Happy publication day to Sonia Velton, her historical fiction debut, Blackberry and Wild Rose publishes today.
Book Description
WHEN ESTHER THOREL, the wife of a Huguenot silk-weaver, rescues Sara Kemp from a brothel she thinks she is doing God’s will. Sara is not convinced being a maid is better than being a whore, but the chance to escape her grasping ‘madam’ is too good to refuse.
INSIDE THE THORELS’ tall house in Spitalfields, where the strange cadence of the looms fills the attic, the two women forge an uneasy relationship. The physical intimacies of washing and dressing belie the reality: Sara despises her mistress’s blindness to the hypocrisy of her household, while Esther is too wrapped up in her own secrets to see Sara as anything more than another charitable cause.
IT IS SILK that has Esther so distracted. For years she has painted her own designs, dreaming that one day her husband will weave them into reality. When he laughs at her ambition, she unwittingly sets in motion events that will change the fate of the whole Thorel household and set the scene for a devastating day of reckoning between her and Sara.
THE PRICE OF a piece of silk may prove more than either is able to pay.
My Thoughts
Blackberry and Wild Rose draws you in from the very first chapter, because the story starts right away. You meet one of the narrators, Sara, and she finds herself in quite an unfortunate, yet interesting to read about, predicament. You’ll find, very early on when you start reading this one, that you’ll fly through its pages; this is due to the fact that Velton, through her rich descriptions, has placed you in the heart of Spitalfields in the late 18thcentury. You become so immersed in the setting, the scenery, the lives of these silk weavers, and ‘the help’, you’ll find this a quick read, not because it has a fast pace, but because you’re so immersed in all that’s going on; the short chapters are an added bonus!
The narration alternates between Sara and Esther, with neither woman being particularly likeable, but both are interesting characters. They each find themselves caught up in situations that fast go awry, and you cannot help but become invested in the outcome. Such deceit, such sinister goings-on, and I’m not even talking about Mrs Swann’s brothel!
Mount the loom, and set up the treads, and then you need you someone to pull the lashes and draw the simples – okay, I have no idea what I’m talking about, but Velton does; she doesn’t take you deep into the art of silk weaving, but instead touches on the basics, where necessary to build the plot. But ask me what a ‘journeyman’ is and I’ll tell you! The important point here is that you need no knowledge of silk weaving, or it’s jargon to enjoy this novel, whether you understand the snippets or it goes right over your head, it makes no difference – it all works to build the atmosphere. It’s the lives of these characters that are at the heart of this novel, silk is their passion, reading about their skulduggery is ours!
Inspired by master silk designer, Anna Maria Garthwaite, Velton has written a novel sure to captivate readers whether you’ve heard the name Garthwaite or not. It’s atmospheric, immersive, and very well written – one of my favourite lines:
“I felt her words like physical violence”
Old Spitalfields Market still stands today, well-known for its craft and fashion stalls, you can visit and see how it is now; read Blackberry and Wild Rose and let Velton take you back to how it was then! Quick mention about the ending – I loved it! A recommended read for fans of historical fiction, and, wow, what a stunning book cover!
This book is available to buy from: Amazon UK / Book Depository
Fantastic review! I added this to my tbr after reading about your bloggers evening a while ago because that cover (and blurb obviously) is stunning!
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Thank you 😊 I hope you enjoy it, and yes that is one stunning cover 😍
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I’m sold! I feel it really is a bit like The Corset and I really want another read that can transport me like that and has a fascinating topic. I think this might be the one. Great review Janel!
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Ah thank you, I hope you enjoy it! And glad it reminds you of The Corset, I’m even happier I bought that one now, I must read it soon 😊
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Wonderful review! I think I have this one but I definitely need to make sure!
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Thank you! I wonder if the US cover is the same?
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I checked and ours is pretty, but not as pretty, and quite a bit darker? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1538507757/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1538507757&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
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Ooo, that is terrible compared to the U.K. one 🙈😂
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Sounds good Janel, This is the first review I’ve read so far and it sounds so intriguing!
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The blog tours just started so I’m sure you’ll see a few more (in case my review doesn’t have you fully convinced 😉)
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Love the cover. Love the title. Love the premise. Love your review Janel.
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And I love all the love 💜
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Great review – I’m reviewing this one tomorrow 😀
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Thank you! 😊
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Lovely review, Janel! I’ve recommended this for library purchase.
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Thank you! Does your library then feedback on whether they’re going to purchase it? I always think I should recommend books to my library, but then I never do.
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I use the digital library so it’s online. I get an email if they purchase the recommended book.
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Excellent review I’ve seen a bit of buzz about this book but I’ve not seen it to buy yet but will definitely try and get a copy now x
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I saw the hardback going for a steal on the The Book People website, only £5.99!! https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?productId=974997&catalogId=10051&searchTerm=blackberry+and+wild+rose
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Oh fantastic Janel thank you x
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Reblogged this on The Bookwormery and commented:
Great review….sounds like a bit of a must read
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Thank you for reblogging 💜
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Sounds good! Great review!
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Thank you! 😊
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I’ve had my eye on this one, and now I really want to read it! It sounds so good! Love your review, Janel!! 🙂
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Thank you 😊 I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!x
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You’re welcome! Thanks, I hope I get a chance to read it sometime soon! 🙂
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