The Dandelion Seed

by Lena Kennedy

Like a dandelion seed adrift on the wayward winds, Marcelle de la Strange is an innocent in the decadent and dangerous London of James I.

When her mother's violent death leaves Marcelle at the mercy of her lecherous stepfather, she can't help but be drawn to the dashing Thomas Mayhew, King's Messenger and attendant to the flamboyant court favourite Robert Carr, who offers her protection, freedom . . . and love.

But such perfect happiness is brittle, vulnerable. A mysterious royal lover, tawny-haired and passionate, leaves Marcelle with child. Kidnapped by the powerful Howard family, the baby is an innocent pawn in a deadly political game and Marcelle's desperate search for her son threatens her reconciliation with Thomas, her health, and even her very sanity . . .

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1988

About the author

Lena Kennedy (June 15, 1914 - August 1 1986), was an English author. Her books were mostly historic romantic fiction set in and around the East End of London where she lived for all her life. Some of her books, including her autobiography, were published posthumously.

She appeared, as a subject, on the television programme This Is Your Life shortly before her death in 1986.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one a lot more than I was expecting to. While some of the characters were drawn in very broad strokes the main ones did have different sides to them and the settings/scenes they were placed in interesting. The pace of the writing was good and it was a lot grittier/bloodier than the cover suggests!

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I read 'Maggie' by Lena Kennedy. Don't remember too much about the story now but I do know I enjoyed it a lot and this one was just as enjoyable too. 'The Dandelion Seed' is more of an historical novel though (or I like to call them 'faction' - a story based around facts). Based in the era of James I tells of a young girl who's mother was murdered as a 'witchhunt' and she went on to have a baby who was kidnapped. A nice story but wasn't expecting the ending.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Enjoyed.