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An Uncertain Legacy
In 17th century France where women have virtually no rights or legal protection, the Church is all-powerful and determined to root out heresy and witchcraft wherever it can find it.
For one young girl, unwilling to take vows of chastity and obedience, and preparing to leave the Convent of Montmartre, life is about to become doubly dangerous.
1659
Alone at 15 years old, Elisabeth Osborne is beautiful, naive and easy prey as she fancies she can manage on her own in Paris, but a chance meeting with the madam of a gentlemen's club changes her mind. It is here she receives protection, the sort of education not taught in convents and, just as important, the freedom to practise her skill with herbal remedies without fear.
But it isn't only her unusual knowledge of plants and the workings of the body which might land her in danger. In times of stress, she is capable of extraordinary feats which she cannot always control and which she struggles to keep secret. And then there's the recurring vision of a house somewhere - calling to her and soothing her when life becomes too difficult.
Blessed with good looks, education and an aristocratic air, it's not long before Elisabeth is pursued and swept up into high society where she quickly learns that women who wish to be independent need to be clever, for there are few choices open to them in a patriarchal society where the law is very much against them.
Older, wiser and richer, there is still unfinished business for Elisabeth. She doesn't know her mother's English family or who her father is - and she doesn't know why she's able to see and do things others can't. She sets out to find answers, travelling to Brittany and across to England where London is gripped by plague and fire.
But is she prepared for the answers? That’s the question…
For one young girl, unwilling to take vows of chastity and obedience, and preparing to leave the Convent of Montmartre, life is about to become doubly dangerous.
1659
Alone at 15 years old, Elisabeth Osborne is beautiful, naive and easy prey as she fancies she can manage on her own in Paris, but a chance meeting with the madam of a gentlemen's club changes her mind. It is here she receives protection, the sort of education not taught in convents and, just as important, the freedom to practise her skill with herbal remedies without fear.
But it isn't only her unusual knowledge of plants and the workings of the body which might land her in danger. In times of stress, she is capable of extraordinary feats which she cannot always control and which she struggles to keep secret. And then there's the recurring vision of a house somewhere - calling to her and soothing her when life becomes too difficult.
Blessed with good looks, education and an aristocratic air, it's not long before Elisabeth is pursued and swept up into high society where she quickly learns that women who wish to be independent need to be clever, for there are few choices open to them in a patriarchal society where the law is very much against them.
Older, wiser and richer, there is still unfinished business for Elisabeth. She doesn't know her mother's English family or who her father is - and she doesn't know why she's able to see and do things others can't. She sets out to find answers, travelling to Brittany and across to England where London is gripped by plague and fire.
But is she prepared for the answers? That’s the question…
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2020
511 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Susan Greenwood
3 books53 followersSusan Greenwood was born in the North of England but now lives in rural West Sussex, surrounded by stunning scenery and locations which feature in much of her writing.
She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Zoology and, although the natural world is still an important part of her life, it's her long-held love of literature, both reading and writing, that is now her main driving force.
Growing up hearing about Pendle witches and with a fascination for the social history of the 17th century, particularly how this relates to the lives of women, has been the basis for her first two published books and a third which is still in the research phase.
Susan is the author of several short stories and two novels, The House Book, which is set in the beautiful downland surrounding Petworth, and An Uncertain Legacy, set in 17th century France and England.
She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Zoology and, although the natural world is still an important part of her life, it's her long-held love of literature, both reading and writing, that is now her main driving force.
Growing up hearing about Pendle witches and with a fascination for the social history of the 17th century, particularly how this relates to the lives of women, has been the basis for her first two published books and a third which is still in the research phase.
Susan is the author of several short stories and two novels, The House Book, which is set in the beautiful downland surrounding Petworth, and An Uncertain Legacy, set in 17th century France and England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 30, 2021
Most entertaining novel. Elizabeth was an extraordinary woman.
February 20, 2022
Exciting read!!!
This was most interesting in all aspects. Loved the characters and how they played out. Interestingly sound about with many twists and turns not usual to me with this genre of books. Made for a most exciting and refreshing a new experience. The plot was well played out using each character in a most intriguing way as to keep interest in all the twists that came to life as the story went on. I really enjoyed this story and hope to find more of the same flavor in this Author and other books written by her. Love her style of writing. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. Terrific journey reading this one. Pegge
This was most interesting in all aspects. Loved the characters and how they played out. Interestingly sound about with many twists and turns not usual to me with this genre of books. Made for a most exciting and refreshing a new experience. The plot was well played out using each character in a most intriguing way as to keep interest in all the twists that came to life as the story went on. I really enjoyed this story and hope to find more of the same flavor in this Author and other books written by her. Love her style of writing. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. Terrific journey reading this one. Pegge
March 3, 2023
Caught up
I was caught up in this story and the characters. Though a few I didn't like. And I didn't care for some of the sexual content. The story itself was a delightful read. I got so involved in their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. And now can't wait to start the next book.
I was caught up in this story and the characters. Though a few I didn't like. And I didn't care for some of the sexual content. The story itself was a delightful read. I got so involved in their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. And now can't wait to start the next book.
March 18, 2022
Slow read for me. Finally just gave up 3/4th WA through book. Too many restarts.
January 27, 2023
I adored Elizabeth’s story! Fabulous!
August 16, 2021
Good read! Highly recommend!
I was very excited to read this book following the prior title- "The House Book". It didn't let me down. What a page turner. Please don't tell me the end was really , the end. I felt like I jumped off a cliff. More, give me more......what happened to Lizzie and her dreams?, Did Elizabeth marry?, Did she have children?, How about her friend Athra. Don't stop now, I'm hooked, dangling in mid air. Did George finally have children or did the house go to Elizabeth and her children. Lizzie had the same auras, how is she related to Elizabeth. I missed that connection. I would definitely save this and read them both again in the exact order. Nice job, just please give me more...
I was very excited to read this book following the prior title- "The House Book". It didn't let me down. What a page turner. Please don't tell me the end was really , the end. I felt like I jumped off a cliff. More, give me more......what happened to Lizzie and her dreams?, Did Elizabeth marry?, Did she have children?, How about her friend Athra. Don't stop now, I'm hooked, dangling in mid air. Did George finally have children or did the house go to Elizabeth and her children. Lizzie had the same auras, how is she related to Elizabeth. I missed that connection. I would definitely save this and read them both again in the exact order. Nice job, just please give me more...
May 9, 2023
the worst ending ever
This book was fine. I would have given it more stars if the ending wasn’t so terrible. Like the author just gave up. Got tired of writing and just banged out an ending. The epilogue had no connection to the story. I literally thought what the fuck. I see what she was trying to do but it felt so disjointed and too far of a leap forward in time without any real connection to most of the story.
I feel cheated.
This book was fine. I would have given it more stars if the ending wasn’t so terrible. Like the author just gave up. Got tired of writing and just banged out an ending. The epilogue had no connection to the story. I literally thought what the fuck. I see what she was trying to do but it felt so disjointed and too far of a leap forward in time without any real connection to most of the story.
I feel cheated.
February 25, 2022
fascinating read
A wonderful journey through the lives of two women who became friends in unusual circumstances in the 1600’s. Very thought provoking at times with lots of interesting detail around life in both France and England during those times.
Looking forward to starting “the house” now
A wonderful journey through the lives of two women who became friends in unusual circumstances in the 1600’s. Very thought provoking at times with lots of interesting detail around life in both France and England during those times.
Looking forward to starting “the house” now
June 12, 2022
great book
I didn’t know to read this BEFORE the house book!! So I was upset that I read them backwards when I realized it! If you read them in order it’s a wonderful journey, I enjoyed both books immensely.
Fabulous characters, amazing story you can’t put down and great ending. I’d read anything Susan Greenwood would write, what a wonderful author she is.
I didn’t know to read this BEFORE the house book!! So I was upset that I read them backwards when I realized it! If you read them in order it’s a wonderful journey, I enjoyed both books immensely.
Fabulous characters, amazing story you can’t put down and great ending. I’d read anything Susan Greenwood would write, what a wonderful author she is.
February 18, 2023
I loved reading about Elisabeth and her different stages of life. Her character development is beautiful. There are several rather short storylines woven throughout, without a true main thread. Nevertheless I found it so enjoyable reading about the tales of a young girl-to-woman during 17th century France/England!
October 5, 2023
The world of women in England and France
The historical novel gave me a picture of wise women whose knowledge of folk medicine gave real healing to those who needed it. Women who were educated and versed to live beyond the men who only wanted obedient females and failed to see the brilliant minds before them. The three books in the House books are hard to put down when you finish them. I want more Susan Greenwood
The historical novel gave me a picture of wise women whose knowledge of folk medicine gave real healing to those who needed it. Women who were educated and versed to live beyond the men who only wanted obedient females and failed to see the brilliant minds before them. The three books in the House books are hard to put down when you finish them. I want more Susan Greenwood
August 15, 2021
Enthralling
Love historical fiction and this is a fine specimen. Would have enjoyed a larger family tree, but that is the only complaint. Read the House Book first, but enjoyed the writing, story, and period information in this work to a. greater degree.
Love historical fiction and this is a fine specimen. Would have enjoyed a larger family tree, but that is the only complaint. Read the House Book first, but enjoyed the writing, story, and period information in this work to a. greater degree.
April 26, 2022
Lacks an ending
I felt like the author got tired of writing and decided to suddenly stop. The "house" played an integral part of the story but has no substantial purpose at the conclusion. Can't recommend.
I felt like the author got tired of writing and decided to suddenly stop. The "house" played an integral part of the story but has no substantial purpose at the conclusion. Can't recommend.
September 20, 2022
An improvement over The House Book, that was nothing but questions. I don't care for series and reading one backwards did not work well for me, at all, initially, but this part was an improvement. It had great subject matter & a good story line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
lots of interesting characters
The flow of life experienced in this book kept me interested whether I was reading it or just taking a break
The Author describes the surroundings without dwelling on or becoming repitious
The flow of life experienced in this book kept me interested whether I was reading it or just taking a break
The Author describes the surroundings without dwelling on or becoming repitious
April 14, 2023
an uncertain legacy
This was a great read. Easy and fast paced. I really enjoyed the female characters. I read the 2nd book in the series first, as other reviewers had suggested that. Can’t wait to read book 1.
This was a great read. Easy and fast paced. I really enjoyed the female characters. I read the 2nd book in the series first, as other reviewers had suggested that. Can’t wait to read book 1.
November 10, 2023
Amazing story!
I loved this book! It has all the elements of a good read keeping you interested all the way through. From the present to the past back to the present entwining it all to fit together very well.
I loved this book! It has all the elements of a good read keeping you interested all the way through. From the present to the past back to the present entwining it all to fit together very well.
February 18, 2022
Just as charmingly spooky and well written as 'The House Book"
I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth's story. Even liked all of the witch hunting horror for women who used herbal medicine in 17th century. Can't wait until book 3 comes out
I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth's story. Even liked all of the witch hunting horror for women who used herbal medicine in 17th century. Can't wait until book 3 comes out
April 9, 2022
Read this after the sequel so ugh!
November 16, 2022
Very strong female character who turns her life around and settles scores for the wrongs done to those she loves.
January 9, 2023
I love books with witchy little secrets!
This is a great read that spans centuries, accounting the life of a woman with special talents. You won't be sorry you chose this trilogy!
This is a great read that spans centuries, accounting the life of a woman with special talents. You won't be sorry you chose this trilogy!
February 12, 2023
Boring
July 19, 2023
The Legacy
The story was very good. It did answer some of the questions from the first book. I enjoyed it very much.
The story was very good. It did answer some of the questions from the first book. I enjoyed it very much.
September 19, 2023
Very good!
Fast paced and full of all kinds of drama. This book definitely answered questions I had from reading the first one. Onto book #3!
Fast paced and full of all kinds of drama. This book definitely answered questions I had from reading the first one. Onto book #3!
September 20, 2023
Wow a story of a woman who has to fight for her power. Set in France and when witchcraft is feared and it is not okay to be different.
November 16, 2023
Enjoyed this story
December 15, 2023
wow!
What a wonderful story! I loved every minute of it. It’s got some historical references yes, but the story itself is so engaging that I couldn’t put it down.
What a wonderful story! I loved every minute of it. It’s got some historical references yes, but the story itself is so engaging that I couldn’t put it down.
Read
January 15, 20242nd book in series. Good story
May 1, 2024
A good read
I enjoyed the 2nd book as much as the 1st. A very enjoyable read. Sad commentary on the status of women and the fact that marriage was in fact indentureship.
I enjoyed the 2nd book as much as the 1st. A very enjoyable read. Sad commentary on the status of women and the fact that marriage was in fact indentureship.
August 26, 2024
The characters in this book just pull you in. Excellent storytelling. Can’t wait to read on with this trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews