Red Headed Book Lady: The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg

The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg

Publication Date: January 30, 2018

Lake Union Publishing

eBook & Paperback; 348 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

San Francisco, 1915. As America teeters on the brink of world war, Charmian and her husband, famed novelist Jack London, wrestle with genius and desire, politics and marital competitiveness. Charmian longs to be viewed as an equal partner who put her own career on hold to support her husband, but Jack doesn’t see it that way…until Charmian is pulled from the audience during a magic show by escape artist Harry Houdini, a man enmeshed in his own complicated marriage. Suddenly, charmed by the attention Houdini pays her and entranced by his sexual magnetism, Charmian’s eyes open to a world of possibilities that could be her escape. As Charmian grapples with her urge to explore the forbidden, Jack’s increasingly reckless behavior threatens her dedication. Now torn between two of history’s most mysterious and charismatic figures, she must find the courage to forge her own path, even as she fears the loss of everything she holds dear.

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Praise for The Secret Life of Mrs. London

“An impressively original and exceptionally well-crafted novel by an author who is a master of character- and narrative-driven storytelling, Rebecca Rosenberg’s The Secret Life of Mrs. London is an inherently riveting and thoroughly reader-engaging story from beginning to end and feature[es] many an unexpected plot twist and turn.” —Midwest Book Review “Interesting, and based on the actual lives of the participants…Learning more about Jack London was enjoyable, as well as seeing early feminist examples.” —Historical Novel Society “…Rosenberg paints an immensely intriguing portrait of a marriage and tells it in an accomplished lyrical prose that captures each moment with poetic intensity.” —Prairies Book Review “The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the marriage of Jack and Charmian London, both fascinating and complicated characters with rich inner lives that Rosenberg conveys in crisp yet poetic prose. This contemporary historical fiction raises questions that are still relevant today about what makes a good marriage, and whether creativity and stability are incompatible. A rich, resonant, deeply satisfying novel sure to delight and leave readers thinking long after they put it down.” —Malena Watrous, author of If You Follow Me and Sparked!, and director of the Stanford Continuing Studies Program in Novel Writing “The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a heart-wrenching portrait of a marriage between two people who utterly depend on one another, but ultimately aren’t enough for each other. With skillful precision of language, Rosenberg weaves a narrative that defines the complexities of love, passion, and art. This is a perceptive, deeply moving novel by a great new talent about a couple who has gone unnoticed in historical fiction until now. Anyone who has ever loved another person will want to read this book.” —Victoria Kelly, author of Mrs. Houdini: A Novel “One of Houdini’s best kept secrets was his affair with Charmian London in 1918. Now Rebecca Rosenberg tells the story using an elegant blend of fact and fiction, creating a Houdini book like no other. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a true peek behind the curtain and a page-turner.” —John Cox, Wild about Harry

MY REVIEW

A fascinating look at Jack London and his 2nd wife Charmain who were both writers

I'm like a lot of other people who've read Jack London's Call of the Wild which is a true classic in itself. Except that I haven't read it since I was in high school and once as a young woman

Rebbeca has done a great job in her research amd this is the result. To be able to bring these fascinating characters alive with a wonderful plot is really amazing!! I love talented authors like this. Her writing is definitely a work of art!

This story takes place on the brink of what is now known as The Great War.

While I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and Charmaine, I think I loved Harry Houdini and Bessie best!!

I would love to have been alive to see Houdini perform!! The best magician ever! But since I wasn't this book allowed me to do that. I felt like I was held in a trance while I watched him perform. I love magic shows. For some reason they fascinate me.

I would love to see a magic show since I haven't seen one in quite awhile.

Sometimes we have to take the path that is meant for us. I understand fearing everything you might lose is imperative but sometimes like my preacher said you have to get rid of the negative in your life in order to allow yourself some inner peace.

Will Charmaine allow herself to do this or will she give in to the urge to explore something that is not allowed and threatens her loyalty to Jack whose behavior that is growing out of control?

Y'all need to pick up this fabulous historical novel and be swept back to London in 1915! Trust me you won't want to come back to 2019.

I love the cover too! The title goes great with the story inside!

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own

About the Author

Rebecca Rosenberg receiving the IPPY Gold Medal

A California native, Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where Jack London wrote from his Beauty Ranch. Rebecca is a long-time student of Jack London’s works and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian London. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is her debut novel. Rebecca and her husband, Gary, own the largest lavender product company in America, selling to 4000 resorts, spas and gift stores. The Rosenbergs believe in giving back to the Sonoma Community, supporting many causes through financial donations and board positions, including Worth Our Weight, an educational culinary program for at-risk children, YWCA shelter for abused women, Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center to provide performances for children, Sonoma Food Bank, Sonoma Boys and Girls Club, and the Valley of the Moon Children's Home. For more information, please visit Rebecca's website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads. Visit the Facebook page for The Secret Life of Mrs. London.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 2 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Tuesday, September 3 Review at Melissa Reads Wednesday, September 4 Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads Thursday, September 5 Review at 100 Pages a Day Sunday, September 8 Review at My Reading Chronicles Review at Oh the Books She Will Read Tuesday, September 10 Review at Diana_bibliophile Thursday, September 12 Excerpt at I'm All About Books Friday, September 13 Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots Tuesday, September 17 Review at Hooked on Books Wednesday, September 18 Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals Friday, September 20 Review at Orange County Readers Monday, September 23 Review at Jathan & Heather Wednesday, September 25 Review at Red Headed Book Lady Thursday, September 26 Review, Q&A, & Excerpt at Nursebookie Friday, September 27 Review at Macsbooks Monday, September 30 Review at A Chick Who Reads Wednesday, October 2 Review at gatticus_finch Friday, October 4 Review at Coffee and Ink Interview at Jathan & Heather Saturday, October 5 Review at Reading is My Remedy Monday, October 7 Review at rebecca.is.reading Wednesday, October 9 Review at This Biblio Life Thursday, October 10 Review at Peaceful Pastime Friday, October 11 Review at Hopewell's Public Library of Life Saturday, October 12 Review at WTF Are You Reading? Monday, October 14 Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 3 signed paperbacks + swag and 7 eBooks! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 14th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.