The Spice Merchant's Wife cover art

The Spice Merchant's Wife

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The Spice Merchant's Wife

By: Charlotte Betts
Narrated by: Penelope Freeman
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About this listen

1666. Newly married to a wealthy spice merchant, Kate Finche believes all her dreams of a happy family life are just around the corner until the Great Fire rages through London.

She watches in horror as their livelihood goes up in flames, filling the air with the heady scents of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. As the city is devastated, Kate's husband, Robert is forced to seek employment to ensure their survival, but when he is found drowned, Kate refuses to believe that he has taken his own life.

Widowed and penniless, she seeks refuge in The House of Perfume, the home of blind perfumer Gabriel Harte, who awakens Kate's senses to a whole new world. But as she flees from this forbidden love, her husband's murderer comes looking for her....

The Spice Merchant's Wife is a stunning novel, bursting with the colour and flavour of Restoration London - perfect for listeners of Philippa Gregory, Joanne Harris and Patrick Suskind's Perfume.

©2013 Charlotte Betts (P)2013 Hachette Audio Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Marriage Romance

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All stars
Most relevant  
I was absolutely unable to stop listening. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend it.

Very enjoyable

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Enjoyed this book set around the time of the Great Fire in 1666. Generally there’s not a huge sense of history, but there’s a strong plot and a set of characters that the listener can relate to.

This is a complex tale of love, loss, revenge with a central character built from real life records. It kept my attention throughout and I was keen to know how it was all going to turn out.

Strong plot

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Excellent storyline, had me gripped throughout. Loved the dark side of the story as well as the light.
Very well narrated too

Well worth a listen…great storyline from the beginning

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Just story telling at its finest! An unashamed happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

brilliant story telling

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A thoroughly enjoyable step back to 17th century London. A good story of surviving hardships and life at the time
A story that weaves it's way through sorrow and love
I was gripped from start to finish

Step back in time

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Any additional comments?

didn't enjoy this as much as I expected to after the apothecary's daughter which I really enjoyed.
the fire of London was well described and the ending of the book was as expected.
the historical notes as the end were interesting.
Penelope freeman did a good job performing the story.

predictable romance.

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The story was compelling with twists and turns which were enjoyable. The narration was excellent, however, it was so dramatic as to be quite triggering.


Whilst not a criticism of this book of itself, more a general plea to audible to adjust their listings. I wish there were info provided as to sensitive content in audiobooks as is provided for film. Listening to scenes of extreme physical and sexual abusive without prior warning is retraumatising for many if this has been your experience. With a physical book it is possible to look ahead a little, and avoid sections as necessary. This is not a forded to the listener as it has been heard before able to avoid.

Good story, if a somewhat traumatic listen

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A gorgeous novel, written so as to stir the senses and make the reader feel as if they are immersed in the sights and sounds described so eloquently.
Penelope Freeman does the book justice in her narration of it; naturally soothing in her tone, she invites the listener to take in the journey of Katherine Finch using all senses.
I truly didn't want it to end.

Beautifully written and we'll narrated

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I completely lost myself in this story that was set during the great fire in 1666 and the subsequent rebuilding of London. The twist and turns of the plot kept me hooked to the very end along with characters that I warmed to.
I could just smell all the perfumes in the Apothecary shop!
Charlotte Betts is a new enjoyable author for me!

Excellent!

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really enjoyed this audible book couldn't stop listening Penelope again top narrator so brilliant

fabulous listen

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