Book Review: The Secret Life of Mrs. London

Everyone knows Jack London but no one knows the woman behind the man, Charmain London. The Secret Life of Mrs. London not only explores her relationship with Jack and but her romance with Harry Houdini himself.

However, this book isn’t as romance filled as I thought it would be. The story focuses more on the marriage of Jack and Charmain which is complicated and at times heartbreaking. Their marriage felt very real and compelling.

Their relationship also built a solid foundation for understanding why Charmain ultimately contemplates cheating on Jack with the dashing Mr. Houdini.

One of the things that I truly loved about this book was the cast of supporting characters. Everyone was so well rounded. I was particularly fond of Bess Houdini. She is incredibly weird and entertaining. It felt like history came alive while reading.

About the Author

A California native, Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where Jack London wrote from his Beauty Ranch. Rebecca is a long-time student of Jack London’s works and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian London. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is her debut novel.

Rebecca and her husband, Gary, own the largest lavender product company in America, selling to 4000 resorts, spas, and gift stores. The Rosenbergs believe in giving back to the Sonoma Community, supporting many causes through financial donations and board positions, including Worth Our Weight, an educational culinary program for at-risk children, YWCA shelter for abused women, Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center to provide performances for children, Sonoma Food Bank, Sonoma Boys and Girls Club, and the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home.

For more information, please visit Rebecca’s website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads. Visit the Facebook page for The Secret Life of Mrs. London.