It was an okay read. The storyline was decent, if a bit too angsty for me in places. But it was a time of war, so of course… LOL.
The English Civil WaIt was an okay read. The storyline was decent, if a bit too angsty for me in places. But it was a time of war, so of course… LOL.
The English Civil War is an interesting period of history, but there just don’t seem to be that many HRs set in the period. I’ve read a few, but so far none of them have been stellar reads (including this one). Oh well.
This book was a second chance story. The couple, both Royalists, had been betrothed at a very young age (by their parents), when as a young man, Edward was seduced by another woman, and he ignominiously dumped the young Arabella to marry the OW (who is now dead). Arabella was then married off by her father to another man, who was apparently quite horrid, but also now dead. Then they meet again…..
From the beginning, I found it a bit difficult to like Edward, our hero. OK, he was young when he dumped Arabella, but not that young. He should have known better, and he thoughtlessly caused a lot of heartache for her. So that kind of put me off him from the start. I guess he did redeem himself later though.
There were some interesting aspects to the plot. The young exiled King Charles II made a couple of appearances, and the storyline had a few twists and turns. But overall, sadly, this book didn’t fully engage me. The characterisations felt a little flat, and I didn’t really feel hooked into Arabella and Edward’s story. I even did a little bit of skimming before finishing the book. At this point I’m not planning on picking up anything else by this new-to-me author. 3 stars for an okay but not brilliant read.
I read this book for HRBC Romance Across The Ages challenge, February 2025, 'Civil War (UK)' period....more
I was a little disappointed in this one, after having enjoyed some of Ms Feather's other books previously. Clearly this was an earlier work (publishedI was a little disappointed in this one, after having enjoyed some of Ms Feather's other books previously. Clearly this was an earlier work (published 1998) and it definitely felt old skool. It was too slow burn for me, and too much page time was spent on the dramas related to the politics of the times. I wanted less drama and adventure, and more romance.
I admit that I didn't get totally involved in Rufus' and Portia's story. I ended up doing some skimming in the later part of the book actually, although I did finish it. At this point I'm not intending to continue with this trilogy, although I will try some of Ms Feather's more recent books.
I read this book for the Historical Romance Book Club 'Romance Across the Ages' challenge, May 2024, Restoration/Stuarts period....more
A fascinating read about a controversial man who led an extraordinary and very long life during a period of enormous change and upheaval. Like all of A fascinating read about a controversial man who led an extraordinary and very long life during a period of enormous change and upheaval. Like all of us, he had his faults, and it seems he found it difficult to be a good and faithful husband and father. But he was apparently a charismatic, capable and loyal man in many ways, and he appears to have had the good of his country foremost in mind throughout his public life.
The events leading up to the death of Barton Key and the subsequent trial are covered in somewhat lengthy detail. There is also a large part of the book devoted to Sickles' varied roles in the lead-up to, during, and after the Civil War. Keneally has obviously done a significant amount of research. I appreciate that Keneally has tried to remain relatively impartial, and he touches on some of the differing attitudes and judgements on Sickles' actions from various sources and historians.
Overall, an interesting and enjoyable read. ...more
A bit old-fashioned in writing and story style. I liked reading more about members of the Dilhorne family, having read the earlier books in the seriesA bit old-fashioned in writing and story style. I liked reading more about members of the Dilhorne family, having read the earlier books in the series, but this story itself wasn't my fav. I didn't mind the change in setting to USA, and the story started off quite well. But Sophie, the nasty bee-arch who was out for revenge, was a bit too nasty for my taste, and it all got a bit too angsty for me, before the eventual HEA. I admit I did a bit of skimming in the second half of the book. Not a horrible read, but not that great either. ...more
A long and mainly interesting read about a period of European history I know little about. It focuses on some of the descendants of Mary, Queen of ScoA long and mainly interesting read about a period of European history I know little about. It focuses on some of the descendants of Mary, Queen of Scots - fascinating people who led complicated and interesting lives. The bloody Thirty Years War in Europe, the beheading of their relative Charles I, the English Civil War, the Restoration of Charles II, the complex intermarriages amongst the royal houses of Europe, the blossoming of art and philosophy, the battles over religion. Love, joy, loss, grabs for power, betrayal, disappointment.
Ultimately and perhaps ironically, Mary's direct descendant, a German, became George I of England, beginning a new royal dynasty that continues today. There were numerous others who had a more direct claim to the English throne, but George was a Protestant, and the English had firmly rejected Catholicism and all of its proponents, which wiped out so many potential claimants to the throne. Interestingly, another of Mary's descendants was the tragic Marie Antoinette of France, although Marie plays no part in this story.
Goldstone has a readable style which makes the complex events fairly straightforward to follow and understand. Her somewhat wry asides add the occasional personal comment to the narrative. Although the book felt quite long, it was well-written and interesting overall. I would consider reading more by this author....more
3.5 to 4 stars. Set in occupied New Orleans during the Civil War. Major Zach Cooper is a provost marshal for the Union, and much hated by the locals f3.5 to 4 stars. Set in occupied New Orleans during the Civil War. Major Zach Cooper is a provost marshal for the Union, and much hated by the locals for his blue uniform and all it represents. But from the moment he meets Emmanuelle, in a dark, rainy cemetery after a murder has occurred, the attraction starts building between them.
Emmanuelle is a woman who should have been a doctor, but is not able to be one because of the time and place in history not allowing this for women. But she works in a hospital and takes on many of the responsibilities of a doctor anyway, due to the shortage of doctors in the town. Emmanuelle's husband was killed by Union soldiers, and she has much reason to resent Zach. But she falls for him anyway. So the growing romance has a forbidden, angsty element all the way through.
I loved Zach. He was well-drawn, interesting, honourable, sexy, the whole package. I respected Emmanuelle's fierce and protective love for her son, her passion for her work, and her hatred of the madness of war. It was hard to warm to her as a character though, because she had so many dark secrets. The reader was deliberately kept in the dark to maintain the strong thread of mystery running through the book. Emmanuelle's secrets were gradually revealed as the plot developed. Unfortunately this had the effect of making the reader doubt Emmanuelle at times and not really connect with her that much as a character.
This book was a mystery romance, with the tracking down of the serial killer a strong element of the storyline. The romance was beautiful, with a wonderful HEA. The mystery was interesting but rather complex, with lots of red herrings and many characters involved. At times it became a little repetitive. A question was asked, Emmanuelle or some other character would lie or give a partial, confusing answer, the truth would be revealed, rinse-and-repeat. Or at least it started to feel like that as the book went on. As usual for me, I didn't guess correctly who the killer was till they were revealed at the end, although no doubt some other readers would do so earlier. The plot did hang together well, but it just felt a little dragged out at times so hence I held back on the full 4 stars.
The book was very atmospheric with lots of hot New Orleans nights and wild stormy rain. The cast of secondary characters and minor characters was interesting and they were well-drawn. As usual, Ms Proctor has a fine sense of place in her writing. I did enjoy the read in spite of a few reservations. Overall, I just wanted to keep reading to see whodunnit, what happened, and to see Zach and Emmanuelle get the happiness they both deserved.
The book has a nice epilogue. (view spoiler)[ Unusually for a HR, it is set in what appears to be the present day, with some of Zach and Emmanuelle's descendants discussing their ancestors and revealing part of what happened to them after the book finished. Very satisfying. (hide spoiler)] Nicely done....more