salatanita's review
5.0
Unputdownable from page one!
I don't remember the last time I was so happy with every aspect of a book. Livia and Niccolo are lovable characters, and the author shows you beautifully how their relationship develops. Paris at the end of the 19th century is a glamorous choice, the story is built up nicely, and even the supporting characters are described carefully and in detail. The novel finds the fine balance between romance, history and intrigue, and is a real comfort read.
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to have an Advance Reading Copy of this book.
I don't remember the last time I was so happy with every aspect of a book. Livia and Niccolo are lovable characters, and the author shows you beautifully how their relationship develops. Paris at the end of the 19th century is a glamorous choice, the story is built up nicely, and even the supporting characters are described carefully and in detail. The novel finds the fine balance between romance, history and intrigue, and is a real comfort read.
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to have an Advance Reading Copy of this book.
robinlovesreading's review
5.0
Livia travels with her husband to Paris as he attends business. Livia grew up on the Italian countryside as a daughter of a doctor. For years she worked alongside her father and this helps her to notice something quite dangerous at an Emperor's dinner - Livia notices that highly poisonous nightshade berries are mixed in with a bowl of fruit. Is someone trying to kill the Emporer's mistress Elisabetta, and if so, Livia just saved her life. However, the attempts do not stop there and Elisabetta is soon poisoned.
While Livia is now concerned with Elisabetta’s safety, she is also contending with a new and unconventional marriage as well being in the early stage of pregnancy. Her life has changed quickly and she is undergoing more than one adjustment. Livia's husband Niccolo is quite attentive, but their marriage is truly lacking.
Livia's extensive knowledge of plants and medicine is in sharp contrast to 1850's Paris. What is more is that each chapter is preceeded with quotes from Livia's journal. She was a true apothecary and her knowledge held no bounds. The Paris Wife is a muli-faceted story and includes mystery, a wonderful love story and proves the bonds of true friendship. The plot is complex and the developments are intriguing. Whether the story unravels Livia's past or focuses on the plot against the Emperor, the story moves at a wonderful pace and truly captured my attention throughout.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
While Livia is now concerned with Elisabetta’s safety, she is also contending with a new and unconventional marriage as well being in the early stage of pregnancy. Her life has changed quickly and she is undergoing more than one adjustment. Livia's husband Niccolo is quite attentive, but their marriage is truly lacking.
Livia's extensive knowledge of plants and medicine is in sharp contrast to 1850's Paris. What is more is that each chapter is preceeded with quotes from Livia's journal. She was a true apothecary and her knowledge held no bounds. The Paris Wife is a muli-faceted story and includes mystery, a wonderful love story and proves the bonds of true friendship. The plot is complex and the developments are intriguing. Whether the story unravels Livia's past or focuses on the plot against the Emperor, the story moves at a wonderful pace and truly captured my attention throughout.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
sarahs_bookish_life's review
5.0
We are transported to Paris in the 1850's in The Paris Wife. We are introduced to Livia who is newly married and expecting a child. Even though she was born and always lived in Italy, her new husband's job means they have to go to Paris whilst he over sees some work there. I felt for Livia who is a long way from home with no friends or family. The only close person she has with her is her maid, who is more like a sister to her.
There is so many depths to this story. There is more to Livia and her marriage and I was so enthralled as we find out more about her own situation. I loved being taken back in time to how some of the more wealthier people of the times lived and how they dress. I think I was in as much awe of Elisabetta as Livia is and it's great to see things from a woman's perspective in an era where women were to be seen and not heard.
Each chapter has an extract about different plants etc that are used in potions or that are poisonous to people. I found this totally fascinating in itself and I loved Livia's background and history of knowing all about this subject due to her father. It certainly gives the book quite a sinister to feel to it.
The Paris Wife was a wonderfully written and enticing read that I found myself fully absorbed in. When I wasn't reading it, I couldn't help but be thinking about it. I soon got caught up in Livia's world and the story took some unexpected turns that had me eagerly turning the pages. I don't read many historical books that are set in the 1800's but wow, what an enthralling story of which I absolutely love the author's writing style. Loved it!
There is so many depths to this story. There is more to Livia and her marriage and I was so enthralled as we find out more about her own situation. I loved being taken back in time to how some of the more wealthier people of the times lived and how they dress. I think I was in as much awe of Elisabetta as Livia is and it's great to see things from a woman's perspective in an era where women were to be seen and not heard.
Each chapter has an extract about different plants etc that are used in potions or that are poisonous to people. I found this totally fascinating in itself and I loved Livia's background and history of knowing all about this subject due to her father. It certainly gives the book quite a sinister to feel to it.
The Paris Wife was a wonderfully written and enticing read that I found myself fully absorbed in. When I wasn't reading it, I couldn't help but be thinking about it. I soon got caught up in Livia's world and the story took some unexpected turns that had me eagerly turning the pages. I don't read many historical books that are set in the 1800's but wow, what an enthralling story of which I absolutely love the author's writing style. Loved it!
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