An enlightening story about a woman who lived in the shadow of a great author. I really enjoyed the story.

This was a fascinating historical novel the book was incredibly well written and really brought the characters to life. I was glad to learn more about that era, and the interesting lives of the London’s and Houdini’s. I just started reading historical fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it is a great mix of historical fiction and fiction. I definitely recommend this book you won’t want to put it down.

Jack London is known for being a prolific writer. He is well known today for his two novels, White Fang and The Call of the Wild but who is the man behind the stories? What was his personal life like and who were the people in his life that supported his work? When I spotted this book at NetGalley I crossed my fingers and hoped I would get a review copy and sure enough, I did. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to be accepted to review this book. I absolutely love it when modern writers write about other writers about their commercial successes-if you will. After reading The Secret Life of Mrs. London, I started to research him further and what I found made such a bigger impression on this story. Jack London lived quite a life to say the least…

This story is told in Mrs. London’s-Jack’s second wife-point of few and it was extraordinary! I was captivated right from the start to finish, I didn’t want the story to end to be honest. I was quite envious of the authors beautiful flow of story-telling, she weaved the story so in tuned with that era and captured so eloquently what life must have been like for Mrs. Jack London. She was an intriguing woman and contributed to Jack’s work in a big way. When reading this story, you realize that without her in Jack’s life, you question if he would have been the writer he is known for.

I would also like to add that I enjoyed the passages from London’s books at the beginning of each chapter. The only problem I had with this story is that it ended.

Wonderfully drawn characters, beautiful prose, larger than life story-telling and a story I will hold close to my heart for a long time to come. I highly recommend this book to all and hope to see more stories like this from this author. I am a big fan!

Five-star rating!

I obtained a copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

I bailed on this one. To be honest it was probably due to a book hangover and working many hours. I just could not care about Mrs London. I found her whiney. And don’t get me started on Jack London....talk about self centered! I really wanted to like this book because the cover is fabulous. Sadly, it was not for me.

Charmian needs her husband to need her so badly that it must be devastating sometimes. This historical fiction is about Jack London’s second wife Charmian. Their relationship began as a professional one and you might say that Charmian became his muse. I think intellectually he respected her but didn’t see her as an equal. Their relationship began as a passionate one but 9 years deep into their marriage and she’s desperate for his attention.

It’s sad really. She realizes early on that he almost enjoys jealousy. If someone else is interested in Charmian, he is more interested in her himself.
So, sometimes the situations wind up questionable for Charmian. It’s like she is seeking attention from other men in order to make her husband more interested. But of course the men are actually interested in her and they also see the way her husband treats her.
In addition, it seems almost everyone she knows is cheating on their spouse and it’s practically an accepted thing in her social circle.

I’m mentioning all of this because I feel like that’s more what the book is about than Charmian trying to chose between Jack and Harry Houdini.

This book interested me in large part because I’ve always found Houdini very interesting. I like Bess too. I’ve read a few stories about them before and enjoyed them. There wasn’t as much Houdini time in the book as I would have imagined. But it’s Charmian’s story.

I can see why this genre of books about famous wives has taken off. By that I mean, wives of famous men. We don’t know much about the women behind the scenes in a lot of cases. Of course it’s not at all surprising that they are equally complex, interesting and intelligent beings despite getting a bit lost in someone’s shadow.

I got to read an early copy of this e book through NetGalley.

A fascinating look at real life characters! For all my love of author biographies, I've never read much about the Londons, but after just a few pages of The Secret Life of Mrs. London I found myself absolutely captivated by this fascinating literary couple. In a book that carries us to exotic lands and even more exotic emotional territory, Rosenberg offers a deliciously naughty peer through the blinds of Jack and Charmian London, painting a fascinating and ultimately cautionary tale about the perils of living in the rarified orbit of a man who is larger than life--and the strength required to reclaim yourself and finally live life on your own terms. What a lovely surprise this book was!

I instantly knew that I wanted to read The Secret Life of Mrs. London from the moment I read the blurb. I just love reading historical fiction about famous persons and I was intrigued by the prospect of reading a book about Jack London, a man that I didn't know much about. Also, the addition of Harry Houdini to the story made my eagerness to read this book even greater.

I've actually been putting off writing this review, you know waiting for the right moment because I was so taken with the story that I needed some breathing pause to be levelheaded to write a review that is just me rambling. To be honest, I'm not sure it helped, but anyway, here we go!

The Secret Life of Mrs. London is about Jack London's wife Charmain London and in this story we get to follow Charmain story through a period in life when everything around her changes. Her marriage isn't the easiest and although Jack loves Charmain do one really get a feeling that she is there to take care of Jack businesses, from his writing to the dream house that he's building. Her own ambition, her own writing is something that she has to just dream about. The Harry Houdini sweeps into her life...
As much as I liked Jack in this book can't I help, but frankly adore Harry Houdini. The attraction between him and Charmain is palpable. It helps that the writing is top-notch that the characters are so alive, so well-developed that I breathlessly turned every page with the desire to know what happens next, but at the same time didn't I want the story to end. Yes, I'm gushing, but seriously, this is one book I could easily read again and nowadays I don't have time to re-read books. Another character I came to like very much is Bess Houdini, she shows up in the book now and then, and just like her famous husband has Bess a strong and vibrant personality. I quite liked her interaction with Charmine.

The Secret Life of Mrs. London is one of the best books I have ever read. It's a story I will never forget and I can't wait to see what Rebecca Rosenberg will write next.

3 Stars.

This is a well written and researched fictionalized account of the marriage of Jack and Charmian London.

The London's marriage was of the bohemian type, with Charmian having an affair and getting pregnant by another man. She was also a writer, and dissatisfied with her role as Jack's support system. It was her job to sober him up and make sure he wrote every day. The rest of her husband's care was in the hands of his sister who lived with them and who didn't approve of Charmian.

The book also chronicles Charmian's friendship with Harry Houdini and his wife and I can't help thinking that Charmian wasn't much of a friend to Bessie Houdini.

I really wanted to love this book, it has all the right elements, but I couldn't warm up to any of the characters, particularly Charmian, who I wouldn't trust any further than I could throw her. If you are a fan of Jack London's writing and you like reading about messy, complicated, marriages you'll enjoy this more that I did.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a copy of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Rosenberg, and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read and review an ARC of The Secret Life of Mrs. London. I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting, which is rare for me. It made me want to know more about Jack London and Houdini and his charming wife, and it made me *need* to track down Charmian's books. This book is well-written, sexy, entertaining, gripping, and sad.

I can't wait to read what you put out next, Miss Rosenberg!

A very well deserved 5/5!

I liked this book and learned a lot about some interesting characters alive during this time. Charmain is married to famous author, Jack London. Even though she loves him, she wants to be an author in her own right. Mr. London doesn't really see it this way-he sees her as a helper for him and his writing. After meeting the Houdinis, Charmain has an affair with Harry Houdini.

I thought this book was very well written and provided a lot of details about some interesting people.

Charmain is married to the famed author, Jack London and having a secret affair with Houdini. Interesting, revealing story that shows what we actually know about famous people is often just the tip of the iceberg. Sexual situations and language...fast-paced and informative. Good read!

Rebecca Rosenberg does an excellent job of fleshing out the back stories and quirks that made Jack London, Houdini, and Charmian London such interesting and charismatic public figures in an age of giant personalities.

The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a very well written slice into the early to mid-20th century in the United States. The geography, social stratas and mindsets are authentic, as are the publicly accepted views of the London's and the Houdini's. this is a period novel that is very hard to put down, and a look into the society of that time I found both interesting and important.

The Golden Age brought us many larger-than-life luminaries in a time when we needed heroes to distract and encourage us to keep moving through the trying days of world wars and injustices and economic collapse. Without the distraction of both the personalities and the works of those heros, more of us would have fallen by the wayside. This novel covers - very well - the driving forces behind three of those mythical beings we saw only in golden silhouette. Ms. Rosenberg takes us into the grit behind these celebrated personages without destroying the spirit that made them our heroes.

My father was, while in his cups, able to quote whole segments of Jack London novels and as a child I tackled several of his works - those about dogs and sea creatures - when I ran out of Uncle Buddy's Zane Grey novels. In my thirties I read bits and pieces of London works to my little rug rats, and re-read a few of my own childhood favorites. Pushing 70, this novel has me anxious to start the cycle over again.

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel based on fact from Netgalley, Rebecca Rosenberg, and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

Fascinating. Charmain London was unknown to me and I suspect that fans of either Jack London (her husband) and or Harry Houdini (her lover) might feel differently about this novel which looks at her relationship with both of them. Read this as a book about a woman who is dealing with questions about herself and her relationship with two very dynamic men, neither of whom was a gem in real life. Charmain, btw, is, to use an old fashioned word, a home wrecker. She's also a talented writer in her own right. This was clearly carefully researched and it's nicely written. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This is for fans of the genre of historical fiction that examines the lives of the wives (and lovers) of famous men who have previously been little more than a footnote. You'll learn a lot while enjoying a good story.

The story spans less than two years from September, 1915 to May, 1917 and changes settings from California to Hawaii to New York. The narrator is Charmian London, the second wife of Jack London. At this point they have been married for nine years and “it’s been about building his dreams.....building an agrarian utopia... as a monument to his success. His writing fuels the dream.” She feels it is “a noble cause in light of his brilliance.” She is fascinated and terrified by her husband. She understands him some of the time, she works for him all of the time, she is faithful to him some of the time, she loves him all of the time. Are you getting the sense that this is a very conflicted woman?!

I was immersed in London’s literary genius, his ever-evolving philosophy and its decrepit condition. I was enthralled with the beautiful descriptions of the men, women and surroundings. I was furious about the deceit but was reminded on each page that it was the time of muses, fast living, the notion of free love which is never free, the Great War looming and life and loss.

The weak link in the story was the introduction of the Houdini’s but it did add a clever quirk that moved the story and the emotions along. The interconnection of the players was a troubling diversion that deflected what might have been a stunning ending.

Well written and well worth the time. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
This is the captivating story of Charmian London, the long-suffering wife of writer, Jack London, who spends their married life massaging his over-blown ego.
Passionately in love with her alcoholic husband, she works tirelessly as his secretary, book editor and general dog’s body, at the same time turning a blind eye to his many infidelities.
When Jack suddenly dies at the early age of forty from drug and alcohol abuse, left with huge debt from their failed business ventures, Charmian has no choice but to leave her beloved ranch in California.
While pursuing her own writing career in New York, she rekindles a previously budding love affair with the escape artist Harry Houdini; husband of her best friend.

The author has captured the flamboyant atmosphere of the US and the former Hawaiian Islands in the early 1900’s, where the flora, fauna and even the smells are lavishly depicted.
For me the book was not a page turner, but had some enchanting moments. Therefore, this classic novel comes highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the life and loves (albeit, in this case, fictional) of infamous characters.

I absolutely loved this read from Rebecca Rosenberg! Full review to come!

I finished this book about a week ago and still thinking about it and pondering my review. I knew nothing about the life of Jack London and I’ve never even read any of his books. But I do have a fascination with reading books about the partners/spouses of well-known historical figures. I feel they give a clear and different viewpoint of their lives. With The Secret life of Mrs London I know it is fictionalized but still makes for entertaining and educational reading.

This is one of those books where I struggle with what to say. To say it bluntly at times I really didn’t like some of the characters especially Jack and his wife, Charmian. Charmain, the second Mrs. London (he divorced first wife for her) and also an author though not as widely known as Jack. She did everything for him from being his typist, editor and so much more. This book is written in first person, the reader is able to get inside of Charmian‘s head to get a vivid picture of her struggles. She lives in a time where free love and woman’s right were unheard of - things she was passionate about. She wants more out of life but Jack thinks only of himself and schemes to make money between books.

