The Tobacconist's Wife by Anne Marie Brear Book Review - Blog Tour - Giveaway (US only)

Publication Date: November 12, 2020
Publisher: Lume Books
Format: Paperback & eBook; 244 pages
Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian

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?

My Thoughts

Despite not being in love and with no other option now that both her parents are dead, Thea Mullins marries Ernie Goodson, the owner of a thriving tobacco shop. She believes he is a kind and caring man, and that her future is now secure. Thea soon realises that marriage to Ernie is the biggest mistake she has ever made, for her husband is a violent bully, quick to use his fists at the slightest perceived misdemeanour on her part. All she can do is hide the bruises and the shame of what is happening to her from her neighbours. When Thea is offered an escape, she is tempted but decides to stay with Ernie and make the best of things. She enjoys serving in the tobacco shop and is eager to play a greater role. Ernie doesn't want her involved, and when the police come calling, Thea suspects that the reason why is because his business dealings are illegal.

Adam Fitzwilliam is an upper class gentleman who designs and makes fine furniture. His ambition is to open a shop where he can display and sell what he creates. His parents, especially his hard hearted mother, believe that this will reflect badly on their status, and urge him to either work in the family business in London or join the Royal Navy. Adam is determined to follow his dreams with or without their support and rents premises next door to the Goodson's tobacco shop.

When Thea and Adam first meet, they are instantly attracted to one another, but both know they can only be friends. Adam soon becomes aware of how Thea is being treated by Ernie and urges her to get away. Without any money of her own or friends to go to, Thea knows this is impossible. Left in charge of the tobacco shop while Ernie is away for several months, Thea's friendship with Adam develops into love and they begin to plan a future together. Their happiness, however, is short-lived when Ernie returns unexpectedly and Thea's life is endangered.

The Tobacconist's Wife is a very engaging story despite the domestic violence that makes Thea's life such a misery. How she escapes her abusive marriage takes the reader on an emotional journey through heartache and loss, finally giving Thea that well-deserved second chance at happiness with Adam.

This is the first romance I've read by AnneMarie Brear and will definitely be reading more from this author.



Where to Purchase

The Tobacconist's Wife is available from Amazon

Meet the Author

Amazon 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.

Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, November 12
Guest Post at Coffee and Ink
Review at Probably at the Library

Friday, November 13
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Saturday, November 14
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Sunday, November 15
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder

Monday, November 16
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, November 17
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, November 18
Review at Novels Alive
Interview at Books & Benches

Thursday, November 19
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Giveaway (US only)

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 2 eBooks of The Tobacconist's Wife! To enter, please use the Gleam form HERE. The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on November 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.