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Reader Reviews | |
Review by Alison Berrieman (090621) Rating (9/10) Review
by Alison Berrieman Alinor, neither wife or a widow when her husband is lost at sea, struggles to make a living to support her daughter Alys and son Rob. A midwife and herbalist, both dangerous occupations of the times, is constantly under scrutiny as locals suspect her of possessing dark secrets. However, ambition and determination brings them good fortune which fuels suspicion from the locals even further. Alinors life becomes even more complicated when she encounters James, a catholic priest and helps him seek refuge. Little does she know that her life will never be the same again. Times were tough and, when Alys agrees to marry a local farmer’s son, having no dowry, life becomes harder still as they try to raise the money. Starting slowly but increasing in pace throughout this was a totally spellbinding read. The last few chapters are shocking and intense. A very late night was needed to get to the end as I couldn’t put it down. Brilliantly researched with descriptions of daily life and surroundings. The characters may be fictional but their lives feel very real. Phillippa Gregory never fails to bring history alive and makes it so interesting. This historical period is brought to life, balancing fact and fiction. This book is totally engaging with vivid characters, I can’t wait to read the next book
Dark Tides in this new Fairmile series. I am giving this a 9/10 purely because of the slow start but as this book sets the scene for future titles it really needs this extra time to set the scene. |
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