Herald of Joy by Pamela Belle

Tags

17C England, historical fiction, Restoration England

  Herald of Joy picks up with the St. Barbe family six years after the close of Wintercombe. Silence’s husband George is near death, although except for his oldest daughter Rachael the rest of his family is none too distraught over it. George makes a few last minute changes to his will that will continue to manipulate his family after he dies, leaving Silence at the mercy of her step-son Nat and Rachael engaged to an overly pious young man not best equipped to deal with her fragile emotions. On the heels of this also comes Silence’s younger sister Patience – their brother has tired of her schemes and plots and has sent her packing to the country to keep her out of trouble – although there is little chance of  that happening.

Charles Stuart the newly crowned “King of Scotland” brings his army south to Worcester, and among his guard is the long-lost Cavalier Nick Hellier. The Royalist attempt fails and Nick flees for his life with an unwelcome companion who looks too much like the much sought after Charles for everyone’s comfort. Hounded by Roundhead soldiers, their travels take them from Worcester to Bristol and then finally to Wintercombe – will Nick and Silence be reunited? Or will their secret be betrayed to the Roundheads and disaster befalls them all and they lose everything, including Wintercombe?

As usual, that’s about all I’m willing to tell you – read it for yourself. This was an excellent follow up to the first book and not quite as dark as the first, although there are still some nail biting moments and Belle definitely keeps you hovering on the edge of your seat until the very end. I loved the way she incorporates the children and pets into her story (just wait until you see their escapades in this one keeping Nick and friend hidden), as well as seeing the day to day lifestyle of a 17C household. I loved the addition of Patience (or IMPatience as Nat calls her) and her hijinks into the family fray. Although the hands down, laugh out loud, scene stealing character was the cursing Parrot. ROFL when Rachel’s sanctimonious Puritan father-in-law spotted him and was told to “bugger off”. Priceless.

The series in order,

Wintercombe
Herald of Joy
A Falling Star
Treason’s Gift

Wintercombe by Pamela Belle

Tags

17C England, civil war, historical fiction

  Raised in a strict Puritan household with an abusive father, Silence learned at a young age to keep her emotions locked tightly inside her. Married at twenty to older widower Simon St. Barbe, London raised Silence struggles to fit in with Simon’s children and his tyrannical mother. Nine years later Civil War breaks out between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians and Simon leaves to join the army leaving Silence and her children in relative peace – that is until a troop of Royalist soldiers arrive to take possession of Wintercombe in the King’s name. Leading the troop is the ruthless Colonel Ridgeley who has no pity for the wife of a “traitor” – and Wintercombe is soon invaded by drunken, carousing soldiers.

Always keeping a mask over her emotions, Silence withstands the horrendous abuses committed against her family, home and servants – although she finds sympathy and friendship with Captain Nick Hellier who tries his best to nullify the abominations committed by Ridgeley. Does Nick harbor stronger feelings for Silence or is he just amusing himself during his tenure at Wintercombe? Can Puritan raised Silence resist the love she finally admits for Nick or will she commit the great sin of adultery? Can anyone stop Colonel Ridgeley and his horrifying abuses or will he destroy Wintercombe and the St. Barbe family?

Despite the appearance of being a romance novel, do not let that stop you. What *romance* there might be in the story between the two (and I’m not letting on) is well towards the end of the book – what this book is about is characters and family and how they are affected by war as their home and lives are taken over by brutal, ruthless soldiers – and let me tell you there are some terrifying scenes in this book. There is a lot of family interaction and details of daily life in 17C England, as well as seeing the conflict from both sides. Belle really brings the period and people to life, and I especially enjoy how she writes children and pets.

This might be a bit slow paced at times for readers looking for an action packed read, but if you enjoy a more character driven plot and want to see the affects of war on the women, children and their daily lives I would recommend an immediate trip to your library or your favorite used bookseller. This is the first of a four book series and continues the story of the St Barbe family through the reign of Charles II and the Monmouth rebellion. In order,

Wintercombe
Herald of Joy
A Falling Star
Treason’s Gift

The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolly Erickson

Erickson’s latest *historical entertainment* (her words) covers the life of Mary Queen of Scots from the time she was married to Francis and became Queen Consort of France, her return to Scotland as Queen after she is widowed, her marriage to the despicable Darnley and his murder, her subsequent marriage to Bothwell and her eventual imprisonment by Elizabeth I. It’s all known history and I needn’t spend much time rehashing it because Erickson totally reinvents it anyway – and quite badly I might add.

***Spoiler warning – that is if anyone really cares***

Let’s see, where shall I begin? The prologue wherein Bothwell and their invented by Erickson secret daughter that no one knew existed witness Mary’s execution? The Queen of France dressing up as a peasant and going to taverns to spy on Bothwell? More? Bothwell dressing up as a peddler and visiting Mary off and on during her captivity (remember now, history says he was imprisoned and died in Denmark)? Better yet, he’s able to get her alone in the stillroom and make whoopee (more than once I might add and never ever got caught). More? Representatives from the Pope manage to get Mary away from where she was being held and take her to Rome where she meets with the Pope and they plan a crusade to oust Elizabeth from the throne (no, I am not making this up). Of course the plot fails when Don John is called back to save Rome from the Infidels and the whole army just ups and leaves her alone and she has to travel back to grandmamma’s home all by herself on a horse (maybe I missed something but I swear she was alone – not even a lady or two to attend her).

I’d go on, but you get the picture. Perhaps there are people who like their history made up and ridiculous but I’ve yet to meet one. Worse yet, this made up history is so badly written with no character development, poor dialogue – egad Bothwell’s nickname for her is “Orange Blossom” (ugh).

I’ll just finish this off with a few quotes from the author’s notes,

“Readers eager to uncover the factual truth of the past, that ever elusive goal of historians, must look elsewhere than in these pages, where “thick-coming fancies” crowd out sober evidence and whimsy prevails.”

Whimsy? WTF?

“Yet in whimsy, at times, is to be found a richer truth than in the tantalizingly fragmented, often untrustworthy historical record.”

Hate to say it, but this isn’t even entertaining. It’s just bad, unbelievably bad. Only if the library has it and you’re looking for a good laugh or a sleeping pill. Seriously.

The Queen’s Mistake by Diane Haeger

Tags

historical fiction, tudors

“Use well with the king what you have learned of men”

In the Queen’s Mistake Haeger puts a new *spin* on Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s doomed fifth wife. A poorer member of the powerful Howard family, Catherine is relegated to the country home of the Dowager Duchess of Suffolk where supervision over the young girls of the household is lax and sexual escapades are common. The Duke of Norfolk has great plans for Catherine and he wants her sexually educated before she’s brought to court so he can land another Howard woman on the throne of England. I’m not quite sure I’m buying this rationalization – I would have thought a pure maid would better suit the old King but oh well…..

After dallying with her music teacher and plight trothing herself to the Duchess’ secretary Catherine is sent to court to serve Henry’s new queen, Anne of Cleves and she soon captures the roving eye of the unhappy groom. She also meets younger courtier Thomas Culpepper and soon begins making whoopee with him anytime they can be alone, and it’s a lot more frequent than you’d expect in such an overcrowded castle – but that’s what Haeger’s would have us believe.

And the rest, as they say is history. If you are a long-time reader of all things Tudor you know what Catherine’s fate is and if you don’t I don’t think you want me spoiling it for you. Over and above the ludicrous notion that the Howards would encourage lose sexual behavior so she could entrap a king, my biggest problem is just generally bad writing. I’ve seen other reviewers refer to it as “pedantic” and “juvenile” and I couldn’t agree more. I grew very tired of hearing about things dribbling down Henry’s beard, his sweaty hands, distasteful breath and all around grossness. I got it the first few times and I did not need to be clubbed over the head with it.

Unfortunately, when the writing and storyline are not enough to engage my attention I start to nit-pick and that’s what happened here. First there was Thomas Culpepper, gentleman of the bedchamber and The King of England is confiding all aspects of his love life with him. How Thomas and Catherine were able to meet so often with no one noticing (how did a maid of honor get a private room???) was a bit of a stretch as well as the time she brought him his own satisfaction in the garden (wonder if there was a fountain handy to wash her hand off?). You don’t even want to know about the dalliance with Cromwell’s son.

I didn’t find Cranmer’s persecution of her just because she was Catholic believable, nor could I swallow the big *true love* between Catherine and Thomas (no chemistry there), and in the end she became so darn Mary Sue-ish it took a lot of will power not to hurl the book at the wall. I probably would have gone for three stars but the ending ticked me off so bad (what a let down) that I’m knocking it down to two. This is the third book I’ve tried by this author and the third time is not the charm for me. I’m done. Get it from the library if you must, I’m glad I did.

Lastly, someone want to tell me if it’s physically possible to ride horse from York to Hampton Court in a full day? I’m guessing not…

A Splendid Defiance by Stella Riley

Tags

17C England, civil war, historical fiction

It’s 1644 and Royalist Cavalier Justin Ambrose has been relegated to duty at the soon-to-be-besieged Banbury Castle. While the Royalists hold the castle for the King the townspeople are solidly Puritan, including Abigail (Abby) Radford. Although Justin originally thinks of Abby in a sisterly fashion, their friendship eventually blossoms into something more as England’s Civil War rages around them. Outside forces threaten to part them forever, including the religious fervor of Abby’s brother and a dark secret from Justin’s past. Will Justin be able to set aside his past and declare his love for Abby? Is Abby willing to be the wife of a mercenary soldier traveling from camp to camp? Can Abby escape her zealot brother’s attempts to marry her to a depraved monster?

Inquiring minds want to know but I’m not telling. This was a very sweet tale (loved the ending!) of two fictional characters set into actual historical events, as they are caught up in the midst of a country and people at war with each other. There’s plenty of action, treachery, passion, a Parliamentarian spy with a knack for poison as well as sparks flying between Justin and Abby (although it’s very clean) and I had a hard time putting this one down – and oooh I want a Justin for my very own. What a man. The only caution I’d give if you’re new to this period and not very familiar with the history I’d read a few other books first so you’re more grounded on the period – Pamela Belle’s Wintercombe series is a great start.

Riley’s books are very rare and horrendously expensive, but I’m glad I was able to snatch up a copy reasonably cheap (also got even better luck on Garland of Straw). I originally tried for an ILL and received a note that there was one library left to ask but they would be asking for a $15 service charge. I poked around the UK used sellers and got lucky so don’t give up hope – keep scouring those used book stores and library sales. Four stars.

Roses by by Leila Meacham

Tags

historical fiction, texas

 A few flaws, but still an entertaining read

Three families migrated west to eastern Texas and founded the small town of Howbutker (“how about here” they said) – the Tolivers (descended from the Lancasters), the Warwicks (descended from the House of York) as well as the DuMonts of French descent. Friends for generations, most disagreements were settled by the offering of a red rose to offer apology and a white to acknowledge forgiveness. As the story begins, Mary Toliver Dumont has only weeks to live and reflects back on her life and how it was irrevocably changed when her father left their cotton farm, Somerset, to a very young Mary instead of her mother and brother. Mary loves the farm with the same passion her father had – but is there room in her life for both Somerset and the devilishly handsome Percy Warwick.

 Treachery, tradgedy and misunderstandings are front and center and eventually leave Mary stuck between a rock and a hard place forcing her to a decision that will have ramifications on all three families for several generations to come. The secrets continue after Mary’s death (no spoilers here, we know this will happen in the first few chapters) as an unexpected codicil to Mary’s will sends her great-niece Rachel spiraling in shock and anger that only increases when she finds the secret that Mary has kept all these years. Now hell-bent for revenge against the Warwicks, Rachel is willing to risk it all even though it could cost her the only man she will ever love and her last chance at happiness.

I liked this book a lot and had a hard time putting it down, and blew through it in two days. Yes it’s big, it’s sprawling (sometimes it sprawls too much) and very soap opera-ish, but I love those kind of books. I didn’t connect as much with Rachel’s story as I did with Mary and Percy (sigh…..what a man) and I felt the last third of the book suffered a bit because of that. My only other quibble and it’s probably just me, but when I heard the “Wars of the Roses” connections of the families I was hoping for a good parallel between the two as Susan Howatch has done with the Plantagenets in Cashelmara and Penmarric. That book would have rocked my socks off. As it is, it’s a very enjoyable and very readable novel.

The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman

Tags

charles II, historical fiction, prince rupert, Restoration England

Most everyone is familiar with Diana Norman’s Makepeace Hedley trilogy starting with A Catch of Consequence, as well as the Mistress of the Art of Death series she writes under the name Ariana Franklin, but how many of you are familiar with her older books? I’d been wanting to read this one for ages but the price was not right and then I finally got lucky and Suzanne over at HFO gave away her extra copy.

It’s 1664 and Puritan Penitence Hurd arrives from America armed with nothing but her faith, a bag filled with wampum and tobacco and the address of her long lost aunt. The address takes her to the Cock and Pie on Dog Street, a brothel with a Madame who goes by the moniker of “Her Ladyship”. Told that her aunt is long gone and most likely dead and with no where else to go Penitence accepts a position as seamstress as Her Ladyship is surprisingly reluctant to allow her to whore like the others. Plague soon breaks out and all on Dog Street are quarantined in their homes to catch it and die or survive the forty days and be freed. Penitence’s room is across the way from room rented by the mysterious Henry King and they strike up a strange friendship as Henry teaches her to use The Vizard Mask to become someone else and thus lose her terrible stutter As the plague loosens its hold Henry and Penitence share one night of passion before he gains his freedom and disappears from her life.

Fate has a few unfortunate surprises for Penitence (pregnancy, Newgate, illegal pamphlet printing to name a few) and many times the only way to get past it is the oldest way in the world, but she will do anything to keep her independence. Once she sees the glitter and magic of the King’s Theater she is determined to beat the odds and make it – although when she crosses one of King Charles’ rowdy noblemen and he strikes back she’s willing to give up her freedom for royal protection (no it’s not who you are thinking it is). As she settles into a safe, albeit boring life with her royal protector, Penitence gets a shock when Henry King once again drops into her life and his name is not Henry King…….

That’s as far as I’m going, if you want to know more then read it for yourself. Penitence’s story begins just before the Great Plague of London through to the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion and it’s aftermath to the coronation of William and Mary. Fans of Charles Stuart be warned, he does not come off looking too pretty in this one, he’s portrayed at his rutting, double dealing worst here.

At times very witty and bawdy with lots of laugh out loud moments that make this a fast fun read, but there are also some very serious moments as well – keeping her son hidden and to safety after the failed Monmouth rebellion will have you on the edge of your seat, as well as the descriptions of the Bloody Assizes after the failed rebellion. That said there are times when the pace dropped off and got a bit tedious (the plague went on waaaaaay too long, as well as that last bit at the end trying to get ______ buried in Poet’s corner *yawn*). Even with the flaws I enjoyed it a lot, and most especially when Penitence and Henry were in the same room – some of the best banter I’ve come across in a long time. 4/5 stars.

My Name Is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira

A powerful novel

Mary Sutter is from a well-to-do family in Albany New York and the females in her family have been midwives for generations, but Mary dreams the impossible dream of being a surgeon. When the sabers rattle between the North and the South and the men of Albany gleefully join the Army, Mary heads for Washington City – if she can’t be a surgeon she’ll nurse instead – and she is soon literally up to her neck in wounded soldiers. Mary’s story takes her to several battlefields and through her eyes we see the horror of what these poor soldiers suffered at the hands of ignorant politicians and incompetent generals. I haven’t the words for it, so I will let these quotes do the *talking*,

If we let one on the train who will die anyway, it will doom two.”

“In all the world, there is not medicine enough to heal what ails the Union army, mopping or no.”

 “Days later, the citizens of Washington would remark that the Potomac had turned the color of rust, but would not make the connection until news of the enormous numbers of casualties came pouring in.”

“How do you forget coffins? How do you forget to supply tourniquets? How do you forget that people might die?”

“If they had just washed their hands between patients, then all those deaths could have been prevented.

This is a novel that will move you and anger you. I actually had to put it down a couple of times and take an emotional break with something lighter. You will learn a whole lot more about the removal of limbs than you might ever wish to know and if you are the least bit fainthearted this might not the book for you. One more thing, if you’re expecting “a gorgeous love story” as one jacket blurber mentions – you are not going to find it here. Yes there are three men who love Mary but that is not the main focus of this book, nor should it be considered *chick lit*. Like other reviewers, I wasn’t that fond of the chapters with Lincoln and his cronies but other than that this is a solid five star read, and would make an excellent book club choice if you’re looking for lively discussions.

****
My copy courtesy of Amazon Vine.