I can't remember a book ever having me in such a quandry...

I was so excited to receive the proof - Janet Ellis was one of my favourite tv presenters and I was thrilled that she'd written a novel. Perhaps she'd come to Woodbridge to do an event with us...

But as I started reading the book, I realised it was nothing of what I imagined this former Blue Peter presenter would write, and not the sort of book I would normally ever consider reading.

There were elements of the story that made me feel physically sick. I actually let out an 'ugh' for one description early on in the book. And I knew then that I just couldn't recommend it, or organise an event for it, with the customers of Browsers in Woodbridge.

Even though I hated so much of the book - the bodily fluids, the murders, the central character - I couldn't put the book down. The writing was amazing. It was vivid, obviously, and all-engrossing. I was truly lost in the world that she was describing, but very, very pleased to step back out of it again, too.

It's set in 18th century London and Anne Jaccobs and her family are grieving the loss of her baby brother. Anne is betrayed by her tutor and her friends, and when her father declares that she must marry the repellent Mr Onions, it's the last straw. Anne falls for the butcher's boy, Fub and thinks they are destined to be together, at whatever cost.

It's an astonishing book.