Title: The Queen's Exiles
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: May 27,2014
Buy: Amazon
1572. Europe is in turmoil. A vengeful faction of exiled English Catholics is scattered about the continent, plotting to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and install her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne. And in the Netherlands, the streets are red with the blood of those who dare to oppose the brutal Spanish occupation. But amid the unrest, one resourceful young woman has made a lucrative enterprise. . .
Scottish-born Fenella Doorn salvages crippled vessels. It is on one of these ships that she meets wealthy Baron Adam Thornleigh. Secretly drawn to him, Fenella can't refuse when Adam enlists her to join him in war-torn Brussels to help find his traitorous wife, Frances--and the children she's taken from him. But Adam and Fenella will put their lives in peril as they attempt to rescue his young ones, defend the crown, and restore the peace that few can remember.
With eloquent and enthralling finesse, Barbara Kyle illuminates one of history's grimmest chapters. The Queen's Exiles breathes new life into an extraordinary age where love and freedom could only be won with unmitigated courage.
At first I thought that this book was going to be about Elizabeth I, but it didn't take long to realize that it was so much more than that, and it definitely isn't a full on historical romance. Its really an adventure story that happens to have some romance in it.
Barbara Kyle's writing style is perfect. She allows you to get into each character's head, be it Fernella, Adam, Carlos, Isabella or even Frances. You know what's going one with each of them and you feel their frustrations.
The story is full of ups and downs. It really is an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, as the Fernella makes some discoveries about people in her life and as she gets more and more involved with Adam and his story.
Fernella is not your average heroine. To say she is strong and loyal would be doing her a disservice. She's so much more than that. The best way to describe Fernella is to say, she's the kind of person you want on your side.
What can I say about Adam? He's a man fighting for Queen and country and he's a family man. I wept for him many times during his quest to regain his children.
There isn't a character that you don't feel some emotion for, that's how well developed they are. Barbara Kaye is a fantastic storyteller. She takes you into the time period and sweeps you away.
The ending is perfect and while not exactly what fans of "happily ever after" might approve of, it does suit the story and makes everything feel more real.
Highly recommended reading!
Rating: 5 flowers
1 comments:
Andrea, thank you for this lovely review of The Queen's Exiles. I'm delighted that my characters moved you so deeply, especially Fenella. Have to say, she's a favorite of mine!
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