The Valley by Helen Bryan

Rating: NA

Obtained from: Netgalley

Read: May 27, 2016

Left suddenly penniless, the Honorable Sophia Grafton, a viscount’s orphaned daughter, sails to the New World to claim the only property left to her name: a tobacco plantation in the remote wilds of colonial Virginia. Enlisting the reluctant assistance of a handsome young French spy—at gunpoint— she gathers an unlikely group of escaped slaves and indentured servants, each seeking their own safe haven in the untamed New World. What follows will test her courage and that of her companions as they struggle to survive a journey deep into a hostile wilderness and eventually forge a community of homesteads and deep bonds that will unite them for generations. The first installment in an epic historical trilogy by Helen Bryan, the bestselling author of War Brides and The Sisterhood, The Valley is a sweeping, unforgettable tale of hardship, tenacity, love, and heartache.

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Before I get too far ahead of myself, I want to emphasize that I did not finish this book and will not be offering a rating of any kind. I managed the first hundred pages, but was so disenchanted with the story that I saw no reason to continue to push on the remaining five hundred. That said, I feel I read enough of the book to offer commentary on the portion I did complete and am posting my thoughts in way of explanation for having abandoned the piece outright. 

The Valley marks my second experience with author Helen Bryan and while I did not enjoy War Brides, I tried my best to see The Valley with unbiased eyes. I was glad to note that Bryan's new release did not suffer the same trifecta of editing errors that plagued her earlier work, but new issues made it impossible for me to get into and appreciate Sophia Grafton's story and I ultimately decided the novel unreadable. 

It is my understanding that The Valley is based on the lives of Bryan's ancestors, but I feel the author's personal interest in the material made it impossible for her cut superfluous detail. To be perfectly blunt. the jacket description has more action in its synopsis than the first hundred pages of Bryan's work and I'm not inclined to pretend I appreciate glacially paced lit that is overburdened with redundant and unnecessary minutia.

I found Bryan's development of Sophia thin and stereotypic, but her presentation left me so bored and disinterested that I found no reason to continue. 

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The promise of a dress allowance was sweet, but above all she wanted her father to love her again. And it seemed that the only way that would happen was if she became more like her mother. How was she to resemble a dead saint?

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Mistress Firebrand by Donna Thorland

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Obtained from: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours/Netgalley

Read: April 6, 2015

British Occupied Manhattan, 1777. American actress Jennifer Leighton has been packing the John Street Theater with her witty comedies, but she longs to escape the provincial circuit for the glamour of the London stage. When the playwright General John Burgoyne visits the city, fresh from a recent success in the capitol, she seizes the opportunity to court his patronage. But her plan is foiled by British intelligence officer Severin Devere. Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jennifer Leighton... Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army - and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. By the time Severin meets up with Jenny once again, she is on a British hanging list, and Severin is ordered to find her - and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward a future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other...

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Political writer and propagandist Mercy Otis Warren,
on whom Thorland's Jennifer Leighton was based.

I've been eyeing Donna Thorland's Renegades of the Revolution series since the publication of The Turncoat, but fitting the books into my schedule has been something of a challenge. Till now that is. 

For the record, the books are written as standalones and weren't published in chronological order, so feel free to start where you will. I also encourage readers not to worry too much over the material. Thorland's writing is wonderfully detailed, but easy to follow and she never overwhelms the narrative with lecture style exposition. 

As far as the characters are concerned, I wasn't initially sold on Jennifer Leighton, but she grew on me and I became quite fond of her by the end of the novel. Severin Devere, on the other hand, proved an engaging rouge from the start. Frances enjoys a supporting role, but I loved the passion Thorland embedded in her character and words can't describe my enchantment with the enigmatic Angela Ferrers.

Historically, Thorland paints New York as a political battleground and I found her interpretation intensely interesting. The action is brisk and incredibly addictive, but the story itself highlights the struggles of those living in a city under occupation. Power shifts frequently and the growing unrest makes it difficult to discern friend from foe and I really liked how Thorland manipulated that principle to her advantage.

I admit it took me a few chapters to get into the book, but I once I did I found the novel almost impossible to put down. Dramatic, clever, entertaining and provocative, Mistress Firebrand isn't to be missed. 

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He had, in fact, been attracted to her. That had caused him to think of her first as a woman and second as an adversary, and that had been his great est mistake. She used her sex to her advantage, and had clearly learned all the ways in which a smaller, lighter opponent might turn the tables on a larger, stronger one. “It would seem that I have a weakness for dangerous women.”

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Check Out All the Stops on Donna Thorland's Mistress Firebrand Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 6
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Excerpt & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, April 7
Review & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, April 8
Interview at The Maiden’s Court

Thursday, April 9
Guest Post & Giveaway at Susan Heim on Writing

Friday, April 10
Spotlight at Broken Teepee

Sunday, April 12
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, April 13
Spotlight, Excerpt, & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Thursday, April 16
Review at Caroline Wilson Writes

Friday, April 17
Spotlight at I’d So Rather Be Reading

Saturday, April 18
Excerpt & Giveaway at A Dream Within a Dream

Monday, April 20
Review at Book Nerd

Tuesday, April 21
Guest Post & Giveaway at Book Babe

Wednesday, April 22
Guest Post & Excerpt at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, April 23
Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Friday, April 24
Review at Back Porchervations

Monday, April 27
Review at Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, April 28
Review at Historical Readings & Views

Wednesday, April 29
Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish
Guest Post at Boom Baby Reviews

Thursday, April 30
Review at Bookramblings

Friday, May 1
Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway at Drey’s Library
Spotlight at Genre Queen

Sunday, May 3
Review at Forever Ashley

Monday, May 4
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Guest Post & Giveaway at To Read, or Not to Read

Tuesday, May 5
Excerpt at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, May 6
Review at Unabridged Chick

Thursday, May 7
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Friday, May 8
Interview at Scandalous Woman

The Gathering Dawn by Sally Laity & Dianna Crawford

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Obtained from: Personal Library

Read: February 10, 2015 (Reread)

Susannah Harington, a beautiful young Englishwoman, comes to America to build a new life in the Colonies, only to find he dreams dashed before they even begin... Barely does she set foot on American soil before she is embroiled in the schemes and intrigues against the British Crown... Daniel Haynes is a bold and courageous post-rider, whose Christian beliefs more him to work secretly in the fight for freedom from England... and whose revolutionary activities put him in constant danger... Amid the conflict and drama of the Colonies in uprising, these two people meet, drawn together by circumstance and unexpected emotions. But tragedy and treachery separate them, and only their faith in God - and a miracle - can bring them together again. A gripping drama of love and triumph is set against the colorful backdrop of pre-Revolutionary America.

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I get a lot of flak from fans of Christian lit. To each their own, I'm not holding any grudges, but I ruffle feathers and there's nothing wrong with acknowledging the fact. I understand where it comes from and I don't mean to make waves, it’s just something that happens. I have this silly idea that religion is a theme and shouldn't overwhelm every element of the story, I have a problem with characters who can do no wrong and I think most authors in this genre have trouble with heavier material. Thing is, a lot of these stories also have historic twists, so despite my difficulties, I keep coming back. 

What does this have to do The Gathering Dawn by Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford? Well, The Gathering Dawn is actually one of the first Christian titles I ever read. I loved it and it stands as proof that I don't hate every Christian title I tackle. I've actually reread it a couple of times and truth be told, I've been itching to revisit it since 2011 when I reviewed Rose's Pledge. The Harwood House series reunited Laity and Crawford and it had a lot of great things going for it, but I struggled with the similarity it bore to their Freedom's Holy Light series, particularly books one and two, The Gathering Dawn and The Kindled Flame. 

So, did I discover anything interesting? Did my opinion change with age and experience? Not really. The books are scarily similar in places, but I think the older series superior in a lot of ways. 

Both dig into the realities of indentured servitude, but the location of the Lyon's Den and the unique make-up of its staff and patrons provide a better platform than Miss Harwood's adventure in the wilderness. The reader witnesses the legalities of Susannah’s circumstances when she negotiates her contract, is exposed to the social consequences of her decision in various ways day after day after day, and sees the harsher truths of her position through Mary Clare and Christopher. These are things Rose’s venture didn’t afford and once again left me wondering why the authors recycled the idea nearly two decades later. Were they hoping no one would notice?

There is a considerable amount of deeply religious dialogue and reflection in the novel, but it makes sense in context of the story. Jonathon, Steven, Morgan, Robert and Daniel all study at Princeton, a college who sought to train men to become ‘ornaments of the State as well as the Church,’ so theological discussions of faith fit the situation. A cameo appearance by English Anglican cleric George Whitefield allowed Laity and Crawford to delve even further into the subject, but again, the scene felt perfectly natural within the framework of the story. 

I personally love the heightened sense of drama illustrated in Susannah's relationship with Ted as the siblings find themselves on opposites sides of the colonial move for independence. Julia's story line is sad, but I couldn't help appreciating Laity and Crawford’s attempt to incorporate tragedy into their narrative, especially when so many of their peers focus on happy endings for all. Silas’s struggle echoes the same idea and at risk of sounding like a broken record, I appreciate the courage the authors exhibited in taking a fairly light piece to such a difficult place.  

The writing itself isn't my favorite, but I think The Gathering Dawn a fun piece nonetheless. It's a wonderful cornerstone for the series and illustrates the balance of faith and fiction I hope to find every time I venture to into inspired fiction. 

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"To the British," Reverend Cooper added, "you'll appear as just one of many postriders. But your route will fluctuate according to need. Among yours other courier duties, Daniel, you'll be informed of ships that must be unloaded in secret. You'll relay word to the other patriots and arrange help for the transfer of cargo to shore." His eyes twinkled as a smile spread over his face. "Sounds a bit more 'helpful,' does it not?"

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Ravensdale by Lucinda Elliot

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Obtained from: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

Read: September 18, 2014

When the group of highwaymen headed by the disgraced Earl of Little Dean, Reynaud Ravensdale hold up the hoydenish Isabella Murray’s coach, she knocks one of them down and lectures them all on following Robin Hood’s example. The rascally Reynaud Ravensdale – otherwise known as the dashing highwayman Mr Fox – is fascinated by her spirit. He escaped abroad three years back following his supposedly shooting a friend dead after a quarrel. Rumour has it that his far more respectable cousin was involved. Now, having come back during his father’s last illness, the young Earl is seeking to clear his name. Isabella’s ambitious parents are eager to marry her off to Reynaud Ravensdale’s cousin, the next in line to his title. The totally unromantic Isabella is even ready to elope with her outlaw admirer to escape this fate – on condition that he teaches her how to be a highwaywoman herself. This hilarious spoof uses vivid characters and lively comedy to bring new life to a theme traditionally favoured by historical novelists – that of the wild young Earl, who, falsely accused of murder by the machinations of a conniving cousin and prejudged by his reputation, lives as an outlaw whilst seeking to clear his name.

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Lucinda Elliot came to my attention in 2012 when I read and reviewed That Scoundrel Emile Dubois. Two years on, the book stands out in my memory for its unique voice and original story which is why I jumped when chance afforded the opportunity to review Elliot's latest novel.

Ravensdale is loosely related to the earlier volume, but rest assured, these are two very different stories. A fun, romantic farce, Ravensdale is more parody than paranormal, but still retains the artistry and charm I associate with its creator. I don't think Reynaud and Isabella as compelling as Emile and Sophie, but the couple make an engaging pair nonetheless. His impetuous nature paired with her bold confidence create an unconventional chemistry that is enticingly pleasant and amusingly ironic.

A humorously offbeat affair, Ravensdale is anything but dull. A delightful volume that pokes playfully at the stereotypes and tropes of historic romance and brilliantly illustrates Elliot's creativity and range.

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No doubt she could lay a wager with Miss Amelia on who could thread so many needles in two minutes for a glass of cordial. That would need as much skill, but who would be impressed? She sulked in silence about how women were made boring by their upbringing. Then she wondered, as so often before, if she was mad, as nobody else seemed to think like this.

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Check Out All the Stops on Lucinda Elliot's Ravensdale Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 22
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, September 23
Interview at Layered Pages

Wednesday, September 24
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Thursday, September 25
Review at “Good Friends, Good Books and a Sleepy Conscience: This is the Ideal Life.”
Spotlight at Historical Tapestry

Saturday, September 27
Spotlight at Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers

Sunday, September 28
Review at Carole’s Ramblings

Monday, September 29
Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, September 30
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Review at Devilishly Delicious Book Blog

Thursday, October 2
Review at Book Nerd
Spotlight at Just One More Chapter

Friday, October 3
Spotlight at SOS Aloha

The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Obtained from: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

Read: June 09, 2014

Thrilling new historical fiction starring a scoundrel with a heart of gold and set in the darkest debtors’ prison in Georgian London, where people fall dead as quickly as they fall in love and no one is as they seem. It’s 1727. Tom Hawkins is damned if he’s going to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a country parson. Not for him a quiet life of prayer and propriety. His preference is for wine, women, and cards. But there’s a sense of honor there too, and Tom won’t pull family strings to get himself out of debt—not even when faced with the appalling horrors of London’s notorious debtors’ prison: The Marshalsea Gaol. Within moments of his arrival in the Marshalsea, Hawkins learns there’s a murderer on the loose, a ghost is haunting the gaol, and that he’ll have to scrounge up the money to pay for his food, bed, and drink. He’s quick to accept an offer of free room and board from the mysterious Samuel Fleet—only to find out just hours later that it was Fleet’s last roommate who turned up dead. Tom’s choice is clear: get to the truth of the murder—or be the next to die.

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Marshalsea Prison

No you aren't imagining it. That is a five star rating up there. I understand it's a bit of a shock, but books like The Devil in the Marshalsea don't come along every day and even I give credit where due.

Hard as it might be to believe, this one sucked me from the start. Author Antonia Hodgson hits the ground running, setting a blistering pace that kept me engaged to the final page, but momentum was far from the deciding factor in my opinion of her work. She also took full advantage of London's disreputable history, creating a chilling and deliciously authentic picture of lower class life in eighteenth-century England.

The story itself is part social commentary and part good old fashioned fiction, but the deft complexity of the novel's construction make it impossible to determine where one ends and the other begins. It's layered, but in such a way that one is hardly aware of its elaborate intricacies. 

The heavy themes and details were balanced by an array of well-defined and distinctly original characters. These individuals were both captivating and memorable despite their questionable virtues and served as a nice counterpoint to the grit of Tom's surroundings and the heightened tension of his situation. 

I could gush all day, but there's really no substitute for firsthand experience. A clever tale of debauchery, villainy and corruption, The Devil in the Marshalsea isn't to be missed.  

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A good secret was better than gold in the Marshalsea – and more deadly than a blade if you used it right.

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Check Out All the Stops on Antonia Hodgson's The Devil in the Marshalsea Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 10
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, June 11
Interview at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, June 12
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, June 16
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Friday, June 20
Interview at Reading the Past

Monday, June 23
Guest Post at Kinx’s Book Nook

Wednesday, June 25
Review & Giveaway at Book Nerd

Monday, June 30
Interview at Caroline Wilson Writes

Tuesday, July 1
Review at Mina’s Bookshelf

Thursday, July 3
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Monday, July 7
Review & Giveaway at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, July 8
Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict

Wednesday, July 9
Spotlight at Layered Pages

Friday, July 11
Review at Princess of Eboli
Spotlight & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Obtained from: Personal Library

Read: March 20, 2013

The year is 1945. Claire Randall is traveling with her husband when she touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is hurled back in time to a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord 1743. Catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, she soon realizes that an alliance with James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, might be the only way to survive. Thus begins a work of unrivaled storytelling that has become a modern classic.

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Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall
© Sony Pictures Televison Inc.

The buzz surrounding the impending television adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander forced me to acknowledge that I seemed to be the only one of my inner circle to have skipped the title. Well, until now. 

For the record, I'm not big on trending titles. As a reviewer I find it is harder to remain objective when you are staring down thousands of die-hard fans which probably explains my sidestepping Gabaldon's epic for so long. Still, one can't legitimately bitch about the liberties taken in a mini-series less one has read the original and because the book is always better I figured I'd best make room in my schedule and hope the title lived up to its reputation. 

It took me two weeks to finish the book between other responsibilities and obligations and all I can really say is that I'm a bit miffed. My eighteen year old self would have loved this piece, but the twenty-eight year old incarnation writing this review isn't exactly spellbound.

First and foremost, Gabaldon’s pacing leaves something to be desired. I honestly fell asleep reading this book and not because it was two in the morning and I couldn't function any longer. I'd get through two pages and wake up with an imprint of the binding down the side of my face, cursing my failure to get through a single chapter before succumbing to boredom. The material is interesting in its way, but the sheer amount of exposition and detail made it difficult for me to engage in the narrative and I often found my mind wandering and/or shutting down completely.

To add insult to injury, I didn't much appreciate Gabaldon’s leading lady. What kind of woman falls through time and simply accepts it? Claire fails to react to her situation until the final third of the book when she finally admits it to Jamie at which point it seems too little too late. I'm sorry, but I don't buy four months of absolute nonchalance, not for a minute.

Her tendency to act as an observer was equally hard to swallow. Protagonist though she is, Claire rarely takes control or initiative, a fact which makes her a rather tedious and uninspiring narrator. 

Claire's relationship with Jamie also failed to impress. Personally, I didn't feel an ounce of chemistry between these characters and I am seriously disturbed by Claire ability to tumble her wild Scotsman with barely an ounce of compunction over her betrayal of Frank which leads me to my next point. 

Lotte Verbeek as Geillis Duncan
© Sony Pictures Television Inc.

I'm not a prude, but I have a problem when authors ask me to read scenes of gratuitous intimacy. Don't get me wrong, some of my favorite writers pen historical romance, but there is a line and I think Gabaldon crossed it. Like anything else I want love scenes to have a purpose within a narrative and unfortunately, I feel her efforts lacked substance and that the frequency with which she depicts Claire and Jamie’s coupling quickly makes their unions a trivial act of meaningless copulation.

Jamie has his moments, instances in which his inexperience and perspective prove a breath of fresh air, but his character, like Claire, didn't affect me as much as the supporting cast. I have no problem admitting I formed a certain attachment to both Geillis Duncan and Janet Murray, admiring the complexity and strength in their individual characters. Jonathan Randall also caught my eye. A particularly memorable villain, I'm comfortable ranking him alongside Carver Doone which is no small praise in my book. 

Will I continue the series? Most likely. I like Gabaldon’s unconventional plot points and time travel fantasies hold certain appeal for me, but that said I’m in no rush. 

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“You are safe," he said firmly. "You have my name and my family, my clan, and if necessary, the protection of my body as well. The man willna lay hands on ye again, while I live.” 

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The Queen's Physician by Edgar Maass

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Obtained from: Open Library Loan

Read: December 31, 2013

A story about the rise and fall of Count Johann Struensee and his love affair with Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark.

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Norah Lofts' The Lost Queen sparked my interest in Caroline Matilda, Queen consort of Christian VII, but the book itself was only mildly satisfying. A pleasant read, it left me wanting something more dynamic, something I could really sink my teeth into which is how I stumbled upon Edgar Maass' The Queen's Physician.

Centered on Johann and his political aspirations, Maass' work is decidedly heavy reading, but I personally think that a good thing. Chock full of bureaucratic intrigue, The Queen's Physician really delves into Struensee's visionary reforms and the enemies he made passing them into law. 

Maass' portrayal of Struensee was another highly appealing aspect of the book. I'll grant the author's interpretation isn't always easy to appreciate and/or admire, but his multifaceted characterization stood in stark contrast to the forgettably dull figure in Lofts' narrative. 

Regulated to supporting roles, the reader enjoys significantly less face time with Caroline Matilda and Christian VII. They aren't weak characters per say, but neither royal makes much of an impression, both paling in comparison to the physician and his revolutionary ideas. 

My only real criticism is Maass' tendency to subject his readers to tedious and wordy exposition. The first half of the novel has great movement and flow, but towards the end, particularly after Struensee's arrest, there is a noticeable shift in the author's tone. It is interesting material in its way, but I didn't feel Struensee's prolonged reflections and inner monologues essential to the larger story. 

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way was intrigue and cabal, a cat-like insinuation into the sources of power and status. Guile won them money and offices. Theirs was the soft approach, an approach that quick as lightning could turn into tigerish assault.

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The Lost Queen by Norah Lofts

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Obtained from: Open Library Loan

Read: November 13, 2013

Princesses are born to be exiled. What is the alternative? Spinsterhood?' Thus the future of Caroline Matilda, youngest sister of George III, was settled - exile to a foreign country, and marriage to a nearly insane Crown Prince of Denmark. Entreatingly prompted by a sense of foreboding, she begged that one of her sisters be sent in her place. But Caroline was the healthiest, the strongest of the English princesses, and as well as being exiled, princesses were meant to be brood mares. Here is the life of Caroline Matilda set against the stark contrasts of 18th century Denmark; the cruelty, poverty and oppression of life under an absolute monarch sinking into madness; and the hatreds and court intrigues that swirled around the young English girl who was Queen of Denmark.

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I can't say Norah Lofts' The Lost Queen will go down as one of my all-time favorite reads, but I will say the book sparked a genuine interest in both Princess Caroline Matilda and the general history of Denmark. A literal blank slate, I knew nothing about this story prior to picking it up, but by the time I'd finished I was consumed with a desire to know more.

This being my first encounter with Lofts, I didn't know what to expect in terms of style and while I quite liked the language, the tone and flow of the narrative were difficult for me to appreciate. Slow and overly drawn-out, I frequently felt a desire to skim ahead. Inexperienced as I am, I can't say if this is characteristic of all Lofts' work, but it is certainly something I'll keep in mind should I attempt another of her titles. 

Lofts' intimate portrayal of Caroline Matilda was initially promising, but the character was ultimately one dimensional. Struensee was similarly disappointingly, wooden and entirely unmemorable. I did, however, like what Lofts did with Christian. I'll grant he is a little over the top, but all things considered, I think that actually worked in her favor as his deepening madness gave dimension to Caroline Matilda's relationship with Struensee.

The Lost Queen offers an interesting glimpse at an oft overlooked affair, but that being said, Lofts certainly played it safe. Like so many authors in this genre, she adds only modest embellishment to the historic record and while I appreciate her dedication to accuracy, I can't say the final product was particularly remarkable.

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She took the paper, read the horrible charge—criminal communication with Count Struensee—and recognized it as the polite, legal term for adultery. She heard again the old Queen Mother's rasping voice ordinary women commit adultery, Queens commit treason.

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Becoming Josephine: A Novel by Heather Webb

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Obtained from: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours/France Book Tours/Netgalley

Read: November 21, 2013

A sweeping historical debut about the Creole socialite who transformed herself into an empress. Readers are fascinated with the wives of famous men. In Becoming Josephine, debut novelist Heather Webb follows Rose Tascher as she sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris, eager to enjoy an elegant life at the royal court. Once there, however, Rose’s aristocratic soldier-husband dashes her dreams by abandoning her amid the tumult of the French Revolution. After narrowly escaping death, Rose reinvents herself as Josephine, a beautiful socialite wooed by an awkward suitor—Napoleon Bonaparte. 

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"France, armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine."

These, the final words of Napoleon Bonaparte, are what first sparked my interest in Joséphine de Beauharnais. In exile and faced with his own mortality, the former Emperor of France might have had any number of things on his mind, but why, I wondered, was the woman he abandoned so prominent among them? Who was this woman to have captivated him so? 

Napoleon's reasoning will never be truly understood, but author Heather Webb has given readers the next best thing in Becoming Josephine. A fictional chronicle, the novel highlights Joséphine's fiery perseverance and generous spirit against the trials and tribulations that marked her life. 

I knew going into this piece that my opinion would hinge on Webb's characterization of her heroine and generally speaking, I think she hit the nail on the head. Webb paints a wonderfully compelling portrait of Napoleon's first Empress. In these pages, as in life, Joséphine is a complex, dynamic, and self-reliant woman whose bold independence knows no bounds.

That being said, I found the scope of the novel something of a challenge. Spanning thirty years, the narrative's momentum wanes in several places, at times making it difficult remain engaged in the story. Don't misunderstand, I really appreciated Webb's interest in portraying Joséphine's story in its entirety and I completely understand how difficult it would be to compress the material, but I can't help feeling the extensive timetable was detrimental to the pacing. 

My real criticism relates to Joséphine's relationship with Alexandre as compared to her relationship with Napoleon. Despite the ultimate failure of their union, Joséphine's first marriage comes full circle, feeling complete within the confines of the narrative. Her second, on the other hand, lacks closure and I think that really undermined and distorted the significance of Joséphine's sacrificial acceptance of Napoleon's decision to divorce. Her final act represents a powerful moment in terms of who she was and what she believed, but I felt that emotionally, it paled in comparison to her reconciliation with Alexandre. 

Nitpicky? Yes, but that's me. A promising debut, Becoming Josephine delivers a fascinatingly vivid account of one of history's most captivating characters. Extensively researched and impeccably detailed, Webb's is a memorable story of political intrigue, steadfast persistence and passionate devotion.

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Hope budded in my chest. For the first time ever, I had no boundaries, no one to live up to or to persuade of my validity. My life and worth were my own.

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CHECK OUT ALL THE STOPS ON hEATHER WEBB'S BECOMING JOSEPHINE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

Thursday, Jan 2 

Review + Giveaway at I Am, Indeed

Friday, Jan 3 

Review + Giveaway at Queen of All She Reads

Review at Jorie Loves A Story

Saturday, Jan 4

Review + Giveaway at The Most Happy Reader

Sunday, Jan 5

Review + Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary

Review at Books A To Z

Monday, Jan 6

Review + Giveaway at Caffeinatedlife.net

Wednesday, Jan 8

Review + Giveaway at Words And Peace

Thursday, Jan 9

Review + Giveaway at Enchanted by Josephine

Friday, Jan 10

Interview at Enchanted by Josephine

Review at Ciska’s Book Chest

Saturday, Jan 11

Special Spotlight at Enchanted by Josephine