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Renegades of the American Revolution #1
The Turncoat
They are lovers on opposite sides of a brutal war, with everything at stake and no possibility of retreat. They can trust no one—especially not each other.
Major Lord Peter Tremayne is the last man rebel bluestocking Kate Grey should fall in love with, but when the handsome British viscount commandeers her home, Kate throws caution to the wind and responds to his seduction. She is on the verge of surrender when a spy in her own household seizes the opportunity to steal the military dispatches Tremayne carries, ensuring his disgrace—and implicating Kate in high treason. Painfully awakened to the risks of war, Kate determines to put duty ahead of desire, and offers General Washington her services as an undercover agent in the City of Brotherly Love.
Months later, having narrowly escaped court martial and hanging, Tremayne returns to decadent, British-occupied Philadelphia with no stomach for his current assignment—to capture the woman he believes betrayed him. Nor does he relish the glittering entertainments being held for General Howe’s idle officers. Worse, the glamorous woman in the midst of this social whirl, the fiancée of his own dissolute cousin, is none other than Kate Grey herself. And so begins their dangerous dance, between passion and patriotism, between certain death and the promise of a brave new future together.
Major Lord Peter Tremayne is the last man rebel bluestocking Kate Grey should fall in love with, but when the handsome British viscount commandeers her home, Kate throws caution to the wind and responds to his seduction. She is on the verge of surrender when a spy in her own household seizes the opportunity to steal the military dispatches Tremayne carries, ensuring his disgrace—and implicating Kate in high treason. Painfully awakened to the risks of war, Kate determines to put duty ahead of desire, and offers General Washington her services as an undercover agent in the City of Brotherly Love.
Months later, having narrowly escaped court martial and hanging, Tremayne returns to decadent, British-occupied Philadelphia with no stomach for his current assignment—to capture the woman he believes betrayed him. Nor does he relish the glittering entertainments being held for General Howe’s idle officers. Worse, the glamorous woman in the midst of this social whirl, the fiancée of his own dissolute cousin, is none other than Kate Grey herself. And so begins their dangerous dance, between passion and patriotism, between certain death and the promise of a brave new future together.
395 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
79 people are currently reading
5912 people want to read
About the author
Donna Thorland
11 books270 followersA native of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Donna graduated from Yale with a degree in Classics and Art History. For a number of years she managed architecture and interpretation at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, and wrote and directed the Witch City’s most popular Halloween theater festival, Eerie Events. She later earned an MFA in film production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
The director of several award-winning short films, including The Night Caller, which aired on PBS and was featured on Ain’t It Cool News, Donna has been a sorority house mother, a Disney/ABC Television Writing Fellow, and a WGA Writer’s Access Project Honoree. Her television credits include the Disney XD animated series, Tron: Uprising; WGN’s Salem; and Hallmark’s, The Good Witch. Currently she is a producer on Netflix’s popular ongoing series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Donna is also the author of four highly acclaimed historical novels from Penguin New American Library (The Turncoat, The Rebel Pirate, Mistress Firebrand, and The Dutch Girl) and four bestselling urban fantasy novels from Pocket Star (Cold Iron, Silver Skin, Stone Song, and Blade Dance), writing as DL McDermott. Her short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Albedo One. Donna is married with two cats and divides her time between Salem— where she remains active in historic preservation and serves on the board of Hamilton Hall — and Los Angeles.
The director of several award-winning short films, including The Night Caller, which aired on PBS and was featured on Ain’t It Cool News, Donna has been a sorority house mother, a Disney/ABC Television Writing Fellow, and a WGA Writer’s Access Project Honoree. Her television credits include the Disney XD animated series, Tron: Uprising; WGN’s Salem; and Hallmark’s, The Good Witch. Currently she is a producer on Netflix’s popular ongoing series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Donna is also the author of four highly acclaimed historical novels from Penguin New American Library (The Turncoat, The Rebel Pirate, Mistress Firebrand, and The Dutch Girl) and four bestselling urban fantasy novels from Pocket Star (Cold Iron, Silver Skin, Stone Song, and Blade Dance), writing as DL McDermott. Her short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Albedo One. Donna is married with two cats and divides her time between Salem— where she remains active in historic preservation and serves on the board of Hamilton Hall — and Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
June 11, 2023
I read this as my book for RATA for my Goodreads group. The book is a romance with a heavy emphasis on spying. I am coming to realize that I don't like true spy books as the harming of one's friends and the damage to your soul can take a big toll. Plus this is war of 250 years ago and there was raping and pillaging. My favorite character was not the main couple but the widow. I would have preferred the book to be about her. But it wasn't. Ok my thoughts....Peter seemed to be insta in love and I found him to be a bit wishy washy. Kate was a strong woman and stood up for the colonist which included spying for them. But it seemed as if everyone knew she was a spy, and nothing was done about it. The audio-book reader was not to my liking and her voices male and female often sounded the same. Perhaps with a different reader this would have been a 4*
June 7, 2013
I had high hopes for this novel--I really enjoy historical fiction and the novel mentioned many historically accurate battles and figures, but the author threw all this away by making the centered female character a hussy for a handsome british soldier and his equally attractive cousin slash half brother (spoiler alert, but not really because it's completely obvious from very early on but the author still tries to make it some jaw-dropping revelation and it all ends up being super anti-climactic and unnecessary because it does very little for the plot). The author had this incredible way to show the American Revolution form a woman's perspective. She had set up a great way to show it through a character that was linked with actual events and people but she just...for lack of a better phrase...took a dump on it all, and demeaned this character and all that she did by making her just as sex starved as all the other woman in modern novels. And this woman was a quaker, and of course that doesn't bode well for the story because she needs to have sex with both the steamy british soldier and his abusive, but also kind (what??) half brother. How demeaning. Don't worry, though, because she is still conflicted when it comes to spying on the loyalists because of her quaker roots, even though her father works for General Washington. Because that just makes a whole lot of sense.
June 20, 2018
"cool & sexy" –New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot
"awesome" –Corey May, Assassin's Creed 3
“A stay-up-all-night, swashbuckling, breath-holding adventure of a novel…An extraordinary book about an extraordinary heroine.”—Lauren Willig, National Bestselling Author of the Pink Carnation series
“Fabulous…A world of spies, suspense, skullduggery, and sex. You won’t want to stop reading.”— New York Times Bestselling Author William Martin
“Very entertaining.”—New York Times bestselling author Margaret George
"awesome" –Corey May, Assassin's Creed 3
“A stay-up-all-night, swashbuckling, breath-holding adventure of a novel…An extraordinary book about an extraordinary heroine.”—Lauren Willig, National Bestselling Author of the Pink Carnation series
“Fabulous…A world of spies, suspense, skullduggery, and sex. You won’t want to stop reading.”— New York Times Bestselling Author William Martin
“Very entertaining.”—New York Times bestselling author Margaret George
January 15, 2021
Setting: Colonial America
After witnessing the rape of her pregnant best friend by marauding British Soldiers, Kate Grey abandons her pacifist Quaker ways to become an operative reporting to "The Merry Widow," George Washington's most notorious spymaster.
Under the Widow's tutelage, country mouse Kate becomes a femme fatale whose wholesome beauty and razor sharp intelligence ensnare two British officers, the disgraced Peter Tremayne and his cousin the jealous and sadistic Bayard Caird.
When Kate's cover is blown, she must choose between two men and two countries, no longer certain where her political, romantic and sexual loyalties lie.
The Turncoat for me was an exhilarating, intelligent, and superbly written intricate spy thriller-romance with a great historical backdrop that kept its tension on a vibrating level at all times with surprises aplenty till the last page!
While Kate our Heroine was a strong and memorable character, I do have a wee quibble here.
For a supposedly sheltered young Quaker woman, she was barely fazed by the moral compromises she had to continually make.
And not the least of which included her involvement in a vicious, bloody war and her intensifying fascination with her fiance's sexual deviance.
But because the story was told so well and kept me up late turning pages, I just let this "wee-quibble" go and just enjoyed the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series by this author.
Highly recommend!
