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 … 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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The Secret Life of Mrs. London
Rebecca Rosenberg Novelist
The Secret Life of Mrs London is a story of a woman struggling to find herself. Charmain, is a very complex character who is the wife of the well known author Jack London.She loves Jack but feels her own writing is lost in his success. She devotes herself to helping him become successful, even as she once dreamed of being a writer herself. Charmain really struggles to put herself first. She has to tell herself that this is her life, even though she fears being nothing without Jack.
This novel takes place on the brink of World War 1 and is a very powerful love story filled with emotion, jealousy, and competition . The author weaves facts and fiction together throughout the novel. Jack maintains separate sleeping quarters, leaving Charmain sexually frustrated and open to temptation. Charmian is then pulled into the charms of the escape artist Harry Houdini, who shows her affection that goes way beyond that of her husband.
Immersing us into the lives of these characters, Rebbeca allows us to relive and experience their loves, fears and desires . A good read for people who appreciate historical romance .
Passion, love & magic
This Historical fiction is a whirlwind of adventure, love with a window view of a artists life in the political scene in America before the world war erupts. In the center of this is the great love story between Jack & Charmian London, he called her is mate and he was hers. Charmian has her hands full with Jack, keeping him inspired and working, making sense out of his notes and reworking his jumbled thoughts. As much as they love each other they could destroy one another with words & actions. Then one fateful day the London’s meet the Houdini’s, Jack & Harry constantly matching wits along with fighting for Charmian attention. Charmian is a strong talented women who really was Jack London’s equal and soulmate, who spread her wings after she lost her mate, she published her own works while keeping Jack London alive.
I just read your Book the Secret Life of Mrs London. This is a story about Jack London and his wife Charmain London. Your character portrayal of this couple is so real their love and insecurities. I love when a book teaches me something. I even looked the couple up.
This character-driven historical novel blends fact and fiction for a mesmerizing look at the complicated marriage of author Jack London and his wife Charmian, his self-absorption, and her desire to be recognized for own writing talents. Add to this mix the couple’s friendship with magician Harry Houdini and his wife, and you have a tantalizing tale of the lure of temptation and the affect it has on these fascinating characters. A great read!