters throughout the story, so you do have to get used to a bit of back-and-forthing in time, but it's a good touch which helps us to get to know the two main characters. William is a merchant sea captain in his family's business; Tasmin is a herb-witch with a possible high-status future in front of her at the university - but only if she manages to get out of the betrothal to William.
Then William gives up his position in the family business and buys a shop intending to sell chocolate. Swiftly after that - within the first week of the shop opening - he is accused of the murder-by-chocolate of the local bishop. When Tasmin's family hear about this, they are thrilled - of course this is a reason to repudiate the betrothal. Tasmin, however, immediately packs her bags and leaves for the south to support William and try to find out who the real killer is.
There are many ways that this scenario could have been written; as it is, in many ways this is more of a love story than anything else. There are many issues that the author touches upon: arranged marriage (the advantages and disadvantages of), the problem of being married to someone you hardly know (even if you do know that s/he is your best match), and the problems of infertility in a society that values the ability to pass on property 'down the line'. There is deceit, and the question of what is honourable conduct. However, I never really doubted that Tasmin and William would win through in the end. This is not a book that puts you through the emotional wringer. Nor is it particularly deep. But it's a pleasant read and the author has constructed an original setting. I enjoyed it, and I've now read it more than once. I'll almost certainly read it again.
August 9, 2012
Cindy Lynn Speer used to review books for MostlyFiction.com before she had any published novels. It was always fun to *talk* with her about her writing as she shared insight into the process. She now has 3 published books and when I posed the question on FaceBook... "what book should I read next?" she suggested (with humor, of course) that I should read hers. So, I asked her which one would she recommended for me, and she answered that she is most proud of the THE CHOCOLATIER'S WIFE.
It is always risky to read a book that a friend has written... especially when it is of a genre ("romance, magic, mystery and fantasy") that I rarely read. Fortunately, I truly enjoyed this book and I think Cindy has every reason to be proud of it. In fact, I'm hoping that she writes a sequel as I'm confident that Tasmin and William's future offspring could be as interesting as their parents diverse background.
The "romance" in this novel is between Tasmin and William. In this world, magic is used almost from birth to learn who the intended spouse will be. For William, his did not appear until the late age of seven years... when she was finally born. Tasmin is from the north, where magic still prevails in every day life. In the south, where William lives, magic is only used for specific purposes. Letters between the two are interspersed throughout the book giving us a background into the courting while Tasmin becomes old enough to marry William.
The "mystery" is there from the start... someone has poisoned the Bishop with chocolates apparently from William's new chocolate shop. He is in jail and Tasmin decides to break formalities and to travel south to be with William even though he has not called for her to be his bride as yet. Because Tasmin is such a strong female character and is determined to clear up the mystery even when William is released from jail after the "true" murderer confesses.
The "magic" and "fantasy" are delightful. As I have already confessed, this is not a genre that I read often, but I do like movies and TV series with these aspects and it seems to me that Cindy introduces some very unique elements into this story. And very visual.
"They would say, even years afterward, that the Tarnia hag arrived in a whirlwind.
They would be right, in a way. The old carriage had been bought cheaply, for it was missing two of its wheels and one door and was far too small to contain more than one seat. A waste, indeed, and fit only for the wood pile. An extra coin coaxed the lads to strip it of the cracked and broken trim that was once supposed to have been flowers and crest.
Tasmin did not question the wind sprites. Secretly she thought the load too heavy for her beloved clan to push, but she secured her cases, two for clothes (her mother insisted she pack more before heading off like a barbarian) and one for her work box, using the leather straps opposite the passenger bench.... "
"Soon they were barreling into the town square, where the debris that had been swept along her journey seemed to make the day dark as night. The cart shook to a stop, and the rope that was supposed to give her a little security snapped under the strain. She stepped down from the carriage and found her things being stacked neatly beside her just before the carriage whipped away.
The dirt settled down, the dark strands of her hair came to rest on her shoulders, and it seemed as if she'd appeared out of nowhere."
Fun imagination!
It is always risky to read a book that a friend has written... especially when it is of a genre ("romance, magic, mystery and fantasy") that I rarely read. Fortunately, I truly enjoyed this book and I think Cindy has every reason to be proud of it. In fact, I'm hoping that she writes a sequel as I'm confident that Tasmin and William's future offspring could be as interesting as their parents diverse background.
The "romance" in this novel is between Tasmin and William. In this world, magic is used almost from birth to learn who the intended spouse will be. For William, his did not appear until the late age of seven years... when she was finally born. Tasmin is from the north, where magic still prevails in every day life. In the south, where William lives, magic is only used for specific purposes. Letters between the two are interspersed throughout the book giving us a background into the courting while Tasmin becomes old enough to marry William.
The "mystery" is there from the start... someone has poisoned the Bishop with chocolates apparently from William's new chocolate shop. He is in jail and Tasmin decides to break formalities and to travel south to be with William even though he has not called for her to be his bride as yet. Because Tasmin is such a strong female character and is determined to clear up the mystery even when William is released from jail after the "true" murderer confesses.
The "magic" and "fantasy" are delightful. As I have already confessed, this is not a genre that I read often, but I do like movies and TV series with these aspects and it seems to me that Cindy introduces some very unique elements into this story. And very visual.
"They would say, even years afterward, that the Tarnia hag arrived in a whirlwind.
They would be right, in a way. The old carriage had been bought cheaply, for it was missing two of its wheels and one door and was far too small to contain more than one seat. A waste, indeed, and fit only for the wood pile. An extra coin coaxed the lads to strip it of the cracked and broken trim that was once supposed to have been flowers and crest.
Tasmin did not question the wind sprites. Secretly she thought the load too heavy for her beloved clan to push, but she secured her cases, two for clothes (her mother insisted she pack more before heading off like a barbarian) and one for her work box, using the leather straps opposite the passenger bench.... "
"Soon they were barreling into the town square, where the debris that had been swept along her journey seemed to make the day dark as night. The cart shook to a stop, and the rope that was supposed to give her a little security snapped under the strain. She stepped down from the carriage and found her things being stacked neatly beside her just before the carriage whipped away.
The dirt settled down, the dark strands of her hair came to rest on her shoulders, and it seemed as if she'd appeared out of nowhere."
Fun imagination!
August 1, 2013
The motif of the arranged (or convenience, or otherwise contractual) marriage turning into a love match crops up regularly among romance novels, but it can still be enjoyable if well done. In this novel's case, it was certainly responsible for some of the prettiest moments; Tasmin's and William's letters to each other, which preceded every chapter, were fun to read and helped develop the love story nicely.
The book is fantasy and mystery as well as romance, however. That combination has been well done by writers such as Sharon Shinn, so I was excited to see the blend of genres begin to develop in this story. The fantasy side is quite light; there are a few moments of mage activity that are neatly described, and the wind sprites were lovable and amusing, but otherwise there's little to it. The plot depended more heavily upon the mystery, which, though fairly ordinary, was readable enough.
The execution, however, hampered the story on all fronts. Speer can write a decent sentence, but her prose is uneven, and the choice to formalize the dialogue along Olde English lines, with a few pirate terms thrown in, proved awkward. Her timing was lovely on occasion, but sometimes the character interactions were baffling. I liked the romance overall, but much of the conflict failed to work for me, as did the final sweet moment.
These sorts of weaknesses seem commonplace among novels published independently (in this case, through indie house Dragonwell Publishing.) On the other hand, I've seen stories in far worse condition shipped out with pride by the Big Five, so there's that. I'm on the hunt for really good self- or indie-published fantasy—there has to be some out there—so I was happy to take this one in stride. It's not quite what I'm questing after—it needs too much polish—but it held my attention and was a pleasant afternoon read.
The book is fantasy and mystery as well as romance, however. That combination has been well done by writers such as Sharon Shinn, so I was excited to see the blend of genres begin to develop in this story. The fantasy side is quite light; there are a few moments of mage activity that are neatly described, and the wind sprites were lovable and amusing, but otherwise there's little to it. The plot depended more heavily upon the mystery, which, though fairly ordinary, was readable enough.
The execution, however, hampered the story on all fronts. Speer can write a decent sentence, but her prose is uneven, and the choice to formalize the dialogue along Olde English lines, with a few pirate terms thrown in, proved awkward. Her timing was lovely on occasion, but sometimes the character interactions were baffling. I liked the romance overall, but much of the conflict failed to work for me, as did the final sweet moment.
These sorts of weaknesses seem commonplace among novels published independently (in this case, through indie house Dragonwell Publishing.) On the other hand, I've seen stories in far worse condition shipped out with pride by the Big Five, so there's that. I'm on the hunt for really good self- or indie-published fantasy—there has to be some out there—so I was happy to take this one in stride. It's not quite what I'm questing after—it needs too much polish—but it held my attention and was a pleasant afternoon read.
November 1, 2012
A delightfully crafted fantasy/mystery/romance with an interesting format that works extremely well for me. The basic plot centers around a world where magic is useful and one of the uses is that the 'ideal' spouse is found for each couple while they are still very young. Consequently, the couple may never meet before their marriage.
The storyline focuses on the lives of one young couple before their meeting and marriage, using letters between them as a basis to establish a deep relationship between two people who have never met. The young man is framed for a murder, the fiance travels to his home town and the unraveling of the mystery begins. Excellent characterization and very deft handling of a romance in a society that does not expect love and courtship to be a part of a marriage.
Will definitely look for more by this author.
The storyline focuses on the lives of one young couple before their meeting and marriage, using letters between them as a basis to establish a deep relationship between two people who have never met. The young man is framed for a murder, the fiance travels to his home town and the unraveling of the mystery begins. Excellent characterization and very deft handling of a romance in a society that does not expect love and courtship to be a part of a marriage.
Will definitely look for more by this author.
May 16, 2021
4.5 blue stars
I thought this was well-plotted. The world building is believable, the mystery is satisfying, and it's a bit of a love story as well. The feel here is perhaps similar to the 17th century, with merchants, sea-faring, and a little bit of magic. William is a merchant and a sea-captain, but after nearly losing his life to pirates and a life-threatening storm, he has decided to go into business as a maker of chocolate. William is from the South, which has lost its magic, except for the wise women in each village who are the matchmakers and use their magical divination to find each person's particular "soul mate." It happens that William's future bride (these divinations are done in childhood) is from the North, where magic is still the norm. Naturally, there is much mistrust, misinformation, and prejudice between the two regions. But William and his wife-t0-be have gotten to know each other through letters during the course of his sea-faring career. Now that William has come home to begin his new business, he is accused of murder. The local Bishop has died, presumably after eating poisoned chocolate. Tasmin learns of this, and bucking the convention of waiting for her fiance to summon her, she journeys south determined to clear his name. I loved both of these characters, and William's complicated family relationships. William is decidedly not complicated. He is a down-to-earth simple man, with simple desires, and a strong sense of both duty and kindness, and he takes his wife's magic in stride, and even her pet wind sprites. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, The Chocolatier's Ghost.
Description: Tasmin has never met her bethrothed, the chocolatier William, but from his letters she knows him to be a good, honest man. When she receives news that he is being accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his remote town to investigate. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William's own family, who all resent her kind - the sorcerer folk from the North - Tasmin must learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose - and is intent on ruining William's family at all cost.
I thought this was well-plotted. The world building is believable, the mystery is satisfying, and it's a bit of a love story as well. The feel here is perhaps similar to the 17th century, with merchants, sea-faring, and a little bit of magic. William is a merchant and a sea-captain, but after nearly losing his life to pirates and a life-threatening storm, he has decided to go into business as a maker of chocolate. William is from the South, which has lost its magic, except for the wise women in each village who are the matchmakers and use their magical divination to find each person's particular "soul mate." It happens that William's future bride (these divinations are done in childhood) is from the North, where magic is still the norm. Naturally, there is much mistrust, misinformation, and prejudice between the two regions. But William and his wife-t0-be have gotten to know each other through letters during the course of his sea-faring career. Now that William has come home to begin his new business, he is accused of murder. The local Bishop has died, presumably after eating poisoned chocolate. Tasmin learns of this, and bucking the convention of waiting for her fiance to summon her, she journeys south determined to clear his name. I loved both of these characters, and William's complicated family relationships. William is decidedly not complicated. He is a down-to-earth simple man, with simple desires, and a strong sense of both duty and kindness, and he takes his wife's magic in stride, and even her pet wind sprites. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, The Chocolatier's Ghost.
Description: Tasmin has never met her bethrothed, the chocolatier William, but from his letters she knows him to be a good, honest man. When she receives news that he is being accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his remote town to investigate. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William's own family, who all resent her kind - the sorcerer folk from the North - Tasmin must learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose - and is intent on ruining William's family at all cost.
February 8, 2018
I received a free ebook copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review
Tasmin is William's betrothed, they were chosen by the ritual conducted in their childhood . The ritual is done by the Wise Woman and it finds the best possible mate for a person. Tasmin is from the north, where people still practice magic ,whereas William is from the south. Even though both sets of parents are outraged by the match, Tasmin and William are ok with it. When it is time for Tasmin to be brought home, William gets accused of murder. The bishop is murdered and William's chocolates are found at the crime scene. Tasmin comes to William's help,even though she had the option to break off the marriage. The story takes us through how we find the bishop's murderer.
Who killed the Bishop ?
Why was William framed?
Will William and Tasmin get their happily ever after ?
Read to find out
The narrative is interspersed with the present story and past letters between Tasmin and William. You get to see to how the relationship grows. The letters are very sweet ,it was like they were pen pals. There were times the story actually reminded of the arranged marriages. The mystery of who poisoned the Bishop trails throughout the book. Try as I may I wasn't able to guess the murderer.I love that the book has magic,murder and mystery.Favourite character is Cecilia, i loved her spunk. The end of the book has recipes to William's chocolates and a sneak peek to the next book in the series.
Recommended for romance and mystery lovers
Tasmin is William's betrothed, they were chosen by the ritual conducted in their childhood . The ritual is done by the Wise Woman and it finds the best possible mate for a person. Tasmin is from the north, where people still practice magic ,whereas William is from the south. Even though both sets of parents are outraged by the match, Tasmin and William are ok with it. When it is time for Tasmin to be brought home, William gets accused of murder. The bishop is murdered and William's chocolates are found at the crime scene. Tasmin comes to William's help,even though she had the option to break off the marriage. The story takes us through how we find the bishop's murderer.
Who killed the Bishop ?
Why was William framed?
Will William and Tasmin get their happily ever after ?
Read to find out
The narrative is interspersed with the present story and past letters between Tasmin and William. You get to see to how the relationship grows. The letters are very sweet ,it was like they were pen pals. There were times the story actually reminded of the arranged marriages. The mystery of who poisoned the Bishop trails throughout the book. Try as I may I wasn't able to guess the murderer.I love that the book has magic,murder and mystery.Favourite character is Cecilia, i loved her spunk. The end of the book has recipes to William's chocolates and a sneak peek to the next book in the series.
Recommended for romance and mystery lovers
May 14, 2018
2.5 stars I found this book disappointing. The story is interesting, it has potential. The characters are charming but flat; they could’ve been so much more. But the execution sucks. The plot meanders without focus. The world building feels raw, unfinished. The characters’ interactions are all over the place, some of them important, others not. The logic limps along, without proper explanations of what, when, or why.
The story itself is a blend of romance, fantasy, and mystery, but neither genre won in their sloppy combination. It could’ve benefitted from a good structural editor.
Still, I read the story to the end because I wanted to know how it ended. I didn’t DNF it, which is a testimony of sorts that it wasn’t really a bad book. Just not done well enough.
The story itself is a blend of romance, fantasy, and mystery, but neither genre won in their sloppy combination. It could’ve benefitted from a good structural editor.
Still, I read the story to the end because I wanted to know how it ended. I didn’t DNF it, which is a testimony of sorts that it wasn’t really a bad book. Just not done well enough.
May 15, 2020
Overall: 3.75 stars. This was a lovely, dreamy fantasy with a dash of mystery and romance. The plot itself was plodding and a bit dull, but the writing, dialogue, and characters were all so charming.
I adored the narrative and dialogue in this: it had such an enchanting, fairy tale feel. The world building was also interesting, the magic comforting and homey, and the two main characters likable. What detracts from a higher rating is the fact that the plot itself was, well, mostly absent, which wouldn’t matter in a character study-type book, but the plot framing was a murder mystery sooo....The ending was also quite anti-climactic.
Still, worth reading for the lovely writing and cozy atmosphere.
I adored the narrative and dialogue in this: it had such an enchanting, fairy tale feel. The world building was also interesting, the magic comforting and homey, and the two main characters likable. What detracts from a higher rating is the fact that the plot itself was, well, mostly absent, which wouldn’t matter in a character study-type book, but the plot framing was a murder mystery sooo....The ending was also quite anti-climactic.
Still, worth reading for the lovely writing and cozy atmosphere.
August 23, 2023
This fantasy novel was cute for the most part and I did like the premise and some of the plot twists; there were things I didn't see coming.
However, the pace was a bit too slow and some situations were presented in a somewhat confusing manner. I also think the author could have done a lot better with the romance or, at least, the characterization of everyone.
However, the pace was a bit too slow and some situations were presented in a somewhat confusing manner. I also think the author could have done a lot better with the romance or, at least, the characterization of everyone.
December 29, 2017
In a land where spouses -- at least first ones -- are chosen by spell while you are still a child, William was late. It was not until his seventh birthday that it found his bride. And what was worse, Tasmin lived in the barbarous North. Meanwhile, her family hates the notion of the barbarous South -- but William and Tasmin exchanged letters for years, and then, one day, shortly after he stopped sailing to open a chocolate shop, she got one telling her he was accused of murder, and she was, of course, let off.
She went to help him.
Intrigue ensues. It involves her wedding dress, tales of slavers, a childhood illness of William's brother, a question of well-baked almonds, sprites, prize money from a pirate ship, why William gave up the sea for a chocolate shop (which is an innovation), the question of what happened to his chocolate supplies, and more.
She went to help him.
Intrigue ensues. It involves her wedding dress, tales of slavers, a childhood illness of William's brother, a question of well-baked almonds, sprites, prize money from a pirate ship, why William gave up the sea for a chocolate shop (which is an innovation), the question of what happened to his chocolate supplies, and more.
April 9, 2009
In the kingdom of Berengeny, a place in the south, William of Almsley is born. Berengeny doesn’t fool with such things as true love—just who makes a good match. But, year after year, the spell bowl refuses to tell where his future wife resides. Then, on William’s seventh birthday, when everyone has given up hope, the bowl reveals that his intended dwells to the north, in Tarnia—a place of cruel and wild magic. No one wants a wife or husband from there, but William sticks with the choice. For many years, he corresponds with Tasmin Bey as he sails the seas, plying his trade and waiting to retire and open a chocolate shop. By then, he’ll be ready to take Tasmin as his wife. But then something unexpected happens.
As the years go by and the letters from William keep coming, Tasmin begins to wonder why he hasn’t sent for her. After all, she’s past the age of consent for marriage. When she learns that William has been accused of poisoning a bishop with a box of chocolates, Tasmin decides to go to her husband-to-be and find out what has happened. Once there, she faces cold shoulders from the townspeople and William’s family because she’s from the north. And a killer is determined to keep her and William from marrying and opening a chocolatier business.
Such delightful reads as The Chocolatier’s Wife are few and far between. It’s the kind of novel that you can’t wait to get back to—and can’t put down when you do. I absolutely loved William and Tasmin. Both of them had such wonderful personalities, not to mention a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing and cheering them on when they’d break a rule regarding men and women from the 1700s—a time when a person could spend a term in jail for committing adultery. Our hero and heroine weren’t quite that naughty, but they would sneak out of the house to see each other or climb onto a catwalk at an event to snuggle under a blanket where no one could see them—innocent stuff that was still a big no-no back then.
Once you start reading this novel, with its romantic mystery and hints of humor thrown in to lighten the mood, you’ll be hard-pressed to put The Chocolatier’s Wife aside. It’s enchanting, witty, and just plain fun to read—and it’s sure to please all audiences. I hope I get the pleasure of reading Ms. Speer again in the future.
Review first appeared in NightsandWeekends.com
As the years go by and the letters from William keep coming, Tasmin begins to wonder why he hasn’t sent for her. After all, she’s past the age of consent for marriage. When she learns that William has been accused of poisoning a bishop with a box of chocolates, Tasmin decides to go to her husband-to-be and find out what has happened. Once there, she faces cold shoulders from the townspeople and William’s family because she’s from the north. And a killer is determined to keep her and William from marrying and opening a chocolatier business.
Such delightful reads as The Chocolatier’s Wife are few and far between. It’s the kind of novel that you can’t wait to get back to—and can’t put down when you do. I absolutely loved William and Tasmin. Both of them had such wonderful personalities, not to mention a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing and cheering them on when they’d break a rule regarding men and women from the 1700s—a time when a person could spend a term in jail for committing adultery. Our hero and heroine weren’t quite that naughty, but they would sneak out of the house to see each other or climb onto a catwalk at an event to snuggle under a blanket where no one could see them—innocent stuff that was still a big no-no back then.
Once you start reading this novel, with its romantic mystery and hints of humor thrown in to lighten the mood, you’ll be hard-pressed to put The Chocolatier’s Wife aside. It’s enchanting, witty, and just plain fun to read—and it’s sure to please all audiences. I hope I get the pleasure of reading Ms. Speer again in the future.
Review first appeared in NightsandWeekends.com
September 18, 2014
Really lovely fantasy-romance-mystery. When William is seven years old, the magical spell used to choose future spouses reveals that his future bride is Tasmin, a newborn baby girl from the magical and dangerous north. Despite his family's misgivings, William begins a correspondence with Tasmin, sending her letters and gifts. As they grow, William to become a sea captain of some renown and Tasmin to become an herb mage and teacher, his kindness and honesty win her heart even though they haven't yet met. So when Tasmin hears that William, now retired from the sea to open a chocolate shop, has been arrested for murder, she refuses to believe it, and sets out to rescue him. Together, William and Tasmin discover a nefarious plot to destroy William's family and, although romance is considered an irrelevant frivolity when it comes to marriage, fall in love.
Beautifully written, interesting magic, engaging and likeable characters (except for the ones you love to hate! But even they have multiple dimensions, and aren't just cardboard cutouts). The world is also interesting, a setting reminiscent of late 18th/early 19th century Europe. I always appreciate fantasy that isn't set in the standard pseudo-medieval setting. The mystery is well-plotted and kept me guessing. My only quibble is that some of the tensions between Tasmin and William, such as Tasmin's jealousy, seem contrived, as though they were put in just to keep the relationship from seeming too "perfect". It isn't necessary; the relationship between William and Tasmin is charming and quirky enough without those elements, and they don't really fit the characters and story.
The Chocolatier's Wife is sweet romance, with some sexual references but no on-screen sex.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chocolatier's Wife, and highly recommend it for those who like romance in their fantasy, or fantasy in their romance, along with an intriguing mystery.
Beautifully written, interesting magic, engaging and likeable characters (except for the ones you love to hate! But even they have multiple dimensions, and aren't just cardboard cutouts). The world is also interesting, a setting reminiscent of late 18th/early 19th century Europe. I always appreciate fantasy that isn't set in the standard pseudo-medieval setting. The mystery is well-plotted and kept me guessing. My only quibble is that some of the tensions between Tasmin and William, such as Tasmin's jealousy, seem contrived, as though they were put in just to keep the relationship from seeming too "perfect". It isn't necessary; the relationship between William and Tasmin is charming and quirky enough without those elements, and they don't really fit the characters and story.
The Chocolatier's Wife is sweet romance, with some sexual references but no on-screen sex.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chocolatier's Wife, and highly recommend it for those who like romance in their fantasy, or fantasy in their romance, along with an intriguing mystery.
December 10, 2012
I want to give this more like a 3.5. It's better than just a "like" but not quite "really liked." It's really a perfect kind of book for a lazy afternoon.
The story follows Tasmin, an herb 'witch' from the barbarian north, who is engaged to be wed to William, a constant, if stuffy young man from the south. I loved the writing in the first couple of chapters. The voice is fabulous, the world is unique, and I loved the idea of a magic spell that would take all of the uncertainty out of choosing a mate. She does a great job with her characters. Every one of them is dynamic and sympathetic in some way.
It's quickly apparent this is actually a murder mystery. William is accused of killing the local Bishop using a box of chocolates. The bad guy is pretty obvious; it's the motivation behind his actions and the actions of those around him that provides the mystery. While I enjoyed the questions while reading, this is a bit of a refrigerator book for me, meaning the plot and certain actions don't quite hold up to close scrutiny (or thinking about after). Still, I understand this is one of her first published books. It's definitely good enough I'll watch for more books of hers.
The story follows Tasmin, an herb 'witch' from the barbarian north, who is engaged to be wed to William, a constant, if stuffy young man from the south. I loved the writing in the first couple of chapters. The voice is fabulous, the world is unique, and I loved the idea of a magic spell that would take all of the uncertainty out of choosing a mate. She does a great job with her characters. Every one of them is dynamic and sympathetic in some way.
It's quickly apparent this is actually a murder mystery. William is accused of killing the local Bishop using a box of chocolates. The bad guy is pretty obvious; it's the motivation behind his actions and the actions of those around him that provides the mystery. While I enjoyed the questions while reading, this is a bit of a refrigerator book for me, meaning the plot and certain actions don't quite hold up to close scrutiny (or thinking about after). Still, I understand this is one of her first published books. It's definitely good enough I'll watch for more books of hers.
December 31, 2013
Loved the letters at the beginning of each chapter. They helped set the tone.
The premise (arranged marriage turning into love) is an old one, but can be well done. This was an average read. There were things I liked, but I was never really hooked by the characters.
It was a sweet book, but slightly unbelievable. (Speaking mostly of the framing and following story line.)
Still, good read, and definitely passed the time.
1 – Couldn’t finish
2 – Finished, but with great difficulty
3 – Liked, but had some issues along the way
4 – Really liked and will readily recommend to friends
5 – Near flawless, among my favorite reads
The premise (arranged marriage turning into love) is an old one, but can be well done. This was an average read. There were things I liked, but I was never really hooked by the characters.
It was a sweet book, but slightly unbelievable. (Speaking mostly of the framing and following story line.)
Still, good read, and definitely passed the time.
1 – Couldn’t finish
2 – Finished, but with great difficulty
3 – Liked, but had some issues along the way
4 – Really liked and will readily recommend to friends
5 – Near flawless, among my favorite reads
November 20, 2020
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rated 3 years late; I feel absolutely horrible because I loved it then and love it still upon reread.
Review WIP
Rated 3 years late; I feel absolutely horrible because I loved it then and love it still upon reread.
Review WIP
September 11, 2022
Review to come.
October 26, 2017
A sweet story about a merchant captain turned chocolatier and his faithfully determined betrothed. Other descriptors that come to mind are slow, vague and, at times, confusing.
November 1, 2014
The beginning of a book can make or break it (at least when I'm the one reading!). When it's too early for me to be invested in the story or the characters, and further, when I still haven't made up my mind whether continuing is a worthy use of my time, that first impression is crucial. I'm happy to say the Chocolatier's Wife started off very strong. Each chapter opens with a short letter between Tasmin and William, our two main characters who are getting to know each other via post since they've never met and will be getting married. Partly due to the tone, and partly due to the characters themselves, I was immediately drawn in.
The tone - the language choices and speaking cadences and overall flavor of the book - started out charming. The characters all spoke very formally, very politely, and the humor, when it appeared, was crisp and dry. I will say that partway through the book, that charm started to pale and the extra-precise dialogue started to get irritating. It was cute in the beginning but at times felt unnatural. It was an artistic choice by the author, and a valid one, and a well-executed one, but it straddles the line between color and distraction.
I very nearly passed over this book when I saw a review which excoriated the writing quality. When I first read that review, I assumed the reviewer was talking about spelling, punctuation, and grammar - the three ways that so many e-books fall short. To address that: the spelling/punctuation/grammar was not perfect. It was not nearly as bad as some, though, and the mistakes were few enough that the story was certainly readable...and that's coming from someone who cannot abide mistake-ridden books. After I started paying specific attention partway through, I caught maybe five or six mistakes, and of those, some were of the inconsequential sort (e.g. using double quotes instead of single, that kind of thing). Very overlookable.
The story's mystery wasn't badly executed, but it didn't really get me all a-quake with anticipation, either. For one thing, even though one of the characters is accused of murder pretty much immediately, there really isn't a great deal of urgency to the story. I won't even say that's necessarily a bad thing; sometimes I prefer a low-anxiety book. At the same time, if the characters can't work themselves up into a froth, I'm certainly not going to be bothered. Also, while I'll admit that it's certainly possible that I missed some foreshadowing (heh, I was probably too busy counting quotation marks), this was not the sort of story where, upon reaching the ending, I would have thought to myself "I should have guessed" or "I can't believe I didn't see that." It ended more along the lines of "I've seen the ending and still have pretty much no idea how the characters came to that conclusion."
I have nothing but good things to say about the setting, though. The town and the world and the North-South relations and the magic system were inventive and fun. I do wish we had gotten to know a bit more about the world, and maybe spent some more time at Tasmin's college - I do loves me some magic academy-type stories - but I have to admit that expanding on that wouldn't have fit the story well. We learned what we needed to learn.
I'd say that Tasmin had a fair amount of depth to her, but she's in the minority. I wouldn't necessarily call the characters shallow, but I don't think I could call them richly-drawn, either. One the story really got going, I had a hard time at times keeping track of which side character was which. They weren't terrible, but they didn't evolve into real people in my imagination, either.
Actually, if I had to pick one way to summarize all this, that'd be a good overall critique: There was nothing bad about this story at all. It was really very nice. But as stories go, it simply wasn't richly-drawn enough to move me, to stir up my passions, to get my heart racing, to make me fall in love. I don't regret reading it at all, but I also have a sinking feeling that if you asked me about it next week, I wouldn't remember the details. But again, it wasn't bad at all, so I suppose the best thing for you to do is give it a shot and see for yourself.
The tone - the language choices and speaking cadences and overall flavor of the book - started out charming. The characters all spoke very formally, very politely, and the humor, when it appeared, was crisp and dry. I will say that partway through the book, that charm started to pale and the extra-precise dialogue started to get irritating. It was cute in the beginning but at times felt unnatural. It was an artistic choice by the author, and a valid one, and a well-executed one, but it straddles the line between color and distraction.
I very nearly passed over this book when I saw a review which excoriated the writing quality. When I first read that review, I assumed the reviewer was talking about spelling, punctuation, and grammar - the three ways that so many e-books fall short. To address that: the spelling/punctuation/grammar was not perfect. It was not nearly as bad as some, though, and the mistakes were few enough that the story was certainly readable...and that's coming from someone who cannot abide mistake-ridden books. After I started paying specific attention partway through, I caught maybe five or six mistakes, and of those, some were of the inconsequential sort (e.g. using double quotes instead of single, that kind of thing). Very overlookable.
The story's mystery wasn't badly executed, but it didn't really get me all a-quake with anticipation, either. For one thing, even though one of the characters is accused of murder pretty much immediately, there really isn't a great deal of urgency to the story. I won't even say that's necessarily a bad thing; sometimes I prefer a low-anxiety book. At the same time, if the characters can't work themselves up into a froth, I'm certainly not going to be bothered. Also, while I'll admit that it's certainly possible that I missed some foreshadowing (heh, I was probably too busy counting quotation marks), this was not the sort of story where, upon reaching the ending, I would have thought to myself "I should have guessed" or "I can't believe I didn't see that." It ended more along the lines of "I've seen the ending and still have pretty much no idea how the characters came to that conclusion."
I have nothing but good things to say about the setting, though. The town and the world and the North-South relations and the magic system were inventive and fun. I do wish we had gotten to know a bit more about the world, and maybe spent some more time at Tasmin's college - I do loves me some magic academy-type stories - but I have to admit that expanding on that wouldn't have fit the story well. We learned what we needed to learn.
I'd say that Tasmin had a fair amount of depth to her, but she's in the minority. I wouldn't necessarily call the characters shallow, but I don't think I could call them richly-drawn, either. One the story really got going, I had a hard time at times keeping track of which side character was which. They weren't terrible, but they didn't evolve into real people in my imagination, either.
Actually, if I had to pick one way to summarize all this, that'd be a good overall critique: There was nothing bad about this story at all. It was really very nice. But as stories go, it simply wasn't richly-drawn enough to move me, to stir up my passions, to get my heart racing, to make me fall in love. I don't regret reading it at all, but I also have a sinking feeling that if you asked me about it next week, I wouldn't remember the details. But again, it wasn't bad at all, so I suppose the best thing for you to do is give it a shot and see for yourself.
September 28, 2012
The Chocolatier’s Wife by Cindy Lynn Speer is a tale of mystery, adventure and romance. On William Almsley’s seventh birthday, the identity of his future wife is revealed. The ritual, performed by a wise woman every year since his birth, is supposed to choose his best match. His mother is appalled to learn the best match for her son is a hag from the north.
"Tarnia, a place of cruel and wild magic, was the last place from whence one would wish a bride. They did not have Wise Women there, for anyone could perform spells. The Hags of the North ate their dead and sent the harsh winter wind to ravage the crops of the people of the South."
Tasmin Bey, the ‘hag’, has just been born, hence the seven-year delay and her family is equally disturbed to learn her future husband lives in the south. Apparently, rumours of feasting on the dead are not solely the preserve of the north. Regardless, the two children correspond throughout the years and gifts and stories are exchanged as they prepare for their marriage. These letters form the basis of their friendship and hold clues to the mystery that lures Tasmin south before William formally sends for her.
Eschewing the family trade to strike out on his own, William buys a shop and embarks on a new career. He wants to make and sell chocolates. His aim is simple: to make people happy. When he is accused of murder, Tasmin’s family celebrates as she is no longer tied to the stranger from the south. Tasmin packs her bags and travels south anyway. She feels she knows William, through his letters and believes he is incapable of murder.
As William and Tasmin work together to prove his innocence and solve the murder, they discover their friendship is something more. In a society where arranged marriages are the norm, relationships can still be quite convoluted. Theirs is not. As the mystery deepens, so do their feelings for one another.
Cindy Lynn Speer has captured many voices in her novel and set them in a well-crafted world. The book works as both a mystery and romance, with the developments in both moving at a good and believable pace. There is a lot of humour in the story as well. I laughed out loud several times. I also cheered each success and booed each failure. In other words, I became quite involved. The Chocolatier’s Wife is an enjoyable read and I would be interested in further adventures of William and Tasmin.
Written for and originally published at SFcrowsnest.
"Tarnia, a place of cruel and wild magic, was the last place from whence one would wish a bride. They did not have Wise Women there, for anyone could perform spells. The Hags of the North ate their dead and sent the harsh winter wind to ravage the crops of the people of the South."
Tasmin Bey, the ‘hag’, has just been born, hence the seven-year delay and her family is equally disturbed to learn her future husband lives in the south. Apparently, rumours of feasting on the dead are not solely the preserve of the north. Regardless, the two children correspond throughout the years and gifts and stories are exchanged as they prepare for their marriage. These letters form the basis of their friendship and hold clues to the mystery that lures Tasmin south before William formally sends for her.
Eschewing the family trade to strike out on his own, William buys a shop and embarks on a new career. He wants to make and sell chocolates. His aim is simple: to make people happy. When he is accused of murder, Tasmin’s family celebrates as she is no longer tied to the stranger from the south. Tasmin packs her bags and travels south anyway. She feels she knows William, through his letters and believes he is incapable of murder.
As William and Tasmin work together to prove his innocence and solve the murder, they discover their friendship is something more. In a society where arranged marriages are the norm, relationships can still be quite convoluted. Theirs is not. As the mystery deepens, so do their feelings for one another.
Cindy Lynn Speer has captured many voices in her novel and set them in a well-crafted world. The book works as both a mystery and romance, with the developments in both moving at a good and believable pace. There is a lot of humour in the story as well. I laughed out loud several times. I also cheered each success and booed each failure. In other words, I became quite involved. The Chocolatier’s Wife is an enjoyable read and I would be interested in further adventures of William and Tasmin.
Written for and originally published at SFcrowsnest.
January 17, 2013
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reader giveaway.
In a fantasy world much like ours after the Civil War, Tasmin Bey is chosen to be the bride of William Almsley. In this country, no one chooses their own spouses -- a spell done after their birth (and sometimes a few more times after that it the intended spouse hasn't been born yet) picks them for a person. Most of the time, the prospective mates live nearby ... sometimes they don't. In the case of Tasmin and William, Tasmin lives in the North and William in the South. In the North, most people have magic; in the South, only Wise Women can perform spells.
As the novel opens, William has spent his formative years at sea for the family business while Tasmin learns how to use her magic. Years pass and still William hasn't called for Tasmin to join him in the South. Until one day Tasmin receives word that he has been jailed for the murder of his patron, the Bishop of his port town. With only his letters to assure her of who he really is, Tasmin journeys south to be by his side.
The story itself is more of a mystery than a fantasy -- who really killed the Bishop and why did they frame William for the murder? There are fantasy elements present -- magic and faeries -- but they're not the major focus. As a personal preference, I like adventure/quest novels, rather than mysteries, since I don't have a head for who-dun-its. Still, the world Speer created is definitely unique. Tasmin and William aren't struggling against the fact that they are fated to be husband and wife -- they accept it as a normal part of life. What they struggle with is how to live with each other, when they were only corrosponding via letters. (Much like some people who do online dating.)
My one issue with the novel is the letters used to break up the narrative. I didn't realize it at first, but they were referring to a time before the start of the main narrative. That, and the font used with the letters was difficult to read.
Still, it was a good read, and I'd recommend it as "fantasy lite" to folks.
In a fantasy world much like ours after the Civil War, Tasmin Bey is chosen to be the bride of William Almsley. In this country, no one chooses their own spouses -- a spell done after their birth (and sometimes a few more times after that it the intended spouse hasn't been born yet) picks them for a person. Most of the time, the prospective mates live nearby ... sometimes they don't. In the case of Tasmin and William, Tasmin lives in the North and William in the South. In the North, most people have magic; in the South, only Wise Women can perform spells.
As the novel opens, William has spent his formative years at sea for the family business while Tasmin learns how to use her magic. Years pass and still William hasn't called for Tasmin to join him in the South. Until one day Tasmin receives word that he has been jailed for the murder of his patron, the Bishop of his port town. With only his letters to assure her of who he really is, Tasmin journeys south to be by his side.
The story itself is more of a mystery than a fantasy -- who really killed the Bishop and why did they frame William for the murder? There are fantasy elements present -- magic and faeries -- but they're not the major focus. As a personal preference, I like adventure/quest novels, rather than mysteries, since I don't have a head for who-dun-its. Still, the world Speer created is definitely unique. Tasmin and William aren't struggling against the fact that they are fated to be husband and wife -- they accept it as a normal part of life. What they struggle with is how to live with each other, when they were only corrosponding via letters. (Much like some people who do online dating.)
My one issue with the novel is the letters used to break up the narrative. I didn't realize it at first, but they were referring to a time before the start of the main narrative. That, and the font used with the letters was difficult to read.
Still, it was a good read, and I'd recommend it as "fantasy lite" to folks.
September 3, 2009
The Chocolatier's Wife is a delightful little novel, nicely blending fantasy, romance, and a touch of murder mystery all together into a single confection. Tamsin Bey is a herb-mage from Tarnia, a northern country that was once at war with the southern land of Berengeny, and the two lands are still prickly towards each other after five hundred years. But their peoples have one thing in common: the spells of the wise-women that reveal to every living soul who their fated spouse will be. For Tamsin, hers is William of Berengeny.
As the two grow up they come to know one another via extensive letters, while William goes to sea and Tamsin grows proficient at her herb-craft. William, though, does not want to remain a sea captain forever, and he shocks his family by wanting to come home and establish himself as, of all things, the proprietor of a chocolate shop. Before he can establish himself, however, he is framed for a murder--and it is his arrest that prompts Tamsin to come down out of the north at last, for although she has yet to meet her intended face to face, she is absolutely convinced there is no way he could have committed the crime.
The story glides back and forth between Tamsin's efforts to ingratiate herself to William's standoffish relations, to uncover the truth of the murder, and her and William's own quietly blossoming feelings for each other. Tamsin and William had positively Austenesque chemistry, and the setting through which they moved very much added to that feel, invoking the impression of an England-like land where magic goes hand in hand with well-mannered society. Speer's prose is lovely, and oftentimes lushly detailed; I came out of the book thoroughly satisfied, as if after the best of chocolate truffles. Five stars.
As the two grow up they come to know one another via extensive letters, while William goes to sea and Tamsin grows proficient at her herb-craft. William, though, does not want to remain a sea captain forever, and he shocks his family by wanting to come home and establish himself as, of all things, the proprietor of a chocolate shop. Before he can establish himself, however, he is framed for a murder--and it is his arrest that prompts Tamsin to come down out of the north at last, for although she has yet to meet her intended face to face, she is absolutely convinced there is no way he could have committed the crime.
The story glides back and forth between Tamsin's efforts to ingratiate herself to William's standoffish relations, to uncover the truth of the murder, and her and William's own quietly blossoming feelings for each other. Tamsin and William had positively Austenesque chemistry, and the setting through which they moved very much added to that feel, invoking the impression of an England-like land where magic goes hand in hand with well-mannered society. Speer's prose is lovely, and oftentimes lushly detailed; I came out of the book thoroughly satisfied, as if after the best of chocolate truffles. Five stars.
January 16, 2010
A beautifully sweet story (pun unashamedly intended).
OK, leaving aside the fact that anything having to do with chocolate is almost automatically certain to be a hit with me, this really was a great story. Set in a world far, far away where marriages are 'arranged' by magic and one's mate is usually determined when one is very young, the story consists partly of letters written back and forth between William and his 'intended', Tasmin, over the course of the time before they meet and partly of the 'present day', in which William has been framed for murder and Tamsin comes to free him, since she knows from his letters that he's no murderer.
Their letters to each other alone are a good enough reason to read the book. They are charming and cleverly written, not only because they subtly reveal the nature of each of the main characters, but also because they evolve through the story, moving along from the first letter William writes as a 7 year old to Tamsin as an infant to them writing back and forth as adults. This imparts a depth to the characters and the sense that you have known them their whole lives yourself.
Meanwhile, in the main storyline, touches of magic, mystery, and romance are deftly woven together into a memorable tale that I really didn't want to end, since it meant leaving William and Tamsin's world. Throughout, author Cindy Lynn Speer's eloquent writing repeatedly put a smile on my face just from appreciation of the sheer skill it takes to write sentences that are cleverly put together, but still easy to follow.
So, in short, if you like a well-constructed, sweet (but not sappy) story spiked with a bit of whodunnit, The Chocolatier's Wife is Very Highly Recommended!
OK, leaving aside the fact that anything having to do with chocolate is almost automatically certain to be a hit with me, this really was a great story. Set in a world far, far away where marriages are 'arranged' by magic and one's mate is usually determined when one is very young, the story consists partly of letters written back and forth between William and his 'intended', Tasmin, over the course of the time before they meet and partly of the 'present day', in which William has been framed for murder and Tamsin comes to free him, since she knows from his letters that he's no murderer.
Their letters to each other alone are a good enough reason to read the book. They are charming and cleverly written, not only because they subtly reveal the nature of each of the main characters, but also because they evolve through the story, moving along from the first letter William writes as a 7 year old to Tamsin as an infant to them writing back and forth as adults. This imparts a depth to the characters and the sense that you have known them their whole lives yourself.
Meanwhile, in the main storyline, touches of magic, mystery, and romance are deftly woven together into a memorable tale that I really didn't want to end, since it meant leaving William and Tamsin's world. Throughout, author Cindy Lynn Speer's eloquent writing repeatedly put a smile on my face just from appreciation of the sheer skill it takes to write sentences that are cleverly put together, but still easy to follow.
So, in short, if you like a well-constructed, sweet (but not sappy) story spiked with a bit of whodunnit, The Chocolatier's Wife is Very Highly Recommended!
January 30, 2013
In the Kingdom of Berengeny, a long time ago, no one chose their spouses.
William Almsley’s parents took him to find his future wife. Unfortunately, it took more than one attempt. On his 7th birthday, the wise woman finally found his mate, her name was Tasmin Bey, and she was not from their area. Those in his area called her a hag, but he was determined to write her early on and introduce himself, hoping to create a bond for their future life together.
Tasmin wrote him back, and their correspondence continued over the years. While William was away at sea, not only did he write her, he also sent her gifts that she kept. William did not want to continue his life at sea, he wanted to open a Chocolate Shop, where he would sell an assortment of chocolates. His family was not pleased with his decision.
His plans for their future together came to an abrupt halt when he is accused of murder, and not just any murder, murder of the Bishop. Tasmin could not believe he was guilty and journeyed to his hometown to discover what really happened and prove William’s innocence.
Their letters to each other are interspersed throughout the story, starting with their very first letters, making the story quite an interesting read. Not only do you need to keep turning pages to the end to find the real killer, you’ll feel for Tasmin being an outsider and having a future family that is not very pleased with her. Quite a mix of characters to add to the plot. Murder, mystery, adventure, romance and chocolate, who could ask for more.
William Almsley’s parents took him to find his future wife. Unfortunately, it took more than one attempt. On his 7th birthday, the wise woman finally found his mate, her name was Tasmin Bey, and she was not from their area. Those in his area called her a hag, but he was determined to write her early on and introduce himself, hoping to create a bond for their future life together.
Tasmin wrote him back, and their correspondence continued over the years. While William was away at sea, not only did he write her, he also sent her gifts that she kept. William did not want to continue his life at sea, he wanted to open a Chocolate Shop, where he would sell an assortment of chocolates. His family was not pleased with his decision.
His plans for their future together came to an abrupt halt when he is accused of murder, and not just any murder, murder of the Bishop. Tasmin could not believe he was guilty and journeyed to his hometown to discover what really happened and prove William’s innocence.
Their letters to each other are interspersed throughout the story, starting with their very first letters, making the story quite an interesting read. Not only do you need to keep turning pages to the end to find the real killer, you’ll feel for Tasmin being an outsider and having a future family that is not very pleased with her. Quite a mix of characters to add to the plot. Murder, mystery, adventure, romance and chocolate, who could ask for more.
July 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I had picked it up a few months back, and put it down because life swept me away, when I stumbled upon it again a couple of days ago.
It's a story of magic, love, deception, and beauty. The story is told through the view points of Tasmin, a mistress of herbs from the North, and William, a bad-ass ship merchant turned chocolatier of the South, and the letters between them.
Both come from lands that have quite a bit of mistrust with the other because of a many year, but mostly forgotten war, that ended with the South losing its magic, and the North becoming it's magical, distrustful neighbors. It was a 'mating spell' that brought these two together, a ritual started at the end of the war that paired people together at birth (or however much time it took for their mate to be born).
It's a very sweet story of the pair growing up, conversing via letters, getting to know each other through the written word only, only for a series of events (William is arrested on charges of murder) that bring Tasmin and her wind spirits South to uncover the truth.
Did I mention I really liked this book? It was quite a sweet book, with a stir of danger added in, and a little mystery. My biggest complaint is that the ending was very sudden. Here is this charming story being developed, and this beautiful, magical thing happening between Tasmin and William, and suddenly ... boom bang! It's over.
Behind that, I would suggest it. It's a good read for many ages, and it had a lot of charm to it.
It's a story of magic, love, deception, and beauty. The story is told through the view points of Tasmin, a mistress of herbs from the North, and William, a bad-ass ship merchant turned chocolatier of the South, and the letters between them.
Both come from lands that have quite a bit of mistrust with the other because of a many year, but mostly forgotten war, that ended with the South losing its magic, and the North becoming it's magical, distrustful neighbors. It was a 'mating spell' that brought these two together, a ritual started at the end of the war that paired people together at birth (or however much time it took for their mate to be born).
It's a very sweet story of the pair growing up, conversing via letters, getting to know each other through the written word only, only for a series of events (William is arrested on charges of murder) that bring Tasmin and her wind spirits South to uncover the truth.
Did I mention I really liked this book? It was quite a sweet book, with a stir of danger added in, and a little mystery. My biggest complaint is that the ending was very sudden. Here is this charming story being developed, and this beautiful, magical thing happening between Tasmin and William, and suddenly ... boom bang! It's over.
Behind that, I would suggest it. It's a good read for many ages, and it had a lot of charm to it.
April 4, 2016
Good book with a little bit of several things that appealed to me without it feeling like the writing was all over the road. It was a fantasy romance with a murder mystery, with letters that developed characters as well as moved the plot along. The writing was modern without throwing me off. My only quibble, and I am sorry it sounds as if I went looking for one, is that later in the book as secrets are revealed and motives come to light, there were several of a nature that I knew wouldn't appeal to my teen daughter. Now I appreciate that the protagonists did not engage in illicit sexual behaviors. That was good clean fun. The rest, however...I mean, nearly everybody: Affairs of infatuation, political maneuvering, to breed illegitimate heirs, and some reference to a poor woman whose ship was captured by pirates. The references are not explicit, although some of the harsher characters use harsher terms. But every incident was crucial to the plot, which was just weird. At least, it felt so to me. And like I mentioned, my daughter likes to avoid that kind of stuff, so I was disappointed that I couldn't lend the book to her. The rest of the book avoided most of these affairs well, and with more veiled references. I thought the way they piled up at the end felt forced.
YA, though maybe not for more sensitive younger kids. I know that sounds prudish when compared to other stuff out there, but my daughter won't read those anyway. She's used to Jane Austen and Agatha Christie.
But this book is not far below those. Not far at all.
YA, though maybe not for more sensitive younger kids. I know that sounds prudish when compared to other stuff out there, but my daughter won't read those anyway. She's used to Jane Austen and Agatha Christie.
But this book is not far below those. Not far at all.
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