Herald of Joy by Pamela Belle

Set in a period after the Civil War,  England is just recovering after a long period of strife. At Wintercombe the inhabitants are now trying to get their lives in order, but with difficulty. The lady
at Wintercombe faces a coming winter of knowing definitely that her husband is losing his battle with his life. She now has to find out how she can protect the estate and her children as best as she could.

Silence is a strong chatelaine, but she finds the unfairness of her husband's will is going to divide the family and create dissension. However his death brings about her freedom and a longing for her lost love and the chance to make a new life for herself. She also seeks settlement for her young children in a way which will bring happiness to them.

However the way forward is not smooth. Charles II has again started his encounters into the English countryside and Nick Hellier is part of his brigade. It brings unwarranted attention to the Wintercombe household and suspicion on the whole family which can lead to forfeiture of their lands, unnecessary focus on the household and even jail for its inhabitants for treason.

With one member of the family disloyal to the whole, the entire structure can be torn apart and the security and strength of Wintercombe destroyed with one rash act and this is what eventually happens. How the family holds on together subsequent to this and support each other hoping that they can recover from this grievous blow is beautifully told.

Characterization was spot on in this story. Each family member had strengths and weaknesses which were very apt and added to the interest of the story. Historically the details were descriptive and for readers who like historical fiction, this book would be an interesting read.

Sent to me by Netgalley, for an unbiased review courtesy of Endeavour Press, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed.


As a post note as I did this review weeks ago, we have had a bereavement in my family. My mother passed away after a very short illness. She died on Wednesday last and the funeral was on Friday. My mother enjoyed her life in full and I am just so very grateful for that.