The Price of Innocence is Vicki Hopkins' debut fiction novel, penned to tug at the hearts of many. Insightful, but delicately written, the author draws a picture of life, but allows the reader to paint the canvas of intimacies in their own imagination.
It is the tender story of Suzette Camille Rousseau, a young woman in late 19th century Paris, who makes a difficult journey from innocence to maturity. After losing a sheltered life with her father, Suzette is thrown into the harsh reality of poverty, struggling as a homeless woman on the streets of Paris. In order to survive, she faces difficult choices that offer little hope of redemption.
Her journey takes her from the charities of St. Vincent de Paul, to a local laundry house where she toils endlessly in filth and squalor. To her surprise, one of her customers is the Chabanais, the most famous brothel in France that only caters to aristocrats. Like a fly drawn to a spider's web, the mistress of the brothel entices Suzette into a world of opulence, comfort, and beauty, but there is a price to pay—- her innocence.
Succumbing to a life of prostitution, she meets a handsome English Lord who saves her from the unthinkable. When he spirits her off to another country, her past follows. A man, who refuses to forget his promise, relentlessly pursues Suzette intent on regaining her heart. He only wishes for one thing— to give her love and a life of respectability.
The author transports its readers back to another time and place, weaving facts of 19th century life throughout the story.
In conclusion, The Price of Innocence is a stunning tale of two men, one woman, and the symbol of a flower that promises happiness. It's the first in a series of three novels continuing the story of its wonderful characters.
Though the entire novel is not set in the Chabanais brothel, a large portion of the work is set behind its opulent doors.
Located at 12 Rue Chabanais, Paris France, the brothel opened in 1878 and remained open until France abolished legalized prostitution. The building is now an apartment house.
Founded by Madame Kelly, an Irish woman, who frequented the Jockey Club to solicit investors, she succeded in building an empire. Her brothel catered only to the elite bourgeois and aristocrats, who sought their sexual fantasies fulfilled among 30 distinct rooms.
Madame Kelly, quite the business lady, raised 1.7 million francs to build her temple of love that was described by one patron as follows:
"There are mirrors everywhere, on all the walls and all the ceilings; there are hangings everywhere; dazzling electric lights everywhere; and everywhere perfumes in this temple of love."
Located near the Garnier and the Bibliothèque Nationale, even the French government used the establishment as a perk for visiting dignitaries.
Prostitution in France was regulated by the government under the auspices of the Bureau of Morals. Prostitutes were required to register, carry cards for their professions, and brothels adhered to strict rules and regulations, none of which deterred from the pleasure. they were able to offer their customers.
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Comments:
"WHAT A GREAT READ! I think this book was a great romance, and a tasteful one with a truly historical flavor. " A. Conley
"I really love your book. I look forward to the sequel. I'm excited to know as to what will happen between Robert and his son. I'm thrilled to know (deleted spoiler!).... I also love the cover image. It really fits the story. Congratulations in advance." A. Aborque, Xlibris Rep.
"I finally finished The Price of Innocence, and it was amazing. I couldn't put it down once, and I have to say that I laughed, and cried, and by the time I had finished the novel I was craving more!"
Reviews on Barnes & Noble:
December 10, 2009: I could not put this book down. The story draws you into the time period and you feel and see everything just like you are there among the characters. The author has really done her homework on the time period details and it comes across as very credible. If you want something to read for your book club, a rainy day or to give as a gift, this would be an excellent choice. I'm going to read it again! Enjoy!
December 17, 2009: This novel has everything...filled with complex characters and has tremendous emotional depth. A wonderful and tender love story, yet the harsh realities and challenges of everyday life are interwoven throughout the novel. I was hooked from page one, and was completely engaged until the very last word. This novel is a must read and will not disappoint. A true masterpiece.
December 22, 2009: The Price of Innocence is a well written, more-than-worth-it read. The characters are well developed and the story line is amazing. You just can't put it down! I wanted to keep reading the book, never wanting it to end. The setting is very detailed and interesting. I recommend this book to anyone. A cup of coffee, a couch, and a cozy fire on a rainy day is the perfect way to read this novel.
January 12, 2010:: It is clear that the author immersed herself into the period depicted in her first historic romance. Her research gave her the tools to paint a rich tapestry that is deeply detailed, depicting a realistic portrayal of the brutal world of Paris in the late 1800's. The story flows smoothly and takes you along on Suzette's struggle as she fights to survive in a cruel city that offers no hope for non-privileged women. You understand her gratitude to the man who gives her the chance to rise above her unfortunate situation, her ensuing love for him as he continues to protect her, and the desperation she feels when the truth of her situation is revealed. The author gives us rich, well-defined characters and makes us care about them, yet holds nothing back about the grim reality of a woman's place in a man's world. I look forward to the next book in the series!
The Price of Innocence Blog
Vicki Hopkins, Author - Official Website
Coming next year, a continuation of the story under the title, "The Price of Deception."
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