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The Honey and the Sting
Three sisters.
Three secrets.
Three ways to fall . . .
England, 1628.
Forcibly seduced by the powerful George Villiers, doctor's daughter Hester is cast aside to raise her son alone and in secret. She hopes never to see Villiers again.
Melis's visions cause disquiet and talk. She sees what other's can't - and what has yet to be. She'd be denounced as a witch if Hester wasn't so carefully protective.
Young Hope's beauty marks her out, drawing unwelcome attention to the family. Yet she cannot always resist others' advances. And her sisters cannot always be on their guard.
When Villiers decides to claim his son against Hester's wishes, the sisters find themselves almost friendless and at his mercy. But the women hold a grave secret. The question is, will what they know be their undoing or their salvation?
Because in the right hands, a secret is the deadliest weapon of all...
Three secrets.
Three ways to fall . . .
England, 1628.
Forcibly seduced by the powerful George Villiers, doctor's daughter Hester is cast aside to raise her son alone and in secret. She hopes never to see Villiers again.
Melis's visions cause disquiet and talk. She sees what other's can't - and what has yet to be. She'd be denounced as a witch if Hester wasn't so carefully protective.
Young Hope's beauty marks her out, drawing unwelcome attention to the family. Yet she cannot always resist others' advances. And her sisters cannot always be on their guard.
When Villiers decides to claim his son against Hester's wishes, the sisters find themselves almost friendless and at his mercy. But the women hold a grave secret. The question is, will what they know be their undoing or their salvation?
Because in the right hands, a secret is the deadliest weapon of all...
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2020
56 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Fremantle
11 books563 followersElizabeth Fremantle is the critically acclaimed author of Tudor and Elizabethan set novels: Queen's Gambit, Sisters of Treason, Watch the Lady and Times Books of the Year: The Girl in the Glass Tower and The Poison Bed, a historical thriller written under the name EC Fremantle described as 'a Jacobean Gone Girl.'
Her latest novel is The Honey and the Sting, published August 6th 2020 as EC Fremantle
She lives in London
Her latest novel is The Honey and the Sting, published August 6th 2020 as EC Fremantle
She lives in London
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 29, 2021
Set in the 17th century, EC Fremantle imagines this suspenseful and tense mystery with this blend of fact and fiction, featuring the real life George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, a royal favourite, but by this stage an unpopular figure in England. For those who have studied the details of this period of history, they will likely be familiar with his fate, so parts of where the novel can be heading will be forseen. Villiers is clearly the baddie, a man who raped Hester, who goes on to give birth to a son, Rafe, whom she raises and is protective of. She is one of three sisters with strong bonds with each other, Melis with her connection with bees, and the remarkable ability to see into the future with her visions, visions that leave her open to the dangers of being denounced as a witch, and as such must be protected. Young Hope is so beautiful that she attracts unwanted attention to the family, and unsuitable men that she is not always capable of resisting.
Villiers has decided that he wishes to reclaim his illegitimate son, Rafe, and there is no way that Hester, with her secrets, will acquiesce to this demand. There is nothing she will not do to keep Rafe safe as she and her sisters plan a escape to a sanctuary provided by family connections. However, Villiers is an extremely powerful man, and he puts a trusted man in charge of finding them and taking care of 'business'. It has to be said that the sisters make a set of poor decisions and have a penchant for trusting too easily in this intriguing and compelling story. Will they be able to survive? This is entertaining historical fiction with twists, of sisters, being a mother, secrets, the precarious position of women in this time period, and the social norms, attitudes and expectations they faced.
This will appeal to those interested in this historical period and enjoy their suspense. Many thanks to the publisher for the novel.
Villiers has decided that he wishes to reclaim his illegitimate son, Rafe, and there is no way that Hester, with her secrets, will acquiesce to this demand. There is nothing she will not do to keep Rafe safe as she and her sisters plan a escape to a sanctuary provided by family connections. However, Villiers is an extremely powerful man, and he puts a trusted man in charge of finding them and taking care of 'business'. It has to be said that the sisters make a set of poor decisions and have a penchant for trusting too easily in this intriguing and compelling story. Will they be able to survive? This is entertaining historical fiction with twists, of sisters, being a mother, secrets, the precarious position of women in this time period, and the social norms, attitudes and expectations they faced.
This will appeal to those interested in this historical period and enjoy their suspense. Many thanks to the publisher for the novel.
August 5, 2020
When George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, tries to claim his illegitimate son Rafe from Hester, the young woman he seduced, she and her younger sisters, Hope and Melis, are forced to flee their home and seek safety in a remote house in Shropshire owned by a loyal family friend. It has to be said the group make rather poor fugitives, risking discovery on their journey by discarding their disguises, drawing unnecessary attention to themselves and through Hope’s dangerous naivety.
The story is told in the first person by Hester and in the third person from the point of view of Hope. The thoughts of Melis and the nature of her strange visions and glimpses of the future, remain unknown to the reader making her all the more enigmatic a character. Her affinity with bees and her keen sense of the presence of danger her sisters would do well to heed.
It becomes clear that Hester has underestimated George Villiers’ determination to possess whatever he desires or the lengths to which he will go to remove the hold she has over him, a secret which could bring about his downfall. When the name of the individual he engages to remove the threat the sisters pose is revealed, those with any knowledge of the history of the period are likely to be as intrigued as me. From this point on, the way the author blends fiction with fact is imaginative and completely compelling.
As the reader discovers, there are more ways to defeat an enemy than may be supposed. “The bees know it – honey and sting – sweetness and sharpness. That is what you need.”
The Honey and the Sting is the third book I’ve read by Elizabeth Fremantle. Although not quite my favourite (that accolade would go to The Poison Bed), it is still an absorbing story that demonstrates the power of maternal love and women’s ability to determine their own futures, with just a touch of the supernatural.
The story is told in the first person by Hester and in the third person from the point of view of Hope. The thoughts of Melis and the nature of her strange visions and glimpses of the future, remain unknown to the reader making her all the more enigmatic a character. Her affinity with bees and her keen sense of the presence of danger her sisters would do well to heed.
It becomes clear that Hester has underestimated George Villiers’ determination to possess whatever he desires or the lengths to which he will go to remove the hold she has over him, a secret which could bring about his downfall. When the name of the individual he engages to remove the threat the sisters pose is revealed, those with any knowledge of the history of the period are likely to be as intrigued as me. From this point on, the way the author blends fiction with fact is imaginative and completely compelling.
As the reader discovers, there are more ways to defeat an enemy than may be supposed. “The bees know it – honey and sting – sweetness and sharpness. That is what you need.”
The Honey and the Sting is the third book I’ve read by Elizabeth Fremantle. Although not quite my favourite (that accolade would go to The Poison Bed), it is still an absorbing story that demonstrates the power of maternal love and women’s ability to determine their own futures, with just a touch of the supernatural.
June 1, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this Arc!
This was an enjoyable historical fiction of which a very good portion honestly made me extremely uncomfortable, but not in a bad way.
The story follows Melis, Hester, and Hope - three sisters who live a simple life together in England, 1628. Hester also has a son, Rafe, who is the product of rape by George Villiers, a powerful Duke. Villiers suddenly shows an interest in his son, and makes it clear that he will take Rafe from the sisters by force if necessary. Hester of course will do anything to keep her son from his slimy grasp, and runs with her sisters and her son to an isolated house in the countryside to hide. Villiers catches wind of this and sends his most trusted man, Felton, to "arrange an accident" for the women and bring his son to him.
The story is pretty fun and the pace is really snappy - it doesn't take long for the women to arrive at the house and for Felton to get after them. The cat and mouse chase between the characters is a lot of fun, and the tension and atmosphere is heightened by some creepy additions - Melis occasionally has frightening visions of the future, and often becomes terrified by what she considers to be an evil spirit inhabiting the house.
Fremantle is excellent at maintaining this tension all the way through the book. The characters suffer so many close calls throughout the story that if I was in the habit of biting nails, I'm honestly not sure I'd have any left. However, I felt that the drama and creepy tension of the book was easily its strongest element. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable or compelling, and I found both Hester's and Felton's development to be a little unbelievable. By the end, I was glad to catch my breath from having held it so often but felt pretty unmoved on the whole.
This was an enjoyable historical fiction of which a very good portion honestly made me extremely uncomfortable, but not in a bad way.
The story follows Melis, Hester, and Hope - three sisters who live a simple life together in England, 1628. Hester also has a son, Rafe, who is the product of rape by George Villiers, a powerful Duke. Villiers suddenly shows an interest in his son, and makes it clear that he will take Rafe from the sisters by force if necessary. Hester of course will do anything to keep her son from his slimy grasp, and runs with her sisters and her son to an isolated house in the countryside to hide. Villiers catches wind of this and sends his most trusted man, Felton, to "arrange an accident" for the women and bring his son to him.
The story is pretty fun and the pace is really snappy - it doesn't take long for the women to arrive at the house and for Felton to get after them. The cat and mouse chase between the characters is a lot of fun, and the tension and atmosphere is heightened by some creepy additions - Melis occasionally has frightening visions of the future, and often becomes terrified by what she considers to be an evil spirit inhabiting the house.
Fremantle is excellent at maintaining this tension all the way through the book. The characters suffer so many close calls throughout the story that if I was in the habit of biting nails, I'm honestly not sure I'd have any left. However, I felt that the drama and creepy tension of the book was easily its strongest element. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable or compelling, and I found both Hester's and Felton's development to be a little unbelievable. By the end, I was glad to catch my breath from having held it so often but felt pretty unmoved on the whole.
August 1, 2020
The Honey and the Sting takes us back to a time when to be an independent woman was treated with suspicion and to have three single women living together without the protection of a man was nothing short of scandalous. For sisters, Hester, Melis and Hope, surviving against the odds is what keeps them going, that and protecting Hester's illegitimate son, Rafe, from the clutches of his scheming father. Forced to flee their family home, and the small circle of friends who support them, the sisters have no choice but to take Rafe far way from his father. A father who is powerful and who has both the guile and the means to track the family down. What then follows is a fascinating historical drama which has danger, intrigue and the shadowy darkness which comes from living a life in fear of being discovered. When Rafe's father sends a formidable adversary to find the women the story takes on an altogether more sinister atmosphere.
I've really enjoyed spending time with the sisters, they're an interesting bunch to be sure. Hester is the family matriarch who wants to keep them all safe, Melis is the ethereal one, given over to visions of the future and, if this was discovered, she would be denounced as witch. The youngest of the three is Hope, the beautiful one with an allure which attracts her to the wrong type of men.
The Honey and the Sting is an interesting historical mystery and I have enjoyed placing myself in the early part of the seventeenth century. I liked being back in the time of James I, and more particularly discovering more about George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who I always had in mind as the quintessential villain. I wasn't disappointed in the way he is portrayed in this story.
The Honey and the Sting is a well written historical adventure. The author captures the mood of the time very well and intertwining this drama with what is known about Villiers gives the story a dangerous edginess. I've now read several of this talented author's historical novels and I am always impressed by the way she brings history alive in the imagination.
I've really enjoyed spending time with the sisters, they're an interesting bunch to be sure. Hester is the family matriarch who wants to keep them all safe, Melis is the ethereal one, given over to visions of the future and, if this was discovered, she would be denounced as witch. The youngest of the three is Hope, the beautiful one with an allure which attracts her to the wrong type of men.
The Honey and the Sting is an interesting historical mystery and I have enjoyed placing myself in the early part of the seventeenth century. I liked being back in the time of James I, and more particularly discovering more about George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who I always had in mind as the quintessential villain. I wasn't disappointed in the way he is portrayed in this story.
The Honey and the Sting is a well written historical adventure. The author captures the mood of the time very well and intertwining this drama with what is known about Villiers gives the story a dangerous edginess. I've now read several of this talented author's historical novels and I am always impressed by the way she brings history alive in the imagination.
June 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book as I found it to be an engrossing story that is different and very well written. The women characters are convincing as is their situation when living during the time of the Stewarts. When one sister is threatened by a powerful peer of the realm, all they can do is flee but although they have a kind benefactor all their plans miscarry. In the end they have to rely on themselves and discover their own strengths and capabilities to thwart their antagonist and his henchmen. The eldest sister, Hester, who is the principal figure, by chance finds an ingenious way out of their predicament and becomes a force to be reckoned with. Although the death at the end is historical true the story leading up to it isn't but this doesn't deter from the fact that it is a well thought out plot that makes it a worth while read.
July 25, 2020
Forcibly seduced by the powerful George Villiers, doctors daughter Hester is cast aside to raise their son alone and in secret, hoping to never see Villiers again.
Melis’s visions cause discomfort and hushed gossip. She sees what others cannot, and what is yet to be. She would be an outcast if not for Hester.
Young Hope is beautiful which brings unwanted attention, but try as she might, she cannot resist certain people’s advances.
This epic story sees you follow the three sisters after the untimely passing of a loved one leads them to a life of mostly quiet solitude on their small plot of land, selling fresh produce and taking in mending and sowing, as Hester raises her son Rafe with the help of Hope and Melis.
However, one day, a ghost from Hesters past comes back and delivers her with an ultimatum: Villiers wants what is his...
Threatened with this possibility, the sisters turn to a trusted family friend for help and flee to a run down house to hide.
However, when somebody who claims to be their protector arrives, events start to unfold which will see all three sisters taken to the very edge of reason and desperation as they must work together and keep themselves safe, but with Melis’s visions becoming increasingly disturbing, will they succeed or will Villiers get his wish?🐝
The house seems alive, seemingly moving objects, there’s a low hum that can be heard in certain rooms, and a mysterious liquid starts to decend from the ceiling... what could be going on in this house?
Will George track down the sisters and take back what he demands, or will Hester, Melis and Hope be able to outwit Villiers himself....
The author has created something truly special with a story that will leave both its sweet taste, and bitter sting with a honeycomb heart full of twists and turns, revelations, deceit and loss.
🍯This is a novel that deliciously drips gothic elegance through and through🍯
Melis’s visions cause discomfort and hushed gossip. She sees what others cannot, and what is yet to be. She would be an outcast if not for Hester.
Young Hope is beautiful which brings unwanted attention, but try as she might, she cannot resist certain people’s advances.
This epic story sees you follow the three sisters after the untimely passing of a loved one leads them to a life of mostly quiet solitude on their small plot of land, selling fresh produce and taking in mending and sowing, as Hester raises her son Rafe with the help of Hope and Melis.
However, one day, a ghost from Hesters past comes back and delivers her with an ultimatum: Villiers wants what is his...
Threatened with this possibility, the sisters turn to a trusted family friend for help and flee to a run down house to hide.
However, when somebody who claims to be their protector arrives, events start to unfold which will see all three sisters taken to the very edge of reason and desperation as they must work together and keep themselves safe, but with Melis’s visions becoming increasingly disturbing, will they succeed or will Villiers get his wish?🐝
The house seems alive, seemingly moving objects, there’s a low hum that can be heard in certain rooms, and a mysterious liquid starts to decend from the ceiling... what could be going on in this house?
Will George track down the sisters and take back what he demands, or will Hester, Melis and Hope be able to outwit Villiers himself....
The author has created something truly special with a story that will leave both its sweet taste, and bitter sting with a honeycomb heart full of twists and turns, revelations, deceit and loss.
🍯This is a novel that deliciously drips gothic elegance through and through🍯
August 11, 2020
I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful and although I read it in ebook form, I think it's definitely worth picking up a physical copy. The cover may be fantastic but it's nothing compared to the story within which completely blew me away. I have read and enjoyed an E C Fremantle book before but The Honey and the Sting is nothing short of exceptional. This is historical fiction at its finest.
I didn't realise how much of real history was included in the story until I started googling, as I often do when a story grips me so much that I have to find out more. The Duke of Buckingham is often cast as a baddie due to their closeness to the crown and their addiction to power. The 1st Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, is one of the main characters in the book and what a vile character he is. After impregnating Hester and casting her out of his household, he turns up eight years later demanding his son but he leaves empty handed when Hester reveals that she has a secret that would take Villiers down. Knowing she only has a temporary reprieve, Hester has no alternative but to leave her home and go into hiding with her two sisters and her son, but the Duke of Buckingham's reach is vast and Hester doesn't know who she can trust.
I loved the relationship and the unbreakable bond between the three sisters: Hester, Melis and Hope. Melis has an affinity for bees and she tells Hester about the honey and the sting, how something can be both sweet and sharp or good and bad. Melis also has the gift of foresight but this is often taken with a pinch of salt, until several of her predictions come true. Hester hopes that they can remain hidden from the Duke long enough for the predicted event to happen, but she doesn't know that there is a wasp in their nest.
Set in the 17th Century, The Honey and the Sting may be historical fiction but it reads like a modern day thriller. It's fast-paced, gripping and intriguing which I find is quite unusual for historical fiction. The real characters and historical facts are seamlessly woven into the story with enough intrigue to warrant further research; I certainly know a lot more about George Villiers now.
With clever plotting and sublime writing, The Honey and the Sting is an exceptional book and E C Fremantle deserves a virtual round of applause. Without doubt a 5 star rating for this very highly recommended book.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I didn't realise how much of real history was included in the story until I started googling, as I often do when a story grips me so much that I have to find out more. The Duke of Buckingham is often cast as a baddie due to their closeness to the crown and their addiction to power. The 1st Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, is one of the main characters in the book and what a vile character he is. After impregnating Hester and casting her out of his household, he turns up eight years later demanding his son but he leaves empty handed when Hester reveals that she has a secret that would take Villiers down. Knowing she only has a temporary reprieve, Hester has no alternative but to leave her home and go into hiding with her two sisters and her son, but the Duke of Buckingham's reach is vast and Hester doesn't know who she can trust.
I loved the relationship and the unbreakable bond between the three sisters: Hester, Melis and Hope. Melis has an affinity for bees and she tells Hester about the honey and the sting, how something can be both sweet and sharp or good and bad. Melis also has the gift of foresight but this is often taken with a pinch of salt, until several of her predictions come true. Hester hopes that they can remain hidden from the Duke long enough for the predicted event to happen, but she doesn't know that there is a wasp in their nest.
Set in the 17th Century, The Honey and the Sting may be historical fiction but it reads like a modern day thriller. It's fast-paced, gripping and intriguing which I find is quite unusual for historical fiction. The real characters and historical facts are seamlessly woven into the story with enough intrigue to warrant further research; I certainly know a lot more about George Villiers now.
With clever plotting and sublime writing, The Honey and the Sting is an exceptional book and E C Fremantle deserves a virtual round of applause. Without doubt a 5 star rating for this very highly recommended book.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 2, 2020
2.5/5
This just wasn’t for me. Generally I like historical fiction but this was a little too much a combination of several other historical fiction books I’ve read in the past. The characters make a lot of bad decisions that just don’t make sense in terms of their supposed personalities, which meant I wasn’t entirely interested. I loved Melis and I hoped they’d explore her character in more depth. I was also thrown by the fact that they chose to write everyone except Hester in third person. Hester’s first person narrative felt so out of place and made the reading experience really jarring for me.
Thank you to Netgalley, Elizabeth Fremantle, and Michael Joseph for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Trigger Warnings: rape, suicide, murder, arson, attempted kidnap.
This just wasn’t for me. Generally I like historical fiction but this was a little too much a combination of several other historical fiction books I’ve read in the past. The characters make a lot of bad decisions that just don’t make sense in terms of their supposed personalities, which meant I wasn’t entirely interested. I loved Melis and I hoped they’d explore her character in more depth. I was also thrown by the fact that they chose to write everyone except Hester in third person. Hester’s first person narrative felt so out of place and made the reading experience really jarring for me.
Thank you to Netgalley, Elizabeth Fremantle, and Michael Joseph for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Trigger Warnings: rape, suicide, murder, arson, attempted kidnap.
August 3, 2020
From the opening chapter and onwards, there is an uneasy sense of the supernatural and suspense that lingers throughout The Honey and the Sting. I can't recall reading anything quite like it as I don't often dip into historical fiction, so this was a welcome change. Gripping and at times extremely raw, this was a great read.
The unending and relentless pursuit of the sisters, and the peril they find themselves in was captivating. You are constantly on edge whilst waiting to see if the fox living amongst them will cause manage to cause them harm. The sisters themselves were all unique characters, each strong in their own different ways. I particularly liked Melis who was intriguing due to her visions and a strong connection to the natural world. I loved the inclusion of bees, and her affinity with them.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the novel was the reimagining of George Villiers' story. He truly is the terrible villain of the tale, and was wicked through and through. The characterisation of his murderer was also interesting, and I liked the imagined story that went along with that. If you know the history behind the two, it does sort of give the end of the novel away, but the journey to arrive there is intriguing none the less.
There is no doubt that this is beautifully written, it sucks you in and creates a level of intrigue that is often hard to achieve using just the written word. A movie can use noise, visuals and creepy music to drive up tension levels, yet Fremantle achieves that same spine tingling edginess here with her writing alone. This continues until the very last sentence, which left me shuddering!
Well worth a read for anyone that enjoys a thriller or wants to try something different. I'd give it 3.5 stars.
*** Thank you to the publisher for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. ***
The unending and relentless pursuit of the sisters, and the peril they find themselves in was captivating. You are constantly on edge whilst waiting to see if the fox living amongst them will cause manage to cause them harm. The sisters themselves were all unique characters, each strong in their own different ways. I particularly liked Melis who was intriguing due to her visions and a strong connection to the natural world. I loved the inclusion of bees, and her affinity with them.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the novel was the reimagining of George Villiers' story. He truly is the terrible villain of the tale, and was wicked through and through. The characterisation of his murderer was also interesting, and I liked the imagined story that went along with that. If you know the history behind the two, it does sort of give the end of the novel away, but the journey to arrive there is intriguing none the less.
There is no doubt that this is beautifully written, it sucks you in and creates a level of intrigue that is often hard to achieve using just the written word. A movie can use noise, visuals and creepy music to drive up tension levels, yet Fremantle achieves that same spine tingling edginess here with her writing alone. This continues until the very last sentence, which left me shuddering!
Well worth a read for anyone that enjoys a thriller or wants to try something different. I'd give it 3.5 stars.
*** Thank you to the publisher for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. ***
August 11, 2020
EC Fremantle is a wonderful writer, especially about women of the past, and this is another fine novel. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
July 15, 2021
what a god-friggin'-awful book. every character was fucking USELESS. allllll of the female characters were written like they did not have two brain cells to rub together, and the son was so unlikable (for no real reason, they kept saying he'd 'been through so much'........ but he really fucking hadn't?) that i could not give two shits about any of them. i am not kidding: it took two days for hester to come up with the plan: the unread letter i found in the assassin's mother's will............ i'm gonna suggest he read it. that was it, that was the WHOLE PLAN, and it took her TWO. FUCKING. DAYS. to come up with it. (you didn't even need the lie of melis' 'prediction,' and even if i grant that you did, WHICH YOU ABSOLUTELY DID NOT, how did it take you FORTY-EIGHT HOURS TO COME UP WITH A FUCKING SENTENCE???) and then it was treated like it was the most brilliant manipulation in all the world and hester was a completely changed, dark-blot-on-her-soul woman now because she SUGGESTED A MAN READ A LETTER HE ALREADY WAS IN POSSESSION OF. melis SAW THE FUCKING FUTURE, and you know how effective that was?????? if you guessed nOT AT ALL and she did nOTHING EFFECTIVE WITH IT except wander around in a persistent state of 'the vapors' you'd be fucking right. and hope? hOPE GOT SEDUCED BY TWO DIFFERENT MEN USING THE SAME PLAN - WHICH WAS ESSENTIALLY: TRICK THE IDIOT - and it worked, BOTH. TIMES. the fact that she was slapped together with the only other female character her age and not related to her honestly felt more like 'you have to be a lesbian, because you're a fucking idiot' than that hope actually had any interest in her. what in the actual fuck was this terrible, godawful book and how dare you pretend it was a feminist story when it could not have been more of an insult to women, oh my fucking god.
August 5, 2022
Beginning of the book was really confusing to get into
Then it started to get interesting, finally
But then that child, raph, was being a little shit
Also the women were all dumb, but I'm happy that those 2 girls ended up together at the end that was cute
Felton was cool
George was an ass
Raph was an ass and an annoying child the whole book through
I cannot express how much I hated that kid
Then it started to get interesting, finally
But then that child, raph, was being a little shit
Also the women were all dumb, but I'm happy that those 2 girls ended up together at the end that was cute
Felton was cool
George was an ass
Raph was an ass and an annoying child the whole book through
I cannot express how much I hated that kid
January 1, 2025
Firstly, the cover is dreamy, and that's nearly always my reason for selecting any particular library book 😆 The female main characters *are* a little annoying, and the change between 1st and 3rd person was slightly jarring BUT I've decided to change my system this year to pure feelings upon reading and not adjust my rating according to my (or other's) criticisms. It kept me interested the whole way through, and I love a little gothic fiction mixed in with my historical fiction, so it was five star for me and the second book I've read recently by E. Fremantle. Will definitely be reading more of her work.
If you liked The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell, you would like this one.
If you liked The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell, you would like this one.
July 6, 2024
The author writes beautifully, building atmosphere while taking the reader into the complexities of the plot.
The plot….Ive read a few books recently with a similar characters in similar situations. Evil men mistreating oh so virtuous women. Nope. I’m feeling defensive of these poor guys. They’re getting a bad rap.
The plot….Ive read a few books recently with a similar characters in similar situations. Evil men mistreating oh so virtuous women. Nope. I’m feeling defensive of these poor guys. They’re getting a bad rap.
July 20, 2025
dull beyond fucking belief and i would NOT go to all that trouble for that shithead little kid. but oh felton my beloved martyr you were caught in the crossfire of it all with no one to pull you out of the flames. i know you could've been good and i'll think of you often
August 22, 2021
DNF somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 way cause nothing has happened.
