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. Penning heartfelt emotional journeys is Vicki’'s forte, and her first historical fiction novel is sure to please its readers.
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.
November 9, 2009 - The book will be available for purchase initially through the publisher, Xlibris.
Within 30 days later, you'll be able to find it worldwide at other online retailers such as:
Purchase Here
Pre-release reviews:
"I'm fighting back tears. You are an amazing writer and words cannot adequately express how talented I think you are. You have a gift and I am so thankful that you shared the manuscript with me. I am forever touched" J. Loth
"WHAT A GREAT READ! I think this book was a great romance, and a tasteful one with a truly historical flavor. Thanks for letting me edit it!" A. Conley
"Just finished reading a draft of my friend's first novel: The Price of Innocence. I didn't get anything done today because I could not put it down. She is so talented. I can't wait to buy my own copy once she gets it published." L. Hoehna
"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.
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."
