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The Wronged Wife
A Medieval Tale of Love BetrayedAfter a year in France fighting for King Henry VIII, Lord Richard Moreton returns to his Cornish home to find his beloved wife, Philippa, with child. Driven by jealousy and blind fury, he lashes out violently and leaves, taking his five year old daughter with him. It is seven years before he learns of his mistake, when his brother, Stephen, makes a deathbed confession to having raped Philippa. Richard knows he must return to Cornwall, that he must reunite his daughter with her mother and try to make amends. He knows he has torn their lives apart, that he has betrayed her trust by not listening to the truth, but he discovers he did far more damage than he thought. When he discovers she has been studying the forbidden and seditious writings of the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, he fears he is too late to try to make it up to her as seven years of heartache and resentment stand between them and they are now two different people. He expects no forgiveness, but he will do anything to regain her trust; it will be the hardest battle he has ever fought.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2014
80 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Brazear
79 books22 followersMargaret Brazear was born in 1948 in London where she remained until she married in 1968. Ever since she can remember, she has always had a vivid imagination, making up little scenarios and stories. Her maternal grandmother was Romany and her first full length book, The Romany Princess, is loosely based on the stories that her mother used to recount.
Margaret started writing some thirty years ago, but family and events got in the way until she found Amazon.
Website http://www.margaret-brazear-kindle-au...
Email margaret-brazear@sky.com
Margaret started writing some thirty years ago, but family and events got in the way until she found Amazon.
Website http://www.margaret-brazear-kindle-au...
Email margaret-brazear@sky.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 7, 2020
Interesting premise with a poor execution.
The setting is 16th century during Henry VIII's time when no one is safe due to his raging selfishness, greed and generally gross self. (It's a stupid personal thing, but I hate Henry VIII more than any historical figure other than Hitler.)
The story is that the incredibly stupid hero finally found out that his wife was raped by his truly horrible brother rather than having the affair that Stupid initially thought. Instead of kicking HER out for infidelity, he left their estate for London with their daughter which made no sense to me at all. Who took care of the estate? What did the peasants do? What happened to the crops? This is historical fiction with no history to it.
How does he find out?
Once home he finds out that the baby died which made me angry as no plot moppet should ever die plus think how much more interesting if he had to learn to deal with the child. He also finds out that his wife has been dabbling in Protestantism, and he's worried. None of the made sense as supposedly there were people in the village that didn't know who she was.
It just didn't make sense to me.
The setting is 16th century during Henry VIII's time when no one is safe due to his raging selfishness, greed and generally gross self. (It's a stupid personal thing, but I hate Henry VIII more than any historical figure other than Hitler.)
The story is that the incredibly stupid hero finally found out that his wife was raped by his truly horrible brother rather than having the affair that Stupid initially thought. Instead of kicking HER out for infidelity, he left their estate for London with their daughter which made no sense to me at all. Who took care of the estate? What did the peasants do? What happened to the crops? This is historical fiction with no history to it.
How does he find out?
Once home he finds out that the baby died which made me angry as no plot moppet should ever die plus think how much more interesting if he had to learn to deal with the child. He also finds out that his wife has been dabbling in Protestantism, and he's worried. None of the made sense as supposedly there were people in the village that didn't know who she was.
It just didn't make sense to me.
December 7, 2020
* How did the book make you feel?: It was a good premise, but it didn’t deliver for me.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The dialogue and background information did not feel authentically like the time of Henry VIII. Other than vague references to court and religion, this didn’t feel like a Protestant Reformation era romance to me.
* What did you think about the main characters?: The H is horrible and what happened is implausible. Did he really never want to know the absolute truth? How does someone completely abandon their estate and it still function? Why would he abandon it to his brother so his brother could live in sin with his wife? Also, women surely weren’t as empowered back then to defy their husbands as the h was, were they?
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The injustice of what happened to the h was heartbreaking.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: second chance romance, wronged h
* What did you think about the ending?: I was surprised it ended so tidily. I expected a lot more fallout to occur from the Martin Luther thing. I never felt the H redeemed himself, but how could he?
* What is your impression of the author?: This was a great idea, but I feel it was poorly executed. I like more attention to historical details.
Triggers: rape, pregnancy loss, violence
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The dialogue and background information did not feel authentically like the time of Henry VIII. Other than vague references to court and religion, this didn’t feel like a Protestant Reformation era romance to me.
* What did you think about the main characters?: The H is horrible and what happened is implausible. Did he really never want to know the absolute truth? How does someone completely abandon their estate and it still function? Why would he abandon it to his brother so his brother could live in sin with his wife? Also, women surely weren’t as empowered back then to defy their husbands as the h was, were they?
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The injustice of what happened to the h was heartbreaking.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: second chance romance, wronged h
* What did you think about the ending?: I was surprised it ended so tidily. I expected a lot more fallout to occur from the Martin Luther thing. I never felt the H redeemed himself, but how could he?
* What is your impression of the author?: This was a great idea, but I feel it was poorly executed. I like more attention to historical details.
Triggers: rape, pregnancy loss, violence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2015
if the cover didn't have a lady dressed in medieval clothes and the title didn't have the word medieval on it I wouldn't have believed this story being set in medieval times: could have been easily 16th, 17th, 18th or even 19th century. The day to day life didn't have any detail that helped build a very credible world. Also the two characters started to annoy me, they didn't know the meaning of trust and kept behaving like 2 years old. Their daughter was the more mature of the lot... all in all not a bad book, the writing was good but I wouldn't want to read it again.
April 15, 2015
Meh...
I'm giving it 2 stars because the premise seemed interesting, as were the first couple of chapters, but the author tends to be very long winded. She'll go into a long rant about a certain subject, then break for a brief sentence or two of dialogue, then rant about the same subject from before as if it never happened. Not terrible, but definitely not great.
I'm giving it 2 stars because the premise seemed interesting, as were the first couple of chapters, but the author tends to be very long winded. She'll go into a long rant about a certain subject, then break for a brief sentence or two of dialogue, then rant about the same subject from before as if it never happened. Not terrible, but definitely not great.
April 1, 2021
First, it's been a minute since I read this. Second, I read this in October when the pandemic was weighing heavily on me. My memory may be less than perfect.
This story was painful. Hubs flew off the handle about a misinterpretation of events and abandoned the h, taking their daughter with him. The heroine was left alone, with few financial resources, and a bun in the over that resulted from a rape. Awful. Just really, really awful. The story gets even worse for a bit, but I'll leave that for the reader to discover.
Historical novels/romances don't tend to have the degree of groveling that I like to see from H's, and this one did not stray from that formula. I agree with another reader's review about how the Protestant Reformation was a part of the overall context of the book, but not terribly well-explored, and so that may have been a lost opportunity.
Anyhoo, it was ok for a really short book with one of my favorite tropes - marital strife, but I probably would not pick it back up for a reread if I was seeking that kind of story again.
This story was painful. Hubs flew off the handle about a misinterpretation of events and abandoned the h, taking their daughter with him. The heroine was left alone, with few financial resources, and a bun in the over that resulted from a rape. Awful. Just really, really awful. The story gets even worse for a bit, but I'll leave that for the reader to discover.
Historical novels/romances don't tend to have the degree of groveling that I like to see from H's, and this one did not stray from that formula. I agree with another reader's review about how the Protestant Reformation was a part of the overall context of the book, but not terribly well-explored, and so that may have been a lost opportunity.
Anyhoo, it was ok for a really short book with one of my favorite tropes - marital strife, but I probably would not pick it back up for a reread if I was seeking that kind of story again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2021
GIRL. I love an angsty read with a martyr heroine, but please, have a modicum of self-respect. This hero is a villain. He I might have liked this more if I cared about the Protestant subplot but all that did was make me annoyed that Also for a hero who supposedly opposes violence against women, he sure does threaten it a lot. Anyways, ultimately this just was not for me, which is so disappointing as the premise could not be more up my alley.
February 3, 2018
Ok - review to follow, maybe.
June 16, 2015
Interesting historical romance
It was an interesting and quick read. Much of the detail was very predictable and passed as any contemporary like love story between a couple. I would have preferred more historical commentary and detail of the time.
It was an interesting and quick read. Much of the detail was very predictable and passed as any contemporary like love story between a couple. I would have preferred more historical commentary and detail of the time.
dnf
February 27, 2025Not a fan of the stilted writing or the idiot MMC
May 8, 2017
This was supposed to be during Henry VIII's time from what I understood but it didn't really feel like it? I was really confused about the period, it kept going back and forth between various periods in my imagination. But otherwise, not such a bad read.
June 10, 2019
Another great book by Margaret Brazear. Has a good story line and characters are believable. Also has a happy ending so you should like this book. I'm off to read another Brazear book now so try to keep up.
February 16, 2020
2.9 stars
January 28, 2021
The plot sounded promising but it was quite awfully written, nothing made sense.
February 18, 2021
Dnf, the historical setting was to be in 16th century but the story seemed to happen in late 19th century!
May 10, 2021
Undecided
I finished reading this book to see how the author would justify reconciling this couple. I'm not sure she did. I really didn't care for it that much
I finished reading this book to see how the author would justify reconciling this couple. I'm not sure she did. I really didn't care for it that much
July 10, 2021
Repetitive.
May 15, 2023
I hate Richard <3
March 18, 2025
Wow
The author really insisted on writing superficially
No development
Doormat heroine
Coward hero
No groveling
No true repentance
Just pathetic
The author really insisted on writing superficially
No development
Doormat heroine
Coward hero
No groveling
No true repentance
Just pathetic
August 23, 2024
R*pe by Brother-in-law
Beaten and abandoned for YEARS by the husband
Children getting married at 14
Idk how I finished this one tbh
Beaten and abandoned for YEARS by the husband
Children getting married at 14
Idk how I finished this one tbh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2016
Truth & Trust
After years of blissful marriage, then going to a war for a year, Richards returns to find his wife pregnant. Instead of asking her who and why she was in this state, he got furious, back handed her and slapped her more than he should. Grabbed their 4 year old daughter and left Cornwall for his London home. 7 years
later his dying brother sends for him, his traitorous brother who was supposed to guard his wife while he was away. Richard had no compulsion to see him until he discovered a female was the person that inflicted the deathly knife wound upon him. Curiosity got Richard to go, only to hear his brothers confession of his unwanted advances on Richards wife. The brother being an arrogant Viscount was one of those type who believed women said no to advances, but really meant yes, so the Viscount must have raped a lot of women in his short life. Richard even though he tried to hate his wife, he still loved her deeply. He decides to return his daughter now 12 to her mother because the daughter is at an age that she needs female guidance. During the course of his stay wife his wife he discoverers what he really put his wife through. Guilt and Shame follow, some things are simply unforgivable. Will the Love they have for each other heal the deep wounds of the past, of the mother not having her baby girl with her for the past 7 years, how can such a huge rift be breeched. This is for you to read and discover. A well written and intriguing story.
After years of blissful marriage, then going to a war for a year, Richards returns to find his wife pregnant. Instead of asking her who and why she was in this state, he got furious, back handed her and slapped her more than he should. Grabbed their 4 year old daughter and left Cornwall for his London home. 7 years
later his dying brother sends for him, his traitorous brother who was supposed to guard his wife while he was away. Richard had no compulsion to see him until he discovered a female was the person that inflicted the deathly knife wound upon him. Curiosity got Richard to go, only to hear his brothers confession of his unwanted advances on Richards wife. The brother being an arrogant Viscount was one of those type who believed women said no to advances, but really meant yes, so the Viscount must have raped a lot of women in his short life. Richard even though he tried to hate his wife, he still loved her deeply. He decides to return his daughter now 12 to her mother because the daughter is at an age that she needs female guidance. During the course of his stay wife his wife he discoverers what he really put his wife through. Guilt and Shame follow, some things are simply unforgivable. Will the Love they have for each other heal the deep wounds of the past, of the mother not having her baby girl with her for the past 7 years, how can such a huge rift be breeched. This is for you to read and discover. A well written and intriguing story.
October 26, 2015
Where shall I start? With the only good thing: this book's language is easy to read but the content is tremendously repetitive, long, poor plot, unrealistic. Dear Mrs Brazer, I'm sure you can write a much more valuable novel by renouncing to historical settings. Inaccuracies are numerous on every single page, all characters and the plot itself is quite irrealistic:
- The middle age ended in 1492 (with America's discovery) and this book's story supposedly occurred around 1540.
- Women were (also from a legal point of view) a possession of their fathers or husbands. Their main scope was bearing male heirs and bringing a decent dowry.
- Violated women (no matter who’s fault) were usually disowned, the marriage declared void and the husband would remarry.
- Romantic and love (outside hypocrite court poems) were considered something for servants, slave of instincts and unable to serve their families as nobility is obliged to.
- 16th century’s men would not be preoccupied about their wife’s feelings: they had sufficient mistresses to have fun with.
- The middle age ended in 1492 (with America's discovery) and this book's story supposedly occurred around 1540.
- Women were (also from a legal point of view) a possession of their fathers or husbands. Their main scope was bearing male heirs and bringing a decent dowry.
- Violated women (no matter who’s fault) were usually disowned, the marriage declared void and the husband would remarry.
- Romantic and love (outside hypocrite court poems) were considered something for servants, slave of instincts and unable to serve their families as nobility is obliged to.
- 16th century’s men would not be preoccupied about their wife’s feelings: they had sufficient mistresses to have fun with.
September 14, 2015
Lord and Lady Morton, a couple very much in love at the court of Henry VIII. Nothing could shatter their happiness, except betrayal.
Did Lady Morton share her bed with her own brother-in-law, while her husband served the King on the battlefield? Lord Morton is sure of this. Upset and jealous, he decides to lock his wife away in his Cornish estate, separating his daughter from her wicked mother.
After several years, he'll understand that nothing is as it seems. He has a lot to be forgiven by his wife: his pride and his lack of trust in his adoring wife.
The psychological side of this novella I appreciated very much. How a married couple faces a crisis in trust and understanding through different phases: there is a time for accusations, a time for listening and a time for making things settle.
Unfortunately, the historical side was superficial and not very accurate.
Did Lady Morton share her bed with her own brother-in-law, while her husband served the King on the battlefield? Lord Morton is sure of this. Upset and jealous, he decides to lock his wife away in his Cornish estate, separating his daughter from her wicked mother.
After several years, he'll understand that nothing is as it seems. He has a lot to be forgiven by his wife: his pride and his lack of trust in his adoring wife.
The psychological side of this novella I appreciated very much. How a married couple faces a crisis in trust and understanding through different phases: there is a time for accusations, a time for listening and a time for making things settle.
Unfortunately, the historical side was superficial and not very accurate.
June 7, 2015
Excellent Book
Margaret touch down with reality and Fantasy. You have wrote a wonderful book. Everybody has a right to their opinions, but as a reader of these books I have to form my own. I love it and would read what you offer. In real life it could have gone more horrible so I don't understand others opinions. Keep writing my lady you have the gift use what God gave you. Please read this book for yourselves and give your own opinion. Thank M.B. for a wonderful reading. Me. D From New York city.
Margaret touch down with reality and Fantasy. You have wrote a wonderful book. Everybody has a right to their opinions, but as a reader of these books I have to form my own. I love it and would read what you offer. In real life it could have gone more horrible so I don't understand others opinions. Keep writing my lady you have the gift use what God gave you. Please read this book for yourselves and give your own opinion. Thank M.B. for a wonderful reading. Me. D From New York city.
July 21, 2014
A Good Find!
This is a well written, tight short novel. I lucked into it while looking for something to read on kindle free and I'm glad I did. the characters are well developed for the length of the novel. the conflict is believable for the setting. you can read a description of the plot above.
This is a well written, tight short novel. I lucked into it while looking for something to read on kindle free and I'm glad I did. the characters are well developed for the length of the novel. the conflict is believable for the setting. you can read a description of the plot above.
April 3, 2015
this book sent me on an emotional roller coaster i felt angry, betrayed, happy and sad i may have even had a tear or two. this is my first period romance and it was a great introduction i am looking forward to reading more by this author and others in this period. i would highly recommend this book and its free really you cannot go wrong.
August 11, 2014
This was a well-researched, excellent historical romance, but it was also a tale of redemption and forgiveness with a little bit of intrigue as well. The main characters weren't always likeable, which made the redemption aspect of the story that much more enjoyable.
February 15, 2015
Tear jerker
What a heart rending story. It certainly makes you think and feel. I'm so grateful nothing like that has happened to me. But oh how my heart goes to them that have. I loved it and am thankful the ending was happy.
What a heart rending story. It certainly makes you think and feel. I'm so grateful nothing like that has happened to me. But oh how my heart goes to them that have. I loved it and am thankful the ending was happy.
February 15, 2015
Romance With a Twist
I do not normally read romances because they are so predictable, but this one, had a twist to it as the hero had actually been a villain rather than just seemed like one. I do not want to spoil the plot, but it is a period novel, light, but not frivolous.
I do not normally read romances because they are so predictable, but this one, had a twist to it as the hero had actually been a villain rather than just seemed like one. I do not want to spoil the plot, but it is a period novel, light, but not frivolous.
July 29, 2015
Ho hum
It ended all to quickly. She couldn't see to resolve herself to what he had done and then suddenly all was well. Too many unresolved issues. We jump from turmoil to bliss too suddenly.
It ended all to quickly. She couldn't see to resolve herself to what he had done and then suddenly all was well. Too many unresolved issues. We jump from turmoil to bliss too suddenly.
March 13, 2015
I wanted to love this book but I didn't like the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews