The Wife's Reputation

A powerful and dramatic Victorian saga of ambition, love and scandal—perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin, Mary Wood and Sarah Waters. ✨

He needs a wife...

1853, Bath. Industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man.

She has a plan...

But the only woman who’s caught his eye is sophisticated beauty, Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she’s hardly got the reputation he’s looking for, but she’s determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr Rose’s mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman.

They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William’s a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she’s very much mistaken if she thinks their pasts won’t follow them wherever they go.

In the third and final instalment of Rachel Brimble’s exciting Victorian saga series, The Ladies of Carson Street will open the doors on a thoroughly modern marriage – and William is about to get a lot more than he bargained for.

Readers love Rachel Brimble’s captivating historical sagas:

‘Heart-warming yet gritty and gripping… Compelling reading.’ Lizzie Lane

‘Fantastic!’ Rosie Clarke

‘Heartwarming! … Hard to put down!’ Patricia McBride

‘Skilled and vivid storytelling.’ May Ellis

‘Absolutely 10/10! Amazing storyline and loved the characters and setting.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust. I love stories about women who strive for their own goals in life independent of men and who understand the joy and security of close female friendships.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Previously published as A Very Modern Marriage.