What do you think?
Rate this book
Jacobite Chronicles Stories #2
The Eccentric's Tale: Harriet
Harriet Ashleigh, much-loved eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Darlington knows exactly what she wants from life. Just one simple thing; the freedom to be herself.
But for a young woman living in the seventeenth century, freedom is not such an easy thing to achieve. When her family’s future wealth and happiness are threatened she wrestles with the realisation that duty will have to be put before her precious dreams.
She finds herself forced to make a decision which leads to consequences she could never have imagined, even in her worst nightmares.
Now she has to fight the whole of society, not just for happiness but for her very survival, and must take up arms in her own eccentric way, with startling results.
The Eccentric’s Tale is an intriguing look at the remarkable private life and emotions of a truly unique woman.
But for a young woman living in the seventeenth century, freedom is not such an easy thing to achieve. When her family’s future wealth and happiness are threatened she wrestles with the realisation that duty will have to be put before her precious dreams.
She finds herself forced to make a decision which leads to consequences she could never have imagined, even in her worst nightmares.
Now she has to fight the whole of society, not just for happiness but for her very survival, and must take up arms in her own eccentric way, with startling results.
The Eccentric’s Tale is an intriguing look at the remarkable private life and emotions of a truly unique woman.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2019
160 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Julia Brannan
18 books338 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 1, 2020
This side-story of Harriet is a wonderful portrait of a favorite saving character in the Jacobite Chronicles
To really embrace this wonderful woman it may be necessary to reread the impact that Caroline has on Beth and Anne when Harriet appears on the stage of the Jacobite Chronicles. Her childhood and character strengths are beautifully woven into the plot, never departing from the intelligence, shrewd cunning and political savvy between Harriet’s childhood and feisty elder age. I have to admit, regardless of my appreciation for the author’s writing skills, I found the excessive foul language overdone. Certainly noble women of that time period were not above an occasional obscene outburst and Harriet had good reason for bitterness and anger over the restraints forced on women, however a young lady brought up and trained in the necessity of respect for others in a civilized society would have tempered her common usage of foul gutter exclamations. I felt such overuse jarred in opposition to her carefully crafted loving personality toward those she truly cared for. There did not seem to be legitimate call for that level of shock value. I do not know how Barran would inject Harriet within the larger saga of the Jacobite Chronicles in one complete volume though I would love to see all the pieces of Sarah and Harriet’s extended family put together as a complete unity, not chopped up into isolated bites easily missed within our current publishing circus.
To really embrace this wonderful woman it may be necessary to reread the impact that Caroline has on Beth and Anne when Harriet appears on the stage of the Jacobite Chronicles. Her childhood and character strengths are beautifully woven into the plot, never departing from the intelligence, shrewd cunning and political savvy between Harriet’s childhood and feisty elder age. I have to admit, regardless of my appreciation for the author’s writing skills, I found the excessive foul language overdone. Certainly noble women of that time period were not above an occasional obscene outburst and Harriet had good reason for bitterness and anger over the restraints forced on women, however a young lady brought up and trained in the necessity of respect for others in a civilized society would have tempered her common usage of foul gutter exclamations. I felt such overuse jarred in opposition to her carefully crafted loving personality toward those she truly cared for. There did not seem to be legitimate call for that level of shock value. I do not know how Barran would inject Harriet within the larger saga of the Jacobite Chronicles in one complete volume though I would love to see all the pieces of Sarah and Harriet’s extended family put together as a complete unity, not chopped up into isolated bites easily missed within our current publishing circus.
June 11, 2023
I loves this story! If she weren’t fictional, I’d wonder if I was her in a previous life, as she and I are in agreement about most things. I wish I had more details on what happened to her sister & how that shook out, but it took me long enough to realize who the neighbor’s son ends up being. Duh!
April 24, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. It was good reading about Harriet’s early days then see the development of her character as she grew. It was another page-turner for me. The only negative was excessive bad language but overall a great book.
December 24, 2019
Excellent
Harriet is another absorbing story, well written by Julie, it is a wonderful addition to her Jacobite Chronicles, though it can easily be read on its own. Once again Julia has created a page turning story, with great characters, that evoke all your emotions in the telling of Harriet’s early life. It gives you good insight into how she became the character we met and loved in the Jacobite Chronicles. I truly didn’t want the telling of her story to end. I look forward to reading of Harriet’s extraordinary life in future books. I highly recommend Harriet to all Jacobite Chronicles readers and to those who have yet to discover them.
Harriet is another absorbing story, well written by Julie, it is a wonderful addition to her Jacobite Chronicles, though it can easily be read on its own. Once again Julia has created a page turning story, with great characters, that evoke all your emotions in the telling of Harriet’s early life. It gives you good insight into how she became the character we met and loved in the Jacobite Chronicles. I truly didn’t want the telling of her story to end. I look forward to reading of Harriet’s extraordinary life in future books. I highly recommend Harriet to all Jacobite Chronicles readers and to those who have yet to discover them.
March 4, 2025
Julia has really outdone herself with Harriet and her story.
If you read the main series first like I did, I know you must’ve been intrigued by her when Caroline took Sarah and Anne to her home for their safety. Well, probably anything you could’ve wondered about her is answered here.
The eldest child of her parents the Duke and Duchess, and heir due to lack of a living son, we meet Harriet around age 6, when King Charles II and his brother James visit their home. And I believe she smacks her uncle Percy who is around her age while putting on a production of one of Shakespeare’s plays. Even as a small child she is unapologetically herself. She quickly befriends King Charles, who frequently writes to her, and this carries on for years. She is trying to help her family win back the favor of the royal family, as her father’s father borrowed heavily and left a lot of debt. She sacrifices many things she wants to do, in order to learn the things she must to help her family. She loves fiercely, Harriet does.
We follow Harriet from a young child, as she learns to do the things she doesn’t want to (be a wife, help manage the servants, whatever other things noble ladies do in the 18th century), enters a strategic marriage to help her family’s debts, gains the favor of the Hanoverian royals, falls in love, etc. etc. I won’t give anything important away here.
All little girls should have a Harriet in their lives to look up to. Probably a big reason why I love her so is because all she really wants in life is to be left alone lol.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
Reread completed: 3/4/25
Harriet, William, and Alex are my ultimate favorites of the entire series and subseries. That's all.
If you read the main series first like I did, I know you must’ve been intrigued by her when Caroline took Sarah and Anne to her home for their safety. Well, probably anything you could’ve wondered about her is answered here.
The eldest child of her parents the Duke and Duchess, and heir due to lack of a living son, we meet Harriet around age 6, when King Charles II and his brother James visit their home. And I believe she smacks her uncle Percy who is around her age while putting on a production of one of Shakespeare’s plays. Even as a small child she is unapologetically herself. She quickly befriends King Charles, who frequently writes to her, and this carries on for years. She is trying to help her family win back the favor of the royal family, as her father’s father borrowed heavily and left a lot of debt. She sacrifices many things she wants to do, in order to learn the things she must to help her family. She loves fiercely, Harriet does.
We follow Harriet from a young child, as she learns to do the things she doesn’t want to (be a wife, help manage the servants, whatever other things noble ladies do in the 18th century), enters a strategic marriage to help her family’s debts, gains the favor of the Hanoverian royals, falls in love, etc. etc. I won’t give anything important away here.
All little girls should have a Harriet in their lives to look up to. Probably a big reason why I love her so is because all she really wants in life is to be left alone lol.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
Reread completed: 3/4/25
Harriet, William, and Alex are my ultimate favorites of the entire series and subseries. That's all.
August 2, 2023
Phenominal!
I loved Harriets character! She defied all, everything and everyone. She became what she wanted and stayed true to herself. It was interesting to learn how the aristocrats falsely did what was expected of them to gain prestige and place in the Court. Harriet stayed true to herself. I loved that she was boldly honest and did not care what any one thought of her. I loved Melanie and of course Jem. The period is so interesting and I learned so much. I have read all the books except for The Whore, which I all rewarding next. I would recommend the whole series to any one, especially if they like the history.
I loved Harriets character! She defied all, everything and everyone. She became what she wanted and stayed true to herself. It was interesting to learn how the aristocrats falsely did what was expected of them to gain prestige and place in the Court. Harriet stayed true to herself. I loved that she was boldly honest and did not care what any one thought of her. I loved Melanie and of course Jem. The period is so interesting and I learned so much. I have read all the books except for The Whore, which I all rewarding next. I would recommend the whole series to any one, especially if they like the history.
