Winner of the Romantic Novelists' Association Historical Romantic Novel Award 2013.
A debut novel from an exciting new voice in historical romance set in bustling, malodorous London at the time of the plague, just before the Great Fire of 1666.
Susannah Leyton has grown up behind the counter of her father's apothecary shop, surrounded by the resinous scents of lavender, rosemary, liquorice and turpentine. More learned than any apprentice, she concocts soothing medicines and ointments with great skill. Content with her life, Susannah is shocked when her widowed father announces his intentions to marry again, and later becomes caught in a battle of wills with her new step-mother. When she receives a proposal of marriage from handsome and charming merchant Henry Savage, she believes her prayers have been answered and resolves to be a good wife to him. But Henry is a complex and troubled man, haunted by his memories of growing up in Barbados. As the plague sweeps through the city, tragedy strikes, and the secrets of Henry's past begin to unfold ...
'A vivid tale of love in a time of fire, plague and prejudice' -- Katherine Webb
'Romantic, engaging and hugely satisfying. This is one of those novels that makes you feel like you've travelled back in time' -- Katie Fforde
'A colourful story with a richly-drawn backdrop of London in the grip of plague. A wonderful debut novel' -- Carole Matthews
'This is a worthy debut novel from Charlotte Betts... her reference to the plague... really takes the reader back to the 15th century South Coast Register Fantastic in the way it depicts how much women's lives have changed since then and how lucky we are now. I recommend it for anyone who loves a great historical novel with love, betrayal, fear and the overcoming of great obstacles Toowoomba Chronicle A feast for the senses. With the sensual language of Patrick Suskind's Perfume and the historical flavour of Philippa Gregory, this is a lush, immersive read for historical fiction fans, set during one of the most exciting eras of the city's history' Holiday Magazine
Author
About Charlotte Betts
Charlotte Betts began her working life as a fashion designer in London. A career followed in interior design, property management and lettings.
