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Morland Dynasty #5
The Black Pearl
1659 - Charles II; The Restoration
The bleak years of Cromwell's Protectorate are drawing to a close. Civil war and its aftermath have left Morland Place in bad case, but with the return of the king, Ralph, the master, believes he can rebuild its fortunes. For his beautiful and ambitious cousin Annunciata it means a journey to London where, embroiled in the amours and intrigues of Charles's Court, she makes her fortune and at last unlocks the secret of her past. A kinder age is dawning, but still uncertainty, conflict and sorrow await both Ralph and Annunciata before they can find peace and forgiveness.
The bleak years of Cromwell's Protectorate are drawing to a close. Civil war and its aftermath have left Morland Place in bad case, but with the return of the king, Ralph, the master, believes he can rebuild its fortunes. For his beautiful and ambitious cousin Annunciata it means a journey to London where, embroiled in the amours and intrigues of Charles's Court, she makes her fortune and at last unlocks the secret of her past. A kinder age is dawning, but still uncertainty, conflict and sorrow await both Ralph and Annunciata before they can find peace and forgiveness.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
69 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
169 books494 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 2, 2024
A good read but best if you have read the previous books in the series. Many characters from earlier appear and it's best to know their stories to understand how everything ties in together.
March 23, 2025
I'm enjoying this series because it is leading me to learn more English history. The books themselves move along the lines of history but I am looking up many people as I read.
Lots of babies born and lots of death, but a captivating series.
Lots of babies born and lots of death, but a captivating series.
April 28, 2025
Morland Dynasty #5. I waited more than a year to get this copy on an inter-library loan. I knew it might be a disappointment, and it was. I haven't read much about the history of this period - from perhaps early 1650s to 1666 - the date of the Great Fire of London. Thanks for that, anyway, it was a question in today's newspaper quiz. Naturally I had heard of this, way back in primary school social studies. Cromwell is dead and the Restoration is under way. Charles 2 is back in the throne and "court" activities are IN.
What I have liked about this series is that firstly, the story might stimulate my interest in the history of the time, and the auditor in me wants to check the historical facts. Secondly, in a few cases, my knowledge of the history of the time might stimulate my interest to read the novels - I was not a fan of this genre until about a year and a half ago.
Sadly, the treatment of women in those days was appalling, and the expressions of these really disgusted me. One girl of 14 is married off by arrangement, drops seven children in about six years, and dies at about age 26. It just put me off the book completely.
Lots of men talked in fine language and played the gentleman, but underneath they were schemers and not to be trusted.
The main character is a girl named Annunciata. She's painted as a horrible person, self-serving and uncaring of others. And a bit of a tart. I really didn't get this - she seemed to be just working within the "system" of that age. A REALLY awful character was the landowner Makthorpe, who blackmailed his way into marrying a young Morland girl. She sacrificed herself for the family property. The author finally gave him his comeuppance, so thanks for that.
There's not much about the black pearls, which was disappointing, although maybe I missed something through skipping.
For other readers, you will say that my criticisms come from my own feelings and beliefs, and that is true. I've read many of this series, and always found the early ones unpalatable.
In the end, I rate this 3.4.
What I have liked about this series is that firstly, the story might stimulate my interest in the history of the time, and the auditor in me wants to check the historical facts. Secondly, in a few cases, my knowledge of the history of the time might stimulate my interest to read the novels - I was not a fan of this genre until about a year and a half ago.
Sadly, the treatment of women in those days was appalling, and the expressions of these really disgusted me. One girl of 14 is married off by arrangement, drops seven children in about six years, and dies at about age 26. It just put me off the book completely.
Lots of men talked in fine language and played the gentleman, but underneath they were schemers and not to be trusted.
The main character is a girl named Annunciata. She's painted as a horrible person, self-serving and uncaring of others. And a bit of a tart. I really didn't get this - she seemed to be just working within the "system" of that age. A REALLY awful character was the landowner Makthorpe, who blackmailed his way into marrying a young Morland girl. She sacrificed herself for the family property. The author finally gave him his comeuppance, so thanks for that.
There's not much about the black pearls, which was disappointing, although maybe I missed something through skipping.
For other readers, you will say that my criticisms come from my own feelings and beliefs, and that is true. I've read many of this series, and always found the early ones unpalatable.
In the end, I rate this 3.4.
November 5, 2020
Years ago I heard of The Morland Dynasty books by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles and felt so overwhelmed, with the thought of reading them. It’s a series of 39 books where the first was published in 1980 and the most recent in 2013. It follows the Morland family throughout British history. The first takes place in the 1400s during the War of the Roses and the last in 1931 during the Great Depression.
I’m five books into the series, clearly a long way to go, but so far enjoying myself. This fifth entry, The Black Pearl, takes place at the end of Cromwell’s England and the rise of Charles II.
There are a lot of characters in these books and it is hard especially remembering the events of past books and prior generations. (Especially if you’re like me and waited two years after finishing the last!) There is still a family tree which helps as well as a focus on one or two main family members, while the others become more background characters.
The focus in this book is on Annuciata and how she leaves her family’s country home to move to the court of Charles II. She a strong woman, of which there are a lot of in these books.
Clearly I have A LOT of reading ahead of me if I’m looking to complete this series, but if they’re like this one I know I’ll continue to have fun along the way!
4.5/5
I’m five books into the series, clearly a long way to go, but so far enjoying myself. This fifth entry, The Black Pearl, takes place at the end of Cromwell’s England and the rise of Charles II.
There are a lot of characters in these books and it is hard especially remembering the events of past books and prior generations. (Especially if you’re like me and waited two years after finishing the last!) There is still a family tree which helps as well as a focus on one or two main family members, while the others become more background characters.
The focus in this book is on Annuciata and how she leaves her family’s country home to move to the court of Charles II. She a strong woman, of which there are a lot of in these books.
Clearly I have A LOT of reading ahead of me if I’m looking to complete this series, but if they’re like this one I know I’ll continue to have fun along the way!
4.5/5
August 15, 2017
With Cromwell dead, there is hope for a restoration of the monarchy, and an upswing in the fortunes of the Morland family, who are both Royalists and Catholics. However, when Charles II returns, not all the news is good, since some of the property supporters lost cannot be returned. Young Kit Morland has always dreamt of marrying his cousin Annunciata, but she is an heiress, and he is landless. Annunciata instead is sent to London, to join the court and becomes a favorite with the royal family, while Kit travels to Scotland to try to recover family lands there. At Morland Place, Ralph, the head of the family suffers tragedy after tragedy, while his half-sister Cathy makes a surprising marriage. But the wheel of fortune continues to turn, and when Annunciata returns home after suffering tragedies of her own, a happy future begins to look like a possibility. Unlike previous books in this series, this one covers less than ten years, years filled with historic events. These are characters the reader empathizes with, in a fascinating setting. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2018
Cromwell is dead and the Morland family, Led by Ralph, Finds itself in reduced circumstances and eager to regain lost property now that King Charles has returned to his throne. Annunciata, Aged 15, Has higher aspirations than marriage to her cousin Kit, and she goes to London to take part in court life there. This was a brilliant book and I find that the as I am continuing through this series, I find the plot and characters more and more engaging and entertaining! Can't wait to read the next one!
April 5, 2025
Book five of what has quickly become my favourite series of books, with the joy of so many still to come. We return to Morland Place and Ralph Morland is now the master. We see all that happens in Yorkshire along with following Annunciata, Ralph's cousin, to the court of King Charles II. I love this combination of settings and I can't get enough of this fascinating family. The Black Pearl is another brilliant book in the series, rich with detail and characters to adore.
February 2, 2021
As ever with the Morland Dynasty, an easy read with lots of historical figures and events in them. But, again as always, there is an awful lot of teenage girls being married off to men much older than them and men falling in love with teenage girls and pursuing them. It’s not so bad to stop me reading the series but I do wish it wasn’t there.
October 29, 2022
Although. I am enjoying the series I do feel uncomfortable at times with the way women are portrayed but guess I am looking at it with 21st eyes. The other reason for giving only 3 stars is the amount of typos and spelling mistakes due to non existent proof reading . As someone else commented it may be acceptable in the free books but not when I have paid for it..
June 14, 2022
Liked this one a lot despite it being really slow paced. I enjoyed the fact that I could jump into the series at this point without having prior knowledge of the other books and I really felt like I was in the 17th century with the characters. I’d definitely read more of the series.
November 21, 2017
Nach dem Tod von Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell geht ein Aufatmen durchs Land. Der puritanische Tyrann hat den Morlands nicht nur das Leben schwer gemacht, weil unter seiner Herrschaft der Katholizismus ebenso verpönt war wie alles, was Freude macht wie Musik, Gesang, Tanz und schöne Kleidung. Die Familie hat einige Ländereien eingebüßt und hofft, sie nun zurückzuerhalten, da sich bewahrheitet hat, was zunächst nur vage, hoffnungsvolle Vermutung war: England bekommt mit Charles II., dem Sohn des letzten Monarchen, wieder einen König.
Während das Familienoberhaupt Ralph Morland sich darum bemüht, verlorenes Gut zurückzuerhalten und dabei mit dem unerbittlichen und unsympathischen neuen Besitzer aneinandergerät, entwickelt sich Annunciata, die uneheliche Tochter einer entfernten Verwandten, um deren Vaterschaft sich wilde Legenden ranken, weil ihre Mutter sich beharrlich darüber ausschweigt, zu einer wahren Schönheit. Doch sie ist nicht nur hübsch, sondern auch klug, kokett und ehrgeizig und erhält eines Tages das unwiderstehliche Angebot, als Hofdame nach London zu gehen. Am schillernd bunten, moralisch flexiblen Hof Charles‘ II., wo man wild entschlossen scheint, die grauen Jahres des Puritanismus gebührend zu kompensieren, sorgt sie ordentlich für Furore.
Im 5. Band der Morland-Saga stehen hauptsächlich Ralph und Annunciata im Mittelpunkt. Der Rest der Familie rückt weniger stark in den Fokus als in den Vorgängerbänden, was ein wenig schade ist, weil es so viele tolle Charaktere gibt, die hier oft nur kurze Auftritte bekommen. Die beiden Hauptpersonen sind diesmal eher interessant, als dass sie einem wirklich ans Herz wachsen – er, weil er ein sehr zurückhaltender Mensch ist, der mit seinen Gefühlen nicht hausieren geht und sie, weil sie trotz aller Klugheit und Offenherzigkeit ein wenig auf Distanz zum Leser bleibt.
Das ist aber Jammern auf hohem Niveau, weil es insbesondere in Band 2 und 3 Personen mit besonders viel Identifikationspotential gab. Erneut bietet Cynthia Harrod-Eagles unterhaltsamen Geschichtsunterricht am Beispiel einer weit verzweigten, gut vernetzten Familie, die politisch und gesellschaftlich stets am Puls der Zeit ist, und verdeutlicht anhand zahlreicher Figuren viele Aspekte der damaligen Epoche.
Wie immer ist es angesichts der Personenfülle hilfreich, dass ein Familienstammbaum im Buch enthalten ist (auch wenn der leider manchmal etwas zuviel über Hochzeiten und Todesfälle verrät), und wie immer würde man die Morlands gerne noch ein wenig länger begleiten, bevor es im Folgeband mit der nächsten und übernächsten Generation weitergeht.
Während das Familienoberhaupt Ralph Morland sich darum bemüht, verlorenes Gut zurückzuerhalten und dabei mit dem unerbittlichen und unsympathischen neuen Besitzer aneinandergerät, entwickelt sich Annunciata, die uneheliche Tochter einer entfernten Verwandten, um deren Vaterschaft sich wilde Legenden ranken, weil ihre Mutter sich beharrlich darüber ausschweigt, zu einer wahren Schönheit. Doch sie ist nicht nur hübsch, sondern auch klug, kokett und ehrgeizig und erhält eines Tages das unwiderstehliche Angebot, als Hofdame nach London zu gehen. Am schillernd bunten, moralisch flexiblen Hof Charles‘ II., wo man wild entschlossen scheint, die grauen Jahres des Puritanismus gebührend zu kompensieren, sorgt sie ordentlich für Furore.
Im 5. Band der Morland-Saga stehen hauptsächlich Ralph und Annunciata im Mittelpunkt. Der Rest der Familie rückt weniger stark in den Fokus als in den Vorgängerbänden, was ein wenig schade ist, weil es so viele tolle Charaktere gibt, die hier oft nur kurze Auftritte bekommen. Die beiden Hauptpersonen sind diesmal eher interessant, als dass sie einem wirklich ans Herz wachsen – er, weil er ein sehr zurückhaltender Mensch ist, der mit seinen Gefühlen nicht hausieren geht und sie, weil sie trotz aller Klugheit und Offenherzigkeit ein wenig auf Distanz zum Leser bleibt.
Das ist aber Jammern auf hohem Niveau, weil es insbesondere in Band 2 und 3 Personen mit besonders viel Identifikationspotential gab. Erneut bietet Cynthia Harrod-Eagles unterhaltsamen Geschichtsunterricht am Beispiel einer weit verzweigten, gut vernetzten Familie, die politisch und gesellschaftlich stets am Puls der Zeit ist, und verdeutlicht anhand zahlreicher Figuren viele Aspekte der damaligen Epoche.
Wie immer ist es angesichts der Personenfülle hilfreich, dass ein Familienstammbaum im Buch enthalten ist (auch wenn der leider manchmal etwas zuviel über Hochzeiten und Todesfälle verrät), und wie immer würde man die Morlands gerne noch ein wenig länger begleiten, bevor es im Folgeband mit der nächsten und übernächsten Generation weitergeht.
November 17, 2011
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles continues the story of the Morland family using English history has the background. This entry is volume number five and has the previous ones it has a female Morland as the main character. This time it is Annunciata Morland, Ruth's daughter.
Annunciata never met her father, in fact no one, except her mother, knows of her parentage. That, however, doesn't stop her from being a proud and arrogant young woman who loves to be the center of attention and to belittle her less fortunate cousins. My least favourite Morland heroine used to be Eleanor, in book one, but Annunciata just won the title.
As a young adult, she travels to the newly restored court of King Charles II where she is celebrated as a beauty, finds love, has children and her heart is broken more than once. Part of the story follows Annunciata's adventures at court and her discovery of her true parentage, while another follows Ralph and the rest of family who now live in reduced circumstances.
As in the previous books of this series, I think the author did a very good job with the historical background. The Morlands are fictional but it's very easy to imagine them has a real family. She even manages to create a tie with the royal family that doesn't sound too forced and definitely keeps things interesting. The same detail is applied to how people lived, loved, worked...
Annunciata doesn't have an easy life but in the end she finds happiness. That is more than what can be said of some of the other characters... Overall I think this is a fast read wich allows us to learn a bit about the Restoration period in England.
Annunciata never met her father, in fact no one, except her mother, knows of her parentage. That, however, doesn't stop her from being a proud and arrogant young woman who loves to be the center of attention and to belittle her less fortunate cousins. My least favourite Morland heroine used to be Eleanor, in book one, but Annunciata just won the title.
As a young adult, she travels to the newly restored court of King Charles II where she is celebrated as a beauty, finds love, has children and her heart is broken more than once. Part of the story follows Annunciata's adventures at court and her discovery of her true parentage, while another follows Ralph and the rest of family who now live in reduced circumstances.
As in the previous books of this series, I think the author did a very good job with the historical background. The Morlands are fictional but it's very easy to imagine them has a real family. She even manages to create a tie with the royal family that doesn't sound too forced and definitely keeps things interesting. The same detail is applied to how people lived, loved, worked...
Annunciata doesn't have an easy life but in the end she finds happiness. That is more than what can be said of some of the other characters... Overall I think this is a fast read wich allows us to learn a bit about the Restoration period in England.
January 28, 2015
I read this one so quickly (plane trip, among other things) that I feel at a disadvantage now that I'm trying to post about it. Also, because I'm currently reading "The Long Shadow", which is making me feel *less* inclined to like Annunciata (more on that in my first Long Shadow post) which is sad given that I think I still liked her during The Black Pearl. She just feels a bit... remote, I guess. I'm not sure if it's unfair that in my mind I'm connecting her to various Stephanie Laurens protagonists in my head - these aren't Regency Romances, after all - but somehow Laurens' characters live more to me than Annunciata is doing.
But this could all be my Long Shadow bias speaking.
In terms of history, reading this has certainly sparked off an interest in Civil War/Restoration history that I didn't have before. I've read a little set in this era (only two of the relevant Plaidy's so far), although that does include most of Children of the New Forest, which I've never quite properly finished and which I really should give one more go... ~wanders off to check shelves~ Got it!
But this could all be my Long Shadow bias speaking.
In terms of history, reading this has certainly sparked off an interest in Civil War/Restoration history that I didn't have before. I've read a little set in this era (only two of the relevant Plaidy's so far), although that does include most of Children of the New Forest, which I've never quite properly finished and which I really should give one more go... ~wanders off to check shelves~ Got it!
October 19, 2016
This installment in the Morland Dynasty family series takes place during the Restoration and Charles II's reign. The main character in this one is Annunciata Morland, Ruth Morland's illegitimate daughter. (no spoilers here, but you can find out who her father is in the previous installment, The Oak Apple!) The Plague strikes during this book, and of course there is rampant death/destruction. This book reminds me of an old favorite, Forever Amber, which was also set in this timeframe. I really like reading all the interpersonal drama set in a historical setting.
October 1, 2016
I liked that this book was a bit more focused than the previous one in the series. I became much more attached to the characters here, especially Annunciata. It made it easier to read as well - I didn't have to keep checking the family tree every couple of chapters. This story begins during the Cromwell years and continues into the restoration of Charles II and the return of the court. Near the end we briefly meet Samuel Pepys and this ends with news of the Great Fire.
June 11, 2019
I just do not like Annunciata, she is selfish, spoiled, vain, and infuriating.
This installment in the Morland saga was still an enjoyable read. I only wish that the author had not rushed us through the plague in the manner that she did. We are told that Annunciata cared for her infected and dying family members, but we are never shown this. And when Edward, her lover, uncle/cousin?, and greatest friend dies, he merits only a sentence or two!
This installment in the Morland saga was still an enjoyable read. I only wish that the author had not rushed us through the plague in the manner that she did. We are told that Annunciata cared for her infected and dying family members, but we are never shown this. And when Edward, her lover, uncle/cousin?, and greatest friend dies, he merits only a sentence or two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2012
This is a wonderful series and I'm reading it through in order. So far I haven't come across a single dud, and this is number five in the story of the Morland dynasty. The characters are deeply human, fallible, annoying and interesting in turns. I didn't like Annunciata at first - she was so spoiled and vain and selfish - but she grows up as the story progresses and becomes much more likeable.
November 28, 2012
Another good read about the Morlands. I am really enjoying this series about England's upper class through the centuries. Thanks to Komet for listing this series as favorites.
March 5, 2011
This is the fifth book in the series. The series is still holding my interest and this one covers the Restoration. I enjoy the strong female characters as well as the interesting ways she brings the family into British history.
January 30, 2012
4.5/5
It's been more than 18 months since I read the last Morland book and I have no idea why. I think this is my favourite so far, not only because of the focus on Charles II but also because of more appearances by Prince Rupert of Rhine.
It's been more than 18 months since I read the last Morland book and I have no idea why. I think this is my favourite so far, not only because of the focus on Charles II but also because of more appearances by Prince Rupert of Rhine.
June 25, 2015
The Morland family's fortunes rise again during the Restoration years. Originally conceived as a painless way to teach English history, the Morland Dynasty series does occasionally insert a few too many paragraphs of historical explanation, but if you don't mind that, I would recommend this series.
January 17, 2016
Cromwell's Commonwealth has ended and the return of the King brings new success to the Morland family, especially to Annunciata who finds herself the toast of the court in London with all its amours and intrigues - including one which leads to the unlocking of her mysterious past.
October 28, 2009
# 5 in the series. 6 & 7 are in the mail & I can't wait to read them.
June 25, 2011
Another solid entry in the "Moreland Dynasty" series, this one takes up as Cromwell's rule is ending and the King is brought back.
September 28, 2013
Although flawed, the heroine was too good for men in her life.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews