Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Dragonwell Publishing, 2012, ebook
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY�. AND CHOCOLATE When Tasmin�s bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn�t have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William�s own family, who all resent her kind � the sorcerer folk from the North � she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose � and he is intent on ruining William�s family at all cost. The Chocolatier�s Wife is a truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bkjake
Wonderfully executed blend of fantasy, pseudo-historical, romance and mystery! Characters were likeable, with interesting quirks, and the plot kept moving along with none of the great leaps or gaps so often found in early works. Kudos to the author/editors: I did not encounter a single typo or
I read this story in almost one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fans of Patricia C. Wrede should pick this one up for sure.
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grammatical error in the entire book, something very rare nowadays!I read this story in almost one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fans of Patricia C. Wrede should pick this one up for sure.
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LibraryThing member Stewartry
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program, so huge thanks to LT and the author.
In the world where The Chocolatier's Wife is set, marriage is not left up to chance: every newborn is brought to a Wise Woman, who casts a spell to find out who that child's destined spouse is
When small William of Almsley is brought for the spell … nothing happens. Not to worry, his mother is told; his wife-to-be hasn't been born yet. It's when this sequence is repeated year after year that everyone does begin to worry… And when I settled in happily, pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book: "This did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with." Heh.
William's not impossible, though; stubborn, yes, and not Speshul, but not impossible. He's rather sweet, as is revealed through his reaction to the eventual discovery that his intended is from - *gasp* - the barbaric North. Everyone knows how wild and bizarre those people are – they use magic, and probably eat their dead, and oh dear, couldn't you try the spell again?
Meanwhile, a good ways North in Tarnia, the parents of a baby girl named Tasmin are having much the same reaction as the same spell is cast for their daughter: Not - *gasp* - the barbaric South! Why, everyone knows how uncivilized and bizarre those people are – they have hardly any magic at all, and they probably eat their dead, and … oh dear.
William, however, is sanguine about the whole thing, and starts off by writing to his wife-to-be right away (even though she won't be able to read it for a while). And this begins a correspondence (one-sided until Tasmin is able to respond) that lasts some twenty-four years as William grows into his place as the eldest son of a well-to-merchant, eventually captaining a ship of his own through pirate-filled waters, and then – to the bafflement and indignation of his family, gives over his place in his father's company to his younger brother Andrew in order to open a shop selling chocolates ("I've never liked anything half so well as I like chocolate." – See? He's not impossible! He's wonderful). Meanwhile, in the North, Tasmin grows into her abilities as an Herb Mistress – and waits for William to send for her.
Which he doesn't. Years pass after she comes of age, and their letters continue back and forth, often accompanying gifts both large and small, but he doesn't call for her to come and marry. And then suddenly gossip reaches her family that – lucky girl! You're off the hook! Your barbarian intended is sure to be hanged for murder, so – such good fortune! – now you never have to go into the wilds and marry one of them!
Far from the relief of her parents, Tasmin's reaction is to pack a couple of bags and enlist the aid of the tribe of air sprites who have adopted her to whisk her southward. The William she has come to know from his letters can't be a murderer – and she plans on proving it.
There were some minor typos (I remember "gigging" instead of "giggling" (which I kind of liked), and a minor amount of punctuation abuse), but all in all far better than most Kindle books I seem to be reading lately. The writing is just this side of lyrical, with a sense of humor underlying it that reminded me – yes, it did: it reminded me of Robin McKinley. If you take a look at the ratings I've given Ms. McKinley's books, you'll see that this is high praise indeed.
Cindy Lynn Speer was able to make characters unpleasant and unlikable without turning them into cardboard cutouts or one-note things constructed of a few ugly tics and nasty characteristics strung together. William's mother, for example, is thoroughly un-live-with-able, but there's something behind it, a love for her family and reasons for her crankiness ("still, that don't make it right") which rounds out her character and gives her weight and depth in the narrative. The Bad Guy of the story could easily have been two-dimensional, but is neatly saved by clever writing. On the flip side, Tasmin isn't perfect, and nor is William, and the doubts and pettinesses and impatient moments and so on make them more three-dimensional as well, and I was very fond of both of them.
Ms. Speer is also very good at keeping things from her readers. It's a skill, that, or an art; it takes a fine touch to reveal a little bit of something, pique a reader's interest, and then evade the topic for a while without ticking the reader off – and then do it again a couple more times before paying off the built-up suspense. That happens here: there's a reason William gave up the sea besides a deep and abiding love for chocolate, and it's not told until William is good and ready to explain it to Tasmin.
And that takes a little while, because (skip this part if you want to remain utterly spoiler-free, because this might impact your enjoyment of their relationship, and I don't want to do that >>>) …
… these two don't succumb to Insta-Love. I love the way their relationship is handled. They have been writing back and forth for years now, and may – may, mind you – have fallen in love through the correspondence. If so, neither is about to admit it, being as nobody's ever confessed to loving the other, and so neither is really sure how the other feels. Also, Tasmin is at least a little injured by the fact that it's taken so many years for William to send for her, and while she admits even to herself that she was happy at home doing good work that she loved, still: he could have sent for her when she turned eighteen, and that was a while ago, and it went unacknowledged. And that he made a major life decision without telling her first. He is a little uncertain about how she feels about leaving that good work that she loved – does she really want to give it up to come live an unmagical (or at least less magical) life with him? And then of course the whole circumstance of their finally meeting face to face – through the bars of a jail cell – are … awkward. He says he didn't do it. She says she believes him (and that's why she's there). Does she? He says she can consider herself released from their contracted betrothal, and go home and fulfill her potential free of the shame of being attached to an accused murderer… She says she'll do no such thing. But why? I was so happy with the landmine these two had to negotiate before they came anywhere near a happily-ever-at-all.
And here's something I haven't said much lately: I like the cover very much.
In the world where The Chocolatier's Wife is set, marriage is not left up to chance: every newborn is brought to a Wise Woman, who casts a spell to find out who that child's destined spouse is
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to be. This doesn't guarantee Twoo Wuv; it also doesn't guarantee happiness. In fact, I think I need to go back and read that bit again to see if it guarantees anything. Regardless, it's considered binding; it just isn't done to marry someone other than the person who shows up when that spell is cast. When small William of Almsley is brought for the spell … nothing happens. Not to worry, his mother is told; his wife-to-be hasn't been born yet. It's when this sequence is repeated year after year that everyone does begin to worry… And when I settled in happily, pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book: "This did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with." Heh.
William's not impossible, though; stubborn, yes, and not Speshul, but not impossible. He's rather sweet, as is revealed through his reaction to the eventual discovery that his intended is from - *gasp* - the barbaric North. Everyone knows how wild and bizarre those people are – they use magic, and probably eat their dead, and oh dear, couldn't you try the spell again?
Meanwhile, a good ways North in Tarnia, the parents of a baby girl named Tasmin are having much the same reaction as the same spell is cast for their daughter: Not - *gasp* - the barbaric South! Why, everyone knows how uncivilized and bizarre those people are – they have hardly any magic at all, and they probably eat their dead, and … oh dear.
William, however, is sanguine about the whole thing, and starts off by writing to his wife-to-be right away (even though she won't be able to read it for a while). And this begins a correspondence (one-sided until Tasmin is able to respond) that lasts some twenty-four years as William grows into his place as the eldest son of a well-to-merchant, eventually captaining a ship of his own through pirate-filled waters, and then – to the bafflement and indignation of his family, gives over his place in his father's company to his younger brother Andrew in order to open a shop selling chocolates ("I've never liked anything half so well as I like chocolate." – See? He's not impossible! He's wonderful). Meanwhile, in the North, Tasmin grows into her abilities as an Herb Mistress – and waits for William to send for her.
Which he doesn't. Years pass after she comes of age, and their letters continue back and forth, often accompanying gifts both large and small, but he doesn't call for her to come and marry. And then suddenly gossip reaches her family that – lucky girl! You're off the hook! Your barbarian intended is sure to be hanged for murder, so – such good fortune! – now you never have to go into the wilds and marry one of them!
Far from the relief of her parents, Tasmin's reaction is to pack a couple of bags and enlist the aid of the tribe of air sprites who have adopted her to whisk her southward. The William she has come to know from his letters can't be a murderer – and she plans on proving it.
There were some minor typos (I remember "gigging" instead of "giggling" (which I kind of liked), and a minor amount of punctuation abuse), but all in all far better than most Kindle books I seem to be reading lately. The writing is just this side of lyrical, with a sense of humor underlying it that reminded me – yes, it did: it reminded me of Robin McKinley. If you take a look at the ratings I've given Ms. McKinley's books, you'll see that this is high praise indeed.
Cindy Lynn Speer was able to make characters unpleasant and unlikable without turning them into cardboard cutouts or one-note things constructed of a few ugly tics and nasty characteristics strung together. William's mother, for example, is thoroughly un-live-with-able, but there's something behind it, a love for her family and reasons for her crankiness ("still, that don't make it right") which rounds out her character and gives her weight and depth in the narrative. The Bad Guy of the story could easily have been two-dimensional, but is neatly saved by clever writing. On the flip side, Tasmin isn't perfect, and nor is William, and the doubts and pettinesses and impatient moments and so on make them more three-dimensional as well, and I was very fond of both of them.
Ms. Speer is also very good at keeping things from her readers. It's a skill, that, or an art; it takes a fine touch to reveal a little bit of something, pique a reader's interest, and then evade the topic for a while without ticking the reader off – and then do it again a couple more times before paying off the built-up suspense. That happens here: there's a reason William gave up the sea besides a deep and abiding love for chocolate, and it's not told until William is good and ready to explain it to Tasmin.
And that takes a little while, because (skip this part if you want to remain utterly spoiler-free, because this might impact your enjoyment of their relationship, and I don't want to do that >>>) …
… these two don't succumb to Insta-Love. I love the way their relationship is handled. They have been writing back and forth for years now, and may – may, mind you – have fallen in love through the correspondence. If so, neither is about to admit it, being as nobody's ever confessed to loving the other, and so neither is really sure how the other feels. Also, Tasmin is at least a little injured by the fact that it's taken so many years for William to send for her, and while she admits even to herself that she was happy at home doing good work that she loved, still: he could have sent for her when she turned eighteen, and that was a while ago, and it went unacknowledged. And that he made a major life decision without telling her first. He is a little uncertain about how she feels about leaving that good work that she loved – does she really want to give it up to come live an unmagical (or at least less magical) life with him? And then of course the whole circumstance of their finally meeting face to face – through the bars of a jail cell – are … awkward. He says he didn't do it. She says she believes him (and that's why she's there). Does she? He says she can consider herself released from their contracted betrothal, and go home and fulfill her potential free of the shame of being attached to an accused murderer… She says she'll do no such thing. But why? I was so happy with the landmine these two had to negotiate before they came anywhere near a happily-ever-at-all.
And here's something I haven't said much lately: I like the cover very much.
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LibraryThing member NorthernStar
I got this as an ebook, through the Early Reviewers program. I had several books out of the library, so I planned to read this as soon as the library books were finished. It was sent to me in an email, and I downloaded it to my computer so I could upload it to my ereader. I opened it up to make
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sure the file was OK, and before I knew it, I was several chapters in. Excercising some self-control, I got it uploaded to my ereader, but then opened it up and continued reading. I put it on hold long enough to get into bed, then finally shut off the lights at about 2 am. I finished it before work the next morning. Who needs sleep, anyway? I really liked the blend of fantasy and mystery with a touch of romance. I liked the characters, I liked the world, in which magic arranges marriages, and I enjoyed the way the older letters between the two main characters (William and Tasmin) gradually built up the back story. I did notice a few errors that got missed in proofreading, but not more than I have seen in some other published works, and they were not obtrusive. I would really recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, particularly fans of Patrica C. Wrede, Tanya Huff, and Robin McKinley. I look forward to more books by Cindy Lynn Speer, especially if she does more in this world. Show Less
LibraryThing member zjakkelien
Tasmin is a Herb Mistress from Tarnia. She is destined to marry William of Almsley, as evidenced by the marriage spell cast at William's seventh birthday. Unfortunately, in Tarnia magic is a part of everyday life, while in William's part of the country, magic is not looked upon favourably. Tasmin
What follows is a pleasant read while Tasmin and William play detective to find out who has committed the murder. They uncover quite a few family secrets in the process, meanwhile getting to know each other.
The chocolatier's wife was not brilliant, but it was entertaining. I rather liked the beginning of the book and I liked how each book begins with one of the letters Tasmin and William wrote to each other before they met. I would have preferred it though if this had been more a fantasy book, rather then a detective in a fantasy-coat. I would have like to know more about the magic and the wind sprites. The wind sprites were really one of the more enjoyable aspects of the book. As it was, Tasmin applies a bit of judicious magic here and there, but other than that (and the magic object that pops up later on) the magic doesn't play that large a role. This is not necessarily a problem, but in this case the book felt a bit like an extended short story, despite the convoluted plot that was at the heart of it. Don't get me wrong though; it was definitely an entertaining story.
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and William converse through letters throughout their life, Tasmin waiting until William calles her to him. Then she gets a completely different message: William is accused of murdering the Bishop and she is released from their engagement. She's not having any of that though: she packs up her things and her loyal wind sprites, and leaves to go to his aid. What follows is a pleasant read while Tasmin and William play detective to find out who has committed the murder. They uncover quite a few family secrets in the process, meanwhile getting to know each other.
The chocolatier's wife was not brilliant, but it was entertaining. I rather liked the beginning of the book and I liked how each book begins with one of the letters Tasmin and William wrote to each other before they met. I would have preferred it though if this had been more a fantasy book, rather then a detective in a fantasy-coat. I would have like to know more about the magic and the wind sprites. The wind sprites were really one of the more enjoyable aspects of the book. As it was, Tasmin applies a bit of judicious magic here and there, but other than that (and the magic object that pops up later on) the magic doesn't play that large a role. This is not necessarily a problem, but in this case the book felt a bit like an extended short story, despite the convoluted plot that was at the heart of it. Don't get me wrong though; it was definitely an entertaining story.
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LibraryThing member EsotericMoment
This is a darling fantasy/mystery novel following a young couple's adventure involving poison, infidelity, and wealth. William is a young and prosperous sea captain about to throw all that away to open a chocolate shop. He ends up getting blamed for the murder of the local bishop. His fiancee,
I found the novel to be filled with the right amount of humor, romance, and intrigue. The author does a wonderful job developing the relationship between the main characters. The fantasy world in the novel is interesting but rarely touched on. There are tidbits of magic and fantastical, but not really enough for me to see this as a fantasy novel. I kept hoping the Sprites would play a more central role in the couple's adventures. The mystery of who really kills the bishop is much more the focal point. As a mystery novel it succeeds. As a fantasy novel, it's nice but not thrilling.
Overall, it's a delightful novel perfect for a weekend read.
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Tasmin, comes to his rescue in a whirlwind of magic. The reader gets to enjoy the wonderful tale of seeing these two fall in love with each other despite numerous things trying to drive them apart. I found the novel to be filled with the right amount of humor, romance, and intrigue. The author does a wonderful job developing the relationship between the main characters. The fantasy world in the novel is interesting but rarely touched on. There are tidbits of magic and fantastical, but not really enough for me to see this as a fantasy novel. I kept hoping the Sprites would play a more central role in the couple's adventures. The mystery of who really kills the bishop is much more the focal point. As a mystery novel it succeeds. As a fantasy novel, it's nice but not thrilling.
Overall, it's a delightful novel perfect for a weekend read.
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LibraryThing member Tanya2011
This was a good story. I think it was a little slow, a bit long-winded, but was still a good book. I love the mystery book aspect and the love of the two main characters. I loved that she included thier letters to each other; it gave great background info on both characters without feeling like
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there was an interruption in the story. In fact, they actually enhanced the story and I felt like I was getting to know them in a personal way. I will definitely reread the story sometime, though it's not a favorite. Show Less
LibraryThing member sewolf0310
In the Kingdom of Berengeny, a long time ago, no one chose their spouses.
William Almsley’s parents took him to find his future wife. Unfortunately, it took more than one attempt. On his 7th birthday, the wise woman finally found his mate, her name was Tasmin Bey, and she was not from their area.
Tasmin wrote him back, and their correspondence continued over the years. While William was away at sea, not only did he write her, he also sent her gifts that she kept. William did not want to continue his life at sea, he wanted to open a Chocolate Shop, where he would sell an assortment of chocolates. His family was not pleased with his decision.
His plans for their future together came to an abrupt halt when he is accused of murder, and not just any murder, murder of the Bishop. Tasmin could not believe he was guilty and journeyed to his hometown to discover what really happened and prove William’s innocence.
Their letters to each other are interspersed throughout the story, starting with their very first letters, making the story quite an interesting read. Not only do you need to keep turning pages to the end to find the real killer, you’ll feel for Tasmin being an outsider and having a future family that is not very pleased with her. Quite a mix of characters to add to the plot. Murder, mystery, adventure, romance and chocolate, who could ask for more.
William Almsley’s parents took him to find his future wife. Unfortunately, it took more than one attempt. On his 7th birthday, the wise woman finally found his mate, her name was Tasmin Bey, and she was not from their area.
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Those in his area called her a hag, but he was determined to write her early on and introduce himself, hoping to create a bond for their future life together.Tasmin wrote him back, and their correspondence continued over the years. While William was away at sea, not only did he write her, he also sent her gifts that she kept. William did not want to continue his life at sea, he wanted to open a Chocolate Shop, where he would sell an assortment of chocolates. His family was not pleased with his decision.
His plans for their future together came to an abrupt halt when he is accused of murder, and not just any murder, murder of the Bishop. Tasmin could not believe he was guilty and journeyed to his hometown to discover what really happened and prove William’s innocence.
Their letters to each other are interspersed throughout the story, starting with their very first letters, making the story quite an interesting read. Not only do you need to keep turning pages to the end to find the real killer, you’ll feel for Tasmin being an outsider and having a future family that is not very pleased with her. Quite a mix of characters to add to the plot. Murder, mystery, adventure, romance and chocolate, who could ask for more.
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LibraryThing member MarianneBeth
I was fortunate enough to receive an Early Reviewer's copy of this book. I found it very enjoyable. It was light and easy-to-read, but not boring as it contained many original ideas. It combined mystery, romance and fantasy.
LibraryThing member woakden
I received an early review copy of this book and just dove right into it. The premise, that a magical spell is used to identify the "best possible mate" when a child is born (spell is repeated annually until successful), and then are obligated to marry that person and no one else, although you are
The story itself is a mystery in a fantasy setting, which is a lot of fun. The characters are interesting and fairly believable, and the book gets off to a very nice start so it is easy to keep reading. While I enjoyed the plot and characters, I got fairly frustrated by the style - it really felt as though the book had been through about 10 revisions, and really needed one last serious edit for consistency prior to publication. Often the adjectives used to describe a character's emotional reaction to an event seemed out of whack with what was occurring. There was a fairly big deal made about the two main characters seeing each other prior to their marriage, and yet they were constantly going off together and spending time alone together - sometimes sneaking off, but other times quite openly. The whole prohibition on their seeing one another seemed fairly contrived.
Overall though I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good atypical romance and isn't expecting a great work of litterature.
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discouraged from seeking each other out until you are 18. It makes for a strange society, but it is a pretty cool idea and this story explores it well.The story itself is a mystery in a fantasy setting, which is a lot of fun. The characters are interesting and fairly believable, and the book gets off to a very nice start so it is easy to keep reading. While I enjoyed the plot and characters, I got fairly frustrated by the style - it really felt as though the book had been through about 10 revisions, and really needed one last serious edit for consistency prior to publication. Often the adjectives used to describe a character's emotional reaction to an event seemed out of whack with what was occurring. There was a fairly big deal made about the two main characters seeing each other prior to their marriage, and yet they were constantly going off together and spending time alone together - sometimes sneaking off, but other times quite openly. The whole prohibition on their seeing one another seemed fairly contrived.
Overall though I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good atypical romance and isn't expecting a great work of litterature.
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LibraryThing member LongDogMom
I received this book as an Early Reviewer and I'm glad I did because I absolutely loved it! The writing was lyrical and reminiscent of the very best fantasy tales. The characters felt real, with depth and layers continued to unfold about them all as the story progressed. I found myself wanting to
The story takes place in an imaginary world where life mates are found through a yearly Mating Spell that begins when they are born. A wise woman, with a drop of the infant's blood, some herbs, a bowl of water, and a magical ritual, eventually the intended life mate will appear on the liquid's surface. For William, the male protagonist, it takes more than a few years, but eventually his bride-to-be is revealed, much to his Mother's dismay when she learns that the girl resides in the dreaded North where magic is abundant and they are all "barbarians". And so begins the relationship between William and Tasmin, through letters and gifts as they get to know each other through their words while they grow into adults, William a captain on a merchant ship sailing dangerous seas, and Tasmin a Mistress of herbal magic and teacher at a magical university.
When Tasmin receives a letter from William that he has given up the sea to open up a shop that makes chocolate she is somewhat surprised, but it's the next communication that throws things upside down when her family receives word that William has been arrested for murder and that Tasmin is free from her obligation to marry him if she so chooses. Her family is overjoyed, not happy that she was bethrothed to one of those "barbarians from the South", but Tasmin has grown to know William through his letters and decides that the man she knows is not guilty of what he is accused and she sets out to go to him and help prove his innocence. What follows is a story of of humour, romance, magical creatures, loyalty and deceit. Twists and turns made me want to keep turning the page (the virtual page, as this was an ebook - my first!), and Speer keeps the story flowing in all directions from a love between two soul mates to the twists and turns of murder and greed.
Filled with whimsical and creative inventions, I found this book a true delight to read and would not hesitate to recommend it highly! In fact, Speer firmly takes her place among my most favourite writers of fantasy, Diana Wynne Jones, Nina Kiriki Hoffman and Robin McKinley. In a world filled with so many fantasies that seem duplicates of each other, The Chocolatier's Wife stands out as something different and imaginative.
I am definitely going to pick up the author's other books and I can only hope that she will write more about William and Tasmin. I miss them already!
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go to bed early so I could read and find out what was going to happen next! :-)The story takes place in an imaginary world where life mates are found through a yearly Mating Spell that begins when they are born. A wise woman, with a drop of the infant's blood, some herbs, a bowl of water, and a magical ritual, eventually the intended life mate will appear on the liquid's surface. For William, the male protagonist, it takes more than a few years, but eventually his bride-to-be is revealed, much to his Mother's dismay when she learns that the girl resides in the dreaded North where magic is abundant and they are all "barbarians". And so begins the relationship between William and Tasmin, through letters and gifts as they get to know each other through their words while they grow into adults, William a captain on a merchant ship sailing dangerous seas, and Tasmin a Mistress of herbal magic and teacher at a magical university.
When Tasmin receives a letter from William that he has given up the sea to open up a shop that makes chocolate she is somewhat surprised, but it's the next communication that throws things upside down when her family receives word that William has been arrested for murder and that Tasmin is free from her obligation to marry him if she so chooses. Her family is overjoyed, not happy that she was bethrothed to one of those "barbarians from the South", but Tasmin has grown to know William through his letters and decides that the man she knows is not guilty of what he is accused and she sets out to go to him and help prove his innocence. What follows is a story of of humour, romance, magical creatures, loyalty and deceit. Twists and turns made me want to keep turning the page (the virtual page, as this was an ebook - my first!), and Speer keeps the story flowing in all directions from a love between two soul mates to the twists and turns of murder and greed.
Filled with whimsical and creative inventions, I found this book a true delight to read and would not hesitate to recommend it highly! In fact, Speer firmly takes her place among my most favourite writers of fantasy, Diana Wynne Jones, Nina Kiriki Hoffman and Robin McKinley. In a world filled with so many fantasies that seem duplicates of each other, The Chocolatier's Wife stands out as something different and imaginative.
I am definitely going to pick up the author's other books and I can only hope that she will write more about William and Tasmin. I miss them already!
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LibraryThing member Ethaisa
I received and Early Reviewer's ebook. Overall, I enjoyed it.
In tone, it was something of a tale of manners, with much of the relationship between the affianced pair established through the letters that preceded each chapter. An interesting approach but I found that the content of the letters did
That said, the use of magic in the setting was unique and intriguing (if not consistent in extrapolation or expression). I especially enjoy books that take a singular magical element and inject it into an otherwise mundane setting and then examine how society/setting is changed and explore the ramifications. I found the book uneven and wanting in that regard but in general enjoyed reading William and Tasmin's story.
In tone, it was something of a tale of manners, with much of the relationship between the affianced pair established through the letters that preceded each chapter. An interesting approach but I found that the content of the letters did
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not always well match or illuminate the events of the chapter. The setting was intriguing and was much of what initially drew me into the story, along with the mystery, but as the narrative continued I found it somewhat choppy and less satisfying. At times various character's responses to events seemed contradictory or unfounded; I found that in an attempt to keep the mystery going, motivations were not expressed or examined at any great depth. That said, the use of magic in the setting was unique and intriguing (if not consistent in extrapolation or expression). I especially enjoy books that take a singular magical element and inject it into an otherwise mundane setting and then examine how society/setting is changed and explore the ramifications. I found the book uneven and wanting in that regard but in general enjoyed reading William and Tasmin's story.
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LibraryThing member bunnyjadwiga
I got this as a LibraryThing Early Reviewer as an ebook. A great romance that kept me reading right to the end.
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Good story. Interesting culture clashes (at least three ways, plus the sprites). The way neither of them wanted to admit they were actually happy with the planned marriage was a little annoying, but it didn't actually derail anything so OK - and it was much better than the standard romance tropes
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of sudden attraction and instant love. The reasons for the plots were - weird. Secret babies and magical artifacts - and what exactly did the Bishop intend to do with it, hiding it that way? But it all made sense as I read, eventually. I kind of agree with William about his brother - he could try harder. Though they found a good solution by the end. Lots of good characterization, description, and plot - I think I'll be looking for more by Speer. I got this as an ER book, I've no idea why it took me so long to read it. Glad I finally got around to it! Show Less
LibraryThing member lesindy
I won this from the Goodreads giveaway.
This is an interesting mystery/fantasy book, but the heroine was too pushy and rude. She was insanely jealous of any other woman, which is ridiculous. The book kept mentioning how she was plain, and I guess she felt inferior.
The book did seem to drag on and
This is an interesting mystery/fantasy book, but the heroine was too pushy and rude. She was insanely jealous of any other woman, which is ridiculous. The book kept mentioning how she was plain, and I guess she felt inferior.
The book did seem to drag on and
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on. The ending was quite cliched, like a bad soap opera episode. Overall, it was a decent story but nothing spectacular. Show Less
LibraryThing member leslie.98
Magic and murder, what more could I ask for? I really enjoyed this. My only minor complaint is that occasionally the author used expressions which were too British for the fantasy world -- why would the people of Berengeny refer to bedlam as madness for example?
I will look for more books by Speer!
I will look for more books by Speer!
LibraryThing member T_K_Elliott
Tasmin and William live in a country where marriages are arranged by magic: at birth, a spell is cast to see if the child's most suitable mate has been born yet. If they have, the parents make contact. If not, the spell is repeated yearly. After seven years, William's future wife has been born -
Despite the fact that neither of their families are happy with the match (the author has a certain amount of fun with the fact that the north and south of the country - which were once divided by war - each believe almost identical evil things of each other) Tasmin and William exchange letters throughout their youth. We get to read the letters throughout the story, so you do have to get used to a bit of back-and-forthing in time, but it's a good touch which helps us to get to know the two main characters. William is a merchant sea captain in his family's business; Tasmin is a herb-witch with a possible high-status future in front of her at the university - but only if she manages to get out of the betrothal to William.
Then William gives up his position in the family business and buys a shop intending to sell chocolate. Swiftly after that - within the first week of the shop opening - he is accused of the murder-by-chocolate of the local bishop. When Tasmin's family hear about this, they are thrilled - of course this is a reason to repudiate the betrothal. Tasmin, however, immediately packs her bags and leaves for the south to support William and try to find out who the real killer is.
There are many ways that this scenario could have been written; as it is, in many ways this is more of a love story than anything else. There are many issues that the author touches upon: arranged marriage (the advantages and disadvantages of), the problem of being married to someone you hardly know (even if you do know that s/he is your best match), and the problems of infertility in a society that values the ability to pass on property 'down the line'. There is deceit, and the question of what is honourable conduct. However, I never really doubted that Tasmin and William would win through in the end. This is not a book that puts you through the emotional wringer. Nor is it particularly deep. But it's a pleasant read and the author has constructed an original setting. I enjoyed it, and I've now read it more than once. I'll almost certainly read it again.
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unfortunately, he lives in the nearly-unmagical south, and she lives in the magical north.Despite the fact that neither of their families are happy with the match (the author has a certain amount of fun with the fact that the north and south of the country - which were once divided by war - each believe almost identical evil things of each other) Tasmin and William exchange letters throughout their youth. We get to read the letters throughout the story, so you do have to get used to a bit of back-and-forthing in time, but it's a good touch which helps us to get to know the two main characters. William is a merchant sea captain in his family's business; Tasmin is a herb-witch with a possible high-status future in front of her at the university - but only if she manages to get out of the betrothal to William.
Then William gives up his position in the family business and buys a shop intending to sell chocolate. Swiftly after that - within the first week of the shop opening - he is accused of the murder-by-chocolate of the local bishop. When Tasmin's family hear about this, they are thrilled - of course this is a reason to repudiate the betrothal. Tasmin, however, immediately packs her bags and leaves for the south to support William and try to find out who the real killer is.
There are many ways that this scenario could have been written; as it is, in many ways this is more of a love story than anything else. There are many issues that the author touches upon: arranged marriage (the advantages and disadvantages of), the problem of being married to someone you hardly know (even if you do know that s/he is your best match), and the problems of infertility in a society that values the ability to pass on property 'down the line'. There is deceit, and the question of what is honourable conduct. However, I never really doubted that Tasmin and William would win through in the end. This is not a book that puts you through the emotional wringer. Nor is it particularly deep. But it's a pleasant read and the author has constructed an original setting. I enjoyed it, and I've now read it more than once. I'll almost certainly read it again.
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LibraryThing member Damiella
This was a really sweet book (good to read myself to sleep with).
Tamsin was matched to William shortly after her birth by a mating spell cast by the village Wisewoman (he was seven at the time, surely an indication he'd be hard to live with). The spell didn't show your true love (such foolishness),
William was happy enough though
I suppose she'll do. I'm just glad 'tis over, and that I can go on with my life
They started a correspondence and got on with growing up. Then William didn't send for Tamsin when she turned 18 (other things to do for both of them) and they kept on living apart. Then, William was arrested for murder.
Based on his letters Tamsin didn't believe it so she gathered her wind sprites (befriended as a child) and rushed down to see what could be done.
I needed to suspend disbelief a touch (she seemed awfully trusting and the authorities were either astoundingly dim or extremely well bribed) but I really enjoyed this book. There was the whole mystery not only of who did it but why (revealed just in time for the climax)? Who's honest? What about other possible murders?
Basically I really liked it. I don't know if the author wrote more books in this universe but I intend to read more of her work when I'm in the appropriate mood again.
Tamsin was matched to William shortly after her birth by a mating spell cast by the village Wisewoman (he was seven at the time, surely an indication he'd be hard to live with). The spell didn't show your true love (such foolishness),
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it showed your best match. The thing was that Tamsin was from the North (you know, they're savages! Just think of what they did in the war) so it wasn't exactly a usual match.William was happy enough though
I suppose she'll do. I'm just glad 'tis over, and that I can go on with my life
They started a correspondence and got on with growing up. Then William didn't send for Tamsin when she turned 18 (other things to do for both of them) and they kept on living apart. Then, William was arrested for murder.
Based on his letters Tamsin didn't believe it so she gathered her wind sprites (befriended as a child) and rushed down to see what could be done.
I needed to suspend disbelief a touch (she seemed awfully trusting and the authorities were either astoundingly dim or extremely well bribed) but I really enjoyed this book. There was the whole mystery not only of who did it but why (revealed just in time for the climax)? Who's honest? What about other possible murders?
Basically I really liked it. I don't know if the author wrote more books in this universe but I intend to read more of her work when I'm in the appropriate mood again.
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LibraryThing member Britt84
Fantasy, murder mystery and love story.
Tasmin's fiancé is accused of murder; Tasmin does what she can to save him from execution and uncover the real murderer.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was well-written and the story of Tasmin and William is worked out very well. I liked how Tasmin and
I also very much enjoyed the combination of the murder mystery and love story with fantasy; Speer's descriptions are lively and made me feel like I was part of the universe where Tasmin and William live. For me, this gave the story the bit extra that turned it from an ordinary murder mystery into something more enticing.
A very enjoyable read, I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Speer's work.
Tasmin's fiancé is accused of murder; Tasmin does what she can to save him from execution and uncover the real murderer.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was well-written and the story of Tasmin and William is worked out very well. I liked how Tasmin and
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William meet and fall in love, even though the circumstances and their families are against it. The mystery surrounding the murder case kept me guessing up to the end, when Speer ties up all lose ends and everything falls into place.I also very much enjoyed the combination of the murder mystery and love story with fantasy; Speer's descriptions are lively and made me feel like I was part of the universe where Tasmin and William live. For me, this gave the story the bit extra that turned it from an ordinary murder mystery into something more enticing.
A very enjoyable read, I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Speer's work.
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LibraryThing member SomewhatBent
NaNoLoMo #1
1 Nov 12
The Chocolatier's Wife by Cindy Lynn Speer
(c)2012 Dragonwell Publishing
ISBN-13 978-1-4524477-6-6
Part mystery, part magic, with a measure of old fashioned romance make The Chocolatier's Wife a delightful sweet. In a world where marriages are arranged in infancy by use of a
Over the years William develops a relationship by correspondence with his intended, while progressing in the management of the family business and becoming a fine captain of his own merchant ship. When the time comes to marry he shocks the family by announcing he intends to quit sailing and open a chocolate shop. Appalling!
