Try Before You Trust: To All Gentlewomen and Other Maids in Love

by Constance Briones

When eighteen-year-old Isabella Whitney meets Robert Barrington, nephew to the widowed baroness she works for, she's sure he's the enlightened husband she's meant to marry - someone who will support her interest in reading and forays into writing poetry. Against the wishes of Robert's father, they pledge their troth and consummate their union. Believing fate has brought them together, they move to Southwark and support each other's writings. When Isabella is encouraged by Robert's friend, a London printer and bookseller, to write for the pamphlet wars, a debate on the merits of women - egos clash as Robert struggles as a balladeer. Despite Robert's objections, Isabella is ready to shake up the reading public of mid-sixteenth century London with her poem that shows men and not women are inconstant in love. Isabella's determination forces her to make choices uncommon for women of her time.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Isabella Whitney is credited as the first English woman believed to have written original secular poetry for publication in the mid-sixteenth century."
"[She] dared to challenge the double standard on the behavior of the sexes in love at a time when the norm for women was to be seen and not heard."

Author Constance Briones has created an excellent work of historical romance with a definite feminist bend. There is a paucity of information on the life of Isabella Whitney aside from her poetry first published in 1567 by London printer and bookseller, Richard Jones.

In this novel, it is imagined that eighteen year old Isabella was sent to work for widowed baroness, Lady Bramwell. Isabella needed to acquire the housewifery skills necessary to be matched, in matrimony, to a distinguished gentleman. Lady Bramwell encouraged Isabella to read books on "the virtues of womanhood and housewifery skills." Isabella noticed a magnificent library at the country estate. If only she could explore the amazing collection of Greek and Roman classics. Lady Bramwell's nephew, Robert Barrington, a law student, entered the library and Isabella's life at the Twelfth Night Gala at the estate. Was Robert a rakish fellow or a serious, kind gentleman? He recommended and secured several books for Isabella to be discussed after she read them.

At celebrations or gatherings, gentlemen often debated "the querelle des femmes..."A trite rhetorical exercise in which men debate about a woman's true nature...virtuous or sinner, rational or irrational, a worthy or unworthy companion for life." Isabella was frustrated. "Poetic expression is a powerful tool, and a woman can do it just as well as a man...Poetry has the power to sway emotion no matter which sex wields the pen." It is unclear why Isabella was dismissed from Lady Bramwell's employ...a dalliance? Could she write a poem showing the inconsistency of a man's love?

Excerpts from
The Admonition by the Author to all Young Gentlewomen: And to all other Maids being in Love (1567)
by Isabella Whitney

"Ye Virgins, ye from Cupid's tents
do bear away the foil,
Whose hearts as yet with raging love
most painfully do boil...

Beware of fair and painted talk,
beware of flattering tongues:
The Mermaids do pretend no good
for all their pleasant songs...

Trust not a man at the first sight
but try him well before:
I wish all maids within their breasts
to keep this thing in store...

For trial shall declare his truth
and show what he doth think,
Whether he be a lover true,
or do intend to shrink...

The little fish that careless is
within the water clear,
How glad is he, when he doth see,
a bait for to appear....

He thinks his hap right good to be,
that he the same could spy,
And so the simple fool doth trust
too much before he try....

O little fish, what hap hadst thou?
to have such spiteful fate,
To come into one's cruel hands
out of so happy state?"

Thank you Historium Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella Whitney was the first secular female poet and the first professional female writer in England. She was also known as the first female writer to publish secular poems in her own name. This historical novel reimagines Isabella Whitney’s early life. Isabella is a young maid to a widowed baroness. She falls for the baroness’s nephew. They betrothed themselves to one another and consummate their union. They try to form a new life together by moving to Southwark where Isabella hopes they could support each other through writing. As Isabella struggles to become a published writer, Isabella also experiences disappointment in love.