January 27, 2024
Finished The Honey And The Sting by Elizabeth Fremantle, and wow, it's a real gem! 📚💖
The cover is beautiful, caught my eye right away. The story is super intense and had me hooked from the start. Hester's strength is impressive, and Melis' supernatural touch adds a cool twist. 🔮🧚♀️
The three sisters and their secrets? Intriguing stuff. George Villiers is a proper villain, so frustrating!
The plot's like a rollercoaster, full of surprises. The historical details are spot on, felt like I was in 1628. 🏰✨
The ending? Mind blown!
If you're into historical drama with a touch of magic, this book is a must read.
I highly recommend this book.
The cover is beautiful, caught my eye right away. The story is super intense and had me hooked from the start. Hester's strength is impressive, and Melis' supernatural touch adds a cool twist. 🔮🧚♀️
The three sisters and their secrets? Intriguing stuff. George Villiers is a proper villain, so frustrating!
The plot's like a rollercoaster, full of surprises. The historical details are spot on, felt like I was in 1628. 🏰✨
The ending? Mind blown!
If you're into historical drama with a touch of magic, this book is a must read.
I highly recommend this book.
April 22, 2022
Wonderful Read Indeed! I have found another author I will love to read. Thank you WinterMoon Books for your referral!
August 24, 2025
Great story Telling by a very talented author....bringing 17th century history to life with a Gothic tale of retribution and revenge.
highly recommended.
highly recommended.
June 12, 2022
This is my first adventure with Fremantle and I'm happy to read other of his works when I come across them! I love historical fiction, especially when the author is so talented as Fremantle of recreating the world from gone day days and weaving an excellent tale of human relationships, supernatural and suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eACR of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eACR of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2020
I must admit that deciding on my rating for this book has been tricky. I’ve been floundering between a three- and four-star rating and in the world of decimal points, I could easily land on a 3.5. For the sake of clarity, and my Goodreads, I’ve settled on three stars. I will clarify, due to the negative perception of three-star ratings, that in my rating system this is a book I liked. The deciding factor was the stark divide between my enjoyment of what was on the page and my realisation of certain character inconsistencies in development and motivations. I’m going to lead with the positives, however, many of my critiques are entwined so my usual division isn’t always possible.
Hester quickly became my favourite character and remained so throughout the book. I’m so glad that we got to read from her first-person perspective, which was not afforded to the chapters focusing on Hope or Felton, as the reader is given an insight into her protective instincts, quick thinking and it eventually demonstrates her wit and persuasion. She embodies the titular honey and sting and I’ve got to say that I wasn’t quite expecting Fremantle’s exact execution of these traits, but I enjoyed it. I also loved Fremantle’s combination of a traditional historical fiction plot, as Hester protects her son from the clutches of his all-powerful courtier father and creepier elements as emphasised through Melis’s visions and objects mysteriously moving throughout their safe house.
Whereas I would have liked a bit more discussion of Melis’s visions, more specifically the external opinions of her which lead to Hester’s protective nature, I was glad to see that we did get some visions which were open for interpretation from Hester alongside more specified ones. Hester’s son Rafe becomes more and more intriguing with every page. Further concrete investigations into Rafe’s actions, considering everything this small boy endures, would have been interesting, but the final lines of the book left me with chills, and I wouldn’t want to change them for anything.
Fans of Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers will also be familiar with Lieutenant Felton alongside the historical facts which can be read about both Felton and George Villiers. Felton specifically, but also including George Villiers, demonstrate the correlation of excellent historical research and sparkling originality to create characters for historical fiction. This book certainly does show how well the two can blend. George Villiers is quite a distant antagonist, so I lot of the pressure to create conflict and tension falls to Felton and his complexities which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring, especially relating to his twin sister.
“[With] some creepy elements and very chilling final lines which had me wishing for a second book following Rafe and you’ll find a historical fiction for both readers looking to break into the genre and experienced readers”.
However, I did find myself becoming distracted as George’s absence throughout the narrative, and his unclear motivations for specifically wanting Rafe dissolved the tension of the women going into hiding quite early on. It is quite clearly stated that George Villiers has a legitimate son with his wife however George never answers Hester’s specific inquiry into his intentions. I’ve read a lot of Tudor, Plantagenet and Stuart historical fiction, and correlating factual documentaries, so I am well aware that an illegitimate boy is simultaneously a constant danger to his father and the legitimate son, by claiming inheritance through combat once he’s grown, and in danger, as many people will see him as an easily disposable complication. However, if this is the case I thought the narrative tension would have been improved by simply stating this or incorporating George’s confliction as to whether raise Rafe or kill him, but we didn’t get any of this which was a little disappointing.
Despite getting a perspective surrounding her actions, Hope unfortunately dimmed in comparison to the roles, abilities and mannerisms of her two elder sisters. As the youngest closeted from Melis’s visions she could have created some interesting conflict and discussions, however, she willingly accepts that Melis has visions, does not question earlier visions when they begin to prove true and falls for every man who smiles her way. Once I can forgive, but as it became multiple instances without dramatic pay off it became a little expositional. The gaps in her knowledge, caused by the sister’s hiding Melis’s prediction of their father’s death, could have also been interestingly drawn out throughout the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience with this book thanks to a couple of intriguing characters, initially interesting premise, a quickly paced middle section and enjoyable house setting which sees Felton and Hester confined together. Add in some creepy elements and very chilling final lines which had me wishing for a second book following Rafe and you’ll find a historical fiction for both readers looking to break into the genre and experienced readers. However, a couple of characters, their motivations and the narratives surrounding them, unfortunately, fell short for me and that distracted from the core plot between Hester, Rafe and Felton I was invested in. Therefore, in my rating, it’s landed exactly in the middle at three stars.
Hester quickly became my favourite character and remained so throughout the book. I’m so glad that we got to read from her first-person perspective, which was not afforded to the chapters focusing on Hope or Felton, as the reader is given an insight into her protective instincts, quick thinking and it eventually demonstrates her wit and persuasion. She embodies the titular honey and sting and I’ve got to say that I wasn’t quite expecting Fremantle’s exact execution of these traits, but I enjoyed it. I also loved Fremantle’s combination of a traditional historical fiction plot, as Hester protects her son from the clutches of his all-powerful courtier father and creepier elements as emphasised through Melis’s visions and objects mysteriously moving throughout their safe house.
Whereas I would have liked a bit more discussion of Melis’s visions, more specifically the external opinions of her which lead to Hester’s protective nature, I was glad to see that we did get some visions which were open for interpretation from Hester alongside more specified ones. Hester’s son Rafe becomes more and more intriguing with every page. Further concrete investigations into Rafe’s actions, considering everything this small boy endures, would have been interesting, but the final lines of the book left me with chills, and I wouldn’t want to change them for anything.
Fans of Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers will also be familiar with Lieutenant Felton alongside the historical facts which can be read about both Felton and George Villiers. Felton specifically, but also including George Villiers, demonstrate the correlation of excellent historical research and sparkling originality to create characters for historical fiction. This book certainly does show how well the two can blend. George Villiers is quite a distant antagonist, so I lot of the pressure to create conflict and tension falls to Felton and his complexities which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring, especially relating to his twin sister.
“[With] some creepy elements and very chilling final lines which had me wishing for a second book following Rafe and you’ll find a historical fiction for both readers looking to break into the genre and experienced readers”.
However, I did find myself becoming distracted as George’s absence throughout the narrative, and his unclear motivations for specifically wanting Rafe dissolved the tension of the women going into hiding quite early on. It is quite clearly stated that George Villiers has a legitimate son with his wife however George never answers Hester’s specific inquiry into his intentions. I’ve read a lot of Tudor, Plantagenet and Stuart historical fiction, and correlating factual documentaries, so I am well aware that an illegitimate boy is simultaneously a constant danger to his father and the legitimate son, by claiming inheritance through combat once he’s grown, and in danger, as many people will see him as an easily disposable complication. However, if this is the case I thought the narrative tension would have been improved by simply stating this or incorporating George’s confliction as to whether raise Rafe or kill him, but we didn’t get any of this which was a little disappointing.
Despite getting a perspective surrounding her actions, Hope unfortunately dimmed in comparison to the roles, abilities and mannerisms of her two elder sisters. As the youngest closeted from Melis’s visions she could have created some interesting conflict and discussions, however, she willingly accepts that Melis has visions, does not question earlier visions when they begin to prove true and falls for every man who smiles her way. Once I can forgive, but as it became multiple instances without dramatic pay off it became a little expositional. The gaps in her knowledge, caused by the sister’s hiding Melis’s prediction of their father’s death, could have also been interestingly drawn out throughout the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience with this book thanks to a couple of intriguing characters, initially interesting premise, a quickly paced middle section and enjoyable house setting which sees Felton and Hester confined together. Add in some creepy elements and very chilling final lines which had me wishing for a second book following Rafe and you’ll find a historical fiction for both readers looking to break into the genre and experienced readers. However, a couple of characters, their motivations and the narratives surrounding them, unfortunately, fell short for me and that distracted from the core plot between Hester, Rafe and Felton I was invested in. Therefore, in my rating, it’s landed exactly in the middle at three stars.
May 30, 2020
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this novel before publication. It is due to be released on 6th August 2020.
Three sisters live in their family home; Hester, Melis and Hope, along with Hester’s son Rafe. Hester tells people that she is a widow, but Rafe is the result of at the hands of George Villiers, a Duke. Melis raises bees so they can sell the honey, but she also has visions of the future so remains with her sisters to keep them a secret. Hope has a darker look than her sisters, which gets her attention from the men around her. Now, when Rafe is nearly nine, George comes to their home to claim his son so the sisters flee to a remote house owned by their closest friend, Ambrose Cotton. George sends an old friend and lover, Felton, to find them and bring his son to him, and kill his mother and her sister Melis, in return for being made a captain.
“If it’s a boy, and I like the look of him, I might want him for myself when he’s grown”
I can’t say why I decided to request this book, except I saw an advert for it that looked intriguing so I decided to find out if it was available. I think I was expecting there to be more emphasis on Melis’ visions but once I got in to the story and they weren’t as common as I expected, I enjoyed it; probably because they didn’t happen every two chapters if I’m honest. I read it in few, large chunks, which is usually a good sign and the story moved along at a good pace, neither too fast to keep up or too slow. Each chapter follows either one of the sisters or Felton, and for reasons I’m sure make complete sense to the author, only Hester’s are told in the first person. I found it a little strange but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
The plot is a little predictable in places but it isn’t supposed to be a mystery so I don’t think it matters very much. I perhaps would have preferred there be a little more mystery but that’s just a personal choice. It’s still a good story that is easy to read and follow, and I was invested in what was going on with the characters, and found myself wondering what happened to them after the end of the book, and that’s always a good sign.
That leads me to the characters themselves. They definitely have distinct personalities and you can see their thought processes clear throughout each chapter they feature in. You can see Felton plotting his schemes and then see their effect on the other characters. Hester’s overbearing nature is necessary as the eldest sister and she is fiercely independent, yet protective of her family, both immediate and extended, and she fights with herself and the knowledge that in some ways, the upheaval everyone faces is her doing. Melis is a bit of an oddball, but I liked her for that and like Hester, is protective of those she loves and is torn by her visions. Hope is my least favourite of the three sisters as at times it seems like she runs headlong into danger with her arms open wide, but she probably has to most obvious character arc because she’s forced to grow up in order to help keep her nephew safe. Even Felton, the one you’re likely to hate, is troubled with his own demons and his decision to follow the sisters under George’s orders if not condoned, are at least understood.
Some historic fiction novels focus on bringing a whole society alive and the research shines off the page. I didn’t get that with this book, but the details are there in necessary levels to make the setting easy to picture. What is more important is the descriptions of the smaller settings; the homes they live in and roads they travel on matter more than the bigger picture. Some readers may consider this oversight to be a bigger deal than me, but I didn’t really care whether it was 1657 or 1804 (completely random numbers, by the way) because the story is the important part. It’s very much character driven so to my mind, the exact year wouldn’t matter.
I’d recommend picking this book up if you have an interest in historic fiction where you don’t need to know a lot of history, or enjoy books about well written characters. It’s an enjoyable, easy to read book with characters you can easily care about, and that’s enough for me. I would have preferred a few more plot twists or surprises, but it’s still a great book to read.
4.5/5
This post is scheduled to appear on my blog at www.wehaebooks.wordpress.com on 1st August
Three sisters live in their family home; Hester, Melis and Hope, along with Hester’s son Rafe. Hester tells people that she is a widow, but Rafe is the result of at the hands of George Villiers, a Duke. Melis raises bees so they can sell the honey, but she also has visions of the future so remains with her sisters to keep them a secret. Hope has a darker look than her sisters, which gets her attention from the men around her. Now, when Rafe is nearly nine, George comes to their home to claim his son so the sisters flee to a remote house owned by their closest friend, Ambrose Cotton. George sends an old friend and lover, Felton, to find them and bring his son to him, and kill his mother and her sister Melis, in return for being made a captain.
“If it’s a boy, and I like the look of him, I might want him for myself when he’s grown”
I can’t say why I decided to request this book, except I saw an advert for it that looked intriguing so I decided to find out if it was available. I think I was expecting there to be more emphasis on Melis’ visions but once I got in to the story and they weren’t as common as I expected, I enjoyed it; probably because they didn’t happen every two chapters if I’m honest. I read it in few, large chunks, which is usually a good sign and the story moved along at a good pace, neither too fast to keep up or too slow. Each chapter follows either one of the sisters or Felton, and for reasons I’m sure make complete sense to the author, only Hester’s are told in the first person. I found it a little strange but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
The plot is a little predictable in places but it isn’t supposed to be a mystery so I don’t think it matters very much. I perhaps would have preferred there be a little more mystery but that’s just a personal choice. It’s still a good story that is easy to read and follow, and I was invested in what was going on with the characters, and found myself wondering what happened to them after the end of the book, and that’s always a good sign.
That leads me to the characters themselves. They definitely have distinct personalities and you can see their thought processes clear throughout each chapter they feature in. You can see Felton plotting his schemes and then see their effect on the other characters. Hester’s overbearing nature is necessary as the eldest sister and she is fiercely independent, yet protective of her family, both immediate and extended, and she fights with herself and the knowledge that in some ways, the upheaval everyone faces is her doing. Melis is a bit of an oddball, but I liked her for that and like Hester, is protective of those she loves and is torn by her visions. Hope is my least favourite of the three sisters as at times it seems like she runs headlong into danger with her arms open wide, but she probably has to most obvious character arc because she’s forced to grow up in order to help keep her nephew safe. Even Felton, the one you’re likely to hate, is troubled with his own demons and his decision to follow the sisters under George’s orders if not condoned, are at least understood.
Some historic fiction novels focus on bringing a whole society alive and the research shines off the page. I didn’t get that with this book, but the details are there in necessary levels to make the setting easy to picture. What is more important is the descriptions of the smaller settings; the homes they live in and roads they travel on matter more than the bigger picture. Some readers may consider this oversight to be a bigger deal than me, but I didn’t really care whether it was 1657 or 1804 (completely random numbers, by the way) because the story is the important part. It’s very much character driven so to my mind, the exact year wouldn’t matter.
I’d recommend picking this book up if you have an interest in historic fiction where you don’t need to know a lot of history, or enjoy books about well written characters. It’s an enjoyable, easy to read book with characters you can easily care about, and that’s enough for me. I would have preferred a few more plot twists or surprises, but it’s still a great book to read.
4.5/5
This post is scheduled to appear on my blog at www.wehaebooks.wordpress.com on 1st August
July 15, 2020
I so loved this story about three independent women and how they coped with the many trials and tribulations that happened to them, due to their sex. All the way through this book, I was vividly reminded of the March sisters in the book, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott.
Hester, Melis and Hope are sisters. Hester is the mother of Rafe, her illegitimate son, she was raped whilst in the employment of George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. She and her sisters are living quietly together, all bringing up young Rafe, and hoping against hope, that his father won’t claim him when he is old enough to go and live in the Duke’s household. Melis, is different, prone to visions, more in tune with nature, but has unsettling insights into human nature, and would probably be arrested upon charges of witchcraft, if her sisters weren’t protecting her.
Hope is the innocent, and a danger to herself, she is prone to the charms and wiles of men, and is often headstrong and impetuous.
When George comes to claim his son, the three sisters take refuge in an abandoned house, deep in a forest. Here, they are introduced to Lark, a blind young woman, who forms a sympathetic relationship with Hope. George sends one of his many lovers , Lieutenant Felton, to find them and bring back his son, and this event sets off a chain reaction.
I liked the way the sisters made the most of each other’s abilities and strengths, but, considering they were hiding out in the forest, they were very trusting of strangers that happened to cross their paths. Hester found it safer to maintain the pretence of being a widow rather than be known as a fallen woman, which does reflect the social and sexual morals of this time span, 17c England. Rafe was a worry, his character began to change, as he fell under the spell of Felton, all murderers start small, and Rafe seemed to enjoy the trapping and killing of animals, and he became more dismissive of his female companions, could he be showing more kinship with his father? The use of feminine intuition, or witchcraft, as used by Melis, and womanly wiles, as employed by Hester and Hope, set in motion the plan to assassinate George Villiers, in order for them to experience freedom and peace.
The use of real life characters, and they way they created this work of fiction is well researched and works well. I actually did extra reading on George Villiers after finishing this book, and he deserved exactly what fate befell him, in my opinion.
I would rate this as a five star read, most enjoyable. The parallel I drew with Little Women, I believe is appropriate. Hester/ Meg, Melis/ Jo, Hope/ Amy and Lark/ Beth. Readers will have their own views upon this, I am sure!!
I will post a review to Goodreads and Amazon later.
Hester, Melis and Hope are sisters. Hester is the mother of Rafe, her illegitimate son, she was raped whilst in the employment of George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. She and her sisters are living quietly together, all bringing up young Rafe, and hoping against hope, that his father won’t claim him when he is old enough to go and live in the Duke’s household. Melis, is different, prone to visions, more in tune with nature, but has unsettling insights into human nature, and would probably be arrested upon charges of witchcraft, if her sisters weren’t protecting her.
Hope is the innocent, and a danger to herself, she is prone to the charms and wiles of men, and is often headstrong and impetuous.
When George comes to claim his son, the three sisters take refuge in an abandoned house, deep in a forest. Here, they are introduced to Lark, a blind young woman, who forms a sympathetic relationship with Hope. George sends one of his many lovers , Lieutenant Felton, to find them and bring back his son, and this event sets off a chain reaction.
I liked the way the sisters made the most of each other’s abilities and strengths, but, considering they were hiding out in the forest, they were very trusting of strangers that happened to cross their paths. Hester found it safer to maintain the pretence of being a widow rather than be known as a fallen woman, which does reflect the social and sexual morals of this time span, 17c England. Rafe was a worry, his character began to change, as he fell under the spell of Felton, all murderers start small, and Rafe seemed to enjoy the trapping and killing of animals, and he became more dismissive of his female companions, could he be showing more kinship with his father? The use of feminine intuition, or witchcraft, as used by Melis, and womanly wiles, as employed by Hester and Hope, set in motion the plan to assassinate George Villiers, in order for them to experience freedom and peace.
The use of real life characters, and they way they created this work of fiction is well researched and works well. I actually did extra reading on George Villiers after finishing this book, and he deserved exactly what fate befell him, in my opinion.
I would rate this as a five star read, most enjoyable. The parallel I drew with Little Women, I believe is appropriate. Hester/ Meg, Melis/ Jo, Hope/ Amy and Lark/ Beth. Readers will have their own views upon this, I am sure!!
I will post a review to Goodreads and Amazon later.
September 27, 2020
My thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Honey and the Sting’ by E C Fremantle in exchange for an honest review.
“There is a wasp in our hive, we must be rid of it.” - Melis.
England, 1628. Doctor’s daughter, Hester, had been forcibly seduced by the powerful George Villiers, then cast aside when she fell pregnant. She returned home to the village of Iffley to raise her son, Rafe, hoping to never see Villiers again.
Her sister, Melis, has a strong affinity with the bees that she raises for honey. On occasion, she makes pronouncements about what is to come. Hester protects her from any accusations of witchcraft, a real danger in this period of English history. Their youngest sister Hope, who was adopted as an infant, is a great beauty. She often draws unwelcome advances that on occasion she finds hard to resist.
The orphaned sisters live a quiet pastoral life though as Rafe’s ninth birthday approaches, Villiers decides to claim him against Hester's protests. The sisters’ only option is to flee and go into hiding.
In addition, Hester holds a secret that could endanger Villiers’ position at Court. Learning of this, Villiers enlists the aid of his former comrade, John Felton, to track them, recover his son and eliminate the threat posed by the sisters. Felton is down on his luck and flattered that Villiers, who had been his lover, chose him to undertake this sensitive task.
Felton is one of the three narrative points of view in the novel. The others are Hester, whose chapters are in first person, and Hope.
The given name of Melis, is related to Melissa, the Greek name for bee. I have long been fascinated by the symbolism and mythology of bees, including their link to prophetic visions, which fits perfectly with Melis’ role in the novel.
Full marks to Fremantle for creating interesting characters whose fate I came to care about. Hester is such a powerful force, fierce as a lioness in her protection of her loved ones. Even Felton, who so easily have been portrayed as an all out baddie, is revealed as complex in his motivations.
Fremantle says that she was inspired by Jacobean revenge dramas to write this novel. While the sisters are fictional, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Lieutenant Felton are both historical figures, and have made a number of appearances in works of fiction, most notably ‘The Three Musketeers’.
Overall, I found ‘The Honey and the Sting’ an excellent work of historical fiction with elements of the uncanny and a strong grounding in period detail. It was a thrilling read with danger constantly stalking the sisters and had a satisfying resolution.
I certainly plan to look into Fremantle’s earlier books.
Highly recommended.
“There is a wasp in our hive, we must be rid of it.” - Melis.
England, 1628. Doctor’s daughter, Hester, had been forcibly seduced by the powerful George Villiers, then cast aside when she fell pregnant. She returned home to the village of Iffley to raise her son, Rafe, hoping to never see Villiers again.
Her sister, Melis, has a strong affinity with the bees that she raises for honey. On occasion, she makes pronouncements about what is to come. Hester protects her from any accusations of witchcraft, a real danger in this period of English history. Their youngest sister Hope, who was adopted as an infant, is a great beauty. She often draws unwelcome advances that on occasion she finds hard to resist.
The orphaned sisters live a quiet pastoral life though as Rafe’s ninth birthday approaches, Villiers decides to claim him against Hester's protests. The sisters’ only option is to flee and go into hiding.
In addition, Hester holds a secret that could endanger Villiers’ position at Court. Learning of this, Villiers enlists the aid of his former comrade, John Felton, to track them, recover his son and eliminate the threat posed by the sisters. Felton is down on his luck and flattered that Villiers, who had been his lover, chose him to undertake this sensitive task.
Felton is one of the three narrative points of view in the novel. The others are Hester, whose chapters are in first person, and Hope.
The given name of Melis, is related to Melissa, the Greek name for bee. I have long been fascinated by the symbolism and mythology of bees, including their link to prophetic visions, which fits perfectly with Melis’ role in the novel.
Full marks to Fremantle for creating interesting characters whose fate I came to care about. Hester is such a powerful force, fierce as a lioness in her protection of her loved ones. Even Felton, who so easily have been portrayed as an all out baddie, is revealed as complex in his motivations.
Fremantle says that she was inspired by Jacobean revenge dramas to write this novel. While the sisters are fictional, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Lieutenant Felton are both historical figures, and have made a number of appearances in works of fiction, most notably ‘The Three Musketeers’.
Overall, I found ‘The Honey and the Sting’ an excellent work of historical fiction with elements of the uncanny and a strong grounding in period detail. It was a thrilling read with danger constantly stalking the sisters and had a satisfying resolution.
I certainly plan to look into Fremantle’s earlier books.
Highly recommended.
November 9, 2022
The sisters Hester, Melis and Hope try to survive together on their farm after their father’s death. When Hester’s little son, Rafe, turns nine, his father comes to claim him. Rafe’s father is none other than George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Hester decides there’s no other option than to run away and they leave for a hidden cottage in the woods. Melis and Hope join their sister but they also have their own secrets.
Fremantle is perhaps my favourite author. After several novels set in Tudor England, she wrote the psychological thriller The poison bed set at the Stuart court. The honey and the sting is set in the same time period, but this time the link to true events is minimal. George Villiers off course really existed, but the sisters are entirely fictional.
The story is told alternately from Hester, Hope and Felton. The book has some kind of dark edge. Melis has visions of the future and the house they end up in seems haunted, as in the better gothic novel. But this book did something weird with me. It made me feel uncomfortable at times. In the end, everything falls together nicely and I think this is quite a good story. But somewhere I had hoped for much more with Fremantle. I didn’t love the book as I did with all her other work.
I preferred reading from Hester’s point of view because she’s the eldest sister and I could identify with her. She is the caring one, the mother who wants to fight for her child and who blames herself for things that happened in the past (although it wasn’t her fault).
All three sisters are an outcast in different ways. And not only because they are women. Hester is the unwed mother, Melis’ gift is reminiscent of witchcraft and Hope has a different skin colour. It are these kinds of women that Fremantle was keen to put at the centre for once, and I certainly understand that choice.
So yes, the honey and the sting is well written, although with some predictable plot lines. This book did not appeal to me as much as her previous work. I read that her next book will be about the painter Artemisia and am looking forward to reading it. The Queen’s Gambit, my favourite Fremantle novel, is apparently being made into a movie. So still a lot of Fremantle to look forward to. I’m happy about that.
Dutch review:
De zussen Hester, Melis en Hope proberen samen te overleven op hun boerderij, na de dood van hun vader. Wanneer het zoontje van Hester, Rafe, negen jaar wordt komt zijn vader hem opeisen. Die vader is niemand minder dan George Villiers, hertog van Buckingham. Hester besluit dat er niets anders opzit dan te vluchten. Maar ook Melis en Hope hebben zo hun eigen geheimen.
Fremantle is misschien wel mijn favoriete auteur. Na enkele romans aan het Tudorhof schreef ze de psychologische thriller The poison bed die zich afspeelde aan het Stuarthof. Ook dit boek is geschreven als een soort thriller ten tijde van de Stuarts. Maar deze keer is de link met waargebeurde feiten miniem. George Villiers bestaat echt, maar de zussen zijn volledig fictief.
Het verhaal wordt afwisselend verteld vanuit Hester, Hope en Felton. Het boek heeft een soort donker randje. Melis heeft visioenen over de toekomst en het huis waarin ze belanden lijkt te spoken, zoals in de betere gothic novel.
Maar dit boek deed iets raar met mij. Ik voelde me er ongemakkelijk bij met momenten. Uiteindelijk valt alles mooi in elkaar en vind ik dit best een goed verhaal. Maar ergens had ik op veel meer gehoopt bij Fremantle ofzo.
Ik denk dat ik het liefst las vanuit Hester omdat zij de oudste zus is en ik me daarin wat kon herkennen. Ze is de zorgzame, de moeder die wil vechten voor haar kind en die zichzelf de schuld geeft voor dingen uit het verleden waar ze helemaal niets aan kon doen.
Alle drie de zussen zijn sowieso wat de outcast. Niet alleen omdat ze vrouw zijn. Hester is de ongetrouwde moeder, Melis' gave doet aan hekserij denken en Hope heeft een andere huidskleur. Het zijn dit soort vrouwen die Fremantle graag eens centraal wou zetten en ik begrijp die keuze zeker.
Dus ja, the honey and the sting is goed geschreven, maar een tikkeltje voorspelbaar. Dit boek kon me niet even goed bekoren als haar vorig werk. Ik las dat haar volgend boek over Artemisia zal gaan, benieuwd naar. En the Queen's Gambit wordt blijkbaar verfilmd. Nog veel Fremantle om naar uit te kijken dus.
Fremantle is perhaps my favourite author. After several novels set in Tudor England, she wrote the psychological thriller The poison bed set at the Stuart court. The honey and the sting is set in the same time period, but this time the link to true events is minimal. George Villiers off course really existed, but the sisters are entirely fictional.
The story is told alternately from Hester, Hope and Felton. The book has some kind of dark edge. Melis has visions of the future and the house they end up in seems haunted, as in the better gothic novel. But this book did something weird with me. It made me feel uncomfortable at times. In the end, everything falls together nicely and I think this is quite a good story. But somewhere I had hoped for much more with Fremantle. I didn’t love the book as I did with all her other work.
I preferred reading from Hester’s point of view because she’s the eldest sister and I could identify with her. She is the caring one, the mother who wants to fight for her child and who blames herself for things that happened in the past (although it wasn’t her fault).
All three sisters are an outcast in different ways. And not only because they are women. Hester is the unwed mother, Melis’ gift is reminiscent of witchcraft and Hope has a different skin colour. It are these kinds of women that Fremantle was keen to put at the centre for once, and I certainly understand that choice.
So yes, the honey and the sting is well written, although with some predictable plot lines. This book did not appeal to me as much as her previous work. I read that her next book will be about the painter Artemisia and am looking forward to reading it. The Queen’s Gambit, my favourite Fremantle novel, is apparently being made into a movie. So still a lot of Fremantle to look forward to. I’m happy about that.
Dutch review:
De zussen Hester, Melis en Hope proberen samen te overleven op hun boerderij, na de dood van hun vader. Wanneer het zoontje van Hester, Rafe, negen jaar wordt komt zijn vader hem opeisen. Die vader is niemand minder dan George Villiers, hertog van Buckingham. Hester besluit dat er niets anders opzit dan te vluchten. Maar ook Melis en Hope hebben zo hun eigen geheimen.
Fremantle is misschien wel mijn favoriete auteur. Na enkele romans aan het Tudorhof schreef ze de psychologische thriller The poison bed die zich afspeelde aan het Stuarthof. Ook dit boek is geschreven als een soort thriller ten tijde van de Stuarts. Maar deze keer is de link met waargebeurde feiten miniem. George Villiers bestaat echt, maar de zussen zijn volledig fictief.
Het verhaal wordt afwisselend verteld vanuit Hester, Hope en Felton. Het boek heeft een soort donker randje. Melis heeft visioenen over de toekomst en het huis waarin ze belanden lijkt te spoken, zoals in de betere gothic novel.
Maar dit boek deed iets raar met mij. Ik voelde me er ongemakkelijk bij met momenten. Uiteindelijk valt alles mooi in elkaar en vind ik dit best een goed verhaal. Maar ergens had ik op veel meer gehoopt bij Fremantle ofzo.
Ik denk dat ik het liefst las vanuit Hester omdat zij de oudste zus is en ik me daarin wat kon herkennen. Ze is de zorgzame, de moeder die wil vechten voor haar kind en die zichzelf de schuld geeft voor dingen uit het verleden waar ze helemaal niets aan kon doen.
Alle drie de zussen zijn sowieso wat de outcast. Niet alleen omdat ze vrouw zijn. Hester is de ongetrouwde moeder, Melis' gave doet aan hekserij denken en Hope heeft een andere huidskleur. Het zijn dit soort vrouwen die Fremantle graag eens centraal wou zetten en ik begrijp die keuze zeker.
Dus ja, the honey and the sting is goed geschreven, maar een tikkeltje voorspelbaar. Dit boek kon me niet even goed bekoren als haar vorig werk. Ik las dat haar volgend boek over Artemisia zal gaan, benieuwd naar. En the Queen's Gambit wordt blijkbaar verfilmd. Nog veel Fremantle om naar uit te kijken dus.
Want to read
August 21, 2020I do not read a huge amount of historical fiction but when I do I always think I should read more.
Three sisters who lose their father in a tragic accident and are looked after by their fathers friend Ambrose Cotton.
Hester was raped as a young girl and she has had a child Rafe and his father is George Villiers who was a real life figure and the first Duke of Buckingham who had a very colourful history. After 8 years he finds out that Hester has had a child by him. Hope is seduced by Worley one of Villiers staff and he tries to kidnap Rafe, so they make a plan and they take flight. Hester has a big secret that could really endanger them all but also finish Villiers.
I do love a good baddy and Villiers really is quite vile and I so wanted him to get his comeuppance. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the story and was intrigued by Melis the sister who has visions. Of course this would have seen as witchcraft so they have to hide this also. The other sister Hope is easily led and puts the family in danger on more than one occasion. I loved her relationship with Lark who looks after the horses at the Giffords.
One of the other main characters is Lieutenant Felton, we meet him about half way through the book and I will not be giving any spoilers about this character except to say he is very important to the story, and we find out that him and George have had a very close intimate relationship previously. George has risen in his standing and Felton is injured and not doing well.
George asks Felton to carry out a task for him and due to his love of George he is happy to oblige, but there is a big twist which I did not see coming.
This is wonderful story, I loved the closeness of the sisters and how they all protect each other and there is a real feeling throughout the book of female strength and overcoming some of life’s tragedies. Plus an overwhelming feeling of a mothers love from Hester and her desperation to keep Rafe safe and away from George at all costs.
It is a tense read and one that did not want to put down. There are some really heart-rendering moments and this story will stay with me for a long time. It is gripping but a tender and captivating read and one I heartily recommend.
Three sisters who lose their father in a tragic accident and are looked after by their fathers friend Ambrose Cotton.
Hester was raped as a young girl and she has had a child Rafe and his father is George Villiers who was a real life figure and the first Duke of Buckingham who had a very colourful history. After 8 years he finds out that Hester has had a child by him. Hope is seduced by Worley one of Villiers staff and he tries to kidnap Rafe, so they make a plan and they take flight. Hester has a big secret that could really endanger them all but also finish Villiers.
I do love a good baddy and Villiers really is quite vile and I so wanted him to get his comeuppance. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the story and was intrigued by Melis the sister who has visions. Of course this would have seen as witchcraft so they have to hide this also. The other sister Hope is easily led and puts the family in danger on more than one occasion. I loved her relationship with Lark who looks after the horses at the Giffords.
One of the other main characters is Lieutenant Felton, we meet him about half way through the book and I will not be giving any spoilers about this character except to say he is very important to the story, and we find out that him and George have had a very close intimate relationship previously. George has risen in his standing and Felton is injured and not doing well.
George asks Felton to carry out a task for him and due to his love of George he is happy to oblige, but there is a big twist which I did not see coming.
This is wonderful story, I loved the closeness of the sisters and how they all protect each other and there is a real feeling throughout the book of female strength and overcoming some of life’s tragedies. Plus an overwhelming feeling of a mothers love from Hester and her desperation to keep Rafe safe and away from George at all costs.
It is a tense read and one that did not want to put down. There are some really heart-rendering moments and this story will stay with me for a long time. It is gripping but a tender and captivating read and one I heartily recommend.
July 6, 2020
Thank you to E C Fremantle, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the chance to read The Honey and the Sting.
I would recommend this to: My sharp-as-a-pin mum and lovers of historical fiction.
“Three sisters.
Three secrets.
Three ways to fall . . .
Forcibly seduced by George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham and King's favourite, doctor's daughter Hester was cast aside to raise her illegitimate son, Rafe, alone and in secret. She hopes never to see his father again...
So when the powerful Duke decides to claim his son against Hester's wishes, the sisters find themselves almost friendless and at his mercy. But are their secrets their undoing or their salvation?
Because in the right hands a secret is the deadliest weapon of all...”
I picked this book up directly after reading The Smallest Man which features this same period, focussing on King Charles 1, Queen Mary and including the influential Duke of Buckingham. This novel also features some historically accurate events, but is based on the fictional life of the three sisters and their fierce protection of Rafe. I really enjoyed this book and if you have liked other historical fiction such as The Doll Factory and Things in Jars you will devour this.
It’s a pretty serious novel with several tense page-turning moments. Well researched, the factual elements are seamlessly incorporated, and well written. I enjoyed the ‘supernatural’ elements brought in by Melis’ character.
It was interesting to see young Rafe’s character develop - was it the experiences while they were running and hiding that made him the way he was, or was it his father’s more evil genes beginning to show...?
The book ends with a historically accurate event, fictionalised to fit the tale. I was compelled to look up this period after reading The Smallest Man, but did some further reading about The Duke after reading the Honey and the Sting.
I would recommend this to: My sharp-as-a-pin mum and lovers of historical fiction.
“Three sisters.
Three secrets.
Three ways to fall . . .
Forcibly seduced by George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham and King's favourite, doctor's daughter Hester was cast aside to raise her illegitimate son, Rafe, alone and in secret. She hopes never to see his father again...
So when the powerful Duke decides to claim his son against Hester's wishes, the sisters find themselves almost friendless and at his mercy. But are their secrets their undoing or their salvation?
Because in the right hands a secret is the deadliest weapon of all...”
I picked this book up directly after reading The Smallest Man which features this same period, focussing on King Charles 1, Queen Mary and including the influential Duke of Buckingham. This novel also features some historically accurate events, but is based on the fictional life of the three sisters and their fierce protection of Rafe. I really enjoyed this book and if you have liked other historical fiction such as The Doll Factory and Things in Jars you will devour this.
It’s a pretty serious novel with several tense page-turning moments. Well researched, the factual elements are seamlessly incorporated, and well written. I enjoyed the ‘supernatural’ elements brought in by Melis’ character.
It was interesting to see young Rafe’s character develop - was it the experiences while they were running and hiding that made him the way he was, or was it his father’s more evil genes beginning to show...?
The book ends with a historically accurate event, fictionalised to fit the tale. I was compelled to look up this period after reading The Smallest Man, but did some further reading about The Duke after reading the Honey and the Sting.
August 4, 2020
This is a deliciously dark, gothic, supernatural tale that immediately captivated me by the haunting first chapter. It is a fictional retelling based on George Villiers. I highly recommend reading about him, he was the Duke of Buckingham and he had a reputation of being a very arrogant and unlikeable man. The author’s description of his character resonates perfectly to how history books have portrayed him to be. I hated his character immensely and I could feel my blood boiling whenever he was mentioned!
The three sisters, Hester, Melis and Hope all were very interesting to read about. Hester was the head of the family and the supposedly more sensible one, Melis was the odd one of the three with her visions and strange behaviour and Hope was the naïve, younger one who attracted the wrong type of men. Melis was definitely my favourite with her witchy kind of ways and I felt so sorry for her having to deal with seeing such dark, scary visions throughout her life. I did think at times that Hester and Hope’s decisions were terrible and they were way too trusting for my liking but that I guess is what made the story so gripping and nerve wracking.
There was throughout the book an eerie atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine. The house the sisters hide in seems to have a mind of its own with objects disappearing and then being discovered somewhere strange. The house also seems to have a low hum that can be heard in the background and strange liquid leaking through the ceiling. All very creepy and it definitely keeps your pulse racing at times!
It is quite a fast paced read and I loved how the author wrote from different characters perspectives to get the whole picture of what was going on in the story, such as each characters conscience and motivations.
The ending is somewhat accurate to the actual historical event which got me reading even more about George Villiers. I love history so this book ticks all the boxes for me by teaching me something new!
Overall this is an incredible work of historical fiction that certainly is sweet like honey at times but most definitely gives you as a reader a sharp sting to the senses with the shocking twists and turns you will encounter.
The three sisters, Hester, Melis and Hope all were very interesting to read about. Hester was the head of the family and the supposedly more sensible one, Melis was the odd one of the three with her visions and strange behaviour and Hope was the naïve, younger one who attracted the wrong type of men. Melis was definitely my favourite with her witchy kind of ways and I felt so sorry for her having to deal with seeing such dark, scary visions throughout her life. I did think at times that Hester and Hope’s decisions were terrible and they were way too trusting for my liking but that I guess is what made the story so gripping and nerve wracking.
There was throughout the book an eerie atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine. The house the sisters hide in seems to have a mind of its own with objects disappearing and then being discovered somewhere strange. The house also seems to have a low hum that can be heard in the background and strange liquid leaking through the ceiling. All very creepy and it definitely keeps your pulse racing at times!
It is quite a fast paced read and I loved how the author wrote from different characters perspectives to get the whole picture of what was going on in the story, such as each characters conscience and motivations.
The ending is somewhat accurate to the actual historical event which got me reading even more about George Villiers. I love history so this book ticks all the boxes for me by teaching me something new!
Overall this is an incredible work of historical fiction that certainly is sweet like honey at times but most definitely gives you as a reader a sharp sting to the senses with the shocking twists and turns you will encounter.
June 30, 2020
A heartfelt thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for this ARC.
E.C Freemantle’s historical fiction ‘The Honey and the Sting’ is a fast paced, gothic tale centred around the lives of three sisters Hester, Melis and Hope who live in relative seclusion along with Hester’s young son, Rafe. We soon learn Hester was the victim of rape by George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and has had to work hard to overcome adversity and foster a favourable reputation as a grieved widow rather than a promiscuous female.
I loved how Freemantle used real life historical characters and blended them with fictional events. George Villiers only features briefly within the novel but his presence and the threat he poses is felt on every page. The sisters are pursued by Felton, an individual hired by Villiers to find the sisters also has his own tangled relationship with this enigmatic character. Freemantle switches between character perspectives which offers further insights into individual motivations and desires to keep things hidden.
The challenges facing single women during the 17th Century was an issue I thought Freemantle was keen to explore. The character of Melis is plagued by strange visions and a commune with nature that sets her apart from her sisters but also seems to be incredibly oppressive. Her sisters are keen to protect her and keep her away from society’s gaze however this can only last for so long. A story about familial bonds, desire and power ‘The Honey and the Sting’ is a gripping novel that was hard to put down!
E.C Freemantle’s historical fiction ‘The Honey and the Sting’ is a fast paced, gothic tale centred around the lives of three sisters Hester, Melis and Hope who live in relative seclusion along with Hester’s young son, Rafe. We soon learn Hester was the victim of rape by George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and has had to work hard to overcome adversity and foster a favourable reputation as a grieved widow rather than a promiscuous female.
I loved how Freemantle used real life historical characters and blended them with fictional events. George Villiers only features briefly within the novel but his presence and the threat he poses is felt on every page. The sisters are pursued by Felton, an individual hired by Villiers to find the sisters also has his own tangled relationship with this enigmatic character. Freemantle switches between character perspectives which offers further insights into individual motivations and desires to keep things hidden.
The challenges facing single women during the 17th Century was an issue I thought Freemantle was keen to explore. The character of Melis is plagued by strange visions and a commune with nature that sets her apart from her sisters but also seems to be incredibly oppressive. Her sisters are keen to protect her and keep her away from society’s gaze however this can only last for so long. A story about familial bonds, desire and power ‘The Honey and the Sting’ is a gripping novel that was hard to put down!
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