Miss Tasmin Bey has grown up with William's letters and gifts and developed an affection for him, but is teaching Herb Lore at the University (!!?!) and wondering if he will ever come for her when she learns that he has been arrested for murder! Her family, who are not much inclined to have their daughter marry on of the 'barbarians of the South' see this as an opportunity to void the marriage arrangement. Instead, Tasmin resigns her post at the University and flies (after a fashion) to his aid. It is quickly apparent that William didn't commit the crime, and up to Tasmin to get to the bottom of it.
A well constructed story with murder, magic (and pirates!!!) there are some clever sub-plots and a few completely unpredictable twists. Speer writes a fast paced tale that engages to the very end.
(****) Four Stars
1 Nov 12
The Chocolatier's Wife by Cindy Lynn Speer
(c)2012 Dragonwell Publishing
ISBN-13 978-1-4524477-6-6
Part mystery, part magic, with a measure of old fashioned romance make The Chocolatier's Wife a delightful sweet. In a world where marriages are arranged in infancy by use of a
Show More
'Mating Spell' William, of the House of Almsley, was looking like a forever bachelor when he went to see the Wise Woman on his seventh birthday. Finally, his perfect mate appears, but to his proper Merchanting family's horror, she is from the North Country. After the end of a war 500 years before there has been little communication between the North and the South. All 'proper' Southerners know that the people of the North are Hags who eat their dead and 'just anyone' can practice magic. Barbarians, indeed – but are they... ?Over the years William develops a relationship by correspondence with his intended, while progressing in the management of the family business and becoming a fine captain of his own merchant ship. When the time comes to marry he shocks the family by announcing he intends to quit sailing and open a chocolate shop. Appalling!
Miss Tasmin Bey has grown up with William's letters and gifts and developed an affection for him, but is teaching Herb Lore at the University (!!?!) and wondering if he will ever come for her when she learns that he has been arrested for murder! Her family, who are not much inclined to have their daughter marry on of the 'barbarians of the South' see this as an opportunity to void the marriage arrangement. Instead, Tasmin resigns her post at the University and flies (after a fashion) to his aid. It is quickly apparent that William didn't commit the crime, and up to Tasmin to get to the bottom of it.
A well constructed story with murder, magic (and pirates!!!) there are some clever sub-plots and a few completely unpredictable twists. Speer writes a fast paced tale that engages to the very end.
(****) Four Stars
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LibraryThing member zjakkelien
Tasmin is a Herb Mistress from Tarnia. She is destined to marry William of Almsley, as evidenced by the marriage spell cast at William's seventh birthday. Unfortunately, in Tarnia magic is a part of everyday life, while in William's part of the country, magic is not looked upon favourably. Tasmin
What follows is a pleasant read while Tasmin and William play detective to find out who has committed the murder. They uncover quite a few family secrets in the process, meanwhile getting to know each other.
The chocolatier's wife was not brilliant, but it was entertaining. I rather liked the beginning of the book and I liked how each book begins with one of the letters Tasmin and William wrote to each other before they met. I would have preferred it though if this had been more a fantasy book, rather then a detective in a fantasy-coat. I would have like to know more about the magic and the wind sprites. The wind sprites were really one of the more enjoyable aspects of the book. As it was, Tasmin applies a bit of judicious magic here and there, but other than that (and the magic object that pops up later on) the magic doesn't play that large a role. This is not necessarily a problem, but in this case the book felt a bit like an extended short story, despite the convoluted plot that was at the heart of it. Don't get me wrong though; it was definitely an entertaining story.
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and William converse through letters throughout their life, Tasmin waiting until William calles her to him. Then she gets a completely different message: William is accused of murdering the Bishop and she is released from their engagement. She's not having any of that though: she packs up her things and her loyal wind sprites, and leaves to go to his aid. What follows is a pleasant read while Tasmin and William play detective to find out who has committed the murder. They uncover quite a few family secrets in the process, meanwhile getting to know each other.
The chocolatier's wife was not brilliant, but it was entertaining. I rather liked the beginning of the book and I liked how each book begins with one of the letters Tasmin and William wrote to each other before they met. I would have preferred it though if this had been more a fantasy book, rather then a detective in a fantasy-coat. I would have like to know more about the magic and the wind sprites. The wind sprites were really one of the more enjoyable aspects of the book. As it was, Tasmin applies a bit of judicious magic here and there, but other than that (and the magic object that pops up later on) the magic doesn't play that large a role. This is not necessarily a problem, but in this case the book felt a bit like an extended short story, despite the convoluted plot that was at the heart of it. Don't get me wrong though; it was definitely an entertaining story.
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Original publication date
2008-07
ISBN
9781452447766
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Speer |