Review/Giveaway: Pleasing Mr. Pepys by Deborah Swift

London 1667. Set in a London rising from the ruins of the Great Fire, Pleasing Mr Pepys is a vivid re-imagining of the events in Samuel Pepys’s Diary. 

Desperate to escape her domineering aunt, Deb Willet thinks the post of companion to well-respected Elisabeth Pepys is the answer to her prayers. But Samuel Pepys’s house is not as safe as it seems. An intelligent girl in Deb’s position has access to his government papers, and soon she becomes a target of flamboyant actress Abigail Williams, a spy for England’s enemies, the Dutch. 

Abigail is getting old and needs a younger accomplice. She blackmails Deb into stealing Pepys’s documents. Soon, the respectable life Deb longs for slides out of her grasp. Mr Pepys’s obsessive lust for his new maid increases precisely as Abigail and her sinister Dutch spymaster become more demanding. When Deb falls for handsome Jem Wells, a curate-in-training, she thinks things cannot possibly get worse. 

Until – not content with a few stolen papers – the Dutch want Mr Pepys’s Diary.

Publication Date: September 28, 2017

Accent Press

eBook & Paperback; 407 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

****

I have been a fan of Deborah Swift's since reading The Lady's Slipper and The Gilded Lily.  She has that great ability to transport this reader back in time and become fully immersed in her books.

Reading in the 1600's is not a time I visit that often, being unfamiliar with the history and events it is always a treat to learn more especially at the hands of an author who has definitely done the research.  To be honest I really couldn't even have told you who the King was at the time let alone heard of Samuel Pepy, and it's learning about these unknown (to me anyways) figures that I thoroughly enjoy.  Even Deb Willet is from the pages of history, though not much is known and the author does a great job creating her story.

Deborah Swift did not disappoint, her research shines through here.  Told from different POV's I was able to get into the heads of different characters which balanced out the story nicely.  England is still recovering after the Great Fire, it's created dire situations for a vast majority of it's citizens as well as political tension with the Dutch, life isn't easy.  With vivid descriptions it wasn't hard to feel the conditions and despair.

Definitely a book I highly recommend and my thanks to HFVBT for the invite to be part of this tour.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Chapters

 

Deborah Swift is the author of three previous historical novels for adults, The Lady’s Slipper, The Gilded Lily, and A Divided Inheritance, all published by Macmillan/St Martin’s Press, as well as the Highway Trilogy for teens (and anyone young at heart!). Her first novel was shortlisted for the Impress prize for new novelists. She lives on the edge of the beautiful and literary English Lake District – a place made famous by the poets Wordsworth and Coleridge.

For more information, please visit Deborah Swift's website.

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed copy of Pleasing Mr. Pepys to one lucky winner! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
 – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
 – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
 – Only one entry per household. Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.


  Pleasing Mr. Pepys

Review: Lady of the Highway by Deborah Swift

 ‘anyone, regardless of age, would love this. . . great story and great storytelling’ - Book Nerd Blog 

England 1651 

The English Civil War is over, but the wounds of the conflict are still raw. Young Lady Katherine Fanshawe is determined to save her inheritance from the grasping hands of the authorities, and build a brighter future for herself.

 Although Kate knows it is dangerous, she invites her rebel friends to live and work at Markyate Manor. But her plans are quickly blown apart when, after months of hard work, her stepfather returns unexpectedly, and evicts them all without pay. Kate’s friends are bitter and turn against her, accusing her of being cursed and a bringer of misfortune. Desperate to regain their sympathy and trust, she turns to highway robbery to pay them back.

But Kate is not the only highway thief on the road, and her rival is intent on bloodshed and murder. Soon the local constable is hot on her trail for crimes she did not commit. Just when Kate thinks things can’t get worse, another secret begins to reveal itself – a secret that threatens her very life.

In this struggle against her loveless family, militant authorities and an unforgiving winter, will Lady Katherine’s birth right turn out to be a blessing or a curse? Lady of the Highway is the final book of Deborah Swift’s Highway Trilogy.

Kindle Edition

Published June 5th 2016 by Endeavour Press

****

Lady of the Highway is Book 3 in The Highway Trilogy Series, though it does work as a standalone I highly recommend going to the beginning and starting with Shadow on the Highway and Spirit of the Highway.

I was first introduced to Deborah Swift with her book The Lady's Slipper and fell in love with her writing style. As a writer of the historical fiction she steers clear of the well-known characters and gives the reader a vivid glimpse into the lifestyle of everyday folks. Though her previous books were geared to an adult audience this series is YA though I think it will appeal to adults as well.

I am not overly familiar with this time and the events that transpired which made me enjoy this series all the more, inspiring me to learn more. The term highway men always conjures up visions of the wildwest with stagecoach holdups and I never connected it taking place in England as well. I love how the author took a real historical figure and created this series. With each of the three books being told from a different point of view added that extra element of seeing the total picture from various angles. Lady of the Highway takes us to the view of Lady Katherine Fanshawe (Kate). As with any war there is always that struggle and conflict when it is over to rebuild ones life again. At the conclusion of the English Civil War the author was able to show the struggles from various sides, whether it was the Diggers, those that worked for the king or were opposed to him. The land was ravished and trying to rebuild your life was a constant struggle, families were pitted against each other as well as the paranoia of who you could trust and who to steer clear of.  Again I was not disappointed with this author, it wasn't hard to get immersed in this story especially since being book three I was connected to the characters and understood their struggles.

Again the Author's Notes were wonderful, reading what was fact verse fiction as well as historical facts of the timeperiod.

I was unaware that the final book in the series was released in June and my thanks to Endeavour Press (via Netgalley) for a complementary copy for review.

Praise for Deborah Swift

‘There is no greater compliment than, give me more’ – Susanna Gregory, bestselling author of historical crime fiction

‘Characters so real they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf’ – The Historical Novels Review

‘The past comes alive through impeccable research, layers of intriguing plotline, an understanding of the complexities of seventeenth century politics and the sheer power of descriptive prose’ –Lancashire Evening Post

Deborah Swift lives in a stunning part of the world, the English Lake District. She used to work as a costume designer for film and TV, and loves researching the background to her novels. She has an MA in Creative Writing, and is the author of a number of historical novels, including The Gilded Lily, A Divided Inheritance, Spirit of the Highway, Shadow on the Highway and The Lady’s Slipper, which was shortlisted for the Impress Prize.

You can find out more about her on her website: www.deborahswift.com Or follow her on Twitter: @swiftstory

Review/Giveaway: Spirit of the Highway (Highway Trilogy, Book II) by Deborah Swift

England 1651.

England has been engaged in a bitter Civil War for nearly ten years. Ralph Chaplin, a farmer’s son, has fallen for beautiful copper-haired Kate. There is only one problem – he is a Roundhead soldier and she is a Royalist lady.

Tired of bloodshed, Ralph volunteers to fight, sensing that the Battle at Worcester will be a chance to finish the fighting for good. He longs for peace, so he can forge a secure future and find a different, more equal way of life for himself and Kate.

But war is not what he imagined, and soon he has made a deadly enemy; one who will pursue Ralph and those he loves, and wreak vengeance. What’s more, Ralph finds he has just as many enemies at home, as on the battlefield.

Told by Ralph’s ghost, Spirit of the Highway is the stand-alone second part of the Highway Trilogy based on the real life and legend of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, highwaywoman and heiress.

Publication Date: September 30, 2015

Endeavor Press

eBook & Paperback; 292 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Young Adult

  I was very excited to hear  the sequel to Shadow on the Highway was in the works, especially that my wait wouldn't be long.  Deborah Swift is a favorite of mine, her books The Lady's Slipper, The Gilded Lily and A Divided Inheritance were books that I really enjoyed.  They took me to another place and time, had me totally captivated, hence why I was excited to find out Spirit of the Highway was being released. 

The Highway Trilogy is YA, it's a genre that lacks really good historical fiction - those with not just a good story but that you can lean the time period in an enjoyable and entertaining fashion.  Spirit of the Highway is the 2nd book in the series.  It definitely works as a stand alone, but I recommend book one, Shadow on the Highway, just because it's really good and tells the story of Abigail which I found very interesting.

Spirit on the Highway is told from the POV of Ralph, his spirit that is.  At first I thought what a unique prospective until I finally grasped what that meant.  It really is a different approach, though at times I forgot about the spirit and then waited for a miracle of some sorts.  It wasn't until I was reading the authors note that I really appreciated this POV.  More on those notes shortly.

There were a variety of characters here, some I liked and others not so much.  With different and unique personalities Swift skillfully wove a story showing the various repercussions of war.  From those that fought, those left behind, those on a mission for themselves along with the women left behind to struggle on their own.  This book didn't hold much back in the way of details back in 1651, not just the struggles and hardships endured but a bleak future as well.  Her knowledge of this time is evident here and her writing style makes it easy to get absorbed in the story.

