Wintercombe

Historical fiction has done to death the early and late (Elizabethan) Tudor eras, the Norman conquest, the high Middle Ages, the Regency and many other periods in English history, but the English civil war is not often chronicled in historical fiction. This is a well-written, well researched book populated by three-dimensional characters a reader can fall in love with. Highly recommended.

Raised in a strict Puritan household with an abusive father, Silence learned at a young age to keep her emotions locked tightly inside her. Married at twenty to older widower Simon St. Barbe, London raised Silence struggles to fit in with Simon's children and his tyrannical mother. Nine years later Civil War breaks out between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians and Simon leaves to join the army leaving Silence and her children in relative peace - that is until a troop of Royalist soldiers arrive to take possession of Wintercombe in the King's name. Leading the troop is the ruthless Colonel Ridgeley who has no pity for the wife of a "traitor" - and Wintercombe is soon invaded by drunken, carousing soldiers. Always keeping a mask over her emotions, Silence withstands the horrendous abuses committed against her family, home and servants - although she finds sympathy and friendship with Captain Nick Hellier who tries his best to nullify the abominations committed by Ridgeley. Does Nick harbor stronger feelings for Silence or is he just amusing himself during his tenure at Wintercombe? Can Puritan raised Silence resist the love she finally admits for Nick or will she commit the great sin of adultery? Can anyone stop Colonel Ridgeley and his horrifying abuses or will he destroy Wintercombe and the St. Barbe family? Despite the appearance of being a romance novel, do not let that stop you. What *romance* there might be in the story between the two (and I'm not letting on) is well towards the end of the book - what this book is about is characters and family and how they are affected by war as their home and lives are taken over by brutal, ruthless soldiers - and let me tell you there are some terrifying scenes in this book. There is a lot of family interaction and details of daily life in 17C England, as well as seeing the conflict from both sides. Belle really brings the period and people to life, and I especially enjoy how she writes children and pets. This might be a bit slow paced at times for readers looking for an action packed read, but if you enjoy a more character driven plot and want to see the affects of war on the women, children and their daily lives I would recommend an immediate trip to your library or your favorite used bookseller. This is the first of a four book series and continues the St Barbe family through the reign of Charles II and the Monmouth rebellion. In order, Wintercombe Herald of Joy A Falling Star Treason's Gift

I have read all of Pamela Belles civil war series. Both sets are intricately woven with rich historical facts and her characters, while fictional, become real to the reader. The Wintercombe series is my favorite, as Ms. Belle can make the trials of forbidden romance during war torn England so poignant. I highly recommend any of her historical fiction books for those who love both history and romance without the sappy, unrealistic nonsence.

Just wanted to put a note in here because this book is definitely worth a read to those who enjoy historical novels. I have not read any of her works before and was suprised at how well she writes. I have enjoyed it enough to try hunting around for the second in the series!Apart from the above it has provided a wonderful insight into the daily life of a puritan family.