Liberty

by Jay Taverner

It is 1789 and Jude Wiston is swept across oceans in the guise of a sailor boy, on a mission to claim her inheritance. But as the French Revolution ignites, Jude’s plans are scuppered by her first glimpse of a beautiful aristocrat named Annette.

Genres: Historical, Lesbian

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2021

About the author

Jay Taverner is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Jacky Bratton and Jane Traies.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely historical fantasy! The first two volumes of this trilogy's narrative arc (Rebellion, with the story of Belle and Hope, and Hearts & Minds, with the related story of Lucy and Bron) were perfection. They created--in luminous prose--a vivid portrait of female "transgression" and empowerment centered on the healing rhythms of rural provincial life in an Early Modern Britain at the very dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Liberty takes Rebecca Winston, Quaker descendant of British Catholic gentry, on a perilous journey from the young American Republic back to England (with a fateful detour in Revolutionary France) to claim an inheritance that will secure her financial independence. The drama was more concentrated (and less dependent on huge coincidences) in the first two books, but Rebecca and Annette, her aristocratic French love, are very attractive heroines, and we become invested in their negotiation of a minutely rendered, oppressive social reality. The anchor for all three books, and a fourth f/f novel (Something Wicked) set in modern England, is Brynsquilver, an ancient cottage in what is evidently one of the most beautiful countrysides in Europe. For sheer quality, the writing in these novels stands well above the norm, and their warmth and clear-eyed optimism are a balm to the heart.

[Amanda Aikman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a rattling good wlw romance

Not having read the previous novels in this series, I had a few questions, but nothing major — this story stands alone very well. It’s exciting and mostly fast-moving, with perhaps a little too much detail in the portion set in France. From Salem, Massachusetts to a dangerous sea voyage, to a French convent just before the Revolution, to a village in England, the story takes our main character, Jude, and her lover, Annette, through all kinds of adventures and dangers. Well researched, emotionally satisfying, and a vivid picture of what two women in love might have faced in the 1780s. Very well done, highly recommended!

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Liberty by Jay Taverner and it makes me want to read the first three books in the series as well as there are references to various characters (but don't worry, it can be read as a stand alone).

There was plenty of adventure spread over three countries (Salem America, Bordeaux France and eventually in the UK). It was a very well written historical with a lot of detail. Maybe a bit heavy on the political part when we are in revolutionary France, but very interesting. My Georgian history isn't as well developed as my Victorian so it was welcome ;-)

The romance was okay. The butch (woman in drag) and the femme aristocrat seems to be a theme in this series. They do spend a lot of the time apart in this novel, which I know was needed to tell their seperate stories before they evenually meet in France. So keep that in mind.

So yeah, really liked this historical and will absolutely read the other books as well.

f/f

4.4 stars

[- Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been curious about the queer existence during the french revolution, specifically bearing in mind the bonds Queen Mary has with girlfriends, and that novel fits the pices!