The Authors Notes explains that Katherine Fanshawe is a real historical figure which adds more life to this story.  In regards ghosts/spirits Deborah Swift wrote a few pages entitled 'Ghosts of the Seventeenth Century' which I found just as interesting as the book and has me looking forward to the next/final installment in this series, Lady of the Highway (set for a 2016 release).

Though YA I feel this series would be enjoyed by adults as well.

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

 

Praise for Deborah Swift

“The past comes alive through impeccable research, layers of intriguing plot line, an understanding of the complexities of 17th century politics and the sheer power of descriptive prose.” -Lancashire Evening Post
“characters you can really get interested in” -The Mum website

 

Praise for Shadow on the Highway (Book One, Highway Trilogy)

“Shadow on the Highway is an awesome work of YA historical fiction. It is definitely my new favorite Deborah Swift book!” -So Many Books So Little Time Blog

“Swift brings layers of historical and imaginative detail to her stories and I highly recommend as a light read for any adult and for teenagers interested into foraying into historical fiction.” -Hook of a Book Blog

“Shadow on the Highway is an exciting peek into the English Civil War from both sides of the fighting… I very much look forward to the next two books in this trilogy!” -Historical Tapestry


Deborah Swift is the author of three previous historical novels for adults, The Lady’s Slipper, The Gilded Lily, and A Divided Inheritance, all published by Macmillan/St Martin’s Press, as well as the Highway Trilogy for teens (and anyone young at heart!). Her first novel was shortlisted for the Impress prize for new novelists.

She lives on the edge of the beautiful and literary English Lake District – a place made famous by the poets Wordsworth and Coleridge.

 

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | GOOGLE+ | PINTEREST

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 26

Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 27

Review at Book Nerd

Spotlight & Excerpt at Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, October 28

Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Thursday, October 29

Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, November 2

Review at The Maiden’s Court

Tuesday, November 3

Spotlight & Excerpt at Brooke Blogs

Thursday, November 5

Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Friday, November 6

Review at Bookramblings

Review at Just One More Chapter

Guest Post at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Giveaway

To win a signed paperback of Spirit of the Highway please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. Three copies up for grabs!
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.


Spirit of the Highway

Review: Past Encounters by Davina Blake (Book Tour)

England 1955.

The day Rhoda Middleton opens a letter from another woman, she becomes convinced her husband, Peter, is having an affair. But when Rhoda tracks the mysterious woman down, she discovers she is not Peter’s lover after all, but the wife of his best friend, Archie Foster. There is only one problem – Rhoda has never even heard of Archie Foster.

Devastated by this betrayal of trust, Rhoda tries to find out why Peter has kept this friendship a secret for so long. Her search leads her back to 1945, but as she gradually uncovers Peter’s wartime experiences she must wrestle with painful memories of her own. For Rhoda too cannot escape the ghosts of the past.

Taking us on a journey from the atmospheric filming of Brief Encounter, to the extraordinary Great March of prisoners of war through snow-bound Germany, PAST ENCOUNTERS explores themes of friendship, hope, and how in the end, it is the small things that enable love to survive.

Includes bonus material for reading groups.

Publication Date: November 22, 2014
CreateSpace
Paperback; 442p

Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction

 ****

 "the thought came that you can never put the past behind you, because the past is a part of you"

Deborah Swift is a favorite of mine, I adored The Lady's Slipper and The Gilded Lily.  Her writing style invited this reader into another world that I was totally immersed in.  Writing as Davina Blake it's almost like a different person altogether penned this book, and I mean that in a good way.  I cannot think of the proper word to describe it, but Past Encounters was a delicate and graceful, a more quiet book, if that makes sense.

Weaving back and forth in time, with different POV's the past is laid out in a believable manner right to the end. The war affects everyone differently, for Peter he choose to remain silent at least to his wife.  That's real, that's how lots dealt with their war experience.  A vivid picture is portrayed of his time in World War II, however he does share that with Archie because Archie was there with him.

There is depth to their lives and it was easy to get to know them.   Being left at home to wait  Rhonda has secrets of her own and those she has kept to herself also. 

I was unfamiliar with The Great Mar and other historical events in this book. Definitely an eye opener and emotional book that shows the lasting affect this war had on not just those physically in it.

"Without him, Archie would be able to move much more freely, yet Archie showed no signs of leaving him, had stuck by him all the way.  He wondered why.  Perhaps it was just that to die with a friend was better than to die alone."

 

  Praise for Past Encounters

“Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly Recommended!” – The Historical Novels Review

 

Praise for Deborah Swift

“stellar historical fiction” -Orange Prize Nominee Ann Weisgarber
“compelling'” -Westmorland Gazette
“The past comes alive through impeccable research…and the sheer power of descriptive prose” -Lancashire Evening Post

 

Buy the Book

Amazon US
Amazon UK

Davina Blake used to be a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, during which time she developed a love of research which fueled her passion for the past. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and also writes successful seventeenth century historicals under the pen name Deborah Swift. ‘Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended.’

The Historical Novels Review From Davina: ‘I was inspired to write ‘Past Encounters’ because I live close to the railway station where the iconic ‘Brief Encounter’ was filmed in 1945. I have often used the refreshment room that featured in the film when waiting for a train. I love a good cup of tea, preferably accompanied by a chocolate brownie!’

For more information visit Davina Blake’s website and blog. You can also find her on Twitter.

Past Encounters Blog Tour Schedule

Saturday, November 15
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Sunday, November 16
Review at Library Educated

Monday, November 17
Review at Dianne Ascroft Blog
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, November 18
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!

Wednesday, November 19
Review at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, November 20
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Friday, November 21
Review & Interview at Bookish

Saturday, November 22
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, November 24
Review at A Bookish Affair
Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, November 25
Guest Post at A Bookish Affair

Wednesday, November 26
Review at Book Nerd

Thursday, November 27
Interview at The Maiden’s Court

Saturday, November 29
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Monday, December 1
Review at Layered Pages
Review & Interview at Casual Readers

Tuesday, December 2
Review at My Reader’s Block
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Wednesday, December 3
Review at The Worm Hole
Review at Diary of an Eccentric

Thursday, December 4
Review at Beth’s Book Reviews
Guest Post at Historical Tapestry

Friday, December 5
Review at Bibliophilia, Please

Saturday, December 6
Review at Unshelfish
Review at Historical Tapestry

Review & Giveaway: Shadow on the Highway by Deborah Swift

 Please join Deborah Swift as she tours the blogosphere with HF Virtual Book Tours for Shadow on the Highway (The Highway Trilogy, Book One), from August 25-September 15, and enter to win your own copy!

May 1651. England has been in the midst of a civil war for nearly ten years. The country has been torn in two, and the King is getting ready to make his last stand against Cromwell’s New Model Army.

Abigail Chaplin, a young mute girl, has lost her father to the parliamentarian cause. But with her family now in reduced circumstances, she is forced to work as a servant at a royalist household – the estate of Lady Katherine Fanshawe.

Abi is soon caught up in a web of sinister secrets which surround the Fanshawe estate. The most curious of which is the disappearance of Lady Katherine late at night.

Why are her husband’s clothes worn and muddy even though he hasn’t been home for weeks? How is she stealing out of the house late at night when her room is being guarded? And what is her involvement with the robberies being committed by the mysterious Shadow on the Highway?

‘Shadow On The Highway’ is based on the life and legend of Lady Katherine Fanshawe, the highwaywoman, sometimes known as ‘The Wicked Lady’. It is the first book in ‘The Highway Trilogy’.

Publication Date: July 15, 2014

Endeavor Press

Formats: eBook, Paperback; 200P

Series: The Highway Trilogy

Genre: Historical Fiction/YA (14+)

****

Book 1 in The Highway Trilogy has two of my favorite elements - young adult and historical fiction.  Deborah Swift is a favorite of mine, I've read all 3 of her books, The Lady Slipper, The Gilded Lily and A Divided Inheritance and am thrilled to be a part of this tour.

Young Adult is a new genre for this author and she has embraced it very nicely.  Coming in around 200 pages it was a quick read, but for this reader I was so engrossed in the story that the time just flew by.

Told from the POV of young Abi (Abigail) during the Civil War in England (17th century).  She is sent by her mother to Markyate Manor where she is met with a grumpy cook and ornery overseer.  To top it off she is to be maid to Lady Katherine Fanshawe, who just happens to be the same age and not too pleasant herself.  Did I mention that Abi is deaf? 

I really like the authors writing style, she managed to captured the essence of this time period through her vivid descriptions showing the effects this war had on it's citizens.    The storyline was interesting and unique, how slowly over the course of this book the mystery of Abi's deafness is revealed.  Along with how she ended up being a maid in the first place.  How Katherine turned into Kate and fell for Abi's brother.  There is a lot going on here but in a good way.  Mystery, a touch of romance, hidden agenda's, friendship, commitment, manipulation and more.

The historical notes at the end of the book were an added bonus.  They explained much and confirmed the fact that this author really knows her history and has done her homework.  

I think that not just YA but adults will enjoy this book, especially if you are a lover of historical fiction taking place in England (with non royal characters.)

 

 Praise for Deborah Swift

“There is no greater compliment than ‘Give me more!’” – Author Susanna Gregory

“realistic dialogue, an author’s obvious love for history, and characters that leap off the pages” – Romance Reviews Today

“genuinely engrossing… with characters you can get interested in” – The Mum Website

 

Buy the Book

Amazon US
Amazon UK

Deborah Swift used to work in the theatre and at the BBC as a set and costume designer, before studying for an MA in Creative Writing in 2007. She lives in a beautiful area of Lancashire near the Lake District National Park. She is the author of The Lady’s Slipper and is a member of the Historical Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Romantic Novelists Association.

For more information, please visit Deborah’s website. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Shadow on the Highway Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 25

Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, August 26

Interview at Flashlight Commentary

Book Blast at Princess of Eboli

Wednesday, August 27

Guest Post at Reading the Past

Book Blast at Broken Teepee

Thursday, August 28

Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Book Blast at Peeking Between the Pages

Friday, August 29

Book Blast at Passages to the Past

Book Blast at What Is That Book About

Monday, September 1

Review at The Maiden’s Court

Book Blast at Reading Lark

Tuesday, September 2

Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, September 3

Review at A Bookish Affair

Friday, September 5

Book Blast at Curling Up By the Fire

Saturday, September 6

Book Blast at A Book Geek

Monday, September 8

Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book

Review at Historical Fiction Obsession

Tuesday, September 9

Review at Brooke Blogs

Book Blast at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, September 10

Review at Unabridged Chick

Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, September 11

Review & Guest Post at Just One More Chapter

Interview & Giveaway at Unabridged Chick

Book Blast at Luxury Reading

Friday, September 12

Review at The Musings of ALMYBNENR

Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Monday, September 15

Review at Historical Tapestry

Book Blast at A Bibliophile’s Reverie

Giveaway

To win a Paperback or eBook of Shadow on the Highway please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Five copies of each are up for grabs. Giveaway is open internationally.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway & Book Blast: Deborah Swift

HF Virtual Book Tours is delighted to introduce you to historical novelist Deborah Swift!  Deborah’s acclaimed novels are set in turbulent seventeenth century England and have been described as “brilliant” and “a must for all readers looking for something out of the ordinary but grippingly alive”.  Her previous life as a scenographer and costume designer shine through as the settings are beautifully evoked, immersing the reader in the sights and smells of the time.

Deborah’s multi-layered and engrossing historical adventures will make perfect picks for reading groups. Reading Group Guides can be conveniently found in the back of each book and on her website.

Find more information on Deborah's novels below and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (£15 UK)!

The Lady's Slipper

Publication Date: June 3, 2011
Pan MacMillan
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
England, 1660.

The King is back, but memories of the English Civil War still rankle. In rural Westmorland, artist Alice Ibbetson has become captivated by the rare Lady’s Slipper orchid. She is determined to capture it’s unique beauty for posterity, even if it means stealing the flower from the land of the recently converted Quaker, Richard Wheeler. Fired by his newfound faith, the former soldier Wheeler feels bound to track down the missing orchid. Meanwhile, others are eager to lay hands on the flower, and have their own powerful motives.
 Margaret Poulter, a local medicine woman, is seduced by the orchid’s mysterious herbal powers, while Geoffrey Fisk, Alice’s patron and former comrade-in-arms of Wheeler, sees the valuable plant as a way to repair his ailing fortunes and cure his own agonizing illness. Fearing that Wheeler and his friends are planning revolution, Fisk sends his son Stephen to spy on the Quakers, only for the young man to find his loyalties divided as he befriends the group he has been sent to investigate.
Then, when Alice Ibbetson is implicated in a brutal murder, she is imprisoned along with the suspected anti-royalist Wheeler. As Fisk’s sanity grows ever more precarious, and Wheeler and Alice plot their escape, a storm begins to brew, from which no party will escape unscathed. Vivid, gripping and intensely atmospheric, The Lady’s Slipper is a novel about beauty, faith and loyalty.

Praise for The Lady's Slipper

"The novel grips from the opening lines and carries the interest throughout. The several plot-lines are seamlessly blended and come together in a wholly satisfying conclusion. Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended." - Historical Novels Review Magazine

"Recommended for fans of Philippa Gregory and Rose Tremain, as well as students of the English Civil War." - Library Journal

“The intertwined stories of the orchid’s fate, the mounting problems between the Quakers and the King’s men, and Alice’s murder trial and its aftermath make for a riveting narrative.” - For the Love of Books Blog

The Gilded Lily

Publication Date: September 13, 2012
Pan MacMillan
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
Westmorland, 1660.

Sadie Appleby has lived all her life in her small village. One night she is rudely awoken by her older and bolder sister, Ella, who has robbed her employer and is on the run. The girls flee their rural home of Westmorland to head for London, hoping to lose themselves in the teeming city. But the dead man’s relatives are in hot pursuit, and soon a game of cat and mouse begins.

Ella becomes obsessed with the glitter and glamour of city life and sets her sights on the flamboyant man-about-town, Jay Whitgift. But nothing is what it seems – even Jay Whitgift.

Can Sadie survive a fugitive’s life in the big city? But even more pressing, can she survive life with her older sister Ella?

Set in London’s atmospheric coffee houses, the rich mansions of Whitehall, and the pawnshops, slums and rookeries hidden from rich men’s view, The Gilded Lily is about beauty and desire, about the stories we tell ourselves, and about how sisterhood can be both a burden and a saving grace.

Praise for The Gilded Lily

"There is no greater compliment than ‘Give me more!’ A delight." - Susanna Gregory

"The Gilded Lily is impeccably written historical fiction. The detail is superb and life in London is so vividly depicted that the city seems to take on its own persona and become a lurking character in the story." - Let Them Read Books

"A heart-rending story of two sisters on the run, searching for a better life. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, the novel drew me straight into the teeming streets of Restoration London. An addictive, page-turning read." - Mary Sharratt

"Superb dialogue, steeped in contemporary language, adds credibility and atmosphere to this compelling tale which examines the ties that bind together siblings, the consequences of greed and ambition, the fickleness of fate and women’s constant battle to survive in a man’s world. The Gilded Lily is also a fast-paced adventure peopled with ruthless villains and feisty heroines whose exploits grab the imagination and add suspense and excitement to a historical gem." - Lancashire Evening Post

The Gilded Lily Book Trailer

A Divided Inheritance

UK Publication Date: October 24, 2013
Pan MacMillan
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
London, 1609.

Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her simple dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace. Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relation but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary – determined to claim the inheritance that is rightfully hers.

In the searing heat of Seville, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery and finally unlocking the true meaning of family.

Praise for A Divided Inheritance

"a true gem. It has a pacy storyline, the characters are complex, intriguing and often unexpected – and it is packed with fascinating historical fact" - Gabrielle Kimm, author of His Last Duchess

"Elegantly written, A Divided Inheritance brings the uncertainty of the seventeenth century gloriously to life in an engaging tale of determination, tenacity and family loyalty." - Flashlight Commentary Blog

"a multifaceted tale about the consequences of religious intolerance, the expiation of guilt, the importance of family, and the appearance of unexpected love. And swordplay! The action sequences are as sharp and dazzling as Zachary’s hand-forged blade." - Sarah Johnson, Reading the Past

Buy the Books

Amazon UK
Amazon US
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-a-Million
Hive.co.uk
Waterstones

 

About the Author

Deborah Swift used to work in the theatre and at the BBC as a set and costume designer, before studying for an MA in Creative Writing in 2007. She lives in a beautiful area of Lancashire near the Lake District National Park. She is the author of The Lady’s Slipper and is a member of the Historical Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Romantic Novelists Association.

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The Riddle of Writing Blog
Royalty Free Fiction Blog
English History Authors Blog

Book Blast Schedule

Sunday, March 16
Lily Pond Reads
Kincavel Korner
Bibliophilia, Please
Passages to the Past
The True Book Addict

Monday, March 17
Mari Reads
Turning the Pages
A Chick Who Reads
Historical Fiction Connection
History from a Woman's Perspective

Tuesday, March 18
Just One More Chapter
Susan Heim on Writing
Caroline Wilson Writes
Historical Fiction Obsession
Historical Readings & Reviews

Wednesday, March 19
Book Nerd
Broken Teepee
Literary Chanteuse
Historical Tapestry

Thursday, March 20
Book Drunkard
Mina's Bookshelf
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A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift

A family divided by fortune. A country divided by faith.
London 1609...

Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace.

Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relative but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim back from him the inheritance that is rightfully hers.

Under the searing Spanish sun, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery which finally unlocks the true meaning of family . . 

A Divided Inheritance is a breathtaking adventure set in London just after the Gunpowder Plot and in the bustling courtyards of Golden Age Seville.

Paperback

Published October 24th 2013 by Pan MacMillan
source - personal library
**** 

Deborah Swift has once again delivered another wonderful novel.  Full of rich details that shows her knowledge and the amount of research that she did for this book.

This book comes in at just over 500 pages and it was a pleasure to read.  I love big books, but sometimes they run the risk of  being too wordy with unnecessary and repetitive information.  This was definitely not the case with A Divided Inheritance, to grasp the full story, looking at it from all sides it was the perfect length.

The author has shown her nack for details.  From lace making, sword play, English customs, Spanish customs to the religious conflicts in both England and Spain. It was also about relationships, trust, bonds and commitments (just to name a few).  It was very interesting to follow Elspet and Zachary's journey and to see where life was taking them and to see them change.

 I loved how every once in a while a little sentence or phase would pop up that left me scratching my head wonder, what? really? thinking that I can't wait to see where that leads. Meaning I had a couple late nighters.

This was a well written story that grabbed me right from the beginning and didn't let go till that last page was turned.  This book will appeal to those that love historical fiction royal free.

It's October, lets see what's coming...

It is the end of a month and the beginning of October, here are a few of the books that I am looking forward to being released this month.

 A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift

Amazon Canada has a Dec 3rd release date, but The Book Depository has a release date of Oct 24th

A family divided by fortune. A country divided by faith.

London 1609...

Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace.

Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relative but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim back from him the inheritance that is rightfully hers.

Under the searing Spanish sun, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery which finally unlocks the true meaning of family . . .
A Divided Inheritance is a breathtaking adventure set in London just after the Gunpowder Plot and in the bustling courtyards of Golden Age Seville.
 
       Stormbird (Wars of the Roses #1) by Conn Iggulden                                                        release date is Oct. 10th

Wars of the Roses: the brand new historical series from Conn Iggulden - internationally best-selling author of the Emperor and Conqueror series.
King Henry V - the great Lion of England - is long dead.
In 1437, after years of regency, the pious and gentle Henry VI, the Lamb, comes of age and accedes to the English throne. His poor health and frailty of mind render him a weakling king -Henry depends on his closest men, Spymaster Derry Brewer and William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, to run his kingdom.

Yet there are those, such as the Plantagenet Richard, Duke of York, who believe England must be led by a strong king if she is to survive. With England's territories in France under threat, and rumours of revolt at home, fears grow that Henry and his advisers will see the country slide into ruin. With a secret deal struck for Henry to marry a young French noblewoman, Margaret of Anjou, those fears become all too real.

As storm clouds gather over England, King Henry and his supporters find themselves besieged abroad and at home. Who, or what can save the kingdom before it is too late?

The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

release date Oct 1st.

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini is back with another enthralling historical novel set during the Civil War era, this time inspired by the life of �a true Union woman as true as steel” who risked everything by caring for Union prisoners of war — and stealing Confederate secrets.

Born to slave-holding aristocracy in Richmond, Virginia, and educated by Northern Quakers, Elizabeth Van Lew was a paradox of her time. When her native state seceded in April 1861, Van Lew’s convictions compelled her to defy the new Confederate regime. Pledging her loyalty to the Lincoln White House, her courage would never waver, even as her wartime actions threatened not only her reputation, but also her life.

Van Lew’s skills in gathering military intelligence were unparalleled. She helped to construct the Richmond Underground and orchestrated escapes from the infamous Confederate Libby Prison under the guise of humanitarian aid. Her spy ring’s reach was vast, from clerks in the Confederate War and Navy Departments to the very home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

Although Van Lew was inducted posthumously into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame, the astonishing scope of her achievements has never been widely known. In Chiaverini’s riveting tale of high-stakes espionage, a great heroine of the Civil War finally gets her due.

Do you have something coming out this month? Comment what it is, my tbr pile will thank you.

The Gilded Lily by Deborah Swift

A spellbinding historical novel of beauty and greed and surprising redemption

England, 1660. Ella Appleby believes she  is destined for better things than slaving as a housemaid and dodging the blows of  her drunken father. When her employer dies suddenly, she seizes her chance--taking his valuables and fleeing the countryside with her sister for the golden prospects of London. But London may not be the promised land she expects.  Work is hard to find, until Ella takes up with a dashing and dubious gentleman with ties to the London underworld. Meanwhile, her old employer's twin brother is in hot pursuit of the sisters.

Set in a London of atmospheric coffee houses, gilded mansions, and shady pawnshops hidden from rich men’s view, Deborah Swift's The Gilded Lily is a dazzling novel of historical adventure.

Paperback, 471 pages

Published November 27th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin 

source - personal library

****

I was first introduced to Deborah Swift reading her first book, The Lady's Slipper.  It was a wonderful book, I loved it!

The Gilded Lily takes off at the conclusion of The Lady's Slipper, but please don't let that scare you off if you haven't read it.  This is very easily a stand alone (but I am quite sure you will want to go back and read The Lady's Slipper as soon as you're finished).

This book had me hooked right from the beginning. Ella and Sadie escaping to the big city of London.  Running from a past they would just as soon  forget all about.  I really got to know both Ella and Sadie in this book as well as what life was like back in 1661.  The historical aspects was wonderful, I had visual imagines in my mind of the streets, the alleys, the Thames and how hard life was back then.  This author really knows her stuff!

The characters of Ella and Sadie developed so nicely, I got to know, at times I didn't like them, others times I loved them.  Wanted to give Sadie a hug so many times and Ella a slap.

      "She shivered, unable to squash the feeling that the past clung on and would let neither of them go easily"

           She (Sadie) wanted it to be true, wanted to feel that there was someone to rely on, to watch over her.

He had a way of telling that made the stoies alive in the room, like he was weaving a vast tapestry before her eyes.

Waiting on Wednesday - A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine
and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  

My pick for this week: A Divided Inheritance by Deborah Swift

Oct 24, 2013

A family divided by fortune. A country divided by faith. 

 

London 1609 

Elspet Leviston’s greatest ambition is to continue the success of her father Nathaniel’s lace business. But her simple dreams are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of her mysterious cousin Zachary Deane – who has his own designs on Leviston’s Lace. 

Zachary is a dedicated swordsman with a secret past that seems to invite trouble. So Nathaniel sends him on a Grand Tour, away from the distractions of Jacobean London. Elspet believes herself to be free of her hot-headed relation but when Nathaniel dies her fortunes change dramatically. She is forced to leave her beloved home and go in search of Zachary - determined to claim the inheritance that is rightfully hers.

In the searing heat of Seville, Elspet and Zachary become locked in a battle of wills. But these are dangerous times and they are soon embroiled in the roar and sweep of something far more threatening, sending them both on an unexpected journey of discovery and finally unlocking the true meaning of family . . .

What are you waiting for?

The Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift

1660. King Charles II has returned from exile, but memories of the English Civil War still rankle. There are old scores to settle, and religious differences threaten to overturn a fragile peace. When Alice Ibbetson discovers a rare orchid, the Lady’s Slipper, growing in a wood belonging to Richard Wheeler, she is captivated by its beauty— though Wheeler, a Quaker, is determined to keep the flower where God intended it to grow. Knowing that the orchid is the last of its kind, she steals the flower, little dreaming that her seemingly simple act will set off a chain of events that will lead to murder and exile, and change her life forever…

Paperback, 436 pages

Published November 23rd 2010 by St. Martin's Griffin
source - personal library
*****

It all started with an orchid, the Lady's Slipper and what a chain of events resulted.  It is more than a story just about an orchid.  Alice, still grieving the passing of her sister.  Richard Wheeler and the Quakers, Sir Geoffrey Fisk and his son, and of course Ella, the servant, all intertwined together to make a wonderful story.  

Deborah Swift has a writing style that I found rather mesmerizing.  The words just seemed to flow right out of the book (does that make sense?)  It was one of those books where I would sit for a few minutes to read a few pages and next thing I knew it was an hour (or two) later.

 

Having never read any historical fiction in the 1600's I enjoyed the learning experience also, this author knows her stuff.  Looking forward to The Gilded Lily, which has been sitting very patiently