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No Going Back : Book 2 of The Chiddleigh Saga
Devonshire, England 1348: the plague is sweeping the land. Young Lord Thomas de Chiddleigh is sent home from school only to discover that the plague has reached his estate, forcing him to take on the role of Lord of the Manor. Desperate to avoid the plague and save the few surviving people, Thomas leads them to a remote farmstead, intending to wait out the plague and return to his studies in the spring. However, the farmstead is derelict, and with few supplies Thomas and his group face a perilous winter. Tensions mount as the inexperienced Thomas clashes repeatedly with his workers, some of whom are harbouring dark secrets about his family. Thomas’s life is further complicated when he meets Rulf, a young man who has levels of confidence Thomas can only dream of. As their friendship deepens, and past secrets are revealed, Thomas has to decide between the duty he hates, his burning passion for knowledge and his forbidden love. This is a story about two young people and their struggles between what society expects and their desires. It explores the differences between the noble and peasant classes and set against the backdrop of day-to-day medieval life, it immerses the reader in the period and examines forbidden love.
Whilst there is a reference to homosexuality, there are no explicit sexual scenes.
Whilst there is a reference to homosexuality, there are no explicit sexual scenes.
565 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2024
About the author
Susan Frances
2 books12 followersSusan Frances was born in Surrey and went to Godalming Grammar School. As a child, she was fascinated by her grandfather’s stories of their Devon family which, later, inspired her to research the family history and write No One Must Know, the first book in The Chiddleigh Saga. She lives with her husband in Devon close to the Ashetyne village in her book.
NO ONE MUST KNOW Book 1 of The Chiddleigh Saga available in paperback from UK bookshops, Amazon and Kindle.
4**** review by Onlinebookclub.org
...is a great read...captivating...the author manages to keep the reader in suspense throughout the book...recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction.
5* review by Reedsy https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/no-...
NO ONE MUST KNOW Book 1 of The Chiddleigh Saga available in paperback from UK bookshops, Amazon and Kindle.
4**** review by Onlinebookclub.org
...is a great read...captivating...the author manages to keep the reader in suspense throughout the book...recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction.
5* review by Reedsy https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/no-...
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 18, 2024
Frances’s heartwarming two-part historical fiction series spans centuries, delving into the intricacies of both peasant and noble life on a secluded Devonshire estate.
The first volume transports readers to 1330 as Lady Joan de Chiddleigh navigates her new role as Lady of the Manor while grappling with loneliness and her strained marriage to Sir John. A forbidden friendship with kitchen maid Annie threatens to unravel everything as secrets and lies unravel their way into Joan’s life.
The second installment, set in 1348 during the ravages of the plague, follows new lord Thomas as he seeks refuge from the disease at a remote farmstead. But tensions rise as he clashes with his workers, each holding their own dark secrets. Amidst the chaos, Thomas finds himself torn between duty, his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and an alluring forbidden love that could spell disaster for all involved.
Frances deftly weaves together a cast of complex characters, each imbued with their own intricacies and inner conflicts. Joan grapples with deep-seated guilt and feelings of inadequacy, while Sir John’s distant demeanor adds layers to his character. The poignant dynamics between Annie, Ellyn, and Mary further enrich the narrative, highlighting themes of family bonds, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. Thomas, burdened by the legacy of his deceased brother, struggles with inadequacy and the pressure to meet familial expectations. His journey of self-discovery, marked by profound self-doubt, is a compelling quest to forge his own identity amid the shadow of his brother’s revered memory. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the series delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth, offering a vivid and authentic portrayal of each character’s struggles and triumphs.
The narrative flows with meticulous precision, seamlessly shifting between tension, action, and introspection. Frances’s vibrant depictions of the countryside, festive gatherings, and daily activities in the manor and villages evoke a sense of wistful nostalgia and authenticity. She masterfully portrays the complex social hierarchy, cultural norms, and challenges of the era, providing a comprehensive glimpse into medieval Devon.
The carefully crafted plot unfolds gradually through dynamic character development, central conflicts, and skillful plot twists while additional narrative devices such as flashbacks and subplots add depth and texture to the storyline. Poignant and raw, this is a must-read for fans of well-crafted historical fiction.
The first volume transports readers to 1330 as Lady Joan de Chiddleigh navigates her new role as Lady of the Manor while grappling with loneliness and her strained marriage to Sir John. A forbidden friendship with kitchen maid Annie threatens to unravel everything as secrets and lies unravel their way into Joan’s life.
The second installment, set in 1348 during the ravages of the plague, follows new lord Thomas as he seeks refuge from the disease at a remote farmstead. But tensions rise as he clashes with his workers, each holding their own dark secrets. Amidst the chaos, Thomas finds himself torn between duty, his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and an alluring forbidden love that could spell disaster for all involved.
Frances deftly weaves together a cast of complex characters, each imbued with their own intricacies and inner conflicts. Joan grapples with deep-seated guilt and feelings of inadequacy, while Sir John’s distant demeanor adds layers to his character. The poignant dynamics between Annie, Ellyn, and Mary further enrich the narrative, highlighting themes of family bonds, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. Thomas, burdened by the legacy of his deceased brother, struggles with inadequacy and the pressure to meet familial expectations. His journey of self-discovery, marked by profound self-doubt, is a compelling quest to forge his own identity amid the shadow of his brother’s revered memory. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the series delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth, offering a vivid and authentic portrayal of each character’s struggles and triumphs.
The narrative flows with meticulous precision, seamlessly shifting between tension, action, and introspection. Frances’s vibrant depictions of the countryside, festive gatherings, and daily activities in the manor and villages evoke a sense of wistful nostalgia and authenticity. She masterfully portrays the complex social hierarchy, cultural norms, and challenges of the era, providing a comprehensive glimpse into medieval Devon.
The carefully crafted plot unfolds gradually through dynamic character development, central conflicts, and skillful plot twists while additional narrative devices such as flashbacks and subplots add depth and texture to the storyline. Poignant and raw, this is a must-read for fans of well-crafted historical fiction.
March 5, 2024
I never would have imagined that a novel that takes place in the Middle Ages would keep me turning pages well into the night, and the fact that I could relate to a young lord of the time blew my mind. I love historical fiction, but often opt for novels closer in time. However, once again, Susan Frances shows an incommensurable talent in bringing to life the realistic picture of a time that we often picture just with stereotypes. “No Going Back” shows there was much more to the time than strong knights and damsels in distress, and a novel that takes place during the Black Death holds special significance after the most recent pandemic. Make sure not to miss this saga.
June 28, 2024
A satisfying follow-through!
June 28, 2024
There are dark periods in our history, and there are things worth knowing. This one brings readers back in time in such a convincing and fascinating way. It's storytelling at one of its finest.
January 21, 2025
Love it!
June 28, 2024
This book is a winner of the Book of the Week Award. (Reference link that will go live on or after 21 January 2025: https://booksforhumanityglobal.com/20...)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews