A good start to a new historical fiction series with likable, interesting characters. I enjoyed the overall story, the writing and the fact that it is a series. A perfect book for a comfy evening.

Once again I’ve fallen into the trap of thinking I am reading a historical fiction to find that I am, in fact, reading a romance novel. To make it very clear, this is part of a series (something I didn’t know until I started reading), so the ‘true story behind the Boots empire’ may possibly arise in the subsequent novels (I won’t be reading them to find out), but I can tell you it is not touched on within this one, apart from the fact we meet Mr Boot, and at the end of this novel, our protagonist marries him, after long, drawn out and repetitive courtship that mentions very little about the Boots empire, or in fact anything along the lines of historical references of this time and place.

The positives: This was very easy to read and I wasn’t too disinterested in the lives of the characters; they were easily engaging and distinctive, frankly they were the only reason I finished this read and rated as 2 stars, rather than 1.

The negatives: Sadly everything else. The plot was filled with holes; it was at some points painfully slow but at others skipped time so quickly it was hard to keep up with how the relationship between Mr and Mrs Boot-to-be had progressed. The addition of the letters between the two at first gleamed hope of a deeper connection between them but sadly only served to repeat what had happened in the chapter so far (in fact everything that happened was repeated this way making it a beyond tedious method of communication for the reader). There were a lot of parts that infuriated me but Florence’s mother refusing to attend the wedding was up there as number one: utterly ridiculous and unbelievable.

I could go on but what I will say is while
I would not recommend this, had it been advertised as a romance, with a beautiful backdrop of Guernsey, it would have at least been aimed towards a reader looking for this kind of novel; I was not, and honestly I suspect the romance aspect isn’t enchanting enough to keep even most romance-lovers on the tips of their toes: 2 stars.

This is based on the story of Jesse and Florence Boots
The pace was very slow going and did drag a bit. This book is more of a romance than a historical fiction novel
The setting in the book was fabulous

I was excited to read this book for two reasons mainly, the first reason is that Deborah Carr is a great author, and her book The Poppy Field really swept you up and off into a world inside the pages, and the second is because I love all things The Channel Islands, being very lucky to have been there for work a few times. but what I didn't know before starting this book was that it was a series book and I just can't handle having a story broken up that way, I find that it takes too much away from the story and I have zero patience to wait for the next book.

When I started the book I did enjoy the story of Florence and Jessie, their age difference and mother interference aside, I was cheering them on from the sidelines, but then the book just started to repeat itself and honestly, it felt like the book had been padded out a little, to make it into a multi-part, rather than just one long book.

Will I read book 2? I honestly don't know, do I believe that Florence Boots story is one I would love and enjoy if it wasn't in more than one book, yes! but to have the time or desire to wait for a second (or third) part? no.

This book was based on a true story. I had never heard of Florence Boot, so this was an interesting read for me. However, you don’t really learn anything about the Boots chemical empire. Though hopefully the author will provide more details as the books in this series are written.

As I’ve said many times recently, I love historical fiction, but am not a romance fan. So the historical fiction of this book was very appealing, but I did not care for the romance aspect. The characters were well developed and the author does a wonderful job in taking you back in time and experiencing life in a simpler time.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This was a very interesting story Of Florence Boots. I was very interested from page one and enjoyed the story of her romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to one More Chapter and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Very good, lovely historical novel and a real "have a cup of tea" feel good about it. Very gripping and enjoyable. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction like me.

A fascinating story based on the real life events of Florence Rowe and how she came to be Mrs Boots.

During this book you get to know Florence for her loyalty and generousity and feel the passion she held for her family business. She was a character who wanted to be known as more than just a wife who keeps home and during this story you get to see why Jesse Boots and young Florence fell in love.

A wonderful story set in Jersey where she was born and raised where you gain an insight into her life and where she most loved to visit on her home island. I can't wait to read the next book as this one held me captivated from beginning to end.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for asking me to read and review.
This story was a wonderful read.
It is well written with some characters that are well rounded and as a reader you feel you are right there with them and feel the emotions that they are going through. The plot draws you in, keeping you wanting more and turning those pages.
A brilliant, addictive read.

Mrs Boots is the first novel in a new historical fiction series by Deborah Carr inspired by the life of Florence Boot, the woman behind the Boot's empire.

Jersey 1885, Florence Rowe lives with her family on the beautiful island of Jersey. She lives a quiet life, helping out her Father and Sister in the family owned book/stationary shop.

But Florence is a determined young woman, who doesn't particularly want to get married, or remain working as a shop girl as she perceives it. She wants more from life.

Despite her determination, Florence is kind and generous and will do anything to help others.

When she meets Jesse Boot, she is captivated by his business sense and ambition, and what starts out as a strong friendship, very quickly turns to love. Florence's opinions on marriage swiftly change, and it is her own Mother rather than her own heart that forces Florence not to rush into marriage with Mr. Boot.

Of course, her Mother only has her best interests at heart, but Florence believes that she is old enough to make up her own mind, and resolves to marry Jesse, no matter what obstacles may be put in their way.

This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. I have never been to Jersey, and of course the Jersey being described in 1885 is probably very different to the Jersey of today, but Deborah Carr makes it sound very beautiful indeed.

I can't wait to read the next installment in the series, and look forward to seeing what Florence gets up to next.

Deborah Carr is an author that only recently popped onto my radar with her book The Poppy Field. When her latest novel came up for review I found myself eager to read it as I hadn’t gotten around to The Poppy Field yet.

I was also intrigued by the fact that this book is told mostly through letters and I love epistolary novels so this book was a no brainer yes for me.

The other thing that drew me to this book was the fact that I knew nothing about this apparently well known women, Florence Boot. Before this book I hadn’t heard of her or the well known—but clearly not to me—Boots chemists. I love learning about new things so I was open to finding out more via this historical fiction novel!

Summary
Jersey, 1885

On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop. Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more…

When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl.

Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself? (summary from Goodreads)

Review
So the first thing I noticed about this novel was that it would be unlikely that I would discover anything more than minimal info about the Boots empire that I already know nothing about. If you are like me and you know nothing about the Boots empire, don’t look to this book to fill in the gaps beyond the absolute basics. While that was slightly a disappointment for me, the romance between Jesse and Florence more than made up for that issue.

Plus this is going to be a series so perhaps we will know more later on in the future books about the Boots empire, but either way even if there was bits about that empire missing in this book, as I said the romance was fulfilling and made up for that bit for me. Both of the characters together were refreshing and a pleasure to read. I adored Jesse Boot and thought he was easy to love and perfect romantic interest for Florence. I was absolutely invested in their relationship and romance.

If you love historical fiction and romance this is going to be a new series you want on your radar. The only thing that I struggled with in this one was the occasional repetitiveness. For example, all the anticipation of Jesse’s letters and the disapproval of Florence’s mother in regards to their match. Over all it wasn’t horribly distracting or irritating, but toward the end I was like ok I got it. I am looking forward to continuing this series and seeing if some of my lingering plot questions will be addressed in the future books but to see what direction these lovely characters head into next!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition
Published February 6th 2020 by One More Chapter
ASIN B07S8SD6JK
Free review copy provided by publisher, One More Chapter, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: historical fiction, romance

My response to Mrs Boots is divided – I loved the characters but was so frustrated because I want to know what happens next!

Not much happens plot wise in this book – it’s all about character. Florence Rowe is torn between being modern and independent and traditional and respecting her parents.

Her relationship with Jesse Boot unfolds gently. Their affinity is obvious yet their relationship follows the acceptable patterns of Victorian courtship. Despite being both being adults and the fact that the will be financially secure, Jesse and Florenxe obey her parents wishes.

I loved the insights into Victorian shop life and the kindness that Florence shows to some of her customers.

Mr and Mrs Rowe are interesting characters. Mrs Rowe refuses to accept Florence will be happy with Jesse Boot. She is firmly against the marriage and even put quite shocking conditions in the wedding itself. I’m interested to see if her opinion change into the future.

Florence is a so real in this book, I’m really looking forward to seeing how she develops in the second book. Her married life in Nottingham is going to be a huge contrast to family life in Jersey and it Jersey fascinating to see how she adapts.

Thank you Netgalley for this digital copy in return for an honest review.

More a simple love story than historical fiction, I found the characters to be shallow and under developed, with a thin plot line and uninteresting writing. I knew nothing of the Boots Pharmacies and this book did not help with this. Only my opinion.

The first book in a wonderful new series, MRS BOOTS by Deborah Carr is inspired by the life of Florence Boot, the woman behind the UK's favourite chemist. It's not a history of the Boots empire but rather the beginning of a promising story.

Jersey, 1885: Florence Rowe is 23 and lives on the channel island of Jersey with her family. The daughter of a successful shop W.H. Rowe Stationers, she and her sister Amy are assistants in the family run business. A self-confident independent young woman, Florence has no intentions of ever marrying and being under the dictatorship of a man. She intends to make her own mark on the world with ambitions of owning her own shop one day.

But then she meets Jesse Boot.

Jesse is on holiday on the island of Jersey when he is invited to tea one afternoon with the Rowes in their flat above the shop. A successful man in his own right, Jesse owns and runs a string of shops on the mainland in Nottingham and has only recently branched out and employed a chemist. He had shared the responsibility with his mother until her recent death, selling herbs for various ailments which she had procured and dried herself. His sister Jane, having visited the island previously, recommended he visit to take in its sheer beauty and to call on the Rowe's who had made her stay a pleasant one.

Florence's father had spoken of Jesse to his family but she hadn't taken much notice, having no interest in marriage but rather the important matters of running the shop instead. So when introduced to Jesse, she didn't expect to feel the reaction she did. The flutter in her stomach, the twinkle in his eyes, the flush of her face.

Over the coming days, Florence is tasked with showing Jesse the marvels of their island and in doing so the two find themselves sharing a camaraderie unfamiliar to them. Despite being a small island, the vast differences between the town and the coast is striking. Jesse finds himself drawn to its wonder and enamoured with his guide.

Florence has never experienced the feelings she now does but finds herself looking forward to her outings with Jesse and being in his company again. He is not like any man she has encountered before. He listens to her, encourages her and sees her as an equal rather than someone to kowtow to his whims. Together they enjoy a friendly banter and discussions about important matters, rather than trivialities.

Suddenly Florence, who never saw a need to marry, finds herself falling in love with Jesse and he with her, despite their twelve year age difference. Then when Jesse seeks her father to ask for her hand, the couple are overjoyed that permission is granted. However, neither of them foresaw Florence's mother's reaction, who flatly refuses the union and convinces her father to rescind his permission.

Instead, Jesse is to return to Nottingham and the two are permitted to continue their courtship via letter for a further ten months until the following summer in the hope that they would both reconsider their decision. But Florence and Jesse know their own minds and their hearts and the woman who vowed never to marry, now longs to marry the man she so truly loves.

However, they are restricted to writing and with every letter they confide in each other, growing closer and develop a love and respect that only deepened. Florence sought Jesse's advice with her ideas in implementing changes in the shop to helping those less fortunate. It's then that she soon discovers that she values Jesse's thoughts when seeking his opinion on things that trouble her. Just as he values hers.

It's then one day when a bedraggled young girl comes running into the open door of their shop to escape the angry man pursuing her, that Florence sees something in her frightened eyes. Lily Buttons comes from the poorer side of town, living hand to mouth with a father often in the local jail. But Florence soon learns that Lily has dreams...and potential. It just needs nurturing. Realising she has opportunity where others have none, Florence desires to make a difference in the life of others. An attribute Jesse admires in her.

Their love story and courtship is a sweet and hopeful story. And despite a year of separation when their love is tested, it is clear that their love will survive and all will end happily. Or will it? Will Florence's father grant his permission after the year has passed? Will her mother finally accept Jesse as her choice in husband and give her blessing?

Set in the Victorian era of the late 1800s, a time when the opinion of a woman wasn't permitted, where parent's wishes were obeyed and respected and social expectations were strictly adhered to, MRS BOOTS is like a breath of fresh air. It is captivating and romantic and I devoured it long into the night.

A gentle romance, MRS BOOTS is an easy read with an upbeat feel that is engaging and delightful. Some reviewers have said that they found the pace slow but not me. I was enthralled from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. For me, the pace was perfect. It was like a gentle stroll in the park with that feel of anticipation building fit to burst at times. It was the excitement felt in a courtship that just leaves you wanting more. It was perfect.

With the fabulous setting, the background, the supporting characters and the gentle romance between Florence and Jesse, MRS BOOTS is a beautiful captivating story I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.

I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of historical fiction and I cannot wait for the second in this wonderful series "Mrs Boots of Pelham Street" released in May 2020.

I would like to thank #DeborahCarr, #NetGalley and #HarperCollins and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #MrsBoots in exchange for an honest review.

Mrs Boots is the first book in the Mrs Boots series by Deborah Carr. Based on the true story of Florence and Jesse Boot it is a lovely gentle romantic story of how a girl from Jersey, the daughter of a bookshop owner, met and fell in love with Mr Boot. This book is a historical novel based on the true story of the empire building couple.

This novel centres on the very early meeting and courtship of the couple - often from a far. It is a slow sensitive read and if you are looking for anything racey, you will be disappointed. Set in 1880's Jersey, a beautiful picture of the island is painted.

A delightful read as a one off book but I bet by the end you will be wanting to know what will come next. So the thought of a series of books is our reward. I see and know of a bright and successful future for Florence Boot.

Thanks to Netgalley and OneMore Chapter for an advance reading copy.

Mrs Boots is the first book in the Mrs Boots series by Deborah Carr. If you just want the romantic story of how the owner of Boots met and fell in love then you will be more than happy with just this book. But if, like me, you want to find out what happens next and hopefully some more fabulous factual information about the Boots company then I am sure you will be waiting impatiently for the next book to be released.

I really loved this book. Some reviewers have mentioned that it seemed slow going, but for me, the pace was perfect and highlighted just how long a courtship that Jessie Boot and Florence Rowe had to have. They were both relatable characters and I am so glad that they found each other. They truly sound like soulmates. I don't want to say any more about them because it would be too easy to give spoilers.

What I will say is that finding out the origins of the Boots company, and about Jesse and Florence who were real people was really fascinating. I also loved learning about Rowes the Stationers that Florence worked at which belonged to her father. The store was based in Jersey and although I have never been and things, of course, will have changed much since then, I would still love to go there now and see the place for myself.

So between the fabulous setting, the real historical background plus the wonderful romance between Jesse and Florence I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book and am very happy to recommend it!

A breath of fresh air! This is a historical fiction novel with an upbeat feel. I read this in two days as I couldn’t put this one down.
Florence is a sweet soul and I just adore Mr. Boot.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Thank you NetGalley and Deborah Carr for this ARC I exchange for my honest review.

A deeply evocative historical novel that perfectly captures the social and financial mores determined by social status and the class structure on the island of Jersey in the 1880s.
This is a fascinating insight into life on Jersey at this time.
I particularly enjoyed the changing relationship between Florence and her family as her independence grows and the challenges faced by ordinary people to receive medical and social care in a world before state support.
A perfect escapist read.

This is part of a new historical series about Mrs Boots the founder of the boots empire.

This was a very interesting and intriguing read that is set in the channel islands. 

It was beautifully written and it tells a beautiful and poetic story

Mrs Boots #1

Based on the true story of Florence and Jesse Boots. Florence Rowe worked in her father's book shop. She meets Jesse Boots when he visited Jersey and they fall in love. Her parents oppose their marriage. They finally agree that if the young couple are still together after a year of eing apart, they will reconsider their decision. Their only form of communication is y writing letters.

Florence is a headstrong woman and was absinthe woman who was behind the Boots empire that we know of today. But has book has little reference to the Boots empire. It's more a love story than historical fiction. There is a ,ot of repetition between the letters sent between the couple. I will read the next book in this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins, One More Chapter and the author Deborah Carr for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.