Perfidious Brambles

by Celia Martin

In the day's dying light, Lady Timandra Lotterby peered out the coach window at the dark and shuttered house and wished she had never offered to accompany her friend, Eliza Tilbury, to Perfidious Brambles. A cold shiver crept up her spine, and she squiggled uncomfortably on the padded seat cushion. Eliza's trembling hand slid over hers, and Timandra felt instant shame. She was here to support her friend, not give way to silly, baseless fears. Yes, the estate grounds appeared unkempt, and the house foreboding, but an old man living on his own might find little need to keep up appearances.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2020

About the author

Celia Martin is a former Social Studies/English teacher. Her love of history dates back to her earliest memories when she sat enthralled as her grandparents recounted tales of their past, As a child, she delighted in the make-believe games that she played with her siblings and friends, but as she grew up and had to put aside the games, she found she could not set aside her imagination. So, Celia took up writing stories for her own entertainment. She is an avid reader. She loves getting lost in a romance, but also enjoys good mysteries, exciting adventure stories, and fact-loaded historical documentaries. When her husband retired and they moved from California to the glorious Kitsap Peninsula in the state of Washington, she was able to begin a full-fledged writing career. Celia and her husband have returned to CA to be near the grand kids, but she is still writing and still loving it. When not engaged in writing, Celia enjoys travel, keeping fit, and listening to a variety of different music styles

Reviews

[Eva Pasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction Steeped in Romance and Suspense

Author Celia Martin’s writing prowess transports the reader to seventeenth-century England. So much so, I didn’t want to leave Perfidious Brambles. From the moment I arrived at the estate in Northumberland England, along with Lady Timandra Lotterby, Eliza Tillbury, and her siblings, the author transported me to 1673:

Her vivid descriptions of the architecture and grounds, the clothing styles, details of running a household, and maintaining the stables are spot-on. Character dialog is consistent with the lilt and speech intonations of the time period, be it the King’s English or Northumbrian dialect. Her astute awareness of social decorum is impeccable.

The budding romantic relationships are endearing, especially the one developing between Timandra and Gavin, the most prominent and perplexing. Murderous intentions under the cover of darkness contribute to the eerie suspense redolent of a Gothic novel.

I highly recommend ‘Perfidious Brambles,’ a story brimming with heart and historical accuracy.

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth book I have read by this talented author, and, as usual, I was not disappointed. Eliza Tilbury and her four siblings, having found themselves penniless following the death of their father, are offered a home by their Great Uncle Percival Seldon in the rambling and mysterious house, Perfidious Brambles. Accompanying them to their destination in the wilds of Northumberland is Eliza's close friend, the practical and fearless Lady Timandra Lotterby. At first, they find the aged Percival Seldon to be a grumpy old man, but under the influence of Lady Timandra, he gradually warms to his new family. Timandra is attracted to Seldon's handsome grandson, Gavin Merritt, but is sure he is falling in love with Eliza, her attractive friend. The book is beautifully written and well-researched, and contains fascinating descriptions of life in the seventeenth century. A must for all lovers of historical fiction, as is all the series. Strongly recommended.

[Shirley Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly delightful read! Celia Martin is a master storyteller. I especially enjoyed the budding romance between Tamandra and Gavin, but throughout the romantic angst, the author also immersed me in the rich history of seventeenth century England. I found myself wishing to visit Perfidious Brambles. Those who love a good mystery will also enjoy the intriguing subplot. I highly recommend this well written and researched book.