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Honour Bound: An Ashlington Novella
Taking place within the past timeline of The Echoes of Ashlington, this is Lisbon, 1808.
A year after running away from home, seventeen-year-old Henry Durand and his best friend, fellow officer Robert Westbrook, arrive in Portugal as part of the British force to retake Spain from the French.
When their wayward exploits bring them close to severe reprimand, they accept the deal offered—the matter brushed aside for help with a sensitive undertaking. Now involved in the hunt for a traitor, it is not only plans for the advance at risk, but the reputation of the name Westbrook. Something that haunts Henry's friend since the death of his father.
Unable to confide in their steadfast leader, Captain Sinclair, and way in over their heads, they have only each other to rely on. What they don't know is just how dangerous their mission truly is, and how betrayal hurts most the closer it is to home.
A year after running away from home, seventeen-year-old Henry Durand and his best friend, fellow officer Robert Westbrook, arrive in Portugal as part of the British force to retake Spain from the French.
When their wayward exploits bring them close to severe reprimand, they accept the deal offered—the matter brushed aside for help with a sensitive undertaking. Now involved in the hunt for a traitor, it is not only plans for the advance at risk, but the reputation of the name Westbrook. Something that haunts Henry's friend since the death of his father.
Unable to confide in their steadfast leader, Captain Sinclair, and way in over their heads, they have only each other to rely on. What they don't know is just how dangerous their mission truly is, and how betrayal hurts most the closer it is to home.
99 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2022
About the author
Rowan MacKemsley
7 books13 followersBritish author, Rowan, currently lives in the UK with her husband and their two children.
Following a career in business aviation Rowan now loves to travel with the family, exploring the great outdoors and history of wherever they find themselves, especially if castles or battlefields are involved.
Connect with Rowan on social media @rowanmackemsley
Following a career in business aviation Rowan now loves to travel with the family, exploring the great outdoors and history of wherever they find themselves, especially if castles or battlefields are involved.
Connect with Rowan on social media @rowanmackemsley
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 21, 2023
This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from its author.
It was with great anticipation that I delved back into the world of Henry and West! Honestly, it felt like I’d never truly left…
West has been a wonderful companion ever since I finished Echoes of Ashlington. We share a passion for Shakespeare and storytelling, for old bookstores and the theatre. So much so that I’ve found myself thinking Oh, West would totally love this!, while book browsing recently. Isn’t it just magical when an author creates such a bond between their character(s) and a reader?
Yet West is not the only one who holds my affection. Henry and Sinclair are beautifully written as well, with empathy and grace for their respective backstories. This lovely novella has revealed more about the trio’s Found Family dynamics, hinting at an origin story that I’m most eager to uncover in the upcoming volumes!
It was with great anticipation that I delved back into the world of Henry and West! Honestly, it felt like I’d never truly left…
West has been a wonderful companion ever since I finished Echoes of Ashlington. We share a passion for Shakespeare and storytelling, for old bookstores and the theatre. So much so that I’ve found myself thinking Oh, West would totally love this!, while book browsing recently. Isn’t it just magical when an author creates such a bond between their character(s) and a reader?
Yet West is not the only one who holds my affection. Henry and Sinclair are beautifully written as well, with empathy and grace for their respective backstories. This lovely novella has revealed more about the trio’s Found Family dynamics, hinting at an origin story that I’m most eager to uncover in the upcoming volumes!
June 20, 2023
Having read Rowan’s ‘The Echoes of Ashlington’ I’m already familiar with her way to meld loving characters and distinctively, carefully laid out plots, and she doesn’t falter here at all.
This time, the story focuses on Durand and Westbrook, stationed at Lisbon 1808, and it’s another brilliant insight into these two great characters. The relationship is a genuine as gets, and you find yourself grinning with them through every sarcastic and blunt remark.
It’s a much shorter, and contained story compared to TEOA, but it’s doesn’t feel like it when you follow them on their undercover mission to locate and expose a traitor. It’s a nice like twist, and fully immersed you in their story.
For someone like me, who’s only knowledge of history goes back as far as the Titanic (yes, laugh), or anyone more experienced in the napoleonic wars, this is heartfelt and suspenseful read for you!
Go get it now!
February 17, 2022
Another wonderful story! I don't think I'll ever get enough of Henry and West. This series could go on forever and I would still love it.
I could probably write an essay on all the things I love about this book, but I think one word will do: EVERYTHING.
I can't wait for the third book in the series!
I could probably write an essay on all the things I love about this book, but I think one word will do: EVERYTHING.
I can't wait for the third book in the series!
May 15, 2022
In this brilliant novella as part of the Ashlington series, Henry and Westbrook are in Portugal in 1808. After some questionable behaviour, the inseparable pair are given a mission, tasked to find a rat in camp. As the pair settle in, they unnerve the regiment as they try and discover the traitor. Then a death occurs, and Henry and Westbrook suspect foul play.
As they search for the truth, we see their relationship develop. We also witness their personal challenges, fears and strengths and the views held by other’s of Westbrook’s father continues to cause confusion for young Westbrook.
Loyalty, friendship and responsibility are themes in this novella along with maturity, resilience and growth. There are some lines that feel really poignant in this book with underlying life lessons.
An excellent read that I highly recommend
As they search for the truth, we see their relationship develop. We also witness their personal challenges, fears and strengths and the views held by other’s of Westbrook’s father continues to cause confusion for young Westbrook.
Loyalty, friendship and responsibility are themes in this novella along with maturity, resilience and growth. There are some lines that feel really poignant in this book with underlying life lessons.
An excellent read that I highly recommend
June 24, 2022
I decided that these two merit their own tv series. 😊
June 13, 2022
Book 2 in the Ashlington series is a novella featuring Henry Durand and Robert Westbrook, set in 1808 which is the past timeline of book 1. Honour Bound centres around a secret mission assigned to Henry and Robert following a reprimand for their mischief. Charged with unearthing a traitor, the two men find themselves in deeper water than they expected, and not only are military plans at risk, but the reputation of the Westbrook name.
I fell in love with Henry and Robert in book 1, so a second story with these two characters was a no-brainer read for me. Although much short than Echoes of Ashlington, the novella still fully captures the angst of their secret love for each other, and how reputation weighs so heavily on their shoulders. MacKemsley writes their connection so cleverly. They can’t profess their true feelings to each other, they don’t even dare to share a touch, but when it comes to trust and support, they’re unfailing, and it makes for great reading as they tackle the issue of a traitor within the ranks and their plans go awry. Robert’s wit and charm shines once again, with Henry’s more serious nature bringing balance to their dynamic.
There are many poignant scenes and pieces of dialogue where true feelings are hidden amongst the words, (the scene with the marble statue especially!) and I found myself re-reading them, hurting for Henry and Robert and the love they had to conceal.
Despite this being a novella, the pace didn’t gallop along to fit everything in. Instead, it unfolds nicely, with tension mounting as they close in on the traitor. The story peaks with a dramatic twist, and brings an ending that slides the reader straight back into the timeline of book 1, lining things up very nicely for book 3. There’s so much more to Robert and Henry’s tale, and I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
I fell in love with Henry and Robert in book 1, so a second story with these two characters was a no-brainer read for me. Although much short than Echoes of Ashlington, the novella still fully captures the angst of their secret love for each other, and how reputation weighs so heavily on their shoulders. MacKemsley writes their connection so cleverly. They can’t profess their true feelings to each other, they don’t even dare to share a touch, but when it comes to trust and support, they’re unfailing, and it makes for great reading as they tackle the issue of a traitor within the ranks and their plans go awry. Robert’s wit and charm shines once again, with Henry’s more serious nature bringing balance to their dynamic.
There are many poignant scenes and pieces of dialogue where true feelings are hidden amongst the words, (the scene with the marble statue especially!) and I found myself re-reading them, hurting for Henry and Robert and the love they had to conceal.
Despite this being a novella, the pace didn’t gallop along to fit everything in. Instead, it unfolds nicely, with tension mounting as they close in on the traitor. The story peaks with a dramatic twist, and brings an ending that slides the reader straight back into the timeline of book 1, lining things up very nicely for book 3. There’s so much more to Robert and Henry’s tale, and I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
January 8, 2023
Loved it!
Those who have read Echoes of Ashlington will enjoy the expanded exploits of Henry Durand and Robert Westbrook in Honour Bound. Those who haven’t will enjoy meeting them! Set in 1800 Portugal, they are tasked with finding a traitor amongst their ranks in the British army. MacKemsley touchingly depicts the bond between our heroes as they use cunning and skill to root out the culprit.
Those who have read Echoes of Ashlington will enjoy the expanded exploits of Henry Durand and Robert Westbrook in Honour Bound. Those who haven’t will enjoy meeting them! Set in 1800 Portugal, they are tasked with finding a traitor amongst their ranks in the British army. MacKemsley touchingly depicts the bond between our heroes as they use cunning and skill to root out the culprit.
June 27, 2026
review incoming
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews