Velvet by Mary Hooper

Velvet is a laundress in a Victorian steam laundry. With both her mother and father dead, she is an orphan and has to rely upon her own wits to make a living. The laundry's work is back-breaking and Velvet is desperate to create a better life for herself. Then Velvet is noticed by Madame Savoya, a famed medium, who asks Velvet to come to work for her. Velvet is dazzled at first by the young yet beautifully dressed and bejewelled Madame. But soon Velvet realises that Madame Savoya is not all that she says she is, and Velvet's very life is in danger ...A romantic and thrillingly exciting new novel from an acclaimed and much loved historical writer for teens

Paperback, 336 pages

Expected publication: August 2nd 2012 by Bloomsbury

My Review

I simply cannot express how much I loved this book! I was instantly intrigued the main characters name 'Velvet' and she doesn't just have an interesting name, she is such a charming, likable character. The second thing that had me hooded was the storyline being focused around a clairvoyant, something that is of great interest to me. Mary Hooper's writing style is fabulous and had me flipping through the pages as fast and I possibly could. Velvet is a real winner, with it's wonderful storyline that is full of mystery, twists, turns and shockers, an amazing main character who's naivety is charming, and stunning writing that will have you glued to the pages from start to finish. A definite must read book!

Velvet is an orphan, she works her fingers to the bone in a steam laundry just to try and scrape by. She gets moved to another part of the laundry, handling the really wealthy peoples garments. but Velvet has an accident with one of the garments belonging to a wealthy client called Madame Savoya. She is sacked for her mistake and told to work to the end of the week. So you can imagine Velvet's surprise when she turns up for work the next day and Madame Savoya herself is waiting to see her.

Madame asks Velvet to come work for her in her grand house. Velvet can't believe her luck and eagerly accepts. She becomes entranced with all the finery in Madame's house and she really looks up to all the kind work she does for people using her clairvoyant skills. But all to soon Velvet realises that all is not what it seems with Madame Savoya! She is left not knowing what to do or who to trust, if she speaks out of turn to the wrong person she could put her own life in danger!

The ending is brilliant, I actually didn't think it would go quite like it did. I was thrilled for everyone involved and I really don't think it could of worked out better. Everyone needs to pick up Velvet, I really don't think you will be disappointed.

Favourite Character:

Madame Savoya: She is elegant, glamorous, sneaky and she plays her part really well. She is so intimidating and she would easily reel you in, if you let her!

*Special thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy*

5/5 Stars

Carly :)