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Scarlet Ribbons
POWDER KEG OF DESIRE
From “RT's Historical Romance Lifetime Achievement Author” comes the gripping tale of the struggle of a young English woman who fled London’s slums, survived a perilous journey sea journey across the Atlantic, was sold as a bondservant to a brutal colonial master and then forced to marry her rapist. After her husband's mysterious disappearance, Sarah faces constant danger from the troops who stay as guests as she runs the tavern and inn. She trusts no man.
When undercover agent and officer Forest Irons saves Sarah from a pack of deserters, she accepts his plea for employment at her tavern and inn. Forest soon develops feelings for Sarah, but he suspects she murdered her abusive husband and honor requires him to put his mission first. But desire ignites between them like a lit powder keg. Through his lovemaking and attention, Sarah begins to trust again and harbors fantasies about their future together. When her husband's relatives threaten to lay claim to her husband’s stake in the inn and take her son away, she joins forces with Forest. If the Hessian soldiers find them, it will mean death. But the greatest danger to their budding love affair is the betrayal Sarah feels when she discovers Forest's real identity.
391 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
25 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Judith E. French
41 books60 followers ABOUT JUDITH E. FRENCH
Judith E. French captures the essence of passion and brings her special characters alive on every page. A multiple award winner, including RT's Historical Romance Lifetime Achievement Author, Best Historical Author of the Year, The PEARL award for Best Anthology, and The Delaware Diamond Award for Literary Excellence, she is best known for her American frontier historical fiction. A master storyteller, she finds inspiration in her Scottish, Irish, Welsh, English and Lenni-Lenape ancestry near Chesapeake Bay, where the French family has made its home for more than 300 years. Judith’s novels have sold millions and been translated into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Bulgarian, and Mandarin. She appeals to readers of Christi Caldwell, Mary Balogh, C. J. Petit, Shirleen Davies, Karen Kay, Madeline Baker, Elle Marlow, Ellen O'Connell, Vonna Harper, Kathryn Le Veque, Colleen French, Julie Garwood, Cecelia Mecca, Caroline Fyffe, and Hannah Howell. She is the mother of bestselling novelist Colleen French.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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August 18, 2014The girl: Sarah Turner. In charge of keeping her young son safe from both armies plus running the family inn whilst her older abusive husband is off fighting with the Royalists. Good servants are hard to come by (she's not fond of bonded servants, but she's got a good reason for that), so she's not going to complain when a scruffy looking Forest Irons comes calling offering his help for room and board.
The guy: Forest Irons is not quite the scruffy, second class type of fellow he appears to be. He's a spy for the Continental Army (I think that's the appropriate term), and he's sent to investigate King's Landing Inn and sniff out any Royalist activity.
Well you know this is a romance and the pair are going to fall in love and have some adventures on the path to true love and mutual trust, but I'm not going to spoil with the details - read it for yourself. Extra points for Sarah, she's no milksop of a delicate miss - she can shoot and kick a bad guy in the appropriate places when she's in a pinch.
"Shoot her," Sarah said matter-of-factly. "It's the only way to keep her quiet."
All in all, a very nice romance with a healthy dollop of historical setting. Purchased at Amazon for a whopping $.99.
The guy: Forest Irons is not quite the scruffy, second class type of fellow he appears to be. He's a spy for the Continental Army (I think that's the appropriate term), and he's sent to investigate King's Landing Inn and sniff out any Royalist activity.
Well you know this is a romance and the pair are going to fall in love and have some adventures on the path to true love and mutual trust, but I'm not going to spoil with the details - read it for yourself. Extra points for Sarah, she's no milksop of a delicate miss - she can shoot and kick a bad guy in the appropriate places when she's in a pinch.
"Shoot her," Sarah said matter-of-factly. "It's the only way to keep her quiet."
All in all, a very nice romance with a healthy dollop of historical setting. Purchased at Amazon for a whopping $.99.
August 31, 2016
Exciting Story of Love in the time of the Revolutionary War!
Set in Maryland in 1777, scarlet ribbons tells the story of Sarah Turner, originally from England who, through a series of misfortunes, is now innkeeper of King’s Landing, and wed to a man serving the loyalists. Then one day to her inn comes Forest Irons, a Rebel spy sent to watch the goings on at the inn for General Washington. Forest dons the disguise of a beard and an eye patch and poses as a man in need of work, a man with no loyalties. Sarah needs help at the inn and for her young son, so she hires him, never knowing he is an enemy and never telling him her husband lies in an unmarked grave nearby.
With treachery, intrigue, and bad guys aplenty, French weaves a well-written tale of love in the time of war. The story reflects extensive research as she puts you in the scene with conflicting loyalties as some Americans supported England’s reign and others wanted their new country free from England’s tyranny. Forest is a worthy hero, bound by his dream of a free America to the Rebel cause, yet finds himself falling in love with a courageous woman who is loyal to the Crown. Sarah is one smart, clever heroine who will have you cheering.
If you want to experience our nation at war in the time of its early beginnings, this is a great romance to read. While there are no battles, you’ll see what went on in the early days of the war between Maryland and the Rebels winter camp in Pennsylvania.
Set in Maryland in 1777, scarlet ribbons tells the story of Sarah Turner, originally from England who, through a series of misfortunes, is now innkeeper of King’s Landing, and wed to a man serving the loyalists. Then one day to her inn comes Forest Irons, a Rebel spy sent to watch the goings on at the inn for General Washington. Forest dons the disguise of a beard and an eye patch and poses as a man in need of work, a man with no loyalties. Sarah needs help at the inn and for her young son, so she hires him, never knowing he is an enemy and never telling him her husband lies in an unmarked grave nearby.
With treachery, intrigue, and bad guys aplenty, French weaves a well-written tale of love in the time of war. The story reflects extensive research as she puts you in the scene with conflicting loyalties as some Americans supported England’s reign and others wanted their new country free from England’s tyranny. Forest is a worthy hero, bound by his dream of a free America to the Rebel cause, yet finds himself falling in love with a courageous woman who is loyal to the Crown. Sarah is one smart, clever heroine who will have you cheering.
If you want to experience our nation at war in the time of its early beginnings, this is a great romance to read. While there are no battles, you’ll see what went on in the early days of the war between Maryland and the Rebels winter camp in Pennsylvania.
July 15, 2024
4 stars. Read this for Regan Walker’s monthly theme/blog, July is American patriotic month. This book involved the American Revolution. The hero is a spy for the rebels and the heroine is an Inn owner and a loyalist. They have some chemistry and both are brave, crafty and determined to support their side. There’s lots of action such as the H/h going on a journey to deliver some desperately needed supplies to Washington’s troops camped at Valley Forge. Well worth the read and a page turner for me. I really enjoyed it.
March 19, 2015
This is the kind of historical romance that gives me the historical details and grit and making me once again realize, why I love HR's in the first place.
This is set in Maryland in around 1777.
Its not a time I read a lot of books in. For that it was a refreshing change of pace. The people and the land totally came alive for me. I felt like I was there, which was at times uncomfortable as I got at least a bit of a sense, how it might have been.
I think I could tell, there was lots of research done. Everything just seemed so real and authentic. But nothing got bogged down. What an interesting time in the life of america. Rebels against loyalists. Neighbor against neighbor. But I also got a sense that these people really just wanted to live their lives, but got sucked into a war they didn't need or want. Especially the women, who had to keep going and keep the families together as much as they could.
I got the sense that even though it was such a hard and dark time, the hope on the side of the rebels was what got them through it all. Like the characters at some point said, they are all nuts and insane. But in the end they knew it was worth it.
In the midst of all of this we have a wonderful romance blooming between a rebel spying on the heroine the innkeeper, who believes herself to be a loyalist.
I really enjoyed this book and I liked the authors vivid writing so much, I already bought another novel and pre-ordered one more.
I love when I come across these gems while just browsing in the Kindle store.
I do have to say that the kindle book cover really doesn't do this story justice. Its a nice cover, but to me it looks a bit more contemporary.
Here on goodreads as of now, only the old cover is showing.
This is set in Maryland in around 1777.
Its not a time I read a lot of books in. For that it was a refreshing change of pace. The people and the land totally came alive for me. I felt like I was there, which was at times uncomfortable as I got at least a bit of a sense, how it might have been.
I think I could tell, there was lots of research done. Everything just seemed so real and authentic. But nothing got bogged down. What an interesting time in the life of america. Rebels against loyalists. Neighbor against neighbor. But I also got a sense that these people really just wanted to live their lives, but got sucked into a war they didn't need or want. Especially the women, who had to keep going and keep the families together as much as they could.
I got the sense that even though it was such a hard and dark time, the hope on the side of the rebels was what got them through it all. Like the characters at some point said, they are all nuts and insane. But in the end they knew it was worth it.
In the midst of all of this we have a wonderful romance blooming between a rebel spying on the heroine the innkeeper, who believes herself to be a loyalist.
I really enjoyed this book and I liked the authors vivid writing so much, I already bought another novel and pre-ordered one more.
I love when I come across these gems while just browsing in the Kindle store.
I do have to say that the kindle book cover really doesn't do this story justice. Its a nice cover, but to me it looks a bit more contemporary.
Here on goodreads as of now, only the old cover is showing.
May 3, 2020
Book started off really nicely, in that way that quickly holds my attention. I wish more description had been given to Sarah to aid my imagination cause she was thought to be really young but she acted quite mature.
Joshua just grabbed and held my heart in no time at all!
Forest (who names a child forest 😂) was instantly charming. I was so pleased when he lost his fake accent, even though it was in the most comical way!
I think Sarah’s work was too risky and stressful and it doesn’t make much sense that she continued-especially with her son around. Especially since her scary brother-in-law was part owner and often beat her son. Especially since the inn was by the river where anyone could sail in. Especially since she was constantly harassed by men and had no one to defend her. It annoyed me quite a bit.
When those 5 deserters came to the inn and killed her dog and cow, I felt bad about the dog, but didn’t feel sorry for her. She brought it upon herself by refusing to leave. I was so mad.
- Wasn’t it super convenient how she had a neighbor that was always asked for her son to visit just when “something” was going to happen between her and Forest? 😏
It was also ridiculous how Forest kept losing his disguise. First his accent, then his beard and worst of all, his eye patch!!!
Joshua just grabbed and held my heart in no time at all!
Forest (who names a child forest 😂) was instantly charming. I was so pleased when he lost his fake accent, even though it was in the most comical way!
I think Sarah’s work was too risky and stressful and it doesn’t make much sense that she continued-especially with her son around. Especially since her scary brother-in-law was part owner and often beat her son. Especially since the inn was by the river where anyone could sail in. Especially since she was constantly harassed by men and had no one to defend her. It annoyed me quite a bit.
When those 5 deserters came to the inn and killed her dog and cow, I felt bad about the dog, but didn’t feel sorry for her. She brought it upon herself by refusing to leave. I was so mad.
- Wasn’t it super convenient how she had a neighbor that was always asked for her son to visit just when “something” was going to happen between her and Forest? 😏
It was also ridiculous how Forest kept losing his disguise. First his accent, then his beard and worst of all, his eye patch!!!
November 12, 2024
Scarlet Ribbons by Judith E. French (1989) is a fast paced HR set during the early days of the U.S. Revolutionary War… mostly on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1777, and then briefly at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
♦️ Sarah has been running King’s Landing Inn by herself since her cruel husband disappeared. She’s had a hard life, and was an indentured servant… nevertheless she’s sympathetic to the British rule of the American colonies. Sarah’s got pluck and courage during these hard times when she has to fend for herself and her young son.
♦️ Forest Irons arrives at the inn disguised as an army deserter, sent by the patriots to spy on her and other Loyalists. Who is he really? There’s lots of lies between them, especially for Sarah as fear is stronger than guilt. The romance develops slowly as they continue to keep secrets from each other.
♦️ French has written an excellent well balanced HR with the romance primary alongside the drama and hardships of the ongoing war. There’s plenty of steamy bits … as well as some actual songs from the era that the MCs sing to each other. Priceless!! It’s really hard to find well researched Revolutionary War HRs that depict the everyday lives of the people who are determined on independence from England. Scarlet Ribbons is one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♦️ RITA Award 1990.
♦️ Sarah has been running King’s Landing Inn by herself since her cruel husband disappeared. She’s had a hard life, and was an indentured servant… nevertheless she’s sympathetic to the British rule of the American colonies. Sarah’s got pluck and courage during these hard times when she has to fend for herself and her young son.
♦️ Forest Irons arrives at the inn disguised as an army deserter, sent by the patriots to spy on her and other Loyalists. Who is he really? There’s lots of lies between them, especially for Sarah as fear is stronger than guilt. The romance develops slowly as they continue to keep secrets from each other.
♦️ French has written an excellent well balanced HR with the romance primary alongside the drama and hardships of the ongoing war. There’s plenty of steamy bits … as well as some actual songs from the era that the MCs sing to each other. Priceless!! It’s really hard to find well researched Revolutionary War HRs that depict the everyday lives of the people who are determined on independence from England. Scarlet Ribbons is one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♦️ RITA Award 1990.
December 31, 2019
Great Read
I usually read historical westerns but this was a different era. This story takes place in 1777 when our country was fighting for its independence. A hard fought victory.
I usually read historical westerns but this was a different era. This story takes place in 1777 when our country was fighting for its independence. A hard fought victory.
April 27, 2020
Great sweet book!
This book was wonderful, full of courage and determination, just amazing views and reasons to live and love. Wonderful sweet men are hard to find let alone just dropped in! Thank you greatly enjoyed it!
This book was wonderful, full of courage and determination, just amazing views and reasons to live and love. Wonderful sweet men are hard to find let alone just dropped in! Thank you greatly enjoyed it!
July 7, 2019
Scarlet Ribbons is Amazing!
Fantastic read! Page turning action and sizzling passion, make this a thrilling story to read. I highly recommend you won’t be disappointed!
Fantastic read! Page turning action and sizzling passion, make this a thrilling story to read. I highly recommend you won’t be disappointed!
October 25, 2016
At last I have had the opportunity to read another of Ms. French’s stories and as with the others her storytelling is going to stick with me for a very long while. This story takes place during early America’s Revolutionary War and the gritty realism in this author’s descriptive style offers another peak into the struggle between British Loyalists and American Rebels. The unlikely courtship and romance between a Rebel Spy (Forest) and a Loyalist innkeeper (Sarah) kept me reading late into several nights because I just couldn’t abandon their story until I had read a few more pages before sleep captured me. It was that suspenseful and exciting and wonderful! I heartily recommend this author’s writing.
February 7, 2016
When I read this type of romance book that illustrates the guts it took to live and thrive in that period, it makes you realize how lucky a woman would be to find real love. Ms. French write a great story but I have to be in the mood for the story is at times dark. Well worth the time if you enjoy reading about other times.
February 5, 2015
Scarlett Ribbins
I loved this book! Sarah is a wonder so strong in the face of fear, protective of those she loves and a mother of a young son she strives to keep safe. A beautiful novel and a must read!
I loved this book! Sarah is a wonder so strong in the face of fear, protective of those she loves and a mother of a young son she strives to keep safe. A beautiful novel and a must read!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews