This innovative historical romance/mystery begins at Mawton Hall, Cheshire in 1771. Biddy Leigh, 22, short for Obedience, is the under-cook at the Manor House. Creative cooking is what she loves. She also loves Jem Burdett and plans to marry him soon and open a tavern with him. Her humble dream is shattered when her old and ugly master marries, and his young bride arrives at the Manor, but the Master has returned to Ireland. Lady Carinna does not enjoy anything about Mawton Hall and begins to plan on leaving there and travel to Italy. She demands that Biddy accompany her. When asked why Biddy needed to go, Lady Carinna answered, "to save myself from bad foreign food." Goodbye to Biddy's hopes and dreams. She is off to Tuscany.

In Paris at the Maison de Sante, Biddy visits the very first restaurant, and is impressed with the concept. Biddy continues to document her travels, and add recipes and culinary discoveries, to "The Cook's Jewel", the handwritten cookbook kept by the previous Mistress, Lady Maria. Mrs. Gardner, the cook at the Manor gave the book to Biddy when she left on her voyage and Biddy is keeping careful accounts of all her adventures and food discoveries.

Lady Carinna has a dark secret she will share with no one. She is calculating and devious and uses Biddy to carry out her dangerous plan of action. She teaches Biddy new tricks and Biddy is a quick learner. Soon she can mimic a gentlewomans's speech, learns how to dress as a lady, use make-up and style her hair and can produce a sprinkling of speaking French and Italian. The plot thickens, and Lady Carinna becomes ill and asks Biddy to pretend she is Lady Carinna. A mistress, a maid and a mystery that includes the Mawton Rose, a famous and fabulous jewel begin to unravel. So many twists and turns will have you unable to put the book down but race to see what the ending will bring. Strong characters, some with black souls, others with sweet hearts, will keep you guessing. Who? Why? When?

Martine Bailey's debut, AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS is about another time and place. The story is told through the eye of a servant. It is rich in detail, and filled with drama and danger. Finally, the duplicitous scheme hatched by Lady Carinna is revealed. A romance that mends Biddy' broken heart, brings a happy and sweet finale. Violet Pastilles, from the days of Good Queen Bess, and bought at The Cocoa- Nut Tree at Covent Garden, had me reaching for a sweet, as I read and re-read the final sweet ending. AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS is a great read and I look forward to the next by Ms. Bailey.