On the eve of the English Civil War, the rise of Oliver Cromwell pits Roundheads against Royalists, parliament against the monarchy, and brother against brother. Into this tumultuous time Herries brings the Saunders and the Mortimers, neighbors and good friends in the small community in which they are prominent members. Caroline Saunders and Harry Mortimer have been unofficially betrothed for years, and now Caroline has, if not second thoughts, at least an uneasy feeling about the pending nuptials. For Harry, the wedding is absolutely necessary: his gambling and profligate ways have emptied the coffers of his father's estate. His brother, Nicolas, has been in love with Caroline for years. As the story unfolds, Nicolas joins Cromwell's army, Harry aligns himself with King Charles, and the Mortimers and Saunders sever their friendship. Though Caroline is not upset that she can't marry Harry, she isn't happy about not being able to marry Nicolas. Herries injects the chaos of turbulent times into the lives of her characters to create a gripping historical tale.
Maria HattonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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