Picture a British storyteller who swapped the spotlight of the stage for the magic of the page—meet Laura Madeleine! Born in 1988, this historical fiction maestro weaves tales of love, secrets, and sumptuous settings, from Parisian patisseries to Mediterranean shores. Her debut, The Confectioner’s Tale, launched a literary journey that’s as delectable as a freshly baked croissant, captivating readers with dual timelines and evocative prose.
The Making of Laura Madeleine
Born in Windsor, Ontario, Laura Madeleine’s early years were steeped in performance. As a child, she graced the stage, even playing Young Madame Giry in the 2004 film The Phantom of the Opera. But at 16, she traded scripts for studies, diving into English Literature at Newnham College, Cambridge. This pivot sparked her love for storytelling, fueled by her knack for vivid imagery and historical intrigue. Her sister, fantasy author Lucy Hounsom, shares her creative spark, and by a quirky twist, their debut novels hit shelves on the same day!
Laura Madeleine’s Unforgettable Stories
Laura’s novels are like time machines, blending rich historical detail with heart-tugging romance. Her 2015 debut, The Confectioner’s Tale, whisks readers to 1910 Paris, where a young man’s forbidden love unfolds amid the sugary delights of Patisserie Clermont. Where the Wild Cherries Grow (2017) follows Emeline Vane’s post-WWI escape to a French seaside village, unraveling secrets across decades. The Secrets Between Us (2018) explores love and betrayal in 1943 France, while An Echo of Scandal (2019) traces a murder-accused woman’s flight to Tangier. Laura’s style—lush, immersive, and threaded with culinary motifs—makes history feel alive and delicious.
Writing as Lili Hayward, she also pens folklore-infused romances like The Cat of Yule Cottage, showcasing her versatility. Her short stories, published in magazines like Candis, hint at her range, but it’s her novels’ dual narratives and sensory richness that keep fans hooked.
Why Laura Madeleine Matters
Laura Madeleine’s work elevates historical fiction with its blend of emotional depth and atmospheric settings. Her stories resonate with readers who crave romance and mystery wrapped in meticulously researched history. Translated into over a dozen languages, her novels have a global reach, proving that tales of love and scandal transcend borders. By spotlighting lesser-known historical moments, like the post-WWI era or wartime France, she invites readers to explore the past through a fresh lens.
- Born: 1988, Windsor, Ontario
- Key Works: The Confectioner’s Tale, Where the Wild Cherries Grow, The Secrets Between Us, An Echo of Scandal
- Fun Fact: Laura was once a resident cake baker for Domestic Sluttery!
Ready to savor Laura Madeleine’s world? Grab The Confectioner’s Tale and dive into her delectable historical fiction!