March 3, 2024
It has been several years since I read the Jacobite Chronicles so, while I remember liking Harriet, I didn't remember a lot about her. I do remember wishing that I could read more about many of the secondary characters from the Jacobite Chronicles, so I was really happy when I found the Jacobite Chronicles stories.
I could not have imagined how much I would love Harriet and her story. I did not want this book to end - despite reading chunks of it through tears (some laughter, lots sad).
Harriet was brave, funny, smart and amazingly resilient.
This was the best book I have read in a long time.
I could not have imagined how much I would love Harriet and her story. I did not want this book to end - despite reading chunks of it through tears (some laughter, lots sad).
Harriet was brave, funny, smart and amazingly resilient.
This was the best book I have read in a long time.
September 23, 2024
Harriet Is Amazing
Yes, she's a fictional character, but she's amazing anyway. She is strong, courageous, stubborn, and honest. When she's wrong, she accepts the consequences, when she's right, she refrains from gloating. Brannan did such an excellent job with her that she fairly jumps off the page. I haven't been so taken with Amy other character in the series and I can't wait to learn more about her in the next book. I also see a lot of her in Caroline, who also is much to be admired. Now, though, I hope she writes something more of Melanie's story.
Yes, she's a fictional character, but she's amazing anyway. She is strong, courageous, stubborn, and honest. When she's wrong, she accepts the consequences, when she's right, she refrains from gloating. Brannan did such an excellent job with her that she fairly jumps off the page. I haven't been so taken with Amy other character in the series and I can't wait to learn more about her in the next book. I also see a lot of her in Caroline, who also is much to be admired. Now, though, I hope she writes something more of Melanie's story.
January 14, 2020
Another brilliant book from Julia Brannan
Harriet's story is captivating from the first chapter. Its a book that is hard to put down and makes you feel like you are standing beside her supporting her every decision. Its another book written by Julia that had me so immersed and invested in its characters that at times I cried. There are very few books that make me cry. Its a positively definitely five star read as are all her other books. Well done Julia.
Harriet's story is captivating from the first chapter. Its a book that is hard to put down and makes you feel like you are standing beside her supporting her every decision. Its another book written by Julia that had me so immersed and invested in its characters that at times I cried. There are very few books that make me cry. Its a positively definitely five star read as are all her other books. Well done Julia.
January 8, 2023
Harriet
Again, Ms Brannan has woven a story that makes me see her characters and their surroundings. I love getting involved in her tales and kept reading wanting to know the next thing to happen but even then I needed more. Julia Brannan writes beautiful prose, so descriptive and engaging. Her research is obvious as is her understanding of the times. I love and hate to finish a book. On to the next one, I’m truly hooked.
Again, Ms Brannan has woven a story that makes me see her characters and their surroundings. I love getting involved in her tales and kept reading wanting to know the next thing to happen but even then I needed more. Julia Brannan writes beautiful prose, so descriptive and engaging. Her research is obvious as is her understanding of the times. I love and hate to finish a book. On to the next one, I’m truly hooked.
January 7, 2020
Another excellent book by Julia Brannan. So glad I found her Mask of Duplicity several years ago. It made me an avid fan. I enjoy reading everyone of her books and was so glad to discover that Harriet's Tale had just been released! I too, like several other reviewers could not put it down. What a wonderful story. I await her next book!!
February 4, 2020
Wonderful tale of the early years of Harriet from the Jacobite Chronicles. She is quite a strong female character and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I cannot wait for the next installment of the series. Harriet is on a par with Sir Anthony now as my favourite character in Julie Brannan's books.
July 31, 2021
I love Harriet
I absolutely loved this book, as I love everything I have read from this author. I can soon relate to Harriet being rather tomboy myself. But the way she was willing to sacrifice her happiness for her family showed her true character. Although her ambitions kinda bit her in the long run. Will definitely read any books that come in this series in the future.
I absolutely loved this book, as I love everything I have read from this author. I can soon relate to Harriet being rather tomboy myself. But the way she was willing to sacrifice her happiness for her family showed her true character. Although her ambitions kinda bit her in the long run. Will definitely read any books that come in this series in the future.
December 21, 2019
This can be read as a background novel to the Jacobite Chronicles, or it is equally enjoyable as a stand alone novel.
This book gives great background to the time of King Charles II and then onwards. Meet Harriet, she's an engaging and unusual character!
This book gives great background to the time of King Charles II and then onwards. Meet Harriet, she's an engaging and unusual character!
January 16, 2020
Excellent addition to the Jacobite Chronicles
Julia does it again. Characters are so well written that they come to life that you laugh and cry with them. Can’t wait for the next book.
Julia does it again. Characters are so well written that they come to life that you laugh and cry with them. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 2, 2020
Excellent
I loved this story. It is so well written. The life of these nobles and peasants are portrayed so well. If you don't conform you are treated horribly. Harriet is a great character and you will cheer her on.
I loved this story. It is so well written. The life of these nobles and peasants are portrayed so well. If you don't conform you are treated horribly. Harriet is a great character and you will cheer her on.
July 9, 2020
Another exceptional story in the Jacobite saga. I loved the character development, the sweet story of love, deceit, family relationships, political posturing, and history all woven together in a beautiful tapestry.
March 15, 2021
Very intriguing
I first met the character of Harriet in this author's other series where she is an elderly woman. The character development in this book to see how she became what she was I have found to be fascinating.
I first met the character of Harriet in this author's other series where she is an elderly woman. The character development in this book to see how she became what she was I have found to be fascinating.
March 19, 2022
A brilliant read
I've read this book several times now. And it never fails to immerse me in its world. I cry at Harriet's sorrow ,wonder at her strength and enjoy all the historical references. I heartily recommend this book and Julia Brannan.
I've read this book several times now. And it never fails to immerse me in its world. I cry at Harriet's sorrow ,wonder at her strength and enjoy all the historical references. I heartily recommend this book and Julia Brannan.
February 18, 2023
Marvelous
Don't judge a book by the picture on its cover, for this story is Brilliantly crafted. I just cannot say enough about the writing, but I can say he story made me cry over the beauty if the love story and love poured out by Julia Brannan.
Don't judge a book by the picture on its cover, for this story is Brilliantly crafted. I just cannot say enough about the writing, but I can say he story made me cry over the beauty if the love story and love poured out by Julia Brannan.
February 21, 2023
Amazing woman with a great story to tell! This Jacobite Chronicles Story is wonderful historical fiction depicting the life of an amazing woman! Throughout the series I often wondered about Harriet and her life. This answered all of those questions, and so much more. It makes me even more thankful for women like that who pushed for women's rights in their way. I know this is fictional, but I can't help but think it fits many women in that time. Like the rest of the series this is beautifully written and performed. Will Watt is a favorite performer who always delivers and Mary Jane Wells was the perfect fit to bring Harriet to life. I love DUET narration as well!
October 25, 2023
3.75 stars. I loved learning about Harriet's early life. I think I would have enjoyed this more had I not accidentally read book 3 first. But I do love the historical detail in these, and just love love love the character of Harriet. She's both madly eccentric, and entirely believable and endearing.
December 30, 2019
Harriet
Another Wonderful story by Julia Brannan! I loved “The Jacobite Chronicles” and knew I would love this book!
Harriet is a very strong, unique woman who lives in a time where women were expected to be obedient and thought to be weak minded.
Another Wonderful story by Julia Brannan! I loved “The Jacobite Chronicles” and knew I would love this book!
Harriet is a very strong, unique woman who lives in a time where women were expected to be obedient and thought to be weak minded.
March 19, 2020
My favorite of all the Jacobite Chronicle books. I never really warmed up that much to the big part of the series, but I love the two follow on books. But I still hate the abrupt endings that Brannan seems to favor
August 3, 2025
I read the other series first, which I’m glad I did. Watching Harriett grow up from a bold, fierce child into what she became today is exhilarating. It’s so easy to fall in love with her character. Love Julia’s books, they are page turners that I just can’t put down!
February 25, 2026
I absolutely LOVED Harriet, she was a woman after my own heart.
A beautifully written and most entertaining tale.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrators were fantastic.
Julia Brannan is my favourite historical author
A beautifully written and most entertaining tale.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrators were fantastic.
Julia Brannan is my favourite historical author
December 26, 2019
A must read
All I can say is fantastic, could not put it down. First book that brought me to tears. Can't wait for the next book to follow.
All I can say is fantastic, could not put it down. First book that brought me to tears. Can't wait for the next book to follow.
January 10, 2020
Well written historical novel. I love this author's books! I will try to patiently wait for the next one.
June 3, 2020
This series was one of the best I've read. The character got under my skin and changed my life forever. Can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews