Review of 'The Jam Maker' by Mary-Lou Stephens

Review of The Jam Maker by Mary-Lou Stephens

Release date: January 29th, 2025

Publisher: HQ Fiction / Harlequin

REVIEW

I have always had a great deal of respect for Mary-Lou Stephen’s writing and research abilities. She has a gift for capturing the essence of her birth home Tasmania and presenting the history of the area and its businesses in a way that delights and informs. It is an immersive experience. I truly feel as though I have taken a journey to the past and the current world around me fades into the mists of time. It so easy to get lost in the dramas of the characters and the stunning landscape of this beautiful region.

This story is centred on the history of the Jam industry of Tasmania and it is both a fascinating and provocative journey. The descriptions of the special jams of unique combinations made by our main female character, Harriet, made my mouth water!

The Jam Maker spans a period of years but begins in 1874 with impoverished Harriet Brown growing up along the Hobart Rivulet. Times are very tough for her family and she is forced to disguise herself as a boy to work at a jam factory owned by George Peacock and Sons. Girls are not allowed to be employed at this business. But with the prompting of her mother, she is pushed into becoming a label paster to help support the family. Here she meets a boy, Henry, who becomes a life-long friend and whose drive takes him on a journey that is almost unbelievable, yet is true. But his thirst for position and need to succeed, though admirable, will eventually take its toll on his life in other areas. Yet in the meantime, he achieves everything he sets out to do and even more than anyone could hope for. He becomes a force of such vision and expansion that not only makes him financially successful but his prosperity helps many in his path such as Harriet, his childhood friend. Mary-Lou handles it all with great skill and respect, creating a mesmerising journey. I truly could not put this book down!

Henry Jones is a real historical figure whose products still linger and many of us know of his IXL Jam (interesting story behind the name). I never knew the background of this business and man who started it but now feel highly enlightened after reading The Jam Maker. As amazing as his development was from poor 12 year old working boy in a jam factory to a famous millionaire with impressive titles, there is another character whose bravery, resilience, talent and determination shines across these pages.

And that is Harriet Brown. She is another tour de force but, being a woman, had many obstacles to overcome since life was not her own to govern initially. She was forced to work as a boy and then forced to marry a much older man chosen by her parents. But oddly, this brought about some surprises and even positive outcomes. She had a chance to learn, develop and co-create a jam business that flourished initially with her husband. And had some happy productive years until something happens that drastically changes her life. Which leads back to more lies in order to survive. This part of the story is quite a tense adventure which I will not spoil by giving anything away. But hang on to your hats and heart as this woman’s journey is one you will never forget!

The Jam Maker is supported by some fascinating characters that add a varied texture to the tapestry along with multi layers of activities and emotional moments. Wonderful friendships develop amid the trials. It explores the hardships of the jam companies but also the women’s struggles for work and marriage equality, home ownership and education. Poverty was very real and the attempt to escape was difficult. Then there are environmental issues with sewerage that becomes quite a health hazard. The rivulet is polluted and becomes a symbol of all that is bad—even reflecting and absorbing the lives of some of the villains. But beyond all that, it is a powerful story soaked in secrets, yet there are quiet victories, second chances and triumphs along-side the tragedies.

Beautifully written, astoundingly researched, this novel grips the heart and empowers the soul to overcome ills and bad circumstances. And as an extra bonus, Mary-Lou weaves aspects of her previous books with the apple orchards and chocolate making into the mix, making it a well-rounded dish of literary delight. Loved it and cannot rave enough. An absolute must-read for 2025! 5 Stars + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for the ARC.