What do you think?
Rate this book
By Loyalty Divided
A 17th century story of Undying Love and Scandalous Seduction, and all set against the backdrop of the English Civil War in which swashbuckling Cavaliers and Musketeers abound.
To live a privileged existence is one thing, but to dare to assist a much loved and wounded enemy soldier is to tempt fate of a ruinous downfall. Her blooded gown when discovered brings the wrath of Anna Lady Maitcliffe's guardian and betrothed upon her head, the punishment unimagined.
Torn between penniless flight or succumb to the inevitable, fate steps forth to cause pain and heartache Anna never thought to experience. For war has finally come to Axebury Hall Estate. In the wake of tragedy and death she ponders how it is possible when the enemy is in the house to love and hate with such intensity?
To live a privileged existence is one thing, but to dare to assist a much loved and wounded enemy soldier is to tempt fate of a ruinous downfall. Her blooded gown when discovered brings the wrath of Anna Lady Maitcliffe's guardian and betrothed upon her head, the punishment unimagined.
Torn between penniless flight or succumb to the inevitable, fate steps forth to cause pain and heartache Anna never thought to experience. For war has finally come to Axebury Hall Estate. In the wake of tragedy and death she ponders how it is possible when the enemy is in the house to love and hate with such intensity?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2012
About the author
Francine Howarth
61 books13 followersA portrait, a landscape, wind whispering through trees, a droplet of rain or snowflake on eyelashes: all can stir Francine's imagination and result in either a modern contemporary romance, or that of a steamy historical. Francine is not only an ex-mainstream published author and ex publisher, she's now a self published author. Years back she was a professional reviewer for a well-known magazine supplement, and still writes reviews for several romance review web sites.
See her reviews @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pdp/profi...
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/francine.how...
But please feel free to visit her blog:
http://francinehowarth.blogspot.com
See her reviews @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pdp/profi...
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/francine.how...
But please feel free to visit her blog:
http://francinehowarth.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 9, 2014
This was a fun romp through the 1640s. Yes, that's usually not a fun time, with it being smack dab during the English Civil War, but Howarth draws us into the world of Parliamentarian and Royalist with a tender love story you will be rooting for. Not everything goes easily, however, for the heroine, or those interested in her. There are some explicit love scenes, which I enjoyed, but some other readers may not, so you have been warned. This was the first Howarth I have read, and I enjoyed it.
May 4, 2014
By Loyalty Divided takes place during the English Civil War of roughly, from 1641 to 1649 which resulted in a temporary abolishment of the English monarchy. I knew so little of this era of English history that this book had me scurrying to Google to educate myself.
Anna Lady Maitcliffe is the orphaned daughter of a family of noble parentage who has been taken in as a ward by Lord William Gantry. William and his wife Arabella have a son named Morton, with whom Anna is madly in love. Morton is equally in love with Anna, but resists her advances as he is an upright young man who knows it would be wrong to take advantage of Anna’s situation as a ward in his father’s household. When Morton refuses a position in King Charles’ army and declares his support for the Parliamentarians, his father banishes him from the estate, and Morton joins the Parliamentarian army as an officer. His mother, Arabella, dies of grief shortly thereafter.
Anna is convinced that Morton, having rejected her advances, is enamored of her hated rival Catherine Thornton. Lord William is pressuring her to marry Catherine’s brother Thomas, but he has a reputation as a rake and Catherine decides that rather than marry him, she will try to seduce Lord William himself. He is pushing forty but still handsome and charming. Naively (or perhaps not so naively), she asks him to teach her what will be expected of her in terms of pleasing her husband in the marriage bed. After initial reluctance, he obliges and the outcome is predictable.
If the outcome of lust is predictable, the vicissitudes of war are not, and Anna is given a reprieve from the planned nuptials.
I have to admit that I found it difficult at some point to sympathize with Anna. She has got to be one of the most neurotic heroines I’ve ever encountered on a page, always sabotaging herself. You’re beloved lies at death’s door, you rush to his side, you painstakingly nurse him back to health. Then, of course, you stay by his side so that the first thing he sees when he regains consciousness is your angelic face and he realizes that you are his salvation, right? Not if you’re Anna Lady Maitcliffe. You convince yourself that your beloved is in love with the squire’s daughter and you take your leave and leave him to the blandishments of a love-struck thirteen year old! Oh Anna, tch, tch! Fortunately for Anna, her rivals are even more pathetic than she is.
As silly as she is, Anna does have an astounding talent as a horsewoman. She can bring her horse to a gallop and sometimes outrace either William or Morton while riding sidesaddle! Something I never imagined possible!
A fun read, lots and lots of sex, some violence, and an intriguing look at the history of the time.
Anna Lady Maitcliffe is the orphaned daughter of a family of noble parentage who has been taken in as a ward by Lord William Gantry. William and his wife Arabella have a son named Morton, with whom Anna is madly in love. Morton is equally in love with Anna, but resists her advances as he is an upright young man who knows it would be wrong to take advantage of Anna’s situation as a ward in his father’s household. When Morton refuses a position in King Charles’ army and declares his support for the Parliamentarians, his father banishes him from the estate, and Morton joins the Parliamentarian army as an officer. His mother, Arabella, dies of grief shortly thereafter.
Anna is convinced that Morton, having rejected her advances, is enamored of her hated rival Catherine Thornton. Lord William is pressuring her to marry Catherine’s brother Thomas, but he has a reputation as a rake and Catherine decides that rather than marry him, she will try to seduce Lord William himself. He is pushing forty but still handsome and charming. Naively (or perhaps not so naively), she asks him to teach her what will be expected of her in terms of pleasing her husband in the marriage bed. After initial reluctance, he obliges and the outcome is predictable.
If the outcome of lust is predictable, the vicissitudes of war are not, and Anna is given a reprieve from the planned nuptials.
I have to admit that I found it difficult at some point to sympathize with Anna. She has got to be one of the most neurotic heroines I’ve ever encountered on a page, always sabotaging herself. You’re beloved lies at death’s door, you rush to his side, you painstakingly nurse him back to health. Then, of course, you stay by his side so that the first thing he sees when he regains consciousness is your angelic face and he realizes that you are his salvation, right? Not if you’re Anna Lady Maitcliffe. You convince yourself that your beloved is in love with the squire’s daughter and you take your leave and leave him to the blandishments of a love-struck thirteen year old! Oh Anna, tch, tch! Fortunately for Anna, her rivals are even more pathetic than she is.
As silly as she is, Anna does have an astounding talent as a horsewoman. She can bring her horse to a gallop and sometimes outrace either William or Morton while riding sidesaddle! Something I never imagined possible!
A fun read, lots and lots of sex, some violence, and an intriguing look at the history of the time.
February 8, 2016
This was an exciting, enjoyable and evocative read.
Set during the backdrop of the English Civil Wars, when father and son were often divided in their political stances, Ms Howarth weaves a sensual tale of abiding passion and lust for one young woman, Anna Lady Maitcliffe. Morton -Viscount Axebury - chooses Parliamentary leanings instead of his father’s Royalist principles which results in the bitter separation of son and father. This was a time of long absences from home, the fate of a soldier sometimes not known for a long while, which could mean a big difference to choices made by a young woman who stood on the threshold of marriageable age. Ms Howarth’s deep knowledge of the history and customs of the era are skilfully interwoven throughout Anna’s story.
There’s no straightforward strict Presbyterian against licentious Royalist boundary in this tale, though. Secondary characters are coerced to change sides, as it seemed did happen when a blade was held at the throat. When it comes to matters of a sensual nature, the characters involved in the sexual initiation of Anna are equally as lusty as the other. Morton is the man of Anna’s heart but the story of their mutual love doesn’t unfold easily. Her young heart is torn between Morton and his father - whom she believes to be the best of guardians. Love thought to be lost is a strong theme resulting in Anna accepting a betrothal from the older Lord Gantry. Reading the story will unveil whether that was a good choice or not.
The characters are strong and the settings are very well described. The story mostly flows extremely well, the writing style a very interesting one. It thrusts the reader into the speech of the era, though I found the syntax hesitant in places which make me rate it with four and a half stars. I certainly recommend it for those who enjoy a novel set in the mid 17th Century, and for those who enjoy a good historical tale.
