The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife by Elisabeth Hobbes
The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife by Elisabeth Hobbes is different than the books she usually writes, as the story takes place in Victorian England, 1850-1851 instead of Medieval England like most of her other books. I enjoyed the book a lot. These days I’m less inclined to enjoy books in which everything is perfect. I like a bit of realism intertwined with love and happy ending. I don’t want to give out any spoilers, so I only say that one of the characters suffers because of exposure to silk in his mill, which is realistic.
Jonathan Harcourt has had a negative example when it comes to marriage, as his parents were not happy. He is not keen on getting married because of his views, but has to because he needs an heir and wants to expand the mill too. His neighbour Aurelia Upford is the second daughter and she has some problems in her past too. Their love story evolves nicely, I like that most (over 90%) of the story is realistically portrayed. For example, she keeps her views on female education to herself which is what would have happened in the mid-19th century.
I would recommend the book and I’m happy it was available at the local library. I also bought another one of her books, as this was not at the library, so I am looking forward to reading the next one, a story from WWII.
The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife by Elisabeth Hobbes
Details about the picture: a silk scarf (a gift because I would never buy silk)
My rating: 5/5 Stars
Would I recommend it: yes
Published by: Mills & Boon Historical
Year it was published: 2020 (large print in 2021)
Format: Paperback
Genre(s): Historical fiction
Pages: 384
About the author: Elisabeth grew up in York, where she developed her love for history and the past. She read History and Art History at university, before becoming a teacher. She now lives in Cheshire with her family.
In 2013 Elisabeth entered her first novel into a Harlequin contest and finished in third place. Thus, she was offered a two book contract.
Books by her: A Wager for the Widow, Falling for Her Captor, Uncovering The Merchant’s Secret, stand-alone novels.
The Danby Brothers series: The Blacksmith’s Wife; Redeeming the Rogue Knight; A midsummer knight’s kiss.
The Conquest of England series: The Saxon Outlaw’s Revenge, Beguiled by the Forbidden Knight
Book in a series with other authors: A Runaway Bride for the Highlander.
Website & Social Media Links: –
Didn’t know that E. Hobbes wrote books set in the 19C. Always good when historical novels are realistic.
Are you not buying silk for ethical reasons? It’s good for people who are allergic to synthetic fabrics.
Next book by her is in WWII and I can’t wait to read it, most of her books were medieval though. She makes books seem very interesting.
Yes, for ethical reasons. Silk moths are boiled alive so they do not hatch and damage the cocoon of silk, so not something I am ok with, especially as I don’t have any problems wearing synthetic.
I would definitely be very selective when choosing a M&B book, but there are some really great stories in the series, which are every bit as good as any stand alone, non branded book in the genre. I assume when you say that you would never buy silk, that like one of my vegan nephews, you don’t buy or wear any leather products either? The scarf is really very pretty though and makes a great ‘prop’ for your photographs! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend 🙂
This is a stand-alone novel, not part of a series like some of her other books. I enjoyed it. 🙂
I don’t buy leather, stopped doing that before I went vegetarian because it was such an easy switch with all the faux leather options. I rarely buy wool too, only produced in UK, and it’s very rare anyway (last time I bought wool was about 2 years ago).