As a fan of historical fiction, I have been hearing about this much-anticipated book for quite some time so it is my absolute pleasure to take part in the Rachel's Random Resources blog tour for The Raided Heart by Jennifer C. Wilson. Not only do you get to read my review of this fabulous book, but you also get the chance to win an e-copy of The Last Plantagenet?, which I absolutely LOVED. So make sure you scroll down to enter the giveaway after reading my review.
Meg
Mathers, the headstrong youngest sibling of a reiving family on the
English-Scottish border, is determined to remain at her childhood
home, caring for the land and village she’s grown up with. When an
accident brings her a broken ankle and six weeks in the resentful
company of ambitious and angry young reiver Will Hetherington,
attraction starts to build. Both begin to realise they might have met
their match, and the love of their lives, but 15th century border
living is not that simple, as Meg soon finds herself betrothed to the
weakling son of a tyrannical neighbour, Alexander Gray. When tragedy
strikes, can Meg and Will find their way back to each other, and can
Will finally take his own personal revenge on Gray?
What did I think?
I am a huge fan of Jennifer C. Wilson's Kindred Spirits series so I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of The Raided Heart; a book that I have been hearing about at my local book group. The Raided Heart is a historical romance, so don't expect any famous ghosts to appear although there is mention of a famous figure from history but more about that later.
You can't live in Northern England without having heard of the border reivers but for those new to the subject, Jennifer C. Wilson has included a little explanation of key definitions at the start of the book. This is invaluable to understand what is going on in the book; I had never heard of a bastle or hot and cold trods. There is also a cast of characters, although I was happy to meet them as the story unfolded. I did have a little chuckle at the cast when I saw Richard, Duke of Gloucester listed; I know enough of my Plantagenet history to recognise Richard III when I see him. Of course, it wouldn't be a Jennifer C. Wilson book without Richard!
Before starting the book, I did worry a little about the 'romance' part of it. Would it be too Mills and Boon for me? Thankfully, not! There are no heaving bosoms or throbbing loins, it's more about the feelings growing between Meg and Will. I think the romance part was perfectly proportioned with the historical element, as it's more the history that I am interested in but the romance helps to bring it more to life.
The story itself has many threads running through it which make it a very multi-dimensional read. I really enjoyed Will's story and his link to Alexander Gray which felt like a simmering pot left to boil on the stove. I also loved how close Meg's family are and how her brothers treat her as an equal and value her opinion; it made it all the more difficult for Meg to become a simpering wife and her struggle was often comical as the reader is party to her thoughts.
The Raided Heart is an outstanding story; the historical setting is vividly described and the characters are so well developed that they virtually jump out of the page. I know Jennifer C. Wilson has been working on The Raided Heart for quite some time and I am delighted to say that it is well worth the wait.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Buy it from:
Amazon UK
Amazon US
About the author:
Jennifer
C. Wilson is a marine biologist by training, who developed an equal
passion for history and historical fiction whilst stalking Mary,
Queen of Scots on childhood holidays (she has since moved on to
Richard III). Enrolling on an adult education workshop on her return
to the north-east of England for work reignited her pastime of
creative writing, and she has been filling notebooks ever since. In
2014, Jennifer won the Story Tyne short story competition, and has
been working on a number of projects since, including co-hosting the
North Tyneside Writers’ Circle. Her Kindred Spirits novels are
published by Crooked Cat Books and her time-slip novella, The Last
Plantagenet?, by Ocelot Press. She lives in North Tyneside, and is
very proud of her approximately 2-inch sea view.
Social
Media Links –
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inkjunkie1984
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifercwilsonwriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifercwilsonwriter/
Giveaway
Giveaway
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