Set during the backdrop of the English Civil Wars, when father and son were often divided in their political stances, Ms Howarth weaves a sensual tale of abiding passion and lust for one young woman, Anna Lady Maitcliffe. Morton -Viscount Axebury - chooses Parliamentary leanings instead of his father’s Royalist principles which results in the bitter separation of son and father. This was a time of long absences from home, the fate of a soldier sometimes not known for a long while, which could mean a big difference to choices made by a young woman who stood on the threshold of marriageable age. Ms Howarth’s deep knowledge of the history and customs of the era are skilfully interwoven throughout Anna’s story.
There’s no straightforward strict Presbyterian against licentious Royalist boundary in this tale, though. Secondary characters are coerced to change sides, as it seemed did happen when a blade was held at the throat. When it comes to matters of a sensual nature, the characters involved in the sexual initiation of Anna are equally as lusty as the other. Morton is the man of Anna’s heart but the story of their mutual love doesn’t unfold easily. Her young heart is torn between Morton and his father - whom she believes to be the best of guardians. Love thought to be lost is a strong theme resulting in Anna accepting a betrothal from the older Lord Gantry. Reading the story will unveil whether that was a good choice or not.
The characters are strong and the settings are very well described. The story mostly flows extremely well, the writing style a very interesting one. It thrusts the reader into the speech of the era, though I found the syntax hesitant in places which make me rate it with four and a half stars. I certainly recommend it for those who enjoy a novel set in the mid 17th Century, and for those who enjoy a good historical tale.
January 19, 2013
Lovely Historical English Civil War Romance
This novel is an epic two-part historical romance of some 350 plus pages. It spans five years in total.
At the outset Francine Howarth paints a landscape of 17th century England, in which Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (Ironsides) are battling for supremacy. As war marches across England, Howarth presents romance and intrigue to the reader as the lead theme. I have to say the book has its steamy moments but the sex blends well with historical fact and emotional scenes really do tug at one's heartstrings. I haven't read a historical novel like this in a long while, not since Gone with the Wind. Where that was set in the American Civil War, this one is the English Civil War and this novel is epic in story though far from top heavy on word count. It is apparently the first book in a series of four. I simply loved it. The plot flows so beautifully and although it does stand as a one book purchase I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. The heroine is headstrong, wilful and although a little naive at times she has spirit and when faced with tragedy (twice) she steps to womanhood and renders herself to that of a true heroine. I loved all the characters. The hero is equally as headstrong as the heroine and he risks all for what he believes is the right path ahead for him and the country at large. I even liked the anti hero who never quite redeems himself but does make amends in the only way he knows how. This novel is a stunning read.
This novel is an epic two-part historical romance of some 350 plus pages. It spans five years in total.
At the outset Francine Howarth paints a landscape of 17th century England, in which Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (Ironsides) are battling for supremacy. As war marches across England, Howarth presents romance and intrigue to the reader as the lead theme. I have to say the book has its steamy moments but the sex blends well with historical fact and emotional scenes really do tug at one's heartstrings. I haven't read a historical novel like this in a long while, not since Gone with the Wind. Where that was set in the American Civil War, this one is the English Civil War and this novel is epic in story though far from top heavy on word count. It is apparently the first book in a series of four. I simply loved it. The plot flows so beautifully and although it does stand as a one book purchase I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. The heroine is headstrong, wilful and although a little naive at times she has spirit and when faced with tragedy (twice) she steps to womanhood and renders herself to that of a true heroine. I loved all the characters. The hero is equally as headstrong as the heroine and he risks all for what he believes is the right path ahead for him and the country at large. I even liked the anti hero who never quite redeems himself but does make amends in the only way he knows how. This novel is a stunning read.
January 19, 2013
This novel is an epic two-part historical romance of some 350 plus pages. It spans five years in total.
At the outset Francine Howarth paints a landscape of 17th century England, in which Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (Ironsides) are battling for supremacy. As war marches across England, Howarth presents romance and intrigue to the reader as the lead theme. I have to say the book has its steamy moments but the sex blends well with historical fact and emotional scenes really do tug at one's heartstrings. I haven't read a historical novel like this in a long while, not since Gone with the Wind. Where that was set in the American Civil War, this one is the English Civil War and this novel is epic in story though far from top heavy on word count. It is apparently the first book in a series of four. I simply loved it. The plot flows so beautifully and although it does stand as a one book purchase I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. The heroine is headstrong, wilful and although a little naive at times she has spirit and when faced with tragedy (twice) she steps to womanhood and renders herself to that of a true heroine. I loved all the characters. The hero is equally as headstrong as the heroine and he risks all for what he believes is the right path ahead for him and the country at large. I even liked the anti hero who never quite redeems himself but does make amends in the only way he knows how. This novel is a stunning read.
Highly recommended!
At the outset Francine Howarth paints a landscape of 17th century England, in which Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (Ironsides) are battling for supremacy. As war marches across England, Howarth presents romance and intrigue to the reader as the lead theme. I have to say the book has its steamy moments but the sex blends well with historical fact and emotional scenes really do tug at one's heartstrings. I haven't read a historical novel like this in a long while, not since Gone with the Wind. Where that was set in the American Civil War, this one is the English Civil War and this novel is epic in story though far from top heavy on word count. It is apparently the first book in a series of four. I simply loved it. The plot flows so beautifully and although it does stand as a one book purchase I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. The heroine is headstrong, wilful and although a little naive at times she has spirit and when faced with tragedy (twice) she steps to womanhood and renders herself to that of a true heroine. I loved all the characters. The hero is equally as headstrong as the heroine and he risks all for what he believes is the right path ahead for him and the country at large. I even liked the anti hero who never quite redeems himself but does make amends in the only way he knows how. This novel is a stunning read.
Highly recommended!
October 30, 2014
This story is set in the mid seventeenth century as Charles Stuart challenged Oliver Cromwell for control of England. I found the story to be a delightful mix of romance and heat. The innocence of an eighteen year old virgin unraveling was handled delicately and tastefully in a most compelling manner. The sexual tensions between the heroine and an older man of stature were realistically shocking yet engaging. The interaction between the characters in general was played out perfectly with the narrative and dialog seeming very natural. The author masterfully reveals the inner working of human nature throughout the story. Her vast knowledge of this time period is evident in all aspects of the story from horses and clothing to procedure. Francine Howarth has the experience to pace the steamy scenes so they unfold naturally. She also has the expertise to fully engage the reader with the passion involved. This story was a very enjoyable read. If you like a good plot and passionate romance this story is for you.
December 17, 2014
Set during the English Civil War, this is a well-written tale of love, lust, unfortunate misunderstandings, and - thankfully - a happy ending. I say thankfully, because the Lady Anna, although a bright, intelligent girl, does go off at some unlikely tangents at times. I was expecting a bit more Civil War adventure - although, to be fair, the English Civil War was very localised, so Francine Howarth isn't wrong to confine her story mainly to one place. Having said all that, I enjoyed this novel - it kept me turning the pages, and fanning myself while reading the saucy bits!
December 31, 2014
If I wrote historical romance, I would give everything to write like she does.
The first impression that strikes the reader is how she is able to create historical eras purely with language.
The first impression that strikes the reader is how she is able to create historical eras purely with language.
January 3, 2015
BY LOYALTY DIVIDED.
Suzy's Review
Lovely Historical English Civil War Romance - an RRM Award Winning Novel
This novel is an epic two-part historical romance of some 350 plus pages. It spans five years in total.
At the outset Francine Howarth paints a landscape of 17th century England, in which Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (Ironsides) are battling for supremacy. As war marches across England, Howarth presents romance and intrigue to the reader as the lead theme. I will say the book does have steamy moments but the sex blends well with historical fact and the emotional scenes really do tug at the heartstrings. I haven't read a historical novel like this in a long while. The English Civil War is superbly depicted and although epic in story this novel is far from top heavy on word count. It is apparently the first book in a series of four. I simply loved it. The heroine is headstrong, wilful and although a little naive at times she has spirit and when faced with tragedy (twice) she steps to womanhood and renders herself to that of a true heroine. The hero is equally as headstrong as the heroine and he risks all for what he believes is the right path ahead for him and the country at large. I even liked the anti hero who never quite redeems himself but does make amends in the only way he knows how. This novel is a stunning read.
The plot flows so beautifully and although it does stand as one book purchase I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
Emma's Review
Fabulous swashbuckling bodice-ripper. I adored this from start to finish and the hero wowed me. Although this book spans five years it never lagged on pace. Historical fact is masterfully blended with fiction. It's a page-turning read and even though it's one of a series it stands well as a single read. That said I'm seriously looking forward to book two. Yeh, and that from me who happens ordinarily to be a fan of chick-lit.
Suzy's Review
Lovely Historical English Civil War Romance - an RRM Award Winning Novel
This novel is an epic two-part historical romance of some 350 plus pages. It spans five years in total.
At the outset Francine Howarth paints a landscape of 17th century England, in which Royalist forces and Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads (Ironsides) are battling for supremacy. As war marches across England, Howarth presents romance and intrigue to the reader as the lead theme. I will say the book does have steamy moments but the sex blends well with historical fact and the emotional scenes really do tug at the heartstrings. I haven't read a historical novel like this in a long while. The English Civil War is superbly depicted and although epic in story this novel is far from top heavy on word count. It is apparently the first book in a series of four. I simply loved it. The heroine is headstrong, wilful and although a little naive at times she has spirit and when faced with tragedy (twice) she steps to womanhood and renders herself to that of a true heroine. The hero is equally as headstrong as the heroine and he risks all for what he believes is the right path ahead for him and the country at large. I even liked the anti hero who never quite redeems himself but does make amends in the only way he knows how. This novel is a stunning read.
The plot flows so beautifully and although it does stand as one book purchase I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
Emma's Review
Fabulous swashbuckling bodice-ripper. I adored this from start to finish and the hero wowed me. Although this book spans five years it never lagged on pace. Historical fact is masterfully blended with fiction. It's a page-turning read and even though it's one of a series it stands well as a single read. That said I'm seriously looking forward to book two. Yeh, and that from me who happens ordinarily to be a fan of chick-lit.
March 9, 2014
Anna, Lady Maitcliffe, is a young woman ready for love. Her heart belongs to the son of her guardian, but he makes a stand for the Parliamentarian’s and is banished from Axebury Hall. Confused and frustrated, Anna finds distraction in the attentions of her guardian, Lord Gantry, a man whom she respects and holds in high regard. When his growing desire for his lush young ward spills over from thoughts to actions, Anna is flattered, and readily accepts the prospect of marriage to this older man, and becoming his lady of the manor.
With Anna engaged to Lord Gantry, and swept up in fittings for her wedding gown, the Civil War edges closer to Axebury Hall. Soon events are set on a collision course whereby a tragedy ensues between her young would-be suitor and older fiancé. As Royalist and Parliamentarians clash on the Axebury Estate, Anna finds there is no hiding from desire and must make a choice.
By Loyalty Divided is a sensuous, evocative read. I especially liked how the author unfolds the story of the English Civil War, and the effect it had on families (who, of course have no fore knowledge of the eventual outcome). The implication of choosing one side over another, and the peril of following conscience rather than upbringing is written in such a way as to make the reader genuinely torn. A thoroughly absorbing read that has whetted my appetite to know more about the time period and glad there are more books in the series to look forward to.
With Anna engaged to Lord Gantry, and swept up in fittings for her wedding gown, the Civil War edges closer to Axebury Hall. Soon events are set on a collision course whereby a tragedy ensues between her young would-be suitor and older fiancé. As Royalist and Parliamentarians clash on the Axebury Estate, Anna finds there is no hiding from desire and must make a choice.
By Loyalty Divided is a sensuous, evocative read. I especially liked how the author unfolds the story of the English Civil War, and the effect it had on families (who, of course have no fore knowledge of the eventual outcome). The implication of choosing one side over another, and the peril of following conscience rather than upbringing is written in such a way as to make the reader genuinely torn. A thoroughly absorbing read that has whetted my appetite to know more about the time period and glad there are more books in the series to look forward to.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews