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An Unpitied Sacrifice
Brought together by war, Valeria Izquierdos and Harry Redepenning had only a few short months as a couple before the war parted them again.
That war is long over when she brings a group of war brides and children to England. Her friends seek their soldier husbands. Valeria wants to find Harry or, at the very least, his father. Her eldest child deserves to know his English family.
Harry has never forgotten, or ceased to mourn, the warrior wife he married in the midst of war, and lost to a French ambush years ago. His courtship of a suitable wife is a practical matter, not involving the heart that has been numb since Valeria’s death.
The Redepenning family greet Valeria with suspicion, but when Harry joyously confirms Valeria’s identity, they welcome her and her children with open arms—not just Kiko, whose Redepenning eyes mark him as Harry’s son, but also the daughter she adopted and the younger son who origins she has disclosed only to Harry.
Just as Valeria and Harry are ready to resume their lives together, a bigger war looms before them. The lady who had been smugly awaiting Harry’s proposal is less pleased with the couple’s reunion. She and her parents set out to destroy Valeria’s reputation, and find willing accomplices.
An old foe of the Redepennings has combined forces with a man who blames Valeria for his brother’s death, and who wants Valeria’s youngest child. These enemies will stop at nothing to destroy not only Harry and Valeria, but also their children and their family.
That war is long over when she brings a group of war brides and children to England. Her friends seek their soldier husbands. Valeria wants to find Harry or, at the very least, his father. Her eldest child deserves to know his English family.
Harry has never forgotten, or ceased to mourn, the warrior wife he married in the midst of war, and lost to a French ambush years ago. His courtship of a suitable wife is a practical matter, not involving the heart that has been numb since Valeria’s death.
The Redepenning family greet Valeria with suspicion, but when Harry joyously confirms Valeria’s identity, they welcome her and her children with open arms—not just Kiko, whose Redepenning eyes mark him as Harry’s son, but also the daughter she adopted and the younger son who origins she has disclosed only to Harry.
Just as Valeria and Harry are ready to resume their lives together, a bigger war looms before them. The lady who had been smugly awaiting Harry’s proposal is less pleased with the couple’s reunion. She and her parents set out to destroy Valeria’s reputation, and find willing accomplices.
An old foe of the Redepennings has combined forces with a man who blames Valeria for his brother’s death, and who wants Valeria’s youngest child. These enemies will stop at nothing to destroy not only Harry and Valeria, but also their children and their family.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Jude Knight
101 books230 followersHave you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 5, 2026
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
I have not read all the preceding books in the series - an error on my part. But once I started reading this story, I could not stop. This is a fascinating story that involves complex characters, past trauma, found family, intrigue, revenge, a second chance at love... there is a lot of story and drama told between these pages and I did not want to stop reading it to go back and read more of the other Redepenning stories that came before it.
Valeria had married Harry Redepenning years before, in Spain. He was a British soldier and she a leader of a rebellion group. They met and fell passionately in love, but then were seperated for years because of the war, and losing track of each other. She had born their child alone, and then became a prisoner of a French troupe, and he had believed that she was killed.
But Valeria survived her imprisonment and torture at the hands of the French, taking revenge on her main captor, and on escaping, managed to make her way to England, with her children, and a group of other war-brides and their children, to find their families.
Harry, believing himself a widower, and in the process of arranging another marriage, is elated to discover that his wife is alive and after hearing her story and the hardships she has suffered, welcomes her back with an open heart and open arms, and they face the gossip and speculation of Society, because of her foreign background and suspect history. They work their hardships together, including overcoming her trauma, and helping settle the other wives searching for their spouses, and they have the support of Harry's family as well.
But adding to their hardships is the brother to Valeria's captor, seeking revenge for what he perceives are her lies and harms to his beloved younger brother. As well, the woman Harry was courting when he thought he had lost Valerie, and her family, seek restitution and revenge for their perceived ills as well.
A story of enduring and stoic love as two people find each other again, against the odds, and strive to build a life and support each other, as they face their hardships together.