After witnessing the rape of her pregnant best friend by marauding British Soldiers, Kate Grey abandons her pacifist Quaker ways to become an operative reporting to "The Merry Widow," George Washington's most notorious spymaster.
Under the Widow's tutelage, country mouse Kate becomes a femme fatale whose wholesome beauty and razor sharp intelligence ensnare two British officers, the disgraced Peter Tremayne and his cousin the jealous and sadistic Bayard Caird.
When Kate's cover is blown, she must choose between two men and two countries, no longer certain where her political, romantic and sexual loyalties lie.
The Turncoat for me was an exhilarating, intelligent, and superbly written intricate spy thriller-romance with a great historical backdrop that kept its tension on a vibrating level at all times with surprises aplenty till the last page!
While Kate our Heroine was a strong and memorable character, I do have a wee quibble here.
For a supposedly sheltered young Quaker woman, she was barely fazed by the moral compromises she had to continually make.
And not the least of which included her involvement in a vicious, bloody war and her intensifying fascination with her fiance's sexual deviance.
But because the story was told so well and kept me up late turning pages, I just let this "wee-quibble" go and just enjoyed the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series by this author.
Highly recommend!
May 12, 2015
I have a tbr pile that I worry about. First, because if it falls over it will crush one of my dogs and second, because I make so little progress. There are novels I have been trying to read for months. My lack of success has nothing to do with the novels themselves -- hiding in the stack may be the best novel I'll ever come across. It's just life. And I will not bore you with the details.
The way I came to read The Turncoat is: it fell in my lap. Somebody handed it to me and said, read the first chapter. And sat down to stare at me until I had done just that.
I think I am hesitant to pick up historical novels because I am usually disappointed. I can be more disappointed in a historical than in a contemporary, because a historical novel makes bigger demands of the writer, and many writers don't take that challenge seriously. But Donna Thorland does. Donna Thorland can write. She can tell a story, and she has mastered the art of establishing time and place without hitting the reader over the head with it.
So once I started, I had to finish, and not once along the way did I look at the time. The biggest compliment I can pay a writer is to say that I forgot to read like a writer. There was no room in my head for noticing plot structure, because it was solid, balanced and quick moving, and the characters had all my attention.
Another unusual point about this novel is that Thorland doesn't pull punches. Most novels about the Revolutionary War -- especially love stories -- are sanitized. Violence toward women is generally not considered in any depth. She doesn't do this: she looks the facts straight in the face, and so the reader must, too.
There are some wonderful characters here. I haven't read any other novels by Thorland (yet) but I'm hoping I'll run into some of them again. Just a peek would do.
Thus: five stars. And I'm looking forward to more novels in the series.
The way I came to read The Turncoat is: it fell in my lap. Somebody handed it to me and said, read the first chapter. And sat down to stare at me until I had done just that.
I think I am hesitant to pick up historical novels because I am usually disappointed. I can be more disappointed in a historical than in a contemporary, because a historical novel makes bigger demands of the writer, and many writers don't take that challenge seriously. But Donna Thorland does. Donna Thorland can write. She can tell a story, and she has mastered the art of establishing time and place without hitting the reader over the head with it.
So once I started, I had to finish, and not once along the way did I look at the time. The biggest compliment I can pay a writer is to say that I forgot to read like a writer. There was no room in my head for noticing plot structure, because it was solid, balanced and quick moving, and the characters had all my attention.
Another unusual point about this novel is that Thorland doesn't pull punches. Most novels about the Revolutionary War -- especially love stories -- are sanitized. Violence toward women is generally not considered in any depth. She doesn't do this: she looks the facts straight in the face, and so the reader must, too.
There are some wonderful characters here. I haven't read any other novels by Thorland (yet) but I'm hoping I'll run into some of them again. Just a peek would do.
Thus: five stars. And I'm looking forward to more novels in the series.
May 25, 2019
I pretty much agree with these reviews but my rating is 3.5-stars.
Jill’s Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sandi the Pirate Wench’s Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ahnika’s review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Finished this book in early February. I’ve been a real slacker lately in terms of reviews, this book is one of 12 books still sitting in my “currently reading” pile. If I had rated this shortly after reading I think I would have given this 4.5-5 Stars. I’ve had some time to think and this heroines ease at falling into un-Quaker-like behavior doesn’t sit well with me. Though I’m not a Quaker, years ago I used to attend “meeting” on Sunday and was active with their community, read their pamphlets and read some of their published religious literature. I know a little about the Quakers—not an expert, but have experience with it.
The author has expert knowledge of the time period, events etc. currently the author writes for a Tv show called “Salem.” And it shows. This is heavier on the history than we might be used to in HR. Writing HF is a “side hustle” for this author and more is the pity.
By now now I have completed 3/4 of this series and it is all-kinds of amazing. Don’t let my quibble stop you if you want to try this. This was an excellent read and very exciting.
***Caveat! Pay close attention to the minor and supporting characters. They either show up again or are discussed in subsequent books in a way that they are a part of the other books, even if the character doesn’t have on-page dialog. The underlying sub-plot of this war and it’s activities is spread out across these books, so pay attention!
Jill’s Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sandi the Pirate Wench’s Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ahnika’s review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Finished this book in early February. I’ve been a real slacker lately in terms of reviews, this book is one of 12 books still sitting in my “currently reading” pile. If I had rated this shortly after reading I think I would have given this 4.5-5 Stars. I’ve had some time to think and this heroines ease at falling into un-Quaker-like behavior doesn’t sit well with me. Though I’m not a Quaker, years ago I used to attend “meeting” on Sunday and was active with their community, read their pamphlets and read some of their published religious literature. I know a little about the Quakers—not an expert, but have experience with it.
The author has expert knowledge of the time period, events etc. currently the author writes for a Tv show called “Salem.” And it shows. This is heavier on the history than we might be used to in HR. Writing HF is a “side hustle” for this author and more is the pity.
By now now I have completed 3/4 of this series and it is all-kinds of amazing. Don’t let my quibble stop you if you want to try this. This was an excellent read and very exciting.
***Caveat! Pay close attention to the minor and supporting characters. They either show up again or are discussed in subsequent books in a way that they are a part of the other books, even if the character doesn’t have on-page dialog. The underlying sub-plot of this war and it’s activities is spread out across these books, so pay attention!
May 2, 2013
This review originally appeared on the Historical Novel Society's website. Review copy provided by publisher.
The Turncoat is a strong debut set mostly in British-occupied Philadelphia during the Revolutionary years 1777 to 1780. Kate Grey, the Quaker daughter of a farmer turned revolutionary, is drawn into the world of espionage by a glamorous Rebel spy known as the Widow, but not before she has inadvertently given away her father’s secret to British officer Peter Tremayne. Tremayne does not betray Kate, but his loyalties are stretched farther when Kate turns up in Philadelphia under an assumed name and engaged to Tremayne’s rake of a cousin, Bayard Caide.
The American Revolution provides the novelist with plenty of scope for intrigue and action, and I think Thorland has made a good effort at doing the period justice. The parallel between two closely related nations fighting over a land and two men with an intricately twisted family tree at odds over a woman is worth considering. The Turncoat provides a strong historical background for readers, with plenty of action in the field of battle to balance out the society and bedroom scenes.
On the minus side, there is a disconnect between Kate’s origins as a Quaker woman and her sudden transformation into a glamorous demi-mondaine, and I find it hard to believe she could lose her morals overnight. In addition, it is disconcerting that bad boy Caide is in some ways every bit as attractive to the reader – and to Kate – as the hero, Tremayne. Yet the complexity added by these jarring notes makes the novel more interesting to me, as do the interesting cast of characters and the author’s refusal to follow the conventional path of what could have been a straightforward romance. These elements suit the background of intrigue and add up to a satisfying read.
The Turncoat is a strong debut set mostly in British-occupied Philadelphia during the Revolutionary years 1777 to 1780. Kate Grey, the Quaker daughter of a farmer turned revolutionary, is drawn into the world of espionage by a glamorous Rebel spy known as the Widow, but not before she has inadvertently given away her father’s secret to British officer Peter Tremayne. Tremayne does not betray Kate, but his loyalties are stretched farther when Kate turns up in Philadelphia under an assumed name and engaged to Tremayne’s rake of a cousin, Bayard Caide.
The American Revolution provides the novelist with plenty of scope for intrigue and action, and I think Thorland has made a good effort at doing the period justice. The parallel between two closely related nations fighting over a land and two men with an intricately twisted family tree at odds over a woman is worth considering. The Turncoat provides a strong historical background for readers, with plenty of action in the field of battle to balance out the society and bedroom scenes.
On the minus side, there is a disconnect between Kate’s origins as a Quaker woman and her sudden transformation into a glamorous demi-mondaine, and I find it hard to believe she could lose her morals overnight. In addition, it is disconcerting that bad boy Caide is in some ways every bit as attractive to the reader – and to Kate – as the hero, Tremayne. Yet the complexity added by these jarring notes makes the novel more interesting to me, as do the interesting cast of characters and the author’s refusal to follow the conventional path of what could have been a straightforward romance. These elements suit the background of intrigue and add up to a satisfying read.
March 12, 2013
I am going to start this review off by saying this isn't a Romance, even though it is being reviewed on several Romance sites. I am usually a reader of historical romance, because straight historical fiction tends to bore me to tears. Nothing about this book even approximates boring. It held me riveted... I mean, "take a long lunch break" kind of riveted, because I couldn't bear to put it down and return to my desk.
Thorland masterfully crafts Kate Grey as a Quaker woman turned Rebel spy, who remains true to herself even as she changes into someone she doesn't recognize. The Revolutionay War was heart-wrenching and harrowing, and Thorland shows it in all its unsentimental detail. She doesn't need to embellish it - her scenes suggesting rape or worse don't need details to shock, even as we understand and abhor that such things happen in war. There is a hero and an anti-hero whom both tug at Kate's heart, and enough historical detail to keep the time period front and center without losing a reader with a short attention span.
My favorite part of this book, however, was the writing. The prose is breathtaking without being florid. Thorland writes like Ken Follett, at his best. High praise, as Follet is one of my all-time favorite authors.
My only criticism of the book is the ending, and I actually have to give kudos to Ms. Thorland for not giving into what was surely an urge to gift the protagonists with a story-book ending. I wanted a happily ever after (must be the romance reader in me). I didn't get it. Nor did I get clear closure on why the anti-hero made the choices he did in the end, against what seemed to be clear motivating factors on his part. However, I am adult enough to acknowledge that doesn't make the ending wrong.
Wonderful job, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Thorland produces next!
Thorland masterfully crafts Kate Grey as a Quaker woman turned Rebel spy, who remains true to herself even as she changes into someone she doesn't recognize. The Revolutionay War was heart-wrenching and harrowing, and Thorland shows it in all its unsentimental detail. She doesn't need to embellish it - her scenes suggesting rape or worse don't need details to shock, even as we understand and abhor that such things happen in war. There is a hero and an anti-hero whom both tug at Kate's heart, and enough historical detail to keep the time period front and center without losing a reader with a short attention span.
My favorite part of this book, however, was the writing. The prose is breathtaking without being florid. Thorland writes like Ken Follett, at his best. High praise, as Follet is one of my all-time favorite authors.
My only criticism of the book is the ending, and I actually have to give kudos to Ms. Thorland for not giving into what was surely an urge to gift the protagonists with a story-book ending. I wanted a happily ever after (must be the romance reader in me). I didn't get it. Nor did I get clear closure on why the anti-hero made the choices he did in the end, against what seemed to be clear motivating factors on his part. However, I am adult enough to acknowledge that doesn't make the ending wrong.
Wonderful job, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Thorland produces next!
July 5, 2017
Having not read an American Revolution novel in awhile I picked this one up and was pleasantly surprised with how it kept my interest. The book follows Kate Grey who was a Quaker woman but would become a successful Rebel Spy. Pinning herself among people on both sides of the war, she finds herself caught in a dangerous web which included intrigue as well as romance. While a spy she becomes attracted to Peter Tremayne, a British officer, and it's through their relationship that she fully begins to understand the dangers of war.
This novel is fast paced and an easy read about the American Revolution. For one it was nice to read a novel which didn't paint the British in such a horrible light but still managed to show the struggles felt on both sides. However on the other side of the coin I felt that the book didn't bring anything that was shockingly good to the table. It was a good read but nothing that made me stop and say "wow I've never read something like this before". Nevertheless if you're looking for a quick historical romance that can easily be read at the beach this would be a good choice.
This novel is fast paced and an easy read about the American Revolution. For one it was nice to read a novel which didn't paint the British in such a horrible light but still managed to show the struggles felt on both sides. However on the other side of the coin I felt that the book didn't bring anything that was shockingly good to the table. It was a good read but nothing that made me stop and say "wow I've never read something like this before". Nevertheless if you're looking for a quick historical romance that can easily be read at the beach this would be a good choice.
April 2, 2013
I got about four-five chapters read and gave up. The history part is okay; it was the interaction among the characters and some of the scenes, i.e., an American undercover spy woman galloping away from the "bad guys" while simultaneously turning around in her saddle to fire away at them with her pistol -- a pistol which in those days was only good for one or two shots. C'mon! Only in Hollywood would such a thing be tried and then only in the "old days" of film. And then another main character, a Quaker, acting like a hussey in British-held Philadelphia. I was really looking forward to this book. Such a disappointment.
June 12, 2016
Very, very good read. I finished it in one sitting. I had my fingers in my mouth at times worried about how Kate was going to get out of some of the situations she was in. Very complicated emotionally with how she dealt with Peter and Caide. I am eager to move on to the next book in the series for sure.
March 20, 2013
I love the American Revolution as the setting for a romance. Unfortunately for the past 15 years or so, New York publishers have decided this era and setting doesn’t sell, resulting in a dearth of these stories.
I’m happy to say I’ve almost found that in The Turncoat, a mix of romance, historical novel and spy thriller. The leads share a great sexual tension and a seriously hot love scene, but it also contains a few elements that keep it out of the pure romance category. The foremost of these is the grit with which the war is portrayed. There’s also the matter of the heroine spending a little more quality time with a man other than the hero than you normally see in a straight romance.
The Turncoat is essentially a spy novel set during the Philadelphia campaign of the Revolutionary War, featuring Kate Grey, a Quaker, and thus bound by her religion to remain pacifist and keep away from the war. That doesn’t, however, mean she can’t pick a side, and it doesn’t mean her morals won’t be challenged as the story unfolds. In spite of herself, she is drawn in to the wider conflict when she gets mixed up with a intelligencer known as the Merry Widow. The Merry Widow takes Kate under her wing, trains her, and ensures her placement in the center of General Howe’s occupied Philadelphia. It also places her in the center of two men, Peter Tremayne and Bayard Caide, one a hero, the other a decided anti-hero.
She has feelings for both but only one of them is right for her.
I haven’t been this captivated by a story in a good long while. Its plot kept me turning pages, and the author cranked up the tension with every successive chapter. I will happily pick up Ms. Thorland’s next book when it comes out.
I’m happy to say I’ve almost found that in The Turncoat, a mix of romance, historical novel and spy thriller. The leads share a great sexual tension and a seriously hot love scene, but it also contains a few elements that keep it out of the pure romance category. The foremost of these is the grit with which the war is portrayed. There’s also the matter of the heroine spending a little more quality time with a man other than the hero than you normally see in a straight romance.
The Turncoat is essentially a spy novel set during the Philadelphia campaign of the Revolutionary War, featuring Kate Grey, a Quaker, and thus bound by her religion to remain pacifist and keep away from the war. That doesn’t, however, mean she can’t pick a side, and it doesn’t mean her morals won’t be challenged as the story unfolds. In spite of herself, she is drawn in to the wider conflict when she gets mixed up with a intelligencer known as the Merry Widow. The Merry Widow takes Kate under her wing, trains her, and ensures her placement in the center of General Howe’s occupied Philadelphia. It also places her in the center of two men, Peter Tremayne and Bayard Caide, one a hero, the other a decided anti-hero.
She has feelings for both but only one of them is right for her.
I haven’t been this captivated by a story in a good long while. Its plot kept me turning pages, and the author cranked up the tension with every successive chapter. I will happily pick up Ms. Thorland’s next book when it comes out.
March 8, 2013
THE TURNCOAT by Donna Thorland is an exciting historical fiction set in 1777 The Jerseys and Philadelphia. #1 in "Renegades of the Revolution". Fast paced,filled with danger and passion. It has sensual tension,spies,suspense,betrayal,sacrifice,treason,the tension of war,and a blossoming love filled with dread and danger. "The Turncoat" is a captivating story of a turbulent time in our history, for both the America Colonies and the British,and the extraordinary men and women of that time. Meet,Kate Grey,a young Quaker girl who is thrust into war. And Major Lord Peter Tremayne,a young British Viscount who has no stomach for war but must endure.One is a spy the other may become a traitor to his countrymen.A Rebel spy and an enemy officer,both will face danger and may lose their lives in the next heartbeat. Ms. Thorland has written a story that is filled with the horrors of war,and the thin line between passion and patriotism. I enjoyed this story, while the romance was there it was not the most important factor in "The Turncoat". A must read for not only history bluffs,but for romance readers alike. You will not be disappointed in "The Turncoat". A joy to read, and one you will not want to put down. The plot is intriguing filled with historical facts,and the characters who jump off the page. A must read. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
November 16, 2013
1777. Kate Grey, a modest Quaker girl, meets English officer Peter Tremayne when he and his men commandeer her home. Despite her rebel sympathies, Kate is drawn to Tremayne but unwittingly plays a part in a deception that ensures his disgrace. Kate flees her home and her old life to start a new life in the midst of British-occupied Philadelphia. She rediscovers Tremayne, the only man who knows her true sympathies, but also the man charged with bringing her to justice.
A fast-paced historical adventure with great characters, witty dialogue and just the right combination of steam and suspense to make this a late-night page-turner. Addictive reading, recommended for lovers of historical fiction, especially those that appreciate a romantic twist. If the second novel in the Renegades of the Revolution series was in print, I'd be reading it right now...
4.5/5
A fast-paced historical adventure with great characters, witty dialogue and just the right combination of steam and suspense to make this a late-night page-turner. Addictive reading, recommended for lovers of historical fiction, especially those that appreciate a romantic twist. If the second novel in the Renegades of the Revolution series was in print, I'd be reading it right now...
4.5/5
March 9, 2013
Entertaining with a few quibbles - here is my review: http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/201...
Here is the book trailer, which is very well done by the author:
http://www.donnathorland.com/trailer/
Here is the book trailer, which is very well done by the author:
http://www.donnathorland.com/trailer/
May 23, 2013
Eh, I was a bit disappointed in this book. I was expecting it to be more historical fiction and less romance novel-y. The romance itself did not grab me much as it was too insta-love in the 1770s.
There was a lot of historical stuff about the war smushed in around the lame romance, but it was confusing and kind of boring.
The characters are what killed this for me. I never really felt like we got to know them well, because they were all kind of one dimensional.
Kate Grey was a Mary Sue. Sorry. She had no flaws, except that she was a Quaker when everyone else wasn't and felt she needed to adhere to certain moral high-grounds, which made her sometimes a stupid spy. She was so unconventionally beautiful every man she encountered was entranced with her, even the secretly gay dude. She suddenly became this graceful super-spy with only a month of training, able to hold her own in the deep inner circles of the British command and with the British spymaster. Other spies would die for her!
Come on.
Peter Tremayne became so head over heels with Kate that his whole focus in life became about her. She made him question his life, but not in any real deep ways that we saw. Suddenly he was just like, shit why am I in this war? Meh. Doing treasonous acts? No biggie, she's worth it. And when he's walking around with his cousin, Bay, commenting for the readers about what a louse, druggie, and rapist he is, he's still basically apologizing for Bay's behavior. He uses the 'well, we've all done it' mentality to stand by, only slightly sickened, while Bay systematically rapes the women on the farm they just invaded. Peter basically admits he's forced himself/raped women in the past as part of war, too. And this is whom we're expected to swoon over? I don't think so.
Bayard Caide (I really hated the name 'Bayard'. It's hard to say, even in my head, and I kept thinking 'Baynard' in its place, which is also horrible) was supposed to be this horrible cad and yet he, too, was swayed by Kate's magical vagina. Aside from coming back near the end of the book so we could have he was kind of ineffectual to the overall plot. His secrets were easily guessed right from the beginning.
Color me underwhelmed.
There was a lot of historical stuff about the war smushed in around the lame romance, but it was confusing and kind of boring.
The characters are what killed this for me. I never really felt like we got to know them well, because they were all kind of one dimensional.
Kate Grey was a Mary Sue. Sorry. She had no flaws, except that she was a Quaker when everyone else wasn't and felt she needed to adhere to certain moral high-grounds, which made her sometimes a stupid spy. She was so unconventionally beautiful every man she encountered was entranced with her, even the secretly gay dude. She suddenly became this graceful super-spy with only a month of training, able to hold her own in the deep inner circles of the British command and with the British spymaster. Other spies would die for her!
Come on.
Peter Tremayne became so head over heels with Kate that his whole focus in life became about her. She made him question his life, but not in any real deep ways that we saw. Suddenly he was just like, shit why am I in this war? Meh. Doing treasonous acts? No biggie, she's worth it. And when he's walking around with his cousin, Bay, commenting for the readers about what a louse, druggie, and rapist he is, he's still basically apologizing for Bay's behavior. He uses the 'well, we've all done it' mentality to stand by, only slightly sickened, while Bay systematically rapes the women on the farm they just invaded. Peter basically admits he's forced himself/raped women in the past as part of war, too. And this is whom we're expected to swoon over? I don't think so.
Bayard Caide (I really hated the name 'Bayard'. It's hard to say, even in my head, and I kept thinking 'Baynard' in its place, which is also horrible) was supposed to be this horrible cad and yet he, too, was swayed by Kate's magical vagina. Aside from coming back near the end of the book so we could have he was kind of ineffectual to the overall plot. His secrets were easily guessed right from the beginning.
Color me underwhelmed.
March 11, 2013
When I signed up for the War Through the Generations challenge for this year, I knew that I was going to struggle to find books set in the American Revolution, but that's okay. It just means that you have to work a bit harder to complete the challenge. That doesn't mean to say that if a book that fits the criteria lands in your lap you don't say yes, so when I heard about this book I knew I was going to read it if only because of that. Fortunately, it sounded like a fascinating read too.
Kate Grey has been bought up in a Quaker family, but it is fair to say that hers wasn't a typical upbringing. Her father was a former soldier who converted to the faith for his wife and who has seen fit to ensure that his daughter is educated and has been freely allowed to share her opinions on many subjects that are not normally seen as womanly.When her father decides to join Washington to fight against the British, Kate is left to manage the household alone. Their home is on a major through road between New York and Philadelphia and it doesn't take long for some British troops to requisition the house. The leader, Major Lord Peter Tremayne, is carrying important plans regarding the invasion of Philadelphia. Kate feels an instant attraction to the man, and while at first he doesn't notice the Quaker miss, she is soon debating him on the finer points of military strategy and he is definitely paying attention, to the point where he plans to seduce the young lady. Unfortunately, while he is distracted by Kate, a rebel spy who happened to be staying there steals the papers, thereby implicating Kate in high treason and putting Peter in military disgrace, to the point where he could have been hanged.
To read more of my thoughts about this book head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2013...
Kate Grey has been bought up in a Quaker family, but it is fair to say that hers wasn't a typical upbringing. Her father was a former soldier who converted to the faith for his wife and who has seen fit to ensure that his daughter is educated and has been freely allowed to share her opinions on many subjects that are not normally seen as womanly.When her father decides to join Washington to fight against the British, Kate is left to manage the household alone. Their home is on a major through road between New York and Philadelphia and it doesn't take long for some British troops to requisition the house. The leader, Major Lord Peter Tremayne, is carrying important plans regarding the invasion of Philadelphia. Kate feels an instant attraction to the man, and while at first he doesn't notice the Quaker miss, she is soon debating him on the finer points of military strategy and he is definitely paying attention, to the point where he plans to seduce the young lady. Unfortunately, while he is distracted by Kate, a rebel spy who happened to be staying there steals the papers, thereby implicating Kate in high treason and putting Peter in military disgrace, to the point where he could have been hanged.
To read more of my thoughts about this book head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2013...
April 6, 2013
3 1/2 star from me.
I would have rated it higher except for the eye-rolling moments, especially the incredible horseback riding/shooting scene near the beginning. Sheesh! shades of Annie Oakley in 1777.
Secondly, while I was really excited to read a book set during the American Revolution, I was disappointed that the first book in this proposed series uses one of the most-used scenarios.
Yes, we are once again transported to British occupied Philadelphia. Sigh.
(John Andre's big extravaganza, the Mischianza is sorta like the Duchess of Richmond's ball in all books involving the battle of Waterloo. If all the fictional characters who were at those fetes were gathered together they could fill a football stadium).
In spite of the annoyances, I kept reading. The author kept the action going; I found myself turning the pages, eager to see what happened next. The characters were very interesting and definitely not stock figures. And the history major part of me loved the accuracy of time and place. The author obviously researched and was then wise enough not to cram all of her learning into the book.
Back to the characters--the hero, Peter Tremayne, is fairly straightforward. Which is good, because the heroine, Kate Grey, is a very complicated young woman. A Quaker by birth and belief, she becomes a spy (for reasons made quite clear) and does her business at the cost of her soul. She becomes infatuated with the hero's 'cousin', Bayard Caide, who is an emotionally dark young man. I suspect that some readers will not like Kate's relationship with Bay. I had no problems with it.
I believed in the romance and thought the HEA well deserved.
I would have rated it higher except for the eye-rolling moments, especially the incredible horseback riding/shooting scene near the beginning. Sheesh! shades of Annie Oakley in 1777.
Secondly, while I was really excited to read a book set during the American Revolution, I was disappointed that the first book in this proposed series uses one of the most-used scenarios.
Yes, we are once again transported to British occupied Philadelphia. Sigh.
(John Andre's big extravaganza, the Mischianza is sorta like the Duchess of Richmond's ball in all books involving the battle of Waterloo. If all the fictional characters who were at those fetes were gathered together they could fill a football stadium).
In spite of the annoyances, I kept reading. The author kept the action going; I found myself turning the pages, eager to see what happened next. The characters were very interesting and definitely not stock figures. And the history major part of me loved the accuracy of time and place. The author obviously researched and was then wise enough not to cram all of her learning into the book.
Back to the characters--the hero, Peter Tremayne, is fairly straightforward. Which is good, because the heroine, Kate Grey, is a very complicated young woman. A Quaker by birth and belief, she becomes a spy (for reasons made quite clear) and does her business at the cost of her soul. She becomes infatuated with the hero's 'cousin', Bayard Caide, who is an emotionally dark young man. I suspect that some readers will not like Kate's relationship with Bay. I had no problems with it.
I believed in the romance and thought the HEA well deserved.
April 25, 2013
Set in 1777 The Turncoat: Renegades of the Revolution, is a swashbuckling, novel full of intrigue, romance, tempers like black powder and tongues sharp as blades. The main character Kate Grey is a simple farm woman, who is anything but simple. Educated and self reliant Kate is capable, used to hard work rather than the trappings citied society, and enjoy's spirited debate with worthy opponents. She finds such a rival in Major Peter Tremayn. The witty rivalry quickly leads to heated passions that are interrupted by the machinations of war. When Kate is suddenly faced with some of the harsh realities of war she chooses to serve the Continental army as a spy. A course of action destined to reunite her with Peter, for better. . . or worse.
The Turncoat is an epic adventure. That feels like a distinctly American Three Musketeers. The story explores themes of nobility, depravity, duty and redemption.
Highly Recommended!
The Turncoat is an epic adventure. That feels like a distinctly American Three Musketeers. The story explores themes of nobility, depravity, duty and redemption.
Highly Recommended!
March 17, 2013
This book was a lot of fun to read. I'm into this time period so it was fun to run into the different characters from the Revolution that I've read about in history books. And also to learn about the female spies during that time. It was a very thoroughly researched novel and then the romantic plot line was also awesome. Lots of action and adventure. It was non-stop and I couldn't put it down.
Full review here: http://luxuryreading.com/theturncoat/
Full review here: http://luxuryreading.com/theturncoat/
May 18, 2013
Aah, the beauty of history. We can weave them what we will, or stay true to the facts. Alas, let it be known to all that this is my very first time to read of such. I'm as confused as ever. Fictional-History has scored a big one from me.
In the lighter sense, here is a photo story while I was reading it:
First few pages, when Peter Tremayne came in:
When Kate Grey inquired about the oh-so-convulated family tree of the Tremaynes and Caides
Then the spymaster John André came in the picture and threatened Kate's and Peter's lives:
When Colonel Carl Von Donrop and the mysterious widow died:
Peter decided he couldn't live without Kate:
Bayard got Kate back in his clutches:
Peter was sent to France under American custody after his wedding to Kate:
[image error]
When Kate and Peter reuinited:
I finished the book: what next?
I won't deny it. The colorful characters has drawn me to research on them and to read the actual events in Philadelphia. Astonishing as it is, I sincerely hope for future history teachers to be more engaging when it comes to telling the stories of the past. They are in a way appealing to a person and more so, if it was conveyed in the utmost exuberance.
Kate was a portrayal of a brave young woman who dared to become a novice spy. It is common knowledge of all races and cultures with regards of the status of women before. Women were providers of sexual satisfaction or distraction. They were only the bearers of children. They were to be the picture of ignorance. Women were useful for blackmails. They were lower class. But we see here the amount of power Kate Grey wielded for juggling two hearts: Bay's and Peter's. Kate Grey was the embodiment of female importance in the world controlled by men; men who were privy, secretive, sharp and who had the talent on tactics like John André.
John André was a manipulative spymaster who suited his role as the undecided antagonist. He was seeking advancement in a game of chess. He was the best there was and therefore, to be feared. Needless to say, but I sensed the fear. Somewhat.
Peter Tremayne, however, depicted the fiction area among the true characters and the made up ones. Peter was at his best to visualize a romantic soldier and ready to give up everything just to be with Kate. It looked too easy for him to shift gears and I think it was a little bit off at some point. It is evident that relationships get to so high during those times but I doubted the depth of Peter's feelings for Kate and vice versa. Their meeting was nothing special but the author hinted a great impact of it. Due to that circumstance, I negated one star of this book.
All in all, I liked it. Donna Thurland knows how to describe a horrendous situation and an electric-filled event. Especially when the gory details are about to be exposed.*shudder* She gives a lot of descriptions in one turn then in other times, chooses to leave out some information. She knows how to make us squirm, to excite us, feel agitated, scared, or on the run. We can feel the pain and the brutality with words she perfectly combines with. She illustrates the strings behind the war so vividly and it makes me exalt the deathly risk of spying. Also, I enjoyed extremely the set of dead men being born to life once again to replay their influences in the American Revolution.
In the lighter sense, here is a photo story while I was reading it:
First few pages, when Peter Tremayne came in:
When Kate Grey inquired about the oh-so-convulated family tree of the Tremaynes and Caides
Then the spymaster John André came in the picture and threatened Kate's and Peter's lives:
When Colonel Carl Von Donrop and the mysterious widow died:
Peter decided he couldn't live without Kate:
Bayard got Kate back in his clutches:
Peter was sent to France under American custody after his wedding to Kate:
[image error]
When Kate and Peter reuinited:
I finished the book: what next?
I won't deny it. The colorful characters has drawn me to research on them and to read the actual events in Philadelphia. Astonishing as it is, I sincerely hope for future history teachers to be more engaging when it comes to telling the stories of the past. They are in a way appealing to a person and more so, if it was conveyed in the utmost exuberance.
Kate was a portrayal of a brave young woman who dared to become a novice spy. It is common knowledge of all races and cultures with regards of the status of women before. Women were providers of sexual satisfaction or distraction. They were only the bearers of children. They were to be the picture of ignorance. Women were useful for blackmails. They were lower class. But we see here the amount of power Kate Grey wielded for juggling two hearts: Bay's and Peter's. Kate Grey was the embodiment of female importance in the world controlled by men; men who were privy, secretive, sharp and who had the talent on tactics like John André.
John André was a manipulative spymaster who suited his role as the undecided antagonist. He was seeking advancement in a game of chess. He was the best there was and therefore, to be feared. Needless to say, but I sensed the fear. Somewhat.
Peter Tremayne, however, depicted the fiction area among the true characters and the made up ones. Peter was at his best to visualize a romantic soldier and ready to give up everything just to be with Kate. It looked too easy for him to shift gears and I think it was a little bit off at some point. It is evident that relationships get to so high during those times but I doubted the depth of Peter's feelings for Kate and vice versa. Their meeting was nothing special but the author hinted a great impact of it. Due to that circumstance, I negated one star of this book.
All in all, I liked it. Donna Thurland knows how to describe a horrendous situation and an electric-filled event. Especially when the gory details are about to be exposed.*shudder* She gives a lot of descriptions in one turn then in other times, chooses to leave out some information. She knows how to make us squirm, to excite us, feel agitated, scared, or on the run. We can feel the pain and the brutality with words she perfectly combines with. She illustrates the strings behind the war so vividly and it makes me exalt the deathly risk of spying. Also, I enjoyed extremely the set of dead men being born to life once again to replay their influences in the American Revolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2014
I live near Valley Forge and many of the forts and battlefields mentioned in this engaging historical novel. That being said, I could easily imagine the hordes of soldiers galloping over the hills to battle the enemy as described in this book. I often drive by battlefield markers and will now pay close attention to what is inscribed on them.
The rebels suffered for the right to be free of the yoke of the English, but they never gave up. They lost their homes, everything they owned, and often their families, but stayed the course in spite of it.
The courage displayed by the spy, Kate, was shared by many who dared to risk their lives to get important information to General Washington. I was glad Kate found what she was looking for in her life, and found love at last. She certainly deserved it after all she'd been through.
Very interesting book, kept me up late reading 'just one more chapter'.
Highly recommended.
The rebels suffered for the right to be free of the yoke of the English, but they never gave up. They lost their homes, everything they owned, and often their families, but stayed the course in spite of it.
The courage displayed by the spy, Kate, was shared by many who dared to risk their lives to get important information to General Washington. I was glad Kate found what she was looking for in her life, and found love at last. She certainly deserved it after all she'd been through.
Very interesting book, kept me up late reading 'just one more chapter'.
Highly recommended.
March 24, 2015
This is a romance (and not an enjoyable one) masquerading as a spy novel. One of its main problems is the simple fact that most of the men in this book are rapists. And I'm not even referring to the ones that are clearly the "bad guys". I'm talking about the ones you're supposed to like.
When the "hero" of the book observes fellow soldiers raping innocents and thinks "yeah I used to do that before I met HER" I lose a lot of respect for the book. Because the kind of man who used to rape people is not the kind of guy I want to read about in a positive light.
I kept reading mainly because I lived most of my life in the areas the book was describing and liked reading about the battles and the area, but I really wish the rest of the book had been good.
I'd read another book by the author, but I will absolutely abandon it if she tries to make me like rapists again.
When the "hero" of the book observes fellow soldiers raping innocents and thinks "yeah I used to do that before I met HER" I lose a lot of respect for the book. Because the kind of man who used to rape people is not the kind of guy I want to read about in a positive light.
I kept reading mainly because I lived most of my life in the areas the book was describing and liked reading about the battles and the area, but I really wish the rest of the book had been good.
I'd read another book by the author, but I will absolutely abandon it if she tries to make me like rapists again.
March 28, 2013
As a big fan of historical fiction, I was excited to get my hands on THE TURNCOAT, by newcomer Donna Thorland. The story of a Massachusetts farm girl who becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of espionage during the American Revolution, THE TURNCOAT takes you from ballrooms to battle grounds and everything in between.
Thorland's vivid writing brings the Revolution Era to life - you can practically smell the sweet rum punch wafting through the air - and deftly weaves her fictional characters in with historical figures and events. With a story that keeps turning and escalating, you'll be hard pressed to put this book down. Action, romance, intrigue, and betrayal - THE TURNCOAT has it all. Go read it and join the Revolution!
Thorland's vivid writing brings the Revolution Era to life - you can practically smell the sweet rum punch wafting through the air - and deftly weaves her fictional characters in with historical figures and events. With a story that keeps turning and escalating, you'll be hard pressed to put this book down. Action, romance, intrigue, and betrayal - THE TURNCOAT has it all. Go read it and join the Revolution!
May 8, 2013
I'm guessing it's the first in the Renegades of the Revolution historical fiction series revolving around a female spy and a noble British major. (Thorland appears to be promoting this as if it were part of a series, but I can't find any other information about it...)
My Take
This was just excellent. And interesting to read right after C.C. Humphreys' Jack Absolute (Jack Absolute, 1) revolving around the exact same time period, place, and those characters who were not fictional! Do read Jack Absolute and then The Turncoat if only for Humphreys' read on Benedict Arnold's character.
It's not a deep story, but well filled with drama and tension and no little wit...
The unexpected start is of an unscrupulous major bent on seduction whom we can't help but like, although the seduction scene between Tremayne and Kate isn't believable. I don't see a woman with her background being so amenable, whatever the reasons that may be presented for her compliance while Tremayne is very believable. I do love how very subtle Thorland is in creating this unscrupulous man while retaining our sympathy. And she continues to bat our sympathies back and forth between Kate and Tremayne so that we can't help but read on to discover the next exchange in their relationship.
And it's a relationship fraught with danger. The threat of discovery. The challenges to Tremayne's honor. Kate's own responsiveness to Bay but her preference for Tremayne, both of which form the gauntlet she must run in her loyalties.
Nor is Kate's sudden transformation from country mouse to sophisticated lady believable. It happens too fast and she's too perfect in her role. Although Kate is all too human in other aspects: her anger with André and her susceptibility to Bay and Tremayne.
What drives this story is the tension of Kate's role and Tremayne's in trying to protect Kate while being true to his own country. Their interactions, the British attempts to discover Mrs. Ferrers and her agents.
The feel of the time period that Thorland brings to this of amateur performances, of painting, of epigrams and military tactics of the ancients. The casual relating of rape and pillage in the countryside as if it were normal, expected actions. Yes, it's revolting, but it's also typical of the time, not something unexpected, and that's how Thorland conveys these events, as if she were a contemporary of that time.
I love the following exchange as it shows Bay with a fair skill but with sybaritic intent while Kate displays her education and grace under fire:
Bay follows this up with a drawing technique to help Kate with her own drawing.
It's not a deep tale, but it is filled with drama and tension, bringing a very human quality to the nonfictional characters as well as to the story itself.
The Story
Arthur Grey has chosen to join the Revolutionary War on the side of the Rebels, and it's up to Kate and Mrs. Ferrers to slow Caide's battalion down. To prevent their catching up with Grey and the wagon train carrying supplies.
It's what the dragoons do to Millie, her family, and her home that sets Kate down this road. It's the disgrace behind losing the letters that force Tremayne on his.
The Characters
Kate Grey is a proper Quaker, but a fierce patriot with a fiercer desire to never wed. Well-educated and encouraged to debate by her father. He's known as the Grey Fox, Arthur Grey, who married a Quaker, but he's ready to head back to war for his country. Sara and Margaret are the servant girls at Grey Farm. Silas Talbert is a patriotic neighbor. Millicent Ashcroft is Kate's pregnant friend and nearest neighbor. Her husband Andrew is part of the Congress.
Mrs. Angela Ferrers, a.k.a., the Widow, is a Rebel spy. Mr. Sims is her lawyer.
Major Peter Tremayne, Viscount Sancreed, carries Howe's plans against Philadelphia. The trick played creates problems, but of a different sort from the problems created by meeting Kate. Phillip Lytton is caught in Tremayne's disgrace but makes a recovery.
Colonel Sir Bayard Caide commands a battalion of His Majesty's Horse. He's also a brutishly ruthless pervert and addict, Tremayne's cousin, and luckily for Tremayne, one of Howe's favorites. Lieutenant Dyson is a brute and a toady.
Lydia Dare, an heiress, has recently become engaged to Caide. She is staying with the Valbys while her "father" is away. The incredibly stupid and undiplomatic Peggy Shippen and Peggy Chew are Tory daughters in Philadelphia whose names are connected with André's. Anstiss Black is the best dressmaker in Philadelphia. Mr. Du Simiti&eagrave;re is obsessed with his Indian museum.
The Royal Army
The hesitating General Sir William Howe is accompanied by his mistress, Mrs. Elizabeth Loring, and her accepting husband, Mr. Joshua Loring, the Commissioner of Prisoners. Captain John André is Howe's spymaster. A very intelligent and acute man with no scruples. General Clinton and General John Burgoyne are mentioned.
The Hessian allies
Colonel Carl Emil Ulrich Von Donop of Hesse-Cassel is in disgrace over his relationship with an enemy spy. Captain Ewald and Sergeant Bachmann are some of his Jaeger troops.
The Colonial Army
General George Washington and Alexander Hamilton accept Kate's decision. Mrs. Washington aids Kate after her striping. Greene is defending Fort Mercer. General Benedict Arnold has a small part to play with Andr&eacue;.
The Cover
The cover is perfect: a golden glow with a close-up of Kate's torso in her fancy colonial dress with a haze of a Philadelphia street scene behind her.
The title is true on several levels from the compromises made by Major Tremayne and others to the turning of an individual's coat in order to deceive. Yes, Turncoat is so appropriate on so many levels.
My Take
This was just excellent. And interesting to read right after C.C. Humphreys' Jack Absolute (Jack Absolute, 1) revolving around the exact same time period, place, and those characters who were not fictional! Do read Jack Absolute and then The Turncoat if only for Humphreys' read on Benedict Arnold's character.
It's not a deep story, but well filled with drama and tension and no little wit...
"André says you would make a fine Kate," Peggy offered…
"My parents are no longer taking suggestions on the subject of my name, Captain André."
The unexpected start is of an unscrupulous major bent on seduction whom we can't help but like, although the seduction scene between Tremayne and Kate isn't believable. I don't see a woman with her background being so amenable, whatever the reasons that may be presented for her compliance while Tremayne is very believable. I do love how very subtle Thorland is in creating this unscrupulous man while retaining our sympathy. And she continues to bat our sympathies back and forth between Kate and Tremayne so that we can't help but read on to discover the next exchange in their relationship.
And it's a relationship fraught with danger. The threat of discovery. The challenges to Tremayne's honor. Kate's own responsiveness to Bay but her preference for Tremayne, both of which form the gauntlet she must run in her loyalties.
Nor is Kate's sudden transformation from country mouse to sophisticated lady believable. It happens too fast and she's too perfect in her role. Although Kate is all too human in other aspects: her anger with André and her susceptibility to Bay and Tremayne.
What drives this story is the tension of Kate's role and Tremayne's in trying to protect Kate while being true to his own country. Their interactions, the British attempts to discover Mrs. Ferrers and her agents.
The feel of the time period that Thorland brings to this of amateur performances, of painting, of epigrams and military tactics of the ancients. The casual relating of rape and pillage in the countryside as if it were normal, expected actions. Yes, it's revolting, but it's also typical of the time, not something unexpected, and that's how Thorland conveys these events, as if she were a contemporary of that time.
I love the following exchange as it shows Bay with a fair skill but with sybaritic intent while Kate displays her education and grace under fire:
Bay has done a sensual sketch of Kate as a classical goddess with nymphs and satyrs drilling in military formation in the background. There is some conversation before Bay asks if he can "color it in for you?"
"I'm not certain I've brought enough pink for all the nipples," is Kate's reply.
Bay follows this up with a drawing technique to help Kate with her own drawing.
It's not a deep tale, but it is filled with drama and tension, bringing a very human quality to the nonfictional characters as well as to the story itself.
The Story
Arthur Grey has chosen to join the Revolutionary War on the side of the Rebels, and it's up to Kate and Mrs. Ferrers to slow Caide's battalion down. To prevent their catching up with Grey and the wagon train carrying supplies.
It's what the dragoons do to Millie, her family, and her home that sets Kate down this road. It's the disgrace behind losing the letters that force Tremayne on his.
The Characters
Kate Grey is a proper Quaker, but a fierce patriot with a fiercer desire to never wed. Well-educated and encouraged to debate by her father. He's known as the Grey Fox, Arthur Grey, who married a Quaker, but he's ready to head back to war for his country. Sara and Margaret are the servant girls at Grey Farm. Silas Talbert is a patriotic neighbor. Millicent Ashcroft is Kate's pregnant friend and nearest neighbor. Her husband Andrew is part of the Congress.
Mrs. Angela Ferrers, a.k.a., the Widow, is a Rebel spy. Mr. Sims is her lawyer.
Major Peter Tremayne, Viscount Sancreed, carries Howe's plans against Philadelphia. The trick played creates problems, but of a different sort from the problems created by meeting Kate. Phillip Lytton is caught in Tremayne's disgrace but makes a recovery.
Colonel Sir Bayard Caide commands a battalion of His Majesty's Horse. He's also a brutishly ruthless pervert and addict, Tremayne's cousin, and luckily for Tremayne, one of Howe's favorites. Lieutenant Dyson is a brute and a toady.
Lydia Dare, an heiress, has recently become engaged to Caide. She is staying with the Valbys while her "father" is away. The incredibly stupid and undiplomatic Peggy Shippen and Peggy Chew are Tory daughters in Philadelphia whose names are connected with André's. Anstiss Black is the best dressmaker in Philadelphia. Mr. Du Simiti&eagrave;re is obsessed with his Indian museum.
The Royal Army
The hesitating General Sir William Howe is accompanied by his mistress, Mrs. Elizabeth Loring, and her accepting husband, Mr. Joshua Loring, the Commissioner of Prisoners. Captain John André is Howe's spymaster. A very intelligent and acute man with no scruples. General Clinton and General John Burgoyne are mentioned.
The Hessian allies
Colonel Carl Emil Ulrich Von Donop of Hesse-Cassel is in disgrace over his relationship with an enemy spy. Captain Ewald and Sergeant Bachmann are some of his Jaeger troops.
The Colonial Army
General George Washington and Alexander Hamilton accept Kate's decision. Mrs. Washington aids Kate after her striping. Greene is defending Fort Mercer. General Benedict Arnold has a small part to play with Andr&eacue;.
The Cover
The cover is perfect: a golden glow with a close-up of Kate's torso in her fancy colonial dress with a haze of a Philadelphia street scene behind her.
The title is true on several levels from the compromises made by Major Tremayne and others to the turning of an individual's coat in order to deceive. Yes, Turncoat is so appropriate on so many levels.
January 28, 2022
As a history buff, I was looking forward to reading some light historical fiction. Knowing it was fiction, I wouldn’t be constantly checking for facts. I was actually impressed with the author’s overall knowledge of the Rev War and Philadelphia during the time the Brits held it. Of course it’s fiction, so I could easily overlook some of the over the top story telling liberties, interesting spins none the less. Overall a fun read. Quaker turned spy, in love with a red coat.
January 2, 2019
3.5 rating that I upgraded to 4 stars as the historical details were fascinating although the romance seemed forced. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 11, 2013
If you were asked to name a memorable historical romance novel set in the American Revolutionary War, most would find it difficult to name one or two. THE TURNCOAT, Book #1 in the Renegades of the Revolution series will without a doubt fill that void.
The year is 1777 and Kate Grey, a Quaker and other women of her church are packing up supplies for the Continental Army. Her father is Arthur Grey, a successful military man who recently departed Grey Farm with secret information to deliver. Among the ladies is Mrs. Ferrers, a widow, who appears to Kate to be out of place, somewhat odd.
Shortly, a British soldier and company, requisition the Grey Farm. He has an important dispatch to deliver to General Howe. The man is Peter Tremayne, Lord Sancreed a Regular in King George’s army. Tremayne is handsome, more arrogant than not with an air of self-importance and superiority. His uniformed exterior is lined with a sexual allure that is intoxicating. His eyes are set on Kate Grey, plain and innocent. He discovers a hidden document left by her father. With these compromising papers as a lure, Kate agrees to meet him later. While Tremayne is distracted by Kate, Mrs. Ferrers, who is a rebel spy, switches his documents before he continues on his journey. Tremayne faces court martial and possible hanging, but is given a reprieve with an ultimatum. His mission is to uncover the spy who betrayed him and this leads him to Philadelphia. When he arrives, he meets up with his cousin Caide, rivals for years and a notorious rake. As they catch up, Caide shares his news of his upcoming nuptials. When Peter turns to meet the lucky woman, he gazes into familiar eyes. Before him stands a beautiful well appointed woman, who he’d know anywhere as the plain and simple Kate Grey.
Historically, the plot weaves around the events of Valley Forge and the two enemy commanders, General Howe and General Washington. The scale tips more toward romance in this passionate rebellious spy adventure of the 18th century. Kate makes a conscious choice to work for Washington as a patriot spy, knowing her treasonous acts can lead to sudden death. Her Quaker roots remain, although buried deep below the surface.
Donna Thorland fashions strong determined women characters pitted against men who exude the arrogance of entitled birth with enduring results. THE TURNCOAT with plenty of sexual passion and perfidious turns promises plenty of hold your breath moments. It will be a long anxious wait for the second book due out next year.
Wisteria Leigh
March 10, 2013
The year is 1777 and Kate Grey, a Quaker and other women of her church are packing up supplies for the Continental Army. Her father is Arthur Grey, a successful military man who recently departed Grey Farm with secret information to deliver. Among the ladies is Mrs. Ferrers, a widow, who appears to Kate to be out of place, somewhat odd.
Shortly, a British soldier and company, requisition the Grey Farm. He has an important dispatch to deliver to General Howe. The man is Peter Tremayne, Lord Sancreed a Regular in King George’s army. Tremayne is handsome, more arrogant than not with an air of self-importance and superiority. His uniformed exterior is lined with a sexual allure that is intoxicating. His eyes are set on Kate Grey, plain and innocent. He discovers a hidden document left by her father. With these compromising papers as a lure, Kate agrees to meet him later. While Tremayne is distracted by Kate, Mrs. Ferrers, who is a rebel spy, switches his documents before he continues on his journey. Tremayne faces court martial and possible hanging, but is given a reprieve with an ultimatum. His mission is to uncover the spy who betrayed him and this leads him to Philadelphia. When he arrives, he meets up with his cousin Caide, rivals for years and a notorious rake. As they catch up, Caide shares his news of his upcoming nuptials. When Peter turns to meet the lucky woman, he gazes into familiar eyes. Before him stands a beautiful well appointed woman, who he’d know anywhere as the plain and simple Kate Grey.
Historically, the plot weaves around the events of Valley Forge and the two enemy commanders, General Howe and General Washington. The scale tips more toward romance in this passionate rebellious spy adventure of the 18th century. Kate makes a conscious choice to work for Washington as a patriot spy, knowing her treasonous acts can lead to sudden death. Her Quaker roots remain, although buried deep below the surface.
Donna Thorland fashions strong determined women characters pitted against men who exude the arrogance of entitled birth with enduring results. THE TURNCOAT with plenty of sexual passion and perfidious turns promises plenty of hold your breath moments. It will be a long anxious wait for the second book due out next year.
Wisteria Leigh
March 10, 2013
May 28, 2013
Quakers are meant to be pacifists, but Kate Grey can no longer abide by those rules once her father leaves home to join General Washington and the woman he left behind to watch after her is revealed to be a spy for the Americans. Using Kate for her own purposes, The Widow allows a British officer to get close to the young Quaker so that the dispatches he has on his person may be stolen. The result of the plot is Peter Tremayne’s court-martial and Kate’s inclusion into the war effort. The Widow trains her to be a spy, and the two set off to immerse Kate within Philadelphia society (which is currently held by the British) so that Kate may seek information to send to Washington’s troops. All might have gone according to plan if Peter Tremayne had not appeared again.
Altogether I found this book to be a disappointment. As a history buff I was intrigued by the idea of reading a story about spies during the American Revolution. The problem was the execution of this story. The characters lacked any development that I could see; it was as if they only did things to fit the way the author needed the plot to go, rather than doing things because they were developing and evolving.
Also, I found the entire thing to be unbelievable. How was it that Kate was able to go from being a Quaker to a spy in a month? More than that, how was she able to be so good and superior that she was able to secure the hearts of two highly placed British men, whom quite frankly should have been much smarter than to allow a woman to dictate their every move. The story turned into more of a bodice-ripper, as Peter determined that he loved Kate after hours of knowing her, and that “love” was enough for him to do the things he did. Give me a break. I won’t even dive into the other characters that lacked motivation, substance, or sense.
Skip this one, folks.
Altogether I found this book to be a disappointment. As a history buff I was intrigued by the idea of reading a story about spies during the American Revolution. The problem was the execution of this story. The characters lacked any development that I could see; it was as if they only did things to fit the way the author needed the plot to go, rather than doing things because they were developing and evolving.
Also, I found the entire thing to be unbelievable. How was it that Kate was able to go from being a Quaker to a spy in a month? More than that, how was she able to be so good and superior that she was able to secure the hearts of two highly placed British men, whom quite frankly should have been much smarter than to allow a woman to dictate their every move. The story turned into more of a bodice-ripper, as Peter determined that he loved Kate after hours of knowing her, and that “love” was enough for him to do the things he did. Give me a break. I won’t even dive into the other characters that lacked motivation, substance, or sense.
Skip this one, folks.
February 26, 2016
I can't emphasize enough how disinteresting I find the American Revolution as an historical period. No. Really. I really don't enjoy it or even care about it in the slightest passing way. It just isn't my thing. But this book, my friends, this book did not just overcome my prejudice, it blew it out of the water.
Let's talk about our heroes. Tremayne and Kate. First of all, they are awesome. Both a little mixed up, but principled, in their own ways, to a fault. They're not perfect. The make questionable choices, and engage in even more questionable associations.
And our Antagonists? For one: Holy crap, Bay Caide. A nuanced villain who you can't quite entirely hate, but you're never quite sure how he's going to respond, and you really SHOULD dislike him a LOT more than you do...
What I'm saying is, this book has great characters and if you like fiction with great characters and complex relationships, where things get a little more twisted up than the more usual straightforward love'em or hate'em, this book is for you. And I, for one, will be getting my hands on the next in the series!
2/25/2016
I reread this one because I was STILL thinking about it all these months later (and I had just finished reading the second book) and there is something about this book that just guts me -- the way this book ends is beautiful. And not just the last couple of lines which call back to the way in which our characters met, but the whole last several chapters, and the correspondence between them, and the way that the role of rescuer and rescue-ee is passed back and forth...
I this this is going to be one of those books I reread over and over again, just because I can't get enough.
Let's talk about our heroes. Tremayne and Kate. First of all, they are awesome. Both a little mixed up, but principled, in their own ways, to a fault. They're not perfect. The make questionable choices, and engage in even more questionable associations.
And our Antagonists? For one: Holy crap, Bay Caide. A nuanced villain who you can't quite entirely hate, but you're never quite sure how he's going to respond, and you really SHOULD dislike him a LOT more than you do...
What I'm saying is, this book has great characters and if you like fiction with great characters and complex relationships, where things get a little more twisted up than the more usual straightforward love'em or hate'em, this book is for you. And I, for one, will be getting my hands on the next in the series!
2/25/2016
I reread this one because I was STILL thinking about it all these months later (and I had just finished reading the second book) and there is something about this book that just guts me -- the way this book ends is beautiful. And not just the last couple of lines which call back to the way in which our characters met, but the whole last several chapters, and the correspondence between them, and the way that the role of rescuer and rescue-ee is passed back and forth...
I this this is going to be one of those books I reread over and over again, just because I can't get enough.
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