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Wintercombe #3
A Falling Star
Having survived much political turbulence, the great estate of Wintercombe is rocked from within as Silence St. Barbe's grandchildren vie for inheritance and the Duke of Monmouth's 1685 rebellion draws the St. Barbes into danger
500 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 1990
52 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Belle
19 books80 followersBelle, who also writes contemporary fiction as Alice Marlow, always wanted to be an author. As a child the books she read were adventure stories like "Treasure Island," "Swallows and Amazons," and the novels of John Buchan and CS Forester. She wrote her first book at the age of twelve and having visited the site of a lovely Elizabethan manor house called Rushbrooke and observing the bare, moated island which was all that was left, she wanted to bring Rushbrooke back and chose to do so in print.
Over the next few years 'The Epic', as it became known, grew and grew. Belle drew up a huge family tree and a plan of the house very like Rushbrooke.
Married and a teacher of a class of six-year-olds, she wrote in longhand and, while publishers made encouraging noises, no one was prepared to risk publishing a large book by an unknown author. Eventually the agent Vivienne Schuster was wonderfully enthusiastic about it and found a publisher.
"The Moon in the Water" and its two sequels were published in the UK and the USA with considerable success. Belle gave up teaching in 1985 to spend more time researching and writing. She plans to write a book about Alfred the Great if she can fit it in between looking after the children, dogs, cats and husband.
Over the next few years 'The Epic', as it became known, grew and grew. Belle drew up a huge family tree and a plan of the house very like Rushbrooke.
Married and a teacher of a class of six-year-olds, she wrote in longhand and, while publishers made encouraging noises, no one was prepared to risk publishing a large book by an unknown author. Eventually the agent Vivienne Schuster was wonderfully enthusiastic about it and found a publisher.
"The Moon in the Water" and its two sequels were published in the UK and the USA with considerable success. Belle gave up teaching in 1985 to spend more time researching and writing. She plans to write a book about Alfred the Great if she can fit it in between looking after the children, dogs, cats and husband.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 27, 2018
The third book in Pamela Belle’s Wintercombe series moves on to the next generation of the St Barbe family. Having enjoyed both Wintercombe and Herald of Joy last year, I decided to wait a little while before beginning A Falling Star; I think that was the right decision as it meant I could approach it with a mind open to meeting new characters and embarking on new storylines, rather than just wanting more of Silence and Nick.
A Falling Star is set in the 1680s, several decades after Herald of Joy ended. It opens with the return to Wintercombe of Sir Alexander St Barbe, who has been living in exile in the Low Countries but has come home to take up his inheritance following his father’s death. Alexander (or Alex as we will now call him) brings with him a reputation for drunkenness and debauchery, but this doesn’t deter his cousin Louise, another new arrival at Wintercombe. Louise, who was brought up in France, has been sent to England in the hope that she will find a nice Protestant husband there. Alex is presumably not the sort of man her mother has in mind, but Louise is instantly drawn to him and it seems that the attraction is mutual.
Not everyone is pleased to have Alex home, though. Another cousin, Charles St Barbe, still hasn’t given up hope of inheriting Wintercombe himself. After all, he had been helping Alex’s father to run the estate for several years, and unless Alex can produce a legitimate child of his own, Charles is the next heir. If only Alex had stayed away, Wintercombe could have been his. Unfortunately, Alex does nothing to endear himself to Charles and what begins as a natural resentment quickly develops into hatred. Outside the walls of Wintercombe, meanwhile, rebellion is brewing as the Duke of Monmouth prepares to launch his attempt to overthrow James II. There’s a lot of support for Monmouth’s cause throughout Somerset and its neighbouring counties, but which side will the St Barbes choose?
I have read about the Monmouth Rebellion before, but it has only been touched on briefly in other novels I’ve read. This is the first fictional account I’ve read that has gone into so much detail and I found it all fascinating, from the views of the people of South West England and their reasons for supporting (or not supporting) the Duke, to the descriptions of the battles and the fate of the men who fought in them. Because two of Silence’s grandchildren – Bram and Ben – are directly involved, the reader is pulled into the heart of the action rather than just hearing about events from a distance.
We do see quite a lot of Silence and a little bit of Nick as well, but this is definitely the story of the younger generation. If you have read the previous books, you will remember that Silence and Nick had quite a few children and stepchildren between them – and now those children each have families of their own. I felt slightly overwhelmed by the number of new characters at first, and the relationships between them, but it quickly became clear which ones were going to have a significant role in the story and which I didn’t need to worry about too much. I have already mentioned Bram and Ben, Louise, Alex and Charles, all of whom are interesting characters in their different ways; the other St Barbe cousin with an important part to play is Phoebe, Alex’s sister. I loved Phoebe, whose strength of character more than makes up for her physical weaknesses.
The way the book ends sets things up nicely for the finale, Treason’s Gift, which I’m sure I’ll be reading soon!
A Falling Star is set in the 1680s, several decades after Herald of Joy ended. It opens with the return to Wintercombe of Sir Alexander St Barbe, who has been living in exile in the Low Countries but has come home to take up his inheritance following his father’s death. Alexander (or Alex as we will now call him) brings with him a reputation for drunkenness and debauchery, but this doesn’t deter his cousin Louise, another new arrival at Wintercombe. Louise, who was brought up in France, has been sent to England in the hope that she will find a nice Protestant husband there. Alex is presumably not the sort of man her mother has in mind, but Louise is instantly drawn to him and it seems that the attraction is mutual.
Not everyone is pleased to have Alex home, though. Another cousin, Charles St Barbe, still hasn’t given up hope of inheriting Wintercombe himself. After all, he had been helping Alex’s father to run the estate for several years, and unless Alex can produce a legitimate child of his own, Charles is the next heir. If only Alex had stayed away, Wintercombe could have been his. Unfortunately, Alex does nothing to endear himself to Charles and what begins as a natural resentment quickly develops into hatred. Outside the walls of Wintercombe, meanwhile, rebellion is brewing as the Duke of Monmouth prepares to launch his attempt to overthrow James II. There’s a lot of support for Monmouth’s cause throughout Somerset and its neighbouring counties, but which side will the St Barbes choose?
I have read about the Monmouth Rebellion before, but it has only been touched on briefly in other novels I’ve read. This is the first fictional account I’ve read that has gone into so much detail and I found it all fascinating, from the views of the people of South West England and their reasons for supporting (or not supporting) the Duke, to the descriptions of the battles and the fate of the men who fought in them. Because two of Silence’s grandchildren – Bram and Ben – are directly involved, the reader is pulled into the heart of the action rather than just hearing about events from a distance.
We do see quite a lot of Silence and a little bit of Nick as well, but this is definitely the story of the younger generation. If you have read the previous books, you will remember that Silence and Nick had quite a few children and stepchildren between them – and now those children each have families of their own. I felt slightly overwhelmed by the number of new characters at first, and the relationships between them, but it quickly became clear which ones were going to have a significant role in the story and which I didn’t need to worry about too much. I have already mentioned Bram and Ben, Louise, Alex and Charles, all of whom are interesting characters in their different ways; the other St Barbe cousin with an important part to play is Phoebe, Alex’s sister. I loved Phoebe, whose strength of character more than makes up for her physical weaknesses.
The way the book ends sets things up nicely for the finale, Treason’s Gift, which I’m sure I’ll be reading soon!
September 8, 2019
So many new characters introduced all at once; had to keep reminding myself of the family tree and which cousins are blood relatives. Early parts were sometimes a bit tedious, a la “where exactly is this going?” Battle/skirmish depictions were gripping; armies marching about in the muck, not so much.
And yet...
Still such an awesome story that had my heart thumping through the final big scenes. Can’t wait to read the final book in the series! I also remain really impressed by the depth and breadth of the author’s knowledge of the period. All kinds of period-specific references to objects and practices that inspired me to do some obscure Googling myself.
And yet...
Still such an awesome story that had my heart thumping through the final big scenes. Can’t wait to read the final book in the series! I also remain really impressed by the depth and breadth of the author’s knowledge of the period. All kinds of period-specific references to objects and practices that inspired me to do some obscure Googling myself.
October 27, 2017
"After years of shameful exile in Holland, Sir Alexander St Barbe is back in Somerset to claim Wintercombe as his inheritance. Bitter quarrels break out on the night of his arrival and soon the old fires of family passions and religious contention are raging."
Not quite as good as the two earlier books in the series, but still worth reading.
Not quite as good as the two earlier books in the series, but still worth reading.
September 26, 2009
(3.5)
Pamela Belle continues the saga of the St. Barbe family as Silence's grandson Alexander returns home upon his father's from his *exile* on the continent death to take over management of Wintercombe - and brings quite a notorious reputation with him. Alex's cousin Charles (who is the next in line to inherit until Alex marries and produces a legitimate heir) resents him for being the heir, and that resentment grows into an all-consuming hatred for Alex.
Both men desire their cousin Louise who has a secret past of her own that she's left behind in France when her mother entrusts her to Silence's care in order to find her a good Protestant husband. The tension and passions between Alex and Louise heat up just as the Monmouth rebellion and the attempt to overthrow James II erupts in the surrounding countryside. Papist Charles thinks he's found the weapon he needs against suspected Monmouth sympathizer Alex to gain the ultimate prize - Louise and Wintercombe.
All in all a pretty good read, although I found the central part of the story a tad bit on the slow side, the smaller details of the rebellion and battles just weren't grabbing my attention - not like Alex and Louise who literally smoked off the pages. Still, the book ended well with what appears to be quite the set up for a rocking good story in the last of the four book series, Treason's Gift. 3.5 stars rounded up to four.
The series in order,
Wintercombe
Herald of Joy
A Falling Star
Treason's Gift
Pamela Belle continues the saga of the St. Barbe family as Silence's grandson Alexander returns home upon his father's from his *exile* on the continent death to take over management of Wintercombe - and brings quite a notorious reputation with him. Alex's cousin Charles (who is the next in line to inherit until Alex marries and produces a legitimate heir) resents him for being the heir, and that resentment grows into an all-consuming hatred for Alex.
Both men desire their cousin Louise who has a secret past of her own that she's left behind in France when her mother entrusts her to Silence's care in order to find her a good Protestant husband. The tension and passions between Alex and Louise heat up just as the Monmouth rebellion and the attempt to overthrow James II erupts in the surrounding countryside. Papist Charles thinks he's found the weapon he needs against suspected Monmouth sympathizer Alex to gain the ultimate prize - Louise and Wintercombe.
All in all a pretty good read, although I found the central part of the story a tad bit on the slow side, the smaller details of the rebellion and battles just weren't grabbing my attention - not like Alex and Louise who literally smoked off the pages. Still, the book ended well with what appears to be quite the set up for a rocking good story in the last of the four book series, Treason's Gift. 3.5 stars rounded up to four.
The series in order,
Wintercombe
Herald of Joy
A Falling Star
Treason's Gift
August 6, 2025
I am slightly conflicted about this book. I absolutely loved the first two in the series as I thought they managed to combine the love stories of interesting people in a fascinating historical context and both the love stories and historical events were equally enthralling .
In the third book we’ve moved forward a couple of generations although we do get to see something of the lovely Silence and the characters who appeared in the first two books. The historical context is there with the description of Monmouth’s rebellion and the devastation that resulted to which I would give a 4.5 out of 5 . I particularly enjoyed the description of hanging Judge Jefferies as I always remember going to the National Gallery and being absolutely shocked as his painting which showed a rather handsome young man !
My problem with this book is the two central characters in the romance, Louise and Alex and it is that relationship which in fact I would give a 3.5. Starting with Alex one would have to say he is one of the more revolting and unpleasant characters I’ve read in such a book and other than the redeeming feature of his fondness for his illegitimate son, his character is otherwise pretty vile. It’s therefore very difficult to understand why Louise finds him so attractive other than it being a simple case of plain lust/obsession rather than love which is criticised in cousin Charles!
It’s going to take a lot to redeem Alex in my eyes . It is possible of course because the rake redeemed is a popular trope and I think it can be achieved eg Sebastian in The Devil in Winter. I suppose in the alternative the author may simply go for the rake never redeemed but we find in many of the Anne Stuart novels!
In the third book we’ve moved forward a couple of generations although we do get to see something of the lovely Silence and the characters who appeared in the first two books. The historical context is there with the description of Monmouth’s rebellion and the devastation that resulted to which I would give a 4.5 out of 5 . I particularly enjoyed the description of hanging Judge Jefferies as I always remember going to the National Gallery and being absolutely shocked as his painting which showed a rather handsome young man !
My problem with this book is the two central characters in the romance, Louise and Alex and it is that relationship which in fact I would give a 3.5. Starting with Alex one would have to say he is one of the more revolting and unpleasant characters I’ve read in such a book and other than the redeeming feature of his fondness for his illegitimate son, his character is otherwise pretty vile. It’s therefore very difficult to understand why Louise finds him so attractive other than it being a simple case of plain lust/obsession rather than love which is criticised in cousin Charles!
It’s going to take a lot to redeem Alex in my eyes . It is possible of course because the rake redeemed is a popular trope and I think it can be achieved eg Sebastian in The Devil in Winter. I suppose in the alternative the author may simply go for the rake never redeemed but we find in many of the Anne Stuart novels!
June 3, 2024
Gripping!
Pamela Belle has done it again. A beautifully constructed historical romance awaits you.
Based on fact, and actual people who lived, reigned, and fought in England's many tumultuous civil wars, uprisings, and bloody atrocities in the battles between Protestant and Catholic dissenters, this is also a love story.
I wasn't able to put it down until I could no longer keep my eyes open! If you read this captivating series, if you are even only slightly interested in English history, I'm sure you will find it as engaging as I did.
Pamela Belle has done it again. A beautifully constructed historical romance awaits you.
Based on fact, and actual people who lived, reigned, and fought in England's many tumultuous civil wars, uprisings, and bloody atrocities in the battles between Protestant and Catholic dissenters, this is also a love story.
I wasn't able to put it down until I could no longer keep my eyes open! If you read this captivating series, if you are even only slightly interested in English history, I'm sure you will find it as engaging as I did.
May 14, 2019
A new chapter in the St Barbs family
This was a tough one to rate. I enjoyed the book. The chemistry between character's was intriguing and I enjoyed reading about how they developed and grew.
It is however, a little bittersweet. A few of my favourite characters from the first two Wintercomb books are dead and gone which is sad.
This was a tough one to rate. I enjoyed the book. The chemistry between character's was intriguing and I enjoyed reading about how they developed and grew.
It is however, a little bittersweet. A few of my favourite characters from the first two Wintercomb books are dead and gone which is sad.
March 2, 2024
At first I struggled to get into this book because the story jumps 35 years and there are a lot of new characters. I started it twice. I’m so glad I persevered, as it was a terrific read. I’m looking forward to reading the final book.
September 5, 2017
The third book in the Wintercombe series. Once again, Pamela Belle draws you into the story with her well-written characters and thorough historical research. A great book.
January 28, 2021
The continuation of Silence’s story and the rich history are draws but the featuring characters aren’t particularly likable this time around.
April 30, 2021
Not as good as the first two books in this series, but still enjoyable with the same St Barbe family at Wintercombe. I will certainly be reading the final book in the series.
October 5, 2023
**3.75 Stars**
March 25, 2024
Brilliant reading
This book has everything in it.
Romance, intrigue , conflict and history.
Well written story with all of the facets blending in well
This book has everything in it.
Romance, intrigue , conflict and history.
Well written story with all of the facets blending in well
June 15, 2022
Historical fiction at its best
I read and enjoyed this novel soon after its publication thirty years ago and recently decided on a whim to revisit this lovely book. I am so glad I did. It is a standalone novel but also the third part of a quartet chronicling the life of the St Barbe family in Somerset. “Wintercombe” and “Herald of Joy” , the first two books, set at the time of the English Civil War are among my very favourite novels.
“A Falling Star” is set around 35 years later and details the events of the Monmouth Rebellion, the doomed attempt of King Charles II’s illegitimate son to usurp the throne of his uncle, King James II. I really enjoyed the rich historical backdrop and the story of the uprising. The author brings it to life so that you live the excitement and aspirations, the wet muddy marching, the hopeless hand to hand fighting and the horrible aftermath as “Hanging” Judge Jeffrey’s wreaks his brutal revenge.
However, it is the story of the next generation of the St Barbe family and their life at Wintercombe that is the beating heart of the story. Though Silence and Nick (the protagonists from the earlier two novels) are present, the story revolves around their grandchildren and the black sheep son of Silence’s sister, Alexander St Barbe, whose arrival at Wintercombe to claim his inheritance sets the whole story in motion.
I especially love the vibrant characterisation of all the family members. Alex and Louise shine at the centre, of course, but Phoebe is a delight in her astringent intellect and Charles is all too believable with his envy and spite. It was a joy to meet again other members of the family such as Tabby and Rachael but the action concerns their children, Bram and Ben, so it is not necessary to have read the earlier books but I think you will want to anyway.
This is such a richly detailed novel but very easy to read. I love learning about history, especially when it is woven into an engrossing love story. When it is supported by engaging characters and such a vivid sense of place, then I am in heaven. This is a lovely book and I heartily recommend it.
I read and enjoyed this novel soon after its publication thirty years ago and recently decided on a whim to revisit this lovely book. I am so glad I did. It is a standalone novel but also the third part of a quartet chronicling the life of the St Barbe family in Somerset. “Wintercombe” and “Herald of Joy” , the first two books, set at the time of the English Civil War are among my very favourite novels.
“A Falling Star” is set around 35 years later and details the events of the Monmouth Rebellion, the doomed attempt of King Charles II’s illegitimate son to usurp the throne of his uncle, King James II. I really enjoyed the rich historical backdrop and the story of the uprising. The author brings it to life so that you live the excitement and aspirations, the wet muddy marching, the hopeless hand to hand fighting and the horrible aftermath as “Hanging” Judge Jeffrey’s wreaks his brutal revenge.
However, it is the story of the next generation of the St Barbe family and their life at Wintercombe that is the beating heart of the story. Though Silence and Nick (the protagonists from the earlier two novels) are present, the story revolves around their grandchildren and the black sheep son of Silence’s sister, Alexander St Barbe, whose arrival at Wintercombe to claim his inheritance sets the whole story in motion.
I especially love the vibrant characterisation of all the family members. Alex and Louise shine at the centre, of course, but Phoebe is a delight in her astringent intellect and Charles is all too believable with his envy and spite. It was a joy to meet again other members of the family such as Tabby and Rachael but the action concerns their children, Bram and Ben, so it is not necessary to have read the earlier books but I think you will want to anyway.
This is such a richly detailed novel but very easy to read. I love learning about history, especially when it is woven into an engrossing love story. When it is supported by engaging characters and such a vivid sense of place, then I am in heaven. This is a lovely book and I heartily recommend it.
February 17, 2010
Book 3 of the Wintercombe series and of course, every time I reread Wintercombe, I get sucked into rereading this book. It's a very good book, but I personally cannot stand the character of Louise. She is an interesting person and gives the story some meat, but I would not like her at all.
I also have this prejudice -- I don't like it when characters I love die. I know it is set hundreds of years ago and of course people die, and a lot of time has passed since Wintercombe so people get old and pass away... but I don't like it.
I also have a prejudice against Alexander. He is supposed to be the hero of the novel but i don;t like his one little bit. That's not really a requirement since sometimes the most distasteful characters are the most interesting, but I really cannot stand how he seems to get everything and deserve none of it. He is unpleasant and cruel and full of himself. He has no sense of humor or softness. I cannot see why Louise cares for him at all, except that he is outrageous enough to counteract how self absorbed she is.
I also have this prejudice -- I don't like it when characters I love die. I know it is set hundreds of years ago and of course people die, and a lot of time has passed since Wintercombe so people get old and pass away... but I don't like it.
I also have a prejudice against Alexander. He is supposed to be the hero of the novel but i don;t like his one little bit. That's not really a requirement since sometimes the most distasteful characters are the most interesting, but I really cannot stand how he seems to get everything and deserve none of it. He is unpleasant and cruel and full of himself. He has no sense of humor or softness. I cannot see why Louise cares for him at all, except that he is outrageous enough to counteract how self absorbed she is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2010
This (and the whole of Pamela Belle's wintercombe series) is one of my old favourites. i am currently reading it for the umpeenth time and, although, it is slightly dated now, i am still loving it. Falling star doesnt quite live up to the first and second of the series but I love the house and the continuing family saga. picking these books up is always like revisiting some old friends. Escapism at its best.
December 28, 2016
Leaps a generation so you lose all the characters you loved in the first two books; bewildering backstories; characters are all AWFUL; and then the tertiary character/cousin with something that sounds like Down's is brutally murdered halfway through, as I found out because I skipped to a random spot to see if the book improved.
Gross.
Gross.
November 16, 2009
It's been a busy week, so it took me 8 days to finish this book. Obviously, not the most gripping of books. Getting tired of the formula, illicit love affair, civil war/insurrection, lovers survive. But, on to book 4...
April 27, 2013
I like her writing style. At first the characters were all new...its not a direct continuation from the second book but related to silences grandchildren. good nonetheless.
October 12, 2014
an ok read but not brilliant
July 31, 2016
Beautifully written, wonderful three-dimensional characters, set during the English Civil War. I have ordered all of her books. You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews