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La Rose et la Tour
En 1715, le comte de Nithsdale rejoint la rébellion jacobite écossaise. Accusé de trahison, il est emprisonné à la Tour de Londres où il attend son exécution.
Deux siècles plus tard, Jane Granger se fiance avec Will, un descendant des Nithsdale. Lorsque Will tombe dans le coma, Jane fait le serment de le sauver. Par un caprice du destin, elle se retrouve plongée au cœur du XVIIIe siècle et est convaincue que Will se réveillera si elle parvient à libérer le comte de Nithsdale. Mais elle rencontre alors un séduisant lord qui pourrait bouleverser sa vie dans le passé comme dans le futur…
Deux siècles plus tard, Jane Granger se fiance avec Will, un descendant des Nithsdale. Lorsque Will tombe dans le coma, Jane fait le serment de le sauver. Par un caprice du destin, elle se retrouve plongée au cœur du XVIIIe siècle et est convaincue que Will se réveillera si elle parvient à libérer le comte de Nithsdale. Mais elle rencontre alors un séduisant lord qui pourrait bouleverser sa vie dans le passé comme dans le futur…
576 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
82 books2,092 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
December 11, 2016
I have read a number of reviews since finishing Tapestry by Fiona McIntosh and many of these reviews seem to compare Tapestry to the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I actually did not like this series and I also loathe time travel books in general. However, I will say I loved Tapestry, it really worked for me as a time slip book.
Tapestry is a departure from the historical fiction novels I have come to enjoy in the past from Fiona McIntosh. Tapestry stitches together a cross section of genres, from McIntosh’s claim to fame historical fiction genre, along with a touch of fantasy, magic and romance. Together, these genres compliment each other just so, joining together to form one unforgettable storyline. The action of the story leaps between two time frames, the 1700’s, along with the year 1978. At the heart of these two stories is female protagonist Jane Granger. In the late 1970’s, the reader meets Jane Granger. Jane is an affluent young woman, living in London with her dashing fiancé Will Maxwell. One fateful night, Will is involved in a heartless attack that leaves him in a coma. Jane is bedside herself and decides that in order to bring Will back to life, she needs to go on a spiritual pilgrimage. This leads her to investigate Will’s specialty as a top geophysicist, to one of the world’s most powerful ley lines site. Consequently, Jane finds herself far away from London, in the middle of Uluru, seeking meaning and strength. Here, something very magical happens and Jane finds herself transported to the year 1715, in Scotland. In Scotland, Jane finds herself playing an important pawn in the fate of those around her, who are under the threat of high treason. Tapestry is ultimately a story of strength and survival, as Jane battles in both time frames to save the lives of loved ones.
Tapestry is a novel that successfully merges two very different time frames and genres, with the overall effect being a compelling novel that I lovingly devoured over two days. For the time I spent with this book, the pages seemed to melt away and I found myself completely immersed in the story. Often it can be hard to successfully pull of a time slip novel, but McIntosh shows the reader her star power. I did not feel at any point in this book that it suffered from clunkiness, especially as there were some significant narrative shifts. McIntosh definitely has a wonder with words, her writing is like a magnetic force, constantly pulling you into the story. In Tapestry, I felt McIntosh displays how well versed she is in understanding her historical setting. It is conveyed with authenticity and a strong sense of place. I know and trust that McIntosh has walked in the very footsteps of the settings her characters fill, through her convincing prose.
The characters in this novel, both in the past and the 1978 storyline, are well formulated. Jane is a strong heroine, whom I will not forget in a hurry. The male protagonists are also well crafted by McIntosh. The romance that follows these characters made my heart skip a beat more than a few times while reading the novel. When I reached the ending, the direction it went in came as a surprise for me. I ended up loving the journey Jane went on, despite having to suspend a fair amount of belief in the time travel elements of the story.
Tapestry is a book that will take you on adventure you will never forget. It is a book that fuses together a number of genres, with a wonderful sprinkling of magic. Tapestry is another solid read from one of Australia’s best storytellers.
*4.5 stars
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Tapestry is a departure from the historical fiction novels I have come to enjoy in the past from Fiona McIntosh. Tapestry stitches together a cross section of genres, from McIntosh’s claim to fame historical fiction genre, along with a touch of fantasy, magic and romance. Together, these genres compliment each other just so, joining together to form one unforgettable storyline. The action of the story leaps between two time frames, the 1700’s, along with the year 1978. At the heart of these two stories is female protagonist Jane Granger. In the late 1970’s, the reader meets Jane Granger. Jane is an affluent young woman, living in London with her dashing fiancé Will Maxwell. One fateful night, Will is involved in a heartless attack that leaves him in a coma. Jane is bedside herself and decides that in order to bring Will back to life, she needs to go on a spiritual pilgrimage. This leads her to investigate Will’s specialty as a top geophysicist, to one of the world’s most powerful ley lines site. Consequently, Jane finds herself far away from London, in the middle of Uluru, seeking meaning and strength. Here, something very magical happens and Jane finds herself transported to the year 1715, in Scotland. In Scotland, Jane finds herself playing an important pawn in the fate of those around her, who are under the threat of high treason. Tapestry is ultimately a story of strength and survival, as Jane battles in both time frames to save the lives of loved ones.
Tapestry is a novel that successfully merges two very different time frames and genres, with the overall effect being a compelling novel that I lovingly devoured over two days. For the time I spent with this book, the pages seemed to melt away and I found myself completely immersed in the story. Often it can be hard to successfully pull of a time slip novel, but McIntosh shows the reader her star power. I did not feel at any point in this book that it suffered from clunkiness, especially as there were some significant narrative shifts. McIntosh definitely has a wonder with words, her writing is like a magnetic force, constantly pulling you into the story. In Tapestry, I felt McIntosh displays how well versed she is in understanding her historical setting. It is conveyed with authenticity and a strong sense of place. I know and trust that McIntosh has walked in the very footsteps of the settings her characters fill, through her convincing prose.
The characters in this novel, both in the past and the 1978 storyline, are well formulated. Jane is a strong heroine, whom I will not forget in a hurry. The male protagonists are also well crafted by McIntosh. The romance that follows these characters made my heart skip a beat more than a few times while reading the novel. When I reached the ending, the direction it went in came as a surprise for me. I ended up loving the journey Jane went on, despite having to suspend a fair amount of belief in the time travel elements of the story.
Tapestry is a book that will take you on adventure you will never forget. It is a book that fuses together a number of genres, with a wonderful sprinkling of magic. Tapestry is another solid read from one of Australia’s best storytellers.
*4.5 stars
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 20, 2014
DUE MAY 2014
Another fantastic title from Fiona McIntosh.
This time she leads us to 1970's London which in turn leads us to 1714 Britain and the Jacobite rebellion against King George.
The authors characters are well written and engaging. You start on this massive journey with Jane Granger, who is determined to save her fiancé after he gets attacked. This journey involves taking charge of the past and helping a Lord of The Realm to escape the Headsman's axe. The fates of Will Maxwell and William Maxwell, Earl of Nithsdale are entwined and Jane will have to face a most difficult choice of what she wants if she is to find happiness.
I really enjoyed this book, in fact it only took me a couple of days to read it. I liked reading about Winifred, Jane, Will, Robin and Julius. All the characters well well rounded and interesting. What is even better is that this book is founded on an event that happened. The Count and Countess of Nithsdale were real life people who actually did what few people have done and Fiona does justice to the tale.
A very good book and highly recommended when it comes out :D
Another fantastic title from Fiona McIntosh.
This time she leads us to 1970's London which in turn leads us to 1714 Britain and the Jacobite rebellion against King George.
The authors characters are well written and engaging. You start on this massive journey with Jane Granger, who is determined to save her fiancé after he gets attacked. This journey involves taking charge of the past and helping a Lord of The Realm to escape the Headsman's axe. The fates of Will Maxwell and William Maxwell, Earl of Nithsdale are entwined and Jane will have to face a most difficult choice of what she wants if she is to find happiness.
I really enjoyed this book, in fact it only took me a couple of days to read it. I liked reading about Winifred, Jane, Will, Robin and Julius. All the characters well well rounded and interesting. What is even better is that this book is founded on an event that happened. The Count and Countess of Nithsdale were real life people who actually did what few people have done and Fiona does justice to the tale.
A very good book and highly recommended when it comes out :D
September 14, 2014
I have really enjoyed all of Fiona McIntosh's books - until this one. I didn't at all like the "time travel" between the 18 Century and the 1970s which requires the reader to suspend belief and swap between the two eras in a way that is neither comfortable nor seemless. I much prefer it when the author sticks with one era and writes a realistic novel that explores the characters, time and place of that era and that flows easily and smoothly as the story unfolds. I hope this was just an "experiment" that has failed and that the author will get back to doing what she does so well. Very disappointing, but looking forward to her new novel!
June 8, 2014
I love Fiona McIntosh. It's like she writes for me. She knows my trigger points. She knows I like my history. She knows I like travel. She knows I like adventure. She knows I like to escape to another time and place. She knows how to write characters I like, admire, cheer on, support. And she knows how to write a good romance! This book is different to others I've read of hers recently as you have to suspend disbelief a little more and go on the time travel ride between the early 1700s and late 1970s. In the 1700s we are caught up in the Jacobean world of rebellion against the king and in the 1970s we are in London where Jane's fiancé is fighting for his life after a senseless attack. Jane goes back to 1715 to try and save the Earl of Nithsdale, from whom her fiancé Will is descended. By saving the Earl can she save Will and herself? Or will she find herself and discover what is truly missing from her life? I enjoyed it. Thanks Fiona for sharing your creativity with us and for another good read!
January 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s
As a fan of time-travel stories, I found this book enthralling and sooo good - a perfect blend of history and fantasy.
Oh and, a brilliant finish with a brilliantly unexpected epilogue.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda/HarperCollins audiio
Read by Eloise Mignon
Duration: 15 hrs 33 min 1.50x Speed
As a fan of time-travel stories, I found this book enthralling and sooo good - a perfect blend of history and fantasy.
Oh and, a brilliant finish with a brilliantly unexpected epilogue.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda/HarperCollins audiio
Read by Eloise Mignon
Duration: 15 hrs 33 min 1.50x Speed
November 3, 2024
Loved this book. Past & present combining.
October 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
July 24, 2016
I can't believe I missed posting my review of this one! At least it was written - just a matter of going back to find it!...
This was slow to start and to grab me, but it seemed to pick up from about 1/3 of the way through. I think the business of the Scottish Jacobites fighting for the Scottish king in the beginning was what kept me at arm’s length - I like history, but Scotland in the 1700s isn’t really my thing! However, after the rebels were captured and imprisoned, things seemed to look up (not for the prisoners!) and the “proper” part of the story was able to begin.
I enjoyed the transportation of Jane, a “modern day” woman, into the 1700s - although the contemporary era was set in the late 1970s, so still almost 40 years earlier than today - and some of the attitudes still seemed a bit out of place for the 1970s (but then I was only being born around the time the later time period was set, so maybe I’m making the mistake of thinking that the world was back in the dark ages until I was born!).
I have now read 4 books of Fiona McIntosh and have found that she is a reliably good read, and will be reading more.
This was slow to start and to grab me, but it seemed to pick up from about 1/3 of the way through. I think the business of the Scottish Jacobites fighting for the Scottish king in the beginning was what kept me at arm’s length - I like history, but Scotland in the 1700s isn’t really my thing! However, after the rebels were captured and imprisoned, things seemed to look up (not for the prisoners!) and the “proper” part of the story was able to begin.
I enjoyed the transportation of Jane, a “modern day” woman, into the 1700s - although the contemporary era was set in the late 1970s, so still almost 40 years earlier than today - and some of the attitudes still seemed a bit out of place for the 1970s (but then I was only being born around the time the later time period was set, so maybe I’m making the mistake of thinking that the world was back in the dark ages until I was born!).
I have now read 4 books of Fiona McIntosh and have found that she is a reliably good read, and will be reading more.
April 27, 2014
I was intrigued by the précis for this book & was curious to discover how Fiona would mix fantasy with historical fiction. Turns out she has done it really well. Works for me.
April 1, 2015
I didn't love this one with the strange time travel. Fantasy is not my favourite genre.
December 11, 2020
This read like a bad Outlander wannabe 😕
June 24, 2021
It was an audio read for me and surprisingly it worked well. I was not sure if it was my type of a book and decided to give it a try. I found it well researched, beautifully written and with interesting characters. The element of time travel or a touch of a fantasy fit in nicely into the tapestry and overall it was a pleasant read.
January 19, 2024
not my sort of book going back in time and i didn’t know Winifred and Earl William were real people in the 1700s
this book was a nice love story
and also story of a paring woman of the time
highly recommend
this book was a nice love story
and also story of a paring woman of the time
highly recommend
May 16, 2026
Loved this story with its twists and turns. Makes you think about what you’d do for love.
February 14, 2026
An unusual dual timeline novel set in 1978 London and 1715 Scotland:
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
July 1, 2019
Didn't like it at the beginning. But I found it's exciting at the end.
December 20, 2018
This one took a little while to get going in my view, and wasn't one of McIntosh's best. But "not her best" is still pretty good, since she's such a great writer. It was one of those that I ended up staying awake til 2 in the morning to finish, once it DID get going.
May 17, 2014
This took a little but to get into. I didn't particularly enjoy Jane and Will's "modern" 1970s scenes, in fact I'm not particularly sure why it had to be the 70s at all. I don't think there was anything that truly represented the era that influenced the story one bit. Putting that aside, I kept trudging on because I DID like the 1715 scenes and knew that at some point Jane leaves the "present" to live in the past and therefore most of the book would have to be set then. Then came the climbing of Uluru. Jane, I just wanted to slap you. Climbing Uluru in ridiculously hot weather with no water bottle, no sunglasses and wildly free hair was never a good idea. I put the book down halfway through this scene and struggled to pick it back up again because I knew I was going back to stupidity. Once we got to 1715 though I had a great time. I love history, I Love London, and I love seeing modern traits out of their time. I just wanted to keep reading. As for the end, I get it, I don't mind it, but it did seem to wrap up a little too nicely and too easily (particularly for Julia/juliette/ whatever her name was that I can't remember and too lazy to go get the book and find out). Overall, There were ups and downs; I liked it but didn't love it
July 16, 2014
Keep your head above water and intact when reading 'Tapestry' by Fiona McIntosh.
Let the story unfold as 'Tapestry' develops and weaves its way through different time-zones which are centuries apart.
You will not be disappointed.
Go into paths and lives you never dreamed you'd visit or thought were possible until now.
Let 'Tapestry' weave its magic in forbidden places.
Get caught in two very different time-zones.
Make sure you take some time also to smell the roses, the gingerbread and most importantly, the violets...
Take tea or drink plenty of hot chocolate in between the time-zones and enjoy the story so brilliantly told by Fiona McIntosh.
Let the story unfold as 'Tapestry' develops and weaves its way through different time-zones which are centuries apart.
You will not be disappointed.
Go into paths and lives you never dreamed you'd visit or thought were possible until now.
Let 'Tapestry' weave its magic in forbidden places.
Get caught in two very different time-zones.
Make sure you take some time also to smell the roses, the gingerbread and most importantly, the violets...
Take tea or drink plenty of hot chocolate in between the time-zones and enjoy the story so brilliantly told by Fiona McIntosh.
April 25, 2016
I was thoroughly swept away with this book and it's unique concept to time-traveling. Jane is a likeable character but she is fighting what she knows is true regarding her fiance, Will. Her guilt drives her to save him in a very unorthodox way with lots of complications along the way.
I loved the imagery and the two settings of 1716 and 1970s. For me going back and forth helped create the tension of the 'will she/won't she'. Definitely would love to read more of the historical adventure romances of Fiona McIntosh.
I loved the imagery and the two settings of 1716 and 1970s. For me going back and forth helped create the tension of the 'will she/won't she'. Definitely would love to read more of the historical adventure romances of Fiona McIntosh.
May 3, 2014
Just finished Tapestry by Fiona McIntosh; what a fantastic book. This is the first book I have read of Fiona's and it won't be the last. Great story, characters, writing and well just everything fitted so well together. I was clued to the book long into the night, because I just needed to see how it was going to end. I wasn't disappointed. Highly Recommended, to anyone who enjoys a good story with great writing and interesting characters.
June 6, 2014
Historical fiction is always an attraction for me. Mixed in with a sense of the mystical, time travel and believable characters, Tapestry is a fascinating and enthralling read! I was particularly drawn to the scenes around Uluru, and The Tower of London - two places that can actually evoke a sense of the paranormal!
June 20, 2014
I make a point of reading all of this author's new releases and this one didn't disappoint. It's a compelling mix of historical and timeslip, which meld together in several interesting twists in the tale. Loved the story, and couldn't put it down as I wanted to know what happened next.
January 21, 2015
So very disappointing. Unlike her other novels which I became immediately immersed in and completed in one sitting, I found this an interminable effort to get through, I had to make myself finish it. I just didn't get into this one.
July 9, 2021
What a wonderful read. I love time slip and this was handled so well with the various main characters. I suppose you have to let your mind not worry about credibility but it is fantasy...or is it. Had to stop at one stage to Google the history because I couldn't wait to find out via the book.
June 27, 2014
I liked this book but didn't love it! Took a while to get into it and not convinced with the ending.
May 23, 2014
A masterpiece. What an achievement to weave two such different time periods into a story. The ending was fantastic.
partially-read
March 17, 2016I found this book a bit slow and wasn't able to finish it.
March 21, 2016
After a little while taken to get to this once I did I loved it! The ending....superb!
February 28, 2026
Well, that was an unexpected experience. At first, I found myself unable to really connect with the main characters, nor the unexpected fantasy twist, but as I kept delving deeper into Jane/Winifred’s merged characters and England of old, I became more and more intrigued.
This is an unexpected time-travel storyline, moving between 21st Century London and 17th/18th Century Scotland/England. Usually I prefer believable storylines, however about halfway through I became enmeshed in this tale of a young woman determined to rescue a Jacobite Noble from the Tower of London to ensure his 21st Century descendant, now lying close to death in a London hospital, can be saved so Jane and he can get married and ‘live happily ever after’.
I found out afterwards the storyline is actually based upon a true story, which made it even more intriguing and made me want to start it all over again from the beginning.
Her descriptions of early London - especially the Tower of London, which I’ll be visiting myself in September 2026 as I’ve deliberately chosen to spend three nights in a B&B within waking distance of it because I’ve always been fascinated by ‘The Tower’s’ historical occupants and its many treasures, along with the mannerisms, customs and variety of living conditions (depending on your status) from those times - had me intrigued and trying to imagine myself trying to deal with life in those hard times when you’ve only ever known the luxuries and conveniences of our era.
And it wasn’t until very close to the end that I realised a mirror symmetry with my own first series of novels - the tapestry threads in this storyline almost mirror mine in ‘Silken Images’ and ‘Fractured Symphony’ - images on an imaginary canvas telling the story of two lives woven together until the end of time and reflected in these few lines… ‘I want to grow old with the man I love. Isn’t that what the great tapestry of life is about – the many threads of love? The relationships that weave their way into the future to form the lives we live?’ And then there was this added parallel to my own … ‘I can only hope. I think if you met me there would be a chance for us. Isn’t that what love is all about? Hope?’ Hope is the underlying theme throughout both of my novels, so it’s no wonder Jane and her true love’s relationship was able to squirrel its way into my heart.
And one last thought - I wonder whether 17/18th Century Jane ever got around to inventing her own style of flushing toilets!
From what I imagined would be a 3 🌟 review has suddenly rocketed up to 4, and I’m so glad I kept reading all the way through!
This is an unexpected time-travel storyline, moving between 21st Century London and 17th/18th Century Scotland/England. Usually I prefer believable storylines, however about halfway through I became enmeshed in this tale of a young woman determined to rescue a Jacobite Noble from the Tower of London to ensure his 21st Century descendant, now lying close to death in a London hospital, can be saved so Jane and he can get married and ‘live happily ever after’.
I found out afterwards the storyline is actually based upon a true story, which made it even more intriguing and made me want to start it all over again from the beginning.
Her descriptions of early London - especially the Tower of London, which I’ll be visiting myself in September 2026 as I’ve deliberately chosen to spend three nights in a B&B within waking distance of it because I’ve always been fascinated by ‘The Tower’s’ historical occupants and its many treasures, along with the mannerisms, customs and variety of living conditions (depending on your status) from those times - had me intrigued and trying to imagine myself trying to deal with life in those hard times when you’ve only ever known the luxuries and conveniences of our era.
And it wasn’t until very close to the end that I realised a mirror symmetry with my own first series of novels - the tapestry threads in this storyline almost mirror mine in ‘Silken Images’ and ‘Fractured Symphony’ - images on an imaginary canvas telling the story of two lives woven together until the end of time and reflected in these few lines… ‘I want to grow old with the man I love. Isn’t that what the great tapestry of life is about – the many threads of love? The relationships that weave their way into the future to form the lives we live?’ And then there was this added parallel to my own … ‘I can only hope. I think if you met me there would be a chance for us. Isn’t that what love is all about? Hope?’ Hope is the underlying theme throughout both of my novels, so it’s no wonder Jane and her true love’s relationship was able to squirrel its way into my heart.
And one last thought - I wonder whether 17/18th Century Jane ever got around to inventing her own style of flushing toilets!
From what I imagined would be a 3 🌟 review has suddenly rocketed up to 4, and I’m so glad I kept reading all the way through!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews