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Gilded Splendour
In the summer of 1737, a young apprentice carpenter at Nostell Priory in Yorkshire lovingly creates an invalid chair for a convalescent visitor.
But although the tender love born between the humble carpenter, Thomas Chippendale, and the young noblewoman, Isabella Woodleigh, can never be openly declared, their lives are destined to remain intricately and intimately linked.
Thomas’s career will be remarkable, his destiny to be the most renowned of English cabinet-makers. From a background of poverty, with low prospects, he works tirelessly to perfect his craft and his life is transformed. Isabella, romantic and gentle, will suffer a crueller fate in her search for love and fulfilment. The life that awaits her becomes a nightmare and it is only until her new home is visited by death that she escapes.
Despite their wildly different courses in life, the unbreakable bond forged that summer between Isabella and Thomas will always hold them close...
Gilded Splendour is a powerful story of love, loyalty and destiny, from best-selling romantic novelist 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
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 lives with her Norwegian husband in Sussex.
But although the tender love born between the humble carpenter, Thomas Chippendale, and the young noblewoman, Isabella Woodleigh, can never be openly declared, their lives are destined to remain intricately and intimately linked.
Thomas’s career will be remarkable, his destiny to be the most renowned of English cabinet-makers. From a background of poverty, with low prospects, he works tirelessly to perfect his craft and his life is transformed. Isabella, romantic and gentle, will suffer a crueller fate in her search for love and fulfilment. The life that awaits her becomes a nightmare and it is only until her new home is visited by death that she escapes.
Despite their wildly different courses in life, the unbreakable bond forged that summer between Isabella and Thomas will always hold them close...
Gilded Splendour is a powerful story of love, loyalty and destiny, from best-selling romantic novelist 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
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 lives with her Norwegian husband in Sussex.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1982
37 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Laker
82 books191 followersA 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Want to read
January 12, 2012One of two Rosalind Laker books I recently got from PBS swap. Yes, this is the cover I have, it's one of those that continues all the way around to the back cover.
November 29, 2020
I loved the story and had no idea it was based on a real figure. Really good book however I’m so tired of stories about how men betray a woman’s trust just for her to devote her life to him. Mr. Chippendale was an egotistic asshole who used women and deserved to suffer for all the suffering he caused. Artist or not:.:
July 29, 2024
This story is the life of Thomas Chippendale, well-renown English furniture-maker. The book is the result of extensive research into mountains of documents, church registers and public records. Reading almost as a soap opera, it was fascinating, fast-paced, with just enough descriptions and colourful characters to make it extremely hard to put down.
July 13, 2018
Chippendale historical novel
This has been a remarkable and highly enjoyed book depicting the historical era around the life of Thomas Chippendale. The story was fascinating and very informative as well.
This has been a remarkable and highly enjoyed book depicting the historical era around the life of Thomas Chippendale. The story was fascinating and very informative as well.
November 26, 2021
Splendid book, throws light on the life in 18th century England. Genre - Drama and romance, emotional tragedy. The romantic encounters of Thomas with many(5) young women. And the mutual love with Isabella which remained unfulfilled during all ups and downs, meetings and partings.
May 1, 2024
History in fiction
The tale of Thomas Chippendale through a life of strife and beauty. Wishing I knew of the potential truths in the work of fiction the author has created. This reading makes me want to dive more into the history of the man who changed the world of furnishings.
The tale of Thomas Chippendale through a life of strife and beauty. Wishing I knew of the potential truths in the work of fiction the author has created. This reading makes me want to dive more into the history of the man who changed the world of furnishings.
July 16, 2021
Not a romance novel. It was infuriating watching Isabella tolerate everyone in her life emotionally, financially, and mentally abuse the crap out of her.
Lots of references to the craft of furniture -- and it did try to allow you to picture the process ..If this was based on rumors or fact?, what? of the actual Thomas Chippendale? He was an ass to women because he could be. The same way nobles treated him shitty -- expecting laborers as he, Thomas Chippendale, cabinet-maker - to respect their commanding betters and so not expect gentlemen settle bills promptly, humph. There's your story. With a few wtf did I just read moments.
Lots of references to the craft of furniture -- and it did try to allow you to picture the process ..If this was based on rumors or fact?, what? of the actual Thomas Chippendale? He was an ass to women because he could be. The same way nobles treated him shitty -- expecting laborers as he, Thomas Chippendale, cabinet-maker - to respect their commanding betters and so not expect gentlemen settle bills promptly, humph. There's your story. With a few wtf did I just read moments.
August 11, 2009
Chippendale - great book
C
C
May 4, 2011
Tells about Chippendale and his loves.
August 20, 2019
Author's first historical romance about Thomas Chippendale. Her later novels were richer and better written (but everyone has to start somewhere).
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews