My ReviewThe Tobacconist's Wife is a historical novel set in 1855 Yorkshire. Thea Goodson marries in haste after her father's passing. She thought that Ernie Goodson was a kind man but after their marriage she discovers that he is an abusive brute who is also involved in thievery. She struggles to keep their tobacco shop running when Ernie suddenly goes away. During this time she also discovers an unexpected connection with Adam Fitzwilliam, who sets up a custom furniture shop next door. Thea longs to find peace and happiness in her life and a way forward.
I wanted to read The Tobacconist's Wife because I was intrigued by the Victorian setting and was particularly interested in the lives of shop owners during this time.
The period details in this book are fascinating! I especially found the tobacco shop and small Victorian town details interesting. The author does a wonderful job at setting the scene with descriptions like:
"A large window looked out onto Coney Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in York, but it was the interior that easily drew her attention. On both sides of the shop were floor to ceiling shelves of glass and timber, showcasing boxes of imported cigars, snuff boxes and pipes. Leather chairs were placed in the corners of the shop, for customers to sit and ponder the selections. A highly polished timber floor and matching countertop gave a warm welcome to the discerning customer. Shelving ran the length of the back wall, behind Thea, and beneath the counter was a large glass display area full of everything a man might need to enjoy his tobacco: pipe cleaners, pipe stands, engraved silver cigar cutters, matches and flints, cigar cases, leather pipe cases, crystal ashtrays" (Kindle location 137).
The descriptions of Thea's abusive marriage were at times difficult to read. Ernie was a thoroughly horrible person; I kept reading, pulling for Thea to find a way out to safety.
There were a number of twists and turns in this novel, and they kept me up reading long after my bedtime. I really liked Adam, who was seeking his dream to become a cabinetmaker in the midst of his own family issues. The scenes with Thea and Adam were my favorite in the book.
I would recommend The Tobacconist's Wife for fans of historical fiction, especially anyone who enjoys Victorian settings and stories of women overcoming - with some historical romance as well.
Book Synopsis
Having lost her father, Thea Goodson is alone in the world.
It is true she has a husband, but Ernie is a brutal man, more
inclined to use his fists to keep Thea in line than to build on their
marriage. And besides, Ernie Goodson has secrets – secrets that even his
wife cannot share.
But in Victorian Yorkshire, appearances must be kept up, so Thea goes
on powdering her bruises and forcing a smile as she toils in Ernie’s
home and tobacco shop. There seems to be no other option.
That is, until a handsome and well-bred stranger arrives to set up shop next door…
Can Thea escape her misery and break from the conventions of society?
Or will the clutches of her abusive husband confine her forever?
The Tobacconist’s Wife is the latest book from AnneMarie Brear, the highly acclaimed author of bestselling The Slum Angel. Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.
Author BioAmazon UK bestseller and award-winning Australian author, AnneMarie
Brear has been a life-long reader and started writing in 1997 when her
children were small. She has a love of history, of grand old English
houses and a fascination of what might have happened beyond their walls.
Her interests include reading, historical research for her novels,
watching movies, spending time with family and eating chocolate – not
always in that order!
For more information please visit AnneMarie Brear’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Goodreads.
Giveaway
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The Tobacconist's Wife