The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a well written book and true to the times it portrayed. The role of Harry Houdini here was very interesting and their connection together added much to Charmian’s character. I liked how Charmian's story did not end when Jack's did. My interest in reading not just some of Jack London's books have peeked as those by Charmian also.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book (in exchange for an honest review). This book releases January 30th and available for preorder now.

Author Rebecca Rosenberg has created a fabulous read with the main character of Mrs Charmian London, second wife of writer Jack London, adventurer and celebrity author. Charmian raised by her aunt and uncle, an enlightened couple and progressive for the times give her opportunities that are well beyond that of most females of the day. A life of reasonable privilege as well as inherited money. Jack London on the other hand has an upbringing the total opposite to that of Charmian, which may explain some of his dysfunctional personality, moodiness and narcissistic behaviour. The author gives a picture of a man who craves attention, for all his fame it doesn’t appear to be enough to satisfy his ego. For all this and the bravado one may suspect the ghosts of a difficult childhood are so imprinted into his personality highlighting at times as a man out of control. His brilliance as an author the reader can only guess that this attraction is so powerful that Charmian is prepared to ignore all his travesties. Jack constantly confirms his love for Charmian but it is a shaky premise as his personality conflicts with his words. There are feisty moments where Charmian tries to emerge as her previous self but the mood changes of Jack defeats this, even to the point of making himself the star attraction when on secretly having Charmian’s first book published he announces it at a large gathering of all and sundry, putting himself into the spotlight, rather than his wife.
Harry and Bess Houdini become involved with the Jack and Charmian. Harry Houdini is another handsome and successful celebrity, there is a subtle and immediate attraction between him and Charmian. The difference with Houdini to that of London is his upbringing. From a strong religious back ground, Houdini neither drinks nor smokes and has great respect for women and family. The romantic involvement of Charmian and Houdini is for a short time only after the death of Jack. The final chapter, the author has Charmian travelling to a destination unknown but with a final puzzle given to her by Houdini that will encourage her to go forward and to make her own mark.

It's always a great experience to learn about real people from history but set in a believable fictional novel.
My only knowledge of Jack London were his best selling books 'White Fang' and 'Call of the Wild' - boys adventure I thought- so never really read any others and the illusionist and magician Houdini seemed a distant and quite eccentric man who's fame was worldwide.
The author has brought the two men together in a very entertaining read, alongside their wives as Jack's second wife Charmain is the narrator of the book after her friend Elizabeth (his first wife) is left with two daughters.
Charmain has been married 9 years to Jack when we meet them in 1915 with WWI playing out in the background - here the American author does struggle with historical facts- which is a shame as both Jack London, with his socialist views and Houdini, with his support for army soldiers did have involvement in politics and the wider world.
But the core of the novel hinges on the marital relationship between Jack and Charmain, as both seemed willing to allow other love interests to become involved in their lives, despite a deep true companionship, respect and rare passion which spurred both to write. How Charmain was viewed as a writer in her own right is also explored.
The events leading to Houdini meeting Jack and his wife are fictionalised but the life of Houdini's small wife Bessie are based on truth and she became my favourite character in the novel.
Beyond the ranch, vineyard and homes scenes in the country which form the backdrop of their marriage and writing lives, Jack and Charmain built and tried to improve their world, scenes which set the couple travelling and staying in Hawaii were very interesting.
Writers must 'suffer' for their writing and always of course for their wealth and Jack London fits that image perfectly. As Charmain reveals more of her life, sadness and literary frustration we can understand the complications that lead us through this entertaining novel.
I enjoyed using the novel as a springboard to learn more about the main men and to understand why the two women who were their partners had much to suffer - often in silence.

Thanks Lake Union Publishing and netgalley for this ARC.

I wish this were a totally true story. Devotion, madness, love like a drug, and genius. This novel will blow you away.