The Champagne Letters
books by Kate Macintosh
Mme. Clicquot builds her legacy as the maker of France’s best champagne while, in the future, a modern divorcée looks to her letters for inspiration in this vibrant historical fiction novel that is “sheer, sparkling perfection” (Susanna Kearsley, New York Times bestselling author). Reims, France, 1805: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot has just lost her beloved husband but is determined to pursue their dream of creating the premier champagne house in France, now named for her new identity as a widow: Veuve Clicquot. With the Russians poised to invade, competitors fighting for her customers, and the Napoleonic court politics complicating matters, she must set herself apart if she, and her business, are to survive. In present day Chicago, broken from her divorce, Natalie Taylor runs away to Paris. In a book stall by the Seine, Natalie finds a collection of the Widow Clicquot’s published letters and uses them as inspiration to step out of her comfort zone and create a new, empowered life for herself. But when her Parisian escape takes a shocking turn, she’s forced to make a difficult choice. Should she accept her losses and return home, or fight for the future she’s only dreamed about? “The Champagne Letters, which sparkles like the finest champagne, will inspire you to reach both for a glass of bubbly—and for the things you really want out of life” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author). The narrative structure supports logical progression, guiding readers smoothly through the story. Events unfold in a way that feels intuitive, reducing cognitive load and increasing enjoyment. The book demonstrates a strong understanding of how tension and resolution work together. Challenges faced by the characters are introduced gradually and resolved in ways that feel earned rather than forced. This creates a sense of credibility within the story, encouraging readers to remain invested until the conclusion. The narrative structure supports logical progression, guiding readers smoothly through the story. Events unfold in a way that feels intuitive, reducing cognitive load and increasing enjoyment.