Genre: Historical FictionCopyright: First published 1986, reprinted 2003
Pages: 674
Rating:
This is such a fantastic historical novel set in 1715-1720. Most of the historical fiction I read are about Royalty, this book is more along the lines of Elizabeth Chadwick in that it contains mentions of various Royal figures but they aren't a main part of the storyline.
The book is about a beautiful naive 15 year old girl who is used by her mother to get out of debt by selling her off to the highest bidder in marriage. Barbara Alderley loves and adores Roger Montgomery as only a 15 years old girl can, so when her mother sells her in marriage to Roger she is delighted despite her Grandmother's reservations because he is so much older than her.
After the marriage takes place Roger moves Barbara with him to France where he ultimately renews his affair with the King of France. Despite her extreme heartache Barbara never stops loving Roger. This is a dark and twisted novel, a close look at the ugly side of society that you won't be able to put down.
I absolutely loved this book and can't recommend it highly enough. Karleen Koen's writing just flows so beautifully! It is different from other historicals that I've read and I was completely caught up in the story.
The good news is that there is a sequel and a prequel to this book. When I looked up the book and discovered it was first printed in 1986 I was worried there would be nothing else from this author. However, I was in luck because the prequel to this book, Dark Angel was written in 2007. The sequel, Now Face to Face was first published in 1996. Karleen Koen has a beautiful website that you can read for information about these books including family trees and upcoming releases.
Visit Alaine at her blog The Queen of Happy Endings.
16 comments:
This is one of those authors I have been meaning to try for forever! One day.
Marg you should definitely read this book. I loved it!
I just recently got this book and read dark angels. Thanks for the review!
dolleygurl, I am going to read Dark Angels next, I'm looking forward to it.
I loved this book also! Dark Angels is pretty good also. Now Face to Face was slightly disappointing, but still good.
I have all three of her books and I can't wait to read them. i have heard so many good things about this author and now your review. I might bump them up a notch on my TBR list.
Wonderful review, when I'm back in the mood for historical Through a Glass Darkly is going to be first up!
This sounds excellent- I'll have to add it:)
This sounds like a very good read.
I love historical fiction where the main players are not the royals (although, I do love a good royal book).
Just added it to my ever and continuous growing to-read list. *smile*
Oh, oh, oh, I am so excited to read this now. THANK YOU!
This sounds really good! What a great twist that the husband is having an affair with the King!
This is on my TBR list. Excellent review and I will be bumping it up on my list.
you caught me another one! thanks!
Hi Alaine!
This one has captured my attention, I'll have to look it up. Glad to see it's been reprinted.
Dottie :)
I first read this book, Through a Glass Darkly back when it came out in 1986, that was also the year I started at my job. I do remember enjoying it but not much else...I also have Now Face to Face and Dark Angels, I need to revisit these novels.....
I read this book a while back and enjoyed it. Just a wee bit too long for me but I totally empathized with Barbara.
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