I first heard of Isabella Whitney by reading some of her poems in a Penguin Classics book. Therefore, I was interested in reading a biographical novel about her. Isabella starts out in this novel as young and naive. She believes that her mistress’s nephew is the one whom she is destined to marry. She believes that he will be true to her. Over the course of the novel, Isabella gradually grows into a mature woman. She is intelligent and feisty. She learns to be self-reliant. I admired her journey to become a successful writer.

Overall, this book is about first love, betrayal, and heartbreak. The message of the book is to be careful of whom you give your heart. I thought all of the characters were well-developed and complex. I thought that this novel moved at a slow-pace. It also focused more on Isabella Whitney’s romance than her journey to become a published writer. Nevertheless, I thought the book was well-written, and it adequately showed the daily life of an Elizabethan woman. I recommend this book for those interested in reading about little known Tudor women! Try Before You Trust is perfect for fans of The Dark Lady’s Mask, The Lady and the Poet, and The Tutor!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)

[Kate Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5.0 Stars

Isabella Whitney (born between 1546 and 1548) is celebrated as the first published English poetess. This fictional account of her early years leading up to publication, fills in some of the imagined missing pieces in her history. Author Constance Briones deftly delivers a heartfelt and quite believable account of this early feminist writer's early days.

As a well-read young woman, Miss Whitney assumes a position as housemaid in a widowed baroness' home. She soon meets the baroness' young nephew, throws all caution to the wind, and falls for him. It's not as though she was not forwarned. But a young woman in love can hardly be dissuaded. The experience informs Miss Whitney's writing and her career is born.

Kudos to author Constance Briones for delivering this exquisite piece of historical romantic fiction. Her writing is excellent and the inclusion of period nomenclature and snippets of Miss Whitney's poetry sets the tone well. Her character development is full and the mise-en-scène is richly described. The descriptions of the rich fabrics of the aristocrats and the various victuals enjoyed were delightful. All in all, this was a most enjoyable read.

I am grateful to author Constance Briones and her publisher Historium Press for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Historium Press
Publication date: July 30, 2024
Number of Pages: 274
ISBN: 978-1962465540

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fascinating Elizabethan historical fiction novel, readers follow young poet Isabella Whitney as she defies convention through her relationship with her employer’s aristocratic nephew and her choice of occupation -- writer. As she moves up in the world as a maidservant, a participant in an illicit and passionate affair, and finally a published poet, Isabella seeks to shake up the literary world by writing about how men in love are deceptive and manipulative towards women. Refusing to be silent and bow to convention, Isabella will live life on her own as she works on her magnum opus. Based on true historical figures and literature with a solid historical background, this is a fascinating insight into Elizabethan romance (outside of the courtly love practiced in the royal courts) and gender roles. Isabella is a fascinating protagonist with her own flaws and challenges to authority, and she has a mind of her own. Her relationships with other characters and her personal growth over the course of the novel is fascinating to watch in the context of the Elizabethan era. With an exciting premise and some incredible historical details, fans of historical fiction will love following Isabella’s journey of becoming a published author and challenging her society’s norms.

Thanks to NetGalley and Historium Press for the advance copy.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this historical fiction novel.

Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne and Isabella Whitney is training as a lady's maid in London but she'd rather be reading books. She plots to catch the eye of Robert, the learned cousin of her employer who has the key to the large library in the home where she works. The two fall in love (or is it just lust?) and Isabella is eventually jilted and penniless. She is determined to make her way in the world via her pen, publishing poems to warn women like her to be careful in love.

I enjoyed learning about Isabella but I wish the book had focused less on her romantic relationship and more on her struggles as a female writer at a time when those were few and far between. I had a hard time believing that the clever Izzy would really fall for such a cad and sacrifice so much for him.

[Ana Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Historium Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story, I’ll admit that I struggled a bit with the language but that is due to the fact that I don’t read a lot of historic novels. We follow the story of young Isabella and a tale as old as time. The main character naïveté was at times annoying, but it’s necessary for the story. Isabella is also capable, confident and talented which is refreshing to see in such type of novels. I’m happy that I read this book, I enjoyed the plot, the character and the ending was satisfying. I do recommend this book, it’s an intriguing read.

[Emily Mazzara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you ever wanted to know what a messy situationship looked like in the time before Shakespeare, this is the book for you. Following our brazen lady’s-maid turned poet main character, Isabella, we are taken on a fast paced and fun journey through first loves and loves lost. With sharp wit and a well researched early London as our backdrop, Briones puts on a great show and highlights the early phases of feminism in England.

I am grateful to have received a free copy of this novel from The Niche Reader.

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me. :( The writing felt very juvenile and I had trouble connecting to the characters. The love story felt rushed and I just didn’t find myself excited to see where it would go. I love the premise of the book, I just dont think I was the target audience. Maybe I will give it another try in the future.

[Doré Ripley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at a female poet in 16th century England

In London, 1567, one woman desires only to write.

In 16th century England, a woman’s place belongs in the home despite its successful rule by a Queen. What is a budding poet to do? Ignore the naysayers? No, she sharpens her quill and puts pen to paper. And in this historical novel, that’s just what Isabella Whitney does.

TRY BEFORE YOU TRUST: TO ALL YOUNG GENTLEWOMEN AND OTHER MAIDS IN LOVE by Constance Briones is the story of England’s first female secular poet. It portrays a determined woman with the courage and intelligence to succeed in England’s competitive book business, enduring more challenges than most to turn her dreams into reality. As a maid to the aristocratic Lady Bramwell, she runs into the feckless, but intelligent, nephew of her mistress, a man who appreciates Isabella’s learning, wit, and ambition. The two swiftly become betrothed, but the ambitious minstrel of a husband is a wastrel of a man. His inability to attract the attention of an aristocratic patron leads to a depletion of funds and sends him running home, where an aristocratic bride awaits.

But what about Isabella?

After drying her tears, the focus on Isabella’s quest to become a writer propels the story forward with its heartbreak, peril, and the mystery surrounding Isabella’s career choice - considering there was no such thing as female careers in the 16th century.

The poet Isabella, an innocent country girl striving for life in the big city, is presented in the context of the querelle des femmes, a popular subject of the day. It led this reader to laugh out loud at the naivete of the young poet: Whether he can be a lover true, / or do intend to shrink.” Did men shrink at Isabella’s wit? Indeed. At the very least, her husband did.

One of Briones’ exceptional skills is making readers feel like they are sitting alongside the characters, enjoying a holiday meal or dance, scrubbing a crusty pot, or crying their eyes out over a man. But make no mistake, Isabella is not the typical innocent country maid, and her complexity lies in the career she has chosen in Elizabethan London, a role not open to females. Ultimately, Isabella is bright, calm, and driven.

The research that went into this book is remarkable, with tidbits sprinkled liberally throughout. Unlike some historical novels, the dishing out of ancient background doesn’t feel heavy handed and in no way slows down the plot or Isabella. The world building is remarkable; beautifully detailed, warm to the touch, smelly when necessary, and gorgeous in palatial buildings, clothing, or pocket gardens.

I finished half the book in one sitting beginning at the point when Isabella’s betrothed leaves, being driven to know how any early modern English woman without position, family, or money could make it. Not wanting to give away a good ending, let’s just say, she took a big bite from the apple. Hopefully, the author continues the story because this reader would love to know how Isabella lives out her writing life.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella Whitney is credited as the first Englishwoman to write and publish original secular poetry using her own name. In Try Before You Trust: To All Gentlewomen and Other Maids in Love, Constance Briones focuses on a time in Whitney’s life that history has never documented. Briones creates an entirely fictional tale about the creation of her first published work (under only her initials instead of her name).
Eighteen-year-old Isabella Whitney is contracted for a year to work for Lady Bramwell as a maidservant to learn housewifery. But Whitney is more interested in Bramwell’s deceased husband’s library. Only one person is allowed in that library: Bramwell’s nephew Robert Barrington. Whitney plans to sweet talk him into letting her into the library but her interest in reading and poetry endears her to his heart. Against the wishes of both Bramwell and Robert’s father, they pledge their troth and consummate their union. They move in together and support each other's writing. Whitney is encouraged by a mutual printer friend to join the “woman question” and write from the woman’s side about how men are in love. Are women the fickle ones? Or is it the men?
In a time where women’s voices are rarely heard, Whitney’s poetry published in that pamphlet was a historic moment even if the story created leading up to it is fiction. Briones creates a character of strength and confidence with the fire that it takes to go against men. And not just the men. Briones shows you how tough Whitney is by going against the morae of the time and her quality of life. She lives in the cheap, dangerous areas of London. She deals with louse, discomfort, and threats to self to focus on her writing. Driven by purpose, Whitney would not give up until she was published even if she had to take menial jobs that were once considered below her station. Whitney’s grit is evident on each page of the novel.
The book is easy to read. The writing isn’t overly ornate. There is enough description to portray the clothing, scene, and people without dragging down the action. The dialogue isn’t overly archaic. There are enough colloquiums to place it at the appropriate time but not too many, making it hard to read. Whitney’s poetry is also included so readers not only get to hear her voice, but are also able to understand the title of the book itself. Briones has balanced everything beautifully for an easy read that makes you want to look up more about the main character.
Try Before You Buy imagines the scandalous reason that Whitney was fired from a posh position as a young maid. The tight-lipped scandal led to her first published work but there is no way the true story is as good as what Constance Briones created here.


I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.

[virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Constance Briones, Try Before You Trust is a blend of well-researched historical fiction and romance, laced with a feminism I found refreshing, considering the setting in Tudor Elizabethan times. When Isabella, a young gentlewoman chooses to love and write poetry over the societal mores of her time, such as simply becoming a godly wife and mother, sparks ignite between Isabella and her paramour, Robert, who is studying to become a barrister. Enjoying the life of a balladeer far more than that of a barrister, Robert pledges his troth to Isabella, and she to him, effectively altering Isabella’s life. As she becomes a 16th-century female poet, exceeding her lover's expectations in her writing, the relationship fizzles. Despite the damage their romance brings to her reputation, Isabella works toward her dream of becoming a published writer despite the odds against her. The story is about forbidden yearnings, and Isabella’s staunch feminine desire to have some say over her own life beyond running a household and bearing heirs. As Isabella and Robert’s love ends -try before you trust- defines her future romantic yearnings, as she lives her true passion in life: writing and publishing poems with the aid of a friend who encourages her creative side. Despite the continuous peppering of sixteenth century poetry, which at times slows the flow of the reading, the book is a well-written fictional (and factual account) of a young woman who defies the norms of her time to become an author. Isabella’s rebellious nature and Robert’s aristocratic arrogance propelled me to finish the novel in less than twenty-four hours. I found the characters relatable, the settings vivid and realistic, with bits and pieces of period-specific history woven artfully inside the story. I found the book a delight to read. I look forward to reading more of the author’s work. Four stars all around. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[A.M. Swink · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Try Before You Trust' is a beautifully-rendered piece of historical fiction filling in the biographical gaps of Isabella Whitney, one of England's earliest female poets. Constance Briones manages to bring both rural Cheshire and Elizabethan London to life, immersing the reader in the sights and sounds of Isabella's youth.

The 'woman question,' hotly debated at the beginning of Elizabeth I's reign, comes to the fore in Briones's narrative. Quarrelling in print over which is more inconstant in love, women or men, highlights the iniquities and prejudices experienced by women at this time in history, particularly for a relatable, bookish heroine like Izzy. It makes one appreciate the obstacles Whitney and her peers struggled against all the more, as there are echoes of future feminist thought and feeling represented in their articulate verse.

Izzy's trials and tribulations in love are achingly familiar to the modern woman, eliminating the barrier of time between the protagonist and the reader. How many of us have also learned about love the hard way? I found myself really rooting for Izzy and wincing at the subtle red flags thrown up along her journey. The passions that no doubt inspired her verse have been vividly portrayed upon the page.

If you are a devotee of Elizabethan history, British history, women's history, women's writing and poetry, English literary history, or all of the above, you must add 'Try Before You Trust' to your shelves!

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction featuring a woman most people have not heard of. Isabella Whitney is placed in a noble house for a year to learn the midwifery skills that will set her up to marry into a noble family. But Isabella falls in love with the wrong man, and entrusts him with her heart, believing in his promises. When he proves to be false, Isabella is left in a difficult position. The title, Try Before You Trust, is quite apt for her situation.

Isabella is a real woman, one of the earliest female poets in Elizabethan England. She turns to her poetry to give the world the woman's point of view, and fight back against the male dominated publications on the merits of women (written from a man's point of view, of course). instead, Isabella writes from a woman's point of view, and rebuts the male perspective point by point, earning herself some degree of fame and income in the process. An unusual story about an unusual woman and her efforts to become a published poet. I especially loved the historical notes included at the end, as they give a good sense of what we know, and what the author had to fill in.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Try Before You Trust” is a nice blend of historical romance, feminist rebellion, and forbidden desire. It's about a young poet, Isabella Whitney who writes songs about love in Elizabethan England, during a time when women were required to be chaste, obedient, and silent. It's a story about Isabella and how she meets Robert who is the nephew to the widowed baroness. Their chemistry is electric from the start, and they also have a bit of tension and forbidden romance weaved in. Isabella wrote poems that challenges the status quo, asserting that men, not women are inconstant in love and despite Robert’s objections, Isabella’s determination forces her to make choices uncommon for women of her time. This book has secrets unraveling and loyalties are tested as we're drawn deeper into their world. I loved this book because there was a lot to learn from it, I was able to quickly read this one and it was nice to get a taste of historical romance and hope to find more books like this.

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella Whitney was a published poet of the Elizabethan era, when it was considered scandalous for women to read the likes of Ovid, never mind write poetry on topics other than religious devotion. "Try Before You Trust" shows how she came to write her first published work, or at least a theory behind it. (Not surprisingly, little is known about her life.) Author Constance Briones clearly did her research into the mores and class stratification of 16th-century London. The novel is narrated by Isabella herself, and the voice is seemingly of its times while still being accessible (I'll admit I wasn't up for having to keep a reference book by my side as I do when reading Shakespeare). If you enjoy historical fiction and are curious to learn about a little-known female pioneer, check this out.

Thank you, Historium Press and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a creative imaging of what might have happened to Isabelle Whitney that led to her becoming one of the first female secular poets in England. I liked the discussion of her poetry, and how it evolved as she was given access to classic works that were deemed improper for women to read, as well as access to contemporaneous writings addressing "the woman question." It would be a poem about the fickleness of men, using historical literary figures as well as her unfaithful former fiancé, and written in response to recent publications denigrating women, that would mark her publishing debut. Ms. Whitney benefitted from finding a forward-thinking publisher/printer (Richard Jones), who saw the monetary value in publishing a well-articulated response to "the woman question" written by a woman, as well as believed that woman should have access to a wide range of literature that was deemed "inappropriate" for them by much of society.

[Mary Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance Briones' historical novel imagines what drove Isabelle Whitney to become a published poet in the sixteenth century when woman were to be seen but not heard. We journey with her as she leaves home to become a lady's servant, loses her reputation to the wrong man, and is forced to choose between following her dreams or returning home disgraced. Like any good poet, the heroine rises above her circumstances by writing verse. However, Isabelle Whitney is centuries ahead of her time.

Briones' prose acts as a time machine to a vivid past, capturing the 1500's down to the voice she employs. While I wish she had focused pages describing Isabelle's writing journey and not devoted so many to describing her disappointing first love, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Reading "Try Before You Trust" is the perfect counterpart to reading the daily news and a reminder of how soul-crushing it was for women to be imprisoned by man-made conventions.

[Mookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brave, unconventional, beautiful read. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't the usual type of book I grab for, but I'm glad I read it and I feel some strange interest satiated from it. From the descriptors of 1500's England, to unpacking the meaning of various poetry stanzas, to an old-fashioned revenge-winning, I soaked it all up. I've never heard of Isabella Whitney before, so I ended up on a rabbit hole researching her life story. Fascinating.

Constance Briones breathed life in an bygone era.

I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Madison (madinotmaddiereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

“I have a hunger to read books that are deemed unsuitable for our sex. Do you really believe that women need men to control what we read because of our weak nature? That we will be unduly influenced by romantic tales, leading us astray from the path of virtue? I don’t believe that — no matter how vigorously the church fathers preach it from their pulpits.”

Constance Briones writing reads like an English literary escape befitting of the classics! I was absolutely swept away by this storytelling and truly loved our heroine Isabella Whitney.

Feminism in 16th century England is a foreign concept and any attempts to rectify this are scoffed at and laughed upon. Isabella is fiercely determined to rectify this & be heard through the artistic and witty prowess of her pen.

“Like the women in Heroides, I, too, had fallen victim to my passion and was forsaken by a man I loved too fast and too soon. But unlike them, I would not break.”

[Obasi Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! My God the plotline is perfect, and the writing! I so much enjoyed reading this version of English. The writer did well to portray Isabella Whitney as a girl who, though possessed wit, was far too innocent in matters of the heart, unfortunately for her.

Overall, this book is a wonderful, perfectly written book. Great for lovers of literary history. You will definitely enjoy this, glued to the pages like I was. I give this book a perfect 5 stars. 10 out of 10!

You can check out the full review right here;
https://obasinaomi.wordpress.com/2024...

[Sameen Alam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Try Before You Trust: To All Gentlewomen and Other Maids in Love" unfolds a captivating narrative of love, ambition, and societal defiance. Isabella Whitney and Robert Barrington's forbidden love challenges societal norms in mid-sixteenth century London. Through the lens of pamphlet wars and poetic prowess, the story unveils a compelling journey that defies expectations. This historical fiction with a rebellious twist is a short yet powerful read, leaving readers enchanted by the resilience of love in the face of societal constraints.

[Madhumita · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a story about a young woman named Isabella who wants to make something of herself despite all odds. She starts to work in a well to do family as a maid but she is ambitious. She gets married to the nephew of the widow for whom she is working. They power through initial disagreement from the family and get married. All is not well as there are some ego clashes. Isabella has to make some tough decisions which is interesting to read.

[Michelle Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful piece of historical fiction. I loved seeing the poetry of Isabelle Whitney. We are given a story told in the manner in which the people would have spoken to each other. It was an absorbing story. There were times when I wondered about Isabelle’s family but that is usually when her cousin showed up. The story of female friendship persevered throughout the book and made you root for women. What a wonderful story.

[Ellyphant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Whitney now holds a place in my heart. Upon reading this I’ve gone on a deep dive into what I can find out about her.

I loved the additions of her poetry throughout the book. Additionally, I was glad to see that the way of speaking wasn’t too up to date. They weren’t speaking like they would now which is what you see in similar books.

It taught me a lot about someone I’ve never heard of, and I would definitely recommend to everyone.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5

The characters in this novel were well-developed, Isabella Whitney's venture into writing fleshed out from the little that we know. It shows the hardships of women in the 16th Century, being seen as wanton if they deviated from the norm of society.
A pleasant historical romance read, with blends of feminism and forbidden relationship.

[Sadii Butt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF-ed this book. It was not the books fault. I was struggling to connect with the characters and the story. Might be because of the large amount of classics i have been reading lately. Will try again an other time.

[LOIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella, a young woman in Tudor England,
unhappily becomes part of 'the woman question'
This is the age old story between men and woman, but this very special story, has many twists and turns. It is a,well woven tale ,full of ambience and secrets. I enjoyed the book very much.

[Beth Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in one day. If you love a strong female lead, female empowerment, and have a love for writing, this book is for you. I found myself so excited for the main character and rooting for her so much

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating, interesting, and well written story about the life of a young woman who was credited to be the first English woman to write and publish original secular poetry and using her own name. I enjoyed this captivating story.

[RjS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting - enjoyable - different - I loved it!
Isabella has a unique voice.