The House of Allerbrook

I have both books in this series and enjoyed both. Good description by the author of the time period in which the story takes place. I look forward to reading more books like this from the author.

The second in Valerie Anand's beautiful Exmoor saga, The House of Allerbrook chronicles the life of Jane Sweetwater Allerbrook from the turbulent reign of Henry VIII through to Elizabeth I. Pitched headfirst from an idyllic life in the country to Henry VIII's mistrustful court, Jane finds herself completely out of her element and under the eye of the lascivious, older, and desperate king. Rather than become a royal mistress, Jane flees with the help of a courtier, Peter Carew, and instead of facing her brother's praise for keeping her virtue, she faces his wrath for not using the opportunity to advance her family. As a punishment, she's forced to marry a much older man and make a life for herself. Jane's deep love for Exmoor and Allerbrook House keep her sane through a trying marriage and a succession of family tragedies. She eventually matures into a lady of property who is fiercely protective of all she loves and who refuses to allow the religious and monarchical upheavals in London to penetrate and destroy her world. In the end, she learns that her children will make their own decisions, and it's impossible for her save everyone. This book gave a refreshingly different perspective of England during a time of great uncertainty. I loved seeing how the events at court affected all the corners of the country, and the people's confusion as they tried to keep up with each new ruler, when all that they really wished for was to be left in peace. The brief moments at court were also well written, especially the glimpses into Sir Francis Walsingham's intricate spy network. It's not necessary to read The House of Lanyon before The House of Allerbrook, though some characters from the former make an appearance, and there are some parallel incidents that will only be apparent if you've read both books. They both stand wonderfully on their own, however, and Jane is both an winning and, occasionally, an exasperating heroine. I admired her for her spunk and courage, but sometimes wished that she had a filter for her acts of heroism and realized that some things were out of her control and actually putting her family at great risk, rather than protecting them. I also found certain bits of dialogue a bit expository, which I don't recall from reading House of Lanyon, but I didn't mind it in the long run. I'm hoping there will be a third tale in the saga. It's clear that the moor deeply inspired Ms. Anand, and I'm sure she has more to tell!

This sequel to The House Of Lanyon (Exmoor Saga), skips a generation to begin in 1535. It is not necessary to have read the original book; only one brief reference to a stained glass window is incomprehensible without it. The story once again is more historical novel than romance, although the loves of the characters remain part of the subplot. Anand is apparently a great believer in love at first sight. As Fiona Buckley, Anand also writes a spy/mystery series about Ursula Blanchard Stannard, a secret agent for Queen Elizabeth I. The two series cross in this novel, as a member of the family at Allerbrook is recruited by Sir Francis Walsingham, the [in]famous spymaster. The result is a compelling story stretching over about five decades and three generations of the family. Once again, Exmoor is lovingly described, and becomes almost as much a character in the story as any human being. Once again, the characters are caught up in the complexities of ambition, arranged marriages, and romance; social duties conflict with individual inclinations and loyalties. In this era, they are particularly whipsawed by the constant changes in religious doctrine. Someone once remarked that Henry VIII was very sincere in his religious convictions, unfortunately, neither he nor anyone else was quite certain what they were. Then his children follow, each with a different take on religion. An above average historical novel for anyone interested in this era.

In 1535 unmarried Sybil Sweetwater is unable to take her post at court because she is carrying the child of married tenant farmer Andrew Shearer. Her parents send Sybil into family exile and their sixteen year old daughter pragmatic Jane is to serve at the court of King Henry VIII. Jane enjoys her time there especially as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Cleves but, her monarch's persistent sexual assaults frighten her so she flees the court for Allerbrook assisted by Peter Carew. Jane's brother Francis, now the family patriarch, is irate with his sibling's failure to appease the appetite of the king and bring acclaim not disdain on the Sweetwater family. Additionally, a witness at the court fabricates what occurred. To punish Jane and appease King Henry, Francis forces Jane to marry much older farmer Harry Hudd. Although not used to the hard working of the land, Jane adjusts in part because of their son Tobias. When her brother suddenly dies, Allerbrook becomes Jane's; she plans changes in the lifestyles of her and her child. This engaging sixteenth century historical tale pulls no punches when it comes to the plight of women of all walks of life in England as females are less valuable than cattle except in terms of bearing an heir. Told over five decades, fans who enjoy a sweeping saga will appreciate the impact of royal intrigue on the HOUSE OF ALLERBROOK. Harriet Klausner