I have had the pleasure of reading all of Christine Trent's books. Her latest Lady of Ashes is now one of my favorites. To know what I thought of this book, you can read my review. Following this interview is a giveaway open internationally.

Please help me welcome Christine on Library of Clean Reads as she's taken the time to chat with me about her new book and the morbid but utterly fascinating topic of undertaking.

LCR: Hi Christine, welcome to Library of Clean Reads! I have read and reviewed all of your books and, although you've impressed me with all of them (your historical details are so well researched) I think Lady of Ashes is now one of my favorites! It got me all curious about the trade of undertaking. Here are a few things I was wondering about:

The character, Violet Morgan, is a female undertaker during the Victorian era, a most unusual profession. Was this hard to research?

CT: Yes, in that undertakers have always held their practices close. Whether it is how they keep jaws and eyes closed, or their particular embalming methods, each mortician has his own special way of doing things, and is not keen to share it. Funeral directors tend to hand their businesses down from generation to generation, leading to more confidentiality of their practices. I am by no means insulting their traditions, merely stating that it made research difficult. Furthermore, undertaking was largely reviled historically in both the U.S. and Great Britain (read Oliver Twist), which I suspect also led undertakers to become much more private about their procedures.

Such revulsion continues to this day, with many people complaining that funeral homes are vastly overpriced and that funeral directors prey on the grieving. I think this is a shame. Funeral directors provide a great service for grieving families. Imagine a profession where you deal with death day in and day out, providing capable support to the parents of a child who has died, or to a wife who has just lost her husband of many years, or to an entire community who has lost one of its well-respected members.

Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent
Kensington Books
ISBN: 978-0758265913
Published Feb 26, 2013
Trade paperback, 420 pages

Christine Trent is a historical novelist who has the knack for creating memorable women characters. They are independent tradeswomen with unusual professions whose lives cross with well-known historical figures. In The Queen's Dollmaker, Claudette Laurent is a dollmaker who meets Queen Marie Antoinette; in A Royal Likeness, Marguerite is the apprentice of Madame Tussaud, learning the trade of making life-size wax models of famous people; in By the King's Design, Annabelle Stirling is a draper (cloth merchant) who gets to decorate King George IV's Pavilion; and finally in her latest novel Lady of Ashes, we meet Violet Morgan who is a female undertaker who is involved with the burial of Queen Victoria's husband.

The setting is Victorian London, where Violet Morgan shares the trade of undertaking with her husband, Graham. She takes pride in her trade and the reader learns about her profession, funeral etiquette, and how people mourned in 1860s England. Fascinating to say the least. Violet is a sensible, hardworking woman who knows how to deal with death. After she goes through a harrowing near-death experience, discovers her husband's obsession and develops a meaningful relationship with a child named Susanna, she also begins to notice some of the corpses she prepares for burial have suffered a strange death, leading to the possibility of serial murders.

There is a lot of history in this novel, from the Civil War in the Unites States to the political affairs with Queen Victoria. Trent seemlessly blends all of this with Violet's story, and, as is her trademark, involves her common tradeswoman with Royalty. This novel is labelled an historical mystery. The prologue begins with the murderer's entry into a diary. So right from the very beginning we are guessing as to who this murderer might be and who was murdered. Throughout the book we have various entries from the murderer who writes in this diary. However, Violet only becomes aware that someone might be committing murders in the second half of the book. Therefore, this is more an historical story with a mystery element than a mystery novel as one might expect when reading this genre.

Out of all the books I read by Christine Trent this is one of my favourite. Trent is truly a master at bringing history alive through the eyes of a strong tradeswoman. Death is common to all of us, so any reader can relate to a certain extent. I also grew to have an appreciation for those who are in this profession and deal with it on a daily basis. This is the first book in a series, so we are to see more of Violet. I know because I asked Christine Trent. Visit again on Thursday, March 7 to read more of what she has to say about Lady of Ashes and for a chance to win a copy of this book!

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.
To read more reviews, visit the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Page.
Twitter Hashtag: #LadyOfAshesVirtualTour

By The King's Design by Christine Trent
Kensington Books
ISBN: 978-0758265906
Published: Jan 31, 2012
Trade Paperback, 384 pages

This is the third book I read by historical novelist Christine Trent. Both The Queen's Dollmaker and A Royal Likeness were books that transported me back in history, making me see it through the eyes of strong heroines “with unusual professions”, as the author puts it. Yes, this is what I love the most about Trent's books; the main characters are tradeswomen who somehow get involved in some way with real-life historical figures.

For more reviews, visit the Historical Fiction Tour Page. You can also follow on Twitter: #BytheKing'sDesignVirtualTour

Note: This book is rated S = sexual scenes. There are scenes involving opium drugs and adultery (not explicit).
I will count this book toward the following challenges: A - Z Book Challenge

About the author:
Christine Trent writes historical fiction from her two-story home library. She lives with her wonderful bookshelf-building husband, four precocious cats, a large doll collection, entirely too many fountain pens, and over 4,000 fully cataloged books. She and her husband are active travelers and journey regularly to England to conduct book research at historic sites. Christine Trent's novels include The Queen's Dollmaker and A Royal Likeness. She is currently working on her 4th novel, Lady of Ashes, which will be released in 2013.

For more information, please visit Christine Trent's Website, or connect with her on Facebook.

Reviewed by Laura



Disclosure: Thanks to the author and Amy from Historical Fiction Book Tours for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

A Royal Likeness by Christine Trent (Rated: V for some bloody war scenes)
Kensington Books
ISBN: 978-0758238580
Published Dec 28, 2010
Trade Paperback, 384 pages



I will count this book toward the following challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge, TwentyEleven Challenge

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Allow me to introduce Christine Trent, author of the historical novel The Queen's Dollmaker, a novel which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed! You can read my review of The Queen's Dollmaker here.

1) Tell us about yourself and what you do.

Thanks, Laura, for having me. I’m delighted to be here with your readers. When I’m not writing, I’m probably scrapbooking, cuddling my cats, or watching news. Over the last couple of years, I’ve turned into a total news junkie. I used to go through a novel a week, but now most of my reading time is spent on research. I do miss curling up with a good book on a regular basis.

2) How long have you been writing?

I started THE QUEEN’S DOLLMAKER in 2003, while working as a management consultant for a defense contractor. It was my first manuscript, and it really just had hobby status for me until I actually realized I was going to finish it in 2006. After its completion, I immediately started working on my next manuscript. I sold DOLLMAKER in 2008, and finally turned to writing full time in mid-2009.

3) Where do you get your inspiration to write?

My husband and I love to travel to England, and it is through walking through those wonderful old castles and stately homes that I derive my biggest injections of creativity.

4) Where do you like to write? What type of writing schedule do you follow?

Schedule? Haha! I tend to be quite random about it. While I’m promoting a book, almost no writing gets done. But when I’m buried far deep in another century, I’ll write seven days a week. And when I am actively writing, I do so to the accompaniment of a spreadsheet that I use to track how many words each day I’m writing as I go along. It helps me to figure out what my best writing days are, and how long it takes me to write each book.

5 ) What genre do you write and why?

I’ve been reading historical fiction for as long as I can remember, so it felt only natural to write in that genre. My shelves are filled with books by Margaret George, Sharon Kay Penman, Edward Rutherfurd, Colleen McCullough, Bernard Cornwell, Michelle Moran, Norah Lofts, Jean Plaidy...the list goes on and on. I love disappearing into the past.

6) Tell us more about your book and where it is available for purchase.

THE QUEEN’S DOLLMAKER is the story of a London dollmaker who is falsely accused of smuggling money and jewels inside fashion dolls to the imprisoned Queen Marie Antoinette. I think my publisher describes it best:

On the brink of revolution, with a tide of hate turned against the decadent royal court, France is in turmoil—as is the life of one young woman forced to leave her beloved Paris. After a fire destroys her home and family, Claudette Laurent is struggling to survive in London. But one precious gift remains: her talent for creating exquisite dolls that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France herself, cherishes. When the Queen requests a meeting, Claudette seizes the opportunity to promote her business, and to return home. . .

Amid the violence and unrest, Claudette befriends the Queen, who bears no resemblance to the figurehead rapidly becoming the scapegoat of the Revolution. But when Claudette herself is lured into a web of deadly political intrigue, it becomes clear that friendship with France’s most despised woman has grim consequences. Now, overshadowed by the specter of Madame Guillotine, the Queen’s dollmaker will face the ultimate test.

The Queen's Dollmaker is available for purchase at various online stores including Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Borders, Barnes and Nobles and Books-a-Million.

7) What have you done to promote your book?

I’ve been visiting a lot of lovely bloggers, like you! I’ve got several signings set up in the MD/VA area, too.

8) Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you to overcome it?

I remember attending a conference a few years ago in which Bernard Cornwell was the keynote. He said that there’s no such thing as writer’s block. I think I agree with him. I believe writer’s block can be better termed “rebellion against the keyboard.” As in, my fingers would rather be typing e-mails and visiting blogs than doing any actual writing.

I’ve been known to remove my wireless card and ask my husband to hide it from me, so that I’m not tempted to rebel and do things I’m not supposed to. I can get amazing amounts of writing done when I don’t have any other virtual distractions. But I would never abandon visiting blogs altogether. They’re far too interesting and entertaining!

9) In your novel, the art of dollmaking is an essential part of your story and your main character. What made you decide to use this subject? Is it an art you've practiced or one you researched specifically for this novel?

I knew that I wanted my heroine to have an unusual profession, something relatively unknown but one that would be plausible for a woman living in the 18th century. I have an extensive doll collection, and it was while organizing my dolls one day that I hit on the idea of using a dollmaker as a heroine. Most of my own dolls are modern, so I had to do quite a bit of research as to what dollmaking was like three centuries ago.

My most surprising discovery in research was that the dolls Marie Antoinette would have collected and enjoyed would have been made of wood, not of wax or porcelain. The second surprise is that there are very few original examples of these kinds of dolls left, most having been lost to time.

10) What is your next project?

I’ve completed a sequel to THE QUEEN’S DOLLMAKER, which is scheduled for release next year (exact date TBD). It follows the adventures of Marguerite du Georges, the heiress to the doll shop, who goes on to become an apprentice to the great waxworker, Madame Tussaud. Marguerite joins Tussaud’s traveling wax exhibition in Great Britain, putting her dollmaking skills to use in creating realistic wax figures of the famous and infamous.

But her new career nearly melts down when she assists the English crown in a scheme to create wax effigies of important political figures to fool Napoleon into thinking that England is negotiating treaties and alliances with other countries, when in fact something else entirely is happening. A French spy catches on to Marguerite's game and Napoleon's long grasp puts her in mortal danger.

11) What advice do you have for new writers?

I think the most important recommendation I can give to new writers is to join – and become active in – organizations specific to your genre. I found my editor by attending a national writer’s conference, and found my agent quite by chance while volunteering for a local writing retreat. Writing organizations are the way to hone your craft (through workshops), meet other writers who can give you critiquing support, and network with professionals in the industry. It is time well spent!

Thanks, Christine, for allowing us to glimpse into your writing life!

The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent
(rated: V minor scenes during French Revolution)
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 978-0-7582-3857-3
Published January 2010
Trade Paperback, 342 pages

Author Christine Trent easily and deftly transported me back to Paris and London in the late 1700s when France was on the brink of the Revolution. I love stories—especially if they are well told—whose main character goes from rags to riches despite almost impossible odds.

Claudette Laurent is left penniless and alone after tragically losing her home and parents, but she prevails using her wit, talent and kindness. She experiences hardship, adventure, danger, romance and royal intrigue that keep the pages turning quickly. The fact that Claudette was a dollmaker added realism, depth, and artistic quality to the story. I learned about the art of dollmaking as Claudette’s own life transformed.

Fictional characters blended easily with historical figures that the author brought to life, mainly Queen Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI, the Princess de Lamballe and Marie Grosholtz. The opulence of the royal court contrasted with the rough streets of Paris creating the setting for the French Revolution that followed where Claudette’s loyalty to the queen almost costs her life. The plot is rich and captivating with well-developed characters that move it along quickly. I was delighted to find it a clean read, although for those of you sensitive to violence the book does describe some of the gruesome and bloody massacres that took place during the French Revolution. But this is minor in the totality of the story.

Two men dominate Claudette’s heart and they are very different. Jean-Philippe is passionate and this will lead him to make choices that cost him dearly. And then there is William. If there is one thing I found lacking was the romance between Claudette and William. It began well but the long courtship allowed for the romance to fizzle down to almost nothing. I was hoping for more passion between them, which did not even come through when they were reunited. However, the premise of the story and the cast of characters make up for any lack in this aspect. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and I look forward to reading more books by this talented author.

Disclosure: I won this book from Marcia's Mailbox Monday Read it Forward Program at The Printed Page. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.