A well-paced tale that draws you into the story quickly and holds your attention
An enjoyable historical drama, set in the English Civil War, an era I know little about, but found I was drawn in to the period very quickly. The writing is easy to connect with, and I found I had finished this 493-page story within two days.
Jayne Swift is an independent heroine, striving to serve her calling as a forward-thinking doctor in a time of prejudice against women in the profession, while staying neutral despite pressures from both sides of the conflict. Walters paints vivid pictures of the brutality of the times, and reminds us that there is no winner in a conflict where families are turned against each other.
The other main character, William, sweeps in and out of the tale, just like his name (Harrier) suggests he might, expanding the story and helping us understand the nature of the conflict across the divide. His swashbuckling nature is, at times, a little cliched, but he is easily likeable and his appearances are welcome devices to move the story forward.
The romance within the tale is a little telegraphed, but overall, this was a book I enjoyed and that I learned a little from (always a bonus). I've read Walters crime stories in the past, and now may dip into her new genre some more too.
Jayne Swift is an independent heroine, striving to serve her calling as a forward-thinking doctor in a time of prejudice against women in the profession, while staying neutral despite pressures from both sides of the conflict. Walters paints vivid pictures of the brutality of the times, and reminds us that there is no winner in a conflict where families are turned against each other.
The other main character, William, sweeps in and out of the tale, just like his name (Harrier) suggests he might, expanding the story and helping us understand the nature of the conflict across the divide. His swashbuckling nature is, at times, a little cliched, but he is easily likeable and his appearances are welcome devices to move the story forward.
The romance within the tale is a little telegraphed, but overall, this was a book I enjoyed and that I learned a little from (always a bonus). I've read Walters crime stories in the past, and now may dip into her new genre some more too.