Historical Novel of the Month:
Above the Bay of Angels
by Rhys Bowen
“ I dare you to put it down once you’ve read the opening sentence. Set in Nice, Bowen brings to life a little known and riveting episode in history—the annual visit of Queen Victoria to the French seaside town and the tumult that ensues. It is sweeping and intimate, warm and gripping, Above the Bay of Angels is a wonderful read that will stay with you long after the book is finished. I loved it.”–New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny
About the Book
A single twist of fate puts a servant girl to work in Queen Victoria’s royal kitchen, setting off a suspenseful, historical mystery by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and The Victory Garden.
Isabella Waverly only means to comfort the woman felled on a London street. In her final dying moments, she thrusts a letter into Bella’s hand. It’s an offer of employment in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, and everything the budding young chef desperately wants: an escape from the constrictions of her life as a lowly servant. In the stranger’s stead, Bella can spread her wings.
Arriving as Helen Barton from Yorkshire, she pursues her passion for creating culinary delights, served to the delighted Queen Victoria herself. Best of all, she’s been chosen to accompany the queen to Nice. What fortune! Until the threat of blackmail shadows Bella to the Riviera, and a member of the queen’s retinue falls ill and dies.
Having prepared the royal guest’s last meal, Bella is suspected of the poisonous crime. An investigation is sure to follow. Her charade will be over. And her new life will come crashing down—if it doesn’t send her to the gallows.
Donna Shaw says
This story sounds so interesting with the intrigue and suspense involving royalty and their servants. This would be a new author for our group and I thank you for the chance to discuss it with my book club. We have 13 members and have been together 18 years. My daughter who is in this book club married a Frenchman and lived in Paris for 3 years. I think she could add A lot to our discussion.