The Fallen Woman by Fiona McIntosh

                                               

Ebook:  444 pages                                                                                 

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Historical Romance,

Publisher:  Storm Publishing (1 April 2025)

Source: NetGalley

Review Quote: ‘I loved this one from start to finish… heart-wrenching and heart-warming.’ Reader Review,

First Sentence: Jane Saville's gasp conveyed her shock as her mother's words landed like small blows.

Setting: Salisbury, England (United Kingdom)

My Opinion: 

Fiona McIntosh although born in the UK, now lives in Australia. She is a prolific author but this is the first time I have read any of her work.

'The Fallen Woman' of the novel's title is Jane Saville and it is thanks to her mother that she has gained this undeserving title. Jane is a talented botanical artist whose chance meeting with Guy Attwood a young man seeking an extinct apple, leads to love. Jane and Guy have a lot of problems to overcome before they find an amicable resolution.

A very enjoyable and easy read that kept me entertained on a recent flight. The style reminded me of the novels of Georgette Heyer whose stories I used to read and enjoy many years ago.  With thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read and review this obviously well researched novel.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

In an ancient orchard, a fallen woman rises to claim her destiny

In the shadows of Edwardian society, talented botanical artist Jane Saville faces an impossible choice when her ruthless mother exiles her to the English countryside to protect another’s reputation. Forced to live in poverty and secrecy to shield her family from scandal, Jane’s world seems destined for darkness until she meets Guy Attwood.

Heir to an industrial fortune, Guy defies his family's ambitions, choosing instead to pursue his hunting England’s rarest apples for the Royal Kew Gardens. His quest to find an endangered species worthy of naming for the soon-to-be King George V leads him to a hidden orchard—and to Jane.

As their worlds intertwine beneath the ancient spires of Salisbury Cathedral, Jane dares to dream of a different future. But in a society ruled by duty and appearances, their blossoming friendship awakens dangerous jealousies. When treachery and misunderstanding threaten to tear them apart, it will take the innocent wisdom of a child to show Jane that her greatest strength lies not in conforming to society’s rules, but in daring to defy them.

Author Profile:

                                                    

In the authors own words from her website :

Just briefly

My pathway to writing novels began as a wordsmith in my daily work; first in corporate PR, and later in sales/marketing for the travel industry including 15 years running a travel magazine with my husband.

My first attempt at a manuscript won the notice of a global publisher and I’ve been writing novels ever since and across various genres. I am best known these days for my historical drama but also my crime series featuring Jack Hawksworth.

I have always travelled extensively, these days roaming the world for research, and while that makes me a bit of a gypsy, I’m happiest at our farm in South Australia with our three dogs, cat, and a lot of open space…and silence.

I host regular commercial fiction masterclasses for aspiring writers and our success rate has put us firmly into the sights of the major publishers.

Photograph and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites: 

Goodreads Profile.  Instagram  Official Author Website.  Amazon Profile

The Rose Garden by Tracey Rees

 

What a moving and beautifully told tale about the strength of female relationships in Victorian England.

Olive, Mabel, Ottilie and her mother Abigail are the main characters all living in London in 1895 and leading very different lifestyles. Their lives become intertwined and friendships formed that shock some of the Hampstead residents.

Poverty, racism, sexism, women’s rights (or rather lack of) and domestic abuse were all big problems during the Victorian era. They are all covered in this novel with plenty of detail, intrigue and drama to keep you turning the pages.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction, especially if you enjoy the writing of Rachel Hore and Dinah Jeffries.

Peach Blossom Pavilion by Mingmei Yip

Paperback:   421 pages                                                                                               
Genre: Historical Romance.
Publisher: Avon 2014
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence:  Prologue: The California sun slowly streams in through my apartment window, then gropes its way past a bamboo plant, a Chinese vase spilling with plum blossoms, a small incense burner, then finally lands on Bao Lan - Precious Orchid - the woman lying opposite me without a stitch on.
Favourite Quote: “I was performing my ritual of sipping tea, shooting flirtatious glances and planning murder”
Review Quote: ‘Memoirs of a Geisha but with a sharper, more suspenseful pace’ Powell’s Books
My Opinion: A fascinating account of how life was for a Chinese Courtesan in the early 20C. The protagonist Xiang Xiang is now an elderly lady in her late nineties and the story is her account to her great granddaughter of her life. Living in the Peach Blossom Pavilion where she was sent by her mother after the death of her father, she grew up with the prime reason for her education being to prepare her for life as a courtesan. Such a sad childhood, despite being successful and well cared for Xian Xiang never forgets her parents and plots to one day escape. When she does it is not for the straight forward life that you may imagine, oh no, adventures both passionate and dangerous lay ahead for her. A compelling read one of my favourites.
Highly recommended if you liked Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha or enjoy the writing of Anchee Min



Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

A seductive and evocative debut that opens the doors on life as a Chinese courtesan in the Peach Blossom Pavilion…

Behind the doors of the pavilion, a world of sensuality and intrigue awaits…

Xiang Xiang’s life as an innocent girl is about to change beyond recognition.

Falsely accused of murder, Xiang Xiang's father is executed, and her mother forced into a Buddhist nunnery. Xiang Xiang, alone and friendless at thirteen years old, is tricked into entering the Peach Blossom Pavilion, where she is given the name Bao Lan – Precious Orchid.

There she is trained in the fine arts of womanhood, studying music, literature, painting, and more importantly, the art of seduction and pleasuring men; and becomes one of China’s most successful courtesans.

However, Precious Orchid is determined to avenge her parents and sets out on a journey that includes passion, adventure, danger, fame, and finally, her chance to achieve the justice she has sought so long.

An enchanting tale of opulence and desire, perfect for fans of Anchee Min and Memoirs of a Geisha.


Author Profile

Mingmei Yip was born in China, received her Ph.D. from the University of Paris, Sorbonne, and held faculty appointments at the Chinese University and Baptist University in Hong Kong. She's published five books in Chinese, written several columns for seven major Hong Kong newspapers, and has appeared on over forty TV and radio programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, and the U.S. She immigrated to the United States in 1992, where she now lives in New York City.


Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.

Goodreads Author Profile    Amazon Author Page    Mingmei Yip - Author's Official Website

Mingmei Yip - Instagram       Facebook Profile    Mingmeiyip - Twitter