4.25 stars out of 5
I have not read all the preceding books in the series - an error on my part. But once I started reading this story, I could not stop. This is a fascinating story that involves complex characters, past trauma, found family, intrigue, revenge, a second chance at love... there is a lot of story and drama told between these pages and I did not want to stop reading it to go back and read more of the other Redepenning stories that came before it.
Valeria had married Harry Redepenning years before, in Spain. He was a British soldier and she a leader of a rebellion group. They met and fell passionately in love, but then were seperated for years because of the war, and losing track of each other. She had born their child alone, and then became a prisoner of a French troupe, and he had believed that she was killed.
But Valeria survived her imprisonment and torture at the hands of the French, taking revenge on her main captor, and on escaping, managed to make her way to England, with her children, and a group of other war-brides and their children, to find their families.
Harry, believing himself a widower, and in the process of arranging another marriage, is elated to discover that his wife is alive and after hearing her story and the hardships she has suffered, welcomes her back with an open heart and open arms, and they face the gossip and speculation of Society, because of her foreign background and suspect history. They work their hardships together, including overcoming her trauma, and helping settle the other wives searching for their spouses, and they have the support of Harry's family as well.
But adding to their hardships is the brother to Valeria's captor, seeking revenge for what he perceives are her lies and harms to his beloved younger brother. As well, the woman Harry was courting when he thought he had lost Valerie, and her family, seek restitution and revenge for their perceived ills as well.
A story of enduring and stoic love as two people find each other again, against the odds, and strive to build a life and support each other, as they face their hardships together.
4.25 stars out of 5
March 31, 2026
This sixth book in The Redpennys series was an engaging and well written Victorian romance. I enjoyed this tale of love reunited, recovered self-worth, emotional issues, and wonderful characters. I recommend reading.
April 7, 2026
Wow! Five years ago in war torn Spain, forty-one year old Major Harry Redepenning married Valeria Izquierdos, an elusive freedom fighter known as El Fantasma/Le Phantome of Spanish guerilleros, in both a Catholic ceremony and an Anglican one performed by his camp’s chaplain. Fast forward and now Colonel Harry Redepenning has returned to England without his wife, whom he believed died in an ambush. Although he knew he could never love again, he was his father’s heir and wanted a settled life in the country with a wife and children. To that end he met with several women and decided upon twenty-eight year old Ariadne Bretherton, a general’s daughter. He had not formally proposed, as he wanted to return to London for an heirloom ring, but had alluded to doing so. Upon his arrival at his father’s home in London, Harry was told that he had had visit from a woman claiming to be his wife. What follows is a tale filled with endured horrors, determination and an intense, forgiving, and eternal love. Valeria had travelled from Spain with a group of women and children who were also looking to reunite with their British relations. Once they reconnected, Harry and Valeria were inseparable, and began the task of acclimating their children and finding the others’ lost relatives. Added to that was a pair of villains who were intent on revenge, and a spiteful almost fiance. This story is one of those that sticks with you long after you have stopped reading. Harry is steady, strong, fiercely loyal and unfailingly understanding. Valeria is a survivor who has faced more than any woman should have to, and deserves her happy reunion. The children are adorable and adaptive. The other characters are richly depicted, adding depth and interest, and I especially liked the recap of the rest of the Redepenning crew. This is a highly emotional tale that vascillates between light and dark, is full of surprises and revelations, and showcases a love that is solid, strong and enduring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2026
This story has some triggers that may be hard for some people. Valeria and Harry met during the war. He was a Major and she was the leader of El Fantasma, a freedom fighter. They married in her church in Spain and again by an England Chaplain too. Their happiness is short lived when he must leave due to the war. For five years he has mourned her death being told she had been killed. He doesn’t even know he has a son, Kiko. She has come to England to meet Harry’s family and to find out if he is alive. It’s been five hard years since she saw him. She now has three children, one his, one she adapted and one she must explain only to him. Believing his wife dead, Harry has decided he needs a wife, for practical matters. To run his house and maybe give him an heir. It will not be a love match, he has already given his heart and soul to the only women he could ever love, his dear Valeria. Valeria has also bought war brides and their children with her to find out what happened to their husbands. Harry can’t believe his eyes when he sees her alive and with his family and with children. The Redepenning family greets Valeria and her children with open arms—not just Kiko, whose Redepenning eyes mark him as Harry’s son, but also the daughter she adopted and the younger son who origins she has disclosed only to Harry. What should be a wonderful, happy time for our couple soon becomes a time of danger, nasty people seeking revenge, and others showing their true colors, not the mask she was hiding behind. The whole Redepenning family will fight to save the children and Valeria from past evil and present danger. This is a story of great love, misunderstanding, pain, and Sacrifice. Some parts are hard to read and very sad, but there is great happiness too. Very strong emotions, secrets and undying love. Grab a copy and prepare lots of twists and turns. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Review of advance copy
Setting:
London, 1816
As is true of many of Ms. Knight’s works, this book touches the heart. The situations of the war brides and their children is an age-old problem: how do husbands and families re-unite after a war that disrupts the entire country, scattering its inhabitants to the 4 winds. Only a lucky few manage to maintain contact allowing the reunification of families promptly at the war’s conclusion.
Valeria Izquierdo, a Basque woman who had married a British officer during the war, makes her way to England with her children and a group of other war brides and their children. The war had separated all of these couples. Going to the army offices for information on their husbands had met roadblocks all around for the other women. Now, their hopes are pinned on Harry, Valeria’s husband; if he is still alive, they feel certain he will help them find their husbands. Before he left on his last campaign, Harry had provided Valeria with his father’s address, so she at least had a destination to begin her search. After arriving in England, Valeria had made her way to her father-in-law’s home in London.
Critique:
I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. It portrays just enough of the hardships Valeria went through so that we understand her situation, without making the reader live the trauma with her as she went through it. The reconnection of the wives and soldiers was satisfying, allowing each one to have their HEAs. Some favorite characters from other books make cameo appearances, an enjoyable treat for those who have read earlier books. In all, a wonderful addition to the Redepenning family’s story.
I received an ARC from BookSprout. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own
London, 1816
As is true of many of Ms. Knight’s works, this book touches the heart. The situations of the war brides and their children is an age-old problem: how do husbands and families re-unite after a war that disrupts the entire country, scattering its inhabitants to the 4 winds. Only a lucky few manage to maintain contact allowing the reunification of families promptly at the war’s conclusion.
Valeria Izquierdo, a Basque woman who had married a British officer during the war, makes her way to England with her children and a group of other war brides and their children. The war had separated all of these couples. Going to the army offices for information on their husbands had met roadblocks all around for the other women. Now, their hopes are pinned on Harry, Valeria’s husband; if he is still alive, they feel certain he will help them find their husbands. Before he left on his last campaign, Harry had provided Valeria with his father’s address, so she at least had a destination to begin her search. After arriving in England, Valeria had made her way to her father-in-law’s home in London.
Critique:
I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. It portrays just enough of the hardships Valeria went through so that we understand her situation, without making the reader live the trauma with her as she went through it. The reconnection of the wives and soldiers was satisfying, allowing each one to have their HEAs. Some favorite characters from other books make cameo appearances, an enjoyable treat for those who have read earlier books. In all, a wonderful addition to the Redepenning family’s story.
I received an ARC from BookSprout. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brought together by war, Valeria Izquierdos and Harry Redepenning had only a few short months as a couple before the war parted them again. That war is long over when she brings a group of war brides and children to England. Her friends seek their soldier husbands. Valeria wants to find Harry or, at the very least, his father. Her eldest child deserves to know his English family. Harry has never forgotten, or ceased to mourn, the warrior wife he married in the midst of war, and lost to a French ambush years ago. The Redepenning family greet Valeria with suspicion, but when Harry joyously confirms Valeria’s identity, they welcome her and her children with open arms—not just Kiko, whose Redepenning eyes mark him as Harry’s son, but also the daughter she adopted and the younger son who origins she has disclosed only to Harry. The couple resume their life together but they have enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy not only Harry and Valeria, but also their children and their family.
A lovely addition to the series, so well written & very emotional, I laughed & I cried, I also couldn’t put it down & finished it in the early hours. I loved both Harry & Valeria, they were both strong but Valeria was one heck of a woman. I loved the chemistry between them & more importantly they talk, confided in each other & shared their secrets. I also loved the other wives being able to find their husbands. An engrossing, riveting book which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A lovely addition to the series, so well written & very emotional, I laughed & I cried, I also couldn’t put it down & finished it in the early hours. I loved both Harry & Valeria, they were both strong but Valeria was one heck of a woman. I loved the chemistry between them & more importantly they talk, confided in each other & shared their secrets. I also loved the other wives being able to find their husbands. An engrossing, riveting book which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
April 3, 2026
After surviving an abusive caption by French soldiers, Valeria makes her way to England to find her husband with the brides and children of five other soldiers. Believing his wife deceased, Harry is considering a marriage of convenience. Their surprise reunion and the introduction of the children is fantastic. Not only does Harry celebrate, his family welcomes them with open arms and hearts. Harry is ever patient and caring. Valeria is brave, but uncertain of her place with Harry and the Redepenning family. The children are delightful and have no trouble wrapping their new-found relatives around the little fingers. While Harry and Valeria are engrossed in getting to know each other again, helping the children adjust to their new life, and helping her friends locate their husbands, danger stalks them in the form of an old enemy and a new villain. This is an engaging heart-touching story of courage, resilience, and family love. Some wonderful characters from previous stories are here. The story is well-written, holds your attention start to finish, and ends with a beautiful epilogue.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.
April 12, 2026
At last we get Henry/Harry Redepenning 's book. The eldest child me,stunned in earlier books.
During his time in the Peninsular wars Harry met and married Valeria a Spanish guerrilla, but they're separated by war and lose track of each other both believing the other hasn't survived.
Four years on Harry wants a family and is ready to propose, when his father informs him a woman claiming to be Valeria is in London looking for him.
So they are reunited, Valeria has five spanish women and their children with her all looking for their English husbands, and Harry promises to help. Valeria has three children of her own with her, the eldest is Harry's son, the girl her maids daughter, and the youngest the result of being raped when captured by the french.
Although the settle into their new home, rumours have followed them along with a Frenchman who happens to be brother to her captor, who seems determined to get his nephew and destroy Valeria.
Great to see so many characters from other books,not just the Redepennings, always enhanced the read. This book has bits that are pure evil mixed within the tale.
During his time in the Peninsular wars Harry met and married Valeria a Spanish guerrilla, but they're separated by war and lose track of each other both believing the other hasn't survived.
Four years on Harry wants a family and is ready to propose, when his father informs him a woman claiming to be Valeria is in London looking for him.
So they are reunited, Valeria has five spanish women and their children with her all looking for their English husbands, and Harry promises to help. Valeria has three children of her own with her, the eldest is Harry's son, the girl her maids daughter, and the youngest the result of being raped when captured by the french.
Although the settle into their new home, rumours have followed them along with a Frenchman who happens to be brother to her captor, who seems determined to get his nephew and destroy Valeria.
Great to see so many characters from other books,not just the Redepennings, always enhanced the read. This book has bits that are pure evil mixed within the tale.
April 2, 2026
It was such a pleasure to return to the Redepenning family in Unpitied Sacrifice. Jude Knight has a wonderful gift for creating characters who feel like family, and Harry Redepenning and Valeria Izquierdos are no exception.
Valeria’s journey back to Harry after so many years apart is incredibly moving. I honestly don’t know how she endured everything she went through. What makes this story stand out even more is that their reunion isn’t an instant happily-ever-after. They have real wounds to work through, especially everything Valeria has suffered, and that added emotional depth made their story all the more powerful and heartfelt.
And then there are the women who travel to London with Valeria—each one adds another layer of interest and anticipation. You’ll definitely want to read to see if they find their own happily ever afters.
This was an emotional, engaging story filled with resilience, love, and second chances—and one that stayed with me long after I finished.
Valeria’s journey back to Harry after so many years apart is incredibly moving. I honestly don’t know how she endured everything she went through. What makes this story stand out even more is that their reunion isn’t an instant happily-ever-after. They have real wounds to work through, especially everything Valeria has suffered, and that added emotional depth made their story all the more powerful and heartfelt.
And then there are the women who travel to London with Valeria—each one adds another layer of interest and anticipation. You’ll definitely want to read to see if they find their own happily ever afters.
This was an emotional, engaging story filled with resilience, love, and second chances—and one that stayed with me long after I finished.
Review of advance copy
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in this series and this was no exception. I found it to be an engaging read with wonderful characters. Valeria was a brave and resourceful woman. She was also very caring for those she was looking after, the fellow wives and children of soldiers. Harry was such a lovely man, he accepted how things were and he was very patient. He always put Valeria and her needs first. There are a few unpleasant people in this story and some outright villains. The Redepenning’s family love shines throughout this story, how they are always there for one another. I enjoyed the epilogue where what happened in the future was told. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did preorder my own copy.
April 12, 2026
Have a tissue handy on the two days (or one exceedingly LONG one) you allow for this compelling, adult, age-gap, historical, post-war, Regency-romance reunion thriller, set mostly in 1816 England involving abduction, abuse, adventure, BDSM, children, families, humor, prejudice, PTSD, rape, war, saved from bigamy, pernicious meetings, social opinion, a peaceful life, degradation, a fitting revenge, class distinctions, mother hen, Copenhagen's oats, melting moments, war crimes, The Teatime Tattler, filling in time, a football match, and a wandering toddler.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Spouses Valeria and Harry both believe the other perished during the war and he is shocked when she arrives on his family’s doorstep with her children not long after he was considering offering for another. Valeria was kidnapped and raped repeatedly by her captor until she escaped and that man’s brother wants her to suffer and is after the child that resulted. Harry’s almost betrothed is a greedy spiteful woman who doesn’t care how her words hurt Harry and Valeria. There was some suspense with several attempts on their lives and kidnappings.
March 31, 2026
Valeria Izquierdos and Harry Redepenning married during the Spanish war but the war also separated them. Five years later Valeria appears in England with her children and five Spanish women and their children, all searching for news of their husbands. Valeria is reunited with Harry, but her capture during the war has left her with emotional scars.
I loved the characters in this book. Valeria is a feisty young woman who has had to deal with horrible things. I had trouble putting this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the characters in this book. Valeria is a feisty young woman who has had to deal with horrible things. I had trouble putting this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
A tale of love regained, recovered self-worth, danger and kidnapping. Valeria leads a party of war brides to London, hoping to reunite them with their soldier husbands. She also seeks news of her husband from whom she has been parted for four years. The couple once reunited have to battle both the trauma of Valeria’s abuse during captivity and enemies that want to destroy them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2026
This book is full of courageous characters, with compassion and empathy. I loved how loving and decisive Harry is you’ll want everything to go his way. I loved how much personal strength Valeria has with all she has endured. The riveting scenes will keep you turning pages through to the end. So many wonderful secondary characters that will pull at your heart strings.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story of Harry and Valeria's reunion and their adjustment to life together, aided by his family, is told at a steady pace. I always enjoy the interactions of this fictional family. And they've got some enemies to overcome. I was surprised by a twist, which was a totally rational element. No eye-rolling here.
I read an ARC; the thoughts expressed are my own.
I read an ARC; the thoughts expressed are my own.
April 2, 2026
“An Unpitied Sacrifice” by Jude Knight
-An engaging Victorian romance filled with emotion, danger, and heartfelt family bonds. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing honest thoughts.
A gripping story of love reunited, resilience, and healing after hardship. Valeria is a strong, compassionate heroine, and Harry’s patience and devotion shine. An enjoyable and gripping story.
-An engaging Victorian romance filled with emotion, danger, and heartfelt family bonds. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing honest thoughts.
A gripping story of love reunited, resilience, and healing after hardship. Valeria is a strong, compassionate heroine, and Harry’s patience and devotion shine. An enjoyable and gripping story.
April 4, 2026
Throughly enjoyed reading this second chance romance of a man reunited with the wife he thought dead. Now reunited as they strive to recreate their life together old enemies strive to drive them apart
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews