From Tickhill, 1348

by Pamela Taylor

The old Duke of Brittany had vacillated for years over who would succeed him and finally settles in his will on his half-brother, John de Montfort. But the years of vacillation had left others believing the ducal crown would pass to them, and no one understands this better than Montfort's wife, Jeanne de Flandre. When the schemes and political maneuvers of the Countess of Penthièvre land Montfort in the French king's prison, it falls to Jeanne to defend his rights to the duchy and protect their son's patrimony. With limited forces and facing the might of the French army, will her courage and audacity be enough to prevail? Or will she be caught up in the maelstrom of the dynastic conflict between England and France that becomes the Hundred Years War?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Medieval, Fiction

279 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Pamela Taylor brings her love of history to the art of story-telling. An avid reader of historical fact and fiction throughout her life, she finds the past offers rich sources for character, ambiance, and plot that allow readers to escape into a world totally unlike their daily lives.

“I’d tried my hand at several ideas and wasn’t quite satisfied with any of them,” she says. “I’ve always been intrigued by the importance of first sentences and first paragraphs. So when the opening of Second Son came to me, utterly unbidden, during one of those nights when one’s mind won’t shut down and let sleep take over, I knew I had to see where it would take me.

“Once I found Alfred’s voice, his story began to unfold. By the end of the first book, I was completely in love with him and knew that he had so much more to tell.

“Step into Alfred’s world. Once you do, I’m confident you’ll be as eager as I’ve been to discover what happens next.”

Reviews

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book and learning some history about Jeanne de Flandre. While fictional, the author does a great job researching this strong woman who leads a nation when women were overlooked.

The narrator does a fantastic job; lord knows I would have issues pronouncing everything!

If you enjoy historical women and the role they played in conquering countries, check this one out.

[Andrew Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Tickhill, 1348 is a clever title. Indeed, interspersed throughout the book are numerous autobiographical accounts attributed to Jeanne La Flamme, Countess of Montfort, written during her days of confinement at Tickhill Castle in northern England. Except these snippets were made up by the author, as acknowledged in her epilogue. What could have been an amazing story, backed by the central character's own writings, is sullied by this inauthenticity.

Oh, the book is a good read. It involves a power struggle in Brittany during the mid-14th century that became intimately tied to the start of the Hundred Years' War. The protagonist's husband, John, Duke of Montfort, had his title contested by a regional rival and was imprisoned by France's King Philip. The novel then describes Jeanne La Flamme's attempts to free her husband, defend Brittany, and protect her toddler son's hopeful ascent to becoming Count of Brittany.

This engrossing story is backed by diligent research. I applaud the author for exposing this little-known period of history. But the book is ultimately downgraded to 3 stars because its most intriguing facet is contrived.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 STARS! I LOVE historical fiction and learning about strong women of history. Jeanne of Flanders was quite the heroine & I adored her love of her servants. This is a woman who stood up to 2 kings (of France & of England) & helped her people firsthand by riding into an enemy camp. I was fascinated by her right off the bat, & felt my heart breaking for her in the end. This is a tale you wont soon forget!

[David Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am drawn to Fourteenth Century Europe in fiction and non-fiction. I found Pamela Taylor’s From Tickhill, 1348 to be a richly researched and gripping tale set amid the Hundred Years War. Fans of Ken Follett will appreciate the historical depth and realism, while Bernard Cornwell readers will recognize the same energy and precision in Taylor’s action scenes. Add in the political intrigue worthy of George R.R. Martin, and you have a story that’s both intelligent and thrilling.
Jeanne de Flandre’s courage as she defends her family’s claim to the Duchy of Brittany makes for an unforgettable heroine, and Taylor’s storytelling brings her world vividly to life. A powerful blend of history, strategy, and heart — From Tickhill, 1348 is a standout in medieval historical fiction.

[BookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical novel about Jeanne de Flandres immensely, mainly because I knew nothing about her or the war for Breton control. Once I figured out that the "notes found upon her death" (language was too modern) I could not figure out for the mode of me, why the author uses this device rather than just incorporating it into the narrative - it made no sense and I started to find them annoying but they held much important info.

This was a long book but for whatever reason I never really connected with the characters, hence the lower number of stars. There was just something that fell flat; however, the historical notes at the end were terribly interesting.

[Janet H · Rating 5 out of 5]

History comes to life as Jeanne de Montfort, Duchess of Brittany, defied convention by strategizing with military leaders and donning her own armor to save her family’s rightful inheritance. Pamela Taylor’s storytelling draws her reader into Jeanne’s world and the conniving schemes of dukes, duchesses, and kings fighting for control of Brittany and France. This book will leave readers fascinated with this part of Edwardian history and the audacious woman determined to secure her husband and son’s nobility.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"From Tickhill 1348" tells the story of Jeanne de Flandre, the rightful Duchess of Brittany, and the problems she had in trying to have everyone accept that her husband, John, was the rightful Duke. She was quite intelligent and clever, and even fought with her people to defend her land. Her husband was captured by the French king, and she went to extreme measures to win his freedom, but not without significant cost. This was a compelling read, and I recommend this book.

[Julia Shraybman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute must-read!

I had the opportunity to read other books written by Pamela Taylor, and this one did not disappoint. This book has everything you could want in a historical novel—amazing writing, a captivating story, and richly complex characters. The author brings history to life with vivid details and emotional depth, creating a world that feels as real as our own. The characters are so authentic and compelling that it’s almost impossible to stop reading this book. I really enjoyed it!

[Marcus Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

style over substance

While the characters and subject matter we wonderfully described, I found the writing style of the author to be most enjoyable. The ebb and flow of her writing became the drawing card to keep returning to the story, characters and events.
A wonderful read, I’ll be seeing Pamela Taylor again soon.

[Gary Gerlacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and fun way to glimpse the French and British political intrigue of the 1340s. It reads like fiction, but with the powerful overtone of the stark historical truth of a strong leading woman. Thank you for the edifying escape back in time.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Tickhill, 1348

Through history the English kings to get what they want they destroy everything, rape, plunder, kill the villagers, burn villages to the ground.
This is a very good historical book to read.

[Doris Cote · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning, there is so much written like a history book that I nearly gave up. Then it got really good and I really got into her struggles.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved LOVED this one

[Cindy Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

on and on

I love historical fiction. This book has a promising start. Ultimately, I plodded through to a disappointing and abrupt conclusion.

[Terri White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

This story about an actual historical Duchess had action and emotion from beginning to end! I highly recommend anyone who adores historical fiction to read this book!

[Lee D Chard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

As a fan of olde English history, this book certainly stood out and when it ended it left me wanting more.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and a good read... BUT.. it just ended. Stopped several years before she died.. it was kind of like the character walked out of the room without finishing the story!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the life of Joanna of Flanders, this follows her as she fights to retain her lands and title in Brittany. It's an engaging novel about a fascinating woman.