What do you think of when you look at the cover of Black Silk and Sympathy? 

I thought of dramatic historical fiction in the same vein as Jessie Burton or Kate Morton. Something bordering on gothic with lots of mystery and dark characters. 

This is not that. It is historical fiction, but think Karen Brooks instead. 

Feisty young female main character - check.
Left almost penniless and without family - check.
Somehow managing to forge ahead in a man's world - check.
Reprehensible male characters getting in her way - check.
Many liberties taken with historical facts and overcompensating for female empowerment - check.

But also:
Great historical setting with vivid details and imagery - check.
Lots of loveable characters to make up for horrible ones - check.
Fascinating tidbits about something I knew nothing about - check.
Intriguing plot to hold my attention - check.

And finally while it was a bit happy clappy, the ending had a surprise tragic taint that gave it a pleasing flavour.

Recommended for an easy, entertaining read as long as you're not the type to balk at tweaked history.