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Oaths of Affection
“Your mother was a whore!”
After her parents' tragic accident; the spirited, principled, and romantic Lady Marigold is plunged into a bleak existence at the hands of her vindictive aunt. Inexplicably, her aunt and uncle seem to oppose any marriage match. Is she doomed to remain her beautiful cousin's companion? And what exactly is up with her uncle's shady, overly familiar lawyer?
The attentions of the gallant Major Arthur Hastings present a ray of hope; rousing her love and desire. Before long Lady Marigold is persuaded that he is the man of her dreams. But as the major is due to leave for India, she dares not trust that his intentions are serious. It will take all of Lady Marigold's courage and wit to challenge convention for the right to choose her own future before there can be a happy ending; fulfilling their oaths of affection.
Set in the gloomy year of 1816, this sultry drama of challenge and change, blends political satire with philosophy and romance, narrated with humour and an appreciation of the ridiculous.
Oaths of Affection is the first of the epic Regency Tales by Swedish writer Maria Yrsa Rönneus. Transporting you across the centuries into a world of love and jealousy, friendship and deceit, the Tales span the years following the horrendous battle of Waterloo against a backdrop of political tensions, societal pressure, and the opulence of the British aristocracy.
After her parents' tragic accident; the spirited, principled, and romantic Lady Marigold is plunged into a bleak existence at the hands of her vindictive aunt. Inexplicably, her aunt and uncle seem to oppose any marriage match. Is she doomed to remain her beautiful cousin's companion? And what exactly is up with her uncle's shady, overly familiar lawyer?
The attentions of the gallant Major Arthur Hastings present a ray of hope; rousing her love and desire. Before long Lady Marigold is persuaded that he is the man of her dreams. But as the major is due to leave for India, she dares not trust that his intentions are serious. It will take all of Lady Marigold's courage and wit to challenge convention for the right to choose her own future before there can be a happy ending; fulfilling their oaths of affection.
Set in the gloomy year of 1816, this sultry drama of challenge and change, blends political satire with philosophy and romance, narrated with humour and an appreciation of the ridiculous.
Oaths of Affection is the first of the epic Regency Tales by Swedish writer Maria Yrsa Rönneus. Transporting you across the centuries into a world of love and jealousy, friendship and deceit, the Tales span the years following the horrendous battle of Waterloo against a backdrop of political tensions, societal pressure, and the opulence of the British aristocracy.
408 pages, ebook
First published December 17, 2019
4 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Maria Yrsa Rönneus
9 books15 followersAuthor of six novels, graphic designer, and artist.
I write historical and contemporary fiction, short stories, and poetry, predominantly in English. A lifelong interest, historical accuracy is critical to me – the plot must work inside the facts. Lucky then, that the vast amount of research that precedes writing a historical novel is absolutely my idea of fun.
As an artist, I work mainly in watercolour, arranging exhibitions and participating in art fairs. As a graphic designer, I make websites and designs for any print media but, as an avid reader myself, book covers are the closest to my heart.
Though starting out with art school, I went on to study film, literature, logic, and philosophy at university. After a kaleidoscopic career, it was chronic illness that forced a plunge into creative professionalism. Being a romantic and terminal optimist with a fervent passion for science and satire, I have an irreverent urge to see the funny in most things. Perhaps then, it is no great surprise that Jane Austen is a favourite author.
Ars Rönnei Media is the label under which I gather words, paint, and pixels. My studio is located in Vittsjö in the south of Sweden. Here, my husband and I are fortunate that the magpies let us use their garden and we grow veg, roses, and dahlias in it.
I write historical and contemporary fiction, short stories, and poetry, predominantly in English. A lifelong interest, historical accuracy is critical to me – the plot must work inside the facts. Lucky then, that the vast amount of research that precedes writing a historical novel is absolutely my idea of fun.
As an artist, I work mainly in watercolour, arranging exhibitions and participating in art fairs. As a graphic designer, I make websites and designs for any print media but, as an avid reader myself, book covers are the closest to my heart.
Though starting out with art school, I went on to study film, literature, logic, and philosophy at university. After a kaleidoscopic career, it was chronic illness that forced a plunge into creative professionalism. Being a romantic and terminal optimist with a fervent passion for science and satire, I have an irreverent urge to see the funny in most things. Perhaps then, it is no great surprise that Jane Austen is a favourite author.
Ars Rönnei Media is the label under which I gather words, paint, and pixels. My studio is located in Vittsjö in the south of Sweden. Here, my husband and I are fortunate that the magpies let us use their garden and we grow veg, roses, and dahlias in it.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2022
It has been my observation that there are two types of historical fiction; the fun factual-freedom-taker, and the detailed and diligently researched; Oaths of Affection manages to joyfully combine the two.
This is a Cinderella story in the time of Austen, as good-natured and strong-willed Lady Marigold is prevented by her aunt (and uncle) from taking the place in society that she deserves. When Major Hastings comes along, he’s quickly charmed and the two determine to pursue their happily-ever-after.
But it’s not all ballgowns and aristocratic witticisms, Oaths of Affection spreads its roots throughout the time period and touches on issues of poverty, politics, colonialism and more. The book combines modern sensibilities and values (in the form of its hero and heroine) and the language and style of a bygone age.
A winding and wonderfully detailed read for those who love the tropes of a modern regency romance and the details of well-research history!
This is a Cinderella story in the time of Austen, as good-natured and strong-willed Lady Marigold is prevented by her aunt (and uncle) from taking the place in society that she deserves. When Major Hastings comes along, he’s quickly charmed and the two determine to pursue their happily-ever-after.
But it’s not all ballgowns and aristocratic witticisms, Oaths of Affection spreads its roots throughout the time period and touches on issues of poverty, politics, colonialism and more. The book combines modern sensibilities and values (in the form of its hero and heroine) and the language and style of a bygone age.
A winding and wonderfully detailed read for those who love the tropes of a modern regency romance and the details of well-research history!
May 28, 2021
I was blown away by this book! A well researched and historically accurate Regency drama is a rare creature indeed these days.
Neither story, nor plot, is original, but the execution certainly is. With amazing attention to detail, this story is sad, funny, quirky, sexy, and romantic.
The author picks up on parallels to our own time and lets the characters voice their opinions on ethical and political issues. It brings history to life and the characters closer to ourselves.
This is a beautiful book! Filled with poetry quotes and vivid descriptions of landscapes and faces. Oh, and there is a dog, a playful and mischievous animal. This book is about love in more ways than merely romantic love; the love of an animal, the love of a sibling, love and empathy with fellow humans, and of course, the love between a reader and a book.
Neither story, nor plot, is original, but the execution certainly is. With amazing attention to detail, this story is sad, funny, quirky, sexy, and romantic.
The author picks up on parallels to our own time and lets the characters voice their opinions on ethical and political issues. It brings history to life and the characters closer to ourselves.
This is a beautiful book! Filled with poetry quotes and vivid descriptions of landscapes and faces. Oh, and there is a dog, a playful and mischievous animal. This book is about love in more ways than merely romantic love; the love of an animal, the love of a sibling, love and empathy with fellow humans, and of course, the love between a reader and a book.
February 21, 2021
Period fiction can be hit and miss but what sets this book, and the others in the series apart, aside from fine writing, is the gentle humour and amount of detail that the author provides to bring the scenes to life. You come away with not just a sense of affection for the characters and their struggles but also a greater appreciation for the period seen through the eyes of those who were going through the social and political upheaval of the time, together with the ongoing backdrop of military campaigns.
In the current global pandemic, many of us turn to reading to take us to another time and place, and you could do no better than join Lady Marigold and Captain Hastings in 1816 for a while!
In the current global pandemic, many of us turn to reading to take us to another time and place, and you could do no better than join Lady Marigold and Captain Hastings in 1816 for a while!
February 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much -so far I have not been disappointed in anything I've read by this author. As someone who loves Regency romances, this author is a real treat to read.
Her characters are fleshed out and full, her heroes dashing but all very different from each other, her heroines genuinely good people it is a pleasure to get to know.
This particular story has tragedy, adventure, intrigue, a most excellent mystery to solve, and a delightful shaggy dog which is very important, of course.
Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the genre, and I think folks who don't usually read Regency romances can find a lot to love in these stories as well.
Her characters are fleshed out and full, her heroes dashing but all very different from each other, her heroines genuinely good people it is a pleasure to get to know.
This particular story has tragedy, adventure, intrigue, a most excellent mystery to solve, and a delightful shaggy dog which is very important, of course.
Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the genre, and I think folks who don't usually read Regency romances can find a lot to love in these stories as well.
December 19, 2019
Only just starting to read, but I've fallen in love with the lush language and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
I'll be back to update this.
I'll be back to update this.
January 26, 2024
This is the second Regency Tale book I've read from the series (I read Offers of Atonement first when it came out, which I also loved). This series really wows me! I've read a lot of Jane Austen and Some of O'Brien's Aubrey-Maturin novels set in the same time period, and Ronneus' novels fit right in! Her prose and dialogue are historically accurate yet so easy to read. The diction is on point, yet the sentences aren't full of rambling clauses like some older books.
Coming back to this set of characters was like sitting down for a chat with old friends. Everything was delightful to read. I cheered for the characters and was so invested in them. The setting is meticulously researched, and it shows. Nothing is anachronistic! The detail is perfect: small and large details that place the scene instantly without long paragraphs of endless description. Everything is succinct yet sumptuous. I loved how the author has footnotes at the end to explain a particular song or reference in the story. This book couldn't be more authentically written!
The plot follows Lady Marigold Brierly, and her situation is one like Cinderella's. However, Lady Marigold is plucky and bold, while still being quite ladylike, and she moves the plot along (unlike in Cinderella when things just happen to go in her favor the entire way). Yes, she has help from her friends - and the dashing Major Hastings - but you get the sense that there is only one way Lady Marigold's story will end up, and she darn will make it happen!
I am already looking forward to reading book 2 of this series. When I was reading this book, I looked forward to returning to it every night, and I'm sure the whole series will be like this.
Coming back to this set of characters was like sitting down for a chat with old friends. Everything was delightful to read. I cheered for the characters and was so invested in them. The setting is meticulously researched, and it shows. Nothing is anachronistic! The detail is perfect: small and large details that place the scene instantly without long paragraphs of endless description. Everything is succinct yet sumptuous. I loved how the author has footnotes at the end to explain a particular song or reference in the story. This book couldn't be more authentically written!
The plot follows Lady Marigold Brierly, and her situation is one like Cinderella's. However, Lady Marigold is plucky and bold, while still being quite ladylike, and she moves the plot along (unlike in Cinderella when things just happen to go in her favor the entire way). Yes, she has help from her friends - and the dashing Major Hastings - but you get the sense that there is only one way Lady Marigold's story will end up, and she darn will make it happen!
I am already looking forward to reading book 2 of this series. When I was reading this book, I looked forward to returning to it every night, and I'm sure the whole series will be like this.
February 18, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, it's a bit like a Cinderella story but Lady Marigold is much stronger and more independent.
I particularly enjoyed the very vivid descriptions, all the way through you felt as though you were there.
It was also very interesting to read about places that are familiar to me, now, how they looked in 1816.
The side characters are brilliant, the mean aunt, the creepy solicitor, not to mention the awesome Swedish sea captain. And of course Nelson, which is a huge flea-riddled mutt that the posh Lady rescues.
It's all heart and warmth and ends as a Cinderella story – with the reader feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
I particularly enjoyed the very vivid descriptions, all the way through you felt as though you were there.
It was also very interesting to read about places that are familiar to me, now, how they looked in 1816.
The side characters are brilliant, the mean aunt, the creepy solicitor, not to mention the awesome Swedish sea captain. And of course Nelson, which is a huge flea-riddled mutt that the posh Lady rescues.
It's all heart and warmth and ends as a Cinderella story – with the reader feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
June 22, 2022
The Red Head Notes, a book blog I follow, read and reviewed this book and it looked interesting! I completely agree with her that it fits the same category as Bridgerton. Her work also fits into the social commentary of Austen & humor that reminds me of Wilde, at times.
Ronneus has given readers a heroine you can love, enjoy, and root for, the best of friends, a love interest who is charming, and villians you'll love to hate.
In particular, this author excels at tackling history, as well as the trauma the characters have gone through. I also appreciated the notes and the family trees in the back.
It was a fun read!
Ronneus has given readers a heroine you can love, enjoy, and root for, the best of friends, a love interest who is charming, and villians you'll love to hate.
In particular, this author excels at tackling history, as well as the trauma the characters have gone through. I also appreciated the notes and the family trees in the back.
It was a fun read!
January 8, 2022
At a first look this appears to be your stereotypical jane Austen type read. However you would be wrong. Strong female characters take the lead here and I loved Lady Marigold.
Some wonderful scenes and very entertaining.
Did find some of the language an unusual choice at times, but overlooked this due to the lovely poetry quotes and great descriptions.
Very well researched and felt immersed in this world.
Some wonderful scenes and very entertaining.
Did find some of the language an unusual choice at times, but overlooked this due to the lovely poetry quotes and great descriptions.
Very well researched and felt immersed in this world.
May 4, 2022
If you crave a love story set in 19th century England, then Oaths of Affection is sure to satisfy! Rönneus crafts a lovely story surrounding Lady Marigold and Major Arthur Hastings and the highs and lows of their courtship. She offers the reader entertaining dialogue that keeps the story moving at a steady pace and it is peppered with just the right amount of romance and intimacy. And I can’t forget to mention the cover, which is beautiful and creative!
Rönneus is a talented writer and when the reader realizes that she writes in her second language, this skill is even more admirable. What impressed me the most was her dialogue, which is often clever, playful, and humorous, yet always era-appropriate. The interactions between Marigold and Arthur are flirtatious, teasing, and even provocative allowing the reader to feel the sexual tension between the two. But don’t be fooled! Rönneus also tackles more serious matters as she discusses politics and issues of the day such as the responsibility of the ruling class in England toward those in less fortunate circumstances.
While the romance between Marigold and Arthur takes center stage, it is all relayed within the context of a historically accurate book with substance. Yes, there are steamy sex scenes, but they do not overpower the story in any way. Other topics are highlighted such as the role women played in society, which I quite enjoyed. Readers are presented with strong, resourceful women who refuse to be treated like nothing more than pretty faces. These women are contrasted with others who allow the men in their lives to make all the decisions and treat them as nothing more than pawns used to allow certain individuals and families to rise in the ranks of upper-class society.
Overall, Rönneus presents readers with a well-thought-out and researched story to cozy up to and I look forward to continuing to follow this delightful couple and others in the next three books of her Regency Tales series.
Rönneus is a talented writer and when the reader realizes that she writes in her second language, this skill is even more admirable. What impressed me the most was her dialogue, which is often clever, playful, and humorous, yet always era-appropriate. The interactions between Marigold and Arthur are flirtatious, teasing, and even provocative allowing the reader to feel the sexual tension between the two. But don’t be fooled! Rönneus also tackles more serious matters as she discusses politics and issues of the day such as the responsibility of the ruling class in England toward those in less fortunate circumstances.
While the romance between Marigold and Arthur takes center stage, it is all relayed within the context of a historically accurate book with substance. Yes, there are steamy sex scenes, but they do not overpower the story in any way. Other topics are highlighted such as the role women played in society, which I quite enjoyed. Readers are presented with strong, resourceful women who refuse to be treated like nothing more than pretty faces. These women are contrasted with others who allow the men in their lives to make all the decisions and treat them as nothing more than pawns used to allow certain individuals and families to rise in the ranks of upper-class society.
Overall, Rönneus presents readers with a well-thought-out and researched story to cozy up to and I look forward to continuing to follow this delightful couple and others in the next three books of her Regency Tales series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews