The Madam Takes a Mate

by Sarah Winn

[Cocktails and Books]

Sally Sweets is accustomed to rough and tumble men that are less than respectful, but an altercation with a customer that ends with one person dead and another expected shocks even this seasoned madam. And so the tale of "Madam takes a Mate' begins. The book began with drama and action. I was immediately hooked and my interest increased as I continued to read the storyline.

Sally is not the kind of woman that sits around and waits for someone else to solve her problems. So when she needs a husband to cover a previously told lie she selects a man that is literally unable to refuse her. Jacob Wallace is unconscious, but breathing and male is the only characteristic of interest to Sally. She and her "co-workers" work together to bring about a one of a kind marriage ceremony. And all would be well except ----Jacob wakes up. Sally finds herself falling in love with her own husband--imagine that. She feels the power of love and when the wind of change blows she reluctantly follows her man's lead. However, everyone isn't happy for Sally. Sally and Jacob will face betrayal from friends, unscrupulous officers of the law, and revelations that tear at the seams of their fragile marriage.

There were some definite spots where I cried and thought how could he or how could she. I loved the evolution of Jacob's character particularly after he learned more about his wife. There was mild but appropriate and realistic violence in the story. It gave the story a real sense of authenticity and revealed real human emotions. The epilogue was a great bonus and the author went another step by including actual information from her research for the book. The devil is in the details and Sarah Winn went the distance to make sure that this novel was authentic, true to its historical timeframe, and entertaining to the reader. I couldn't put it down.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books