Circle of Pearls

by Rosalind Laker

C17th England.

Julia Pallister, daughter of Sotherleigh, was born in 1641 and unknowingly heir to the only remaining gown of Elizabeth I’s exquisite wardrobe.

This pearl-encrusted gift to Julia’s grandmother, Katherine, represented the staunchly royalist stance which bound together the family, generation after generation.

But in light of the tyranny of Oliver Cromwell’s armies, all the Pallisters shared a courage beyond measure, to fight for their king, their home and their freedom.

Three indomitable women band together to preserve their future:

Proud Katherine, old now, but still determined to fight,

The gentle Anne, who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve Sotherleigh for her children,

And Julia, young, wilful and turbulent.

They are determined that one day Julia, in the tradition of the Pallister women, would wear the historic pearl dress for her wedding.

The man she had always loved was her childhood friend, Christopher Wren. The man to whom fate directed her was one of the hated enemy…

But Julia, torn between these two loves, surviving the Puritan regime, the plague, the Great Fire of London, despairs at the memory of the legacy of the pearl encrusted gown.

Will she be able to protect and even wear the prized heirloom?

Praise for Rosalind Laker:

"Filled with rich period detail, this historical romance will appeal to readers who enjoy learning about other cultures and times yet still crave happy endings." - Booklist on Garlands of Gold

"A truly interesting and wonderfully informative story" - Booklist on Brilliance

"As her heroine wends her way through perilous times, readers will be swept along in Laker’s latest compelling tale" - Booklist on To Dream of Snow

Rosalind Laker is a best-selling novelist that has been published all over the world, with her works translated into twenty languages. The author of over forty historical novels, her first work was published in 1970; Warwyck’s Wife is the first of her acclaimed Easthampton trilogy and is followed by Claudine’s Daughter and The Warwycks of Easthampton. She is also the author of Banners of Silk, Tree of Gold, The Silver Touch and To Dance With Kings . She lives with her Norwegian husband in Sussex.

 Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now. 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance, British Literature

556 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

A pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.

Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.

Reviews

[Rachel Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this author as a young teen. This book was a part of readers digest condensed books. After this I devoured any book and bought what ever I could get my hands on by her.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was in my twenties and discovered Rosalind Laker’s novels in my local library. I then proceeded to read every book that my library had in stock. I was delighted when I had a chance to read this book again. Ms. Laker does a remarkable job of making you feel that you are in that historical time period. Amazing detail such as the beautifully embroidered ribbons (I wanted them). From Ms. Laker’s descriptions you can see what she is describing. You will feel swept up in the novel. Circle of Pearls is well-written and engaging. I give Circle of Pearls 4.5 out of 5 stars. You have to like historical novels in order to enjoy this book. There were a couple of slow spots, but overall a good pace.

I received a complimentary copy of Circle of Pearls from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

[Misfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins with Julia, youngest child of Royalists Robert and Anne Pallister, and her older brother Michael as they live in the constant fear of their estate being taken from them by Cromwell's Parliamentarians, as England's civil war rages around them. Michael and Robert both join Charles II's cause and subsequent tragedies strike the family leaving Robert's widow Anne to make a drastic choice to avoid loosing her family home forever to a Cromwell supporter. As Julia matures, the story follows her life and marriage as Charles II returns to rule England and on through the plague and great fire of London.

Unfortunately, what should have been a ripping good story just falls a bit flat to this reader. The author spends way too much time on Julia's childhood experiences, I would have preferred to have the background told in flashbacks and have the story start off as Julia reaches maturity (note to self - never ever complain about an author's backtracking to past history after getting the story going), we didn't see Julia wed and in London as Charles is crowned King until well after the first half of the book. I also would have preferred to have Julia and Adam more involved in Charles' court and its intrigues instead of being side line players in the action. Lastly, as much as I enjoy an author setting the scene and describing the clothes, furnishings, etc. so that I have a good sense of time and place, Laker goes way over the top describing everything in too minute of a detail and I found myself skimming quite a bit through those lengthy descriptions.

All in all, a pleasantly entertaining book to read if you are interested in the period or a fan of the author, but certainly not the best to be read in this period and most definitely doesn't come close to the standard set by Kathleen Winsor's awesome Forever Amber. Three stars.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love novels about strong women who are met with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and yet are still able to gather their strength and push through. Circle of Pearls involves three women who are able to do just that. Julia is by far the strongest and most complex character in this novel, and it's impossible not to admire her as she helps her family make it through the fire that destroyed England, Cromwell and the English Civil War, as well as personal tragedies. Circle of Pearls takes place during a time which I have not read about very much, so I actually was able to learn a lot about the historical aspects of this novel as the story unfolded. I am in love with history of any type, so learning about a fascinating period of history, all while reading a wonderfully entertaining novel, is all the more reason to love this novel! Julia's character is one that is impossible to love, as well as easy to relate to. She may be complex, but that is part of what is so endearing about her. Anne and Katherine also were extremely interesting, and became two of my favorites as I read. I love that the author also brought to life Sir Christopher Wren, who was an actual historical figure during this time period. Yet another example of Ms. Laker bringing history to life. This novel is definitely worth reading, and I give it a FIVE out of FIVE stars!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Circle of Pearls follows the life of Julia Pallister, a 17th century woman living during the Commonwealth period of English history. Her family are Royalist sympathizers and thus punished for their support of the king. While their estate has not been claimed by Cromwell's government, certain restrictions are placed on them. For example: her father cannot go beyond a certain distance from the house. Julia's paternal grandmother, Katherine, was in the service of Queen Elizabeth I and upon the queen's death, was gifted one of her extravagant dresses. It is this dress that Katherine keeps hidden from Commonwealth searches and one day hopes to present to Julia for her wedding.

Over all, the novel was okay. Julia was a serviceable heroine: she was smart, resourceful, and possessed something of a temper. The other women characters were well-rounded: Anne, Julia's mother; her grandmother Katherine; Mary, her foster-sister; and even Sophie, the scheming sister-in-law. Laker deserves some praise for the way she wrote Anne's slow, agonizing descent into her own head as an escape from an unwanted marriage. I seriously wanted to throttle Makepeace Walker.

That being said, I did skip several chunks of the novel: the plague and the great fire, for example. At times, there was a little too much description.

Still, the Commonwealth period is not one I'm too familiar with, and it was interesting to read a novel set then. I was surprised to learn that Christopher Wren was a real person (which softened the blow of Julia not marrying him somewhat) and that he was responsible for rebuilding much of London after the fire. I would definitely recommend this book to those who are looking for a historical fiction time period that is not the Regency or Tudor.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of epic proportions because of significant shadows of the past including the gut~wrenching suffering during The Great Plague and the the harrowing experience of The Great Fire of London. This is also about the Royalist Pallisters of Sotherleigh Manor during Cromwell's reign and the Restoration. Here are 3 women with varying strengths of character, sacrifice and courage plus 1 adopted survivor of a hanging (for being an active Royalist supporter) with her own brand of courage and the men who loved them. There is also the role of the great architect, inventor, mathematician and scientist ~ Christopher Wren in this epic drama. Beautifully crafted and captivating... a pearl of a story.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story with great historical detail

Julia Pallister is a Royalist through and through, like her family, and her spirit and angry tongue cause problems for her mother as they survive Cromwell’s reign.
With utmost loyalty and hope for a return of the monarch and exiled family members, the women maintain their home, making sacrifices and finding love where they can.
This book is embroidered with so many historical details, just as the ribbons, which play such an important part, are.
From Roundheads and Cavaliers, puritanical suppression, the political machinations, the fashions, the Plague to the Great Fire of London, the attention to detail has obviously been well researched and I came away a little more educated. It does add depth and context for Julia’s plight and I shared her outrage and felt frustration as she reacted dangerously to events. A strong character, I was on her side throughout.
An epic tale of two people destined from youth to be together, despite everything that is thrown against them. Entertaining and educating, it pulled me along, desperate to see what happened to our heroine Julia.

[Tegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I picked up at a book fair. It looked like a good, casual read as I love historical fiction. What I didn't anticipate is how the characters would become so dear to me. It took me a bit to get into it and I thought it was a fairly enjoyable book up until a certain character dies. Upon reading about their demise I was filled with a sudden (and surprising) surge of schadenfreude and happiness that they had received their just desserts. This book quietly took up space in my heart and I was hooked without realising it. This is one of those books where I was genuinely sad to have to close the last page. I loved most of the characters and had grown attached to them. The epilogue was perfectly executed for wrapping up a few loose ends but I selfishly wanted more just to stay in that world a bit longer.

TLDR: no notes, beautiful story, engaging characters, highly recommend if you like historical fiction

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characterizing this book as simply a romance is definitely a misrepresentation. Though there are some love stories throughout, I would not say they are the complete focus. I loved reading about the English revolution and the familial divisions and devastation it caused. I really enjoyed this book, but two complaints. The first is that it took way too long to get me engrossed. At times in the beginning it seemed hokey. My second qualm was the in many of the situations presented the author seemed to rush threw or skim over resolutions to issues presented. Climaxes were not fully given there time. The character development was wonderful, and it would have been nice to have shared more in their joys. Thoughts...

[Chandré De Wet]

*not sure if this is a spoiler alert but just in case - spoiler alert.

I've read this book when I was a teen and can't find it in my library anymore. Of all Rosalind Laker's books, this was my favourite!

But today just reflecting on a scene that still has revelance in my life, as I am an introvert extravert bubbly personality person often best friends with introverts too. And the scene where in the moment of her standing in front of the guy, her "brightness" then shines on her friends more classic beauty and he falls for the quiet best friend. I often remember this scene and realise I think it happens alot for me in real life too.

I recall crying in this book too, but can't remember why, so definitely need to read again.

[Jill Oseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent historic read.

This was a gripping and fascinating journey through the ups and downs of the English Civil War and it’s effects on the losing side of a family. The twists and turns of happenings to different members of the family and how they cope in a crisis. the romance which runs through the story is also subject to the difficulties which occur to a young woman threatened with a forced marriage and all that it can entail and what a strong minded girl can turn her hand to in the said crisis. Love doesn’t run smoothly but often has it’s surprises.

[Felis Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in high school, and the memory of the book has stuck with me even now. I loved how history (with major events from the end of the Interregnum through the Restoration era to just after the Black Plague) was woven into the narrative of the main character's life and the slow burning romance she had with the man who would eventually become her husband. I would definitely recommend this book to people who are interested in romance stories and English historical drama.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It reminded me of Ken follet's column of fire even though laker's book came out first. There were a lot of the same themes and character build-up. At least in Laker's book, the women got happier endings. The romantic American notion of the puritans being victims of religious persecution is misrepresented. Those people were absolutely hateful.

[Shalu Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victoria Holt revisited! A historical romance found in a condensed Reader's Digest Select editions, this book is a throwback to the seventeenth century England when the heroine must choose between her two loves and her fate! " And for Julia, the pearl studded gown holds the key".

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so bad considering the last part of the book, describing the Plague and the London's fire.

[Detlef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der historische Roman von Rosalind Laker erschien erstmalig 1990 und erzählt eine romantische Geschichte aus dem 17. Jahrhundert. Sie ist jetzt in dem britischen Verlag Joffe Books als E-Book erschienen. Diese aktuelle Ausgabe habe ich im original gelesen.

Julia Pallister, die Tochter von Sotherleigh, wurde 1641 geboren und war unwissentlich die Erbin des einzigen verbliebenen Kleides aus der exquisiten Garderobe von Elisabeth I. Dieses mit Perlen besetzte Geschenk an Julias Großmutter Katherine repräsentierte die entschiedene königstreue Haltung, die die Familie über Generationen hinweg verband.

Doch angesichts der Tyrannei von Oliver Cromwells Armeen teilten alle Pallisters den unbändigen Mut, für ihren König, ihre Heimat und ihre Freiheit zu kämpfen. Sie hatten nichts, aber auch gar nichts mit den Parlamentariern im Sinn.

Doch aus drei Generationen treten Frauen hervor, die sich unbezwingbar darum bemühen, ihre Zukunft zu bewahren: Die stolze Katherine, alt geworden, aber immer noch entschlossen, zu kämpfen, Ihre sanfte Tochter Anne, die das ultimative Opfer brachte, um Sotherleigh für ihre Kinder zu erhalten, und schließlich deren Tochter Julia, die jung, eigensinnig und unruhig zu kämpfen versteht.

Die drei Frauen sind sich einig, dass Julia eines Tages in der Tradition der Pallister-Frauen das historische Perlenkleid zu ihrer Hochzeit tragen wird.

Der Mann, den Julia immer geliebt hatte, war ihr Jugendfreund Christopher Wren. Aber der Mann, zu dem das Schicksal sie führte, war einer der verhassten Feinde. Aber Julia, die zwischen diesen beiden Lieben hin- und hergerissen ist, die das puritanische Regime, die Pest und den Großen Brand von London überlebt hat, verzweifelt an der Erinnerung an das Vermächtnis des perlenbesetzten Kleides.

Die Frage des Romans »Circle of Pearls« lautet schließlich, ob es gelingen wird, das kostbare Erbstück zu schützen und sogar zu tragen?

Wunderbar sind die umfangreichen historischen Informationen aus dem Britannien des 17. Jahrhunderts. Im Weltgeschehen und der britischen Gesellschaft gab es die verschiedensten Konflikte. Einerseits gab es die Kämpfe um den Glauben zwischen der Kirche Roms und der englischen Kirche, lag der Tod der Königin Elizabeth I. und der Krieg mit Frankreich noch nicht lange zurück und letztendlich nicht zu vergessen der Kampf um ein Parlament, angeführt von Oliver Cromwell. Diese Begebenheiten sind vielschichtig und interessant in den Roman eingeflossen.

Ich muss gestehen, dass mich »Circle of Pearls« nicht gerade vom Hocker gerissen hat. Mir fehlte es an Spannung in der Geschichte. Trotz aller historischen Ereignisse blieb die angedeutete Liebesgeschichte ohne besondere Konflikte. Über viele Kapitel hinweg wird nicht klar, wer denn der männliche Part dieser Geschichte ist. Die Hauptfigur ist die junge Julia, aus deren Sicht und ihren Gesprächen mit ihrer Großmutter, die als Gesellschafterin von Königin Elizabeth ihr Leben verbracht hatte, viele der historischen Ereignisse beleuchtet wurden.

Der Roman weist eine gewisse Ähnlichkeit mit den Romanen aus der Reihe „Cromwells Töchter“ von Miranda Malins auf, die in deutscher Fassung bei Rowohlt erschienen sind.

© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2024

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I couldn't get into this book as it seemed to take quite a long time to say not very much and I was on the verge of giving up. I kept going though and eventually realising that there were many historical references to actual events and people it became much more interesting. I could have finished sooner but every so often there was reference to something or someone which had me reaching for Google or Wikipedia to get more information or check something which had been brought to mind by the story. I'm glad I stuck with it.

[S franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Real reader/just finished
The book was a little slow starting but when it takes off u r glued to it. I enjoyed the well written characters . Especially true blue
Adam. He was Unusual for the time when guys were jumping every serving maid, but he was a great hero in every sense.
I had never read about this period of English history-the round heads so it was a revelation.

[Marise Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic historical beauty

A lengthy interesting and spell binding book if early to lasting love, in a historical period in history of London's great fire and and everlasting love story.

[ann p hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good descriptions of England around the time of the Restoration.

Characters were well described and the attitudes of a strict puritan in a marriage of the time.
Quite a light read,but enjoyable and I had to finish it.

[Ana Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

A gentle journey through the upheaval and the aftermath of England’s Civil War. Excellent detail, true to history, woven smoothly into the story, and characters who fit the scene, with no implausible excesses.

[mari dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Love historical novels with strong women.

[Craig Schlossin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light writing and plot.

[Mrs Maureen Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I loved this story. It was fascinating following Julia 's story.
The descriptions of the plague and the fire of London were so vivid.
Definately recommend it

[Christine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story.

I am not sure how much of it is tue, but it all could be! Very well told, hard t put down.

[Andrea Way · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally try to stay away from books that have been based around the time of the Civil War in the UK and US. I don't normally find them interesting and I struggle to get into the long descriptions of the books. But there was something about this book that said read me. I know that the first was down to the cover it's re-release cover is amazing. Also the fact that the book was also based on a dress owned by Elizabeth the 1st.

I was an interesting book it did not blow my socks of but it was a good read. Rosalind Laker gave great but sometimes over long descriptions, not to long, I was very grateful for this. The main character Julia Pallister was complex and interesting and the relationship factor was good. I did find Julia at times moaned a little more than was needed and nearly put me off her.


The writing style was interesting, I've never had the privilege of reading a Rosalind Laker and after this one I think I will give another one of books a try in the future.

[Keri Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that the cover of this re-release of Rosalind Laker's novel was what drew me to this book. When I first started reading this book, I expected it to be just a regular historical romance. This book emerged as more of an epic historical novel. It did take my reading about 20% of the book to grab my interest, but then I couldn't wait to come back to it.

This tale starts with the birth of the main character Julia, and takes you through her childhood then early adult life. What most surprised me were the other characters in the book. I can't go into them all in a short review, but the author did a fantastic job of developing their stories and lives as well.

While I wasn't blown away by this book, I did really enjoy it. This was my first experience with Rosalind Laker, but I do plan to look up more of her work. I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction.

[Janille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Rosalind Laker for years - I first read an excerpt of Circle of Pearls in the old Reader's Digest condensed versions (anybody remember those? Do they still sell them?) This one is probably my favorite of hers, so I bought the hardback cover. She writes amazing historical novels, some that just wrench your heart out (To Dance With Kings-tear jerker!) But Circle is set at the end of the Charles 1st rule in England, before the English Civil War, and during the Cromwellian years, to the restoration of the crown under Charles the 2nd. It is a story about a young girl whose family is pushed all sorts of directions becuase of war and politics. Wonderful story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy finding new authors to read. Circle of Pearls is set in 17th century England in Sussex. A Royalist family tries to hold onto their beloved estate, Sotherleigh, under the iron-fisted rule of Cromwell and the Parliamentarians, looking forward to the day when King Charles will return to the throne. The narrative focuses on headstrong daughter, Julia, who grows up to be a beautiful, smart and ambitious woman. Laker incorporates key events of the time period like the achievements of Christopher Wren, the plague and the great fire of London into the narrative. The characters are believable and engaging. I plan to read more of Laker's historical novels.

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circle of Pearls is set in 17th century England in Sussex. A Royalist family tries to hold onto their beloved estate, Sotherleigh, under the iron-fisted rule of Cromwell and the Parliamentarians, looking forward to the day when King Charles will return to the throne. The story focuses on headstrong daughter, Julia, who grows up to be a beautiful, smart and ambitious woman. Laker incorporates key events of the time period like the achievements of Christopher Wren, the plague and the great fire of London into the narrative. The characters are believable and engaging. Rosalind Laker is a prolific and accomplished historical novelist.