Sister Rosa's Rebellion (The Meonbridge Chronicles Book 6) - Carolyn Hughes

How can you rescue what you hold most dear, when to do so you must break your vows?

1363. When Mother Angelica, the old prioress at Northwick Priory, dies, many of the nuns presume Sister Rosa – formerly Johanna de Bohun, of Meonbridge – will take her place. But Sister Evangelina, Angelica’s niece, believes the position is hers by right, and one way or another she will ensure it is.

Rosa stands aside to avoid unseemly conflict, but is devastated when she sees how the new prioress is changing Northwick: from a place of humility and peace to one of indulgence and amusement, if only for the prioress and her favoured few. Rosa is terrified her beloved priory will be brought to ruin under Evangelina’s profligate and rapacious rule, but her vows of obedience make it impossible to rebel.

Meanwhile, in Meonbridge, John atte Wode, the bailiff, is also distraught by the happenings at Northwick. After years of advising the former prioress and Rosa on the management of their estates, Evangelina dismissed him, banning him from visiting Northwick again.

Yet, only months ago, he met Anabella, a young widow who fled to Northwick to escape her in-laws’ demands and threats, but is a reluctant novice nun. The attraction between John and Anabella was immediate and he hoped to encourage her to give up the priory and become his wife. But how can he possibly do that now?

Can John rescue his beloved Anabella from a future he is certain she no longer wants? And can Rosa overcome her scruples, rebel against Evangelina’s hateful regime, and return Northwick to the haven it once was?

 

What did I think?

Oh how I love a virtual visit to Meonbridge and this six instalment of The Meonbridge Chronicles is a little different as it's set in Northwick Priory.  The link to Meonbridge is Sister Rosa, who was formerly Johanna de Bohun, and I absolutely loved the spotlight being shone on her.

Northwick is a priory steeped in history and filled with politics due to its link with the Goddeffroy family.  When the prioress Mother Angelica (a Goddeffroy) dies she wishes to pass the priory into the safe hands of Sister Rosa but Sister Evangelina (a Goddeffroy) has other ideas and believes the priory is hers by birthright.  It is no surprise when Evangelina becomes prioress but the nuns aren't happy with the way she runs the priory.  How do you solve a problem like Evangelina?  Rebellion!

It's an absolutely gripping tale of greed, corruption and privilege that kept me riveted from start to finish.  It is really interesting to see how a priory is run in the 14th century and how much they rely on patronage from rich families.  It's very much like selling your soul to Satan though as they don't give their money for nothing.

As always, Carolyn Hughes transports her readers back in time to the 14th century and you actually feel as if you are experiencing the highs and lows with the characters as you walk in their footsteps.  This is one of my favourite historical fiction series and it keeps going from strength to strength and long may it continue.

A very highly recommended read that can be read as a standalone or as part of this wonderful series.

I received a digital ARC to read and review and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon

The Merchant's Dilemma (The Meonbridge Chronicles) - Carolyn Hughes

1362. Winchester. Seven months ago, accused of bringing plague and death from Winchester, Bea Ward was hounded out of Meonbridge by her former friends and neighbours. Finding food and shelter where she could, she struggled to make her way back to Winchester again.

Yet, once she arrived, she wondered why she’d come.

For her former lover – the love of her life – Riccardo Marchaunt, had married a year ago. And she no longer had the strength to go back to her old life on the streets. Frail, destitute and homeless, she was reduced to begging. Then, in January, during a tumultuous and destructive storm, she found herself on Riccardo’s doorstep. She had no plan, beyond hoping he might help her, or at least provide a final resting place for her poor body.

When Bea awakes to find she’s lying in Riccardo’s bed once more, she’s thankful, thrilled, but mystified. But she soon learns that his wife died four months ago, along with their newborn son, and finds too that Riccardo loves her now as much as he ever did, and wants to make her his wife. But can he? And, even if he can, could she ever really be a proper merchant’s wife?

Riccardo could not have been more relieved to find Bea still alive, when he thought he had lost her forever. She had been close to death, but is now recovering her health. He adores her and wants her to be his wife. But how? His father would forbid such an “unfitting” match, on pain of denying him his inheritance. And what would his fellow merchants think of it? And their haughty wives?

Yet, Riccardo is determined that Bea will be his wife. He has to find a solution to his dilemma… With the help of his beloved mother, Emilia, and her close friend, Cecily, he hatches a plan to make it happen.

But even the best laid plans sometimes go awry. And the path of love never did run smooth…

 

What did I think?

I'm a huge fan of The Meonbridge Chronicles series so I was delighted to hear that Carolyn Hughes had written a companion novel to pick up Riccardo and Bea's story from Children's Fate.  I read Children's Fate in January 2021, over two and a half years ago, but I still fondly remembered Bea and Riccardo and easily picked up their story again.  This perhaps goes some way to tell you how good a writer Carolyn Hughes is - her stories are immersive and the characters stay with you.

I felt really sorry for Bea as the life she has dreamed of is so close, yet so far.  Riccardo is the love of Bea's life and the feeling is mutual but Bea's shady past prevents her from being accepted as Riccardo's wife.  Riccardo is doing everything he can to make Bea happy and he just asks for a little patience from her to wait until the time is right, but patience is not one of Bea's virtues.

Bea really grows up in this story, although she still shows some of her fire when riled.  I love the relationship she forges with Riccardo's mother and her friend Cecily.  It's an ambitious plan to pass off Bea as a lady and it's an often amusing and always entertaining storyline.  It's a lovely story from start to finish.

The Merchant's Dilemma is completely engrossing and incredibly entertaining.  I absolutely loved this wonderful companion novel; it's so beautifully written that it can be read as a standalone and I think it will definitely give any readers new to the series at this stage the incentive to pick up the previous novels.  Carolyn Hughes writes wonderfully vivid and immersive historical fiction and I highly recommend the whole series.

I received a digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Squire's Hazard (The Meonbridge Chronicles Book 5) - Carolyn Hughes

How do you overcome the loathing, lust and bitterness threatening you and your family’s honour?

It’s 1363, and in Steyning Castle, Sussex, Dickon de Bohun is enjoying life as a squire in the household of Earl Raoul de Fougère. Or he would be, if it weren’t for Edwin de Courtenay, who’s making his life a misery with his bullying, threatening to expose the truth about Dickon’s birth.

At home in Meonbridge for Christmas, Dickon notices how grown-up his childhood playmate, Libby Fletcher, has become since he last saw her and feels the stirrings of desire. Libby, seeing how different he is too, falls instantly in love. But as a servant to Dickon’s grandmother, Lady Margaret de Bohun, she could surely never be his wife.

Margery Tyler, Libby’s aunt, meeting her niece by chance, learns of her passion for young Dickon. Their conversation rekindles Margery’s long-held rancour against the de Bohuns, whom she blames for all the ills that befell her family, including her own servitude. For years she’s hidden her hunger for revenge, but she can no longer keep her hostility in check.

As the future Lord of Meonbridge, Dickon knows he must rise above de Courtenay’s loathing and intimidation, and get the better of him. And, surely, he must master his lust for Libby, so his own mother’s shocking history is not repeated? Of Margery’s bitterness, however, he has yet to learn… 

Beset by the hazards triggered by such powerful and dangerous emotions, can Dickon summon up the courage and resolve to overcome them?

Secrets, hatred and betrayal, but also love and courage –

Squire’s Hazard, the fifth MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLE 

 

What did I think?

The fictional village of Meonbridge is one of my favourite places to virtually visit through Carolyn Hughes' fabulous Meonbridge Chronicles series.  Squire's Hazard is book five and I was as eager to read it as I am eager for more - I just can't get enough of these books!  

Squire's Hazard can most definitely be read as a standalone and for anyone new to the series, or established fans requiring a reminder, there is a handy of cast of characters at the start of the book.  

This book sees young Dickon de Bohun taking centre stage as he learns all the skills required to be the future Lord of Meonbridge.  Dickon has the misfortune to be studying alongside Edwin de Courtenay, who takes an instant dislike to Dickon and begins a campaign of bullying that certainly raised my ire.  I'm not one for violence but I could have boxed that Edwin's ears!

Dickon is growing up fast and so is his childhood friend, Libby.  With hormones raging, the pair become confused and excited by the new feelings they are experiencing but they know that they can never marry due to their very different positions in society.  I loved this part of the story, with Dickon and Libby falling in love but destined to be starcrossed lovers.  They are too young to understand the different forms of love but it's clear that they have deep affection for each other.

Carolyn Hughes' writing is once again exceptional as she takes us on a virtual journey into the 14th century.  The whole story is so immersive and vivid that I felt as if I was actually in Meonbridge watching events as they happened.  I've loved every single instalment in this fantastic series and I've become so invested in the characters' lives that I feel like I'm meeting old friends everytime I pick up one of the books.  

Vivid, immersive and compelling, Squire's Hazard is a stunning piece of historical fiction.  It's not a book you simply read, it's a complete sensory experience as Carolyn Hughes takes us back in time through her incredible writing.  Very highly recommended and not to be missed.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

CAROLYN HUGHES has lived most of her life in Hampshire. With a first degree in Classics and English, she started working life as a computer programmer, then a very new profession. But it was technical authoring that later proved her vocation, as she wrote and edited material, some fascinating, some dull, for an array of different clients, including banks, an international hotel group and medical instruments manufacturers.

Having written creatively for most of her adult life, it was not until her children flew the nest several years ago that writing historical fiction took centre stage, alongside gaining a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Portsmouth University and a PhD from the University of Southampton.

Facebook: CarolynHughesAuthor 

Twitter: @writingcalliope 

Website:  www.carolynhughesauthor.com

Follow the tour:

BLOG TOUR: Children's Fate (The Meonbridge Chronicles Book 4) - Carolyn Hughes

I'm delighted to be one of the bloggers closing the Rachel's Random Resources blog tour for Children's Fate by Carolyn Hughes.  After you've read my review, make sure you enter the fabulous international giveaway at the end of my post to win an Amazon gift card.

How can a mother just stand by when her daughter is being cozened into sin?

It’s 1360, eleven years since the Black Death devastated all of England, and six years since Emma Ward fled Meonbridge with her children, to find a more prosperous life in Winchester. Long satisfied that she’d made the right decision, Emma is now terrified that she was wrong. For she’s convinced her daughter Bea is in grave danger, being exploited by her scheming and immoral mistress.

Bea herself is confused: fearful and ashamed of her sudden descent into sin, but also thrilled by her wealthy and attentive client.

When Emma resolves to rescue Bea from ruin and tricks her into returning to Meonbridge, Bea doesn’t at first suspect her mother’s motives. She is happy to renew her former friendships but, yearning for her rich lover, Bea soon absconds back to the city. Yet, only months later, plague is stalking Winchester again and, in terror, Bea flees once more to Meonbridge.

But, this time, she finds herself unwelcome, and fear, hostility and hatred threaten…

Terror, betrayal and deceit, but also love and courage, in a time of continuing change and challenge – Children’s Fate, the fourth MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLE.

What did I think?

Children's Fate is book 4 of The Meonbridge Chronicles and although I've read every one of the wonderful books in the series, you can most definitely read it as a standalone.  Children's Fate is simply superb and I think it is the best book in the series so far.

For readers new to the series or those who need a refresh, there's a wonderful cast of characters at the start of the book.  I love this thoughtful addition as there are a lot of characters in the book, although Carolyn Hughes introduces them gradually so as not to overwhelm the reader.  Children's Fate focuses on the Ward family, particularly widow Emma and her daughter Bea, who left Meonbridge for Winchester in 1354.  The year 1360 sees Emma with a good job as a weaver and Bea with an apprenticeship as an embroiderer, however, the embroidery business is a front for a bawdy house.  To protect her daughter, Emma moves back to Meonbridge but Bea is far from happy about leaving her lucrative new life behind.

Carolyn Hughes is one of the best historical fictions authors I have ever read.  Her books are based on historical facts but are brought to life by such wonderful characters that the reader gets to know throughout the series.  Even if you haven't read the earlier books, there are reminders of particular characters' backstories within Children's Fate so as not to disadvantage new readers.  Just to reiterate the use of real historical facts in the story, I was amazed to read in the author's note that there was such an embroidery business whose mistress sold her apprentices into prostitution.  

If you like historical fiction you will love Children's Fate and all of the Meonbridge Chronicles.  I love that you can read each chronicle as a standalone but they are even better when read as part of a series.  Carolyn Hughes' writing is so vivid that I felt fully immersed in the story and the return of the plague felt even more scary as we tackle our current pandemic.

Children's Fate is such stunningly vibrant historical fiction that I wholeheartedly recommend.  Even if historical fiction isn't your preferred genre, Carolyn Hughes writes with such vivacity that ensures Children's Fate will appeal to all readers.  Absolutely brilliant and completely faultless - without doubt a five star read.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and all opinions are my own.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

CAROLYN HUGHES was born in London, but has lived most of her life in Hampshire. After completing a degree in Classics and English, she started her working life as a computer programmer, in those days a very new profession. But it was when she discovered technical authoring that she knew she had found her vocation. She spent the next few decades writing and editing all sorts of material, some fascinating, some dull, for a wide variety of clients, including an international hotel group, medical instrument manufacturers and the government.

She has written creatively for most of her adult life, but it was not until her children grew up and flew the nest several years ago that writing historical fiction took centre stage in her life. She has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Portsmouth University and a PhD from the University of Southampton.

Children’s Fate is the fourth novel in the MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLES series. A fifth novel is under way.

You can connect with Carolyn through her website www.carolynhughesauthor.com and social media:

Facebook: CarolynHughesAuthor

Twitter: @writingcalliope

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2hs2rrX

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway to Win a $15 / £15 / €15 Amazon Gift Card (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour: