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Jacobite Chronicles Stories #1
The Whore's Tale: Sarah
The first book in a gripping new series focusing on the early lives of some of the pivotal characters whose stories are later woven together in the award-winning Jacobite Chronicles. This is a companion series and can be read independently of the Chronicles.
The year is 1731 and in a small village in Cheshire, England, the Reverend Browne has determined the future of his young daughter Sarah. Her life will be dedicated to caring for him and his household affairs while he, acting as one of God’s chosen few, saves souls from the devil.
Sarah dreams of a different future, one in which she will be happy and independent. As she grows older she starts to see glimpses of a tantalising world beyond her reach and longs one day to escape the drudgery of her life, to become part of it all and maybe even have her own business.
However, a chance meeting leads first to joy and blossoming and then to the destruction of her whole world. It changes her life forever, forcing her down a path which is the very opposite of the glittering one she had hoped for, one for which she has to pay a terrible price to survive.
The year is 1731 and in a small village in Cheshire, England, the Reverend Browne has determined the future of his young daughter Sarah. Her life will be dedicated to caring for him and his household affairs while he, acting as one of God’s chosen few, saves souls from the devil.
Sarah dreams of a different future, one in which she will be happy and independent. As she grows older she starts to see glimpses of a tantalising world beyond her reach and longs one day to escape the drudgery of her life, to become part of it all and maybe even have her own business.
However, a chance meeting leads first to joy and blossoming and then to the destruction of her whole world. It changes her life forever, forcing her down a path which is the very opposite of the glittering one she had hoped for, one for which she has to pay a terrible price to survive.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2018
295 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Julia Brannan
17 books334 followersJulia has been a voracious reader since childhood, using books to escape the miseries of a turbulent adolescence. After leaving university with a degree in English Language and Literature, she spent her twenties trying to be a sensible and responsible person, even going so far as to work for the Civil Service for six years.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 13, 2018
I am a huge fan of Julia’s Jacobite Chronicles and was thrilled when I heard she was going to write a prequel to them.
Sarah is a very interesting person and her life journey was at times difficult to read without getting emotional.
I love her strength and her will to survive, no matter the awful tricks life seems to play on her.
This is a well written and researched book, and a great addition to the Jacobite Chronicles series.
Sarah is a very interesting person and her life journey was at times difficult to read without getting emotional.
I love her strength and her will to survive, no matter the awful tricks life seems to play on her.
This is a well written and researched book, and a great addition to the Jacobite Chronicles series.
December 18, 2018
This is a must read!
Sarah is one of the most, if not the most, strong and self aware characters I have had the pleasure of encountering. Throughout the bad happenings in her life, her optimism and underlying sweet nature and will to succeed are awe inspiring . Truly an amazing prequel to the Jacobite Chronicles! I cannot wait to see what the amazing Julia Brannan has up her sleeves for her next book. No pressure Julia, I'll be re-reading your other amazing books!
Sarah is one of the most, if not the most, strong and self aware characters I have had the pleasure of encountering. Throughout the bad happenings in her life, her optimism and underlying sweet nature and will to succeed are awe inspiring . Truly an amazing prequel to the Jacobite Chronicles! I cannot wait to see what the amazing Julia Brannan has up her sleeves for her next book. No pressure Julia, I'll be re-reading your other amazing books!
December 10, 2018
An absolutely brilliant book which is an additional story to the series called The Jacobite Chronicles.
I loved this extra book (which could be read as a stand alone too) which covers the early life of Sarah who appears later in life in the main series.
The book is exciting, tragic, lovely and stark in its realism.
I enjoyed it immensely and it's definitely worth a re-read.
Buy it, you won't regret it!
I loved this extra book (which could be read as a stand alone too) which covers the early life of Sarah who appears later in life in the main series.
The book is exciting, tragic, lovely and stark in its realism.
I enjoyed it immensely and it's definitely worth a re-read.
Buy it, you won't regret it!
March 18, 2020
This is one of my favorite books in the series, along with another follow on book , "The Eccentric's Tale". Sarah was a much more interesting character than the main characters in the first 6 books of the series. My biggest complaint, as with all of this authors books is the abrupt ending. Shes going along just find and then it's the end--like she reached some sort of page/word quota and wrapped it up in two paragraphs or less. It seems like there should be another book about Sarah with the way it ended.
December 13, 2018
Another Masterpiece from Julia Brannan
Can't seem to get enough of this series of books. The storyline is captivating and each word creates a masterpiece. It is an intriguing plot and the character development is detailed, bringing the story alive. Hard to put the book down! Amazing!
Can't seem to get enough of this series of books. The storyline is captivating and each word creates a masterpiece. It is an intriguing plot and the character development is detailed, bringing the story alive. Hard to put the book down! Amazing!
December 15, 2018
Julia does it again!
You know when you've read a good book when you wish you had gotten more of the story. Although we know how Sarah ends up, you can't help but wish you didn't know. This was beautifully written and obviously well researched. If you loved the Jacobite series you'll love this too. I can't wait for the next book.
You know when you've read a good book when you wish you had gotten more of the story. Although we know how Sarah ends up, you can't help but wish you didn't know. This was beautifully written and obviously well researched. If you loved the Jacobite series you'll love this too. I can't wait for the next book.
February 28, 2025
Sarah’s story is heartbreaking from day one. Her father is essentially a cult leader (organized religion, preacher) and he’s abusive both emotionally and physically. He tells Sarah from the time she is a small child that because she is a daughter of Eve she will go to hell and burn for eternity. What a dick.
And yet she’s so trusting. She loves her older brother and believes he will save her when he’s of an age to join the army. She goes and spends some time with her father’s sister (who is just like he is), but her uncle is loving and supportive and so nice to her. She wishes she could just stay with him, but after her aunt spends some time “training her” it’s time to go home. She meets the daughter of a new preacher in town, who doesn’t preach fire and brimstone shit, and makes fast friends. For a while. She just wants someone to love her. It’s so sad. Then she meets the son of one of the elderly poor women she takes food to and cleans the house a bit once a week, and she falls in love and believes he loves her. Sarah is just constantly reaching out, looking for the person who will help her, and love her.
If you’ve read the Jacobite Chronicles, you know things don’t pan out for Sarah the way she’s envisioned.
Julia Brannan is such a talented writer and author. She doesn’t leave loose ends, you don’t spend time wandering out in the dark waiting for something to make sense. She is able to bring nearly all of her characters vibrantly to life, whether they are in the leading role or providing support. And the historical aspects are nearly always spot on; at the end of the books at least on Audible, she has author’s notes and will tell you if there were things she intentionally changed up to fit the story. I will always recommend these books, when people are asking for something romantic sans fantasy, or asking for historical pieces in general.
.𖥔˖-ˋˏ┈┈┈┈ˏˋ-˖𖥔˖-ˋˏ┈┈┈┈ˏˋ-˖𖥔.
Reread ending 2/28/25
Sarah is one of the most resilient characters in the series. The more I read her book specifically, the more I love her. And the more I read the main series, the more my heart breaks for her regarding Duncan. Outstanding characters, marvellous writing, excellence all around.
And yet she’s so trusting. She loves her older brother and believes he will save her when he’s of an age to join the army. She goes and spends some time with her father’s sister (who is just like he is), but her uncle is loving and supportive and so nice to her. She wishes she could just stay with him, but after her aunt spends some time “training her” it’s time to go home. She meets the daughter of a new preacher in town, who doesn’t preach fire and brimstone shit, and makes fast friends. For a while. She just wants someone to love her. It’s so sad. Then she meets the son of one of the elderly poor women she takes food to and cleans the house a bit once a week, and she falls in love and believes he loves her. Sarah is just constantly reaching out, looking for the person who will help her, and love her.
If you’ve read the Jacobite Chronicles, you know things don’t pan out for Sarah the way she’s envisioned.
Julia Brannan is such a talented writer and author. She doesn’t leave loose ends, you don’t spend time wandering out in the dark waiting for something to make sense. She is able to bring nearly all of her characters vibrantly to life, whether they are in the leading role or providing support. And the historical aspects are nearly always spot on; at the end of the books at least on Audible, she has author’s notes and will tell you if there were things she intentionally changed up to fit the story. I will always recommend these books, when people are asking for something romantic sans fantasy, or asking for historical pieces in general.
.𖥔˖-ˋˏ┈┈┈┈ˏˋ-˖𖥔˖-ˋˏ┈┈┈┈ˏˋ-˖𖥔.
Reread ending 2/28/25
Sarah is one of the most resilient characters in the series. The more I read her book specifically, the more I love her. And the more I read the main series, the more my heart breaks for her regarding Duncan. Outstanding characters, marvellous writing, excellence all around.
February 20, 2019
Sara.....I cried for this abused little girl, and cried for the abused young woman. But even so this is a great book, Julia Brannan has a very specual way to use words. Next book please
November 16, 2019
This prequel to the Jacobite Chronicles tells the story of Sarah. It is a moving and interesting tale, but the story didn't flow as well as it could have.
April 1, 2020
Oh! The misery of an innocent in the brutal hands of evil with strong survival instincts.
As the title implies, this horrific story of a child who not only survived the evil attacks from every aspect of the society of her time sinks deeply into the underbelly of human degradation. Yet, this sweet victim retains the unblemished quality of her inborn character to rise through the overwhelming quicksand and muck to grasp the helping hand of others who see beyond the protective hard surface to Sarah’s unrealized qualities. I like Sarah! The portrayal of a solitary birth in a crude shelter in an isolated spot in the woods struck many chords in my buried vault of personal fears. To carry a child, be awed by the natal mysteries, endure the unexpected terror of birthing, complete the process alone and doing what someone else should be doing to bring forth a surviving mother and child and then see the babe slip away to death was impossible to read without deep emotional involvement. It was written well and did not rush past those bone deep traumas with superficial triviality. My descriptive vocabulary pales in an effort to applaud Brannan’s achievement. Sarah’s entry into the Chronicles is a whisper in contrast to the impact of her preceding experiences however not a faulty step occurs within the continuity of her character. This is one of Brannan’s gifts that raises her quality of writing.
As the title implies, this horrific story of a child who not only survived the evil attacks from every aspect of the society of her time sinks deeply into the underbelly of human degradation. Yet, this sweet victim retains the unblemished quality of her inborn character to rise through the overwhelming quicksand and muck to grasp the helping hand of others who see beyond the protective hard surface to Sarah’s unrealized qualities. I like Sarah! The portrayal of a solitary birth in a crude shelter in an isolated spot in the woods struck many chords in my buried vault of personal fears. To carry a child, be awed by the natal mysteries, endure the unexpected terror of birthing, complete the process alone and doing what someone else should be doing to bring forth a surviving mother and child and then see the babe slip away to death was impossible to read without deep emotional involvement. It was written well and did not rush past those bone deep traumas with superficial triviality. My descriptive vocabulary pales in an effort to applaud Brannan’s achievement. Sarah’s entry into the Chronicles is a whisper in contrast to the impact of her preceding experiences however not a faulty step occurs within the continuity of her character. This is one of Brannan’s gifts that raises her quality of writing.
July 5, 2022
*****This review is for the audiobook*****I always knew Sarah's story would be tragic. Julia really ripped my heart out with this one, but it was so worth it! This is not a romance. The Whore's Tale is the beautifully heartbreaking & powerful story of Sarah's past and how hard she fights to save herself in spite of everything. She is a survivor and a hero who fights to save herself when everyone and everything else repeatedly pushes her down and seems to conspire against her. She is a very interesting character in The Jacobite Chronicles who truly makes a difference in pivotal ways throughout the series. As with every book in the series it is very well written and researched with historical accuracy that really adds an extra layer to the story. I wholeheartedly recommend this whole series!
Will Watt is a master when it comes to duet narration, so it was no surprise that I loved the performances! Mary Jane Wells is a new narrator to me, but she did an excellent job bringing life to Sarah. I'm adding her to my list of talented favorites. Jacobite Chronicles is one of my absolute favorite historical romance audiobook series, so I'm so glad Julia wrote Sarah’s story and released it in audio. I look forward to more back stories for the amazing characters!
Will Watt is a master when it comes to duet narration, so it was no surprise that I loved the performances! Mary Jane Wells is a new narrator to me, but she did an excellent job bringing life to Sarah. I'm adding her to my list of talented favorites. Jacobite Chronicles is one of my absolute favorite historical romance audiobook series, so I'm so glad Julia wrote Sarah’s story and released it in audio. I look forward to more back stories for the amazing characters!
February 6, 2024
Wow ★★★★★
It has been a while since I read the Jacobite Chronicles and I had forgotten (a little) just how good Julie Brannan's writing is.
The Whore's Tale: Sarah was heavy going at times (and I did cry more than once) but Sarah's courage and resiliance was inspiring. I thought her strength and courage was amazing in the original series, but I am in awe of the Sarah we get to know in the The Whore's Tale: Sarah .
I loved this book!!!!
It has been a while since I read the Jacobite Chronicles and I had forgotten (a little) just how good Julie Brannan's writing is.
The Whore's Tale: Sarah was heavy going at times (and I did cry more than once) but Sarah's courage and resiliance was inspiring. I thought her strength and courage was amazing in the original series, but I am in awe of the Sarah we get to know in the The Whore's Tale: Sarah .
I loved this book!!!!
July 3, 2019
A Well Written Historical Fiction
For whatever reason this book kept being overlooked by me and waiting to be read - and I have no reason why. I absolutely loved the Jacobite Chronicles and really liked Sarah. Once again, Julia Brennan has delivered a well written and researched historical fiction. It transports you back in time and gives a well written backstory which was only hinted at in the series. While it definitely is a more tragic and depressing tale, I love that it shows that no matter how low and horrible life was for Sarah, she ultimately did what she must and persevered. I would most likely suggest reading this after reading the original books in the series, even if it is a prequel, but I could see it being enjoyed prior to the series as well. I now find myself wanting to revisit the entire series and most likely will.
For whatever reason this book kept being overlooked by me and waiting to be read - and I have no reason why. I absolutely loved the Jacobite Chronicles and really liked Sarah. Once again, Julia Brennan has delivered a well written and researched historical fiction. It transports you back in time and gives a well written backstory which was only hinted at in the series. While it definitely is a more tragic and depressing tale, I love that it shows that no matter how low and horrible life was for Sarah, she ultimately did what she must and persevered. I would most likely suggest reading this after reading the original books in the series, even if it is a prequel, but I could see it being enjoyed prior to the series as well. I now find myself wanting to revisit the entire series and most likely will.
June 13, 2021
Disgusting details!!
Many times I have read books where a young woman falls on hard times and ends up prostituting herself to survive. It is an unfortunate reality for countless women, both past and present. What I take objection to is the lurid detail with which the deeds were described, including strange obsessions such as sucking toes, fetishes other authors manage to mention, as part of the story, without being so grossly meticulous. Brennan's nasty descriptions made my stomach turn!! Between the whoring and other sex scenes, I could endure it no longer. I will absolutely not go on with this book or the series, or this author in general. I don't need to read all that, in the disgusting manner presented (akin to soft porn), to understand the sex trade or misery of it.
Many times I have read books where a young woman falls on hard times and ends up prostituting herself to survive. It is an unfortunate reality for countless women, both past and present. What I take objection to is the lurid detail with which the deeds were described, including strange obsessions such as sucking toes, fetishes other authors manage to mention, as part of the story, without being so grossly meticulous. Brennan's nasty descriptions made my stomach turn!! Between the whoring and other sex scenes, I could endure it no longer. I will absolutely not go on with this book or the series, or this author in general. I don't need to read all that, in the disgusting manner presented (akin to soft porn), to understand the sex trade or misery of it.
August 8, 2022
We’ll written and quite interesting
I knew that times were very hard for single women during this era but the first portion of the book dealing with Sarah’s incredibly harsh upbringing was a total revelation. The level of mental disease, violence and religious fanaticism was amazing. Sarah never knew love, loyalty or friendship growing up and was taught from early childhood that as a Daughter of Eve, she would automatically burn in hell. As her life unfolds and she continues to suffer, her hatred of her father and his incredible abuse forces her into a life as a whore and a total inability to trust anyone or anything.At first I found the harshness bleak and unending but as I continued reading, the importance of these early chapters is revealed. This is a very powerful book.
I knew that times were very hard for single women during this era but the first portion of the book dealing with Sarah’s incredibly harsh upbringing was a total revelation. The level of mental disease, violence and religious fanaticism was amazing. Sarah never knew love, loyalty or friendship growing up and was taught from early childhood that as a Daughter of Eve, she would automatically burn in hell. As her life unfolds and she continues to suffer, her hatred of her father and his incredible abuse forces her into a life as a whore and a total inability to trust anyone or anything.At first I found the harshness bleak and unending but as I continued reading, the importance of these early chapters is revealed. This is a very powerful book.
April 10, 2019
I dont think I give off spoilers,
I wasnt sure about reading Sarah's beginning because there is so much about her we learned in the Jacobite chronicles that saddens me.
However, I am glad I read it. It is a tale of how one woman survives, becomes stronger, and escapes that which tries to hold her down.
Her story can be told through much of the world today in families that want to keep the thought that women are only.good for cleaning, cooking, and fornication.
I wasnt sure about reading Sarah's beginning because there is so much about her we learned in the Jacobite chronicles that saddens me.
However, I am glad I read it. It is a tale of how one woman survives, becomes stronger, and escapes that which tries to hold her down.
Her story can be told through much of the world today in families that want to keep the thought that women are only.good for cleaning, cooking, and fornication.
August 28, 2019
This is a cool story.
Loved this story, poor Sarah, l wish her mother had of found her. But having read the six books of the "Jacobite Chronicles" l am aware where Sarah end's up. I will not elaborate as l don't wish to spoil the series for anyone. Enjoy, enjoy l did and am waiting patiently for the next book in this series. Thank you for your wonderful talent and amazing imagination. I love these stories!!!
Loved this story, poor Sarah, l wish her mother had of found her. But having read the six books of the "Jacobite Chronicles" l am aware where Sarah end's up. I will not elaborate as l don't wish to spoil the series for anyone. Enjoy, enjoy l did and am waiting patiently for the next book in this series. Thank you for your wonderful talent and amazing imagination. I love these stories!!!
July 17, 2024
Worth the Read
This book starts well and ends well as do all the other books in the series. Brannan creates vivid characters, whether likeable or not and sets a wonderful scene. This time, sadly, instead of the four solid stars I've given before, I'm giving three-and-a-half rounded up. Robert is not particularly well draw and Sarah's time with him seems tedious to me. A small complaint about an excellent book.
This book starts well and ends well as do all the other books in the series. Brannan creates vivid characters, whether likeable or not and sets a wonderful scene. This time, sadly, instead of the four solid stars I've given before, I'm giving three-and-a-half rounded up. Robert is not particularly well draw and Sarah's time with him seems tedious to me. A small complaint about an excellent book.
March 3, 2019
This was an amazing tale. Lots of unexpected twists and turns. To me, it was slow at first but then it picked up and I couldn't stop reading until the book was finished. A reader can tell from the text that this author did an amazing job of researching and relating it to the reader. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!
April 11, 2020
This is the prequel to the Jacobite series. It's unfortunate title but fitting for the story line. Too much repetition of Sarah's "I'm never going to...." and the summary of her plans. Over and over. Glad I didn't read this one first because I wouldn't have read the rest of the series which get better with each book.
April 25, 2020
Great read.
Although it was heartbreaking to watch young Sarah go through all the pain she was raised into, it was wonderful to see her fighting spirit come through. Thanks for the story, and another glimpse at the whore who lived in Beth's house during the beginning of her story. It shows that we judge people wrongly with first impressions.
Although it was heartbreaking to watch young Sarah go through all the pain she was raised into, it was wonderful to see her fighting spirit come through. Thanks for the story, and another glimpse at the whore who lived in Beth's house during the beginning of her story. It shows that we judge people wrongly with first impressions.
March 21, 2021
Very satisfying
This is a very interesting tale. I read her other books first so it was very gratifying to me to come back and read on Sarah's backstory. I like how the books when read in order build on each other and the story is summarized before the main text for those coming in at other entry points.
This is a very interesting tale. I read her other books first so it was very gratifying to me to come back and read on Sarah's backstory. I like how the books when read in order build on each other and the story is summarized before the main text for those coming in at other entry points.
March 24, 2019
As usual a very well written tale by author Julia Brannan. Sarah's tale is very heart-breaking at times but she triumphs against the odds at the end. I enjoyed the book from start to finish and am looking forward to more stories from the characters in the Jacobite Chronicles
December 17, 2021
Lots of history.
Real history. Smacks of real interactions of relationships between real people of that period in history. The author has an amazing ability to share realistic situations and the emotional traps and bondage they encountered.
Real history. Smacks of real interactions of relationships between real people of that period in history. The author has an amazing ability to share realistic situations and the emotional traps and bondage they encountered.
February 21, 2022
This is Sarah story
When Sarah finds herself pregnant her life takes on alot off changes she finds out her lover is a married man so she does end up like her father said but her life changes for the better when she meets beth
When Sarah finds herself pregnant her life takes on alot off changes she finds out her lover is a married man so she does end up like her father said but her life changes for the better when she meets beth
September 9, 2022
The Jacobite Chronicles is my favorite series (currently) so I knew I'd love this one and it did not disappoint. Loved it. My only complaint is there aren't more. I would love to know what happened after the end of the Chronicles.
February 15, 2023
Outstanding
At first I was amazed at how slow the detail was. I should have remembered after reading the Jacobite
Chronicles, that Julia Brannan loves details and sets up her story so the reader gets the full background of the characters.
At first I was amazed at how slow the detail was. I should have remembered after reading the Jacobite
Chronicles, that Julia Brannan loves details and sets up her story so the reader gets the full background of the characters.
February 15, 2024
Heartbreaking, emotional, uplifting
Poor Sarah! What misery she endures. A childhood in hell, one emotional trauma after another. My goodness finally she gets a break. Hallelujah!
Poor Sarah! What misery she endures. A childhood in hell, one emotional trauma after another. My goodness finally she gets a break. Hallelujah!
December 20, 2018
Sarah's story
I had trouble putting this book down to go to sleep. Very interesting, and well written. Hoping for another book soon. 👍 💟 these 🔰s
I had trouble putting this book down to go to sleep. Very interesting, and well written. Hoping for another book soon. 👍 💟 these 🔰s
December 30, 2018
I found this a very intriguing story, and it took me places and times I would never be able to see or witness, thank you for a wonderful trip through time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews