Doneraile Court: The Story of The Lady Freemason

by Kathleen Aldworth Foster

A young woman faces death when she's caught spying on Freemasons in the middle of a dark and bloody secret ritual. Based on a true story. Ireland, 1712. Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth St. Leger is accustomed to doing as she pleases and apologizing later if necessary.

However, saying sorry did not work the night she was caught eavesdropping on Freemasons I the middle of a mysterious ceremony in her home, Doneraile Court.

Bound and blindfolded, she listened as the men debated unusual ways to kill her until one man suggested another option that would change her life -- and the world’s oldest fraternity forever.

Doneraile Court takes readers back in time and behind closed doors to witness the night truth, relief, and love created The Lady Freemason.

**Decipher coded words strategically placed throughout this e-book to solve a mystery.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2022

Reviews

[Heather Balog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and riveting account of Elizabeth Doneraile Aldworth, the first Lady Freemason. The novel was well researched and entertaining at the same time. Of course after trading this I found myself going down a rabbit hole of my own research so I hope the next book in the series comes out soon! I really can’t wait to read more about Bizzie and her life as a Freemason.

[Leanne collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Historical book

Very interesting topic. Was well thought out with many different characters. Bizzy was a typical teen girl feeling her hormones changing into adulthood. Great character. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy this time during the early 1700s.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth sneaks behind the clock to hear what her father and her brothers are all about. She has been fascinated by their secrecy forever and she is determined to know what is going on. When she is caught, there is a vote on whether to end her life or not. She has ventured up into their secret society and that is not acceptable.

Oh boy! Elizabeth does not have a timid bone in her body. And she does not like to be told no. In other words, nothing stops her. I had no idea this woman existed in real life. I was completely fascinated about her and her escapades. She also had a big heart.

There is so much I enjoyed about this novel. The history, the setting and the characters reeled me in. I loved that it is written about a real person. You can read about Elizabeth here.

This is a quick and well written novel. However, I am not a fan of this narrator, Jennifer Fitzgerald. She is a bit of a drama queen. But, that is just a minor issue. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had physically read it.

Need a wonderful historical fiction novel based on a true story…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

[Fon E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book generates an extra element of interest for me as I live nearby to Doneraile Court which is where the events are set. I had heard of the Lady Freemason before but was interested to see the story depicted in this book which is a fictionalised account of how the incident may have occurred.

In 1712, Elizabeth St Leger found herself in a position where she inadvertently became a witness to the Freemason Lodge meeting being held in her own home. To guard the sanctity of the organisation, she was admitted as the first female Freemason, sworn to keep to its rules and secrets.

This is a book that has its own charm, can be enjoyed by young or old but I think I'd have liked to see more of it fleshed out, there were side stories and characters that I'd like to have seen more of.

Anyone familiar with Doneraile will enjoy picturing the local landmarks mentioned.

[Hank Wedel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, from the age of 11, in North County Cork, Ireland made me very aware of the environment, character and history of the area and I love how the author, Kathleen Aldworth Foster, invoked a believable reality of 18th Century Irish rurality. Kathleen, with ten years of research to her credit, also invoked the reality of a young woman's rather dramatic and bizarre coming of age...
Without giving too much away, I can safely say I enjoyed every bloodletting and terse exchange between all the interesting characters she has created in this work and would highly recommend it
to anyone looking for a romantic read with a masonic twist!

[Mommarush · Rating 1 out of 5]

This read like a Nancy Drew book...and actually a Nancy Drew book would have been much better.
I'm not sure if this was geared toward young adults but it was very simply written.
It was unfortunately also extremely disjointed, with sections or passages just thrown that either did not fit or were never explained why/if they were part of the story.

[Joel Natt · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who enjoys historical fiction. I found it interesting and enjoyable. As a Mason myself, I did find the cipher fun and enjoyable. But overall, it is a short story that one with an open mind will enjoy. Without spoiling the book, it does leave some items unresolved, and while the Cipher answers one question, we are left with a few others to be addressed.

[David R Shires · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched tale of the first and only woman to join the regular order of Freemasons in Ireland