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Morland Dynasty #36
The Gathering Storm
England, 1936
The reign of Edward VIII has begun, but danger for the monarchy already looms on the horizon. At home in Morland Place, Polly Morland feels alone and abandoned, with her brother summoned to France by his old employer. James soon finds himself travelling to Russia, whereas Polly will voyage on the Queen Mary with New York - and a long-lost love - her destination. Soon the family are scattered to the four winds, from Hollywood to war-torn Spain.
Working for the Air Ministry on new fighter planes, Jack fears that his children are not taking the increasingly tense situation in Europe seriously enough. The nation is divided over which is the greater thread: Communist Russia, or Fascist Germany. As the storms of war gather, they will threaten to overwhelm the Morlands and destroy all that they have worked for...
The reign of Edward VIII has begun, but danger for the monarchy already looms on the horizon. At home in Morland Place, Polly Morland feels alone and abandoned, with her brother summoned to France by his old employer. James soon finds himself travelling to Russia, whereas Polly will voyage on the Queen Mary with New York - and a long-lost love - her destination. Soon the family are scattered to the four winds, from Hollywood to war-torn Spain.
Working for the Air Ministry on new fighter planes, Jack fears that his children are not taking the increasingly tense situation in Europe seriously enough. The nation is divided over which is the greater thread: Communist Russia, or Fascist Germany. As the storms of war gather, they will threaten to overwhelm the Morlands and destroy all that they have worked for...
644 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
66 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
168 books492 followersCynthia Harrod-Eagles (aka Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennett)
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 16, 2024
I've now read all of the Morland Dynasty books -- a series of historical novels beginning in medieval times, giving an overview of British history through the saga of one Yorkshire family. It's evident that this, Harrod-Eagles' 100th book, will be the last in this series, as there is an epilogue telling us what happened to the main characters during and after World War II, the start of which concludes the narrative.
The Gathering Storm opens in 1936, when much of the upper class in England was concerned with the new King, Edward VIII, and his relationship with Wallis Simpson. (The press successfully kept this a secret from the average English person for quite a while.) Harrod-Eagles seems a bit more sympathetic toward Mrs. Simpson than many other authors (cf. Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgie series). Still, the abdication shocks and dismays everyone.
The Morland family -- by now quite extended, as it would be after several hundred years -- includes both members of the aristocracy and commoners of varying fortunes - from an American millionaire to a wealthy Engnlishwoman who owns the original family estate, to a few young people with their own way to make in the world. Of course, they are involved in most of the questions of the day -- from the Spanish Civil War to Hollywood films to the terrors of Stalin's Russia to the rise of Hitler and the beginnings of the Holocaust.
Since this is one of my favorite historical periods to read about, both in fiction and nonfiction, I didn't learn as much from The Gathering Storm as I did from many of the preceding books, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters of the family members. I envy anyone who can start with The Founding and read all 36 books.
My one complaint about this Kindle edition is that it was almost impossible to read the family trees at the start of the book -- which are very useful in keeping the characters and their relationships straight. I'd advise reading these books in paper form for that reason.
The Gathering Storm opens in 1936, when much of the upper class in England was concerned with the new King, Edward VIII, and his relationship with Wallis Simpson. (The press successfully kept this a secret from the average English person for quite a while.) Harrod-Eagles seems a bit more sympathetic toward Mrs. Simpson than many other authors (cf. Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgie series). Still, the abdication shocks and dismays everyone.
The Morland family -- by now quite extended, as it would be after several hundred years -- includes both members of the aristocracy and commoners of varying fortunes - from an American millionaire to a wealthy Engnlishwoman who owns the original family estate, to a few young people with their own way to make in the world. Of course, they are involved in most of the questions of the day -- from the Spanish Civil War to Hollywood films to the terrors of Stalin's Russia to the rise of Hitler and the beginnings of the Holocaust.
Since this is one of my favorite historical periods to read about, both in fiction and nonfiction, I didn't learn as much from The Gathering Storm as I did from many of the preceding books, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters of the family members. I envy anyone who can start with The Founding and read all 36 books.
My one complaint about this Kindle edition is that it was almost impossible to read the family trees at the start of the book -- which are very useful in keeping the characters and their relationships straight. I'd advise reading these books in paper form for that reason.
September 13, 2024
Kindle edition although I have the paperback preordered to complete my set. I have thoroughly enjoyed this whole series over 30 odd years. I’m glad this concluding episode was finally written although a family saga can never really end. The postscript makes it clear though that there will not be a book 37 despite people asking for it.
I agree with other reviewers that a bit more plot set at Morland Place would have been nice but this series has always followed the locations of main historical events and Yorkshire just wasn’t a key setting in 1938/9.
The parallels with the present day were stark as the world slid into WW2. Less worrying, but just as obvious, were the similarities between the Windsors and the Sussexes.
So, overall, an engrossing and rewarding read. Cynthia Harrod Eagles writes history with a light touch but her thorough research is evident and she selects her themes carefully. I shall continue enjoying her other series.
I agree with other reviewers that a bit more plot set at Morland Place would have been nice but this series has always followed the locations of main historical events and Yorkshire just wasn’t a key setting in 1938/9.
The parallels with the present day were stark as the world slid into WW2. Less worrying, but just as obvious, were the similarities between the Windsors and the Sussexes.
So, overall, an engrossing and rewarding read. Cynthia Harrod Eagles writes history with a light touch but her thorough research is evident and she selects her themes carefully. I shall continue enjoying her other series.
September 27, 2024
Morland Dynasty #36 and perhaps the final? Covers the period from 1936 to the declaration of war by Britain. Sadly, the postscript seems to indicate that there will be no more in this series.
Thanks, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, for a mighty work, well done.
I haven't read all the series, some are hard to find. Of the earlier ones going far back in time which I have read, I found that I didn't like them much for personal reasons. I can relate much better to the more recent time periods. Less than one year ago, I couldn't have even imagined myself reading any of this kind of book - what a change of heart!
In this one, Lennie really comes into his own, and Polly as well. The biggest focus, though, is on King Edward VIII and his love affair with Wallis Simpson, and its disastrous end result.
It's no use saying too much - readers who have followed the series don't need any encouragement to read it. The one thing that I would advise is that anyone new to the series would be better not to start with this one. Save it up - go back to some of the earlier ones and get a feel for the style and the characters.
Rating 4.4.
Thanks, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, for a mighty work, well done.
I haven't read all the series, some are hard to find. Of the earlier ones going far back in time which I have read, I found that I didn't like them much for personal reasons. I can relate much better to the more recent time periods. Less than one year ago, I couldn't have even imagined myself reading any of this kind of book - what a change of heart!
In this one, Lennie really comes into his own, and Polly as well. The biggest focus, though, is on King Edward VIII and his love affair with Wallis Simpson, and its disastrous end result.
It's no use saying too much - readers who have followed the series don't need any encouragement to read it. The one thing that I would advise is that anyone new to the series would be better not to start with this one. Save it up - go back to some of the earlier ones and get a feel for the style and the characters.
Rating 4.4.
January 31, 2025
The last book - at last! To Cynthia Harrod-Eagles: thank you !
I was waiting for this one for so long...and it didn't disappoint. The right closure. Bringing back the atmosphere and the characters, true to their time, each one unique and memorable. The book is well researched and holds enough historical information, intertwined with gossip, to make it appealing .
I liked the fact that the author didn't go into WW2 in detail, as she did into WW1 (twice, actually, in another series). Maybe because it would require at least 6 more books (1 for each year), OR because, the last war is documented very well, if you bother to look and learn the real facts. It is still in recent memory with it's horrors...even if I think this generation tends to deny the truth and ignore the facts. It is rather worrisome, but books won't help here .
Love the author and highly recommend all the 36 books.
I was waiting for this one for so long...and it didn't disappoint. The right closure. Bringing back the atmosphere and the characters, true to their time, each one unique and memorable. The book is well researched and holds enough historical information, intertwined with gossip, to make it appealing .
I liked the fact that the author didn't go into WW2 in detail, as she did into WW1 (twice, actually, in another series). Maybe because it would require at least 6 more books (1 for each year), OR because, the last war is documented very well, if you bother to look and learn the real facts. It is still in recent memory with it's horrors...even if I think this generation tends to deny the truth and ignore the facts. It is rather worrisome, but books won't help here .
Love the author and highly recommend all the 36 books.
September 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Morland Dynasty. I was surprised by how well I remembered who all of the characters were from the previous books and it was easy to pick up the threads of their lives. The details about the Abdication crisis and the personalities of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were fascinating.
To write a social history of covering over 500 years is a major undertaking and I'm really pleased that Cynthia Harrod Eagles has completed it so brilliantly.
To write a social history of covering over 500 years is a major undertaking and I'm really pleased that Cynthia Harrod Eagles has completed it so brilliantly.
June 28, 2025
The final chapter
I've loved every one of the Morland books, perhaps enjoying those set in the first 300 years most. This one didn't disappoint as it's rounded off the family saga very well. I was a little apprehensive about how it would end, but without giving anything away, it was a fitting final chapter.
Not sure what I'm going to read now, I might just have to start at the beginning again for the third time!
I've loved every one of the Morland books, perhaps enjoying those set in the first 300 years most. This one didn't disappoint as it's rounded off the family saga very well. I was a little apprehensive about how it would end, but without giving anything away, it was a fitting final chapter.
Not sure what I'm going to read now, I might just have to start at the beginning again for the third time!
January 2, 2025
I will miss the Morlands and this series very much. This last book tied up most loose ends but the discovery of the Black Pearls was a bit disappointing in its anti climax. The postscript at the end didnt cover all the main characters or what happened to them throughout the war and after. Although I really enjoyed the book I was left wanting a little more closure. Goodbye Morland Family xxxx
January 23, 2025
The final part of the Morland dynasty...it's been a long wait! Very good, tidied up some loose ends, thank goodness! I have been reading them since I was 18. I have the whole series, which takes up a lot of space on the bookshelf.
Thank you, Cynthia, it has been a hell of a chronological journey!
Book number 25 of my #60before60 (historical fiction).
Thank you, Cynthia, it has been a hell of a chronological journey!
Book number 25 of my #60before60 (historical fiction).
October 8, 2024
I was really disappointed by the way this story felt rushed and found it gave me whiplash jumping between characters stories so rapidly. After over 30 novels exploring this families story slowly and gracefully I feel very underwhelmed with the final book.
August 26, 2024
Abdication and war
A little disjointed but having reached the end I know why. Sad to see it all end after all this time
A little disjointed but having reached the end I know why. Sad to see it all end after all this time
August 29, 2024
At last
I have waited so long for this book and the wait has been worth it, can we hope that there will be another?
I have waited so long for this book and the wait has been worth it, can we hope that there will be another?
September 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this last book.
October 3, 2024
It has taken me a lot longer to read than usual, but it is a large and heavy book. But it was well worth it - as have been all the Morland Dynasty books.
November 25, 2024
excellent ending
This book ended the Moorland Dynasty books and did a marvellous job.I have love all the books and I will miss this series.
This book ended the Moorland Dynasty books and did a marvellous job.I have love all the books and I will miss this series.
December 11, 2024
Loved it, sad that it's the last one, but loved the ending!
February 23, 2025
So pleased Cynthia finally finished this saga. Which I have read from the beginning many years ago
April 30, 2025
a good read and a wonderful finish to a terrific series
July 25, 2025
Can’t believe I just discovered this author ! Wonderful characters, excellent historical background with characters storylines - guess I’ll have to read series in reverse !
August 15, 2025
A gripping Read
I enjoyed the latest addition to the Morland Chronicles and could not put it down until the end of the narrative.
More please!
I enjoyed the latest addition to the Morland Chronicles and could not put it down until the end of the narrative.
More please!
October 7, 2024
This can’t be the end
We waited 10 years for book #36. One of the things I like about the books is that they move along briskly among the various characters’ stories. The exception is the WWI books, too many of them,but still good. Ms Harrod- Eagles promised to bring the series up to the present day, but now says this is the final book. Please say it isn’t so.
We waited 10 years for book #36. One of the things I like about the books is that they move along briskly among the various characters’ stories. The exception is the WWI books, too many of them,but still good. Ms Harrod- Eagles promised to bring the series up to the present day, but now says this is the final book. Please say it isn’t so.
October 3, 2024
It's been so long since the previous book, I had forgotten who some of the characters were. This book about the run-up to the war should have been just an intermezzo, I had been anticipating the story of the war for years. Instead, a short epilogue killed off a lot of characters. It's too bad, since this series has been a great achievement, and the WWI series she left it for was disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews